90 15 4134 https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/4f2c33c19edf81d6fe1b90c957165cd7.pdf 820964b8950d08b69e016584f9a90c07 PDF Text Text SPRING/SUMMER 2014 Worldly Ways FOREIGN STUDENTS BRING INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR TO WILKES CAMPUS �president’s letter VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 2 Continuing A Commitment To First-Generation College Students 0 ne of the greatest regrets of my life is that I never met my Grandfather Leahy. He passed away before I was born. I’m told I get my passion for education from him. He cared so deeply about education, in large part because he never had the chance to obtain one. He was a self-educated man – a traveling salesman who spent his free time reading the classics. He made a commitment that all of the Leahys who came after him would obtain a college degree. According to my father, one of the biggest fights he ever had with his father was the day that he told Grandfather Leahy that he might not go to college. “Over my dead body,” my grandfather protested. “If you get an education, you get a chance.” He believed that a college degree would open up economic opportunities. But, perhaps even more important than that, a college degree was the surest way to a meaningful life. All of the Leahys subsequently earned college degrees, some even earned graduate degrees, and became lawyers, doctors, business leaders, teachers – even a university president. Why do I feel compelled to share such a personal story? Because the type of transformation that my Grandfather Leahy envisioned – lives transformed by education – is still happening at Wilkes. The University has a long history of supporting first-generation college students. Indeed, it was founded to serve these students, and they continue to make up a large part of our population. At Wilkes, we’re taking that commitment seriously, establishing the First Generation Fund to provide more scholarships to enable those students to obtain a first-class Wilkes degree. To raise money for those scholarships, we held on June 7 the first of what will be an annual event – the Founders’ Gala. The need to provide more scholarships is clear. At Wilkes, 95 percent of our students receive either merit- or need-based financial aid. Among freshmen entering Wilkes last fall, 41 percent were eligible for Pell grants, the federal aid program supporting those with the most economic need. And, 54 percent of those freshmen were the first in their families to seek a four-year degree. I’m proud to say that Wilkes continues its commitment to support first-generation college students. As Grandfather Leahy put it, “If you get an education, you get a chance.” With initiatives Student Gregory McFarlane shares a commencement day photo with like the First Generation Fund, we can all have a President Patrick Leahy. hand in making it happen. PHOTO BY EARL & SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President SPRING/SUMMER 2014 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood Executive Editor Jack Chielli MA’08 Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner Graduate Assistant Bill Schneider, MA ’13 Francisco Tutella Layout/Design Gatesman+Dave Printing Pemcor Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng MA ’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS ’76 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Director Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Associate Director Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 Alumni Events Manager Jacki Lukas ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Cindy Charnetski ’97 Vice President Ellen Hall ’71 Secretary Kathy Heltzel ’82 MBA ’85 Historian Laura Cardinale ’72 Wilkes magazine is published three times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �14 12 18 6 contents 6 Worldly Ways Foreign students bring international flavor to the Wilkes campus. 12 �A Passion for Penn’s Woods Foreign students bring international flavor to the Wilkes campus. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON Ellen Ferretti ’78 leads state conservation agency. 14 Publication Pathways Creative writing alumni follow many avenues to publish. 18 Coal Crackers Krista Gromalski ’91 launches newspaper written by students in Pennsylvania’s coal region. DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 5 Athletics 20 Alumni News 22 Class Notes Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline. £:SFPO FSC WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 FEATURES 1 �on campus Pharmacy Professor KarenBeth Bohan Receives Fulbright Grant Anne Skleder Joins Wilkes As Provost And Senior Vice President Getting out of the classroom and into Africa has helped Wilkes pharmacy practice associate professor KarenBeth Bohan develop a greater appreciation for things we take for granted about health care in the United States. Pharmacy training that includes clinical experience in a hospital and the safety and effectiveness of drugs are just two differences that Bohan has noted in her work as a Fulbright Specialist working at Makere University in Uganda. Bohan received a Fulbright Specialist Grant in public/global health work. The grants pair experts in a variety of fields with organizations and educational projects. The goal is that projects funded by the grants will be something that the sponsoring institution can continue after the consultant ends his or her work. Anne A. Skleder has joined Wilkes as its provost and senior vice president. In the position, Skleder is responsible for leading the University’s academic programs and initiatives, working with the deans of its five academic schools and colleges and its faculty. She also will have a major role in implementing initiatives outlined in its strategic plan. Skleder comes to Wilkes from Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa., where she served as provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of psychology since July 2010. President Patrick F. Leahy cited Skleder’s more than two decades of higher education experience. “Dr. Skleder is a dedicated and extremely knowledgeable member of the higher education community who has had many years of successful experiences as an academic leader,” Leahy says. “She embraces Wilkes’ unique mentoring culture and our belief in the benefits of a liberal arts education.” Skleder was selected for the position following a national search. In speaking about what attracted her to Wilkes, she says, “First and foremost, I felt there was a ‘mission match.’ I am a champion of mentoring, as I have had, and continue to have, amazing mentors who have helped me learn and grow and have pushed me to extend my reach beyond my grasp. I have studied mentoring, and I have tried in as many ways as possible to mentor others. “Second, I felt there was a match between my background and experience and the responsibilities and goals of the position. I am committed to collaborative work, collegial governance, innovation, student success and strategic growth. I saw all of these in the position description.” Before joining Cabrini, Skleder was dean of Chatham College for Women at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. She also served Alvernia University in Reading, Pa., in a number of administrative positions, including vice provost, associate vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management, department chair of psychology, director of the honors program, and founding director of the Center for Community Engagement. Skleder received her doctorate and master’s degree in social and organizational psychology from Temple University and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. “l am working with professionals to develop clinical pharmacy skills...” – Karen Beth Bohan WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Associate Professor, Pharmacy 2 “I am working with professors to develop clinical pharmacy skills, including patient counseling, making dosage recommendations, researching drug interactions and learning how to interact with and talk to health care providers,” Bohan explains, adding that training received by Wilkes pharmacy students already emphasizes those skills. The process to become a pharmacist in Uganda is much different than in the United States, Bohan explains. Unlike the pharmacy program at Wilkes, which awards students a doctor of pharmacy degree at the end of six years of study, the pharmacy program at the African university awards a bachelor’s degree. It provides minimal hands-on experience in hospitals and other health-care settings, primarily emphasizing theory and classroom instruction. Bohan’s project will expand clinical practice for the Makere students. Bohan’s work is an outgrowth of earlier trips to Uganda and Tanzania, that began in summer 2011. Since then, she has made several trips with the students. In addition, Wilkes hosted two pharmacists from Uganda for eight weeks in November and December 2013, helping them to become certified in advanced pharmaceutical care training. Under the grant, Bohan completed her first trip in March, and will travel two more times to Uganda. Readers can follow her progress at her blog, “Out of the Pharmacy Classroom and Into Africa,” by clicking on the blog link on the homepage at www.wilkes.edu. �University Announces Plans for Sidhu School, South Campus Gateway The Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership will have a new home in time for fall semester as part of a $4.5 million project announced by the University this spring. The multiphase project includes transforming its University Center on Main located at 169 S. Main St., into the new home of the Above, an artist’s rendering of the new home of the Sidhu School of Business. Courtesy Borton-Lawson. Sidhu School and renovating 141 S. Main St., the former Bartikowsky jewelry store, located next door. The project also envisions creating the South Main Street Gateway – a dramatic entrance to the heart of campus from South Main Street that would stretch through South Franklin Street onto the main campus greenway, the Fenner Quadrangle. The gateway project is expected to be completed some time during the 2014-2015 academic year. Renovation of the University Center on Main, which housed administrative offices, a café and a recreation center, will be completed in time for the start of the new school year in August. Renovations are estimated to cost about $3 million. When completed, the building will include a financial market trading room, smart classrooms, faculty offices and club space. The project is expected to be completed in time for the Sidhu School’s 10th anniversary, which will be celebrated during the 2014-2015 academic year. For more photos of the project, visit www.wilkes.edu/capitalprojects. Wilkes Football Fans Follow The Colonels Year-Round On Social Media Alumni don’t have to wait until the fall to follow Wilkes football. When appointed as the new head coach of the Wilkes University men’s football team, Trey Brown stated that he wanted to rally players, coaches, students and alumni around the team and build a social community on and off campus. He is tackling these aims through a social media campaign initiated this spring. Brown has taken the football team news to Facebook and Twitter, posting videos and photos from team practices and competitions to garner support from players, students and alumni. His players have embraced Brown’s excitement, retweeting and sharing their favorite posts on their own social media accounts. Brown plans to use social media during the season to rouse support from fans at home and in the bleachers. Be sure to check out Wilkes’ YouTube channel for a video of the team’s latest weightlifting competition. Alumni can “like” the team’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WilkesFootball and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WilkesFootball to show their support for the Blue and Gold. The Wilkes Enactus team placed in the top five out of 100 schools across the United States participating in the Sam’s Club Step Up for Small Business Project Partnership competition. The team also placed second runner-up in its league at the Enactus national competition. The Sam’s Club competition required participating teams to partner with small businesses and provide consultation and marketing services. The team worked with Phil Daniels of Daniels Contracting, an independent firm located in Wilkes-Barre that renovates apartments for student housing and provides emergency contracting services. Sam’s Club issued the students a $1,500 grant, which they used to purchase QuickBooks for Mac and arranged for the Small Business Development Center to teach Daniels how to use the software. The students also purchased and renovated an enclosed utility trailer to provide Daniels with a portable equipment storage container and eliminate the need for multiple trips between job sites. They also provided him with marketing assistance. At the Enactus 2014 National Competition, the team placed second runner-up in its league in the quarter-final round for five projects completed during the 2013–2014 academic year. In addition to the Sam’s Club competition, the projects included assisting the Thrive Wellness Center, a holistic healing center in Kingston, Pa.; the Wilkes University Entrepreneurial Experience Business Plan Competition; The Campbell’s Let’s Can Hunger project partnership; and volunteering at the Ruth’s Place women’s shelter to provide job training and professional development skills to residents. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Enactus Team Wins National Recognitions 3 �on campus Christopher Jagoe Is New Director of Public Safety Wilkes undergraduates, above, took a trip to the Grand Canyon as part of their Semester in Mesa. Pictured, front row from left, Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives Kristine Pruett, J. Brandon Carey, Ryan Joyce, Dan Lykens. Second row, from left, Doug Cowley, T.J. Zelinka, Alexis Gildea, Joseph Zack, Sara Hagenbach, Andrew Polzella and Alex Planer. Wilkes Students Spend Semester In Mesa Ten Wilkes University students from its northeast Pennsylvania campus participated in a pilot program, Semester in Mesa, allowing them to pursue internship and cultural opportunities in the Arizona city. The program is similar to the University’s Semester in Washington program. The students – all business and engineering majors – are interning with companies that include the City of Mesa Engineering Resources Department, Visit Mesa, the Phoenix Mesa Marriott and Entrepix, a company that provides service to the semiconductor industry. As part of their experience in Mesa, the students took classes at the Mesa Center for Higher Education, where Wilkes is offering classes. The Semester in Mesa builds on Wilkes’ participation in the H.E.A.T. (Healthcare, Education, Aerospace, Technology/ Tourism) Initiative for Economic Development in Mesa. The students and their host companies were recognized at a reception held May 5 in Mesa. Hillary Transue, left, is now a student in the Wilkes graduate creative writing program. PHOTO BY VICKI MAYK Christopher Jagoe has joined Wilkes as its new director of public safety. In this new position, he will direct the University’s public safety officers and will lead efforts to strengthen campus safety and security. Jagoe joins Wilkes with three decades of experience working for the University of Maryland Police Department in College Park, ending his career there as the deputy chief of police. While at Maryland, he managed approximately 100 law enforcement officers and 80 auxiliary police aides. During his career, he served as a patrol officer, detective, supervisor, and director of the university’s police academy. Jagoe says that his broad range of experience allows him to employ a hands-on approach to his job at Wilkes. “I look forward to forging strong relationships with local law enforcement, the fire department, and leaders on campus and in the surrounding community,” Jagoe says. “In partnership with local law enforcement, I will work on issues concerning off-campus student conduct and crime prevention. In everything I do, the safety of our campus community is the primary goal.” Jagoe earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland and also attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico,Va. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Wilkes Partners To Bring Kids For Cash To The Screen 4 Hillary Transue says she has something in common with one of her favorite fictional characters. “I’m like Harry Potter: I’m famous for something that I wish never happened,” Transue says. While Potter survived an attack by the make-believe villain Voldemort, Transue survived a real-life ordeal. She’s referring to her role in the largest scandal ever uncovered in America’s juvenile justice system. At 15, Transue was sent to jail for creating a fake MySpace page about her high school’s vice principal. When Transue was convicted for what many would say was a typical teenage prank and sent to a wilderness camp for delinquents, her mother sought help from Philadelphia’s Juvenile Law Center. An investigation revealed that the judge sentencing her had received millions of dollars in payments from the privately owned juvenile detention centers where he sent the kids he convicted. Transue’s case is one of those highlighted in the new documentary, Kids For Cash, released Feb. 7 by SenArt Films. Today Transue is enrolled in Wilkes University’s master’s degree program in creative writing, where she has a graduate assistantship in the program’s office. She’s studying fiction and creative nonfiction and plans to write a novel for her creative thesis. Wilkes has been a supporter of the Kids For Cash documentary, which was produced and directed by Robert May, a member of the creative writing program’s advisory board. Students profiled in the film were offered opportunities to enroll at Wilkes. Transue is the first to do so. Wilkes’ support of the film also included providing office space for May’s company, SenArt Films, as well as office and editing space and housing for members of his crew. Graduate assistants from Wilkes’ creative writing program, provided hundreds of hours of labor and gained valuable experience, working as researchers and production assistants on the film. The Wilkes facilities and public safety departments, among many others on campus, provided additional support for the film. �athletics BALANCING ACT Ally Kristofco Balanced Tennis And Two Majors On Way To Degree As captain of Wilkes University’s women’s tennis team, Ally Kristofco ’14 has plenty of experience keeping balls in the air. It’s a skill that’s come in handy throughout her college career, as she’s balanced athletics with the academic responsibilities of double-majoring in marketing and Spanish. “It’s been a juggling act, but I’m really happy I was able to make it work and finish on time,” Kristofco, who graduated this spring, says. “Knowing I had to juggle both things helped me because I would actually use the free time I had to focus on my school work. If I didn’t have anything else to do I might have gotten lazy. In having that structure, if I had two hours I knew I should start on something or read something or be more active.” Driven as Kristofco is, however, the importance of giving back remains a major motivating factor for her. This April, she spearheaded efforts to create the Pink Day tennis charity event, raising money to benefit breast cancer research. “My mother had battled breast cancer and, so far so good, she’s a survivor. That’s the motivation behind it. There’s another girl on the team whose mother had breast cancer, so it’s something we’re passionate about and believe in,” Kristofco says. “The tennis team hasn’t really done something like this before, and I’d wanted to do something like this for a while, so it seemed like a great way for us to get involved and give back. It’s a team effort, not just mine. I think this is something that can be passed on and really grow into something that Wilkes tennis can be proud of and continue to do in the future.” It’s hardly surprising the future is on Kristofco’s mind. Her tireless work ethic certainly seems to have paid off, earning her a 3.75 grade-point average, a spot on the dean’s list every semester and membership in the Delta Mu Delta business honor society, among other honors. Kristofco believes the achievements and education she received at Wilkes will continue to open doors for her as she decides whether to go first to grad school or directly into the job market. Ideally, Kristofco says she hopes to find work that will allow her to use both of her Wilkes degrees. Her participation in Wilkes’ 2012 study abroad program in Rome only whetted the adventurous Hollidaysburg, Pa., native’s appetite to see the world. “I love to travel,” she said. “I would definitely like to go to Brazil someday. I would love to see Rio and some of Latin America because I’ve never been there. I’d love to go places where I can use my Spanish and really see the culture firsthand.” Ally Kristofco ’14 scored in the classroom and on the court. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 By Bill Thomas ’13 5 �WORLDLY WAYS By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 FOREIGN STUDENTS BRING INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR TO WILKES CAMPUS WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Bowen Wang hated to do it, but he had to be honest with the other students on his integrated management experience team. They had taken him to a Chinese buffet. “I had to tell them it wasn’t real Chinese food,” the freshman in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership says laughing. “Not like what we have in China.” But Wang also speaks warmly about the team from one of his first business classes at Wilkes. “Our team name was the word ‘business’ in Chinese,” he says with a grin. The fact that the Sidhu School is named for an alumnus who came to Wilkes as an international student – Jay Sidhu MBA ’73 – makes Wang’s next comment even more gratifying. 6 Above, international students try out the tradition of coloring Easter eggs. Pictured from left, are Victoria Grasso, Evana Manandhar ’14, Deanna Moore ’14 and Yujia Jiang. Below, Bowen Wang likes life at Wilkes. PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON “Coming to Wilkes is the best choice I ever made,” he says. That’s high praise from any freshman. For one who traveled more than 6,600 miles from his home in Rizhao, Shandong Province, to attend the University, it’s an extraordinary affirmation of the educational experience. “I cannot say enough good things about Wilkes,” says Wang “I will have more opportunities to practice my English here and master the language than at a large university with many Chinese students.” The university’s size matters in other ways too. “This is a small university, big enough to develop myself, but small enough so that professors give you attention,” he says, adding, “Everybody is so nice to me. They know how difficult it is to come here from another country, and they are very patient.” Wang is one of a growing number of international students at Wilkes. Internationals have long been part of the campus. But in the last decade, thanks to recruitment efforts targeting foreign students and strong programs to support them once enrolled, numbers have increased. During the 2013-2014 academic year, 255 international students were enrolled for academic classes or in the Intensive English Program. Wilkes has the largest population of international students of any college in northeast Pennsylvania. The experience of being a foreign student has changed over the years. International students have enrolled at Wilkes at least since the 1950s. At one time, such students found their way to Wilkes via personal relationships between administrators and faculty and their foreign counterparts. More recently, the University’s admissions team has started to recruit internationally. �SELLING WILKES WORLDWIDE Xiaoqiao Zhang ’10 understands the challenges of studying in the United States. She remembers the adjustments that she had to make when she came here as a high school student from her native China. Her experiences as an international student who made the most of her Wilkes education also made Zhang the perfect choice to become Wilkes’ first international recruiter. Her position was created in 2012. “This job is very personal. It’s my alma mater,” Zhang declares. “I want to make this school as well-known and appreciated as I want it to be.” She admits that it’s sometimes challenging to sell Wilkes to families in China. Schools with high name recognition, such as Ivy League institutions, are top of the list for many. Zhang emphasizes her own undergraduate success – which included playing varsity tennis, high-profile internships with television networks and going to graduate school at Columbia University – when recruiting. Zhang travels to China for six weeks at a time, speaking at college fairs in multiple cities. “I tell them that the language environment here is what made my English so good,” she says when Chinese parents compliment her fluency. “I tell them that you want to go to a school that prepares you to be the best, where you’ll get personal attention and many opportunities. That school is Wilkes.” A tireless cheerleader for the University, there is now a cadre of Chinese students on campus who call her “Mama Xiao” and come to her for advice on navigating life in the States. Staff in the Center for Global Education and Diversity also has recruited in South America. Companies specializing in international recruitment organize such trips. College and university representatives travel to a series of organized college fairs, where students and parents can talk to them at their school’s booth. Saudi Arabian students are a strong presence at Wilkes because the University participates in the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission’s King Abdullah Scholarship Program that pays for students to study in the United States. Once those students succeed at Wilkes, their friends and family members are more likely to attend. There is strong interest in attending school in the United States, says Melanie O’Donnell Wade ’93, Wilkes vice president for enrollment, and schools are wise to leverage it. “Almost every young person in America has something highly coveted by people in all other countries – and that’s the education at our colleges and universities,” Wade says. “To be the international destination for higher education is something we should be proud of.” Wade says that international students are good for the University because of the tuition dollars they bring. But she emphasizes that there other important reasons why it’s good for Wilkes to have a globally diverse student body. “It is valuable for our domestic students to be exposed to students from other countries,” Wade states. “Many of our students, as first-generation college students, have never traveled beyond this region. The working world they are going to enter is an international one. One of the best ways to prepare them is to have a student body that is internationally diverse. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Xiaoqiao Zhang ’10 mans the Wilkes booth at an event in China. PHOTOS COURTESY OF XIAOQIAO ZHANG 7 �CRASH COURSE IN CULTURE On the Thursday before spring semester begins, the first floor of the Max Roth Center hums with the sound of different languages. Saudi Arabian students, the women’s heads wrapped in the colorful scarves called hijabs, cluster on one side of the room. A Chinese student clutches a cup of coffee in one hand and a stack of papers in the other. Others navigate around a table of refreshments. The international student orientation introduces the students to Wilkes. It’s also a crash course in United States culture and a time to process the paperwork required by the Department of Homeland Security in order for international students to study here. Welcoming them all is Georgia Costalas, executive director of the Center for Global Education and Diversity and director of international student services. For two days before the start of each semester, Costalas and her staff, plus a team of work-study students, prepare a new group of international students to begin their American college experience. “It’s amazing: People will be coming in the door who don’t speak English,” says Costalas. “We’ll have 40 kids in here speaking different languages, all having questions and different needs. We collect about eight different documents from each student, so one of our work-study students is a runner, taking them upstairs to copy and returning it to me.” The center was started in 2008 to address the needs of a growing population of international students. The two-day orientation includes a workshop about the F-1 visa, which foreign visitors must have to study in the United States. There are parameters for students with such a visa: They may have jobs on campus, but not off. They must be enrolled in school full time. Paperwork must be filed and protocols followed if an international student returns home during summer or holiday break. Other sessions during the two-day orientation include campus tours (complete with translators), a resource lunch to introduce students to campus services and an academic protocols session. The latter, Costalas says, is particularly important. Below, playing Uno is a tradition among Wilkes international students at the weekly Global Coffee Hour. Above, Georgia Costalas, executive director of the Center for Global Education and Diversity, works with all foreign students as director of international student services. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 10 8 We cover aspects of U.S. culture that affect the U.S. classroom,” Costalas says. “The concept of time and how we demonstrate respect are two examples of things that can be quite different. We have to explain to our international students that being late for class can be viewed as a sign of disrespect.” Arguing critically in class – an accepted part of class discussions in the United States – seems like a sign of disrespect for the professor to foreign students. Becoming accustomed to these cultural differences takes time. The center is the hub of life for foreign students, a place where they bring questions and concerns and also a place to socialize. The center staff supports student clubs promoting cultural diversity. They include the Asian Interest Society, the Hindu Spirituality Club, the Indian Cultural Association and the Saudi Interest Club. The clubs hold events that allow other members of the University community to learn more about their cultures. The center and the Intensive English Program sponsor trips to places like a New York Yankees baseball game. It also sponsors the weekly Global Coffee Hour, held in the Savitz Lounge of the Henry Student Center. Coffee hour traditions – such as cutthroat Uno card games – keep students coming back for camaraderie and refreshments. An American student, Deanna Moore ’14, organized the coffee hours for the past four years until graduation in May. Her goal was to attract more students by adding themes and special programs. For example, one event featured two chefs from the Wilkes-Barre restaurant Katana who taught attendees how to roll their own sushi. Moore, a management major and international studies minor from Tobyhanna, Pa., enjoys working with international students – so much so that she hopes to continue after graduation. She grew up appreciating cultural differences because her father and grandfather had military careers and lived in other countries. “It’s an entirely different world,” she says of working at the center. “It brings a different culture to Wilkes that so many people don’t know about.” She is proud that events like international orientation do more than provide information.They also are the starting point for campus friendships. “My sophomore year, I knew we were doing something right when new international students would jump up and down and wave at me from across the greenway,” Moore says. Moore also participated in another program – Global Thanksgiving – that pairs international students with faculty, staff and student families to experience the American holiday. Accounting student Yujia Jiang from Fuzhou in China’s Fujian Province, spent Thanksgiving 2011 with Moore’s family. “That is what solidified my friendship with Yujia,” says Moore. “When Yujia’s mom came here, she asked if our families could meet. My mother, sister and I got together with them while she was here.” �For many international students, the first stop on their Wilkes journey is Hollenback Hall. The building across from Farley Library on South Franklin Street is the home of the Intensive English Program. The program has five class levels progressing in difficulty from level one, for students with little or no English language skills, to level five for students who have almost mastered the language well enough to begin taking classes at Wilkes. Classes are taught year-round, and students take up to a year and a half to master English. Only students scoring high enough on the TOEFL or IELTS exams are exempt from taking intensive English classes before they can enroll in regular classes.TOEFL is the Test Of English as a Foreign Language.The program also sponsors a conversation partners program pairing American students with an international student who wants to practice speaking English. In her first-floor classroom, Dee Balice, one of five program teachers, is addressing her level two class. Balice’s level two students – one man and six women, all from Saudi Arabia – are still challenged when expressing their thoughts orally or in writing English. “In English, please!” Balice – known as Mrs. B. – admonishes them good naturedly. “I don’t know Arabic.” An energetic woman with short dark hair and glasses perched on the edge of her nose, Balice hands back folders containing the first draft of an essay about the dangers of cell phone use while driving. She turns to the blackboard and draws a diagram of a table. “One of the biggest problems that students have is learning that they need to have supporting ideas,” Balice says as she completes the drawing.“All students, not just international students. Each major point must have a supporting idea.Without those legs, the table top falls.” Balice uses many methods to illustrate her points. To explain the meaning of the English word affectionate, she shows students a picture of her cat cuddling at home. “That’s affectionate,” she explains. The class breaks into individual groups to work and she circulates among them to talk one-on-one about their writing. Offering encouragement here, a suggestion for improvement there, she pauses and raises her voice slightly. “Class, Hidayh used a very good word that I want to share with all of you.Violation,” she says as she writes it on the board. “It means breaking a law.” Balice challenges the students and most rise to her expectations. Student Mansi Ashkan says, “Every international student should have a teacher like Mrs. B.” Wilkes’ Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation – now a requirement for such programs thanks to 2012 federal legislation. The Wilkes program is the only one to receive accreditation through 2024. Kimberly Niezgoda directs the program, which was established at Wilkes in 2006 to strengthen services for the international population. Preparing foreign students for the demands of English in college classrooms is far different than teaching conversational skills. Balice uses many methods to illustrate her points. To explain the meaning of the English word affectionate, she shows students a picture of her cat cuddling at home. “That’s affectionate,” she explains. Top, Dee Balice explains a point to her class. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY. Bottom, Kimberly Niezgoda directs Wilkes’ Intensive English Program which prepares international students for college-level work in English. PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 MAKING THE ADJUSTMENT 9 �WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 10 “These students aren’t just learning to speak English,” Niezgoda explains. “They are learning academic English. About 5,000 words are needed to survive in English. American high school graduates have about 20,000 academic words as they enter college.” If language is the first and greatest adjustment for international students, there’s one thing that clearly ranks second. Bowen Wang remembers that Xiaoqiao Zhang counseled him to buy a 40-meal plan in the cafeteria. “I still have most of them. I haven’t used them,” he says. Eating American cuisine also was cited as a concern by the Saudi students in Dee Balice’s class. The food dilemma leads many internationals to live off campus. “We can cook our own food – but sometimes I have to go to New York to find things I want,” says Yujiya Jiang. Like her American counterparts, going to college and living off campus has helped her to develop life skills. “When I was at home, I couldn’t cook, do dishes or wash my own clothes. My father said it was time for me to grow up. I’ve become more independent.” Weather also is an issue for students from places like the Bahamas or Saudi Arabia. Andrew Asare ’14, a mechanical engineering major from Ghana, sums up the experience.“The weather was difficult,” Asare says.“I had never seen snow or been exposed to such cold temperatures. I learned to layer up and got gloves.” Asare says he had help navigating life in America because his three older brothers attended college here. His brother Geoffrey attended Tufts University, his brother Phillp went to the University of Pennsylvania and Ernest went to Arcadia University and then to graduate school at Columbia University. His younger brother, Edward, a junior computer science major, followed him to Wilkes. “My mom wanted me to be close to my brothers so I would have a support system,” Asare explains. All of the students said culture shock in a broader sense stems from differences between their country’s standards for manners and accepted behavior and what is acceptable in America. The differences are often complicated and can range from what is the proper way to show respect for faculty to how loud students can be in the cafeteria. Among the most significant cultural differences are those experienced by Saudi Arabian women who come to the United States. “The women here have freedom. They can drive and can walk anywhere they want,” says Norah Aldharman. In her country, women cannot drive cars or travel alone. A husband or male relative accompany most of the Saudi women who come to Wilkes. Aldharman and fellow students Ahlam Almaki and Maryam Al-Marnoon say Americans frequently ask questions about their dress, which includes the traditional hijab, a scarf covering their hair. Top, Mansi Ashkan participates in an intensive English class. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY. Middle, brothers Edward and Andrew Asare of Ghana adjusted to life at Wilkes as players on the soccer team. PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON Bottom, Maryam Al-Marnoon listens intently to instruction in English. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY. �FINDING FRIENDSHIP • As an international student at Wilkes University, Fahad Hamad Aldubayan ’84 received advice from his physics professor that he carries with him to this day: “Take care of your studies and your homework, and your grades will take care of themselves.” International students socialize at the Global Coffee Hour. Pictured front from left, graduate students Parashumrama Mariyappa and Sirisha Thimmapuran and back, Hussein and Adnan Salamah. PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON Yohanna de los Santos Maria ’09 heard a radio ad for Wilkes University while visiting her parents in the Wilkes-Barre area from her native Dominican Republic. Longing to attend college in the United States, and at her dad’s nudging, she sat down with a Wilkes admissions counselor. When Felixa Wingen ’09 came to Wilkes from Bonn University in her native Germany, she went from being an anonymous student among 35,000 at the European school to being greeted by name by professors. Learn about three alumni who came to the University as international students, read their success stories and see where their Wilkes education has taken them. To access this exclusive Web content, go to www.wilkes.edu/internationalalumni WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 For every student, a circle of friends is a significant part of their Wilkes experience. The process of forming these relationships is more complicated for internationals dealing with issues of language and culture. Business students like Bowen Wang and Yujia Jiang have made friends through classes. “Everything for a business major is teamwork,” Wang says. A team of a different sort helped Andrew Asare find his place at Wilkes. He and his brother Edward are both soccer players. “I started here in fall 2010,” Asare recalls. “It was really nice to have welcoming teammates. I can’t imagine not knowing anyone when I came here. Coach (Phil) Wingert has guided me all four years.” Although it can be more challenging for others still mastering English, the atmosphere is positive. “All American people to me are friendly,” says Saudi student Mansi Ashkan. Alumna Felixa Wingen ’09 who came to Wilkes from Germany and is the former assistant director of the Center for Global Education and Diversity, says such positive impressions are due to the Wilkes culture. “What really makes Wilkes a great place for international students are the staff and faculty, people who are caring,” Wingen says. “Any international student struggles – but to know you have so many you can turn to – that’s something that so many students know when they’re there.” That this should be the overall impression is as important for Wilkes as it is for the international students, says Costalas of the Center for Global Education and Diversity. “Wilkes is the ‘America’ they are experiencing. When they return and talk about what America is like, they will be talking about the America that a Wilkes student sees and is part of.” 11 �Ellen Ferretti ’78 enjoys a spring afternoon in Frances Slocum State Park. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 12 �A PASSION FOR PENN’S WOODS Ellen Ferretti ’78 - Leads State Conservation Agency By Helen Kaiser and Quad Three Group. She was vice president of ARRIS Engineering Group in Wilkes-Barre, a land protection specialist for the Nature Conservancy, and director of environmental resources at Borton-Lawson Engineering, Wilkes-Barre. She came to DCNR from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council where she served as vice president of its northeast regional office. She cited her conservation work at the council as an accomplishment of which she is particularly proud. “We were part of what has grown into a very healthy land trust movement in northeastern Pennsylvania,” she says. “We also formed the Wyoming Valley Watershed Coalition which has implemented stream clean-ups and created RiverFest with its yearly kayaking events on the Susquehanna.” In her current role, Ferretti encounters the significant challenges that accompany the Marcellus shale gas play. She and other officials must weigh the mega industry’s boon to economic development and energy independence against the critical concerns of local communities and environmentalists. Ellen Ferretti ’78, Dallas, Pa. Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, Wilkes Career: Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, overseeing the state’s 300,000 acres of state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. Favorite Wilkes Place: Hanging out with fellow commuter students in the old student union, which at that time was in a converted church— “a lovely little one-room building, smack in the middle of campus.” “We never stop listening to the public’s input, and there are many interest groups. For every one position for an issue you can find another against it,” she says. The state does not own about 80 percent of the mineral rights in state parks, or 20 percent in its forests, but DCNR believes it can strongly influence developers and ensure access that minimizes the impact of drilling, Ferretti says. “Our state forest system has been independently certified for the 16th year in a row, validating that we are managing in a way that protects its long-term health, even with energy production activity related to the Marcellus Shale,” Ferretti says. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Ellen Ferretti ’78 grew up in the Cork Lane section of Pittston Township, Luzerne County—where the neighborhood houses were just steps away from each other. Families often packed picnics and took Sunday drives to get away from it all and appreciate the riches of nature. “I always loved the outdoors,” she says. “We would enjoy the lakes, swimming beaches, pavilions and hiking at Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro state parks.” Now, some 50 years later, Ferretti oversees Pennsylvania’s 120 parks and its 20 forest districts as secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Confirmed to the cabinet post in December, Ferretti had served as acting secretary for several months and as deputy for parks and forestry since June 2011. Her background includes more than 20 years in private industry and nonprofit conservation posts. “Here (at DCNR) we deal with both private sector firms and nonprofits, so it’s easy for me to relate to them,” she says. “When you understand from the ground up how to build a program or start a project, how to assess and how to implement, it informs your decision making.You have a true appreciation of what’s involved.” With an annual budget of $315 million, DCNR is charged with: maintaining and preserving nearly 300,000 acres of state parks; managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state’s ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnership. Ferretti’s passion for her life’s work developed while at Pittston Area High School in the early 1970s, just as environmental concerns were gaining a hold on the nation’s consciousness. She remembers being active in the Ecology Club and in paper recycling at school. Fortunate to live near the inspiring backdrop of northeastern Pennsylvania’s pristine natural resources, Ferretti also was within commuting distance of Wilkes—which offered cutting-edge education in environmental science. She began her degree work in biology and switched as a junior to environmental science. Both provided a “solid foundation” for her career. Opting out of the workforce for 10 years after college while her three children were young, Ferretti later took consulting roles with Westinghouse Environmental and Geotechnical Services 13 �PUBLICATION PATHWAYS CREATIVE WRITING ALUMNI FOLLOW MANY AVENUES TO PUBLISH By Bill Schneider MA ’13 As the Wilkes graduate creative writing program nears its 10th anniversary, director and co-founder Bonnie Culver is discussing plans for a celebration to be held during the January 2015 residency. “We’ve been gathering information about our alums, faculty and current students,” says Culver. “Our plan is to produce a celebratory book that offers a snapshot of what everyone connected to the program has done and continues to do.” Culver, who recently was named president of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs’ national board of trustees, says the book project will showcase alumni and faculty from the program and their successes in a variety of outlets. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 ............................................................................................................ 14 Morowa Yejide’s novel Time of the Locust tells the story of a 7-year-old autistic boy and his supernatural relationship with his incarcerated father. For Yejide MFA ’12, it’s also a tale of persistence. She worked for two years to find a publisher for the novel, which will be released in June 2014 by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. The book also was named one of the 10 finalists for the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction after what she describes as a soul-crushing effort to find an agent. The prize is given to a work of high literary merit that addresses issues of social justice. Yejide described her relationship with a very large publisher to be like standing on a large platform with a microphone, providing her a chance to shout above the crowd. “There are no guarantees in today’s publishing world,” she says. “It’s sink or swim. When I signed with Atria, I went in expecting to continue to push my work largely on my own… to continue to navigate my little boat. Now there is this larger trade wind behind me that might help to move me along a little better.” For Yejide and other alumni of Wilkes graduate creative writing program, the road to publication is not easy. But there are more ways to travel that road than ever before. Today, writers have an unprecedented number of avenues in which to publish their work, from traditional mainstream presses to independent boutique presses, e-books and team publishing, an innovative concept that relies on social media to promote and generate book sales. Morowa Yejide MFA ’12’s debut novel, Time of the Locust, is publishing in June 2014. �Recent releases by creative writing alumni illustrate the many paths to publication. INDEPENDENT PRESSES, SPECIALIZED IMPRINTS Alumna Barbara Taylor MA ’08 also found a home at Kaylie Jones Books for her book Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night. The novel is set in 1913 Scranton, Pa., a time of coal mining, vaudeville and evangelism. It tells the story of 8-year-old Violet, blamed for the death of her 9-year-old sister, Daisy. Releasing in July 2014, the book was named one of the top summer reads by Publisher’s Weekly. “Akashic has an impeccable reputation, and Kaylie Jones is already making her mark in the industry,” Taylor says. “They’ve included me in every decision, from cover design to marketing. This is a safe place to land for a first-time author.” Kaylie Jones Books, an imprint of Akashic Press, published Unmentionables and Sing In The Morning, Cry At Night. I..AIJ LClfWIINS ll,I ............ WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Laurie Loewenstein MA ’07’s novel, Unmentionables, became the flagship publication of Kaylie Jones Books, a new imprint of Akashic Books, a Brooklyn-based company. The imprint was founded in 2013 by Wilkes creative writing faculty member Kaylie Jones with the goal of publishing quality books unable to find a home with mainstream publishers. Set in 1917, Loewenstein’s novel is the story of a traveling dress reform orator who agitates for enlightenment and justice, throwing into turmoil a small Midwestern town’s unspoken rules governing social order, women and Negroes, with little time for insight into her own motives and extreme loneliness. Unmentionables was under contract with an agent for two years, but never sold. Loewenstein made at least 60 submissions of short stories as well as applications to writing colonies, none of which was accepted. Success came with the publication of Unmentionables, which served as her capstone project in the Wilkes creative writing program. 15 �A prize paved the way to publication for Todd McClimans MA ’12. His book, Time Traitor, is a novel about time travel and treachery that takes two contemporary sixth graders back to the Revolutionary War to foil the plot of America’s most infamous traitor, Gen. Benedict Arnold. McClimans did not submit his manuscript to any publishers; however, he queried several dozen agents without getting beyond the slush pile of unsolicited manuscripts and form rejections. The difference was a children’s book award contest he entered through the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Time Traitor became one of five finalists out of 2,000 entries and gained recognition from Northampton House Press, founded by novelist and Wilkes creative writing faculty member David Poyer. Northampton publishes fiction, romance, nonfiction, memoir and poetry as e-books and print editions. Northampton House also published Heather Harlen MA’07’s thriller, Hope You Guess My Name. The book is about an event planner from northeastern Pennsylvania whose quarter-life crisis coincides with a sinister outdoor competition. Harlen queried about 10 agents before connecting with Northampton House. “There are many advantages to an indie press,” Harlen says. “The common denominator is great writing.” She credits Northampton’s success with being run by professionals who know the business inside and out. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 MORE 16 ON THE WEB Join us for Wilkes Summer Reads, a chance to win copies of the books featured in this story. Every week in July and August, starting July 7, visit our online magazine, read an excerpt from that week’s featured book and leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of that week’s book. Go to http://www.wilkes.edu/SummerReads to read excerpts and learn more. Time Traitor above, and Hope You Guess My Name were published by Northampton House Press. �SMALL PRESS SUCCESS Brian Fanelli MFA ’10’s All That Remains is a collection of narrative, working-class poetry. He sent his manuscript to fewer than 10 publishers and poetry contests before being published by Unbound Content, a small press that Fanelli says focuses on everything from social media to creating website author pages. “They’ve done a nice job getting the book reviewed by many journals I respect, including Harpur Palate, PANK, Off the Coast and The Pedestal Magazine.” Fanelli’s book was a finalist for the Tillie Olsen Award, given by the Working Class Studies Association for a work of creative writing focusing on working class issues. Poems in the book also were nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Poems from All That Remains were nominated for the Pushcart Prize. ............................................................................................................ Booktrope Editions has a goal to reinvent the standard top-down publishing process. Its website describes it as a team publishing platform and social marketing engine. Authors create an online publishing team to edit, design and market a book. The team shares profits. All books are available in e-books, print and web versions. This approach stood out when Gale Martin MA ’10 began directly querying publishers. Booktrope published Martin’s novels Don Juan in Hankey, PA in 2011 and Grace Unexpected in 2012. Her third novel, Who Killed ‘Tom Jones’?, was published in January 2014. The novel takes the reader on an unexpected journey when a leading contestant in a Tom Jones impersonators festival is murdered, and a single young woman is determined to catch the killer and preserve her best chance at finding romance. “Booktrope sends a book to market very quickly–usually within six months of acceptance,” Martin says. “Additionally, they had amassed a great deal of expertise regarding digital publishing–where to sell e-books, who buys them, and how to market to e-book buyers, knowledge I personally lacked.” Who Killed ‘Tom Jones’? is Gale Martin MA ’10’s third book. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 TEAM PUBLISHING 17 �COAL CRACKERS WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Krista Gromalski ’91 Launches Newspaper Written By Students in Pennsylvania’s Coal Region | By Bill Thomas ’13 18 Several members of the Coal Cracker staff are gathered around a table, discussing story ideas for the independent newspaper’s next issue. On the agenda is a look at the current state of music programs in area schools, the first installment of a humorous advice column and a historical retrospective focusing on the effects of the infamous Centralia mine fire. It’s a scene you’d find in any newsroom, except this one is on the second floor of the Mahanoy City Public Library in Schuylkill County, Pa. The reporters range in age from 8 to 14. “I came upon this idea at a time in my life where I was thinking a lot about where I’m from. This area has great history, but it is changing,” Coal Cracker creator Krista Gromalski ’91 says, referring to Mahanoy City, her hometown and the base of operations for the fledgling newspaper. “I thought it would be important to focus on those issues and have a conversation about them.You could do that with a bunch of adults, but that’s just the same thing we’ve always done. Here, we’re starting at the ground level with kids. We’re getting them involved in the discussion and showing back to the community what the young people are thinking, exploring this place through their eyes.” The first issue of Coal Cracker was published in March 2014 and, for now, the paper is on a bimonthly schedule. It is distributed in bulk through local business and a growing subscription list. The current budget – including grant funding from the New York-based Community Reporting Alliance – allows for a total of six issues, though Gromalski is optimistic that plans to include advertising in future issues will help Coal Cracker continue beyond that. “I basically spent the last decade of my life trying to make this project happen. There were a lot of people – my family, for instance – who said ‘This is a great idea, but it’s never going to work here,’ ” Gromalski says with a laugh. “It’s hard to explain a concept without having a concrete example to show people. Thankfully, I also had some loyal supporters who helped me through the process, and now that it’s a real, concrete thing and people can see it, the response has been ‘Oh, we love this.’ New people show up at every meeting.” Joining the Coal Cracker staff is free and open to any interested young people in and around the Mahanoy City area, with no prior experience required. She recruited the staff via outreach to local schools, the library and through social media. Gromalski mentors her young staff alongside fellow Wilkes alumna Sandra Long ’86, with whom she also founded Heron’s Eye Communications, a publishing, marketing and project management firm. Among Coal Cracker’s staff is 14-year-old Serena Bennett. Though she’s had more experience writing fiction, Bennett’s article about the importance of farming in the local economy, written for Coal Cracker’s first issue, was a double milestone. It was her first published piece of journalistic writing and also the paper’s first front-page story. “I think I’ve learned more in the three meetings we’ve had here than in two weeks of school,” Bennet says. Wilkes communication studies Professor Jane Elmes-Crahall, who taught and advised Gromalski when she was at Wilkes, recalls Gromalski reacting with similar excitement to the numerous political debates hosted on campus at the time. “Watching people share opposing viewpoints, she loved that. Advocacy made sense to her. Where a lot of students could be apathetic, she wasn’t,” Elmes-Crahall says. “I think (the Coal Cracker) is Krista recalling what it is to be a kid with an opinion, who is otherwise not encouraged to be heard.” Gromalski hopes this project will provide her young staff with the same skills and inspiration she received during her time at Wilkes. “I went to Wilkes to study journalism, and studying PR communications under Jane Elmes-Crahall, I learned more about the strategic angle of messaging, communication with a purpose,” Gromalski says. “I learned that your writing can have an impact on others. It can affect their perspectives, and it can cause them to take action.” Below, Gromalski counsels two student journalists. Opposite, Krista Gromalski ’91 recalls her roots in the coal region with her youth newspaper. PHOTOS BY CHUCK ZOVKO �Krista Gromalski ’91 Bachelor of Arts, communication studies, Wilkes Master of Arts, sustainable business and communities, with a concentration in youth-led engagement journalism, Goddard College Career: Co-founded Heron’s Eye Communications in 2006 with fellow Wilkes alumna Sandra Long ’86. Notable: Founder of Coal Cracker, a youth-led newspaper reporting on the culture and issues of the coal region in Schuylkill County, Pa. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Favorite Wilkes memory: Rowing practice as part of the Crew Team at 5 a.m., during which she was able to take in the scenery of the Susquehanna River and Falls, Pa., gaining a new perspective on the city of Wilkes-Barre from the river banks near Market Street Bridge. 19 �alumni news Alumni celebrate Homecoming. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW LEADERS The Alumni Association Board of Directors held its annual election and welcomed both new and returning members to the organization. Longtime volunteer Cindy Charnetski ’97 was named president. “I am so honored to have been chosen by this amazing group to be president of the Alumni Association. Wilkes has been a part of my life since I was very young due to my dad being a professor and my involvement has never stopped. I am proud to live in the community where Wilkes University continues to grow and advance our area. It is such an exciting time under the leadership of President Leahy, and I am very excited to be part of developing new opportunities and initiatives for our alumni,” she says. Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 was elected vice president and Tony DaRe ’00, Matthew Berger ’02 and Cheryl Jaworski MBA ’09 will begin terms as new board members. Outgoing president Tom Ralston ’80, who has served the Alumni Association in this role for the past three years, remains on the board as historian and Kathy Heltzel ’82 MBA ’85 was appointed to the role of secretary. These individuals will begin their terms in June 2014. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Alumni Association board and committees, contact the alumni office at alumni@wilkes.edu or (570) 408-7787. SHARE THE SPIRIT WITH WILKES AT HOMECOMING, SEPT. 26-28, 2014 In addition to annual favorites such as Pints with Professors, the Tailgate Tent and the Twist and Stout Downtown Bar Tour, some new plans are in store this Homecoming: • The George Ralston Golf Classic – On Friday, Sept. 26, Wilkes University and the Wilkes-Barre Rotary will combine efforts to present a new tournament in honor of George Ralston. “It makes perfect sense for our institutions to work together on the tournament. Wilkes and the Wilkes-Barre Rotary were two of my dad’s passions, and I think he would love the idea of bringing them together in this way,” says Tom Ralston ’80. The tournament will be at 9:30 a.m. at Edgewood in the Pines in Drums, Pa., and proceeds benefit the Osterhout Library. • Share the Spirit: A Celebration of Athletics at Wilkes – Join former athletes and coaches, current student-athletes, alumni and friends for a casual evening of fun in the Marts Gym on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 27. Our guest of honor will be Bo Ryan ’69, University of Wisconsin men’s basketball coach and member of Wilkes Athletic Hall of Fame. • Reunions at the Tailgate Tent - if you’re a member of one or more of these groups, we look forward to celebrating with you this fall! Class years ending in 4 and 9, A-List, The Beacon – celebrating 80 years, communication studies, lettermen and letterwomen, political science, psychology, the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership and WCLH – celebrating 40 years. In a few weeks, you’ll receive a registration brochure in the mail that lists all of the weekend’s activities. In the meantime, check www.wilkes.edu/homecoming and www.facebook.com/ WilkesAlumni for the latest homecoming information. .......................................................................................................... WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 THIRD-GENERATION COLONEL RECEIVES ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP 20 More than 200 members of the Wilkes community gathered in the Henry Student Center on March 27, 2014, for the University’s annual Scholarship Luncheon. Tara Giarratano, a freshman English major from Mountain Top, Pa., was this year’s recipient of the Alumni Association Scholarship. A third-generation Colonel, Tara was joined at the luncheon by her mother, Barbara Michael Giarratano ’89, and her grandfather, Anthony Michael ’74, pictured at left. Tara lives in Waller Hall, which is the same mansion her mother lived in when she was a Wilkes student. �giving back Attending college can be a challenge for any student. Thanks to the support of her parents and guidance from her high school counselor, Anthony Perrone, and encouragement from Wilkes faculty, Patricia A. Patrician ’82 graduated from Wilkes with a nursing degree while also being a single parent. She became a lifelong learner, earning additional degrees and success in her professional endeavors. Currently the Banton Endowed Professor of Nursing at the University of Alabama School of Nursing, Patrician now gives back to Wilkes through a scholarship she created in honor of her parents: the Frank and Anna (Elchinski) Markiewicz Memorial Scholarship. It will be awarded to a nursing student from the Wyoming Valley who demonstrates financial need with first preference given to a single parent. In the following interview, Patrician talks about her scholarship. Why did you decide to start a scholarship for Wilkes students? There is a growing need to support education for the next generation. With the rising costs of tuition, there are a lot of talented individuals who cannot afford to go to college. I believe the best gift we can give to the next generation is a quality education. This is not just a one-time gift; an endowed scholarship is akin to leaving a legacy. Why did you choose to name it in honor of your parents? My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a love for family. While in high school, I was married, had my daughter, and became a single parent, all before high school graduation. When things did not work out in my marriage, my daughter and I moved into my parents’ home and they helped me out a great deal while I finished high school and then college. They did not have much to give monetarily – both had only eighth grade education levels because they had to quit school and work to help their respective families. My Dad was my biggest cheerleader throughout my life and encouraged me to go further and further in my education and my career. I think he was especially proud that I went into the Army as an officer and earned the rank of colonel before retiring after 26 years of service. So I want to leave a legacy bearing my parents’ names so they will not be forgotten and live on in some way long after I am gone. How did the opportunities you received by attending Wilkes shape you as a person? I want to give back to Wilkes because I was given an excellent start in life to pursue my dreams and instilled in me the gift of a desire for lifelong learning. Wilkes was ahead of the time in nursing education in the 1970s and 1980s. I joined the Army Nurse Corps soon after graduating in 1982, and met brand new nurses like me, from all over the country. I felt that my education at Wilkes was superior because I had perfected many technical skills that my new colleagues had not had the opportunity to practice due to fewer clinical opportunities. Another important lesson from Wilkes was the value of research. We had a research course in the nursing program and the assignment was to prepare a research proposal. Not many other undergraduate programs had such a focus on research at that time. Interestingly enough, the topic of that research proposal was quality of patient care, which has been the focus of my program of research for the past 14 years. Continuing to acquire knowledge was valued by my instructors and professors – they lived it! I still keep in touch with two faculty members from Wilkes: Marianne Saueraker, who is now retired, and Ann Marie Kolanowski, who is a professor at Penn State. They were two of my favorite teachers! Patricia A. Patrician ’82, Birmingham, Ala., and Rising Fawn, Ga. Bachelor of Science, Nursing, Wilkes Master of Science, Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Doctorate, University of Pennsylvania Career: Donna Brown Banton Endowed Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham How can you give back? Did you know that there are nearly 200 scholarships at Wilkes? Scholarship giving is a great way to match your interests and experiences with a student who needs financial support in order to make a Wilkes education possible. To learn more about what scholarships are available and how you can contribute, contact Evelyne Topfer at 570-408-4309. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 LEAVING A LEGACY THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP GIVING 21 �class notes Bo Ryan ’69 Takes Wisconsin Badgers To Final Four Wilkes University Athletic Hall of Famer William “Bo” Ryan ’69‘s men’s basketball team, where consistency continues to pay career as a collegiate head basketball coach reached another big dividends. Now in his 13th season at the university, his milestone as he led his Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball teams have won over 300 games and appeared in 13 NCAA team into the NCAA March Madness Final Four. The Badgers’ tournaments, including six Sweet 16 games and two Elite Elite Eight win over the University of Arizona secured their spot Eight appearances. in the semi-finals. After an exciting matchup with the Kentucky Jerry Rickrode, Wilkes major gifts officer and former head Wildcats, Ryan and his team ended their Final Four journey with coach of the University men’s basketball team, first met Ryan a heartbreaking one-point loss, 74-73. in 1998 when both coaches’ teams played in the Division III Final During a press conference, Ryan said, “I really love coaching Four. After the meeting they developed a friendship. “He won’t this team. I knew they deviate from the system. It’s had something in them; not about individual players or it was just trying to get individual matchups,” Rickrode it out of them [and] explains. “It is and has always sometimes that was a been a team system.” Ryan discussed his coaching little bit of a challenge. But they answered it. strategy at a recent Final Four They answered everything. news conference. He said that And that’s how we got his approach to the Final Four here.” Ryan credits his game was no different than his team’s success to playing approach to a Division III Final hard and smart all season, Four. “The thing about valuing the qualities inherent in his basketball, playing good position coaching strategy. defense, trying not to give up Ryan’s 30-year record easy baskets…I just think that our screams consistency. guys have shown that they’ve At the University of been pretty consistent with Wisconsin-Platteville, his the basics. I think that always teams completed two gives you a chance.” Regardless of all the success WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 undefeated seasons, won 22 four NCAA Division III he has achieved, Ryan’s attitude national championships, remains consistent. “He’s down to and set an NCAA all-division record for fewest points allowed at earth. Whether he’s coaching UW-Platteville or Wisconsin, he’s just 47.5 per game. This consistency resulted in an 82.2 career the same guy as always,” Rickrode says. “He’s been good to the winning percentage, an all-time best in Division III basketball Wilkes program and reaches out often.” history. Ryan carried his coaching strategy from the Division III to the Division I level and now heads the University of Wisconsin – By Francisco Tutella �class notes 1943 Harry Katz published A Material Scientist’s Memoir: Recollections and Advice. He lives in West Orange, N.J. 1966 Marie Shutlock Drinko received a COIN of Excellence award for her work as a military and family life counselor in Alaska. She currently works as a counselor in Bahrain. 1969 William (Bo) F. Ryan was honored with the Native Son Award at the 110th Philadelphia Sports Writers Association banquet. Ryan is the head coach of the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team. Martin Naparsteck’s seventh book, Mrs. Mark Twain: The Life of Olivia Langdon Clemens, 1845-1904, which he co-wrote with Michelle Cardulla, was published by McFarland. David Ralston was honored as a distinguished doctoral alumnus by the Florida State University College of Business at a ceremony in April. Ralston is a professor and Knight Ridder Research Fellow at Florida International University College of Business. 1970 Caleb McKenzie was elected recording secretary of the Illuminating Engineering Society of New York. McKenzie is a senior associate with T. Kondos Associates Inc., an international lighting consultancy located in New York City. 1986 Paul Cummings co-authored a mathematics article titled “A solvable conjugacy problem for finitely presented C(3) semigroups” that was published in February 2014 issue of the journal Semigroup Forum. 1987 Lisa (Berkoski) Zaleski earned her nurse practitioner certification in the state of Wisconsin. She is employed by St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wisc., as a critical care nurse. 1993 Christine Hooper-Ostroski was named director at The Center for Cancer Wellness, Candy’s Place, in Forty Fort, Pa. She and husband Rick ’91 live in Shavertown, Pa., with their children, Nathan and Tegan. 1995 Kevin Gryboski was hired as pitching coach by the Washington (Pa.) Wild Things, a professional baseball team and member of the Frontier League, for the 2014 season. 1996 Dave Macedo recorded his 300th career win at Virginia Wesleyan College as the men’s basketball team defeated Randolph College 75-46. Over his 14 seasons as head coach, Macedo has recorded a 300-96 overall career record and was named Virginia College Division Coach of the Year six times. His teams have made nine straight NCAA tournament appearances, including an appearance in the school’s first NCAA Division III national championship in any sport. 1998 Melissa Coxe was named Teacher of the Week by WITN News in North Carolina. Coxe teaches music and chorus at Eastern Elementary School in Greenville and also teaches a class at East Carolina University designed to teach elementary education majors how to integrate music into daily instruction. 1999 Jennifer Radzwillowicz was elected the 2014 Pennsylvania Jaycees vice president for business at the November 2013 convention in Grantville, Pa. She also serves as chairwoman of the board for the Greater Scranton chapter. Corinna Sowers-Adler debuted her show, By Request – New York Moments, at 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club in New York City in May 2014. Want your classmates to follow you on Twitter? Share your Twitter handle when you submit a class note! And while you are at it, follow Wilkes University @WilkesU. 2000 Kerianne Geist was honored as one of the 2014 Women of Influence by Lehigh Valley Business at its annual luncheon on May 21 in Bethlehem, Pa. 2001 Greg Johansen recently moved back to the Wilkes-Barre area after finishing nine years of service with the U.S. Navy Seabees in Southern California. 2006 John Untisz, a doctor in the U.S. Air Force, took part in a training program at the University of Cincinnati’s Institute of Military Medicine. The program prepares participants about to be deployed to active war theaters to treat wounded soldiers in military transport planes. The training was featured in USA Today. Untisz can be seen in the video clip of the USA Today coverage. 2008 Richard Read III was promoted to assistant vice president at PNC Bank, where he serves as an associate relationship manager. 2009 Mallory Marie Zoeller (see Graduate Degrees ’12). 2013 Todd Oravic’s and Ryan Wood’s film Pitchfork was shown at the West Chester Film Festival. The film won in the Best Pennsylvania Filmmaker Award. The film script was written by creative writing alumnus Kevin Conner MA ’12 as his master’s thesis project. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Undergraduate 23 �class notes Graduate 2005 Elena Archer and Dan Alma were married on Aug. 24, 2013, at Old St. Mary’s Church in Philadelphia. The bride is a resource management senior accountant at Pricewaterhouse Coopers. The groom is a physical therapist with Penn Care at Home. The couple resides in Philadelphia. Danielle (Dallazia) Burns PharmD ’08 was maid of honor and Katie Morton ’05 was a bridesmaid. Also celebrating were Ed Buck ’08, Sara (Toole) Buck ’06, Amanda (Felegi) Hall ’05, Erika (Knorr) Issler ’06, Chris Issler ‘06, Bernadette Rabel ’05, Autumn (Kishbaugh) Smith ’06, Gary Steich ‘06 and Alex Wishnie ’05. Wilkes Wedding Bells Wilkes magazine accepts photos of alumni weddings. We will accept your photos up to one year after your wedding. Please follow these requirements: 1. E-mail jpeg files to wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu. Digital photos must be at least 4 by 6 inches at 300 dpi or 1800 pixels by 1200 pixels. Please note that we cannot use photos that do not meet these minimum requirements. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 2. Please identify everyone in the photo, starting from left to right. Include class years for all Wilkes alumni. 24 3. Group photos of all Wilkes alumni attending a wedding may be submitted provided that all individuals are identified with a class year. 1992 Army Col. Jeffrey A. Boyer MS has retired from the U.S. Army after a 25-year career. He was deputy director of the manpower personnel and security directorate, Defense Information Systems Agency, at Fort George G. Meade, Md. 2010 Edward Charles Hamm MS and Mallory Elizabeth Bieber were married July 6. The bride is a clinical supervisor of inpatient surgery at Reading Hospital. The groom teaches the sixth grade in the Wellsboro School District. 2003 Jonathan Ference PharmD was elected president of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Educational Foundation Board of Directors. Matthew S. Hinton MFA was appointed the coordinator of writing for the writing center at Misericordia University. 2007 David R. Cotner MS has been appointed dean of the School of Industrial, Computing and Engineering Technologies at Pennsylvania College of Technology. He has served as assistant dean of the school since January. 2008 Bryan Svencer MS continues to receive recognition for his EDUtainment teaching philosophy, which he discusses in his book EDUtainment: Entertainment in the K-12 Classroom. The book was the top-selling pedagogical book on Amazon.com in 2013. 2012 Kevin Conner MA. See undergraduate 2013. 2013 Chris Campion MA recently published his first novel, The Jiu-Jitsu Bum, with Northampton House Press. �class notes Wilkes Sisters Bond Via Book Project Food unites individuals, and a food-themed book provided two sisters and Wilkes’ alumnae with an opportunity to bond and put their Wilkes degrees to work. “James Beard once said, ‘Food is our common ground, a universal experience.’ Food can – and should – bring us together,” Nicole Frail ’10 explains when asked to describe The Little Red Book of Kitchen Wisdom. Frail co-authored the book, which was released April 1, with her boyfriend of nine years, Manhattan restaurant wd~50 cook Matthew Magda. Her sister Kerri ’12 provided the illustrations. The book contains food-related quotes from respected chefs and restaurateurs, television personalities, actors, artists, and authors who influence today’s professional chefs, bakers, home cooks and foodies. The authors’ aim for the book is to emphasize the collective power of food. The idea for the book came to Nicole when she realized that New York-based Skyhorse Publishing, where she works as an assistant editor, did not yet have a book about food in its Little Book series. The series is a collection of 5-by-7 books in various colors that include Kerri Frail ’12, left, and her sister Nicole ’10 collaborated on The Little Red Book of Kitchen Wisdom. quotes or advice on specific subjects. She had previously talked with Magda and her sister about producing a cookbook, so she pitched the idea of doing a food-themed Little Book to her publisher. After receiving a contract, Nicole and Magda spent the next six months compiling food quotes from various sources and writing introductions. Kerri, a graphic designer and marketing specialist at Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services in Wilkes-Barre, became involved in the project through her work as a freelance graphic designer. She says, “I love working with Nicole. We’ve always gotten along as sisters, so the transition into a professional working relationship wasn’t difficult. She has a very supportive, positive attitude and always allows me to have creative freedom over my designs.” Kerri created all 52 drawings – among them cloves of garlic, a candlelit table for two, tomato gardens and bottles of wine. This is not the first time that the sisters have collaborated on a book. While editing Emma Silverman’s The Joy of Yoga: Fifty Sequences for Your Home and Nicole graduated from Wilkes with a degree in communications. As an undergraduate student, she served as editor-in-chief of The Beacon. Kerri graduated with a degree in integrative media and a minor in art. Both sisters look forward to collaborating on future projects. – By Francisco Tutella WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Studio Practice, Nicole hired Kerri to design the illustrations. 25 �class notes Angella DellaFortuna Means Business At MetLife Stadium Angela DellaFortuna ’08 recalls the moment she knew that she wanted to be a part of the New York Giants football franchise. “I remember my parents taking my sister and me to a Super Bowl party at their friends’ house. I can still remember the house filled with Giants memorabilia, the New Kids on the Block performing during half time and everyone cheering as the Giants won their second Super Bowl.” Since then, she has dreamed of becoming chief financial officer for the team. As an assistant controller at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., DellaFortuna has the pleasure of working for two of the nation’s top sports franchises, the Giants and the New York Jets. “MetLife Stadium is the only NFL stadium owned by two NFL teams,” she says. “This makes Angela DellaFortuna ’08 shows off MetLife Stadium, where she working here extremely unique because everything I do not is assistant controller, to fellow Wilkes alum Bill Steiner ’07. only affects the stadium but the Giants and Jets as well.” Her responsibilities extend beyond the professional football season. The stadium hosts other sports and events, advisors. DellaFortuna provided her expertise to help the Sidhu such as international soccer matches, concerts, college School develop its new sports and event management program. football games and motorsports events like Monster Jam. Rexer explains, “While Angela was helpful in reviewing our During her four years there, DellaFortuna has worked behind entire program, we also asked and received feedback on the law the scenes at such events as Wrestlemania, topics we thought were necessary. a Brazil versus Argentina national soccer She was helpful in narrowing down team match, a U2 concert, and Super Bowl XLVIII, the most watched televised event in United States history. The work has its perks. She explains, “I find out information before the public —for example, knowing what was going to “MetLife Stadium is the only NFL stadium owned by two NFL teams.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 students would be ready to take the course.” The new program begins in the fall 2014 semester. Rexer adds, “While Angela was in school, she was not only intelligent but happen during the halftime show on Super capable of applying her knowledge to Bowl Sunday or what the plan was for almost any situation. She was driven Wrestlemania prior to the event.” 26 the topics and specifying when the DellaFortuna remains active in the Wilkes community. to succeed and could easily envision the path to make it happen.” She stays in contact with her undergraduate mentors, Sidhu School of Business professors Anne Batory and Marianne that leads straight to the CFO’s office. With a smile she says, “I Rexer. She says both continue to be great mentors and like to think I’m one step closer to my dream job, but we’ll see.” DellaFortuna certainly envisions a path for herself—one – By Francisco Tutella �class notes In Memoriam 1952 Cornelius “Con” F. Boyle Jr., Falls, Pa., died Nov. 27, 2013. Boyle served in the U.S. Army and worked in the insurance industry. 1939 Joseph Gibbons, Inkerman, Pa., died Dec. 7, 2013. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. Gibbons worked at Continental Cigar Company. 1954 Walter L. Cusma, Dallas, Pa., died Dec. 8, 2013. He was a veteran of World War II. Cusma worked as an engineer for the Bethlehem Steel Corp. 1941 Harriet C. Seeherman, Boynton Beach, Fla., died May 28, 2013. She was a social worker with the Lackawanna County department of public assistance. Gerard G. Washco, Conyngham, Pa., died Dec. 23, 2013. He was inducted in the Wilkes Athletic Hall of Fame. Washco was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He worked for Cooper Industries. 1948 Osea Galletta, Yardley, Pa., died Dec. 18, 2012. 1949 Claude Emory Keller, Vienna, Va., died March 5, 2014. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Keller worked as an electrical engineer for IBM. 1950 Cyril “Cye” A. Good, Dallas, Pa., died Jan. 18, 2014. Good served as a U.S. Army medic and was a veteran of World War II. He worked for Torcon Industries in New Jersey. Albert “Bud” E. Herbert, Forty Fort, Pa., died Jan. 9, 2014. Herbert was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II. He was a public accountant and owned and operated the Earle R. Herbert Co. 1955 Melvin W. Farkas, Laflin, Pa., died Dec. 10, 2013. Farkas was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a certified public accountant. 1956 Ronald McCarty, Secretary, Md., died Dec. 26, 2013. He was a U.S. Marines veteran of the Korean War. McCarty worked as a sales manager for GTE. 1957 Robert B. Chase Jr., Stony Brook, N.Y., died Nov. 6, 2013. Helen M. Rutledge, Mill Valley, Calif., died Jan. 19, 2014. She was a registered nurse and served in the U.S. Army. John J. Schultz, West Pittston, Pa., died Dec. 10, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army and worked for the Social Security Administration. 1958 Donald C. Domzalski, Sussex, N.J., died May 30, 2013. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. Domzalski worked as a teacher and basketball referee at middle and high schools in Morris and Sussex counties. 1959 Stephen Joseph Echan, Saginaw, Mich., died Feb. 5, 2014. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He worked as equalization director for the County of Saginaw. J. Rodger Lewis, Sebring, Fla., died Feb. 21, 2014. Lewis was superintendent of schools for Montrose Area School District. George Morris, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, died Jan. 21, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy and was an insurance executive. Michael Stanko, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died Oct. 13, 2013. 1962 Edith (Butts) Centrella, Plains Township, Pa., died Aug. 17, 2013. Joseph F. Drobnicki, Ledgedale, Pa., died Dec. 18, 2013. He taught biology at Wallenpaupack Area High School for 28 years. Warren Greenberg, Miami, Fla., died Nov. 4, 2013. He was a long-time employee of Merck & Co. Albert Kishel, Bear Creek, Pa., died Nov. 24, 2013. He was a certified public accountant for five decades. 1965 James R. Ward, Jacksonville, Fla., died March 10, 2012. Ward was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He worked as a CPA for over 30 years. 1968 John W. Democko, Pittsford, N.Y., died Aug. 4, 2013. William Robert Kistler, Hampton, Pa., died Dec. 7, 2013. Kistler was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a manager of Schewel Furniture Company. Lee A. Namey, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died March 3, 2014. Namey served for three terms on the Wilkes-Barre City Council and two terms as mayor before becoming an educator at Wyoming Valley West High School and West Side Career and Technology Center. 1969 George P. Andrews Jr., Harveys Lake, Pa., died Dec. 30, 2013. He worked for the Ostrander Steel Co. and was a licensed realtor. Zigmund S. Koshinski, WilkesBarre, Pa., died Feb. 8, 2014. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Dorothy A. Peiffer, Dallas, Pa., died March 11, 2014. She was a teacher at Dallas High School. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 1937 Elizabeth “Bideth” Yeager (Davies) McGown, Cooperstown, N.Y., died Jan. 12, 2014. She taught at Wyoming Seminary. 27 �1970 Robert “Bobby” Solomon Aben, Dallas, Pa., died Feb. 2, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. H. Scott Lustig, Philadelphia, Pa., died Jan. 11, 2014. 1971 Della F. Schulz, Bear Creek Township, Pa., died Feb. 1, 2014. She worked at Eastern Penn Supply Co. 1972 Bryce Burgess, Chandler, Ariz., died Jan. 30, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy and worked as a high school art teacher and football coach before pursuing a career in the trucking industry. Robert “Bob” Cooney, Temple, Texas, died Oct. 1, 2013. He worked as the comptroller for King’s Daughters Clinic. 1973 Florence Matura Hozempa, Dallas, Pa., died Feb. 6, 2014. She was a reading specialist for the Wyoming Valley West School District and also taught at public schools in New Jersey and Illinois. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2014 Thomas “Tom” Dale Jerrytone, Nanticoke, Pa, died Feb. 26, 2014. He was the chief financial officer and controller at Bloomsburg Hospital. 28 Doris “Dorrie” E. Shapiro, Feasterville-Trevose, Pa., died Feb. 5, 2014. She was a registered nurse for the American Red Cross. 1974 Alfred J. (Yusinskas) Bradley, Kingston, Pa., died Dec. 5, 2013. Bradley was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Navy. For more than 35 years he was employed by the former Lewis and Duncan Sporting Goods Store. Craig Deacon, Chalfont, Pa., died March 3, 2014. He was a veteran wrestling coach for 36 years at Delaware Valley College, Central Bucks West and Central Bucks South. William R. Sauers, Dallas, Pa., died Jan. 20, 2014. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served in the U.S. Army. Sauers worked as a school psychologist for the WilkesBarre Area School District. Cathy Sellitto, Glendale, Calif., died Nov. 20, 2013. 1975 Michael “Shoemaker” J. Gluhanick, Hanover, Pa., died Dec. 14, 2013. Shoemaker was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in the U.S. Air Force. He owned and operated Shoemaker Tire in WilkesBarre. Robert G. Sura, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died Dec. 25, 2013. He was employed by Retreat State Hospital in Clarks Summit. 1976 Susan Brimo-Cox, Ohiopyle, Pa., died Nov. 12, 2013. She served as the director of marketing and communications for Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. 1980 Joseph J. Majewski, Hazleton, Pa., died Nov. 6, 2013. He worked for Washington Inventory Service. Mary Kathryn Ross, West Scranton, Pa., died July 2, 2013. She worked as a registered nurse at Clarks Summit State Hospital. 1982 Susan “Sam” (Burke) Menendez, San Francisco, Calif., died Jan. 18, 2014. She worked for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. 1983 Erin M. Callahan, Philadelphia, Pa., died Nov. 12, 2013. She worked for Campbell Soup Company. 1984 Jeffrey Godeck, Moosic, Pa., died July 24, 2013. 1985 Gerald O’Neill, Jenkintown, Pa., died Nov. 23, 2012. Catherine Sheridan Piotroski, Harrisburg, Pa., died Jan. 24, 2014. She was an English teacher at Crestwood High School and served as postmaster for the Jermyn and Tunkhannock post offices. 1989 Terrence “Terry” A. Donovan, McKeesport, Pa., died Jan. 17, 2014. He was the chief financial officer for Ecker Enterprises in Rosemont, Ill. Adam B. Sieminski, Mountain Top, Pa., died Nov. 17, 2013. He worked for UGI Corp. and Sallie Mae. 1990 Neil Thomas Fisher Sr., Kingston, Pa., died Nov. 29, 2013. Fisher served in the U.S. Air Force and served veterans for four decades while working at the V.A. Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 1994 Camela P. Schwartz, Harrisburg, Pa., died Jan. 1, 2014. She was a U.S. Army veteran of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Schwartz also served as a civil servant for the federal government. 2004 Jennifer Lynne (Tallman) Killam, Honesdale, Pa., died Jan. 7, 2012. She taught special education students and learning support at Wallenpaupack Area High School. Elizabeth “Beth” Jean Yoder, Belleville, Pa., died Aug. 14, 2011. She was a teacher for the Mifflin County school district. Friends of Wilkes John Nesbitt Conyngham III, Dallas, Pa., died Feb. 4, 2014. He served in the U.S. Marines and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He worked for IBM Corp. and Eastern Pennsylvania Supply Co. Alexandra C. Moravec, Dallas, Pa., died April 10, 2013. She was active with the Wilkes College Professors’ Wives Club and the Sordoni Art Gallery. �LASTING LEGACY “I think first you learn, then you earn, and then you return. My Wilkes experience gave me the tools and confidence to succeed and I’m pleased with what I have done. However, now that I have this success, it’s important to remember where you came from and why you achieved. This is why I plan to leave a part of my estate to Wilkes University.” - Mariea Barbella Noblitt ‘73 Mariea Barbella Noblitt ’73’s passion for administration and service was enhanced during her time at Wilkes through her relationship with Dean Jane Lampe-Groh. It led her to start Noblitt Consulting, a firm specializing in college enrollment management, 15 years ago. As the first one of five generations in her family to attend college, she relied on the support that Dean Lampe-Groh and Wilkes provided her. Today, she understands the importance of continuing to provide that same support for all Wilkes students. “I will help students experience the same support and receive the education that was so critical to making my life full. A resident of Chapel Hill, N.C., with her husband, James, she is active in the Wilkes alumni network. A class chair representative and member of the Homecoming Committee, Mariea wanted to make sure her connection to Wilkes will continue by leaving a part of her estate to Wilkes in her will. “Wilkes is a way of life for me,” says Mariea. She combined her passion for quality education with her overall financial, tax and estate planning goals while deepening her Wilkes connection. You can also touch students’ lives now and in the future. Whether naming Wilkes as a beneficiary in a will, establishing a charitable gift annuity or creating an endowed fund, you can fuel educational advances that will benefit students for years to come. Wilkes University offers gift planning assistance to alumni and friends at no cost or obligation. For more information, contact Angela Buckley at (800) WILKES-U ext.7833 or angela.buckley@wilkes.edu, or return the prepaid business reply card found in this issue of the Wilkes magazine. �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events June 1-30 15 16 23 26 29-30 Permanent Collection Exhibit, Sordoni Art Gallery KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, Of Land and Sea, 3 p.m. Stark Learning Center Room 101 High School Girls Soccer Training Session, 6-7:30 p.m. High School Girls Soccer Training Session, 6-7:30 p.m. Creative Reading and Writing for the Classroom I (Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry), 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. First-year Students Summer Orientation 2014 July 1-31 7-24 7-11 Permanent Collection Exhibit, Sordoni Art Gallery 2014 Conservatory Summer Dance Intensive, Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Field Hockey Mini Colonel Camp, 8 -11 a.m. Schmidt Stadium at Ralston Athletic Complex Field Hockey Colonel Camp, 12 -4 p.m. Schmidt Stadium at Ralston Athletic Complex 13-14 First-Year Students Summer Orientation 2014 14-18 Kids’ Writing Workshop, Grades 5 – 7, 9 a.m.-noon 17 Creative Reading and Writing for the Classroom II (Screenwriting, Playwriting), 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 18 Admissions Open House 20 KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, Never Give Up, 3 p.m. Stark Learning Center Room 101 Women’s Soccer College ID Clinic, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 21-25 The Write Stuff, Creative Writing Camp, Grades 8-11, 9 a.m.-noon 21-31 The Reading Academy, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon The Arts Academy, Monday-Thursday, 1-4 p.m. 27 through Aug. 2 – Women Empowered by Science Summer Camp, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. August 1-31 4 6-8 Permanent Collection Exhibit, Sordoni Art Gallery Graduate Studies Information Session, 6 -8 p.m. Henry Student Center Miller Room Wilkes University Tennis Camp, 9 a.m.-noon Tennis Courts at Ralston Athletic Complex Pennsylvania Writer’s Conference, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 9 KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, We Are the World, 17 3 p.m. Stark Learning Center Room 101 Move-In Day for First-year Students 2014 22 22-24 Welcome Weekend 2014, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 25 First Day of Classes 30 through Sept. 2 – Labor Day Recess September 7 2014 Summer Commencement, 1 p.m. Marts Center 20 Admissions Open House 26-28 Homecoming October 18 23 Field Hockey Alumni Game and Reception, 10 a.m. Ralston Athletic Complex Wilkes/King’s Alumni Networking Mixer, 6 p.m. Rodano’s For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2014 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2014 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2014 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2014 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/7ae058917175748dfc8e5d2513512d3b.pdf 6d819f2a931d3f399c7f2032afc5ca99 PDF Text Text spring / su mmer 20 13 a legacy of life’s lessons in tune | memorable motivator | prescription for success �president’s letter Defining the Wilkes Experience A year ago, I became Wilkes University’s sixth president. I anticipated that it would be one of the most fulfilling years of my career. Reality has exceeded my expectations. I’ve found Wilkes to be a unique community of alumni, faculty, staff and students. We are warned to be careful about using the word “unique” too freely, since it connotes that something has attributes not found elsewhere.Yet unique is the word I’d use to describe Wilkes as I end my first year as president. A number of characteristics truly define Wilkes. We are a relatively small institution with a broad program mix, from traditional majors in the liberal arts to professional programs in fields such as engineering, nursing, business and pharmacy. Our size allows students to continue to enjoy their favorite co-curricular activities— such as playing a sport or participating in student government—while pursuing a demanding major. Students can play football while majoring in pharmacy or play field hockey while studying to be an engineer. It’s not unusual for students to participate in their favorite co-curricular activities while majoring in more than one discipline. That college experience is unique. Students are the heart of the matter here. Quite simply, there’s a family feeling here that’s hard to find at other institutions. I started this President Patrick Leahy chats with job saying I knew I’d joined a community that alumni Dave Kaschak ‘71, right, and was totally dedicated to student success. I end his wife, Camille, at Homecoming my first year believing that more emphatically 2012—one of the many events that he enjoyed with the Wilkes than ever. I see it reflected every day, from our community during his first year. continuing commitment to serve first-generation college students to our ongoing efforts to maintain our beautiful campus. Everyone, from the facilities staff to our faculty, is committed to our students.We can confidently tout our mentoring culture because we know that students will have caring people to guide them during their Wilkes careers—from the upperclassmen who welcome freshmen as part of our award-winning E-mentor Program, to the many faculty and staff members who work with them in and out of the classroom. I need everyone’s help to continue building on all of these great things that are hallmarks of the Wilkes experience. Communication among all of our constituencies has been a priority during my first year—and it will continue to be important throughout my time at Wilkes. To help promote communication and involve everyone in what we’re doing at Wilkes, I’m launching my own Twitter account. This will allow me to share what’s happening at Wilkes and my plans for the University in a very immediate and dynamic way. I hope you’ll consider following me @patrickfleahy on Twitter.com. I wish you all the very best during the summer of 2013. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President volume 7 | issue 2 spring/summer 2013 Wilkes magazine University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood Executive Editor Jack Chielli M.A.’08 Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner Graduate Assistant Thomas Markley ’11 Intern Anne Yoskoski Layout/Design Quest Fore Inc. Printing Pemcor Inc. Editorial Advisory Group Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 M.S.’76 Donna Sedor ’85 Alumni RELATIONS STAFF Director Mirko Widenhorn Associate Director Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Coordinator Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 Alumni Association Officers President Tom Ralston ’80 Vice President Cindy Charnetski ’97 Secretary Ellen Hall ’71 Historian Laura Cardinale ’72 Wilkes magazine is published three times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications and Government Relations, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �contents 6 Features 6 A Legacy of Life’s Lessons Alfred S. Groh ’41 forever changed the lives of generations of Wilkes students and the Wilkes-Barre community where he lived 12 In Tune Jimmy Harnen ’85 is executive vice president of Big Machine Record Group and president of Republic Records in Nashville 14 14 Memorable Motivator Les Nicholas ’81’s inspiring teaching style earns him recognition as the country’s top educator 18 Prescription for Success Denise Cesare ’77 is a leader in the health-care industry as president and CEO of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania 12 2 On Campus 5 Athletics 20 Alumni News 22 Class Notes Alfred S. Groh ’41 left a legacy at Wilkes that includes the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts— where this photo of Groh, taken at his retirement, hangs in the lobby. Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes. edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. J;;s FPO C Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 18 departments 1 �on campus Wilkes Earns Place on President’s National Service Honor Roll Wilkes has been honored with a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The honor roll highlights annually the role colleges and universities play in serving their communities and placing more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement by awarding recognition to institutions that achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes in the communities they serve. In the past three years, the total number of students who participated in community service was 1,368, and these students logged over 19,000 hours. Megan Boone Valkenburg, coordinator of civic engagement, worked with faculty and staff to track the hours students spent in service. Several large projects included the clean up after the 2011 flood in the Wyoming Valley, the veterans oral history project completed by students in freshman-year foundations courses, and general community service from clubs and classes. A special initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the awards go to colleges and universities that make a profound impact on their communities. Students, from left, Shawn Carey, Brittany Buddman and Kyle Henry pitch in for clean up at the River Common during a community service day—one of many that earned Wilkes a place on the National Service Honor Roll. Pentagon Honors Clinical Work of Nesbitt College of Pharmacy Team Jennifer Malinowski, associate professor of pharmacy practice, and pharmacy students she supervises at the Wright Center for Primary Care in Scranton, were recognized by the Health Resource Service Administration at the Pentagon. The team was recognized with The Transformation Award from the Patient Safety Pharmacy Collaborative for its ability to integrate clinical pharmacy services within an inter-professional team. They also received The Integrative Medication Management Award for the development of an innovative medication reconciliation process to improve patient safety and outcomes. About 18 Wilkes pharmacy students work at the site with Malinowski each year as part of their clinical requirement. Malinowski says that the innovative practices introduced by the Wilkes team included using computers for medication reconciliation. The system provides a way to leave an integrated note that can be accessed by all team members. Successful outcomes from the medication management and integrated team included improvements in conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes that were sustained for four months and a year after the procedures were implemented. Photo by Bryan Calabro Where Are Our Alumni? Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 iiiiiiiiiiii. ri • 2 i• i PA 72.0% NJ 5.9% NY 3.6% FL 2.5% MD 1.8% VA 1.8% CA 1.5% r• r• r• It’s no surprise that you find the most Wilkes alumni making their homes in Pennsylvania, with more than 24,000 calling the Keystone State home after graduating. No brain drain there! Here’s a look at the states with most Colonels. �on campus Six Wilkes University students traveled halfway around the world to complete a project to bring Internet access to a school in the underdeveloped village of Gush Kande. The students constructed a solar energy generator to provide electricity to charge iPads and other devices, making Internet access possible for the first time to children in the school. The team of students was headed by project leader Christa Tutella, a senior electrical engineering student from Wilkes-Barre. Other student team members include mechanical engineering students Eric Danko of Dallas, Pa., and Dustin Hough of Chambersburg, Pa.; chemical engineering student Suliman Alhojairi of Saudi Arabia; business student Joshua Haag of Bethlehem, Pa.; communication studies student Ryan Wood of Kingston, Pa.; and English major Todd Oravic of Ashley, Pa. They were accompanied by mechanical engineering professor Syed Kalim. Tutella and Alhojairi did not accompany the group to Bangladesh. Wilkes student engineers are required to complete a hands-on senior project that solves a real-world problem. The Bangladesh project is the senior project for the students, who designed and installed the system. The students also handled the logistics of getting the equipment to the remote village after flying into Dhaka, some three hours away. Wilkes became involved in the project after a student in its doctor of education program, Ty Frederickson, shared his dream of bringing internet access to Gush Kande. Frederickson is a teacher at American-British Academy, an international school in Muscat, Oman. Wilkes offers its doctoral program in education online to a cohort of teachers at the school. Frederickson has been working with the school in Bangladesh since 2010. More on the Web A slide show of photographs taken by communication studies senior Ryan Wood of the Wilkes student team in Bangladesh shows their experience in the village of Gush Kande. To view the pictures, go to www.wilkes.edu/bangladeshtrip. Above, students from the Gush Kande Primary School in Bangladesh celebrate the installation of a solar generator that will help to bring the Internet to their school. The project was a senior project for Wilkes student engineers. Photo by Ryan Wood Left, students who worked on the senior engineering project in Bangladesh are, front from left, Suliman Alhojairi, Eric Danko, mechanical engineering professor Syed Kalim and Christa Tutella. Second row from left are Ryan Wood, Dustin Hough and Joshua Haag. Not pictured: Todd Oravic. Photo by Vicki Mayk Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 Wilkes Engineering Students Bring Internet to Remote Bangladesh Village 3 �on campus President, Senior Administration Return to Weckesser President Patrick F. Leahy became the sixth Wilkes president to have his office in Weckesser Hall when he moved back into the historic building in April. Leahy and other members of senior administration relocated their offices from the University Center on Main to move closer to the center of campus activity. Leahy’s new office, on the first floor in the front of the building, previously was used as a conference room. It faces South Franklin Street with a view of the main part of campus. A gift from the Davidowitz family helped to underwrite renovations to the building, which included refurbishing floors, painting and other cosmetic improvements. Weckesser was originally the home of Frederick J. Weckesser, director of the F.W. Woolworth Company. This home, built by Charles H.P. Gilbert of New York—the architect of Frank W. Woolworth’s home— was actually the second Wilkes building to carry the Weckesser name. The first was located at 78 West Northampton Street, near Evans Hall. Top, Paul Adams ’77, vice president for student affairs, in his office, which was formerly the library of Frederick Weckesser. It features leaded glass windows, built-in bookcases, a fireplace and even Mr. Weckesser’s original humidor. Bottom, the fireplace in President Patrick Leahy’s office is the perfect place for photographs. The president’s office faces campus on South Franklin Street. Photos by Lisa Reynolds Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 E-Mentor Program Receives National Recognition 4 Wilkes was recognized with a 2013 Excellence Award from Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education in recognition of the University’s first-year student E-mentoring program. Wilkes’ E-mentoring program received a bronze award in a category recognizing exemplary programs for orientation, transfer or first-year students. Other winners in the category were Towson University and Wake Forest University. The e-mentor program was developed by Sharon Castano, a coordinator in Wilkes’ student development division. It pairs incoming freshmen and transfers with current Wilkes students to help facilitate their transition to the University. The current students contact and mentor the new students via email, meet them at summer orientation and continue to mentor them after they arrive on campus in the fall. E-mentor Nimi Patel, front row center, with a group of freshmen during orientation in summer 2012. E-mentors from Wilkes’ award-winning program provide key guidance for incoming students during orientation and fall semester. �athletics Colonels Elite Honors Student Athletes for Academic Achievement Wilkes student athletes who not only excel in their respective sports but also in the classroom are now being recognized as members of the Colonels Elite. The Colonels Elite recognition program, formed by women’s soccer coach John Sumoski in consultation with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, recognizes student athletes that have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. The athletes must have at least 60 total college credits and be of good moral character as determined by the athletic department. Transfer students must have completed at least 30 credits at Wilkes. The first Colonels Elite ceremony honored 30 student athletes. They included juniors or seniors from various majors and athletic teams. President Patrick Leahy and Vice President of Student Affairs Paul Adams made opening remarks and praised the students for their academic and athletic achievements. “It is noteworthy enough that you have this GPA,” says Leahy, “and also noteworthy that you are NCAA athletes. The combination of the two is something great, and makes me proud to be the president of this university.” Adams pointed out that this is history in the making. “You are the first Colonels Elite, and this inaugural ceremony honors your extraordinary talents.” Sumoski said that this ceremony is important as part of a tradition he hopes to continue at Wilkes. The Colonels Elite symbolizes the hard-working athletes who deserve to be honored for all they put into their work on and off the court. “I wanted to give back to the students and recognize all their hard work.” Sumoski says the success of these students lies in their attainment of measurable goals. “I think that they know how to prioritize and more importantly how to keep those priorities straight.” The Colonels Elite selection committee included Sumoski, women’s basketball coach Chris Heery, men’s basketball coach Jerry Rickrode, women’s field hockey coach Mollie Reichard and men’s soccer coach Phil Wingert. Right, The special trophies designed for the inaugural group of inductees to the Colonels Elite are displayed at the awards luncheon. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 Below, The first group of student athletes inducted into the Colonels Elite were honored at a luncheon in the Marts Center. They are pictured, first row, left to right; Kirsten Smith, soccer; Sarah Fillman, cross country; Amanda Holyk, tennis; Ally Kristofco, tennis; Kait Brown, softball; Melanie Nolt, tennis; and Ashley Ream, field hockey; second row, left to right; Scott Skammer, baseball; Michael Daubert, golf; Darren Mensch, golf; Joe Dantas, baseball; Kris Krawchuk, wrestling; Alysha Bixler, softball; Angela Palmerio, basketball; Robert Sperazza, cross country; Nicholas Patricia, soccer; and Tyler Young, soccer; and back row, from left; Bobby Schappell, baseball; William Baker, football; Virginia Edwards, basketball; David Marr, soccer; Michael Shannon, wrestling; Nicholas Dawson, football and wrestling; Jeremy Nolt, golf; Casey Bohan, volleyball; Luke Dombert, soccer; Jason Kieffer, soccer; and Omar Richardson, football. Photos by Thomas Markley ’11 5 �left, A portrait from the fifties shows a young Alfred Groh. Above, left to right: Al Groh and Jane lampe-Groh on their 1977 wedding day. A student actress has her costume adjusted while conferring with Groh backstage before a performance. top, Groh and long-time friend and trustee emerita esther davidowitz chat at a Wilkes function. Below, Groh and elizabeth Slaughter ’68 enjoyed a close relationship spanning more than 40 years. Groh reviews rehearsal notes with music department chairman John J. detroy. pictures of the Grohs in their kingston, pa., home from two different eras. Bottom row, left to right: Groh is caught informally during an outdoor event on campus. Al Groh and howard ennis Jr. ’55 pause during rehearsals in chase theatre. Sally rosenn and Judge harold rosenn with Al Groh at a campus event. Groh and a visiting artist, actor theodore Bikel, are seen during a meet and greet with students on campus. the Grohs display teddy bears fashioned from heirloom furs from the lampe family. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 teddy BeAr photo courteSy JAmeS ruck ’78. All other photoS courteSy WilkeS uniVerSity ArchiVeS 6 �Alfred S. Groh ’41, associate professor emeritus of English and theatre arts, had impact on many at Wilkes and in the community Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 By Helen Kaiser 7 �Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 A 8 GHOST LIGHT STOOD stage left in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center during the funeral service for Alfred S. Groh ’41. Traditionally lit when a theatre is unoccupied, ghost lights help directors, crew members and actors find their way on stage. It was a singularly appropriate tribute among many given during the February 2013 service for Groh, associate professor emeritus of English and theatre arts. Like the ghost light, Groh helped generations of Wilkes students find their way through the lessons he taught in theatre. The performance stage may have been Groh’s classroom, but his lessons transcended to real life. His exemplary life—filled with a passion for his craft, devotion to duty and love for his family, friends and students—inspired many. His influence extended into the community surrounding Wilkes. As founder of Fine Arts Fiesta, he left a lasting legacy in the Wilkes-Barre arts community. After his death at 92, alumni recalled the man who influenced their lives and remained their life-long mentor. Colleagues remembered Groh for the role he played in molding the Wilkes of today. Groh’s personality was molded by parents who endured the Great Depression, by his experiences attending Wilkes and as an Air Force bomber during World War II. Shaped by those experiences, he later returned to Wilkes as one of the new four-year college’s founding faculty members. Groh completed his education at Syracuse and Columbia universities, and he wanted to use his love for the arts to provide students with opportunities to better themselves. That may have been one of his greatest gifts: the ability to instill in others the desire not only to excel, but to go beyond their expectations, says Groh’s niece, Alison Miller Kovalchik ’79. For the professor, it wasn’t just a matter of speaking clearly, projecting a voice, embracing the personality of a literary character; it was a matter of challenging students to do their absolute best. “It wasn’t always easy to work with him,” reflects Liz Slaughter ’68, a member of Wilkes’ board of trustees who counted herself as a close friend from the day they met until the day he died. “But we knew what his motivation was, and we tried to meet that expectation. He was such a compelling force; even if you physically left the campus you stayed close.” Groh, she recalls, wanted to “liberate the creative spirit” in us. Because Groh was so demanding, Kovalchik didn’t want her fellow students to know she was his niece; she worried it would spoil her chances of making friends. Kovalchik says she always preferred to remain behind the scenes. For one production, however, Groh needed two fiddlers to play “Turkey in the Straw” in a square dance scene. He chose her and another youth to play the song. “I pleaded with Al to choose someone else, but to no avail,” she says. “I had to overcome my fear and do as Al commanded. The scene is ready to begin; we are poised to play, and the other violinist freezes. Now what? Was I capable of even playing this? Al’s voice resonated in my head: ‘Just do it.’ So I did. And then the other player jumped in. Once again Al achieved what he expected from each of us and showed us what we were capable of doing.” Those who knew him say that conquering his own fears during World War II was a life-altering experience for Groh. Former Wilkes President Francis J. Michelini shared a special friendship with Groh for nearly 50 years. “Our best times were the visits after I retired and came back to see my dentist. Al and I would get corned beef sandwiches at Goldstein’s Deli and a bottle of Gibbons or Stegmaier beer and sit on the bleachers at Ralston Field and just talk . . . those conversations helped me understand what made Al such an unusual teacher and mentor. ” Sometimes the two kindred souls spoke about their wartime experiences. Groh had been assigned to B-17 bombing missions out of Foggia, Italy, to destroy oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania, that were providing German fuel supplies, Michelini says. “These were very heavily defended targets, and Al’s assignment in his plane was belly turret gunner. An unbelievably scary place to be: locked in place before takeoff and alone in freezing, oxygenrequiring space for eight-hour missions . . . After five missions Al was losing it and was taken off the active-duty roster. He was devastated because he was letting his crew down, and he willed himself to function and returned to his crew, completing 60 missions. “He told me that he found new depths in himself that he had never envisioned, and that in teaching his goal was always to make students look deeper into the roles they were playing, the teamwork that supported them and the knowledge of self that the arts helped them achieve—to participate and never be afraid.” �Bottom, from left: A scene from a 1971 production of Lysistrata, one of many plays that Groh directed. A sampling of programs from Groh’s many productions at Wilkes. the sisters in Fiddler on the Roof prepare to sing about their perfect match in Groh’s 1974 production of the musical. photoS courteSy WilkeS uniVerSity ArchiVeS As a youngster, Groh’s nephew Christopher Miller ’83 never understood why his uncle was so intense. Later, he realized that Groh was “kind of reborn” after having been tested in World War II. “I think he was touched by this spirit to make his career the arts and to help his community when he came back,” says Miller, who is a marketing and communications consultant for non-profit organizations. “From him I learned to express myself, to communicate well, to cultivate good relationships that would lift me up in life— and to deliver as best as I could whatever would contribute to the community.” Groh’s lessons were not just about theatre arts and expression, but about life itself. He was more than a mentor; his students became beloved friends. Occasionally they would return to reprise their original roles or otherwise take part in special events at Wilkes. “There are so many examples of the people who achieved the kind of excellence my uncle cultivated in them. They went on to do so much in life and in the community,” Miller says, citing as examples Nancy Leland Frey ’68 and her late husband David ’68, who assisted in forming the Peace and Justice Center in the Wyoming Valley. “Mr. Groh was a person who only looked for the best in all of humanity,” refl ects Slaughter, :eflects Slaughter, who who is a psychologist. psychologist. “It 'It rubbed rubbed off on all of us. He He was there here to help, to guide, guide, to give :;ive assistance. That That insistence on a faith in humanity—as a theatre group it drew us together.” Kit McCarty ’75, a registered investment advisor, credits her public speaking skills and “enormous amount of presence” to Al Groh. He coached her as a sophomore at Wilkes in Bertolt Brecht’s “The Good Woman of Setzuan.” McCarty performed challenging roles as the “good” Shen Te and her alter ego Shui Ta—a cousin invented to perform malevolent deeds. Forty years later, she cherishes a congratulatory note from Groh: “You made this theatre never see Shui Ta—always Shen Te. Our deepest thanks for always being the good woman.” McCarty was not the only Wilkes student who later used her theatre experience in her career. Wilkes trustee emerita Esther Davidowitz recalls, “John Chwalek, who handled career placement for Wilkes at that time, would make sure that their theatre experience was positioned as skills they could use in their careers.” Those skills, Davidowitz says, included clear diction and a professional posture. Like many others, Bruce Phair ’73’s relationship with Groh began as a student and continued in his professional life. As managing/technical director of the Darte Center, he worked closely with Groh from 1980 to 1987. “Al never lost sight of the fact that you should always take the other person’s feelings ieelings into into consideration, consideration, even if ii you ' I think he was touched by this spirit to make his CAREER the ARTS and to help his community when he came back. – Groh’s nephew, Christopher Miller ’83 '' were critiquing,” he says. “He understood how you felt and reacted . . . and would nudge you along in a nice way. I try to make that management style part of my efforts with students today.” Phair described his first encounter with Groh as a disconcerting surprise. As a Wilkes undergraduate, Phair was constructing the annual homecoming display—which featured 20-to-30-foot high ‘Colonels’ with moving arms. The committee needed some spare parts, and the musical performance major knew there was a lumber scrap pile in the theatre storage area. “So we snuck over there to ‘borrow’ a few pieces, expecting to enter a darkened area at night after school hours. Instead, Al confronted us and admonished us for not following proper procedures. But, in the end, he empathized with our needs.” Another alumnus who passed along lessons from Groh to his own students is James Ruck ’78, retired choral music director of Northvale New Jersey Public Schools. As a music education major at Wilkes he took study Wilkes took two independent indepen courses from Groh Groh and also als ran the theatre ce and wrote theatre box offi office Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 opposite page, from left to right: Al Groh delivers remarks at a university event. the director demonstrates how it should be done for one of his students. trustee emerita esther davidowitz and Joel fischman ’73 talk with Groh at an event. A scene from an April 1977 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. 9 �Portrait of a Theatre By Alfred S. Groh This is the house Where Shakespeare and Chekhov play And when they’re in town Where Arthur Miller and Philip Barry stay And John Keats and Robert Edmond Jones Define tomorrow’s future every day Where tomorrow’s future is already on its way. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 Groh mugs for the camera in the lobby of the darte center while the late edwin manda ’69, a student from Zambia, looks over his shoulder. Groh on his wedding day to Jane lampe in their home in kingston, pa. 10 publicity materials. Groh instilled a strong work ethic in his students, he says. “We knew to always show up, never be late,” Ruck says. “When Al would come galloping into the theatre at 100 miles an hour, with his papers flying, we knew it was work time. I can remember him flying up the steps in the back of the theatre to check how loud you were, view the sight lines and see how the costumes looked.” A Wilkes-Barre native, Ruck was able to maintain close contact with his mentor on frequent visits home. Their families shared Thanksgiving dinners and other occasions. Groh also attended many of Ruck’s student performances in New Jersey and watched videos of them, as well. “He loved to hear the stories about my work,” he says. “Even during my last conversation with him, when I was leaving to work (with high school students) on ‘Legally Blonde’ he asked, ‘How’s the orchestra? How are rehearsals coming?’” As founder of the theatre arts program at Wilkes, Groh staged hundreds of productions there over four decades; but his reach extended off-campus, as well. Groh co-founded the annual celebration of the arts in the Wyoming Valley now known as the Fine Arts Fiesta. Now in its 58th year, the event features four days of music, theatre, strolling performers, juried art shows and ethnic specialties in WilkesBarre’s Public Square. Its creation stemmed from Groh’s long-held desire to make the arts available to people in all walks of life— not just to those who could afford them, according to his nephew Miller. David Kerr ’81, immediate past president of the Fine Arts Fiesta, joined its board of directors at Groh’s invitation in 1986. “Everyone worked closely on the project, and as founding adviser, Al was always there to remind us of our mission and to provide guidance,” Kerr says. “He was devoted to raising up the community through the arts.” He also served as the event’s poet laureate, inspired by his longtime passion for penning creative idea threads. He published a series of poems for children and was known for conceiving pieces for special occasions— such as anniversaries of the dedication of the Darte Center—and for special people. Davidowitz recalls other community support championed by Groh, citing the shows he staged to benefit the wheelchair fund of the Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Club. “Everyone looked forward to those shows, including the students who performed in them,” she says. Groh married Jane Lampe, Wilkes’ dean of students emeritus, in 1977. (See story on page 11) To her, he once wrote affectionately: A man who loves a woman Longs to tell her so For a woman, when she’s loved, It’s what she wants to know And my beloved Jane Kathleen Is adored by Alfred Groh. Groh wrote the poem to the right regarding his cherished theatre, the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center. Fittingly, the words closed his memorial service in the building where his legacy continues. Want to share this story on Facebook or Twitter or leave a comment? Go to our new online version of the magazine www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline. Williams, Wilder, Ionesco, Albee, Beckett, Giraudoux, Shaw, Gershwin, Menotti, Sondheim— On the boards they’re a box office draw, And actor, director, and crew, No longer separate forces, Discover the creative spirit In imaginative and unimagined sources. I have lived in this house With friends such as these Genuine, truthful, Always hard-to-please, I have lived in this house Where the stage is set For wondrous things to happen When all commitments are met And the curtain rises and falls On scenes I will not forget. What begins as a thought On the printed page Becomes a script For a life on the stage That becomes a show Performed or read And begins again In someone’s head. On the stage A character never dies And comes to life again and again Before an audience’s eyes..... A majestic creation The arts immortalize. This is the house Where poets and artists stay And actors, musicians, and dancers Define tomorrow’s future today And where tomorrow’s future is already on its way. This is the house When I am gone Images of magnificence Build upon. �Al Groh and Jane Lampe-Groh devoted to Wilkes and each other By Vicki Mayk his friends and family thought Al Groh was a confirmed recalls the affectionate nicknames they had for one another. bachelor. Jane lampe was the woman who changed that. in private, they became “Alfred Bear” and “pooh Bear.” Groh started dating the new dean of women not long after lampe-Groh agrees that tolerance and acceptance of their she came to Wilkes in 1969, recruited by its first president, differences was central to their relationship. Groh was Jewish eugene farley. and his wife is a practicing catholic. in a lighthearted reference to their religious diversity, lampe-Groh fashioned a needlepoint one of lampe-Groh’s master’s degrees was in speech. So it was proclaiming, “Jewish men make the Best husbands.” it still appropriate that they went to see a show on their first date. hangs in their home. during more than 35 years of marriage, “We went to the pocono playhouse to see ‘the most happy fella,’ ” lampe-Groh recalls. Although she isn’t sure it was love at first sight, romance they attended each other’s religious services and observed the holidays of each tradition. in their household, they lit a menorah for hanukkah and also decorated a christmas tree. quickly blossomed. “When it happened and we were together, we When Groh’s elderly mother, ethel, moved in with them, she knew it was the right person,” lampe-Groh says. often accompanied lampe-Groh to church. After her death at married in 1977 in the kingston home they shared until Groh’s death in february, their relationship was one that came to be admired by many who knew them at the university and in the surrounding community. “you don’t find many couples so utterly content with each 102, lampe-Groh continued the tradition of making homemade applesauce for an observance at her mother-in-law’s temple. not all differences were overcome. lampe-Groh never shared her husband’s passion for all kinds of food. “Jane is content with peanut butter and jelly and oreos. Al loved to eat,” kovalchik other,” says chris miller ’83, Groh’s nephew. his sister, Alison laughs. lampe-Groh also drove more slowly. “Al could be across miller kovalchik ’79 adds, “it was a beautiful love story,” and the market Street Bridge and at campus in three minutes.” individually each will be remembered for their contributions to Wilkes. together they’ll be recalled as a couple devoted to one another for more than 30 years. in a 2011 interview in the magazine The Independent, Al Groh was quoted as saying, “my most priceless memory of my time at Wilkes is Jane lampe-Groh.” James ruck ’78, Groh’s former student and a close friend, recalls that on the day of Groh’s funeral his wife sat backstage by her husband’s flag-draped casket for an hour before the service. “that’s where she always was,” ruck says. “By his side.” Jane lampe-Groh and Al Groh ’41, pictured in their home, enjoyed more than three decades as a married couple. photo By mArk GolASZeWSki Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 they had things in common, including a love of the theatre. 11 �In Tune Jimmy Harnen ’85 Finds Success As Nashville Recording Executive Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 By Bill Thomas ’13 12 �Jimmy Harnen, Nashville, Tenn. B.A., Psychology, Wilkes, 1985 Career: Executive vice president of Big Machine Label Group and president of Republic Nashville Notable: Harnen leads music recording companies whose rosters include Tim McGraw, Reba, The Band Perry and “The ' There was so much I learned at Wilkes getting that degree that I still use today. Time, of course, has a way of changing things. And just as the music industry has evolved, so too has Harnen’s place within it. While at Wilkes, Harnen played in a cover band called Krysis (“Of course, we had to spell it differently because if we’d spelled it the normal way, it wouldn’t have been cool,” he jokes), but he quickly lost interest in playing other people’s music. That led to the creation of pop-rock outfit Synch, which would eventually become known as “Jimmy Harnen with Synch” after the breakout success of the single “Where Are You Now,” which climbed to Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Number 3 on the Adult Contemporary Chart in 1989. Harnen later performed as a solo artist, recording with future “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, Toto guitarist Steve Lukather and REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin. Always first and foremost a music fan at heart, that experience is especially cherished by Harnen. “When I was a kid, Kevin Cronin was one of my idols. I grew up listening to his music. I remember fighting to get tickets to see his show at the Spectrum. Today, he’s one of my friends. It’s amazing.” Gradually, Harnen transitioned to the executive side of the industry, something he never really considered, though it was in the back of his mind “I’ve always dreamed of running my own record label,” he says. That psychology degree hasn’t just been collecting dust, however. While psychology and music may not seem compatible at first glance, as has been the case with so many things in musician-turned-executive/rocker-turnedcowboy Harnen’s life, he’s been able to use lessons from his past in his current job. “I’ve been the artist who was signed. I’ve been the artist who was dropped. I’ve been the artist who was starving. I’ve been the artist who was successful. So what I try to bring to this side of the business is all of those emotions and experiences the artists go through on the other side. I try to be mindful of those emotions when I’m dealing with an artist,” Harnen explains. “There was so much I learned when I was at Wilkes getting that degree that I still use today. Life is a contact sport and it’s all about how you interact with other human beings.” '' Voice” Season 3 winner Cassadee Pope Favorite Wilkes memory: Gathering with friends around a TV in the Student Union Building to watch then-new music network MTV Opposite page left: Jimmy Harnen ’85 relaxes in the Nashville headquarters of Big Machine Label Group, where he is executive vice president, and Republic Nashville, where he serves as president. Photo courtesy Big Machine Label Group Want to share this story on Facebook or Twitter or leave a comment? Go to our new online version of the magazine www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline. Opposite from top: Country music recording artists with whom Harnen has worked include The Band Perry, photo by David McLister; Florida Georgia Line, photo by Adam Taylor; Eli Young Band, photo by Jeremy Cowart; Brantley Gilbert, photo by Justin Nolan Key; and Cassadee Pope, photo by MacPherson Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 J immy Harnen ’85 was always meant for music. He just didn’t know it. “I was involved in it, but I don’t think I ever considered it as a profession,” says Harnen, who majored in psychology at Wilkes. “I remember when I was a child and my mom used to take me to Wilkes-Barre on the bus. The route we took didn’t have a lot of people on it for the first few miles, and the interior of the bus had this way of reverberating sound. I loved the way my voice sounded in there. So I was 3 or 4 years old and I would sing on the bus and my mother would let me. If you think about it now, that must’ve been awkward for her, but she never shushed me. I wonder if she had, would I have taken a different path?” The path Harnen has followed has been a long one, taking him from his hometown of Plymouth, Pa., to Nashville, Tenn., where he is executive vice president of Big Machine Label Group. The company comprises Big Machine Records, home of such artists as Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw; subsidiary imprint The Valory Music Co., with artists like Reba, Brantley Gilbert and The Mavericks; and Big Machine/Republic Records’ joint venture, Republic Nashville, which records artists The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line and Cassadee Pope. Harnen also serves as president of Republic Nashville. Despite all that country music street cred, Harnen admits he didn’t grow up a fan of the genre. Over time, however, the boundaries of both country music and his own tastes have blurred into one another. “When I was growing up, I was a big pop and rock and metal guy. My parents listened to Kenny Rogers, though, and stuff like that, and, oddly enough, my mom used to always tell me I should get involved with country music. I never did, but then I moved [to Nashville],” Harnen says. “When I first got here, country was a little different than what it is now. If you were to tell me that in a few short years I would be working on a Darius Rucker country record, or that Sheryl Crow would be playing country, or that Jessica Simpson would be trying to make a country record, I never would’ve believed it.” 13 �Les Nicholas ’81 makes a point about the English language in his middle-school class room. photos by daN Z. JohNsoN Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 Memorable Motivator 14 Les Nicholas ’81 is honored as the country’s top educator for his innovative, inspiring teaching By Geoff Gehman �L es Nicholas ’81 watches his seventhgrade language-arts students hold a funeral for words he thinks deserve to be dead. First they bury the foul phrase in a cemetery of foul phrases in a classroom corner. Then they form a conga line of happy grief. The service ends with a eulogy from Nicholas, who promises that “a lot” will be reborn as something better, maybe even “a great deal.” The Word Funeral is one of many ways that Nicholas makes learning memorably meaningful at Wyoming Valley West Middle School in Kingston, Pa., his hometown. It’s one of many reasons that he received a major award in February from the National Education Association Foundation. The $25,000 prize honoring him as the country’s top educator is one of several awards for an inspiring and innovative educator nicknamed “Mr. Nick.” An afternoon in Mr. Nick’s classroom is a clinic in motivation, led by a canny coach. Nicholas demonstrates the tricky difference between “imply” and “infer” by reading dialogue from “The Big Bang Theory,” the hit TV show that celebrates the sexiness of braininess. He commands his students’ attention with everything from corny jokes to funny chides (“Thank you, Captain Obvious”). He prepares them for the next day’s assignment, a short report on the importance of their birth names, by reading his own short report on his birth name, Leslie. A fourth-generation educator, Nicholas jokes that he knew he wanted to teach “in the womb.” As a youngster he eavesdropped as his grandmother, a teacher, and his father, a high-school principal, discussed the ups and downs of education during holiday dinners. As he collated copies of his dad’s student worksheets, he imagined how cool it would be to improve student skills and lives. ' If kids know they’re not going to be ridiculed, they’ll keep getting back to you. The problem is, we don’t let kids fail. Failure is fruitful. Two Wilkes teachers helped Nicholas sharpen his teaching tools. He learned about organizing and drilling in coaching classes with John Reese, the University’s wrestling coach for 42 years. English professor Olivia Ayres Frey toughened him by videotaping him teaching recently completed lesson plans. “She didn’t tell us what we saw; she told us to open our eyes,” he says. “She made it real.” Nicholas made it real for – Les Nicholas journalism students from 1981 to 2008 at his alma mater,Wyoming Valley West High School. He taught pupils to write concisely and incisively, reminding them to “Write like a Spartan,” a reference to the school’s mascot. He urged them to challenge injustice, even if it meant challenging their principal.Whether advising the school newspaper or the TV/ radio studios he helped build, he made a trade practical and ethical, necessary and noble. This devotion to excellence earned Nicholas three prestigious prizes: the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Award (2004), the First Freedom Award (2008) and 2009 induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. His favorite tributes come from protégés who worked for The Boston Globe, The New York Times and other influential publications. Les Nicholas, Kingston, Pa. Notable: One of five winners of the 2013 Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence and the winner of National Education Association Award for Teaching Excellence, presented by the country’s largest teachers’ union. Favorite Wilkes places: The Commons and Emerson’s bar Favorite Wilkes memory: A kinesthetic teacher, Nicholas remembers an unusually kinesthetic demonstration of the word “flung” by the late Philip Rizzo, professor of literature and linguistics. First Rizzo flung his jacket into a classroom corner. Then he flung himself out a first-floor window. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 B.A., English, German and education, Wilkes, 1981 15 �' “Write like a Spartan” still guides Nina Elias, an assistant editor for the Web site of Prevention magazine. For her, the mantra means “Out-write all your competition” and “Don’t let me down.” Exceeding Nicholas’ exceedingly high standards, she admits, “is the coolest feeling in the world.” Five years ago Nicholas began teaching language arts at Wyoming Valley West Middle School, in the building where he attended high school. He launched livelier exercises to reach students with shorter attention spans and steeper learning curves. One of the liveliest is the Sprinkler Dance. “You’re hot today,” Nicholas will tell a student burning with right answers. Another right answer and he’ll say, “You’re on fire.” That’s the cue for other students to spring from their desks and juke around, waving their arms to cool their peer’s intellectual flames. Nicholas won’t embarrass a student who’s not hot. He tries to give a youngster who answers incorrectly another chance to respond correctly during the same period. “If kids know they’re not going to be ridiculed, they’ll keep getting back to you,” says Nicholas, who is married with a 23-year-old son. “The problem is, we don’t let kids fail. Failure is fruitful.” Like any teacher, Nicholas has days more fruitless than fruitful. He’s bothered most by spoiled potential. Rotting talent makes him quote from a Shakespeare sonnet: “Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.” Nicholas’ faith returns whenever a student gets jazzed by knowledge. “I know it sounds corny,” he says, “but that sparkle of recognition is an incredible rush.” Nicholas looks forward to holding funerals for words that don’t sparkle. He can’t wait to bury a foul phrase that’s commonly used, like, every third, like, word. He thinks it’s high time to give the old R.I.P. to “She’s LIKE, ‘You’re a jerk!’ ” I know it sounds corny, but that sparkle of recognition IS aN INcreDIBle ruSh. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 Above, Nicholas responds to a student’s questions. Below, the award-winning teacher listens to a student’s answer. Opposite, Nicholas relaxes during hall duty at Wyoming Valley West Middle School. 16 Want to share this story on Facebook or Twitter or leave a comment? Go to our new online version of the magazine www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline. �Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 This devotion to excellence earned Nicholas three prestigious prizes: the PeNNSYlvaNIa Teacher oF The Year awarD (2004), The FIrST FreeDoM awarD (2008) aND 2009 INDucTIoN INTo The NaTIoNal TeacherS hall oF FaMe. His favorite tributes come from protégés who worked for The Boston Globe, The New York Times and other influential publications. 17 �for Success By Vicki Mayk Denise Cesare ’77 Heads Health Insurance Giant Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 F 18 rosted glass doors on the ninth floor of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Wilkes-Barre headquarters mark the entrance to the executive suite. For Denise Schaal Cesare ’77, those doors could symbolize the glass ceiling she shattered to become the company’s first female chief executive officer 14 years ago. For Cesare, a Wilkes-Barre native, hard work led to her job as president and CEO. She exhibited a strong work ethic at Wilkes, where she became the first in her family to attend college. Her father, a baker and restaurant manager, and her mother, a bookkeeper and office manager, wanted their four children to attend college. “I always excelled at academics in high school, but my family knew nothing about college or how to research colleges,” she recalls. “It was my cousin Rick (Hatcher ’72), who had attended Wilkes as an accounting major, who recommended both Wilkes and their outstanding accounting program to me. Knowing there were accounting jobs available, it was an easy choice to make.” She has fond memories of her Wilkes experience. “It was clear my professors truly wanted to impart what they knew to their students.They truly exhibited a genuine caring attitude—something I believe my daughter Gabby experiences today as a Wilkes student,” Cesare says, referring to her younger daughter, a nursing major at the University. Her older daughter, Ashley, has a master’s degree in counseling and plans to pursue a doctorate in psychology. Cesare’s husband, Louis, also an accountant, is a majority shareholder in United One Resources Inc., a real estate risk-management firm. After graduation, Cesare entered public accounting, earning her certified public accounting license in 1979. After four years in public accounting, with both a regional firm and one of the “Big 8,” Cesare returned home to help her parents. She reluctantly took a job with Blue Cross as a senior auditor. “Having been in public accounting, I had developed an ‘up or out’ philosophy for my career. When I started in internal audit, I thought I wouldn’t want to be there more than five years. However, after understanding the positive impact that Blue Cross has on its members and its communities, I developed a passion for our business and told myself that ‘up’ must mean that I would one day be president.” Her work ethic soon earned her recognition from senior management, but ‘up’ didn’t appear to be happening soon enough. She left Blue Cross briefly to work as director of internal auditing for Allied Services, but jumped at the opportunity to return to Blue Cross in 1987 to become chief operating officer for its new health maintenance organization subsidiary. “What I did within the HMO formed the basis for my deepest understanding and love of the health-care industry.” When Cesare became CEO in 2001, she became one of a very few female heads of major companies in the region. “A vast majority of this community’s business leaders were, and continue to be, men,” she concedes. She was reminded that she’s still part of a minority when she took her executive team out to dinner for the first time. After dining together in a private club, she jokes that the women could not join their male co-workers as they adjourned to the bar downstairs. Cesare’s work has given her influence and understanding of an industry that impacts everyone in America. As CEO, she has worked to improve the system, constantly trying to bridge the gap between payers and providers. Hallmarks of Cesare’s tenure include developing new subsidiaries focusing on health, creating the Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania that funds community health projects, and serving as a founding board member of The Commonwealth Medical College. Her role puts her in an important position during a time of tremendous change within the health-care industry. Always critical of the fragmented nature of the industry, in which multiple players, from physicians and hospitals to pharmaceutical ' It was clear my professors truly wanted to impart what they knew to their students. '' �Denise Schaal Cesare ’77 leads Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania from her office in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Photo by Earl and Sedor Photographic Denise Schaal Cesare, Moosic, Pa. B.S., Accounting, Wilkes, 1977 Career: President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Notable: First female chief executive officer at Blue Cross. Served as the chief operating officer and executive vice president who started its HMO in 1987. Favorite Wilkes memory: Wilkes business faculty Wagiha Taylor and Robert Capin, who taught accounting before becoming Wilkes president. “He had the most influence on my professional career. He was so kind and so approachable. A real gentleman.” Want to share this story on Facebook or Twitter or leave a comment? Go to our new online version of the magazine www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 companies and insurers, play a role, Cesare defends the concept of managed care.“Having a primarycare physician as your health-care advisor just makes sense; the primary-care physician should be the advocate for the patient,” she says. Cesare sees the role of an insurer such as Blue Cross as being “the subscriber’s advocate.” She’s critical of the lack of coordination and collaboration in health care and of a system in which physicians, hospitals and other providers get paid primarily when patients have more tests and procedures.Advances in technology also contribute to skyrocketing costs because many times expensive equipment can be used more frequently than necessary in order to give the companies developing it a return on investments. A shift to a system focusing on patient advocacy, maintaining health and improving outcomes is long overdue, Cesare says. She sees strengths and weaknesses in the government’s Affordable Care Act. “One of the things I love about the Affordable Care Act is that it eliminates medical underwriting, which begins to level the playing field and return to the basic principles of health insurance,” she says. Under medical underwriting, a patient’s medical history determines coverage eligibility and the amount of their premiums. She supports the act’s efforts to ensure universal access to care, but criticizes it for neglecting to address the fragmented system that delivers the care. Cesare defines her role as a “servant leader” and advocates the not-for-profit status for insurance companies and others in the health arena. As soon as the interests of shareholders enter into the decision-making process, profits may overshadow the best interests of the community, she says. “Blue Cross exists here for the good of our subscribers,” she says. “I need to do what’s in the best interests of the community.” 19 �alumni news Homecoming 2013 — October 4, 5 and 6 Homecoming 2013 will be here before we know it, so start making plans to return to campus now! In a few weeks, you’ll receive a brochure with the full schedule of events in the mail. In the meantime, you can look forward to these events: SAV E T H E DAT E ' WILKES UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING • • • • • • • • • NEW! Dedication of the Cohen Science Center NEW! Casino Night Annual George Ralston Golf Outing Pints with Professors 50th Reunion Reception & Dinner Twist & Stout Downtown Bar Tour Tailgate Tent Reunion Celebration Blue & Gold Breakfast If you belong to one or more of the following groups, Homecoming 2013 is the place to be: • Class years ending in 3 and 8 • 1993 Football Team • A-List • Alternative Spring Break • Communication Studies • Engineering class of ’83 • Pharmacy • Political Science • Psychology • Resident Assistants • Sidhu School of Business • Men of Warner Hall from the 60s OCTOBER 4-6, 2013 The best place to find the latest Homecoming information, including event updates and hotel discounts, is www.wilkes.edu/homecoming. We look forward to seeing you in October! w w w.w i l ke s . e d u / h o m e c o m i n g Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 . l 20 ,' • Colonels, Clean Out Your Closets! Alumni Association Welcomes New Board Members Do you have a favorite Wilkes T-shirt that dates back to your days on campus? Glassware given out at a dance from years past? Your frosh sign from freshman year? Send a photo featuring your Wilkes memorabilia to bridget.giunta@wilkes.edu and you could see yourself online or in Homecoming materials. Plus, we’ll have contests and prizes for different categories. At the April meeting of the Alumni Association, Richard Burns ’64, Kathy Heltzel ’82, MBA’85, Gabe LeDonne ’05, Chris Sommer ’94, and Lou Steck ’55 were elected as new board members, starting on June 1. Tom Ralston ’80 will continue his service as president through May 31, 2014, with Cindy Charnetski ’97 filling the role of vice president of the association. If you’re interested in becoming involved with the Alumni Association, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wilkes.edu or at (570)408-7787. �campaign update Brothers Support Coach Sheptock and Football Program By Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 For Wilkes football head coach Frank Sheptock, the word football is synonymous with family. For real-life brothers Tony ’00 and Mike ’03 DaRe, this statement was true both on and off the field during their time at Wilkes. “Playing alongside Tony as a freshman brought our family together in the most incredible way. We knew it was special at the time, but understanding how rare of an opportunity it was becomes clearer with every year that passes,” says Mike. The brothers’ relationship deepened at Wilkes, where they were able to play on the same team for the first time in their athletic careers. “It was the time in my life when my brother and I became best friends,” says Tony. The pair includes Coach Sheptock in their family; he has influenced their lives long after leaving Wilkes. Both brothers say that there is not a day that goes by that they don’t call on the lessons they learned from him. For this reason, they decided to give back to the program that gave them so much. When Tony and Mike approached Coach Sheptock about supporting the football program, he enthusiastically agreed. “I was humbled, appreciative and thrilled. They were willing to take the lead, which is something they have done since I have known them,” explains Sheptock. Working with their coach to identify a project, they decided to raise money to renovate the locker rooms at Munson Field House because it is an area Michael DaRe ’03, Hoboken, N.J. Tony DaRe ’00, Easton, Pa. B.A., Communication Studies B.S., Business Administration Current Position/Employer: PR Current Position/Employer: and Influencer Entertainment/ Agency Principal, BSI Diageo North America Corporate Benefits, LLC that was used by many alumni. “The effort will give our current players a state-of-the-art locker room facility to go along with Schmidt Stadium and the Ralston Athletic Complex, which is one of the finest venues for small college football. It demonstrates the pride, the tradition and standard of excellence this program has always expected,” says Sheptock. Over the past several months, the trio has garnered support for the project through a series of events. “My favorite part about these events has been seeing Coach Sheptock stand in front of us again, put his heart on his sleeve and talk—in a way only he can—about what we’ve all meant to him and to the program,” says Mike. “We know that when we leave an event, we not only have gained support for this project, we have reignited a fire that will keep us all connected for years and years to come.” Mike hopes that current players will see the new facility as a symbol of the Wilkes football family. “When they walk into this locker room every day and see some of the names and faces of the guys from years past, they’ll know they’re part of something bigger than themselves. That confidence will not only translate into wins on Saturdays but will also help them succeed in whatever they choose to do after they graduate.” The renovations, which are set to begin this summer, are just the beginning of the long-term support the DaRes hope to cultivate among football alumni. “Going forward, all football alumni will have multiple opportunities to spend time with their Wilkes family and support the program at the same time. With their participation in this campaign, financially and otherwise, these guys have established themselves as a group that cares deeply about not just Wilkes football, but the University as a whole, and we are here to stay!” says Tony. To learn more about the project and find out how you can help, contact Coach Sheptock at frank.sheptock@wilkes.edu. Football alumni gathered at an event organized by Tony ’00 and Michael DaRe ’03 to raise money for new locker room facilities. Pictured standing from left to right, are Tony DaRe ’00, Bryan O’Leary ’04, Brett Trichilo ’05, David DiMartino ’01 MBA ’03 , Jamie Connell ’01, Mike DaRe ’03, Julian Morales ’05 MBA ’09, Steve Donlin ’06 , Tom Wighard ’03, Tim Yeagley ’10 and Tim Partridge ’10. Seated in front is head football coach Frank Sheptock. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 Family and Football 21 �class notes 1959 Stephen Poleskie recently released his sixth novel, Sconto Walaa. Published by Onager Editions, the book features a national guardsman recently returned from service in the Middle East suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Poleskie, a former Cornell University professor, also is an artist whose work has been featured in collections in The State Museum in Lodz, Poland, the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and the Tate Gallery and Victoria Albert Museum in London. 1964 Gary Einhorn became a grandfather for the first time when his son Noah and daughter-in-law Gretchen welcomed their first child, Eleanor Grace. Einhorn is a business coach in Ashland, Ore., and co-facilitates peer discussion groups of business owners. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 1972 Deanna Grietzer Jones, see 1971. 22 Gary Williams received the “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser” award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter. The award was presented at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Nov. 16, 2012. 1975 Bob Lehman, a staff engineer at Honeywell Aerospace in Phoenix, Ariz., recently received his third U.S. patent in the field of telecommunications. He is working on a new aeronautical Ka-band satellite communications system. Bob and his wife, Melanie, reside in Peoria, Ariz., near their three children and six grandchildren. Agnes (Swantek) Cardoni was awarded tenure and promotion to associate professor at Marywood University, Scranton, Pa. Cardoni spent 33 years in public education prior to moving to higher education. At Marywood, she serves as a program coordinator for the 1992 Lee Morrell’s career has gone to the dogs. In December 2012 Morrell joined Santa Monica, Calif.-based DogVaycay, a company that provides home vacation stays for dogs, as the company’s new director of public relations. Morrell has lived in the Los Angeles area for almost 20 years and is married to LeeAnn Morrell. He is the proud father of 9-year-old Sydney. English/secondary education majors. She also teaches methods courses, medical humanities, poetry and world literature and supervises student teachers in the field. 1976 Barbara Gavlick Hartnett published a children’s book, The Poor Little Pumpkin. She worked with artist/illustrator David Corrado. It can be purchased on Amazon or from the publisher, Rosedog Books of Hazleton, Pa. She is the owner of Costumes by Barbara in Luzerne, Pa. 1981 Susan E. Schwab was appointed a U.S. magistrate judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. 1971 Ellen Stamer Hall and her husband, Mick ’93, visited Tom and Deanna Grietzer ’72 Jones at their home in Arizona. While there, Hall visited Wilkes’ new Mesa, Ariz., site and chatted with site director Bonnie Culver. 1991 Shannon (Doughton) Kam recently earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is employed as a curriculum coordinator/data coach for the Hawaii Department of Education and part-time as an adjunct for the University of Phoenix College of Natural Sciences. She lives on Oahu with her husband and 9-year-old son. 1993 Reunion Oct. 4-6 ~ Mick Hall see 1971 1996 Grant Yoder was named the first head baseball coach in the history of Penn State University-Schuykill campus, which formed a team in spring 2013. 2000 Donna Talarico Beerman MFA ’10 was a contributor to Social Works: How #HigherEd Uses #SocialMedia to Raise Money, Build Awareness, Recruit Students and Get Results. The book was �class notes Stephanie Corey ’95 Brews Small-Business Success With Monster Potions At first glance, Stephanie Corey ’95 may not resemble a natural ingredients and are made in America by a lab potions master. Her alter ego, Miss Stephanie, is a voodoo specializing in green manufacturing. master mixer who keeps frightening monsters at bay. Corey runs her own business, Miss Stephanie’s Corey, who majored in economics at Wilkes, formerly worked as chief of staff to the general counsel at Potions, from her home in San Jose, Calif. Miss Hewlett-Packard. Going from a high-powered job to Stephanie produces monster repellent potions, body running a business warranted a large learning curve. wash and fairy attraction sprays for children who fear any type of monster. Corey came up with the idea after her son, Nico, then “I was way out of my element,” Corey says. “I realized I had become burned out and discovered I wasn’t happy anymore because I wasn’t helping people. I started 7, wouldn’t sleep because he feared zombies. She put thinking, ‘What can I do that would make me feel good a new label on a bottle of lavender spray, and assured about myself?’ ” Nico spraying it would scare zombies away. That night, her son slept on his own for the first time in weeks. Miss Stephanie’s Potions has been in business since 2011. The product line includes monster repellents for zombies, werewolves, vampires, generic monsters, and closet monsters, a fairy attraction spray and monster Corey still works part-time as a legal operations consultant for Flextronics, a technology and supply chain management company. It has helped to ease her adjustment to being a small business owner. “I was used to the corporate lifestyle where I got feedback on my projects, and, until then, I hadn’t armor body wash. Each realized I had identified monster has its own mascot with that part of my life so character with a backstory much,” Corey says. explaining how they came She has plans to write to work for Miss Stephanie books and license the in the Monster Be Good characters from the Gang. One is Draco, the potions business, which vampire who has Ph.D.s could lead to it becoming a in philosophy and physics full-time venture. “Parents but is afraid of heights can read the bedtime story and flying. Miss Stephanie with the accompanying found him stuck in a tree spray and stuffed animal.” and offered the scholarly vampire a job. — By Anne Yoskoski Stuffed animals and Yoskoski is an English monster repellent T-shirts and communication are also sold to accompany studies major. available online and in outlets in California and Pennsylvania. All of the products are non-toxic, have Stephanie Corey ’95, dressed as her alter-ego, Miss Stephanie, displays some of the monster and fairy merchandise sold in her business, Miss Stephanie’s Potions. Photo courtesy Stephanie Corey Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 the sprays. They are 23 �class notes Andrew Bartlow ’10 and Rachel Curtis ’10 Win NSF Research Fellowships Two Wilkes biology graduates from the Class of 2010 are Veterinary Medicine at among a select group of early-career scientists chosen to Texas A&M University. receive National Science Foundation Research Fellowships. Her research Andrew Bartlow ’10 and Rachel Curtis ’10 credit the role examines the factors their Wilkes undergraduate experience played in preparing that determine the them for the honor. The NSF receives more than 13,000 transmission of the applications for the fellowships, which carry three years parasite that causes of support, including a $30,000 annual stipend and an Chagas disease, a additional $12,000 annually to cover tuition and fees. debilitating disease Both Bartlow and Curtis worked as post-graduate with no known cure researchers in the Wilkes biology department after earning and no treatments their undergraduate degrees. Bartlow now is a doctoral approved by student at the University of Utah, where he is engaged in the FDA. research in an evolutionary parasitology lab, examining “Chagas disease has always been an important tropical the evolution of parasites and host/parasite interactions. disease, and is found throughout south and central However, his NSF proposal was based on work he started America. However, only recently has it been recognized at Wilkes with biology professor Michael Steele and as being acquired in the United States,” Curtis says. “My post-doctoral research fellow Salvatore Agosta ’98. research focuses on the ecological factors, including the “It is an extension of acorn dispersal and plant/animal disease vector (the kissing bug that spreads the disease), interaction research that I worked on there,” he says. the different sub-types of the parasite, the non-human The research examines weevils, the miniscule insect that animals that can harbor the parasite, and the environmental infects acorns, and the impact on the oak population as conditions. Through taking a whole-system approach to their numbers increase in northern latitudes. “Squirrels studying this disease, we can better understand where feed on the acorns infected with weevils. Changes in humans are most at risk for acquiring it in the United States.” weather patterns may see more weevils coming north and Both Bartlow and Curtis credit their research experiences a decrease in acorns as squirrels eat them. As you have at Wilkes with preparing them to compete with other loss of acorns, there is less regeneration of oak trees.” doctoral students for the NSF grants. Bartlow notes that he Curtis is a doctoral student in epidemiology in the is one of four doctoral researchers in his department at the Veterinary Integrative Biology Department of the College of University of Utah to receive the NSF funding. Curtis states, “Wilkes was the perfect place to develop the background I needed to be a successful applicant to this fellowship. NSF specifically looks for applicants with substantial research experiences, which were abundant at Wilkes. Attending Wilkes for my undergraduate degree gave me the research experiences, presentation skills and Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 publications needed for success in the world of science.” 24 — By Vicki Mayk Top, Rachel Curtis ’10 works in her lab at Texas A&M University, studying Chagas disease and the kissing bug parasite that carries it. Photo courtesy Rachel Curtis Left, Andrew Bartlow ’10’s research at the University of Utah has taken him to the Galapagos Islands, where he is pictured with sea lions during a break in his work. Photo courtesy Andrew Bartlow �class notes edited by higher education social media guru Michael Stoner. Talarico Beerman’s case study chronicled how Elizabethtown College— where Talarico Beerman is integrated marketing manager—and Messiah College developed a social media campaign to successfully boost giving participation among young alumni. 2005 2001 Sandra Skies Ludwig is a library technician in the E.S. Farley library on the main campus of Wilkes University. Kyla Campbell ’03 Reports From Our Nation’s Capitol more pressure to make Kyla Campbell ’03 says she is living her dream. A television perfect because more news reporter for Cox Media Group in Washington, D.C., eyes are watching.” her coverage can extend to breaking news anywhere in Reunion Oct. 4-6 ~ Georgina (Robinson) Ferriero, see photo 2007 2011 Amanda (Lenig) Riedinger, see photo 2009 every live shot and story Since graduating from Wilkes with a degree in Boston Marathon bombings, threats from North Korea, communication studies, immigration bill plans, gun control legislation and news Campbell worked as a involving Congress and President Barack Obama. reporter and anchor in Utica, N.Y., then as a news anchor and reporter at WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness News in and sports anchor and Wilkes-Barre. reporter at WJAC–TV, which “Although I love the small-town feel of northeastern 2008 “You just feel a bit the world. In one week this past April, she covered the Campbell went to Washington after working as an 2007 Jennifer (Snyder) Wagman, see 2005 Kyla Campbell ’03 is a television news reporter in Washington, D.C., for Cox Media Group, where her stories regularly take her to the Capitol and White House. Photo courtesy Kyla Campbell serves the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, I also love what larger cities have to offer,” Altoona and State College, Pa., areas. Most recently she worked says Campbell, who lives near Capitol Hill. as weekday morning anchor for WBRE/WYOU. Her days start with a 6:15 a.m. conference call from home. She discusses story ideas and angles with producers from as many as four television stations before Campbell says she has reached a new level of satisfaction with her job. “For the first time in a long time, I really feel like I’m doing heading to the studio. Between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m., she what I’m supposed to be doing with my career at this point does nine live shots for Cox television stations, including in my life. I feel spoiled in so many ways—great company, those in Oakland/San Francisco, Seattle, Tulsa and co-workers, location and stories—and I don’t know what job Jacksonville. After that, she focuses on a story that all 13 could be good enough to take me away from here.” Cox-owned stations can use in their evening newscasts. The broad reach of her broadcasts can cause extra stress for Campbell. — By Anne Yoskoski Yoskoski is a junior English and communication studies major. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 Tim Wagman and Jennifer (Snyder) Wagman ’07 were married on Nov. 17, 2012, at the Lancaster Marriot in Lancaster, Pa. Tim is a project manager for Monarch Products Precast Concrete and Jennifer is a senior accountant at Rite Aid Corp. They reside in York, Pa. Many fellow Wilkes alumni were in the bridal party, including: bottom row, left to right, Lynn Snyder, Mark Wagman, Andrew Minarik ’05, Ashley Gibson ’07; middle row, Neal Liptak, Christa Liptak, Jen Snyder ’07, Tim Wagman ’05, Amanda Snyder ’10, Justin Detig; back row, Stacy Kittrick ’07, Jason Walker, Bill Vacchiano ’05, Alicia Demer Hack ’07. 2005 Julie Melf has joined WNEP-TV in Scranton, Pa., as a news manager. She previously worked for WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre. 25 �class notes 2007 Michael Ferriero wed Georgina (Robinson) Ferriero ’08 on June 30, 2012, in Selinsgrove, Pa. They celebrated their union with more than 25 Wilkes alumni. Georgina is employed as a physician assistant at Evangelical Community Hospital. Michael is employed by Susquehanna University as a football coach. Wilkes alumni at their wedding are pictured, top row, left to right, Annie Serfoss ’09, Michael Ferriero ’07, Georgina (Robinson) Ferriero ’08, Kerry Battersby ’09, Adrienne Richards ’07, Becca Duttry ’08, Lauren Cirilli ’09, Bethany Head Pharm. D. ’10, Elizabeth Pauly ’08, Christina Waldele ’07, Vincent Abbott ’07, Tommy Andreopoulos ’07; and bottom row, Justin Rogers ’07, Bryan Vivaldo ’07, Jillian Friedler ’08, Jessica Gannon ’09, Kiara Kasa ’07, Kristi Barsby ’07, Carlos Proano ’05. Other alumni in attendance included Erika Barletta ’08, Michael Bridy ’06, Matthew Archey ’09, Chris Fellin ’87, Diane Fellin ’83, Deanna Woodward ’07, Lauren Verduchi ’07, and Cassie VanLuvender ’05. Graduate Students Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 2007 Laurie Loewenstein MA will publish her novel Unmentionables as the first book published by Kaylie Jones Books, the new imprint established by Wilkes graduate creative writing faculty member Kaylie Jones. It is an imprint of Akashic Books. Loewenstein has been chosen to participate in the Heartland Fall Forum in Chicago, the midwest’s largest annual convention for independent bookstores. 26 2009 Barb Taylor MA has signed to publish her novel Sawdust Trails with Kaylie Jones Books, the new imprint established at Akashic Books by Wilkes graduate creative writing faculty member Kaylie Jones. The novel is the first in a trilogy about the Morgan family of Scranton. Taylor is an English teacher in the Pocono Mountain School District. 2012 Christopher Barrows MS has joined New York University as its social media and mobile product coordinator. 2009 Kyle Riedinger and Amanda (Lenig) Riedinger Pharm.D. ’11 were wed on Oct. 6, 2012, in Wilkes-Barre. The couple met on their work-study jobs at the Wilkes admissions office. After maintaining a long-distance relationship while Amanda finished her degree, they married and moved to Kingston, Pa. The couple is pictured outside of Chase Hall, where they met. �class notes In Memoriam Marjorie (Shapiro) Leffler, Oakland, Calif., died May 1, 2010. Leffler taught at a middle school in Alameda, Calif., for 25 years before retiring and developing a library at Alameda’s Temple Israel. 1944 Clarice (Pearson) Smith, Forty Fort, Pa., died Dec. 9, 2012. Smith was an educator at Hanover Area School District. 1945 Alphonse Dervinis, Wayne, Pa, died Dec. 28, 2012. Dervinis worked in research at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Philadelphia, Pa. 1948 Leonard Kuchinskas, West Wyoming, Pa., died Jan. 6, 2013. Kuchinskas served in World War II in the U.S. Army. After his deployment, he was an electrician until his retirement. 1949 Leonard J. Shetline, Ravenna, Ohio, died Dec. 7, 2012. Shetline was a veteran of the U.S. Army and chairman of the math department at Jefferson Township High School in Oak Ridge, N.J. Irene (Smith) Moon, Endicott, N.Y., died June 16, 2012. Moon worked for Binghamton General and Wilson hospitals for more than 20 years. 1950 Robert D. Barber Sr., Tunkhannock, Pa., died Dec. 27, 2012. He worked as the vice president of Sordoni Construction Co. and retired as treasurer of Commonwealth Telephone Co. Barber served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dr. Theodore L. Piczak, Plymouth, Pa., died Jan. 8, 2013. He practiced podiatric medicine for more than 40 years in Kingston, Pa. Piczak served in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II. Stephen Polakoski, Nutley, N.J., died Sept. 23, 2012. A veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II, Polakoski was later employed as a chemist with Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, N.J. Paul Huff, St. Clair, Mo., died Jan. 30, 2011. During most of his working years he was employed as a machinist for Boeing in St. Louis, Mo., retiring after 37 years. 1951 Peter J. Banos, West Pittston, Pa., died Jan. 10, 2013. Banos was the owner and operator of Pittston Shoe Repair and Hat Cleaning. Banos served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. William Lewis Evans, Washington Twp., N.J., died March 12, 2012. Evans served in World War II as an airman. He worked at Dupont in Deepwater, N.J., for more than 30 years. He had numerous publications and patents in the field of chemistry. 1952 Michael Henry Gustave, Aberdeen, Md., died Nov. 30, 2012. He worked as a mathematician in the Ballistic Research Laboratories for 31 years, and then retired to become a consultant with various defense contractors. 1953 Charles A. Giunta, Exeter, Pa., died Jan. 3, 2013. Giunta served in the U.S. Army in World War II and later the Korean Conflict. He operated the Flat Iron Hotel and Charlie’s Supper Club. 1956 Dean R. Malkemes, Hanover Township, Pa., died Jan. 9, 2013. Malkemes was employed by Modern Floor Co., Wilkes-Barre, until his retirement. 1957 Robert (Bud) F. Price, Kingston, Pa., died Dec. 2, 2012. Price was a member of the Marine Corps since 1948. Price worked for the Marine Corps and then the Nicholson Division of Datron Systems, Inc., where he retired as vice president of marketing. 1960 Lyle Kenneth King Jr., Lake Township, Pa., died March 3, 2013. King served in the U.S. Army in the Korean conflict. King retired from Proctor & Gamble Paper Products in 1990. 1964 Leslie G. (Stone) Peltan, Bensalem, Pa., died July 7, 2012. Peltan was a third-grade teacher at Pollock Elementary School until retirement. 1965 Joseph F. Wydra, Hanover Township, Pa., died Dec. 27, 2012. He was employed as the principal of Jonas Salk Middle School and the Carl Sandburg Middle School in New Jersey. Wilkes | Spring/Summer 2013 1938 Ernest Weisberger, Kingston, Pa., died Jan. 27, 2013. Weisberger served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a captain in World War II. He was president and founder of Marvell Kitchens Inc. until his retirement in the early 1990s. 27 �class notes In Memoriam Anthony John “Tony” Parulis, Glen Burnie, Md., died Nov. 19, 2012. Parulis was a member of the U.S. Air Force and a fifth-grade teacher at Glendale Elementary School. 1968 Rose M. (Novroski) Gula, Dallas, Pa., died Jan. 26, 2013. Gula was a business teacher at Meyers High School. 1969 Angela B. (Chatrone) McNicholas, Scranton, Pa., died Oct. 11, 2010. McNicholas was a registered nurse at the Scranton State General Hospital and taught nursing at Wilkes. 1972 Mary Catherine Petroziello, Duryea, Pa., died Dec. 28. 2012. Petroziello was a teacher in Pittston Area High School. Wilkes | Winter 2013 1973 Amy Lyn (Pouser) Webb, Dallas, Pa., died Nov. 29, 2012. She was a schoolteacher for many years before becoming a mother and homemaker. 28 1974 Ronald A. Noyalis, Dallas, Pa., died Jan. 10, 2013. Noyalis worked at the VA Medical Center in Scranton as a social worker. He served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Southeast Asia, and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal. 1976 Joseph J. Warmus, Hanover Township, Pa., died Jan. 5, 2012. Warmus served in the U.S. Army in the United States and Europe. He was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for 31 years. 1977 Edward J. Pupa, Pittston Pa., died Jan. 8, 2012. He was employed as a science teacher for the Pittston Area School District for 25 years. Pupa served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Thomas J. Ohl Jr., Dallas, Pa, died Feb. 4, 2013. Ohl was the nursing supervisor at the State Correctional Institution at Dallas, Pa., until his retirement in 2005. He recently was employed by Geisinger Home Health and Hospice. 1978 Edward F. Gallagher, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died Dec. 6, 2012. Gallagher’s career as a counselor and therapist included positions at Misericordia University, Children’s Services and Saint Michael’s School. 1982 Ralph Lavere Schobert, Old Forge, Pa., died Aug. 11, 2012. Schobert was most recently employed at Salerno’s Café in Old Forge. 1984 Brenda C. Kocher, Warrior Run, Pa., died Oct. 20, 2012. She was a social worker for Luzerne County Children and Youth Services. 1985 Michael W. Ortalano, Vienna, Va., died Jan. 2, 2013. Ortalano worked as a software engineer with the American Association of Rhodes Scholars after receiving his doctorate from the University of Delaware. Friends of Wilkes Robert A. (Bob) Fortinsky, Kingston, Pa., died Dec. 27, 2012. Fortinsky founded Fortune Fabrics in 1949 and worked there until retirement. He was president of Temple Israel and the Jewish Community Center as well as many other organizations. He served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. He was a trustee emeritus of Wilkes. Faculty James J. Bohning, Bethlehem, Pa., died Sept. 2, 2011. Bohning, professor emeritus, was department chair of chemistry and then environmental science in his 31-year-career at Wilkes. After his retirement, he continued to teach and participate as director of oral history for the Chemical Heritage Foundation and a science writer for the American Chemical Society News Service. Ronald G. Mortimer, Pittston, Pa., died Jan. 9, 2013. Mortimer taught at St. Paul’s School in Scranton, Pa., and Pittston Area High School. After retirement, Mortimer was an adjunct professor at Wilkes. �ACHIEVING Mark Your Calendars for the Dedication of the Cohen Science Center The entire Wilkes community is eagerly anticipating the completion of the new Cohen Science Center this summer. By the first day of classes for the fall 2013 semester, the building will be in full operation. All are invited to a special dedication ceremony at Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at 4 p.m. Mark your calendar now to be part of Wilkes history! There is still time to make a gift in support of science at Wilkes by going to www.wilkes.edu/achieve. Many thanks to the following contributors who pledged their support between December 1, 2012 and April 10, 2013: Ms. Judith Adams-Volpe ’67 Mrs. Gail MacIntyre Dohrn ’76 Mary Regalis Althauser, Ph.D. ’63 & Mr. William Althauser Eugene S. Farley Jr., M.D. Mrs. Joan Domarasky Luksa, R.N., B.S.N. ’76 Mr. John Sapiego ’60 & Mrs. Carol Emanski Sapiego ’60 Mrs. Elizabeth Faint Fell ’45 Mrs. Patrice Walsh Lyons, LCSW-C ’69 Mr. Thomas R. Sarnecky ’55 Mr. David G. Arrigoni ’80 Ellen M. Field, M.D. ’78 Dr. Lynn E. Maelia ’80 Ms. Deborah A. Sears ’77 Mr. Robert M. Babskie ’72 Mr. Walter S. Fisher ’58 Mr. Robert A. Martin ’61 Samuel Shugar, Ed.D.’56 Mrs. Christine Tondrick Baksi ’98 Dr. Ruth McDermott-Levy ’82 Mr. Wayne Sittner ’68 Mr. Stephen M. Baloga Jr. ’76 Robert S. Gardner, Ed.D. ’67 & Judith A. Gardner, Ph.D. ’71 Mr. William Melnyk ’48 Ann M. Bartuska, Ph.D. ’75 Greg and Paula Gentilman Gaughan ’00 Dr. Gary E. Michael ’81 Mr. James W. Smith ’95 & Mrs. Rosaria Tammaro Smith ’96 Doris Gorka Bartuska, M.D. ’49 Mr. John E. Gorski ’48 Mr. Scott Michenfelder ’87 Dr. & Mrs. Joseph C. Smith ’90 Mrs. Kathleen M. Warakomski Benjamin ’77 Lt. Col. Mary E. Gould, USAF ’91 Mr. W. Lee Miller ’74 Mr. David A. Soboleski ’84 David Greenwald, M.D. ’66 & Carol Saidman Greenwald, M.S., N.C.C. ’66 Mr. James Morrash ’49 Mrs. Joanne Harding Murphy ’80 Mr. John E. Squeri ’70 & Mrs. Barbara Morrison Squeri ’70 Mr. John Gresh Jr. ’51 Dr. Wendy Marek Murphy ’08 Thomas D. Stine, M.D. ’51 Mr. Joshua Bowen ’07 & Monica Gehret Bowen, Pharm.D. ’09 Mr. James A. Gribb ’72 Mrs. Vani P. Murthy ’96 & Dr. Prahlad N. Murthy Mrs. Christina Rubillo Swanson ’04 Mr. Norbert J. Braun ’00 Mr. Richard Havard III ’83 Mr. Michael V. Burke ’04 Mr. Edward J. Heltzel ’58 & Mrs. Kathleen Layaou Heltzel ’82 Mr. Richard J. Myers Sr. ’60 & Mrs. Lois Tremayne Myers ’57 Mr. William Tarbart ’70 Mr. Frederick Brown ’68 Mrs. Barbara Perry Tokarz ’71 Mrs. Beverly J. Shamun Carey ’68 Mr. David Allen Hines ’95 Cap. David A. Nazarek ’82 & Mrs. Sharon Martin Nazarek ’82 Mrs. Debra Prater Chapman ’81, M’84 & Family Ms. Judith Hopkins ’55 Dr. Carl M. Charnetski ’90 Rockin’ Rich Nordheim ’80 Dr. Lester J. Turoczi Cynthia Charnetski, O.D. ’97 Mr. Bruce Alan Huggler ’90 & Mrs. Carol Pashchuk Huggler ’78 Stelios Patsiokas, Ph.D. ’75 Estate of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Valadja Mr. Harry Collier ’62 Mr. Kenneth L. Humiston ’76 Mr. Eugene Colosimo ’93 Dr. Joseph N. Ishley ’71 Mr. Douglas Phillips ’81 & Mrs. Valerie VanDyke Phillips ’82 Dr. William Urosevich ’76 & Mrs. Patricia Reilly Urosevich ’77 Mr. Christopher R. Connolly ’88 & Mrs. Karen Donohue Connolly ’90 Mr. George D. Kaye ’55 & Mrs. Elaine Kaye ’60 Mr. John D. Phillips ’60 Ms. Sandra A. VanLuvender ’93 Dr. Kimberly Whipple Pietropola ’05 Robert E. Conway, D.D.S. ’62 Mr. E. William Kaylor Jr. ’66 Mrs. Melanie O’Donnell Wade ’93 & Mr. Christopher Wade Mr. Thomas A. Costanzo ’72 & Mrs. Marilyn Rabel Costanzo ’70 Mr. Glen ’68 & Mrs. Nancy Klinger Mr. Robert J. Pitel ’59 & Mrs. Vera Wroble Pitel ’58 Mr. Raymond Best ’77 & Mrs. Joan Chemnitius Best ’77 Mrs. Zdzislawa Paciej Harms ’68 Mr. Stanley R. Houpt Jr. ’68 Mr. Barry Niziolek ’78 & Mrs. Jean Niziolek Mrs. Beverly Munson Swift ’63 Stephen C. Thomas, D.D.S. ’53 Dr. James Tricarico ’94 & Dr. Lisa Wrubel Tricarico ’94 Anastasios Tsolakis, Ph.D. ’78 James C. Weaver, Ph.D. ’71 Norman E. Cromack, Ph.D. ’51 Mr. George H. Knezek Jr. ’71 & Mrs. Barbara Roman Knezek ’71 Ms. Marilyn C. Querci ’88 Mr. Thomas N. Ralston ’80 Dr. Terese M. Wignot Mr. Francis E. Crowley III ’88 Ms. Stephanie Kramer ’96 Mr. Robert R. Rees Jr. ’89 Mrs. Martha Hall Yohe ’73 Mr. Joseph C. Damiano ’74 Mr. Joseph J. Kropiewnicki ’53 Mr. Roger Rolfe ’63 & Mrs. Amy Rolfe Donna Whitmore Zimmer, R.N. ’80 Mr. Mark J. Dechman ’97 Mr. Charles D. Lengle ’70 Mr. Raymond R. Russ ’92 Philip A. Defranco Jr., Pharm.D. ’05 Marc M. Levey, Esq. ’69 & Mrs. Janie Kirshner Levey ’77 Mrs. Chia In Irene Wang Rutkowski ’52 Mrs. Karen Miller Zingale ’85 & Mr. Lance Zingale Ms. Sheila Denion ’72 & Mr. Thomas Eysmans Mr. Brian L. Lubenow ’00 Dr. Brett Sachse ’97 & Dr. Kathleen Terrenoire Sachse ’00 Joseph Weinkle, CLU ’63 �w Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events June 1-Sept 1 Sordoni Art Gallery: Permanent Collection Exhibition 10-Aug. 16 Summer Class Sessions 23-27 Maslow Faculty Reading Series, Graduate Creative Writing Program July 12 Admissions Open House 22-Aug. 1 Education Department Reading Academy for Elementary School Students August 12 Graduate Studies Information Session 26 Fall Semester Begins 27-Oct. 20 Sordoni Art Gallery: The Art of Balliet September 8 Summer Commencement October 4 Dedication of the Cohen Science Center 4-6 Homecoming Weekend 10-14 Fall Recess November 27-Dec. 2 Thanksgiving Recess For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2013 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2013 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/3df5ad6c65c6c2f6cc281234c4f691fd.pdf 804a045d92af5a8730b160068a593e9f PDF Text Text S P RING 20 11 heroes in healing | opening doors | a different drummer | good scout �president’s letter Facilities for a New Generation of Students T he cover story in this issue of Wilkes magazine celebrates the careers of five alumni who each were recently honored with the University’s Health Sciences Distinguished Service Award for exceptional contributions to medicine. I urge you to read their stories and learn how their experiences at Wilkes contributed to their careers. They were inspired by great faculty and their interest in science was nurtured in the University’s fine classrooms and laboratories. Today’s Wilkes students receive the same great one-on-one education from faculty. But, I am sad to report, we do not have first-class science facilities in which to prepare them to be tomorrow’s research scientists, physicians, pharmacists and veterinarians. The Stark Learning Center, home to biology and chemistry programs and to the University’s School of Pharmacy and the departments of engineering, environmental engineering and earth sciences, provided stateof-the-art instructional space when it was built in the 1950s and 1970s. But the time has come to build new facilities for the next generation of scientists. The University Board of Trustees is committed to building a state-of-the-art science facility that, when completed in Spring 2013, will become the new home for the departments of biology, chemistry and environmental engineering and earth sciences. It is the first phase of a multi-stage project that will produce a complex of interconnected buildings housing the division of engineering and the Nesbitt College of A new science building will provide statePharmacy and Nursing. It will help us to attract of-the-art laboratories for today’s students. talented students who will make significant contributions to research and medical science. The new building is being designed by Bill Gregg of SaylorGregg Architects of Philadelphia, assisted by laboratory design expert Bob Nalls of Nalls Architecture. It will be 55,000 – 70,000 square feet, located between Conygham Hall and the Annette Evans Alumni House and connected to the Stark Learning Center. The four-story structure will accommodate the needs of the departments of biology, chemistry, environmental engineering and earth sciences, including laboratories, classrooms and offices. It will also house the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, which will monitor the impact on water quality from the gas drilling associated with Marcellus Shale Formation and be a clearinghouse for information on the associated environmental and economic impacts. We hope to break ground for our science building in September 2011. We also hope that as a friend or member of our alumni community you will support this critical project. It is a worthy cause; this $35 million project will make it possible for Wilkes to continue its tradition of providing a world-class education in the sciences and helping our region develop economically. Dr. Tim Gilmour Wilkes University President volume 5 | issue 1 S PR I N G 2 0 11 Wilkes magazine University President Dr. Tim Gilmour Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood Executive Editor Jack Chielli Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas Electronic Communications Christopher Barrows Graduate Assistant Rachel Strayer Layout/Design Quest Fore Inc. Printing Payne Printery Inc. Editorial Advisory Group Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Donna Sedor ’85 Alumni RELATIONS STAFF Director of Alumni Outreach and Stewardship Sandra Sarno Carroll Director Mirko Widenhorn Associate Director Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Coordinator Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 Alumni Association Officers President Laura Cardinale ’72 First Vice President Fred Demech ’61 Second Vice President Rosemary LaFratte ’93 MBA’97 Secretary Cindy Charnetski ’97 Historian George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Wilkes magazine is published quarterly by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications and Government Relations, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �8 contents Features 8 Heroes in Healing Five Wilkes alumni, honored with the University’s Health Sciences Distinguished Service Award, are leaders in the healing professions 14 Opening Doors Wilkes students get a head start on careers through the University’s internship program 16 A Different Drummer 14 Steve Fidyk ’90 is one of America’s top percussionists in military and civilian bands 18 Good Scout On the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, Michael LoPresti ’77 reflects on 33 years of involvement as a member and volunteer 12 departments 2 On Campus 6 Athletics 20 Alumni News 22 Class Notes Wilkes’ tradition of preparing leaders in the health sciences is celebrated in the University’s Health Sciences Distinguished Service Awards, presented to alumni who are leaders in their fields. Profiles of this year’s winners begin on page 8. 18 Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes. edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. J;;s FPO SC Wilkes | Spring 2011 1 �on campus Spring Speakers Bring Perspectives As Innovators The perspectives of speakers who are innovators and entrepreneurs highlight spring lectures at Wilkes. Allan P. Kirby Lecture Features Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Yogurt Biology Professor Mike Steele Edits First Book Focusing on Pennsylvania’s Endangered Species Wilkes | Spring 2011 Michael A. Steele, professor of biology and the H. Fenner Chair of Research Biology, is lead editor of the first reference book focusing on Pennsylvania’s endangered species. The book, Terrestrial Vertebrates of Pennsylvania: A Complete Guide to Species of Conservation Concern, was published in December by Johns Hopkins University Press. The book examines 133 species of reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals that are the state’s most vulnerable species on land. The book reveals what can be done to manage and conserve the Keystone State’s important natural resources. It includes basic biology, photographs and range maps. Written by contributors who are recognized authorities on their respective species, the narrative focuses on conservation priorities, research needs and management recommendations. It is a valuable reference for conservationists, wildlife managers and naturalists. Steele’s co-editors are Margaret C. Brittingham, professor of wildlife resources at Pennsylvania State University, Timothy J. Maret, professor of biology at Shippensburg University and Joseph E. Merritt, senior mammalogist with the Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 2 More on the Web To learn more about Pennsylvania’s endangered species and for a video interview with Mike Steele, visit www.wilkes.edu/steele. Gary Hirshberg, CE-Yo of Stonyfield Yogurt, will talk about running a successful company while focusing on the environment and social responsibility when he presents the Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship on March 22. He will speak about “Win-Win: Why ‘Good for All’ Will Save the Planet” at 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. The event is free and open to the public. Hirshberg has overseen the growth of Stonyfield from its infancy as a seven cow organic farming school in 1983 to its current $320 million annual sales. Stonyfield has enjoyed a compounded annual growth rate of over 24 percent for more than 18 years by consistently producing great-tasting products and using innovative marketing techniques that often combine the social, environmental, and financial missions of the company. One of the company’s five missions is “to serve as a model that environmentally and socially responsible businesses can also be profitable” and Hirshberg has realized this vision in every aspect of the company. Michelle Rhee, Founder of StudentsFirst, Delivers Max Rosenn Lecture Michelle Rhee, founder and chief executive officer of StudentsFirst and former chancellor of the Washington, D.C. public schools, will deliver the 30th annual Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities. Rhee will speak on May 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Darte Center. Admission to the lecture is free but attendees must register by calling (570) 408-4306. Rhee founded StudentsFirst in fall 2010 in response to an increasing demand for a better education system in America. The organization promotes a grassroots movement designed to mobilize parents, teachers, students, administrators, and citizens throughout country to channel their energy to produce meaningful results on both the local and national level. �on campus Above: Gary Hirshberg, CEO of Stonyfield Yogurt, above, will deliver the Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship on March 22. Photo courtesy Stonyfield Yogurt Rhee has worked for 18 years to give children the skills and knowledge to compete in a changing world. From adding instructional time after school and visiting students’ homes as a third-grade teacher as part of the Teach for America program in Baltimore, to hosting hundreds of community meetings and creating a Youth Cabinet to bring students’ voices into reforming the D.C. public schools as chancellor, she was guided by one core principle: put students first. Rhee was appointed chancellor of schools in the District of Columbia in 2007 by Mayor Adrian Fenty. She took over a school district serving more than 47,000 students in 123 schools. Under her leadership, the worst-performing school district in the country became the only major city system to see double-digit growth in state reading and state math scores in seventh, eighth and 10th grades over three years. Her work was highlighted in the documentary Waiting for Superman. Rhee resigned as chancellor in 2010. For more information about the Kirby and Rosenn lectures, please call Wilkes University events office at (570) 408-4306. Wilkes | Spring 2011 Below right: Michelle Rhee, founder of StudentsFirst and former chancellor of the Washington, D.C., public schools, will be featured at the Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities on May 1. photo by randy sager 3 �on campus After I was put in the Integrated Management class I found a perfect opportunity to develop my idea. Sidhu Student Continues His Freshman Project Sophomore entrepreneurship major Nick Wesley entered his freshman year with a clear purpose and mission in mind. “I came to Wilkes specifically because I heard that as a freshman, you receive the opportunity to start a business from scratch,” says Wesley. “I have not heard of this approach anywhere else and as an entrepreneur I believe this is the best way to learn about business.” In February 2010 Wesley began a tabletop advertising business for his Integrated Management Experience class. “I have always been good with advertising and I had the idea to use lunch tables in schools as a media outlet for a long time,” says Wesley. “After I was put in the Integrated Management class, I found a perfect opportunity to develop my idea.” Integrated Management Experience is a two-semester course that takes students through the sequential steps of a business, including creating a business concept, planning the venture, launching and operating the business, and finally closing the firm. Wesley’s interest in advertising led him to start the business now known as University Advertising. The business that started out as a requirement in his freshman year turned into a growing business venture. University Advertising sells space to local businesses on the tabletops of Rifkin Café, located on the first floor of Wilkes Henry Student Center. Upon completion of the course, instead of closing the firm, Wesley initiated a transfer of management and is now responsible for purchasing supplies and other expenses associated with University Advertising. “It would have been a shame to the business and the customers to just let this idea, which was on the brink of success, die,” Wesley states. This is just the beginning for University Advertising. Wesley plans to expand the firm using other schools, more unique advertising spaces and other innovative methods to gain viewers and deliver advertisements. “There are many subtle nuances in business which no book can teach you. Immersion is the best tool,” he says. – Nick Wesley Sophomore entrepreneurship major Nick Wesley shows off the table-top advertising sold by University Advertising, the business he started in his freshman Integrated Management Experience. photo by kim bower-spence Creative Writing Program’s Reading Series Streamed Online Wilkes University’s Maslow Faculty Reading To view the videos, visit www.livestream.com/wilkesevents. The next Series, featuring faculty, advisory board residency will be held from June 17-25, 2011. Readings are held nightly members and alumni of the Graduate Creative at 7 p.m. from June 19 to 23. Wilkes | Spring 2011 Writing Program, can now be seen anywhere 4 Readings from the January 2011 readings can be viewed now. The in the world. The series, held each January January series was highlighted by a Jan. 13 reading featuring National Book and June as part of the program’s residencies, Award finalist H.L. Hix; Beverly Donofrio, author of Riding in Cars with Boys; is now streamed live on the Internet. In and the newest Wilkes creative program advisory board member, Susan addition, the videos of the readings are Cartsonis, commercial producer of films such as What Women Want, Nell, archived and can be seen at any time. Where the Heart Is, The Truth About Cats and Dogs and more. �on campus President Gilmour Honored by Wilkes-Barre Chamber Wilkes President Tim Gilmour was honored by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry with its Outstanding Citizen Award. The award was presented at the chamber’s annual dinner in November in recognition of Gilmour’s contributions to the community during his tenure as Wilkes president. He shared honors with King’s College President Thomas O’Hara. The two presidents were honored because of their pending retirements—O’Hara in May 2011 and Gilmour in May 2012. Pictured from left are Donna (O’Toole) Sedor ’85, chamber executive vice president; Bob Snyder, Luzerne Bank; King’s College President Father Thomas O’Hara; and Wilkes President Tim Gilmour. Texting Study by Psychology Faculty Receives National News Coverage Professors of psychology Deborah Tindell and Robert Bohlander’s research about students’ text messaging in the classroom was featured in media outlets across the United States. photo by Lisa Reynolds Web sites or forums. It also appeared on over 20 educational online news sources, including InsideHigherEducation.com. Tindell and Bohlander have developed tips to help teachers on all levels with classroom management when dealing with text messaging. They also have plans to expand the study at more colleges and universities. More on the Web Learn more about Drs. Deborah Tindell and Robert Bohlander’s research about text messaging in the classroom. To read more details about their study and to access tips for how teachers can minimize texting in their classrooms, visit www.wilkes.edu/texting. Wilkes | Spring 2011 A study of the text messaging habits of college students by Wilkes psychology professors Deborah Tindell and Robert Bohlander made national headlines when the Associated Press ran a story about their research. Tindell and Bohlander designed a 32-question survey to assess the text messaging habits of college students in the classroom. In total, 269 Wilkes students, representing 21 majors, and all class levels, responded anonymously to their survey. The study showed that 95 percent of students bring their phones to class every day and 91 percent have used their phones to text message during class time. Almost half of all respondents indicated that it is easy to text in class without their instructor being aware. The story about their research was carried by more than 500 print, television and online news outlets, including media giants like The New York Times, National Public Radio, CBS, ABC, The Chicago Tribune and literally hundreds of others. The research also appeared on over 100 online resources including blogs, Web sites and social media outlets. Major online resources included The Huffington Post, The Washington Examiner, Gawker and more than 30 technology blogs, 5 �athletics In the Game Women Athletes Celebrate A Half-Century of competition at Wilkes By Helen Kaiser and Vicki Mayk Wilkes | Spring 2011 A 6 sk Doris Saracino what women athletes wanted when she joined Wilkes in 1960 and she has a simple answer. “They wanted to play,” she says. Thanks to Saracino’s efforts, backed by University administration, Wilkes women athletes are celebrating a half-century of competition this academic year. In January 2011, an event was held celebrating 50 years of women’s basketball. Establishing a women’s basketball team with Saracino as coach in 1961 was a turning point. Before that, women’s teams played in what was essentially intramural play. Local newspapers ran women’s sports scores on the women’s social pages. “Prior to that time, if they wanted to compete in tennis, they had to join the men’s team,” Saracino recalls. “Wilkes had a swim team in those days, and if women wanted to compete, they had to join the men’s team.”’ Saracino led the charge to establish women’s intercollegiate teams. When women complained about unequal treatment, she discouraged open protests, insisting, “I’ll take care of it: you play.” Saracino did what she promised. A field hockey team, also coached by Saracino, followed basketball in 1962. Teams for women were established in other sports: tennis in 1973, volleyball in 1975, softball in 1977 and soccer in 1987. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which guaranteed equity in athletic programs at schools receiving federal aid, strengthened the program. Wilkes women’s teams joined the NCAA and Mid-Atlantic Conference in the 1980s. Alumnae athletes praise Saracino and other coaches for making it possible for them to compete and benefit from athletic competition. One of them is Candice Cates Zientek ’71, a resident of Fayetteville, Pa., who played two seasons of basketball and four years of field hockey as center half and later center forward for Wilkes. Zientek credits Saracino, “the heart and soul of Wilkes women’s athletics” and now a lifelong friend, with the excellent mentoring she received as an athlete. �athletics Alumnae Reflect on Impact of Athletics Sandra Bloomberg ’71, Brooklyn, N.Y. Dean, College of Professional Studies, New Jersey University Played basketball and field hockey; coached field hockey, basketball and tennis at Wilkes Sandra Bloomberg says playing sports helped her “to build leadership skills and develop greater self-confidence; to learn that talent is important but a good attitude and a solid work ethic are most essential for success; to recognize and appreciate the unique contribution that each individual brings to a group; to deal with prioritizing competing responsibilities; and to learn the absolute necessity of teamwork (and selflessness) to accomplish common goals.” Mary Jo Hromchak ’80, Wilkes-Barre. Head field hockey coach, Dallas High School, Dallas, Pa. Played field hockey, basketball and softball; 22 years as an assistant coach for basketball, field hockey, and Wilkes women’s athletic teams are pictured through the decades. Center, opposite page, Doris Saracino, the “mother” of Wilkes women’s athletics. Photos courtesy of Wilkes University archives lacrosse at Wilkes “The faculty and staff [at Wilkes] were in the stands when you played. They wanted you to succeed. This personalized the experience for me—made the campus world a bit smaller because you were known by the teachers…Being involved in athletics makes you disciplined, because you had to make good grades to stay on the team…Athletics taught me who I was: a competitor, someone who likes to be active, doing things…” Kim (Kaskel) Mushinsky ’96, Wilkes-Barre Township. Math teacher, Crestwood Middle School, Mountain Top, Pa. Played field hockey at Wilkes on the 1995 championship team inducted into Wilkes Athletic Hall of Fame “Playing sports reinforced so many valuable life lessons: time management, setting personal and team goals, working with others, discipline, leadership, and good sportsmanship. Our coaches (Addy Malatesta and M.J. Hromchak) made the experience so fulfilling. I couldn’t have asked for two better role models. They really set the bar high. They expected a lot from all of us—not only as players but as individuals.” Wilkes | Spring 2011 “All of the coaching lessons, compassion, and leadership she instilled in me, I am now trying to instill in my students.” Saracino and field hockey coach Gay Meyers both inspired Zientek’s career in athletics. She teaches in the exercise science and coaching programs at Shippensburg University. After graduating from Wilkes, Zientek taught middle school before earning master’s and doctoral degrees. She went on to coach in the U.S. Field Hockey Program for more than 20 years. She also was head field hockey coach at the University of Michigan and at the University of Surrey in England. Although not all student athletes pursue careers in athletics, Saracino says all female athletes learn common lessons that benefit any career path. “Wilkes has developed such leadership skills among its women athletes,” Saracino says. “I’m like a proud mama, seeing how well women athletes have done in their careers.” 7 �8 Wilkes | Spring 2011 �The winners of Wilkes Health Sciences Distinguished Service Award represent excellence in their fields and a passion for the healing professions. The awards, presented every five years, recognize individuals who are leaders in their fields through ground-breaking research, innovation in treatment and outstanding service in their specialty. The doctors, dentist and veterinarian honored with this year’s awards are making significant contributions in their fields and demonstrate excellence in their work. Profiles by Helen Kaiser and Kim Bower-Spence The Wilkes experience helped to prepare Richard Clompus ’75 for an international career as a vision expert, training professionals in advances in optometry that benefit patients throughout the world. The Jacksonville, Fla., resident is vice president for global professional relations for the San Francisco-based Cooper Vision; and he spends a good deal of time traveling to foreign countries on five continents. He supports clinical studies, education and professional relations for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. Clompus was director of the Vision Care Institute in Jacksonville from 2006 to 2009, supporting optometric education in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Previously, he held leadership positions with two Johnson & Johnson Vision Care companies. Earlier in his career, he operated a private multidisciplinary optometric practice in his native West Chester, Pa. photo by Taryn Hannah Wilkes | Spring 2011 RICHARD CLOMPUS, O.D. ’75: Eye on Sight 9 �'' That practice I had standing up in front of an audience made public speaking easier for me later in life. I was able to build on it until I was comfortable connecting with large groups. When he reflects on his Wilkes years, Clompus sees the impact that various activities had in his later life. “As a student I was the chairman of the concert and lecture series at the Performing Arts Center on the edge of campus,” he says. “I would work to bring in the performers, meet them ahead of time, and introduce them to the audience. “That practice I had – Richard Clompus, O.D. ’75 standing up in front of an audience made public speaking easier for me later in life. I was able to build on it until I was comfortable connecting with large groups. I have lectured to over a thousand doctors at a time. Preparation is key.” Clompus says his work as a resident assistant to students on campus helped him learn about communications and dealing with conflict—another set of important life skills. Always interested in science and medicine, he initially thought about becoming a pharmacist. He obtained an excellent foundation in biology, thanks to the late Charles Reif and Lester Turoczi, both professors emeritus of biology. “Dr. Turoczi was the inspiration behind a research project I did on fruit flies and how insects age. I learned that research was hard work, and I got to present my scientific findings at a college conference,” Clompus says. ' “When you look back on your life, you see how one experience progresses to another,” he says. By combining science and medical education with his avid interest in photography, Clompus began to look for ways to use lenses to help people improve their vision. He graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed a family practice residency at the University of Alabama School of Optometry in Birmingham. “My goal has always been to help improve the quality of patient care. Optometry is very technologically based. Doctors need to understand new technologies to diagnose disease earlier, and they need to know how to communicate results to patients in order to improve their compliance (with medical advice),” he says. While internationally renowned in his field, Clompus says he is most proud of his 34-year marriage to his high school sweetheart, Linnea. The couple has three grown children who have chosen careers in women’s studies, computer science and medicine. Henry Finn, M.D., FACS ’80: People Mechanic Henry Finn ’80 salvages limbs for a living. As chief of the orthopedic section at the University of Chicago’s Weiss Memorial Hospital, director of the Bone and Joint Replacement Center at Weiss and a professor of surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center, he sees challenging cases from all over the country. Patients who need amputation seek out Finn as their last hope for complicated knee or hip replacement surgeries. In 1989, the first prototype of his Finn Knee System was implanted. Two years later the Food and Drug Administration approved Finn’s invention for use in complicated cases such as cancer. About 15,000 people around the world have the device. Orthopedics Today cited it as one of the most significant orthopedic Wilkes | Spring 2011 ' 10 I probably would have ended up as a car mechanic, and I ended up as a people mechanic. photo courtesy Weiss Memorial Hospital – Henry Finn, M.D., FACS ’80 '' �' (Most gratifying is) the ability to take an idea that really hatched out of work in the basic laboratory and take it all the way to developing a new treatment. ' photo courtesy cedars-Sinai medical center Eduardo Marban, M.D., Ph.D.’74: Cardiac Quest Eduardo Marban ’74 explores the frontier of medicine, developing techniques that could allow a heart attack victim’s own cardiac stem cells to heal scarred heart muscle. As director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Marban is in the midst of a 30-patient clinical trial to determine if the therapy is safe and effective. “Preliminary results look very promising, and full results should be available by the end of 2011,” he reports. If the stem cell clinical trial succeeds, Marban says, cardiac stem cell therapy could reach patients as early as 2014. The Cuba native came to the United States at the age of 6 with his parents as a political refugee. His late mother, Hilda, taught Spanish at Wilkes College, and he chose to attend college close to home with a goal of becoming a physician. “Many of my classes were small, and the teaching was very much one-to-one,” notes this teacher, professor and researcher. “It was a great experience in terms of getting to know the professors, and a very tailored education.” He graduated with a mathematics degree at age 19, then went to Yale University for doctorates in medicine and physiology. He became interested in the heart in his first year of medical school, where references to a “pump” and “pipes” fascinated his quantitative mind. “At the time, the heart and circulatory system were being approached in simple physical terms, with little biological insight. I was stirred by how rudimentary our knowledge was, and by the opportunity for discovery.” After medical school, Marban’s focus on the heart led him to Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., where he completed his training as a cardiologist and served in a variety Wilkes | Spring 2011 advancements in the last century, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in 2008 named the Finn Knee one the field’s most significant advancements. The Consumers’ Research Council of America’s Guide to America’s Top Physicians twice listed Finn for orthopedic – Eduardo Marban, surgery and joint M.D., Ph.D. ’74 replacement. Among his other inventions is an artificial hip that can allow patients to bear weight the day following surgery. Finn grew up in rural Waymart, Pa., and gave no thought to attending college until deciding at 16 to become a doctor. He read about Wilkes’ Hahnemann program in the local tri-weekly newspaper. Unqualified for admission to Wilkes, let alone the Hahnemann program, he recalls challenging admissions dean John Whitby to give him a chance. “Huck Finn,” as he was known then, scrambled to teach himself algebra so he could do advanced calculus and physics. The world-renowned physician and educator cites professors like Charles Reif, Owen Faut and Lester Turoczi among his favorites. “Wilkes College provided me with excellent preparation for medical school,” Finn recalls. “I got the gift of being able to be a part of it.” One of his first medical school experiences was orthopedic surgery. He knew instantly that’s where he wanted to be. It used the same tools—saws, hammers and drills—that he’d used as a boy to transform lawn mowers into mini bikes. “I probably would have ended up as a car mechanic, and I ended up as a people mechanic.” After medical school and residency at Hahnemann, Finn completed a fellowship in orthopedic oncology at the University of Chicago. His wife, Catherine Hughes Finn ’78, teaches preschool at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Brother Charles Finn ’85 is an orthopedic surgeon in Florida. Henry and Catherine have two daughters, Lauren and Caitlin. In nominating her father for the Wilkes award, Lauren wrote about one patient benefitting from the Finn Knee: “Think about this: (Finn) turned a fused knee, a solid bone, into a joint! Finally, one of his patients was able to bend his knee and get on the floor to play games with his two little kids.” 11 �Wilkes | Spring 2011 of academic and research positions before joining Cedars-Sinai, located in Los Angeles. He also served 10 years as editor of the scientific journal Circulation Research. Marban’s research career focuses on how the heart works and why it does or does not work in various disease states, with a view to creating new therapies. He received the American Heart Association’s Award of Meritorious Achievement in 2009, and has won the Basic Research Prize of the AHA, the Research Achievement Award of the International Society for Heart Research, the Gill Heart Institute Award, and the Distinguished Scientist Award of the AHA. Marban has co-founded three biotechnology companies based on his research and patents: Capricor, to develop products resulting from his current research; Paralex, acquired by Cardiome Pharma and which tested drugs for treating heart failure; and Excigen, to develop gene therapy replacing pacemakers for rhythm disorders. Most gratifying, he says, is “the ability to take an idea that really hatched out of work in the basic laboratory and take it all the way to developing a new treatment.” He likens it to football, where play after play incrementally marches a team down the field to a touchdown—except Marban’s goal is to improve human health. 12 Photo courtesy Dr. W. Peter Nordland W. PETER NORDLAND, D.M.D. ’74, M.S. ’75: Saving Smiles W. Peter Nordland ’74, M.S. ’75 has developed innovations in oral plastic surgery that impact patients’ lives. A periodontal and implant surgeon in San Diego, Calif., Nordland also is involved in teaching and research. He directs the Oral Plastic Microsurgery Training Program at the Newport Coast Oral Facial Institute and his own Nordland Oral Microsurgical Institute. “What we’re able to do when someone is disfigured is to reconstruct missing bone and soft tissue. They can’t smile – W. Peter Nordland, anymore; we can put them back D.M.D., M.S. ’74: together, and they can be happy and whole. It’s a really rewarding field,” he says. Nordland came to Wilkes when he was recruited to play both baseball and football for the Colonels. This was during the height of the football team’s 33-game winning streak, he recalls, laughing. When he saw how physically daunting the players all were, the tall, slender Nordland quickly decided on baseball. He enjoyed playing third base during his freshman year, but— knowing he wasn’t going to wind up as a professional baseball player—he realized he needed to get more serious about his academics. From early on, his goal was to enter dentistry, and two Wilkes biology professors inspired him. The late Charles Reif, was “really tough, mentally challenging.” Nordland credits him with pushing him to seek higher goals. Lester Turoczi, with his enthusiasm and humor, showed that learning can be fun. “To this day, I have tried to model my teaching after him,” the surgeon says. After earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Wilkes, he went on to earn his doctor of medical dentistry degree from Temple University. He completed a general practice hospital residency at the Gerry Pettis Memorial V.A. Hospital and Loma Linda Medical Center, as well as a surgical residency at Loma Linda University—earning a master’s certificate in periodontics. Nordland is a co-founder of the International Academy of Oral Plastic Surgeons. He played a significant role in developing this sub-specialty and introduced various new surgical procedures. During the mid-1990s he began using the microscope in his work. Less than 4 percent of specialists use one, even today, ' With every change I make, my goal has been to educate and promote microsurgical procedures to enhance the final outcome. '' �MARK STAIR, V.M.D. ’70: Respecting all creatures Wilkes-Barre native Mark Stair ’70 developed his penchant for biology and science at Wilkes under the tutelage of the late professor emeritus of biology Charles Reif, whom he described as “an institution” at Wilkes at the time. “He was quite the naturalist and got me interested in wildlife and ecology,” Stair says. As his life progressed, however— through two years in the Marine Corps and a semester of graduate studies in ecology at the University of Minnesota— Stair determined he was better suited to healing animals instead of trapping them for research. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1978 and joined a hometown clinic, the Trucksville Dog and Cat Hospital. In 2001 Stair purchased the busy practice, which has been named “Best in the Back Mountain” by the local newspaper. Stair’s contributions as a veterinarian include providing a variety of free and low-cost services in the community. He takes pride in helping people be able to care for their pets responsibly, so he participates in various rabies clinics and spaying/neutering programs offered through local organizations. He also helps at microchip clinics. When a microchip implant is placed under the skin of a dog or cat, animal control officers or animal shelters can quickly access information to return pets to their owners. The practice is a service to the community as well as the animal, since it eliminates the need for shelter housing, feeding, and out-placing or euthanizing the pet. photo BY Earl and sedor photographic “It’s hard to find homes for animals that need them,” he says—especially in challenging economic times. He’s taken in four cats that now have the run of an upstairs room at the clinic. Stair says it has been rewarding to rescue numerous animals that otherwise would have been euthanized and to – Mark Stair, have found good homes V.M.D. ’70 for many of them. He also paid to have advanced orthopedic surgery performed on a dog and a cat that are now enjoying satisfying family lives. A regular participant at Wilkes’ health sciences day for high school juniors, Stair mentors high school and college students considering a career in veterinary medicine. Married to Maureen Clinton Stair ’70, he has fond memories of playing trombone in the Wilkes band, especially at football games. His brother was a music major at Wilkes, and two of the veterinarian’s three daughters graduated from the university. The third graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. All of them have pursued careers in medicine or physical therapy. “We grew up learning a lot about life and death, and about respect for all creatures, in large part from our experiences with veterinary medicine with our own pets,” his daughters say. Stair fills his spare time with music and nature. He is a member of Local 140 American Federation of Musicians, the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, and the American Birding Association. ' It’s hard to find homes for animals that need them. '' Wilkes | Spring 2011 although it can make a huge difference, he says. To benefit from this innovation, he discovered he needed smaller instruments— so he invented his own and makes them available to professionals worldwide. “With every change I make, my goal has been to educate and promote microsurgical procedures to enhance the final outcome,” Nordland says. He receives many invitations to teach and has given more than 300 presentations to international, national, state and county dental societies, dental schools and the military. He has published extensively, and his awards include the 2008 and 2009 “America’s Top Dentists-Periodontists Award” from the Consumers Research Council of America. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology. Nordland is a native of Dover, N.J. His wife, Kathleen, is a dental hygienist, and his two stepdaughters have pursued medically related careers. His 13-year-old daughter is also showing leanings toward science, he says, so he may suggest she attend Wilkes. 13 �Wilkes Students Get Practical Experience—And First Jobs—Through Internships By Mary Ellen Alu ’77 Wilkes | Spring 2011 W -14 hen Cara Cacioppo ’07 graduated from Wilkes nearly four years ago, she avoided the one major challenge that most new college graduates face—landing a job. Two weeks before graduation, she was offered a position as a regional account manager at The Lion Brewery in Wilkes-Barre. No resume needed. “I took my cap and gown off,” she says, “and I went to work the next week.” The key to this success story, Cacioppo will tell you, was the fact that management already had an idea of her work ethic and sales ability. As a senior, the business administration major had toiled in sales and marketing as an intern for the brewery. She had been calling on 25 to 30 accounts. Cara Cacioppo ’07, who now spends much of her time on the road for Maines Paper & Food Service Inc., landed her first job via an internship. PhotoS by Jonathan Cohen “I completely skipped the sending-out-resume step after graduation, because the internship exposed me to the real business world and allowed me to exercise what was learned at Wilkes,” says Cacioppo, now an account manager with Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc., a food and paper distributor. While not all internships lead directly to jobs, Cacioppo learned what professors and university administrators preach: Potential employees need to set themselves apart, particularly in these economic times, and a college internship is an ideal way for students to do that. �Marcus Magyar ’08’s internship at Scottrade led to permanent employment after graduation. Photo by Michael Touey One life lesson came early. After compiling data for Mericle, he sent out a mass e-mail to the brokerage division filled with e-mail jargon and acronyms. When the division’s vice president called him into his office, Magyar was hoping to get accolades for his work. – John Mishanski ’07 Instead, the boss read the Software Engineer, Google e-mail aloud, much to Magyar’s embarrassment. “I spent that evening researching e-mail etiquette,” he says. Internships hold value for students and companies alike, says Mike Luksic, who, while at The Lion Brewery, mentored many Wilkes students in sales and marketing. Students worked 20 hours a week, earning college credits and learning the business. The company was able to mold the interns into effective sales representatives, gaining an understanding of their work ethic and skills. If a job became available, Luksic had a sense of whether any of the interns would be a good fit for the company. He likened the experience to leasing a car before deciding whether to buy it. Wilkes alumnus John Mishanski ’07, who was hired by Google after a summer internship, says the people he had worked with as a software engineering intern could later vouch for him. “My full-time job was not an automatic consequence of my internship, but it certainly helped,” he says. Google later extended an offer after considering his interviews, internship performance and grades. “There are a lot of good reasons to do internships, but from my experience the one that sticks out is the ability to try something with low risk,” Mishanski says. “I ultimately moved to California for a full-time job. If I hadn’t spent a few months giving it a try, that decision would have been much harder.” Castano says some programs, such as business administration, require internships, while others, such as engineering, highly recommend it. Other fields offer the choice. Students receive college credits, get paid, or both, depending on the employer. Even if an internship doesn’t lead to a full-time job, students have more practical experience to add to their resume, Castano says. And that could make all the difference in landing a job. “Their resume is professional,” she says. “It stands out.” Magyar acknowledged that some students don’t think they need internships. They might be caught up in the college lifestyle, not thinking beyond graduation. Or they believe their degree will be enough. But, he says, internships open doors. Now Magyar, like others, is paying it forward. He helped bring on another Wilkes student at Scottrade as an intern. '' Wilkes | Spring 2011 Each year at Wilkes, 200 to 250 students participate in internships, whether in communications, psychology, business, criminology, integrative media or other fields. The majority, about 70 percent, are seniors, says Sharon Castano, who coordinates the university’s internship program. Some students complete an internship as early as their sophomore or junior year, which gives them time to complete more than one before graduating. Marcus Magyar ’08’s first internship was with Mericle Commerical Real Estate, where he worked for five months. The next was a year-long internship in the financial services industry with Scottrade, Inc., which led to his job as a licensed stock broker with the company. Not only did he learn both industries, he says, but he also learned how to conduct himself professionally. It afforded him the opportunity to network with professionals through emails, meetings and projects. ' There are a lot of good reasons to do internships, but... the one that sticks out is the ability to try something with low risk. 15 �Steve Fidyk ’90 Is A World-ClasS Percussionist in Military and Professional Ensembles By Rachel Strayer S teve Fidyk ’90 never expected to find himself performing in the Middle East for service members on a recent USO tour, much less enjoying it. Fidyk and select members of the United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” toured Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan on the 2008 USO holiday tour hosted by the Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston. Fidyk describes the tour as “some of the most Wilkes | Spring 2011 rewarding performances” of his career. 16 “(There were) servicemen asking, ‘Did you travel all this way just to play for us?’” Fidyk recalls. “If traveling overseas and bringing a piece of home made their lives a little easier, then it was all worthwhile.” Fidyk’s journey started years before when he was recruited as an eighth grader at Hanover Area Junior High by Wilkes faculty member Jerry Campbell. “At that time, Mr. Campbell was in the process of rebuilding the music program and he had a great rapport with my band director, Mr. Baranowski,” states Fidyk. The opportunity to receive first-hand experience with jazz professors Bob Wilbur, Tom Heinze and percussion ensemble director Bob Nowak helped set Fidyk on his current musical path. “At Wilkes, no one cared that I was in eighth grade. They treated me as an equal and expected me to work hard and keep up,” says Fidyk. He took that challenge, playing five years at Wilkes before attending the college as a music education major. After Steve Fidyk ’90’s career as a drummer started at Wilkes and has taken him around the world. Photo courtesy of Steve Fidyk graduation, he accepted a teaching assistantship at the University of North Texas and immediately missed what he had received in abundance at Wilkes: playing experience. “I really wanted to play, and at The University of North Texas, my schedule was full with teaching responsibilities” he says. After one semester, Fidyk left Texas looking for new opportunities. After answering an audition advertisement for the U.S. Army Field Band, Fidyk was accepted and enlisted. Though based in Washington, D.C., for more than five years, he spent an average of 120 days per year on the road traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. With a wife—fellow Wilkes alum Tamela (Newell) Fidyk ’90—and a growing family, Fidyk recognized the need for a less hectic travel schedule. He auditioned for the prestigious 17-piece jazz ensemble, The Army Blues, winning the drumset spot from 60 other contenders. He is now a master sergeant with 20 years of military service. �More on the Web Listen to Steve Fidyk play and learn more about his career by visiting his website www.stevefidyk.com. Steve Fidyk, Davidsonville, Md. B.A., Music Education, 1990 M.A., Jazz Studies, University of Maryland, 2002 Career: Master sergeant and percussionist in the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, member of the Jazz Studies department at Temple University and co-leader of The Taylor-Fidyk Big Band. Notable: Played percussion for two Grammy Award-winning albums. Favorite Wilkes Places: The Dorothy Dickson Darte Center and his wife’s former dorm, Waller North. Favorite Wilkes Memory: “I met my wife at Wilkes; that trumps everything!” Right: Fidyk performs with the Army Blues jazz ensemble. Photo courtesy Steve Fidyk Below: Steve Fidyk performs with his son, Tony, during a concert at Wilkes-Barre’s River Common in summer 2010. Fidyk teaches in Wyoming Seminary’s Performing Arts Institute. Photo by Curtis Salonick Wilkes | Spring 2011 Originally, Fidyk never considered a career in the military even though his father is a Korean War veteran, his uncle served during World War II and another uncle died in Vietnam. His decision came from the recommendations of three trusted individuals: his private music instructors and mentors, Ed Soph, John Riley and Joe Morello. All three New York City musicians encouraged Fidyk, just as they provided him with skills and guidance that would impact his career. At 82 years of age, Morello is still giving lessons to Fidyk’s son, Tony. When not playing for the military, Fidyk keeps a busy performing schedule. In addition to leading the Taylor-Fidyk Big Band with arranger Mark Taylor, he has toured and recorded with artists such as Maureen McGovern, Tom Paxton and the Woody Herman Orchestra. He played on Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer’s Grammy-winning albums, “Bon Appetit! Musical Food Fun” in 2004 and “cELLAbration: A Tribute to Ella Jenkins” in 2005. The Taylor-Fidyk Big Band “Live at Blues Alley” recording won a Washington Area Music Award— known as a WAMMIE—for “best big band recording” of 2006. Fidyk also teaches in the jazz studies department at Temple University and has written several articles for Modern Drummer Magazine, Percussive Notes Journal, Teaching Music Magazine and Music Alive! He has published several method books and even a beginner’s “how to set up your drum set” DVD featuring his son, Tony. His latest book, Big Band Drumming At First Sight, is due out in the spring of 2011. Despite all his professional commitments, Fidyk’s number-one priority is his family. He lives with his wife and two sons, Tony and Joey, in Davidsonville, Md. “All my inspiration for playing today comes from my wife and kids,” says Fidyk. “When I walk in the front door, I’m not a musician or a teacher…I’m dad, and that’s exactly how I like it.” 17 �Good Scout Michael LoPresti ’77 Contributes Time and Talents to Boy Scouts Wilkes | Spring 2011 A 18 s the Boy Scouts of America recently observed its 100th anniversary, Michael LoPresti ’77 celebrated a personal milestone with the organization: 33 years of involvement that began in boyhood and has continued with service as a local, regional and national scouting volunteer. Recently retired from the position of chief financial officer with Chicago’s Adler Planetarium and launching his own consulting business, LoPresti says he’s used the lessons learned in scouting throughout a successful career. “I often tell people, ‘I’m too much of a Boy Scout,’ ” LoPresti jokes. “If I take on something, it’s got to be done right, and I’m going to be honest and transparent in my dealings. I try to get better with each new project that I take on. The value system that I learned in scouting has been the bedrock on which I’ve built my career.” A resident of Glenview, Ill., LoPresti uses his business skills as volunteer treasurer and executive committee member for the Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America, which serves 17,000 scouts. His service earned him scouting’s prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 2005. LoPresti’s father was his scoutmaster in his hometown of Groveville, N.J. Together they led an expedition to the Philmont Scout Ranch, which challenges boys with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Two years later, LoPresti traveled to Japan to attend an eight-day World Scout Jamboree and trekked to the summit of Mount Fuji. While on the mountain, a typhoon struck. He scrambled down the summit and scouts from more than 100 countries were evacuated from flooded campgrounds to a high school gymnasium. He took a lesson away from the experience. “The Scout motto is ‘Be Prepared.’ What I realized is that I was prepared,” LoPresti says. “I could adapt to the experience. I wasn’t intimidated.” The civic lessons he learned in scouting led him to major in political science at Wilkes. He honed leadership skills participating in student government and residence hall council and public speaking skills in Professor Brad Kinney’s class. “His encouragement was important. He told us, ‘You’re going to have to get up in front of large groups your whole life.’ I’ve used the skills I learned there throughout my career.” LoPresti took a break from scouting after high school, but was hooked all over again when his older son joined. “Scouting By Glenn Kranzley is fun for the parents, too,” he says. He and his wife, Bonnie, became pack leaders. When his sons went onto Boy Scouts, he joined them. He enjoyed watching boys develop leadership skills through the experience. “It is gratifying to work with the scouts and see them master cooking over an open fire, camping in sub-zero weather or carrying out a community service project,” LoPresti says. “Boy Scouts give the scouts a chance to fail and then succeed in a controlled environment. Once they realize they can master a task, their self confidence soars. They can become the teacher, instead of the student.” More recently, LoPresti has helped to bring that same character-building experience to underserved youth through the Scoutreach program. The urban scouting program focuses on city and minority youth. What started in a single school has expanded to dozens of locations in Waukegan and North Chicago, Ill. LoPresti has helped to fund the program. John Mosby, CEO of the Northeast Illinois Council, says, “Mike is a servant leader and he leads by example. And he’s a visionary. He’s making a difference in the economically challenged cities of Waukegan and North Chicago with his work to bring scouting to schools through innovative lunchtime programs. Mike is making a difference one boy at a time. Just think where that might lead as those youngsters grow up.” LoPresti’s younger son, Chris, is the next generation to assume a leadership role in Scouting. Father and son have led scouts on a 50-mile trek through Montana’s Glacier National Park and on trips to the 2005 national jamboree and the 2007 centennial world jamboree in England. In July 2010, they were selected from volunteers across the country to serve on the VIP/Guest Services staff at the 100th anniversary jamboree in Virginia, the only father-son team on the 30-member staff. Chris’s busy high school schedule delayed him from receiving his Eagle Scout medal at the traditional Court of Honor ceremony before entering Yale University. His father arranged for him to receive it in a special ceremony at the jamboree, followed by a flight in a Blackhawk helicopter over the 2,200-acre jamboree site. Although such experiences are exciting, LoPresti says the satisfaction he gets as a Boy Scout volunteer is knowing the impact it makes on young lives. It was perhaps best reflected in a thank-you card received from one of the urban scout troops in the Scoutreach program. “They sent us a picture. They were all there in their neckerchiefs, holding up their badges. The smiles on their faces said it all.” �Top: LoPresti with his son, Chris, at the 2010 national Jamboree, where both served as volunteers. Center: The LoPrestis viewed the Jamboree from an Army Blackhawk helicopter. Bottom: LoPresti presents his son, Chris, with his Eagle Scout award during a special ceremony at the national Jamboree. Photos courtesy of Boy Scouts of America Michael LoPresti, Glenview, Ill. B.A., Political Science, Wilkes, 1977 Master of Public Administration, George Washington University, 1979 Michael LoPresti ’77 at the Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America, where he volunteers on the executive committee. Wilkes memory: Stayed behind when campus was evacuated because of a flood threat in 1976 to move furniture and contents of campus buildings to their second floors. Fortunately, the Susquehanna River crested just below the top of the levee. Notable: Rode in an Army Blackhawk helicopter over the 2010 Boy Scout National Jamboree in Virginia. Wilkes | Spring 2011 Career: Retired chief financial officer, Adler Planetarium, Chicago, Ill. Photo by Dave Shields 19 �alumni news Alumni Association Works With Senior Class The spring semester is filled with opportunities for current senior students to meet alumni and learn more about the Alumni Association. At the First Farewell event in February, students were welcomed into the Alumni Association by board members and began the tradition of raising funds to present Wilkes with a senior class gift. Other social events are planned throughout the semester to unite the class and set the stage for events such as Homecoming. Many of the students are also involved in the alumni-student mentoring program, further strengthening the connection with alumni. The fun isn’t just for the students, either. Alumni have just as much fun—if not more—coming back to campus and hanging out with the senior class. To find out more about these events, check out the alumni website at www.wilkes.edu/alumni or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (570) 408-7787. Wilkes seniors and faculty celebrate and network at an Alumni Association event. Pictured from left, Anna McFadden, Angela Nicolosi, Professor of Psychology Robert Bohlander, Katie Nadeau, Professor of Psychology Deborah Tindell, Krista Hill and Alyssa Ciesla. Photo by Bridget Giunta Husted ’07. Hire Wilkes! When the senior class graduates in May, approximately 400 students will join the network of over 33,000 Wilkes alumni. As a Wilkes alumnus or alumna, you can help Colonels at any stage of their career by sharing job opportunities within your company. Helping Wilkes alumni in search of a job while recruiting talent for your organization is as easy as contacting the Office of Alumni Relations with vacancies. The professional network committee of the Alumni Association is creating opportunities Wilkes | Spring 2011 for alumni to help other alumni develop their 20 careers. If you’re interested in serving on postings, suggestions and your thoughts with the Office of Alumni this committee, contact Alumni Relations at Relations by calling (570) 408-7787 or emailing alumni@wilkes.edu. alumni@wilkes.edu. Join the Wilkes alumni We’re also here to help if you are in a period of transition. LinkedIn group at www.linkedin.com to Visit the Career Services website at www.wilkes.edu/career or network with fellow professionals. Share job view opportunities on www.collegecentral.com/wilkesu. �alumni news Mary E. (Balavage) Simmons ’10, a communication studies graduate, has joined the Office of Alumni Relations as coordinator. She was an intern for the Office of Alumni Relations in Fall 2009. Simmons will work with the mentoring and development committees of the alumni board. She will also be responsible for the administration of the alumni-student mentoring program and will help organize alumni events throughout the country. In her spare time, she is a member of the Robert Dale Chorale and a member of the St. Therese’s Pastoral Council and choir. Be sure to look for her at the next alumni event! SAVE THE DATE! Mary E. (Balavage) Simmons ’10 has joined the Wilkes Alumni Relations Office. We want to know what’s happening with you! Update your classmates on your latest news—did you start a family, get a new job or meet up with other Wilkes alumni? Submit a class note—it only takes a moment. Email alumni@wilkes.edu, call (570) 408-7787 or submit your update online at www.wilkes.edu/alumni. Dan ’79 and Puddy ’79 Cardell, Dr. Henry Finn ’80 and Provost Reynold Verret celebrate Finn’s achievement as a Health Sciences award recipient at a dinner in his honor at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago. For a story on Finn’s career, please see page 10. HOMECOMING 2011 SEPTEMBER 23, 24 AND 25 Wilkes | Spring 2011 Mary E. (Balavage) Simmons ’10 Joins Alumni Relations Office 21 �class notes 1965 Dr. Catherine D. DeAngelis has announced that she will retire in June 2011 as editorin-chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association. She plans to return to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to develop a center for professionalism in medicine and related professions, including nursing, public health, business and law. 1966 Reunion Sept. 23-25 ~ Dwight E. Giles Sr. and his wife Josephine celebrated 65 years of marriage on June 2, 2010. 1969 David Palmer retired from The Newark Museum after 30 years as a designer and director of exhibitions. He recently opened a new painting studio in Bangor, Pa., where he practices iconography in the Russian style. 1970 Dave Bogusko see 2004. Wilkes | Spring 2011 1975 Ann M. Bartuska is deputy under secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research, Education and Economics mission area. 22 1978 Kevin McCall accepted a new position as manager for production planning with Nobel Biocare in Yorba Linda, Calif. Nobel Biocare is a leader in innovative restorative and esthetic dental solutions. Clark F. Speicher, retired colonel of the U.S. Air Force, recently accepted the position of business development manager with Lockheed Martin MS2, Mission and Sensors Systems business unit in Liverpool, N.Y. Clark resides with his wife, Merry, in Sherrill, N.Y. 1980 Barbara E. King and R. Michael Paige were married on Sept. 26, 2010. The bride is associate dean of student affairs at Wilkes. She has worked for the University for 31 years. The groom is a partially retired professor of international and intercultural education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. They live in Dallas, Pa. 1982 Maurita (Gries) Elias and Robert Elias celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Oct. 19, 2010. The couple reside in Dallas, Pa. 1991 Reunion Sept. 23-25 ~ Christopher R. Arabis and his wife welcomed a son, Jackson Robert Arabis, on Oct. 11, 2010. 1994 Tracy Zabrenski is director of revenue cycle at Moses Taylor Hospital. She previously filled a similar position at Geisinger Health System for 12 years. 1995 Jackie Coolbaugh and Garth Andrade were married on Nov. 20, 2010. Both are employed with the Dallas School District and reside with their two children in Dallas, Pa. Anthony D. Mazzatesta is project manager in the environmental engineering group for RETTEW, an engineering design firm in Lancaster, Pa. He resides in Kulpmont, Pa. 1996 Reunion Sept. 23-25 ~ 1989 Maria DiCredico married Robert Waegerle on Sept. 25, 2010. 1990 Brian Curran was elected to the New York State Assembly on Nov. 2, 2010. Curran was expected to join the New York State Assembly on Jan. 3, 2011. Curran has been an associate partner at the law firm of Nicolini, Paradise, Ferretti and Sabella for the past 10 years and was recently the mayor of Lynbrook, N.Y. Edward Benjamin Hoffman see Graduate Students 2006. 1997 Regina (Frappolli) Dunphy and her husband welcomed their fourth child, Patrick, in July 2009. He joins 9-year-old sister Isabella and brothers Michael, 6, and John Paul, 5. The family lives in Florence, N.J. 1998 Charles J. (C.J.) Copley was named one of Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s “Top 20 Under 40” for 2010. He is executive vice-president of sales and marketing at Golden Technologies, a manufacturer of home health care equipment. Brian Kaschak received the Teaching Excellence Award from the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Kaschak is a history teacher, assistant wrestling coach, and varsity boys’ baseball coach at the Upper School at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, where he is also dorm head of Carpenter Hall and the director of the summer English as a second language program. Shannon (Stair) Bushong and her husband, Brandon, announce the birth of their second son, Sheldon Ross, born Sept. 28, 2010. Sheldon joins big brother, Winston. Bushong recently obtained her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Scranton and works for Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Del. 2000 Greg Riley started an online music sales and consignment shop, www.instrumentcloset. com. The online store specializes in the sales of new and consigned instruments online from all over the world. The web address was printed incorrectly in the last issue of Wilkes magazine. �class notes Air Force Maj. Deirdre Gurry ’99 Meets Woman Who Paved the Way Maj. Deirdre Gurry ’99 is part of an elite group: As a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, she’s one of only 4.5 percent of flyers who are female. Gurry is a C-17 Globemaster pilot, flying test and delivery missions as the Government Flight Representative to Boeing in San Antonio, Texas, for the Defense Contract Management Agency. A mechanical engineering major at Wilkes, she was a member of the Air Force ROTC detachment when she was tapped for flight training. After graduating from Wilkes, she went to pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. Since then, Gurry’s service has included assignments as a T-37 flight instructor at Columbus Air Force Base and a C-17 aircraft commander and flight instructor at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Wash. She also has been deployed to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan for Operation Enduring and supplies in and out of combat zones. “One of the most amazing feelings was when I was Air Force Maj. Deirdre Gurry ’99, above left, presents the Congressional Gold Medal to Mary Reineberg Burchard, honoring her for her service as a WASP in World War II. bringing a bunch of Army troops out of the war zone on pilots could be released for combat duty. When they were their way home,” recalls Gurry, a native of Bushkill, Pa. deactivated in 1944, their service was deemed confidential “As soon as we were airborne, they were cheering.” and they received no benefits or recognition as veterans. Equally touching, she says, are the children of In 1977, Congress finally acknowledged their contribution Afghanistan and Iraq. “They are really happy we are and granted them veteran status which led to honorable there,” she says, recalling that many service men and discharges in 1979. On July 1, 2009 President Obama women bring coloring books and other gifts for the awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal, and on March children when they are deployed. 10, 2010 more than 200 of them attended the ceremony in One of Gurry’s most memorable assignments came in March 2010 when she helped honor some of the Women Washington D.C. One of the WASP, Mary Reineberg Burchard, was unable Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. The WASP to attend the Washington ceremony. Her daughter arranged were formed in 1942 as civilian volunteers so that male for her to receive her medal, in a special ceremony in Long Beach, Calif., and Gurry was asked to present it to her. Burchard, a native of York, Pa., was a test pilot at Marana Air Base in Tucson, Ariz. Several other WASP attended her award ceremony. Gurry says she felt like she was meeting her heroes. “Their dedication, commitment, courage and strength laid the groundwork for the opportunities afforded to us today. There are no words that can express the amount of gratitude they deserve,” she says. — By Vicki Mayk Left: Mary Reineberg Burchard in her WASP uniform, and Maj. Deirdre Gurry ’99 her modern-day counterpart. Photos courtesy Deirdre Gurry. Wilkes | Spring 2011 Freedom, serving as a cargo pilot ferrying servicemen 23 �class notes From College to Colleagues: Anthony DaRe ’00 and Kerianne Geist ’00 He lives with his wife, Adrienne, and daughter, Lila, in Easton, Individuals sometimes lose touch with old college chums. Michael DaRe ‘03 also graduated from Wilkes. “But now Not Anthony DaRe ’00 and Kerianne Geist ’00. The the project is real.” business administration majors first partnered in their Pa. Geist resides in Doylestown, Pa. “We joke that it really does feel like we’re back at Wilkes working on a project,” laughs DaRe, whose brother They welcome new projects, like dealing with classes at Wilkes. Ten years later, they are working health-care reform. “It’s challenging because it literally together again. changes by the hour,” says DaRe. “I’m very excited to The opportunity came with the 2010 expansion of be at the forefront of working on successful solutions.” DaRe’s company, BSI Corporate Benefits. BSI stands Successes have included the work DaRe did on behalf for balance, strength, and integrity, words that DaRe of Central Columbia School District in Bloomsburg, Pa. attributes to his parents. Founded in 2003, the It was featured on CNN’s The Situation Room. company advises clients about insurance benefits, laws, Geist and DaRe credit Wilkes with preparing them and procedures, and negotiates the best deal for each for demanding careers. Both juggled athletics with client’s needs. When DaRe expanded the Michigan-based their academic schedules, finding guidance and encour- business to the East Coast, he called his old friend. agement from their Wilkes mentors, such as head football Though living and working in different parts of the country for a decade, the pair kept in touch. Geist, who worked in marketing and project management for Rita’s Italian Ice coach Frank Sheptock and their advisor, Professor of Business Anne Heineman Batory. “Their help didn’t stop when we stepped out the door and Leo Burnett, was excited to tackle a new challenge with after Wilkes,” Geist says. “They would drop what they’re an old comrade. She is now managing director for BSI in doing to help us, even now. How many other colleges have Bethlehem, Pa. DaRe has also moved to the east coast office. professors who would do that?” Geist and DaRe are thrilled to be once again living close to their alma mater, along with many of the friends and mentors they acquired at Wilkes. “To be closer to our college friends—and to our school— it’s just been a fantastic transition,” says DaRe. “The majority of our friends, they’re our Wilkes friends. They’re our Wilkes family.” Wilkes | Spring 2011 — By Rachel Strayer 24 Kerianne Geist ’00 and Anthony DaRe ’00 in the Bethlehem, Pa., offices of DaRe’s company, BSI Corporate Benefits. �class notes 2002 Matthew M. Yencha see 2004. 2003 Stacey Veronica Rutt M.S. ’06 and Gene Matthew Molino were married on Oct. 17, 2009. The bride is a thirdgrade teacher in the Wyoming Area School District. The groom is associated with the law offices of Vough and Associates and also serves as a judicial law clerk. The couple live in Exeter, Pa. 2004 Melissa Jurgensen is the director of marketing for GrooveCar Inc., one of the nation’s largest loan aggregators. She is responsible for advertising, employee communications, trade event support and public relations. Melissa Joy Mendygral and Michael Richard Dutrow were married on May 29, 2010. The bride is a settlement agent for Pennsylvania First Settlement Services. The groom is a pharmaceutical sales representative for Strativa Pharmaceuticals. The couple reside in Hanover Township, Pa. Kate (Gowisnok) Menta and her husband, Jarrod, announce the birth of their second child, Luciana Grace, born March 19, 2010. Luciana joins threeyear-old sister, Sofia Elizabeth. Sarah (Bogusko) Yencha and Matthew M. Yencha ’02 announce the birth of their son, Lukas Peter, born Dec. 3, 2010. The family resides in Easton, Pa. Grandparents are Dave Bogusko ’70 and his wife, JoAnne, of Bel Air, Md., and Edward and Bernice Yencha of Wilkes-Barre. 2005 David Randall Paden see Graduate Students 2009. 2006 Reunion Sept. 23-25 ,-... Sarah Diane Kopko and Michael Joseph DeFrancesco were married on Sept. 5, 2010. The bride is employed part-time at The Dough Company. The groom is chief financial officer of Animal Scan, LLC, and the president and chief executive officer of The Funding Zone LLC, both in Allentown, Pa. The couple reside in Bear Creek, Pa. Sara Toole was named one of Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s “Top 20 Under 40” for 2010. She is the planning and analysis manager at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. 2007 Chris Applegate won the 2010 INBF New York State Bodybuilding and Figure Championships. He won the men’s open middleweight class and the overall show. Kandice Avery ’06 and Thomas Joseph Bross were married on June 12, 2010. The bride is a respiratory sales representative for Merck Pharmaceuticals. The groom is a business analyst for The Boeing Company, Ridley Park. The couple reside in Swarthmore, Pa. Staff Sgt. Matthew John Emelett and Grace Elizabeth Hughes were married on Nov. 1, 2009. The groom is serving in Afghanistan as a mental health specialist. The bride is a secondary education math and science teacher at Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, Vt. Adrienne Richards accompanied the national Thanksgiving turkey to the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 24, 2010, for the traditional presidential turkey pardon. Richards is the public relations manager for the National Turkey Federation. This is her second year participating in the turkey pardon. She was featured in the Fall 2010 issue of Wilkes magazine. Nicole Spagnola and Jason Marconi were married on July 30, 2010. The couple reside in Bear Creek, Pa. 2008 Amy Sekol is completing her third year as an elementary music teacher for the Scranton School District. She is also a licensed Zumba instructor. Sekol lives in Throop, Pa. Wilkes | Spring 2011 Donna Talarico MFA ’10 was hired as web content editor in the office of marketing and communications at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pa. 25 �class notes 2009 Alison Woody is communications coordinator at the non-profit agency United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Scranton, Pa. 2010 John Gill was hired for the Civil Unit/GIS discipline at Borton Lawson, an architecture and engineering design firm in Wilkes-Barre. Michael Piotti accepted a position as a resident nurse at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J. Graduate Students 1990 Anthony F. Torquato MBA is the chief credit officer at LandMark Bank of Florida in Sarasota, Fla. He has been working in the banking industry for over 23 years. 2005 Vanessa G. Velikis Pharm.D. and Eli G. Phillips Jr. Pharm.D. ’06 were married on April 17, 2010. Both bride and groom are assistant professors of pharmacy practice at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. The couple reside in San Antonio. Wilkes Wedding Bells Beginning with this issue, Wilkes magazine is accepting photos of alumni weddings. If wedding bells rang for you in the last year, please share your photos with us. We will accept your photos up to one year after your nuptials. Please follow these requirements: 1. E-mail jpeg files to wilkesmagazine@ wilkes.edu. Digital photos must be at least 4 by 6 inches at 300 dpi or 1800 pixels by 1200 pixels. Please note that we will not be able to use photos that do not meet these minimum requirements. Non-returnable prints can be sent to: Vicki Mayk, editor, Wilkes magazine Marketing Communications Dept. Wilkes University, 84 W. South St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. 2. NOTE: Do not write on the back of photos when submitting prints. Identify people in photos on a separate piece of paper, stating who is pictured left to right. 3. The bride or groom must be a Wilkes graduate (undergraduate or graduate degree). 4. Photos of a wedding party may be submitted if at least one bridesmaid or groomsman is an alumnus. Identification, including class year, must be provided for everyone in the photo. 5. Group photos of all Wilkes alumni attending a wedding may be submitted. Identification, including class years, must be provided for everyone in the photograph. Wilkes | Spring 2011 Wilkes magazine reserves the right to edit photos for space purposes if non-alumni are pictured. 26 Mary E. Balavage ’10 and Catlin W. Simmons were married on Sept. 18, 2010. �class notes Reunion Sept. 23-25 ~ Sandra Mary Cawley M.S. and Edward Benjamin Hoffman ’96 were married on July 10, 2010. The bride is a special education teacher for the Lake-Lehman School District. The groom is a logistics analyst for Keystone Automotive Operations. The couple reside in Plains Township, Pa. Joseph Iracki MBA see Graduate Students 2009. Eli G. Phillips Jr. Pharm.D. see Graduate Students 2005. Stacey Veronica Rutt M.S. see 2003. 2007 Paige Elizabeth Oxley M.S. and Christopher Paul Swales were married on Oct. 15, 2010. The bride is employed by Community Health Centers of Pinellas Inc. The groom is employed by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. The couple reside in St. Petersburg, Fla. 2008 Erica Perugino M.S. and Eric Greco were married on July 21, 2010. The bride is a first-grade teacher for the Hanover Area School District. The groom is self-employed as the owner of Greco Construction. The couple reside in Forty Fort, Pa. 2009 Patricia Eichorn M.S. and Joseph Iracki MBA ’06 were married on June 26, 2010. The bride is employed by the Crestwood School District. The groom works for KoehlerBright Star LLC. The couple reside in Wilkes-Barre. Dawn Leas M.F.A. published her first chapbook of poetry, I Know When to Keep Quiet, released in November of 2010. The chapbook was published by Finishing Line Press and is available at www. finishinglinepress.com or www.amazon.com. Leas teaches middle school English at Wyoming Seminary Lower School in Forty Fort, Pa. She lives with her husband and two sons in Shavertown, Pa. Courtney Ann Peters M.S. and David Randall Paden ’05 were married on July 10, 2010. The bride is a special education teacher for the Stroudsburg Area School District. The groom is an electrical engineer for Smith Miller Associates in Kingston, Pa., and is the owner of DRP Realty, LLC. The couple reside in Swoyersville, Pa. 2010 Thomas D. Longenecker M.S. is building one of the largest solar arrays in Pennsylvania in the Carlisle Area School District. It is the largest in any public school district in the state, made up of 5,178 solar panels and showcasing four types of technology for educational purposes on 6.2 acres of land. Donna Talarico MFA see 2000. In Memoriam 1945 Donald A. Frederick Jr., Hanover Township, Pa., died Oct. 17, 2010. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran as well as the owner and operator of M.S. Frederick & Son Funeral Home in Wilkes-Barre and Frederick Fine Furniture in Plymouth, Pa. 1948 Gomer E. Jones, Albrightsville, Pa., died Oct. 25, 2010. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and scout executive for The Boy Scouts of America. 1952 Thaddeus C. Putkowski, Nanticoke, Pa., died Nov. 1, 2010. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Optometry Association for 52 years and was self-employed. 1954 James T. Atherton, WilkesBarre, died Dec. 10, 2010. He was a U.S. Army veteran as well as a coach and educator at various academic institutions. Joseph Mioduski, Nanticoke, Pa., died Nov. 21, 2010. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and worked as a chemist for Okanite Wire Co. and Eberhard Faber Co. 1955 James (Jim) Neveras, Drums, Pa., died Nov. 13, 2010. He was retired from a career in banking and sales. 1959 Michael J. George, Plantation, Fla., died Oct. 19, 2010. He was employed at Slamen & Slamen CPA firm until 1981. 1963 Nancy Amelia Palazzolo, Babylon, N.Y., died Oct. 31, 2010. She was a retired employee of the Suffolk County Department of Social Services. 1967 Frank M. Yencharis, Spokane, Wash., died Oct. 7, 2010. He worked as a civilian for the Department of the Army as a human resources officer for 32 years. 1968 William R. Swartwood, Falls Church, Va., died Nov. 14, 2010. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and retired from his position as an accountant and psychologist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General after 35 years. 1969 Carol H. Klimchak, Plymouth, Pa., died Dec. 7, 2010. She was an operator for Bell Telephone Co. for 15 years as well as a second-generation owner and operator of Raub’s Restaurant in Plymouth. Wilkes | Spring 2011 2006 27 �class notes In Memoriam Friends of Wilkes Josephine C. Fiascki, Forty Fort, Pa., died Nov. 30, 2010. Prior to her retirement, she was the manager of the acquisitions department in the Farley Memorial Library at Wilkes University. Donald H. Glatzel, New Milford, Pa., died Sept. 23, 2010. A longtime benefactor of Wilkes, he was employed as an engineer at IBM and served with the Columbia Hose Company for over 40 years, spending some of the time as fire chief. Norris Church Mailer, Brooklyn Heights, N.Y., died Nov. 21, 2010. She was a model, actor, painter, novelist, and playwright. Mailer served on the Wilkes Wilkes | Spring 2011 Emeriti Faculty 28 Thomas N. Kaska ’57 of Alden, Pa., died on Dec. 17, 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University and earned his doctorate at Duquesne University. Kaska returned to Wilkes as a professor of English, where he taught for 30 years until his retirement in 1997. Wilkes professor emeritus of English Benjamin Fiester ’55 recalls that Kaska was “universally admired.” “When he taught Shakespeare,” Fiester recounts, “his students thought so much of him that they bought him a first folio edition (of Shakespeare’s works) when it was published by Yale.” Kaska is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eilene (George) Kaska; his daughters, Judith Fox ’85, Lora Williams ’84, and Beth Kaska ’86; his brother, Henry; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hilda A. Marban of Beverly Hills, Calif., died on Sept. 19, 2010. Marban was professor emerita of foreign languages, teaching Spanish until her retirement from Wilkes in 1986. A political refugee from her native Cuba, she held doctorates from the University of Havana and the University of Virginia. Survivors include her son, Dr. Eduardo Marban ’74. Philip L. Rizzo of Germantown, Md., died Nov. 21, 2010. Rizzo was a professor of literature and linguistics at Wilkes and was named professor emeritus upon his retirement in 1987. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving as a sharpshooter Creative Writing advisory board. A scholarship in her name was established in the creative writing program by her late husband, the author Norman Mailer. Wallace F. Stettler, honorary doctor of humane letters, Dallas, Pa., died Oct 21, 2010. He was the ninth president of Wyoming Seminary, retiring after 23 years, and served as president emeritus until his death. and mortar expert for the glider infantry. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned his doctorate in British and American 19th- and 20th-century literature. He also taught courses at the University of Maryland University College and Montgomery College and was the author of several works of fiction. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marcia Blanco Rizzo ’71; his son, Louis; and his brother, Joseph. �then & now Theatre performances have been an important part of the extracurricular experience for Wilkes students for decades—whether performing a leading role or working stage crew. See anyone you recognize in this photo? Share names or reminisce at The Colonel Connection message boards, found at community.wilkes.edu. Or send responses to Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. You can also e-mail wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu. Photo from wilkes archives Today’s student performers still enjoy opportunities to shine – like these cast members from the February 2010 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The production was chosen for the Region II Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival at Towson University in January 2011. With competition from eight states, Wilkes University’s Spelling Bee is one of only nine Region II productions selected to perform for a chance to compete in the national finals. Photo BY curtis salonick �w Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events March 1-6 Portraits from the Golden Age of Jazz, Photos by William Gottlieb, Sordoni Art Gallery 22 Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship featuring Gary Hirshberg, president and CEO of Stonyfield Farms and chairman of Climate Counts, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 7:30 p.m. 24 Halfway to Homecoming Happy Hour, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. April 6 Alumni event, Philadelphia, Pa. 7 Alumni event, Limerick, Pa. 7-10 Theatre Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Darte Center, 8 p.m.; April 10, 2 p.m. 29 Alumni Association Scholarship Dinner, Wilkes-Barre May 1 The 30th Annual Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities featuring Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of Washington, D.C., public schools, 7:30 p.m. 21 Commencement, Mohegan Sun Arena June 12 Alumni event, Boston, Mass. photo by Bruce Weller For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2011 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2011 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2011 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2011 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Magazine magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/c82f7311e6aefea134e791718670790c.pdf 4773717beed245f2a769a0e549788bf8 PDF Text Text SPRING 2010 OPERATIC ODYSSEY | CLASS ACT STARFIRES GLOW AGAIN | PUZZLING PROGNOSIS �president’s letter What It Means to “Be Colonel” VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 SPRING 2010 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Tim Gilmour T HE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHED AN ADVERTISING campaign last fall in support of our admissions efforts that asks “What does it mean to Be Colonel?”The answer to this question is at the heart of the undergraduate experience at Wilkes.To “Be Colonel” means going the extra mile, showing strength of character, being an innovator, mentoring and much more. I urge you to read more about the campaign in the On Campus section and to visit www.BeColonel.com, where you can watch videos about students and faculty who personify what it means to “Be Colonel.” The alumni featured in this issue of Wilkes magazine truly reflect what it means to “Be Colonel” in their lives and in their careers. Drew Landmesser ’77, director of production for the San Francisco Opera, displays passion and innovation in his work.Whether bringing an opera to a baseball park or introducing new technology in the opera house, Drew’s contributions to the arts make him a Colonel we are pleased to call our own. Bonnee Breese ’93, pictured on the cover, makes her mark in another field of endeavor— secondary education—but she too clearly knows what it means to “Be Colonel.” In her Drew Landmesser ’77 began his theatrical career work as an English teacher at Overbrook High as a Wilkes student and continues it today staging works for the San Francisco Opera. School in Philadelphia, she mentors her PHOTO BY SCOTT WALL PHOTOGRAPHY students to set high standards. A poster that dominates her classroom states her expectations in bright red letters: “College is a given.”This fall, one of her students followed in her footsteps to become a member of Wilkes’ freshman class. Sometimes being Colonel means showing strength of character when we support a loved one who needs help meeting everyday challenges.The Joseph family, the centerpiece of our feature about autism, boasts three Wilkes alumni who have helped their brother, David, make his way in the world.The feature offers an overview of the challenges faced when a family member is diagnosed with autism. In this issue of Wilkes magazine, we continue to inform, entertain and educate—while helping you to keep up with the achievements of former professors and classmates.We try to accomplish those things with good writing, outstanding design and creativity. I’m pleased to say we’ve been rewarded for our efforts: Wilkes magazine has earned a prestigious Gold Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for excellence in magazine publishing. Dr. Tim Gilmour Wilkes University President Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood Executive Editor Jack Chielli Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas Electronic Communications Christopher Barrows Graduate Assistant Rachel Strayer Intern Daniel Kautz Layout/Design Quest Fore Inc. Printing Payne Printery Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Executive Director Sandra Sarno Carroll Director Mirko Widenhorn Associate Director Bridget Giunta ’05 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Laura Cardinale ’72 First Vice President Fred Demech ’61 Second Vice President Rosemary LaFratte ’93 MBA’97 Historian George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Wilkes magazine is published quarterly by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications and Government Relations, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �contents 8 FEATURES 8 Operatic Odyssey Drew Landmesser ’77 is production director for the country’s second largest opera company 12 Class Act Bonnee Breese ’93 earns teaching honors—and a White House visit 16 Starfires Glow Again The beat goes on for Wilkes alumni playing in the Starfires 18 Puzzling Prognosis The increasing incidence of autism poses challenges for families 12 DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 16 18 6 Athletics 20 Alumni News Bonnee Breese ’93 and her students at Philadelphia’s Overbrook High School share a joy of learning that leads to a college education. PHOTO BY DOUGLAS BENEDICT PHOTOGRAPHY LLC J;;s FPO FSC Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes Magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. WILKES | Spring 2010 22 Class Notes 1 �on campus New Ad Campaign Highlights “Be Colonel” Wilkes University’s new advertising campaign urges prospective undergraduate students to “Be Colonel.” The campaign relates true student experiences through youthful, animated graphics and photos of Wilkes students, faculty and buildings. Last fall, a 30-second television commercial aired on MTV, VH1, ABC Family, ESPN and Spike in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and in some regional movie theaters.The commercial encouraged viewers to visit BeColonel.com, where videos, produced in the same graphical style, highlight the experiences of individual Wilkes students. The campaign builds on the success of the previous award-winning WILKES | Spring 2010 Education is an Adventure at Wilkes 2 Education at Wilkes University may involve lectures, books and laboratories. It also can include climbing a rock wall, navigating ropes courses and maybe even skydiving.These elements make up the adventure education program at Wilkes, a unique curriculum designed to engage students in fun, alternative learning experiences through physically demanding activities. “A few years ago, we were looking for opportunities to expand the use of our recreation space,” says Mark Allen, dean of student affairs.This led to the installation of the Step Up rock wall, as well as high and low ropes courses. Step Up is a facet of the adventure education program designed to encourage team building. Gabriel Lamberti was hired as the first adventure education coordinator in September 2009 and is charged with helping faculty incorporate adventure education into more traditional classes. Lamberti holds a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education from Prescott College. His professional experience includes work as an instructor for outdoor activities, from rock climbing to mountain biking, consultant for outdoor education programs, and facilitator for ropes and challenge courses. Under Lamberti’s supervision, the Step Up rock wall and ropes courses provide practical leadership campaign, “A Majority of One.”The new campaign demonstrates how Wilkes’ culture of personal attention and hands-on learning helps students unlock their potential, find their purpose and reach their goals. Philadelphia advertising agency 160over90 produced the campaign. MORE ON THE WEB Check it out at www.BeColonel.com. tools, lessons on group dynamics, and opportunities to enhance communication and social skills. In addition to the indoor facilities, the adventure education program serves as a base of operations for off-campus outdoor trips. During the fall 2009 semester, Lamberti led a whitewater rafting trip in the Lehigh Gorge. The adventure education program provides many unique opportunities for students in the classroom. Allen and the assistant director of the learning center, Blake Mackesy, have utilized the Step Up program in their first-year foundations classes. Step Up has also been used by several Wilkes University clubs and leadership classes, as well as a number of area high schools. “One of the best things about the Step Up program,” says Lamberti, “is that it is flexible enough and diverse enough for people to run through different elements of the same course several times and get new experiences each time. The most interesting aspect of my work is to watch the personal and teamrelated growth that is achieved through adventure education.” Adventure education coordinator Gabriel Lamberti shows student Kris Rivers the features of a new mountain bike purchased for the University’s adventure education program. PHOTO BY RACHEL STRAYER �on campus Wilkes Offers First Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in Northeast Pennsylvania years. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree enrolling in Wilkes University offers northeast Pennsylvania’s first doctor of nursing the program will complete 67 credits. Students practice degree.This degree—deemed the industry standard for educating with a bachelor’s degree who enroll part-time advanced practice nurses—will enroll its first class in summer 2010. will complete the degree in about five years. Wilkes will offer the degree online to accommodate the needs of busy For more information about the doctor health-care professionals. Only one weeklong residency is required to of nursing practice degree, please call complete the program. (800) WILKES-U, ext. 4234 or (570) 408-4234 The new doctoral program meets a health-care industry need. According or visit www.wilkes.edu/dnp to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, all new advanced-practice nurses in the United States will be educated at the doctoral level by 2015. Advanced practice nurses include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists. Master’s degrees are currently required for those specialties. Bernard Graham, dean of the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing, says, “The change to require doctoral degrees puts nursing on a par with other health professions. In the future, nurses who take leadership roles in nursing practice will have doctorates like the one we are offering at Wilkes.” The program also responds to a continuing nursing shortage regionally and nationally. Demographic data in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties reflects an aging nursing population that will contribute to a shortage of nurses. The program’s directors are Deborah Zbegner and Bridgette Zielinski, both associate professors of nursing. Individuals enrolled in the program will be able to choose among three concentrations: A news conference was held to announce the new doctor of nursing practice degree—the first gerontology, psychiatric/mental health and nursing such program in northeast Pennsylvania. Participating in the announcement were, from left, Bernard Graham, dean of the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing; nursing doctorate management. Advanced-practice nurses who have co-director Bridgette Zielinski; Mary Ann Merrigan, chair of Wilkes Nursing completed a master’s degree can earn the doctorate program Department; Deborah Zbegner, nursing doctorate program co-director; and Reynold Verret, by completing 30 credits in about two-and-a-half University provost. PHOTO BY RACHEL STRAYER $2.9 MILLION GRANT FROM PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TRAINS HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS Administered under the Eligible Partnerships of Education to provide training for middle-school teachers in science Postsecondary Grant Program, it will train more or math. The training is provided in six regions which include school than 200 teachers to be certified in math or districts in Berks, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Montgomery science at the middle-school level. The certifi- counties. The classes are offered free of charge to teachers. Mary cation ensures that teachers meet the criteria Kropiewnicki, associate professor of education and director of the for highly qualified teachers as defined by No doctor of education program, authored the grant. Child Left Behind. It also addresses Pennsylvania standards for certification of middle school teachers. WILKES | Spring 2010 Wilkes received a $2.9 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department 3 �on campus WILKES | Spring 2010 Wilkes Crew Team Continues Legacy of Alumni Rowers 4 The rowers of Wilkes University’s crew teams—past and present—share a legacy spanning more than two decades. “Crew is a way of life,” says Amanda Gunther, a junior communications major from Boyertown, Pa., and the current president of the club. Today’s team, numbering about 15 members, meets behind the Henry Student Center before crossing the Market Street Bridge to get to their boatyard in Kingston.There the team hoists the massive four- and eight-man boats, weighing several hundred pounds each, in the air.They carry them down the dike alongside the Susquehanna River until they reach the water’s edge. It’s a routine familiar to generations of Wilkes crew team members. The club began in 1986, the brainchild of then-freshman Bruce Horn ’89, now a math teacher in Savannah, Ga. It became a reality after he convinced his friend Matthew Beekman ’89 to help recruit additional members and a coach. Its membership expanded as interest increased, but there were growing pains. “One thing I do remember vividly is a new recruit who was really muscular,” explains Beekman, today a Scranton, Pa., resident and partner in the design and marketing firm Jump Motion Design.“He went out on the boat with the coach and was told it wasn’t the amount of arm strength but how you used your entire body (that propelled) the boat. He obviously didn’t listen and began huge pulls on the oars, which caused the entire boat to go under water!” During the ’90s, the challenges—and camaraderie—continued. “We were the Bad News Bears of rowing,” recalls John Imperial ’98, now a project engineer for Intralox LLC in Washington, D.C.“The team still tried hard and we pushed ourselves to show up for early morning practices, make up winter workouts, and even (conduct) fundraising events.We didn’t know any better.We just wanted to row.” The team persevered over the years as additional students took up the sport. Jennifer Fela ’01, a freelance writer and editor based in San Diego, Calif., recalls the thrill that rowers experience working in tandem. “There is a moment when…it suddenly feels like you aren’t pulling anymore, that there is no resistance from the water,” she says. Members of the 2009–2010 Wilkes Crew Team hoist one of their boats. PHOTO BY ALLISON ROTH Left: John Imperial ’98 has been a member of the Capital Rowing Club in Washington, D.C., since leaving Wilkes and coached rowing for Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Va. PHOTO COURTESY JOHN IMPERIAL Above: The Market Street Bridge at sunset. PHOTO BY ALLISON ROTH “The first time it happened to me I thought something was wrong, but when I glanced over at my oar it was moving through the water in perfect rhythm with the rest of the boat.The feeling of gliding along the water with your friends and feeling connected even without speaking is a great one.” The current crew team participates in organized regattas throughout the year.They practice alongside the new River Common before and after classes, a lasting testament to the shared vision of two friends from over 20 years ago. Alumni rowers say they take lessons learned on the river with them when they leave Wilkes. “That moment of rhythm and balance between the rowers, the boat and the water is what I like most about the sport,” says Fela. “It reminds me to go with the flow to find balance and ease, and this carries over as a good life lesson as well.” – By Daniel Kautz Kautz is a junior communication studies major. �on campus Adopt-A-Lab Program Supports Engineering Department A new Adopt-A-Lab Program in Wilkes’ Division of Science and Engineering is forging relationships between the engineers of today and tomorrow. The program—introduced in fall 2009—pairs participating companies with one of the division’s 16 engineering labs.The program brings real-world expertise to the University while offering companies opportunities to access the knowledge and resources of the engineering department and its students. Sixteen laboratories offer hands-on experience in the engineering program.They include nanofabrication and microfabrication, robotics, fluids and wind tunnel, communications, design and mechanical testing, electrical power and control systems and 10 other subject areas. Going Green Graduate Sustainability Certificate Program to Launch in May A graduate-level certificate program focusing on sustainability in the workplace will launch this May through the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.The program will address the needs of businesses striving to be more environmentally conscious. The graduate certificate in sustainability management is a 12-credit program designed to give mid-level managers from diverse business backgrounds the knowledge and skills required to successfully plan and lead sustainability projects using national standards, such as LEED, LEAN and Green Guide for Health Care. Designed with busy professionals in mind, courses will be offered primarily online, with limited campus residency required. For more information, visit www.wilkes.edu/sustainability or contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at (800) WILKES-U Ext. 4235. Labs in the engineering division give students hands-on experience. PHOTO BY BRUCE WELLER The first companies participating in the Adopt-ALab program are Fairchild Semiconductor, Ben Franklin Technology Center, Keystone Automation, DMI,Tobyhanna Army Depot, Emerson, Lightspeed Technology and Quardrant. According to Rodney Ridley Sr., director of engineering for the University, companies solicited to Adopt-A-Lab are industry leaders knowledgeable about trends in their fields. “Their expertise, leadership and knowledge will be used to shape purchasing and curriculum decisions to keep Wilkes ahead of industry trends in electrical and mechanical engineering,” he says. Companies also will provide senior projects and internships for Wilkes engineering students. For more information about the Adopt-A-Lab program, contact Ridley at (570) 408-4824 or rodney.ridley@wilkes.edu. Business, environmental engineering and earth and environmental science students are working as consultants helping businesses adopt more sustainable practices and market themselves as “green” or environmentally friendly companies.The work is being done as part of a class called “Small Business Consultancy” for the business students and “Sustainability Consultancy” for environmental engineering and earth and environmental science students. Started in 2003, the course is structured like a consulting firm.Teams of students are paired with businesses identified by Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center.The class is taught by Marleen Troy, associate professor and chair of the Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences Department, and Ruth Hughes, director of the Small Business Development Center. Students conduct a needs analysis and an environmental inventory for the businesses that assesses business practices, utilities/energy use, materials use and other issues.They meet with the client to identify two to four areas that the student teams study in-depth to make recommendations for improving practices. The kinds of businesses involved in the program since its founding have been diverse and include a retail florist, hairdresser, porta-potty business, family restaurant, furniture store, medical equipment distributor, wholesale greenhouse, pet food manufacturer and more. Recommendations made to the business may include the introduction of more environmentally-friendly products, changes in manufacturing practices, improving energy use and more. WILKES | Spring 2010 Wilkes Students Offer Green Solutions in Sustainability Consulting Class 5 �athletics Making History DICK ’60 AND RICH ’84 MYERS MARK 50 YEARS ANNOUNCING GAMES AT RALSTON FIELD WILKES | Spring 2010 By Christopher Barrows 6 �athletics athletics of Wilkes football has been a member of the Myers family.The father and son team—Dick Myers Sr. ’60 and Rich Myers Jr. ’84—celebrated this milestone during the fall 2009 football season. Dick began announcing during his college days at Wilkes. As a student working in the sports information office, he began doing public address work at basketball games and wrestling meets. In 1960,Wilkes football moved from Kingston High School Stadium to Artillery Park.Wilkes lost the stadium announcer and Dick stepped up to the mic. Rich grew up attending many Wilkes basketball, wrestling and football events with Dick.When he was 12, he even began helping his father in the press box during football games, keeping an eye on substitutions and doing odd jobs. “It was fun,” he remembers. “You got a chance to really experience the game, talk the football talk. As a kid, you dream of doing that kind of stuff.” Since most games took place on Saturdays, Dick was able to manage his public address duties and a fulltime job. However, when he obtained employment out of town, he found the Wilkes commitment difficult to maintain. Unable to commit to working every game, he knew it was time to step down. “When I got the call asking if I’d like to return, I told (John Reese, former athletic director and head wrestling coach) he should give one of his students a chance: a chance like I had.” He also informed Reese that the answer was “right under his nose” and suggested that he ask his son. Rich took his father’s post in 1984. By that time, he was well-equipped to take the reins. According to his sister, Ellen Dick Myers ’60 and Rich Myers Jr. ’84 marked a collective 50 years in the announcing booth at Ralston Field in fall 2009. PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY (Myers) Parmenteri, Rich “grew up listening to games on the radio,” she says. “You could see how he picked up the announcing by helping and observing Dad.” Rich’s first assignment was calling an alumni football game. Dick is now the one assisting his son on a variety of occasions at Wilkes in what he describes “a reversal of roles,” performing some of the tasks he used to assign to Rich. Although the pair has only announced together once, at a Wilkes game at the former Lackawanna County Stadium, now PNC Field, they share countless memories from their time in the press box. Both remember the Colonels’ undefeated seasons including the Golden Horde years under coach Rollie Schmidt. Some defeats—while best forgotten—also remain in – Dick Myers Sr. ’60 their memories. “Three years ago we lost to Rowan on a fumble when we had the game,” Rich recalls. “Those are the toughest moments.” The strong family connection to Wilkes extends beyond the announcing booth.Ten family members attended the University. Dick met his wife, Lois (Tremayne) Myers ’57, when they were students, along with her cousins William ’57 and the late Ronald Tremayne ’58. Both Tremaynes served on the University’s Board of Trustees. Dick’s brother Thomas is a graduate of the class of 1958 and his sister Barbara also attended Wilkes for a time. His brother-in-law James Speicher graduated in 1956. The legacy continues into Rich’s generation: His sister, Ellen, will soon graduate from Wilkes and her husband, Dale Parmenteri ’89, and her brother-in-law David Parmenteri ’79 provide other Wilkes connections.The third generation of this alumni family, Dale and Ellen’s son, Matthew Parmenteri, is a Wilkes freshman. Rich Myers receives a phone call at the end of every year, just as his father did, asking if he’d be interested in coming back. At the completion of this past season, he found himself tied with his father for a record 25 seasons as the voice at Ralston Field.That milestone gives him another reason to want to return next year. “I will break my father’s record,” he says. “It will really be neat.” When I got the call asking if I’d like to return, I told [John Reese] he should GIVE one of his STUDENTS A CHANCE: a chance like I had. ' WILKES | Spring 2010 F OR HALF A CENTURY THEVOICE 7 �WILKES | Spring 2010 8 PHOTO BY SCOTT WALL PHOTOGRAPHY �a simulcast of “Il Trovatore” at a majorleague baseball stadium, a venue never envisioned by Verdi. The San Francisco Opera’s director of production is monitoring 12 cameras—eight of them robotic—that feed a live performance from the War Memorial Opera House, the company’s home, to the 103-foot-wide scoreboard at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. He relishes the rollicking scene of more than 27,000 listeners eating garlic fries, cheering giant singers and turning a concert into a happening. Managing ballpark broadcasts is one of Landmesser’s many roles as chief go-to guy for the country’s second-largest opera company. Props and sets, costumes and wigs, podcasts and union contracts— they’re all part of the third act of a 30-year career devoted to producing and popularizing expensive, exceptional entertainment. In San Francisco,Chicago and Houston,Landmesser has shepherded landmark new operas, renovated and built opera houses and made opera more democratic and—well—operatic. Landmesser was a freshman at Wilkes when he began his opera odyssey.The Wilkes-Barre native, the son of an electrician and a housewife and mother of six, quickly fell under the spell of theater professor and designer Klaus Holm, the son of renowned choreographer Hanya Holm. Impressed by Holm’s charisma and common sense, Landmesser switched majors from music to theater in his third week of school. The next summer he worked with Holm at the Colorado Opera Festival. Already a classical music fan, Landmesser had never seen an opera until he built the scenery for Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte” and Bizet’s “Carmen.” He had out-of-body experiences absorbing the soaring singers, stirring instrumentalists and levitating melodies. “It was phenomenal,” he says. “All my senses were wound up and going full time. I remember thinking: ‘How can you possibly beat this?’ Well, I learned you beat this by the next night being completely different. After all these years I’m still as affected by my 500th ‘Bohème’ as my first.” Holm gave Landmesser three golden rules. No. 1: Keep It Simple Stupid, better known as KISS.“The perversity of opera is it’s prone to being too complex,” says Landmesser. “A more simple, more pure statement is often way more effective.” No. 2: Precision is next to godliness. “Detail is the ultimate victor,” says Landmesser. “It’s what makes theater entertaining, exciting and enlightening no matter at what scale, whether it’s grand opera or a play at Wilkes with a college staff and kids who just walked in that week.” No. 3: Cherish your family as much as you cherish your work. “I never forgot how devoted Klaus was to his three young daughters,” says Landmesser.“This job can suck up your life and drain you of it. There are so many times when you never want Before and after: Above, behind the scenes during pre-production work supervised by Drew Landmesser ’77 on the set of Verdi’s Il Travatore. Below, the same set is shown during a performance. PHOTOS BY CORY WEAVER/COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO OPERA. to leave the theater. The reality is that theater is temporary. But life is permanent.” In 1980 Landmesser began testing Holm’s advice at the Houston Grand Opera, his first big gig.Assisting David Gockley, the company’s visionary general director, he introduced computerized projected English translations, or supertitles, and a new work in English inspired by former President Richard Nixon’s groundbreaking trip to China. He was a key member of the team that opened a $72 million theater that officially transformed an oil-and-cattle town into a classical music capital. “David managed to get money from virtually everybody for virtually everything,” says Landmesser of Gockley.“He could sell oil to a Texas oilman. He’s a snake-oil salesman, and I mean that as a compliment.” WILKES | Spring 2010 D REW LANDMESSER ’77 IS SUPERVISING 9 �Above left: Landmesser directed construction of the set for The Bonesetter’s Daughter, a world premiere opera by Stewart Wallace and Amy Tan which San Francisco Opera created last season. PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO OPERA. Right: A scene from Act I of The Bonesetter’s Daughter is dramatically lit in performance. PHOTO BY TERRENCE MCCARTHY/COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO OPERA Gockley returns the compliment.“Drew has a gift for working with major directors and designers and massaging them into confining or adjusting their ideas to our space and production capabilities,” says Gockley, currently the San Francisco Opera’s general director. “He is not pounding on the table. He works quietly, incrementally, patiently—so that he can be influential but not prominent.” Landmesser’s seven years in Houston were personally rewarding too. He coordinated the world premiere of “A Quiet Place,” co-written by childhood hero Leonard Bernstein. He met his first wife, mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer, in a traveling production of “La Bohème.”Together they had a son, Benjamin, now an actor in training. During another “Bohème” he bonded with renowned director-designer Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, his second mentor. Like Holm, Ponnelle was remarkably sensitive to music, acting and communication. “Unlike a lot of opera directors, Jean-Pierre respected the music outright,” says Landmesser. “He was one of those truly wonderful people who directed from the score rather than the libretto. He was almost a clown in demonstrating to singers, in mimicking their actions.Yes, he was crazy. But he was crazy good.” In 1987 Landmesser moved to the Lyric Opera of Chicago partly to collaborate more often with Ponnelle, a regular director with the Windy City company. He was devastated the next year '' WILKES | Spring 2010 It’s really a completely DIFFERENT STORY when you can see the incredible passion in the eyes of singers...You can see them getting ready to struggle; you can see them SWEAT and SPIT.” 10 ' when his friend died after falling into an orchestra pit. Carrying on without his friend, Landmesser specialized in titanic, operasized projects. He managed a $100 million renovation of the company’s home, an Art Deco/Art Nouveau treasure with more seats than any U.S. opera house other than the Met. He shepherded an acrobatic production of “The Ring of the Nibelung,” Wagner’s four-opera, 15-hour cycle, that featured trampolines and bungee cords. In Chicago he began taking real vacations instead of vacations spent seeking precious time with Mentzer, who had become an international star and toured constantly. He met his second spouse, Fawn Ring, a public-television producer, and the couple travels for work and fun. In Australia, they went diving off the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders, and took a 7 a.m. tour of the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s architectural wonders. Landmesser joined the San Francisco Opera in 2006 at the request of Gockley, the company’s new artistic head and his old boss. Over three years they’ve launched a series of technological wonders aimed at increasing audiences and reducing a deficit. In 2007 the company offered a free simulcast of Saint-Saens’ “Samson and Delilah” at a baseball stadium, a twist on the traditional venues of theater and park. Nearly 15,000 spectators at AT&T Park toasted the tragedy with hot dogs, hot-fudge sundaes and signs saying “Go, Samson!” and “Yeah, Delilah!” The live pictures came from the opera house, courtesy of the first high-definition video production system installed at a U.S. opera house.The 12 cameras, hidden in walls and ceiling, provide the sort of startlingly clear, flexible images—close-up, panoramic, split screen—seen in movies. They’re particularly beneficial to patrons in the War Memorial’s upper balcony, who sit hundreds of feet from the stage. Tiny performing dolls become real people thanks to a pair of drop-down, 11-foot-wide screens. “It’s really a completely different story when you can see the incredible passion in the eyes of singers,” says Landmesser.“You can see them getting ready to struggle; you can see them sweat and spit.” �The video setup makes a larger-than-life medium larger and smaller. “What we’re doing is imitating popular entertainment, fulfilling rock ’n’ roll expectations, trying to capture the magic of TV,” he says. “The magic has to be transformable or we’re working in this historic arcane mode.” A wry guy, he adds: “In the theater and at the ballpark we do everything the scoreboards do—except replay and stats.” Landmesser and Gockley are expanding their glory days in Houston by presenting a host of world premieres with local angles. In 2008 the company christened “The Bonesetter’s Daughter,” based on Bay Area resident Amy Tan’s 2001 novel about three generations of Asian women, including a levitating ghost named Precious Auntie. Landmesser recalls the production’s birth as pretty painful.The production budget was cut from $3.9 million to $1 million, the number of aerialists from 33 to 11. Nevertheless, Landmesser was excited watching spectators thrill to Chinese acrobats whose moves were choreographed by Madonna’s stunt double.“I love that I get to sit in my [production] house and I get to see that first reaction by an audience to what we’ve been working on for three to four years,” he says. “When they are as taken by it, as moved by it, as you are, that’s great.That’s a life lesson you can use.You pay for a lesson like that.” For Landmesser, front-of-house excitement compensates for back-of-house pressures. As the company’s Swiss Army knifenegotiator, he tries to broker peace treaties with dreamy designers, diva directors and demanding unions. “I’ve been blessed by the chance to work with wonderful pros who understand their role,” he says. “We all understand that you do this as a team, or you don’t do this at all. One of the great gifts that theater gives you is that you sweat with, and cry with, and lose sleep with people who get to be good friends.” Maybe that’s why he likes to roam the upper balcony of a soldout War Memorial and observe listeners lying on the floor, hands crossed over chests, as if they’re dying for the Rapture. Maybe that’s why he cries every time the audience discovers that Madame Butterfly has a child. “When that little boy comes out and you realize why she’s led her life the way she has, why she’s waited so long for that dolt Pinkerton [a U.S. Navy lieutenant who is Butterfly’s husband and the child’s father]—I just can’t handle it,” says Landmesser. “Maybe it’s because I have a son. Maybe it’s because I’m just human. I’m choking up now.” “What can I say?” says Landmesser. “I’ve fallen into the best little niche in the world.” Geoff Gehman, a former arts writer for The Morning Call in Allentown, thinks there’s nothing grander than opera when it’s clicking on all cylinders. A scene from the 2001-2002 season production of Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd was supervised by Landmesser during his tenure at Lyric Opera of Chicago. PHOTO BY ROBERT KUSEL/COURTESY OF LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO. Drew Landmesser, Production Director, San Francisco Opera B.A., Theater/English, Wilkes 1977 Career: Has served as director of production for three of the major opera companies in the United States: Houston Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and San Francisco Opera. Notable: Supervised installation of the first highdefinition video production system at a U.S. opera house at the San Francisco Opera Favorite Wilkes Place: The theater at the Darte theater either backstage or in the green room. The theater was my hobby, my course of study, and—then and now—my mistress.” Continuing contribution: Supports the Klaus Holm scholarship for theater students at Wilkes. WILKES | Spring 2010 Center. “I spent an obscene amount of time in the 11 �12 WILKES | Spring 2010 �BONNEE BREESE ’93 IS AN AWARD-WINNING TEACHER IN PHILADELPHIA By Rachel Strayer FOR VETERAN TEACHER BONNEE BREESE ’93, TEACHING MAY INVOLVE THE USUAL CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND SAT PREP BUT ALSO THE OCCASIONAL ROAD TRIP. BREESE, AN ENGLISH TEACHER AT OVERBROOK HIGH SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA, DROVE FORMER STUDENT ANTHONY THOMAS TO CAMPUS IN 2009 FOR HIS FIRST SEMESTER AT WILKES UNIVERSITY. Opposite Page: Bonnee Breese gives some one-on-one feedback to freshman Christopher Wilson. Above, clockwise from top left: Bonnee Breese gets a warm greeting from senior Marsalis Chism, at a Scholars Academy lunch. Breese leads the academy, in which students set college as a goal. Top right, photos of her students at prom and graduation grace one of Breese’s bulletin boards. Bottom right, sophomore Dejuene Height of the Scholars Academy gets a shout-out from Breese. Bottom center, the award-winning teacher strolls the halls between classes. Bottom left, Breese makes an energetic point during class. PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS BENEDICT PHOTOGRAPHY LLC WILKES | Spring 2010 AUGUST 13 �HOMAS, NOW A FRESHMAN AT HIS FORMER teacher’s alma mater, says he might never have gone to college if not for Breese. Only a few weeks before Wilkes’ freshman orientation, Breese drove Thomas and another Overbrook student to campus so they could present their transcripts to admissions.“I liked what I saw and Ms. Breese graduated from Wilkes, so I trusted her decision that Wilkes would be a good choice for me,” explains Thomas. Going the extra mile—sometimes literally—is typical for Breese, and her commitment has not gone unnoticed. In 2008 she was recognized with the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, the first time the award had ever been given to high school teachers. She also was honored as one of only 10 teachers chosen to attend a town hall meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama in March 2009. Mentoring has played an important role in Breese’s life going back to her elementary school days.After almost 30 years, she still keeps in contact with Naomi Johnson-Booker, her teacher in the third and fourth grades. “She was such a motivating force in my life,” Breese says. As an undergraduate communications major at Wilkes, Breese also found inspiration in communication studies professor Bradford Kinney’s class. “Bonnee was the kind of student [we] always hope we will get to instruct, but rarely do,” says Kinney. “She made my job more challenging and rewarding.” Teaching was not her first career choice. The Secane, Pa., resident began work as a freelance writer before spending three years as a youth development aide at North Central Secure Bonnee Breese ’93 asks a question during a March 2009 town hall meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama. WILKES | Spring 2010 PHOTO BY RON EDMONDS/AP PHOTO 14 Treatment Unit in Danville, Pa., and another four years teaching adult basic education and creative writing for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at Muncy and Graterford prisons. While working at the prisons, she also was a substitute teacher at Williamsport Area High School, requiring her to sometimes juggle three jobs at once. She decided to turn her attention to full-time high school teaching. The young teacher made an impression on 77-year-old Philadelphia native Mary Silverstein, who coached second- and third-year teachers, including Breese, for Gear-Up, a federal college readiness program.“Bonnee was willing to try new things, caught on quickly, took initiative, and had few management problems,” says Silverstein. Silverstein also is a field supervisor for student teachers in urban secondary schools.When it came time for her to recommend classroom mentors at Overbrook, Breese was at the top of her list.“It is very gratifying,” says Silverstein. “I have watched her career soar with great pleasure.” Breese never expected her career path to lead her to the White House. She ' I had to tell myself to breathe, BREATHE, breathe... [It was] LIFE-CHANGING, heart-stopping, and really inspiring as well. '' �Left: Breese dismisses the senior honors English class. Below: Breese calls on a student with an encouraging smile. PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS BENEDICT PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC Mary Ellen Alu, ’77 is a freelance writer, editor and writing instructor. She previously worked in the newspaper industry as an editor and reporter. Bonnee L. Breese, Secane, Pa. B.A., Communications, Wilkes 1993 M.A., Elementary Education, Chestnut Hill College, 2007 Career: English teacher at Overbrook High School in Philadelphia. Notable: Received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching awarded by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation in 2008 and was one of only 10 teachers asked to attend President Obama's first online town hall meeting in 2009. Favorite Wilkes Place: The Beacon office on the second floor of Hollenback Hall. Breese was the first black editor-in-chief of The Beacon. “I would catch catnaps there on the nights we put the paper to bed. Then, I would have to drive it over to Pittston for printing. Crazy hours I kept then.” Favorite Wilkes Memory: Eating dinner at the home of then-Wilkes president Christopher Breiseth with author and poet Amiri Baraka. “The opportunity made me bubble. He is so prolific and in tune with his words, and his reason for his words. I use lots of Baraka's work in the curriculum units I write.” WILKES | Spring 2010 was stunned when she was chosen to attend President Obama’s first online town hall meeting. When the president called on her to ask a question, she was floored. “I had to tell myself to breathe, breathe, breathe,” says Breese. “[It was] lifechanging, heart-stopping, and really inspiring, as well.” Breese’s students cheered when Obama said hello to Overbrook students watching at the school before answering their teacher’s question. Breese was not the only one affected by the encounter. “This was a very emotional moment for me,” says Breese’s daughter, Bridgette, a student at North Carolina Central University. “To have a black president and to see my mother involved in the progression that African Americans are making…I will never forget it.” For Breese, the true rewards of teaching are not found in recognition, but in helping her students. She used some of the $3,500 Lindback Award honorarium to play fairy godmother, helping three students attend prom. She covered most prom expenses, from dresses to hair appointments. One student, a senior, was not allowed to attend until Breese reassured his mother. “Oh, yes, he was voted Prom King for the evening,” says Breese. “A Cinderella male story this is!” Breese received her master’s degree in education from Chestnut Hill College. A proponent of life-long learning, she is researching doctoral programs. She is also a fellow at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, where she creates research-based high school curriculum units for publication on the Internet. Despite the accolades, Breese insists that teaching is simply a part of who she is.“I feel as if I am not going to work each day [because] I love what I do,” she explains. “Teaching is in my blood.” Her students agree. “Every time I speak with her, I learn something new…she is still my teacher,” says Wilkes freshman Thomas. “Words couldn't explain how thankful I am to have Ms. Breese as a mentor but, most importantly, as a friend.” 15 �Sta es ••• ·,wAgain AFTER THREE DECADES, WILKES ALUMNI By Helen Kaiser REUNITE TO PLAY DANCE MUSIC WILKES | Spring 2010 H 16 EARING A SNATCH OF AN OLD SONG can take you back a few decades to the precious years of your youth.Three Wilkes alumni of the mid-1960s can go one better: They still play the songs—together, as the Starfires. Robert Gardner and Eddie Day Pashinski, both ’67, and Johnny B. Hall ’65 attended Wilkes College during the rock ’n’ roll era. With the TV classic American Bandstand inspiring thousands of teenagers across the country, dance bands were all the rage. Gardner, Pashinski and Hall joined four friends to create a band that still is part of northeast Pennsylvania memories. The Starfires were summertime fixtures at Hanson’s Amusement Park at Harvey’s Lake, drawing several hundred fans every weekend. During the off-season they played at the Starfire Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. Often they’d share the stage with notable artists like Chubby Checker, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, the Shangri-Las and others. The group made several recordings, and their song “You’ve Done Me Wrong” scored in the Top 10 on local record charts. Drummer Richard “R. Jay” Gumbravich, along with bass player Roger “Griff ” Griffith, is credited with founding the group. Other regulars included Charles McCuen, the consummate “tough guy” vocalist with lots of stage presence, and Steve Aquilina, the newest band member, on keyboards. After graduating, the friends went their separate ways. �Opposite: The Starfires performed with stars of the ’60s. Pictured from left are Eddie Day Pashinski ’67; Chubby Checker, who made “The Twist” famous; Roger Griffith; Bob Gardner ’67, Richard Rodiger; and Richard Gumbravich. PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT GARDNER Right: The Starfires today are front, Eddie Day Pashinski ’67 and Charles McCuen and back row, from left, John Hall ’65, Steve Aquilina, Bob Gardner ’67, Richard Grumbavich and Roger Griffith. PHOTO GUY CALI ASSOC. ©2007 ' “We’re all different now. We’ve had interesting careers in life, but there’s still a love for the era that was our era. We enjoy performing essentially the same music we did before,” Gardner says. “Before, when we were in our early 20s, we thought we were hot stuff,” Hall says. “It was about being cool and getting the girl. Now it’s about the music.We’re even more focused on the songs now.” – Robert Gardner ’67 Pashinski, now a Pennsylvania representative for the Wilkes-Barre area’s 121st District, reflects on the audience regulars who came to see the Starfires during their heyday. “That was the thing to do back then,” he says. People today still love that genre of music—and some of them are now bringing the next generation to see the Starfires. Pashinski says,“To be able to come back and relive those days is really special.” '' More on the Web: More information and music clips can be found at www.starfiresforever.com. Upcoming gigs for the Starfires include the Potentate’s Ball at the Irem Temple Country Club, Dallas, Pa. on July 24, a benefit for Harvey’s Lake Fire Co. at the Irem Temple Country Club in Dallas on July 31, and a Generation to Generation Dance at the Genetti Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre on Sept. 26. Alumni can catch up with the band at Wilkes Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010. WILKES | Spring 2010 Pashinski remained the most involved in music, playing in bands and teaching music for 38 years at Greater Nanticoke Area School District. “I was offered a job to go on the road with Gary U.S. Bonds, but my father offered a ‘second opinion,’ ” recalls saxophone player Gardner, who is now assistant professor of education at Wilkes University. He earned post-graduate degrees in education and was a teacher and administrator at Northwest Area School District in Luzerne County for 36 years. Hall, who graduated with a liberal arts degree, worked for 34 years as a caseworker and program advocate for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. He continued his interest in music, sometimes playing along with YouTube. “I think we all missed performing—and we all missed playing together,” says Hall, a resident of Hummelstown, Pa. In 2002, serendipity would help to reunite the musicians. During a rainy summer afternoon, Starfires’ co-founder Griffith—by then an ordained Presbyterian minister—was driving near Harvey’s Lake and was overwhelmed by nostalgia. He turned toward the now-defunct Hanson’s Amusement Park to take a look at the old dance hall. Griffith was approached by two strangers—reporters researching a story about defunct amusement parks. They asked Griffith if he knew anything about Hanson’s Park. He smiled, saying, “I know what it used to be in its heyday!” After they interviewed him, he contacted the band members he knew were still in the area to ask if they’d like to play again. Three of them wound up appearing later that summer at a benefit performance for the fire company at Harvey’s Lake. It was, in ’60s terminology,“a blast!”With the goal of reuniting all the Starfires, the Wilkes-Barre area musicians reached out to the others—except Hall, whom they couldn’t locate. In yet another remarkable coincidence—he calls it his mother’s “last gift” to him—Hall traveled back to the Wyoming Valley for his mother’s memorial service. He mentioned to the presiding minister that he’d grown up in the area and played in a rock group. The minister, a friend and colleague of Griffith, asked Hall the name of the group. When Hall answered “the Starfires,” the minister informed him that their mutual friend wanted to reunite the group. Since then, the Starfires have been getting together several times a year to rehearse and perform. I was offered a job to go ON THE ROAD with Gary U.S. Bonds, but my father offered a ‘SECOND OPINION.’ 17 �PUZZLING Prognosis RISING INCIDENCE OF AUTISM CHALLENGES PARENTS, SIBLINGS AND TEACHERS By Mary Ellen Alu ’77 David’s Coffee Shop, which provides jobs for autistic youth, has been a family project for the Joseph family, pictured from left, mother Suzanne, father John Joseph Sr., Linda Joseph MS ’05, John Joseph II ’97, MBA ’06, Megan (Joseph) Yelland’ 02 and David Joseph. Matt Joseph is not pictured. PHOTO BY EARL & SEDOR JOHN JOSEPH ’97, MBA ’06 WAS ON HIS WAY HOME FROM JUNIOR HIGH WILKES | Spring 2010 BASKETBALL PRACTICE WHEN HIS FATHER BROKE THE NEWS ABOUT HIS 18 YOUNGEST BROTHER, DAVID. DAVID, JUST 3 1⁄2 YEARS OLD, HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM. “YOUR FIRST REACTION IS, ‘WHAT’S THAT?’ ” SAYS JOSEPH. “YOU DIDN’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT THEN.” �for autism was 15 in 10,000 children. Joseph’s mother, Suzanne, bought books on autism, and family members took turns reading them, trying to understand the disorder affecting David’s speech and development. “I knew he was different,” says sister Megan (Joseph) Yelland ’02, who was 9 when David was diagnosed.“And he would learn things differently.” Today more families are learning what it means to have an autistic child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in every 150 children in the United States has autism disorders, a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant difficulties in communication and social behaviors. This dramatic increase has raised public awareness of the disorders and prompted Wilkes to start an autism endorsement program in the graduate education department.The 12-credit program addresses a need among educators and other professionals for techniques needed to work with children diagnosed with conditions on the autism spectrum. “It’s almost pandemic now,” says Carl Charnetski, Wilkes psychology professor and behavior specialist consultant for Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley.The increase is partly due to better diagnosis, he says, but autism remains “a real enigma.” Most scientists agree that genes are a risk factor, according to the CDC. Other factors could be environmental or biological. The best guess is that autism has multiple causes, not one, Charnetski says. The most promising hypothesis is that a child’s immune system is compromised early, possibly prenatally. Bacteria and viruses make their way to the brain and create the problems associated with the diagnosis, he says. Once considered a severe emotional disorder, autism is now more broadly defined as a spectrum of disorders, says Carol Bubblo, educational consultant at Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18, and an adjunct professor in Wilkes’ autism endorsement program. Each child is affected differently, from mildly to severely. Early intervention is key in improving development. When a child is diagnosed, it affects teachers as well as families. “Kids are showing up in classrooms all over the place,” says Bubblo. Wilkes education faculty developed the autism endorsement program in 2009 to help provide teachers with skills and strategies for working with autistic students. The challenge is that no two kids are alike, says Suzanne Joseph, who has been an advocate for her son, David. “Teachers have to think on their feet,” she says.“[The students] don’t come with a manual.” People who have a disorder handle information in their brain differently than others. Those with classic autism have significant delays, while those with Asperger Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PPD-NOS) ' have milder symptoms. No medical test determines a disorder; doctors examine behavior. Problems can include impulsive behavior, cognitive difficulties or speech delays. Although autism has no cure, it is treatable. Charnetski says many can lead functional adult lives. He – Megan (Joseph) Yelland ’02 emphasizes applied behavior analysis, the science of applying behavioral principles to teach adaptive behavior. For example, if people provide a positive consequence to a behavior, they will increase the likelihood of that behavior. Faced with the challenge of raising an autistic child, Suzanne Joseph and her husband pushed for services for their son. David’s siblings helped with the therapy: hiding a toy for David to find in sand, or running a feather on his arms to help him get used to different textures.They worked on his speech too. One day Yelland sang a favorite childhood song to him: “If you’re happy and you know it, say...Megan.” He did! She repeated the line again and again, substituting other family names as the song went on. Matt Joseph, the brother closest in age to David and now a medical student, shared a room with him until high school and provided the support of a close-in-age sibling. Another sister, Linda Joseph MS ’05, took David for walks with her friends. He would pause at a particular church and trace the letters engraved in stone. One momentous day, he said the letters as he traced them. Those with autism are teachable, says Linda Joseph. “You just have to find out how.” Bubblo says autistic students are visual learners and rulebound. Parent input is important. “Who knows that kid better than them?” she says. As David got older, transitional services to help him in the workforce were scarce, Suzanne Joseph says.And when he finished in the educational system, he no longer had anywhere to go. The Josephs had a vision for a new venture.They formed the non-profit Thru the Cracks Inc. and in 2007 opened David’s Coffee Shop at 374 New Market St. about a mile from the Wilkes campus David, now 24, cut the ribbon to open the shop. Students with autism disorders can get training there; they fill coffee bins, sweep the floor and wipe tables.“These kids are just amazing,” Suzanne Joseph says. “It’s a magical place.” '' MORE ON THE WEB Learn more about autism: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html www.autism-society.org www.researchautism.org WILKES | Spring 2010 T HATWAS 1987,WHENTHE INCIDENCE RATE I knew he was DIFFERENT... And he would learn things differently. 19 �alumni news Alumni Association Board Begins Strategic Planning The Alumni Association Board of Directors completed the initial stages of a strategic planning process at their meeting in December. At the meeting, 21 board members dedicated three hours to the creation of four overarching strategies. Each of the board’s nine committees will be guided by these goals as they plan programs, events and initiatives to serve Wilkes’ 30,000 alumni over the next five years.To read more, go to www.wilkes.edu/alumni. Announcing the Nursing Reunion! Mark your calendar now for the nursing reunion at Homecoming 2010. All alumni of the nursing program are invited to join the festivities, which will include social events, special receptions and a continuing education credit. Interested in helping to plan this reunion? Contact alumni@wilkes.edu. Homecoming Hint: Register early and receive a $5 discount on ticket prices! Keep an eye out for more information on www.wilkes.edu/alumni. Homecoming October1, 2 and 3 w WILKES UNIVERSITY WILKES | Spring 2010 Mentoring Program Holds First Luncheon 20 Student mentees had a chance to meet their alumni mentors during the mentor luncheon held on Friday, Dec. 11.The participants were part of a pilot program launched in fall 2009 pairing alumni mentors with students. The mentoring committee of the Alumni Association is currently working with students and alumni of the communications studies and psychology departments. More majors will be joining the mentoring program soon. Check www.wilkes.edu/alumni for updates. If you are interested in mentoring a current student, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 570-408-7787 or at alumni@wilkes.edu. More than 40 students and alumni mentors listen as Allyn Jones ’60 gives an update on the Alumni Association’s mentoring program. �alumni news Wilkes on the Road As Wilkes magazine went to press, alumni were getting together at social and professional networking events across the country. In January, alumni gathered in downtown Harrisburg, Pa., for a reception, as well as in Washington D.C. for a tour of the Capitol Building. In February and March, Wilkes was to travel coast to coast with events in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Calif. as well as in Florida, with events in Naples and The Villages. Alumni in northeastern Pennsylvania were to get together for a workshop on the professional uses of popular social media programs such as Facebook,Twitter and LinkedIn. The events continue with a gathering in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area on Thursday, March 25. Alumni and parents will join Michael Speziale ’78, Dean of the College of Graduate Education & Professional Studies at Wilkes, at SiBA Cucina, a Tuscan-inspired bistro. Charleston, S.C. alumni are meeting on April 17. An event is also being planned in Denver on April 10. Interested in planning a regional event in your area or want to check out photos of the events? Check The Colonel Connection for the latest updates at www.wilkes.edu/alumni. MORE ON THE WEB You can stay up to date with the latest Wilkes and alumni news by becoming a fan of the Wilkes Alumni Association’s Facebook page or following us on Twitter (twitter.com/wilkesalumni). Christine Baksi ’98, Andrew Eckert ’07, Jake McSurdy ’04, M’07, Laurie Agresti ’07, Tim Mirra ’07, Jennifer Snyder ’07 and Tim Wagman ’05 share a drink and some memories at Wilkes’ alumni gathering in downtown Harrisburg. Over 20 alumni, as well as graduate faculty and staff, enjoyed an evening of networking and great conversation at Carley’s Piano Bar. The next gathering in the Charleston area is on April 17. Check www.wilkes.edu/alumni for more information on More events are being planned in the Harrisburg area, so check out www.wilkes.edu/alumni for more information. WILKES | Spring 2010 Alumni in the Charleston, S.C. area gathered in October for a reception. Pictured back, left to right are: President Tim Gilmour, Dr. Bob Byrne ’72, Bill Stinger ’68, Rick Simonson ’69, Phil Besler ’76, Mike Wood and Ted Yeager ’72. Front row, left to right, are: Carolann Gusgekofski Besler ’72, Nancy Wanczyk Stinger ’69, Susan Ryan Simonson ’70. this event. 21 �class notes 1964 Richard Probert is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises at the Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University. A former music instructor at Wilkes from 1968 to 1973, he serves as music director for the Sackets Harbor Vocal Arts Ensemble. Probert lives in Sackets Harbor, N.Y., with his wife, Carmelita Britton, a civilian physician with the U.S. Department of Defense. 1973 Homer E. (Ned) Graham is the vice president of business development at United Rentals Inc. He will lead the development of strategies and process improvements related to business expansion. 1976 Gregg P. Collier and his wife, Beth, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary by touring Sweden. He is employed by Cadbury USA LLC, Parsippany, N.J.They reside in Macungie, Pa. 1977 Andrew B. Durako is the executive director of Little Flower Manor and St.Therese Residence of the Diocese of Scranton in Wilkes-Barre. Durako manages the operations of the nursing and assisted-living facilities, which provide long-term care solutions for the elderly. 1978 James D. Siberski is an assistant professor and coordinator of gerontology education at Misericordia Marge Bart MBA ’79 Turns Home into Safe Haven Marge Bart MBA ’79 says she wanted to work with animals for as long as she can remember. Ten years ago, the former Wilkes-Barre native turned her Dallas, Pa., home into a safe haven for unwanted animals. In 2006, it became the nonprofit Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. Bart began Blue Chip with her neighbor, Tanya Stankus, a registered nurse and the widow of Wilkes alumnus Joe Stankus ’68. The farm is located on 25 acres and includes a horse barn, pig house and a cottage that houses cats. In addition to their passion for rescuing animals in need, the two women advocate against animal euthanasia. Marge Bart MBA ’79 relaxes with two dogs at Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. PHOTO COURTESY MARGE BART “Blue Chip Farms does not euthanize animals as a solution for population control,” reads their Web site. Chip, which continues through the generous work of “We believe there is a more humane way to deal with other concerned individuals. the growing problems of improper pet care and unwanted animals.” As president of Blue Chip, Bart functions mainly as an A number of improvements are planned for Blue Chip, including an animal hospital, doggie park and kennel, and challenge. At the age of 30, Bart was diagnosed with horse exercise facility. The most significant goal is for it to multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease that attacks the become a self-sustaining facility so they never have to turn brain and spinal cord. away an animal in need. physical standpoint,” says Bart. WILKES | Spring 2010 friends and volunteers,” Bart says. animal caretaker. On some days, even that can be a “It has changed my life dramatically, especially from a 22 “I could not do this project without the support of my Because of the disease, Bart, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, was unable to continue her job as production superintendent at CertainTeed “The animals are unconditional love,” explains Bart. “They help me maintain a good balance in life.” She hopes to return the favor. For more information on Blue Chip Farms, go to www.bcfanimalrefuge.org. Products, a leading manufacturer of building materials in Mountain Top, Pa. She now focuses on her work with Blue — By Rachel Strayer �class notes 1982 Kenneth Kalinoski is president and general partner of 100 Hill Rock LLC, a technology consulting company. He works in technology transfer and commercialization for government, university and corporate customers. 1983 Amy Elias created The Association for the Study of the Arts of the Present, a new international arts society, and hosted its launch conference in Knoxville, Tenn. The conference drew more than 115 speakers from the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Japan, China, Switzerland and other countries. Elias is an associate professor of English at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she works with her husband, Jonathan Barnes. Andy Mehalshick served as master of ceremonies for the Luzerne County Community College Foundation Inc.’s 17th Annual Community Outreach Dinner on Nov. 12, 2009. Mehalshick has been reporting news in northeast Pennsylvania for more than 25 years on WBRE-TV. He resides in Hazleton, Pa., with his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Jacqueline. 1984 Gary Mack M.S. ’99 was named the 2009 Educational Leader of the Year by the Human and Civil Rights Commission of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Gary is a math teacher at the Wyoming Valley West Middle School in Kingston, Pa., and works with students in both community and school-sponsored programs. Gary was previously awarded PSEA’s Intergroup Relations Award for Promoting Leadership. 1987 Christopher J. Brownawell is the new director of the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine. He is married with three children. 1989 Karen Ryan joined the team of realtors at the Forty Fort, Pa., office of Prudential, Poggi and Jones. She lives in Forty Fort, Pa. and credit unions in Connecticut and western Maryland. She lives in Simsbury, Conn., with her husband Jay and their two children, Emma and Braden. 1992 Joseph Frank Budzilek and Anita Marie Kasteleba were married on Sept. 19, 2009.The bride is employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an assistant manager for the wine and spirits stores and is sole proprietor of Shear Imagination Hair Salon in West Wyoming, Pa.The groom is employed by J. Bud Inc.The couple reside in Dupont, Pa. David Noyle, MBA ’94, is senior director of sales for Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company in Philadelphia, Pa. He oversees a sales department of 175 members. Last year, his commercial script was selected by Colonial Penn’s marketing team for production.The commercial was shot on Noyle’s sales floor, starring two of his sales representatives and celebrity endorser, Alex Trebek. Noyle also has a cameo appearance in the commercial which runs on CBS,TV Land and the Hallmark Channel. Noyle lives in East Norriton, Pa., with his wife Karen and children, Alex, Andrew and Victoria. 1993 Aaron Albert – see 1995 Melissa Margis Kapur and her husband, Rajat, welcomed their first child, a son, John Margis Kapur, on Jan. 12, 2009. Melissa previously was employed as a customer promotions manager for General Mills. She is currently a full-time mother.The family resides in Avon Lake, Ohio. Stacy M. (Heck) Smulowitz is an assistant professor of communications at the University of Scranton. She is president of Smulowitz Communications, Shavertown, Pa. 1991 Dale Nat and his wife, Valarie, welcomed their first daughter, Piper Raye, on Aug. 10, 2009. Piper joins big brothers, Nickolas, 11, and Tristan, 2.The family resides in Forty Fort, Pa. Amy (Schukis) Sheehan is owner and principal of Sheehan Consulting, which provides compliance consulting services to banks David Noyle ’92, MBA ’94, above right, appeared in a commercial for his company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance, with celebrity Alex Trebek. PHOTO COURTESY DAVID NOYLE WILKES | Spring 2010 University and was recently certified as a care manager by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. He also is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at The Pennsylvania State University and is certified in re-motivation therapy and gerontology instruction. 23 �class notes 1994 Laurence Socci is a government affairs consultant and small business owner and has worked as a lawyer representing small businesses before Congress and federal agencies. He lives in Alexandria,Va., with his wife, Amanda, and daughter Margarita. 1995 Sabeth (Ryan) Albert and Aaron Albert ’93 announce the birth of their son, Miller Ryan Albert, born Aug. 30, 2009. Miller is welcomed by his big sister, Madden.The family resides in Wilton, Conn. Maj. Devin O. Licklider of the Marine Corps recently received his master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif. 1996 Justin Fasulo – see 1998. 1997 Clayton E. Bubeck is regional vice president of RETTEW, a design firm that provides services in engineering, transportation, environmental consulting, planning and surveying. Bubeck is responsible for overseeing the firm’s offices in Schuylkill Haven, Pa., and Bethlehem, Pa., and for leading Christie Lynn Yurko and Daniel Francis Slagus were married on Oct. 10, 2009. from the technology of the future. For Mike Handley ’97, one company’s their businesses operational in a time of shortcomings became the foundation emergency,” Handley says. “You are going for his company’s success. As vice to see mobile devices become more president and partner for Lightspeed integrated into daily business activities Technologies Inc., based in Wilkes- allowing employees to be productive from Barre, he specializes in finding anywhere.” “We see customers looking for ways to use technology to reduce costs and keep Handley provides guidance to both the sales and engineering teams. He also other companies. meets with clients to design a personal While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Wilkes networking solution that works for them. University, Handley found a job with a “Think of it like building a house and local Internet service provider. The job meeting with your architect,” he says. gave Handley experience, but the company’s lack of “You tell him what you want and he comes back with a professional engineering services gave him the desire to design and cost.” find better solutions. Handley and his co-worker Stephen Cook were employed as network engineers when they saw the need for a company that utilizes convergence—a high-tech Lightspeed is working with a number of large corporations, including a local company that has several locations across the country, two call centers and over 500 users. “New technology is always what keeps me going,” says term for combining services—to reduce communications Handley. “It is changing constantly and is always bringing costs for their customers. In 1998, when he was 25, new challenges.” The relationships in his company help him Handley and Cook formed Lightspeed Technologies Inc. enjoy what he does. “The engineers act more like a family “It is hard to explain what Lightspeed does because most people don't see it,” admits Handley. Lightspeed brings together all forms of communiWILKES | Spring 2010 1998 Kerri (Gosling) Fasulo and Justin Fasulo ’96 welcomed a baby girl, Nicole Anne, on Sept. 17, 2009. Handley Sets Course for Lightspeed technology solutions overlooked by 24 overall business development efforts in northeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He resides in Wayne Township, Pa. than coworkers,” he says. Handley is grateful for the guidance of educators like John Gilmer, professor of electrical engineering at Wilkes. “He really cations services—such as phone, Internet, and e-mail— challenged me with the projects he came up with,” says into one, easy-to-use network. The company was an Handley. “He helped me learn how to think like an engineer.” innovator in combining services for cost-savings and Handley is married with three children and lives in Dallas, Pa. efficiency. This unification of media saves time and money, something Handley believes customers desire — By Rachel Strayer �class notes 1999 Joseph (J.J.) Fadden opened Big House Tobacco Outlet, a traditional tobacconist and cigar lounge, in Scranton, Pa. Brian Edward Gryboski and Stephanie Ann Brown were married on Sept. 11, 2009.The bride is employed by Cocciardi and Associates, Moosic, Pa., as a public health consultant.The groom is a pharmaceutical sales representative with Endo Pharmaceuticals, Chadds Ford, Pa.They reside in Plains Township, Pa. Maj. Deirdre M. Gurry spoke about her experiences as a female aviator in the Air Force as part of aVeterans Day remembrance in Seguin,Texas. Gurry is an evaluator pilot on the C-17 cargo aircraft with the Defense Contract Management Agency, aircraft integrated maintenance operations, in San Antonio,Texas. She is one of only six women pilots in her unit and flies one of the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory. She has received the Air Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. James Spagnola was promoted to veteran affairs director by Luzerne County Commissioners in October 2009. Spagnola is a six-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School and the U.S Naval Diving and Salvage Training School before serving as a nuclear power plant operator and ship diver onboard the USS Jacksonville, a nuclearpowered submarine. 2000 Reunion Oct. 1-3 ~ Ivan Bogan and his wife, Danielle, announce the birth of a daughter, Sarah June, on March 18, 2009.The family resides in Wilkes-Barre. 2005 Reunion Oct. 1-3 ~ Bridget McHale and Josh Turel Pharm.D. ’07 were married on May 9, 2009.The bride is employed by Wilkes University.The groom is employed by Pharmerica Pharmacy,Wilkes-Barre.The couple reside in Dallas, Pa. 2006 Andrew Amoroso is at the University of California Davis School of Law. He was named editor-in-chief of the Law Review. 2007 Ryan J. Maghamez – see Graduate Students 2009 Josh Turel – see 2005 Anthony DaRe’s project for the Central Columbia School District in Bloomsburg, Pa., was featured on CNN’s “The Situation Room” in September 2009. DeRe, agency principal of BSI Corporate Benefits, Southfield, Mich., handled the district’s health insurance negotiations. District superintendent Harry Mathias credits DaRe and his team with saving the district over $2 million over the last four years. 2001 Dr. Rob Cooney – see Graduate Students 2004 2009 Christine Stanishefski was hired as an accountant for Jones Kohanski & Co., P.C. She works in the firm’s Moosic, Pa., office. Graduate Students 1988 Chadwick E. Tuttle, MBA, is chief operating officer for the Americas for Clyde Union Pumps.The company is a manufacturer of engineered pumps and has its headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland.Tuttle resides in Victor, N.Y. Kevin M. Polifko, Pharm.D. – see Graduate Students 2005 2004 Stephanie Smith Cooney Pharm.D. ’01, and Dr. Rob Cooney, announce the birth of their daughter,Adelay Carol, on July 22, 2009. Stephanie owns Gatti Pharmacy in Indiana, Pa. Rob works as an emergency medicine physician at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pa. 2005 Vince Hartzell, Pharm.D., received the Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Companies “Distinguished Young Pharmacist” Award from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association during its 2009 annual conference. He participates in the local immunization coalition and serves as a national faculty member for the American Pharmacists Association immunization program. Lt. Cmdr. Susan Elizabeth (Pellock) Polifko, Pharm.D., was promoted from lieutenant to lieutenant commander on July 1, 2009. She is employed with the Food and Drug Administration Office of Regulatory Affairs, Harrisburg, Pa. She completes investigative work in drugs, medical devices, veterinary products, foods and biologics. Her husband, Kevin M. Polifko, Pharm.D. ’01, is a pharmacy supervisor with CVS.They reside in Harrisburg, Pa. WILKES | Spring 2010 The bride is employed as a registered nurse at Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton, Pa.The groom is employed as a machinist at Fastenal, Jessup, Pa.The couple reside in Scranton. 25 �class notes 2006 Jillian (Lipinski) Zarnas, M.S., married Michael Zarnas on Aug. 1, 2009.The bride teaches English at Emmaus High School in the East Penn School District.The couple reside in the Lehigh Valley with their Maltese, Duke. Kevin Zurawski – see Graduate Students 2008 2008 Shannon Nilon, M.S., and Kevin Zurawski, M.S.,were married on July 11, 2009.The bride is employed by the Crestwood School District as a high school special education teacher.The groom is employed by the Crestwood School District as a fourthgrade teacher.The couple reside in White Haven, Pa. Jillian (Lipinski) Zarnas – see Graduate Students 2006 2009 Kristina J. Burke, Pharm.D., and Ryan J. Maghamez ’07 were married on Sept. 19, 2009.The bride is employed by the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pa.The groom is employed by Global Tungsten and Powders Corp., Towanda, Pa.The couple reside in Towanda. WILKES | Spring 2010 In Memoriam 26 1936 Ruth Gibbons Morgan of Bridgewater,Va., died Aug. 3, 2009. She taught for several years in Wilkes-Barre. She was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, the Mizpah Bible Class, and United Methodist Women. She is survived by several relatives in Pennsylvania. 1949 Ruth S. Davis of Kingston, Pa., died Sept. 29, 2009. She was employed by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District as a teacher’s aide. She was a member of the Green Acres Tuesday Morning Coffee Club and the Green Acres Over the Hill Gang. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Benkoski, Dallas, Pa.; and son, Warren Davis, Haddonfield, N.J. Adam Orischak of Roslyn, Pa., died Oct. 5, 2009. He is survived by his sons, David Orischak and Gregory Orischak; daughter, Karen Schmittinger; sisters, Mary Petro, Helen Zavada, and Elizabeth Serafin; and several grandchildren. 1950 Rev. Gillard Evans of Clifton Township, Pa., died Oct. 21, 2009. He was a Primitive Methodist minister for over 40 years. He was conference youth director and representative to Christian Endeavor International, as well as a faculty member of the Primitive Methodist School of Theology and district superintendent of the Schuylkill District. He was also a member of George Clay Volunteer Fire Company and Ambulance Association, chaplain and president of the Thornhurst Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, and member and chairman of the West Conshohocken Municipal Authority. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Evans, Bethlehem, Pa.; and two grandchildren. Walter Maciejczyk of Shavertown, Pa., died Nov. 14, 2009. He served in World War II and was a member of the American Legion, Post No. 672, Dallas, Pa. He worked for the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot as a plastics technologist and the Picatinny Arsenal as a pyrotechnic engineer. He also worked for Air Products and Chemicals. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Germaine Waskie Maciejczyk; several nieces and nephews. 1953 Michael Herman died Sept. 9, 2009. He was a staff sergeant with the Army from 1946 to 1949. He was an accountant for General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., for 35 years, until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Herman; son, Steven M. Herman, Kalispell, Mont.; daughter, Shirley Ann Abrams, Clifton Park, N.Y.; sisters,Veronica Simonowicz and Elizabeth Suscavage, both of Plymouth, Pa.; two grandchildren and a greatgrandson. 1955 Roland E. Featherman died Sept. 16, 2009. He worked for the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health/Mental Retardation Agency for 35 years, serving as director of outpatient services and director of partial hospitalization and adult day care. He also had a private counseling practice for 30 years. He served on many boards of directors, including the Burnley Workshop Board of Directors; East Stroudsburg Area School District Board; the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20; Stroudsburg Lion’s Club; Department of Welfare Board; and Office of the Aging Board of Directors, among many others. He cofounded the County Interagency Council and was appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities. He is survived by three daughters, Jill McDonald, Butler, Pa.; Mari Wahlgren,Wind Gap, Pa.; and Barbara Mills, Colorado Springs, Colo.; a brother, Howard Featherman, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and eight grandchildren. 1958 Ralph Smith of Dallas, Pa., died Sept. 25, 2009. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and managed the Crawford Smith Lumber Company with his brother, Gordon Smith. In 1958 he joined Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and served as president from 1965 until his retirement in 1983. Smith was a vice president of Wyoming Valley United Way, a past president of the Welfare Planning Council, member of the advisory �class notes 1959 Thomas Edward Reese of Dallas, Pa., died Oct. 18, 2009. He was in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was the former owner and operator of Glenview Coal Supply, Dallas, Pa.; Dallas Borough tax collector for 32 years; administrative assistant to Sen. Charles D. Lemmond; Fifth District Chairman Luzerne County Republican Party; and former coach and treasurer for Back Mountain Little League. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Martha Mae Hadsall Reese; children, Priscilla Evelyn Aldrow, Harrisonburg,Va.; Shirley Ann Shoff, Concord, N.C.; and Thomas John Reese, Blakeslee, Pa.; sister, Shirley Templin, Dallas; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. 1960 Eugene Brozowski of Courtdale, Pa., died Sept. 11, 2009. He served in the U.S. Army. He was employed at Allied Chemical in Morristown, N.J., and Trillium Inc., in Coatesville, Pa. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Larksville, Pa. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Carolyn; three sons, Eugene Brozowski Jr., Neffs, Pa.; Joseph Brozowski, Allentown, Pa.; and Michael Brozowski, Reno, Nev.; a stepdaughter, Kelly Ney, Freeland, Pa.; and seven grandchildren. of nursing services at Nesbitt Hospital. She taught at Luzerne County Community College, where she was one of the five founders of the Nursing Education Program. During the Korean War, she served in the U.S. Navy as a nurse. After her retirement, she was a volunteer with the American Red Cross Blood Mobile and Meals on Wheels. She is survived by her son, R. Brian Porter, Fairport, N.Y.; daughter, R. Bonnie Pajka, Shavertown; sister, Naomi Holdredge, Shavertown; grandchildren; a nephew and three great-nephews. Julius Yurchak of Hainesport Township, N.J., died Sept. 22, 2009. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He worked for the Defense Personnel Support Center, Philadelphia, Pa., for 39 years. He is survived by his wife, Myra Stasukevich Yurchak; daughters, Lisa Yurchak, Green Brook, N.J.; Kira Montgomery, Mount Laurel, N.J.; and Nina Yurchak, London, England; brother and sister, Eugene Yurchak and Constance Quadrini, both of Wilkes-Barre; and two grandsons. 1963 Donald “Dayton” Long died Sept. 6, 2009. He taught in the George Ross Elementary School, Lancaster, Pa., for 28 years, retiring in 1991. He was honored by the AAA of Lancaster County for outstanding service as supervisor of safety patrol and dedication to the safety of school children. He was a member of the Calvary Church in Lancaster, the Lancaster Education Association, the National Education Association, and the Pennsylvania State Education Association. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia A. Crowl; brother, Dr. Jay Long; and two granddaughters. 1962 Cora Rood Porter of Shavertown, Pa., died Sept. 22, 2009. She was a graduate of Nesbitt Hospital School of Nursing, where she also began her teaching career, and later became the assistant director 1968 Matthew Fliss of West Pittston, Pa., died Nov. 13, 2009. He was a counselor and university lecturer. Joseph Stankus of Dallas, Pa., died Oct. 21, 2009. He taught social studies at the West Side Vocational-Technical School, Pringle, Pa., for 36 years. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, the former Tanya Tadic; aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins. 1971 Paul Andrew Hutz of Mountain Top, Pa., died Sept. 18, 2009. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an airman first class. He was employed as a coordinator and inspector of the Housing Authority of Luzerne County. He was also employed with the Wachovia Arena,Wilkes-Barre. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Kozey Hutz; son, David Paul Hutz; sister, Ann Marie Bretz; several aunts, uncles and cousins. 1973 James Kelly, MBA, of WilkesBarre died Nov. 12, 2009. He worked for WGBI Radio and TV, later known as WDAU, as a television news, weather and sports reporter. Kelly served in the U.S. Army Reserves, graduating from the U.S. Army Information School as information and broadcast specialist. He was part of the 402nd Military Police Unit in Wilkes-Barre. He was director WILKES | Spring 2010 committee to the Department of Defense on Dependents’ Medical Care, and a member of the board of directors and chairman of the board of United Penn Bank. He was also a past president of the Wilkes-Barre Little Theater. He is survived by his sister, Jean Ingling, Alexandria, Pa.; daughter, Susan Smith Lehrmitt, New York, N.Y.; son, S. Kerr (Sandy) Smith, New Orleans, La.; grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. 27 �class notes of public relations for the United Way and later served as assistant business manager for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth Gates Kelly; sons, James Kelly, Buffalo, N.Y.; and Michael Kelly, Nashua, N.H.; daughter, Mary Ruth Burke,Wilkes-Barre; and several grandchildren. WILKES | Spring 2010 1974 James C. DeSombre of Trumansburg, N.Y., died Oct. 4, 2009. He worked for Borg Warner Automotive for 32 years, most recently as director of Global Supplier Development. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Long DeSombre; parents, Everett and Edna Harrison DeSombre, Forty Fort, Pa.; sons, Jason DeSombre, Seymour, Conn.; and Jeff DeSombre, Newburgh, N.Y.; grandchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins. 28 1985 Mark Anthony O’Donnell of Wilkes-Barre died Dec. 4, 2009. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0644. He worked in sales and was a former member of the Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas, Pa. He is survived by his father, Gerald F. O’Donnell, Dallas; daughter, Amanda Brown, Charleston, S.C.; son, Mark O’Donnell Jr., Charleston, S.C.; sister, Michelle Stavish,West Wyoming, Pa.; three brothers, Gerald F. O’Donnell Jr., Hummelstown, Pa.; Jeff O’Donnell,Trucksville, Pa.; and Michael O’Donnell, Swoyersville, Pa.; a grandson; several nieces and nephews. 1989 Robert J. Boyle of Plains Township, Pa., died Nov. 18, 2009. He is survived by his parents, Joseph M. and Regina Sullivan Boyle,Wyoming, Pa.; brothers, Joseph Boyle, Pa.; and Patrick Boyle, Calif.; sisters, Regina Furey, N.J.; Kathy Ventre, Pa.; and Mary Fino, Pa.; nieces and nephews. 1993 Diane Elizabeth Belusko of Wilkes-Barre died Oct. 21, 2009. She was retired from the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. She is survived by her mother, Mary Richardson, Wilkes-Barre; son, Eric M. Richardson, Hanover Township, Pa.; sisters, Susan Fisher and Barbara Cunningham, both of Plains Township, Pa.; brother, Michael W. Richardson, Wilkes-Barre; several nieces and nephews. 1994 Michael J.Vesek III of WilkesBarre died Nov. 5, 2009. He was employed as a deputy sheriff for the Luzerne County sheriff ’s department for 19 years. He is survived by his parents, Michael J. and Jacqueline Stillarty Vesek Jr., Wilkes-Barre; son, Michael J. Vesek IV, Dallas, Pa.; daughter, Hayley Ann Vesek, Dallas; mother of his children, Kara Vesek, Dallas; and sister,Terri Vesek,Wilkes-Barre. 2002 Joey Ruggiero of Hazleton, Pa., died April 14, 2009. He began his career as a crisis worker at Turning Point Behavioral Health. He worked as a discharge specialist at UnitedHealth Group and most recently as a contract analyst at UnitedHealthcare. He was a volunteer with the First Person Arts Festival, the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Philadelphia Cares, the Human Rights Campaign, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society and the William Way LGBT Community Center. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Carol Ruggiero; sister Lisa; and maternal grandmother Antonette Ruggiero. 2007 Andrea M. Cardell of Kingston, Pa., died Sept. 21, 2009. She is survived by her mother, Linda McClure, Duryea, Pa; brothers Ian, Joseph, Christopher and Jonathan; sisters Randi, Amanda, Regina, Cheryl and Betty. 2008 Cory Anthony Shultz of Dallas, Pa., died Nov. 9, 2009. He was employed as a clerk by Lakeside Bistro, Harveys Lake, Pa., and worked with his father at Shultz Masonry. He was a member of the Shavertown United Methodist Church. Surviving are his parents, Stanley and Debbie Shultz, Dallas; paternal grandmother, Roseann Shultz, Swoyersville, Pa.; aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends of Wilkes University Edward P. Tabbit of Trucksville, Pa., died Aug. 1, 2009. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy. He owned and operated Tabbit’s Appliance Service of Forty Fort, Pa., for the past five decades. He is survived by his children, Diana, Edward Jr. and David, all of Trucksville; Robert, Wyoming, Pa.; Lisa, Forty Fort; nieces and nephews. David R. “Bud” Thalenfeld of Naples, Fla., died May 19, 2009. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was the CEO and founder of Trion Industries Inc., Plains Township, Pa. He was a member of Temple B’nai B’rith, Kingston, Pa.;Temple Shalom, Naples; a former member of the Jewish Community Center,WilkesBarre; a board member and treasurer of Family Service Association of Wyoming Valley, Pa.; and of many other organizations. He was a De Tocqueville Society member of the Wyoming Valley United Way. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, the former Lillian Stein; son, John Thalenfeld; sisters, Harriett Gray, Kingston, Pa.; and Freda Popky,Wilkes-Barre; and two grandchildren. �then & now Past Beacon writers knew the value of getting a story right the first time as they worked dutifully at their typewriters. See anyone you recognize in this photo? Share names or reminisce on The Colonel Connection message boards, found at www.wilkes.edu/alumni. Or send responses to Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. You can also e-mail wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu. PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES ENGINEERING CLASS John Standish ’58 and William Culverhouse ’61 MS ’73 identified this photo as Professor Edward Heltzel’s engineering drawing class, probably in 1957 or 1958. Today’s Beacon staff enjoys the luxury of computer technology while they work on producing Wilkes University’s student newspaper. John Standish ’58 is in the upper left of the photo. Engineering students at that time took two semesters of engineering drawing. Professor Heltzel is standing in the center of the photo, helping a student. The classroom shown was on the third floor of Conyngham Hall. PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES PHOTO BY ALLISON ROTH �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY events March Through 14 Brian Wood, Paintings, drawing, prints and photographs, Sordoni Art Gallery 24 Alumni event,Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game 25 Alumni gathering in Pittsburgh, Pa. April 10 Alumni event, Denver, CO. 15-17 Theatre Production, Dracula, Darte Center, 8 p.m.; April 18, 2 p.m. 17 Alumni event, Charleston, S.C. 22 Alumni event with communication studies professors, Baltimore, Md. 24 Dance Concert, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, 3 and 8 p.m, Darte Center Alumni Association Scholarship Dinner 25 The Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities featuring Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones Into Schools 29 Jazz Orchestra Concert, Darte Center, 8:15 p. m. May 1 Scholarship Dinner honoring XX 3 String Ensembles Concert, 8 p.m. 22 Commencement PHOTO BY BRUCE WELLER For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazines, Spring 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2010 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/fb22f6489f8111c3ea16835885870201.pdf b55b330819032fd9cac53de8c7ae6be0 PDF Text Text SPRING 2009 SENSEI | PIVOTAL PIROUETTES | PITCHING PRESERVATION | BLACK DESERTS �president’s letter VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 1 A Life Well-Lived Savors the Arts SPRING 09 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Tim Gilmour W ILKES UNIVERSITY MAINTAINS A STRONG commitment to the arts, which is driven by the following premises: preparation of all of our undergraduates for a life well and fully lived must include an appreciation of the arts; interested students must be given the opportunity to develop their artistic talents; a key element to improving the Wyoming Valley’s quality of life is a vibrant arts community and full calendar of art events.To the extent that Wilkes can facilitate and contribute to a vibrant arts community, it also provides a more fulfilling undergraduate experience for the students and a genuine public service for the community that redounds to the University’s benefit. Historically,Wilkes has been a regional leader in the arts and continues, through a vital Department of Visual and Performing Arts and its wide variety of theatre and music programs, the Sordoni Museum, and the Music Conservatory, to contribute robustly to the arts on campus and in the Wyoming Valley. In recent years, undergraduate student interest in the arts has increased. More and more students pursue some facet of the arts during their studies, and we want to encourage more participation in the arts in class and in extracurricular activities. More than 200 Wilkes students take dance classes each semester. Beginning on page 14, you can read about PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK our popular dance classes. As we look ahead, we see an even more vital role for the arts at Wilkes. In the community, we will develop a greater awareness of what we already do and extend our programs into the downtown to ensure a genuine and sustained renaissance there. On campus, it will involve even greater opportunities for deep immersion for talented students in some facet of the arts and for broader development of arts appreciation as an essential element of a life well-lived for all. Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood Editor Kim Bower-Spence Executive Editor Jack Chielli Associate Director, Marketing Communications Christine Tondrick ’98 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas Electronic Communications Christopher Barrows Graduate Assistant Shannon Curtin ’07 Layout/Design Quest Fore Inc. Printing Payne Printery Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 M’76 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Executive Director Sandra Sarno Carroll Director Mirko Widenhorn Associate Director Michelle Diskin ’95 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President George Pawlush ’69 M’76 First Vice President Terrence Casey ’82 Second Vice President John Wartella ’84 Historian Colleen Gries Gallagher ’81 Secretary Bridget Giunta ’05 Wilkes magazine is published quarterly by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications and Government Relations, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4764. Please send change of address to the above address. Dr. Tim Gilmour Wilkes University President Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �contents FEATURES 8 Sensei Ranked among the world’s top martial artists, Carl Long sustains samurai tradition 14 Pivotal Pirouettes 14 Dance minor rounds out students’ academic studies 16 Pitching Preservation 8 Alumnus trades successful sales career to help safeguard Texas shoreline 18 Black Deserts /Welsh Tips Photo essay highlights photographer’s coalfields exploration 2 On Campus 6 Athletics 20 Alumni News 22 Class Notes On the cover: Music education major Carl Long traded trumpet for samurai sword. Now the world-class martial artist travels the world to promote the ancient practice. Read more, beginning on page 8. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR J;;s FPO FSC 18 Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes Magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Correction: A class note in the summer 2007 issue incorrectly stated that Meghan (LaVigna) Suhocki ’97 MS ’01 and her husband adopted two boys. In fact, Suhocki and husband Chris gave birth to sons Alex Luca and Jonah William in December 2005 and December 2006, respectively.The staff of Wilkes magazine regrets the error. WILKES | Spring 2009 16 DEPARTMENTS 1 �on campus Sidhu School Names First Executive-in-Residence Daniel J. Cardell ’79 became the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership’s first executive-in-residence last fall. Paul Browne, Sidhu School dean, says the program will bring accomplished business leaders to campus to interact with students and other members of the university community. “Learning from and talking to an experienced senior executive provides great career motivation. Students get to visualize the types of roles for which they are preparing and hear stories of how a successful career unfolds.They also have the opportunity to discuss how specific concepts apply to real-life situations. In the normal course of instruction, students learn through theory and case studies about the roles and responsibilities of senior leaders and the capabilities and skills required in their work. It all comes to life when such leaders come to campus to talk with students about what they do.” Cardell is president and chief investment officer of Wayne Hummer Asset Management. He formerly served as director of equities at Weiss, Peck & Greer and as senior vice president at the Bank of America. During his residency, Cardell served as a guest lecturer in classes on business strategy, entrepreneurship, strategic management, financial management, investments, portfolio management and financial markets. He also shared his views with Sidhu School faculty and staff on the importance of their role in guiding students in the pursuit of careers in business and accounting, and participated in a lunch with a select group of students, leaders from the business community and faculty members from political science and economics. Cardell, a member of the University’s board of trustees, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned an MBA in finance at the University of Pittsburgh in 1980. Daniel J. Cardell ’79 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION LAUNCHES MASTER’S DEGREES IN TEACHING ONLINE AND ESL The online teaching program will prepare educators to use technology Changing technology and demographics are creating new opportunities for educators. for training and instruction, whether in the private or public sectors of Responding to this demand, Wilkes’ School of academia, the corporate world or government. The program is offered Education launched two new 30-credit master’s totally online in collaboration with Performance Learning Systems. degree programs for spring: online teaching Teaching English as a second language includes two majors: and teaching English as a second language. • English as a Second Language, for public school teachers who want to instruct children whose first language is not English. • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, for instructors -· who can teach English to learners of all ages. You need not be a ~-----=~ •- teacher to apply for this option. ... By completing the program’s first four courses, students can earn a -- letter of endorsement or the ESL Specialist designation from the ,,_ ~.... , ....... _60)""_,.... Pennsylvania Department of Education. Classes take place in a blended, Jt~-~r.- JJ-••--........... --~'""-"'- - or hybrid, format that includes on-campus meetings, as well as online WILKES | Spring 2009 ..,roor-r~ 2 1•Jllolt-· instruction and interaction. C-.1-- a,~-•-• ..,.._....,.t'l'l ~··""•'-• __ ltM ____ ;S"••-"·-- ...._ .....~~ ....... ~~..-..t- ...,._ .... ____ .. _.,..~ ~ .... -1 .... ........ _ For more information on either program, visit www.wilkes.edu/GradEd l'•-"'1111•~ ~·----·-~;:..-:- 'Ml'1 ... ~ o.,_...,.. ___ ::--~=,...,..,,-s--t --...•-•- ...... , ... _.._.,f10-•So--,T1- .__ ..... _ .... ---f♦ c-llt-- .... ,_ .. ,.....,,..... ___ --- ---~•--•• , __ ,.,.__ --- ... or phone (800) WILKES-U Ext. 4671. �on campus I have followed very closely the FOREIGN REACTION to (Barack Obama’s) election. It is absolutely STUNNING. People from all over the world are thinking that America has in fact presented a whole new historic figure. People are applauding America for having elected the FIRST BLACK AMERICAN PRESIDENT. - Madeleine K. Albright, on world reaction to President Barack Obama’s election Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright addressed the annual Outstanding Leaders Forum, sponsored by the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. Proceeds from the forum build a scholarship endowment for the school’s undergraduate program. PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY Hands-On Learning at Hillside Farms PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK WILKES | Spring 2009 Students in adolescent psychology worked with local high school students to beautify the Lands at Hillside Farms. Jennifer Thomas’ adolescent psychology class partnered with students from Lake Lehman High School on a service learning project during the fall 2008 semester. The class partnered with 10 high school students in September and began planning service projects to benefit the nearby Lands at Hillside Farms. During the planning process, psychology students observed the teens’ problem-solving skills and growing awareness of civic and social responsibility. The project culminated on a December Saturday when the student groups built a walking bridge, constructed a compost bin and helped beautify nature trails.The service learning initiative gave the psychology students a better understanding of adolescent development by applying the theories and concepts learned in class to a real-life situation. 3 �on campus WEATHERING THE ECONOMIC STORM Recent economic turmoil has not spared Wilkes University. But conservative investment policies and dependence on tuition for income have kept the institution on sound footing so far. “Overall, the financial condition of Wilkes is stable, and we are positioned well for the future,” reports University President Tim Gilmour. “That is not to say there won’t be challenges and sacrifices ahead. But the basic directions of our strategic plan, the strong financial stewardship of our Board of Trustees, and the generous giving of our alumni have provided us with the ability to weather bad times and take advantage of good times ahead.” Some moves that help: • Two years ago, trustees refinanced Wilkes’ debt to a fixed rate. • Value of the Wilkes endowment declined but at a rate less than what the overall market has experienced. “Because our endowment is relatively small, the stock market decline has less effect on our budget than at some other institutions,” Gilmour says. “Ironically, this might be a time when it is good to be a tuition-dependent institution.” • The strategic plan, Vision 2010, addressed a coming decline Students Valerie Martinez, left, and Xiaoqiao Zhang were volunteer bell ringers for the Salvation Army’s Need Knows No Season campaign. Zebra Communications has helped to raise more than $6,000 for the organization since it became a client in 2004. PHOTO BY SHANNON CURTIN in college-bound high school students and the growing need for adult education. • Despite the serious deterioration of our nation’s economy, the number of donors to Wilkes’ Annual Fund has increased. And with the continued support of our alumni, the University has an opportunity to meet goals this year. This year’s budget will be tight and next year’s even tighter as the University reigns in costs, accommodates challenges from financial markets, and builds in larger contingencies should the economy deteriorate further. “If you have not already done so, I urge you to contribute to our Annual Fund at whatever amount is comfortable for your budget,” Gilmour says. “Your giving will make us stronger and will help struggling students and their families to enjoy the benefits that you know a Wilkes education provides.” As of late January, applications received from prospective students continued to be on par with those of the previous year, and Gilmour remains optimistic about the future. “We recognize that the financial situation is fluid and can change rapidly,” Gilmour says. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will proceed prudently.” WILKES | Spring 2009 To donate to the Annual Fund, contact Michele Zabriski at 4 michele.zabriski@wilkes.edu or (800) WILKES-U. For additional information on the University’s financial situation, contact the Office of Alumni Relations, also at (800) WILKES-U. Earning Their Stripes Zebra Communications should soon exceed the $10,000 mark for money raised, thanks to its creative fundraising and awareness campaigns. The University’s student-run public relations firm has a history of developing unique fundraising campaigns for local organizations. Long-time Zebra clients Candy’s Place, a non-profit support organization for cancer patients and their families, and the Salvation Army received checks totaling more than $5,000 from fundraising events this holiday season. Zebra planned a benefit concert, dodgeball tournament, Red Kettle Drive for the Salvation Army’s “Need Knows No Season” campaign, and partnered with national franchise restaurants to raise money for their clients while also gaining hands-on professional experience. Since 2005, Zebra Communications has raised nearly $10,000 for the two organizations. �on campus And the Band Plays On Calling all Civic Band members — past and present! Wilkes Band Weekend will be held April 26 and 27. It features former directors Terry Zipay and Raymond Nutaitis ’62 and ’64. If you participated in the Wilkes Civic Band at any time during its glorious 60-year history, come join the fun. The 57-member ensemble performs a repertoire of outstanding modern concert band pieces and features a variety of performers.“This is an exciting project that has the potential to connect with many of the music school and band alumni as far back as the 1950s,” says Philip Simon, director of music education and instrumental studies at Wilkes. Any alumni of the band program wishing to receive information about this special weekend can contact Simon at philip.simon@wilkes.edu. ' This is an exciting project that has the potential to CONNECT with many of the MUSIC SCHOOL and BAND ALUMNI as far back as the 1950s. – Philip Simon '' The Civic Band comprises both student and community musicians. PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY An investigative article on race and business practices in Wilkes-Barre earned five student writers from Wilkes University’s campus newspaper an honorable mention from the Associated Collegiate Press. The Beacon recently received honorable mention in the Story of the Year competition at the Associated Collegiate Press “Best of Show” awards. Carlton Holmes, Newark, N.J.; Andrew Seaman, Forest City, Pa.; Marissa Phillips, Effort, Pa.; Andee Scarantino, Old Forge, Pa.; and Nicole Frail, Wilkes-Barre, collaborated on the article. The national Associated Collegiate Press competition does not categorize competitors based on size of publication or school in the Story of the Year categories. The Beacon competed in the diversity category, following Duke University, University of Southern California and Kansas State University, respectively. The Beacon news team that earned an honorable mention for a series on race in WilkesBarre included, seated from left: Marissa Phillips, advisor Andrea Frantz and Nicole Frail; and standing, from left: Carlton Holmes and Andrew Seaman. Andee Scarantino was absent from the photo. PHOTO BY SHANNON CURTIN WILKES | Spring 2009 Investigative Article on Race Earns National Recognition 5 �athletics Steamrollers With Sticks RECORD-BREAKING SEASON CATAPULTS FIELD HOCKEY TEAM TO NO. 18 IN NATION WILKES | Spring 2009 By Craig Merriman 6 �athletics Wilkes hosted Washington & Jefferson University in the opening round, where they would take a 2-1 win before falling to Kean University 4-3 in the ECAC Championship to close out the season. For their efforts, four players were named to the All-Freedom Conference First Team, and Myers was named Coach of the Year. Freshman goal keeper Lindsey Davenport was named the Rookie of the Year after posting eight shutout wins. Earning spots on the all-conference first team were senior attack Alyssa Koncelik, junior midfielder Brittany Sines, senior defender Kerry Battersby and Davenport. Opposite page: Center midfielder Brittney Sines, a junior captain, proved herself a playmaker and most consistent player. PHOTO BY CRAIG MERRIMAN Inset: The team celebrates following a goal against Delaware Valley. The women went on to win 4-2. PHOTO BY KATHY DALTON Below: Freshman goal keeper Lindsey Davenport posted eight shut-out wins to earn Rookie of the Year honors. PHOTO BY KATHY DALTON WILKES | Spring 2009 S CHOOL RECORDS WERE SQUASHED AS THE 2008 field hockey team steamrolled its way through conference play last fall.The Lady Colonels’ 18 season wins set a record, as did their 10 consecutive wins. And along the way, they climbed to a No. 18 national ranking. It was Aug. 17 when Wilkes field hockey head coach Sara Myers had a chance to meet with her team for the first time. Like all coaches, she set goals for individuals as well as the team as to what she expected in the upcoming season. Kerry Battersby, Alyssa Koncelik, Devon McKay, Kristina Naveira and Diana Wright, the five seniors on the squad, were given the task of mentoring 10 freshmen, as well as two sophomores and six juniors.With a young team, the seniors shouldered a great deal of responsibility and demanded the best from their teammates from day one. “This year’s senior class was the first class that I started with four years ago,” Myers notes. “Over the years, they have grown and developed into talented players and the kind of seniors the team wanted to play for. I have enjoyed coaching them, and I am very grateful for all they have given to the field hockey program at Wilkes.They have developed a winning tradition, which we hope to continue.” On Aug. 30, the 2008 field hockey team started on the road to accomplishing something no other hockey team in school history had. On that day they hosted Moravian in one of their closest and most exciting games of the year. The Lady Colonels eventually won 4-3 in penalty strokes after both teams finished regulation and two overtime periods deadlocked at 3-3. Wilkes would prevail 3-0 in the strokes with the game-winning goal credited to Devon McKay. It would be the first of 10 straight victories, marking the most consecutive wins to start the season. The Lady Colonels finally lost their first contest against No. 13 Elizabethtown by a 3-1 margin, but it didn’t take long for Wilkes to bounce back as it took a 3-1 convincing win over No. 18 Montclair State just a week later.The win would start another streak, this time five straight that would put the Lady Colonels on top of the Freedom Conference standings. Wilkes finished the regular season with a 7-1 record and garnered the top seed in the Freedom Conference Championship. During their journey, the Lady Colonels knocked off two-time defending conference champions and cross-town rival King’s College 4-3 in an overtime thriller in the final regular-season game to clinch the top spot. Earning the No. 1 title gave Wilkes a first-round bye in the playoffs. Three days after they took the Lady Monarchs down, the Lady Colonels would do it again, this time in the semifinal round of the league tournament where Wilkes came out on top 1-0 in a defensive struggle. They would then play for the conference title against Eastern, a team they defeated earlier in the year. The stress of three games in less than a week caught up to the Lady Colonels as they fell 2-1 in the conference championship. Finishing with a stellar 17-3 record, the Lady Colonels were invited to play in the ECAC South Championship. 7 �WILKES | Spring 2009 Sensei Long practices Buddhist meditation in his Kingston, Pa., martial arts school. ALL PHOTOS BY EARL & SEDOR 8 �[sensei] RANKED AMONG THE WORLD’S TOP MARTIAL ARTISTS, CARL LONG SUSTAINS SAMURAI TRADITION WILKES | Spring 2009 By Kim Bower-Spence 9 �A BASTION OF ANCIENT JAPANESE SAMURAI tradition lies just across the river from Wilkes University in Kingston, Pa. There, in a martial arts school called Sakura Budokan, a globe-trotting Wilkes music education graduate and one of the world’s leading practitioners of samurai sword fighting trains not only locals but students from around the world to wield a 3-foot steel blade – or a wooden stick for the less advanced – in the same way samurai warriors did centuries ago. Carl Long ’78 is the senior-most student of grand master Masayuki Shimabukuro and the highest-ranked member of their type of samurai swordsmanship in the world. He holds a fourthdegree black belt in jodo (JOH doh), which uses a short staff; a sixthdegree black belt in iaido (ee EYE doh), or sword fighting; and an eighth-degree black belt in karate.Together Long and Shimabukuro provide martial arts training and workshops to instructors throughout the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe. Long and Shimabukuro are international appointees for iaido by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai International (DNBK), the headquarters for traditional martial arts in Japan under supervision of the grand masters in each art and presided over by a Japanese prince. “Sensei Long is extremely important in the world of martial arts – yet he is very modest and down-to-earth,” explains Dale Bruns, Long’s student and dean of Wilkes’ College of Science and Engineering. From Rural Musician WILKES | Spring 2009 Long began formally studying karate at age 12. A native of rural Huntingdon Mills, Pa., he also learned to play trumpet and majored in music education at Wilkes College. Upon graduating, he married, taught elementary music in the Northwest Area School District and started a martial arts school. He opened Sakura Budokan in 1979 in a small Kingston storefront for which he paid $80 per month. At the time, it was a novelty. As his family grew to include two sons, he took a job managing a manufacturing facility and continued to teach martial arts. Interest in martial arts exploded in the mid-1980s with release of movies like The Karate Kid.“The martial arts school continued to grow and grow and grow, and I had to make a decision which way I was going to go.” In 1989, he devoted himself to martial arts full-time. Long’s organization bought a former wholesale flower warehouse in 1994 and converted it to a dojo (DOH joh) — a place for experiencing one’s self. 10 Sensei Long demonstrates aikido with his student Jeff Kozel. �Sakura Budokan, with classes in karate, aikido (eye KEE doh) and sword, has had up to 225 students. Currently, about 160 people practice there.About 20 percent are under 18 years old.The oldest student is 68. Long estimates that he’s taught hundreds of Wilkes alumni over the years. In the dojo, Long is referred to as sensei (SEN say).The term means “one who has gone before” and refers to teachers. In 2004, the Japanese royal family gave Long the title renshi (REN shee) an old Japanese nobility title meaning a pure and uncovetous person — a rank similar to knighthood.Today the title is a teaching credential. Long started in karate and then discovered aikido, which means “way of harmony.” Beyond self-defense, he explains, aikido seeks conflict resolution through seeing situations from the opponent’s perspective. Rather than resist an opponent, an aikido master moves in the same direction as the attacker. Once you’ve “blended” with the adversary’s motion, the master can move to immobilize or subdue an attacker. “It had tremendous application to everyday life,” Long says, from sales to family relationships to raising children. As Long delved into aikido, his interest grew in the ancient “empty hand arts” practiced by the samurai warriors more than 200 years ago and then to swords. Karate and aikido, while based on samurai arts, are considered modern martial arts. Those who practice and keep alive the ancient martial arts of the samurai are considered national living treasures in Japan, he says. The master sword teacher, now 88 years old, is the 20th generation to teach a style of sword fighting that is 475 years old. Iaido is performed with a real sword. Individual performances include choreographed movements that look like dance; more than 340 routines mimic situations in which a swordsman might find himself. Long also performs two-man sparring drills and target cutting with a live blade. Error can mean a nasty cut, he notes. Repetition leads to mastery, Long asserts. In the martial arts, mastery comes only from a lifetime of practicing one’s art. “I don’t think perfection ever comes.” It is not enough just to have good technique. One must also understand the HISTORY and PHILOSOPHY of one’s martial art in order to properly apply it to life. – Del Lucent ’03 ' “In the modern approach to martial arts, these titles/ranks are much more difficult to achieve than the conventional dan (black belt) grades and are not automatically assigned with rank or seniority,” explains Bruns. “The holder of these titles must also have made significant contributions to the martial arts community at large.” The average student attends two times a week, with some traveling from NewYork or Maryland to train weekly. In November, Sakura Budokan hosted a seminar for 35 international instructors. Worldwide, Long counts 5,200 to 5,300 students. As an accredited representative of DNBK, he trains trainers throughout the world, so their students are counted as his. Japan’s imperial family oversees training and licensing of martial arts. Each spring the DNBK hosts a 10-day festival in Kyoto, Japan, in the country’s oldest martial arts hall, which goes back 800 years. A Japanese prince oversees the celebration, which includes four days of demonstrations and training. “Representatives of our style have to go there and perform for the imperial family to show that we’re carrying on the tradition,” Long says. In 2008, Long’s team, which included Bruns, took the first-place award overall. Long himself was awarded Yushu Sho (yoo shoo SHOH), recognizing overall outstanding performance out of 1,100 participants, from Prince Higashi Fushimi, a member of the Japanese royal family and chairman of DNBK. Self-Examination and Self-Actualization Long likens the sword to words, which used as a weapon cut deep and can’t be taken back. Iaido “teaches people to be more respectful, more empathetic toward other people’s feelings, understanding that for every action there will be a cause and effect,” he says. Self-examination leads to self-actualization as the practitioner understands the reason he does things. “People need to take more responsibility,” he asserts. Once they take responsibility, they must take more control of their actions. He adds, “Our society has lost an awful lot of cultural etiquette, and I think that’s where we can have one of the greatest effects with the young people we work with.” The philosophical lessons stuck with Del Lucent ’03, who started studying karate with Long when he was 5 years old and moved on to study samurai arts. A doctoral student in biophysics at Stanford University, Lucent keeps his swords and staffs near his desk in the lab so he can practice late at night when everyone else leaves the building. WILKES | Spring 2009 '' Karate to Swords 11 �WILKES | Spring 2009 Long’s office reflects the Japanese culture of his teachers. 12 As a teacher, Long knows when to be kind and when to be firm, Lucent says. “Whenever Sensei was hard on me, it was usually obvious that he was trying to help me succeed,” he says. “Also, Long Sensei would always emphasize martial arts from a holistic perspective. It is not enough just to have good technique. One must also understand the history and philosophy of one’s martial art in order to properly apply it to life.” Lucent appreciates Long’s references to the dojo as “life’s laboratory.” “He always said that in the dojo and in martial arts we learn that the most important opponent we face is our self.” Lisa Kadlec, assistant professor of biology at Wilkes, has studied with Long about three years.“Among the many things I value about Sensei Long are his extensive knowledge of the martial arts and his true passion for what he does. He is extremely skilled, and I feel like I learn something every time I’m on the floor with him.” Bruns and his oldest daughter began studying aikido with Long in 1996. Though his daughter has moved on, Bruns continues to train with Long in aikido and jodo. “Aikido techniques are based on relaxation and being centered – both physically and mentally – so this was of interest to me from a philosophical perspective.” Inside the Dojo Visitors to Long’s school enter another culture. “I wanted to create an environment here that was very similar to the environment of my teachers in Japan,” he says. Tucked along a side street, a wooden fence shields a compact Japanese garden out front. Inside the gate, an oriental garden �International Influence Long teaches around the world, from Central and South America to Asia and Europe. He goes to Japan about twice a year. “My passport’s pretty well-stamped,” grins Long, who reads and speaks Japanese.Two years ago, he traveled 42 of 52 weekends. Last year he was gone only about two weekends a month. He credits his liberal arts education and the exposure to cultural diversity at Wilkes College with helping teach a young man from rural Pennsylvania how to relate to people from all over the world. Long also works with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to train its agents, embassy security, local drug enforcement agents and Interpol agents. He teaches arrest, control and disarming techniques for police and paramilitary personnel. His efforts also include humanitarian work, including an educational foundation in Central America. A two-day martial arts demonstration in Costa Rica raised $8,000 for a drug rehabilitation group to build a new facility. “I’ve seen severe poverty, I’ve seen what education can do,” he says. Long is now turning his attention to writing about martial arts. He writes a column, “The Cutting Edge,” for Black Belt magazine. In 2007, he and Shimabukuro co-authored a book titled Living Karate. The pair have also produced books and videos marketed worldwide. And Long has been asked to write about the sword art for westerners. Neither of his two grown sons, Christopher and Nicholas, took an interest in martial arts, but he notes that he now teaches some of the children and grandchildren of his first students. Wife Marguerite has been doing martial arts since 1979. “I now have a responsibility. Five hundred years of generations of people have preserved this for me and have taken the time to pass it along to me, and I’m now a steward of that,” Long says. He calls martial arts “a living, breathing entity. When you stop doing it, it no longer exists. It’s got to be passed along, my teacher says, – Carl Long ‘heart to heart.’” FIVE HUNDRED YEARS of generations of people have preserved this for me and have taken the time to pass it along to me, and I’M NOW A STEWARD of that. WILKES | Spring 2009 complete with gurgling fountain and pond leads to the door of the one-story brick building. Award certificates adorned with Japanese calligraphy decorate the light wood-paneled walls of Long’s office. Sliding rice-paper panels cover the windows along one wall, while Long’s father’s pipe collection decorates a shelf. A spacious, bright room with beige carpet, mirrors and a rack of wooden swords is where students practice. A Shinto altar consisting of a shadowbox of artifacts hangs from one wall. It represents the enshrinement of knowledge passed from teacher to student. A scroll of Japanese calligraphy declares jikishin kore dojo (jee kee shin KOR ay DOH joh), or “true learning takes place in a pure heart.” The alcove where it hangs also holds a vase of cut flowers.Though fresh, Long explains, the flowers are in a state of dying.That reminds students that they must appreciate life. When new students come in looking to learn a martial art, Long tries to discern what they want from the experience. “I encourage them to try several classes of each art so they can decide which they’d best like to do,” he says. Those interested in learning conflict resolution while getting physical exercise would steer toward aikido. Karate attracts younger students, those looking to learn self-defense techniques or interested in sport. Sword work offers a more philosophical art and a cultural connection. Once they enter the dojo, students leave the outside world behind. As they dress alike and work in unison, they transcend social and economic boundaries along with racial and sexual biases, Long says. “It’s a level playing field.” That playing field includes some with physical limitations. Long has worked successfully with amputees and wheelchair users, as well as students with Asberger’s Syndrome or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, who benefit from the training’s emphasis on focus. 13 �DANCE MINOR ROUNDS OUT STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC STUDIES WILKES | Spring 2009 By Sherrie Flick 14 �Opposite page: Wilkes dance students participate in a presentation of The Nutcracker each December. PHOTO BY MARK GOLASZEWSKI ’07 may not be a professional dancer. But her dance minor shaped her career and life in other ways. “Dance gave me a sense of stress relief, kept me in shape, and helped prepare me for teaching children,” says Houck, who majored in elementary education and now teaches sixth grade near Reading, Pa. Wilkes began offering dance classes in 1991, approaching professional dancers Kristin Degnan and her late husband Peter to enhance the music and theatre departments by incorporating dance into the curriculum. By 1993, the dance minor was a reality. From the start it offered ballet, modern, jazz and tap. Wilkes junior Dan Pascoe, a theatre major, agrees. “Taking dance at Wilkes has made me more comfortable with my body,” he says. “A minor in dance has made me a better actor and performer.” Students love that they can still perform The Nutcracker, Degnan notes. They appreciate that graduating from high school doesn’t have to mean giving up dance. That’s what appealed to junior English major Caroline Jones. Dance was already a lifelong passion, but not to the exclusion of an academic degree. “I sat in on one of Kristin’s classes before coming to Wilkes, and I immediately knew that doing both was the right fit for me.” '' The arts...help SHAPE US as human beings.They civilize us. MAKE US HUMAN. – Kristin Degnan ' A spring dance recital showcases students’ skills. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK Degnan says education, nursing and psychology majors, among others, also see the benefit of learning dance in their chosen professions. The enrollment of men has risen in the last several years. Dance 100 has grown to a 60/40 split, with many football players, wrestlers and cross country runners signing up. The program is small and individualized. Currently, 30 to 40 students pursue the 18-credit dance minor, with more than 200 students signing up for dance courses each semester. Many try dance for the first time. “In those first-timer classes, we have a lot of fun,” says Degnan. Beginners are graded on progress and attitude. Each spring the dance program offers a mixed repertory program with works choreographed by both faculty and students. Each December, they perform The Nutcracker. A Wilkes-Barre native, Degnan began her training at Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theater at 5 years old. By 16, she had graduated from high school and was performing professionally in Louisville, Ky.This passion led to a bachelor’s degree in dance. She also met husband Peter, who was also a professional dancer. The Degnans were touring throughout the U.S. and abroad when a dance school in Wilkes-Barre came up for sale. In 1983, the couple purchased it and opened Ballet Northeast, now in its 25th season. After the untimely death of Degnan’s husband in January 1999, the University offered her an artist-in-residence position. She now holds the title director of dance and has added three adjunct staff to the dance faculty: Sean Harris, Kris Cross and Lynne Mariani. In addition, Kimberly Hurt leads classes in dance therapy. Degnan educates her students about the traditions and history behind dance to help them develop a foundation of knowledge. She feels that even if they don’t become lifelong dancers, they can become lifelong supporters of the arts. “The arts are for everyone,” says Degnan. “They help shape us as human beings.They civilize us. Make us human.” Degnan says students often say things like, “I was nervous about my test when I woke up, but after your class I feel focused, relaxed, and I know I can do it.” That’s when she knows she’s done her job. WILKES | Spring 2009 K AREN WESOLOWSKI HOUCK 15 �Preservation ALUMNUS TRADES SUCCESSFUL SALES CAREER TO HELP SAFEGUARD TEXAS SHORELINE WILKES | Spring 2009 By Helen Kaiser 16 Editor’s Note: We originally planned to feature Jerry Mohn in the winter 2008 environmental issue, but Hurricane Ike forced his evacuation from Galveston just as arrangements were made. Despite the destruction, protection efforts lessened impact of the storm surge, and Mohn’s efforts to protect the island’s beautiful beaches continue. W HEN IT COMES TO MAN versus Mother Nature, Jerry Mohn ’63 has adopted the strength-in-numbers approach. For 10 years, the Galveston, Texas, resident has been building coalitions in the Texas coastal region to promote beachfront preservation. His work as an environmental organizer has helped raise more than $20 million to defend the area he calls “paradise” against the ravages of nature. When Hurricane Ike roared through the region last September, Mohn’s efforts — and resolve — withstood a supreme test. The thirdcostliest disaster in United States history, Ike was a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 110 miles an hour when it reached the shores of Galveston. The massive storm produced destructive surges throughout the upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts — and an estimated $22 billion in damages. Mohn and wife Winkie – Rowena Simms ’63 – had fled inland to celebrate their grandson’s 5th birthday. The couple have two children and five grandsons in Austin. It was two weeks before they were able to return to Galveston. They existed without water or electricity for about two more weeks. Fortunately, damages to their home, built to Federal Emergency Management Agency standards, were only moderate. “We did have about a foot of sand in our yard where the grass used to be,” Mohn said. Elsewhere in the city, there were more devastating reminders of nature’s force: Five deaths had occurred, as well as millions of dollars of damage to residential and business areas flooded by the 14-foot storm surge. Sand socks like this one help protect Jerry Mohn’s beloved Galveston shoreline. ALL PHOTOS BY DANIEL CARTER �On a slightly positive note, previous preservation efforts championed by Mohn had an impact. As president of the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association, he had helped establish support for various shore restoration projects, some of which included placement of more than 8,000 linear feet of sandfilled, 15-foot-diameter geotextile tubes in the bay to simulate barrier reefs and reduce erosion. Ultimately, the tubes — referred to as sand socks or “sausages” — reduced the strength of the hurricane’s storm surge where they were used. “Some of them deflated or rolled over, but they achieved their main purpose,” Mohn says. The landowners’ preservation efforts date back to Tropical Storm Frances in 1998. After a lifelong career in chemical sales that included forming his own corporation, Mohn was ready for something different. His wife volunteered him for a dune restoration project, and his environmental mission began. Mohn suggested his subdivision’s group join with others to form the Galveston Beach Erosion Task Force. Eventually, this alliance merged with 18 coastal cities to form the Texas Coastal chapter of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. “Rather than compete with each other for funding, we felt we could do more as a group,” he says. Efforts involved seeking technical assistance and funding from state and federal regulatory agencies, environmental foundations and corporations. Gina Spagnola, president of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, says Mohn has a “phenomenal” gift for getting people to work together.“When he’s at the table, results happen.” After a lifetime of making sales, Mohn is still pitching; but the product now is preservation.“He has a real passion for Galveston and for its people,” says Spagnola. Like many, Mohn and his wife wondered after the hurricane whether they should stay in the area. When the evacuation order was lifted, “We asked ourselves, do we really want to go back?” he recalls.“But we knew that whenever we see and hear the gulf, there’s magic there. The sunrises are beautiful, and the sunsets are miraculously outstanding.” Some geologists have warned that Galveston will continue to be prone to high rates of coastal erosion. Mohn points to manmade projects that have affected natural sand migration. These include the Houston Ship Channel, which benefits the entire region with millions of dollars in commerce, and a sea wall, built after the Great Storm of 1900. It is crucial, he believes, that technology and tax dollars continue to support vital needs of the area. These days, Mohn works on the next task: a massive sand nourishment project scheduled for October. Along with everyone else on the coast, he also keeps a wary eye on Mother Nature during hurricane season. Jerry Mohn, Galveston, Texas B.A., Math 1963 Career: He and his wife started their own chemical importing business. Merged with another “mom and pop” operation to form Chem One Ltd., in Houston. Notable: Has been a driving force behind more than $20 million of beach preservation and marsh restoration along the Texas Gulf Coast. Favorite Wilkes Memory: College sweetheart (and later wife) Winkie as homecoming queen, riding atop a convertible onto the football field, where he was co-captain of the team. WILKES | Spring 2009 Rebuilding efforts along the once pristine Texas shoreline (above) are under way following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike (shown below). - 17 �MOUNTAINS OF BLACK COAL waste formed the landscape for many Wilkes alumni growing up in northeastern Pennsylvania. Such was the case for Ray Klimek ’78, an English major who grew up in Exeter. “There was a fairly large culm bank right behind my house which was the site of various activities from my childhood and adolescence — a combination of playground and classroom where history and fantasy intersected,” he recalls. That intersection became the subject of an artistic adventure that spanned the Atlantic Ocean. His photo collection “Black Deserts/Welsh Tips” explores the coal fields of both northeast Pennsylvania and South Wales. Blaenafon Exeter ALL PHOTOS BY RAY KLIMEK B L AC K D E S E RT S CWM Bargoed CWM Bargoed PHOTOGRAPHER COMBINES LITERARY AND VISUAL ARTS IN EXPLORINGCOALFIELDS WELSH TIPS Klimek merged his scholarly interest in literature and the visual arts by studying poet William Carlos Williams and then photography.“As a champion of the local, Williams had insisted that the stuff of poetry could be found in our own backyards,” says Klimek, now an assistant professor at Ohio University.“So I took that as a kind of inspiration and challenge.” The project began in 2002 and culminated in two trips to Wales in 2005. Klimek credits poet Judson Evans ’77, director of liberal arts at The Boston Conservatory, with telling him about the historical and geological connections between Pennsylvania and South Wales. WILKES | Spring 2009 WILKES | Spring 2009 Hughestown Hughestown 18 Swoyersville 19 Bargoed �alumni news Alumni Connect With Students to Offer Career Advice More than 80 alumni and students participated in the second annual Connecting the Dots event on Nov. 13. Students spoke to alumni about potential careers, the current job market, and the transition from Wilkes into the working world. Alumni attendees included Andy Mehalshick ’83, anchor for WBRE-TV; Jeff Moisey ’99, vice president of strategy and client relations at JumpFrog Marketing; and Bill Slavoski ’79, a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service. A complete list of participants can be viewed at http://community.wilkes.edu/CTD2008. Rosemary LaFratte ’93 MBA ’97, left, answers questions about her work experience and offers tips to currents students. PHOTO BY MIRKO WIDENHORN Andy Mehalshick ’83 of WBRE-TV discusses his career with students. PHOTO BY MIRKO WIDENHORN “The Alumni Association’s Connecting the Dots event provides a valuable networking opportunity for current Wilkes students,” says Bridget Giunta ’05, secretary of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and chair of the Undergraduate Relations Committee – the alumni committee responsible for organizing this event.“In this informal setting, students can comfortably ask questions and receive advice from our talented alumni, who represent a wide variety of professional perspectives and experiences. Both the quality of the conversations on the night of the event and the feedback from participating alumni was outstanding, and we look forward to hosting the next Connecting the Dots event.” ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SETS NEW PRIORITIES The Alumni Association Board of Directors used its September meeting to Each of the alumni committees of the board conduct a planning exercise to set its activities for the coming year. As a has adopted one or more of these items as result of this planning process, the board focused on four areas that need focus areas, and new events and initiatives to be addressed in the coming years: will be forthcoming. Stay tuned and check the • identifying and establishing a mentoring vehicle for alumni, including alumni-to-alumni and alumni-to-student mentoring; • fostering identity with Wilkes based on affinity group/department/ WILKES | Spring 2009 major, with a concentration on alumni one to 10 years “out”; 20 • developing and strengthening regional clubs in support of area alumni; • conducting an alumni survey to determine how best to serve our alumni. latest news and progress on The Colonel Connection (http://community.wilkes.edu). �alumni news Alumni Web Site Sports New Look and Features Alumni Scholarship Banquet to Honor Helen Ralston ’52 Have you seen the redesigned alumni online community yet? Its streamlined look highlights features of The Colonel Connection, including the online directory, photo albums and the latest Wilkes news. If you use Facebook, you can use The Colonel Connection to log in. Share the Wilkes events you’re attending, your online class notes and much more with your Facebook friends. The Colonel Connection now also has networks.You’ll see your current networks, as well as suggested networks for you to join.Take advantage of this feature to extend your networks, whether professional,Wilkes-related or just fun.You’ll see your friend’s/classmate’s updates, new photos, and class notes; plus, you’ll be able to post on their white boards. Be part of the new Colonel Connection at community.wilkes.edu! The makeover is part of a redesign of the entire Wilkes Web site. 71-, w 1·1 ..,__lldnon WILKES ,oa UNIVERSITY llallj' !jlOUpt IIIH c.tnlt1!11 ·~f(H Helen Ralston will be honored for her heart of blue and gold. Ho111111u1:nlt1!f! • )'(Nttf 011• of lf.if111? Thi! followin9groups are already gll'lt1rigt«1g!lht1trid tal:in9 abOIJIaid linMs di,ring Home,comin9Wsektmd:: alumnt, A-Li!t. Comrnt1NC'at1M1n!INur1ingalurrw, Gollian Korlki. Litterw1)1mN1, Peychtdug:f atum111, &11d Wre~g aluml'II. .U.VMIU.lltOCIUlll!I Save the date Saturday, April 25, to honor Helen Ralston ’52. She is our 2009 Alumni Scholarship honoree. A force in her own right, Ralston still brings the Wilkes family together. Regularly called upon to lead or perform the alma mater and National Anthem at University functions, she rallies the Ralston crew for family and Wilkes gatherings. Mark your calendar now to celebrate her contributions and accomplishments. For details and reservations, go to http://community.wilkes.edu/2009Scholarship. Or call (570) 408-RSVP (7787). Catching up in Boston Gathering in Boston were, front row from left: Gerald Missal ’68, Sarah Karlavage Roccio ’99, Deborah Landry ’02, John Kerr ’72; back row from left: Nick Taylor, David Seely, Janet Seely ’70, Sarah Brandt ’04, JJ Fadden ’99 and Tony Cardinale ’72. PHOTO BY MIRKO WIDENHORN WILKES | Spring 2009 Alumni in the Greater Boston area met for the second time this year at the Algonquin Club on Oct. 30. Alumni representing classes from the late 1960s to 2004 enjoyed excellent food and fellowship.They also heard about the latest campus happenings, including Homecoming, the Golden Horde Reunion, as well as the Alumni Association priorities for the coming year. 21 �class notes 1959 Reunion Oct. 2-4 ~ Stephen Poleskie released a new book, The Third Candidate. He can be reached at www.StephenPoleskie.com. 1970 Richard Bigelow is presently working as a contracts manager for Shaw Engineering and Construction in Charlotte, N.C. He is also continuing to operate a patent law business. WILKES | Spring 2009 Mary A. Kaiser, Ph.D., will receive the 2009 Delaware Section Award from the American Chemical Society. The award, established in 1978, recognizes “conspicuous scientific achievement and contributions in chemistry by a member of the Delaware Section.” Kaiser is the second woman to receive the award and the first spouse of a previous awardee (her husband, Cecil Dybowski, won the 2008 award). A senior research fellow at the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Del., she has published more than 50 22 technical papers and co-authored one book. She is past chair of the American Chemical Society’s Division of Analytical Chemistry and past president of the Eastern Analytical Symposium. 1974 Reunion Oct. 2-4 ~ Robert (Bob) Dzugan’s company buyCASTINGS.com Inc. has recently been named the 240th fasting growing U.S. privately held small business by Inc. magazine. Dzugan is president and founder of the value-added engineering services company located in Dayton, Ohio. He and his wife of 25 years, Jacquelyn, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. 1975 John P. Kelley has been elected to the board of directors of Acorda Therapeutics Inc. Kelley has been president and chief operating officer of The Medicines Company, a leading developer of acute care hospital pharmaceutical products, since December Wilkes alumni Robin (Youpa) Barnett ’86, Lisa (Mirin) Lokuta ’88 and Linda (Fritz) Melnik ’86 participated in the Philadelphia Breast Cancer Three-Day on Oct. 16, 17 and 18. They raised more than $7,000. PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA MELNIK 2004. Kelley earned an M.B.A. from Rockhurst University. 1976 Billy Winter has been inducted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame.Winter played lacrosse at Wilkes University for four years and led all NCAA Division III lacrosse players in scoring in 1974 and 1976, and was selected the Middle Atlantic Conference Player of the Year in 1976. From 1976 through 1990,Winter was the all-time leading scorer in the history of collegiate lacrosse, all divisions. Winter is also a member of the Wilkes Hall of Fame. For the past 12 years, he has been a coach in the Mountain Lakes, N.J., junior program, where he helped teach the game to his sons as well as many current Mountain Lakes players. 1978 Clark Speicher retired from the U.S. Air Force in June 2008 with the rank of colonel after 30 years of service in the active-duty Air Force and active-duty Air National Guard. From 1979 to 1994, he had a variety of assignments in the United States and Canada. From 1995 to 2008, he was assigned to the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) at Griffiss Business and Technology Park, Rome N.Y., before serving as commander of NEADS. He is currently employed as a program manager with Alion Science and Technology in Rome, N.Y. Tina (Falcone) Stehle was named senior vice president and general manager of Alpharetta, Ga.-based Hospitality Solutions Group of the IT solutions company Agilysys Inc. Stehle, previously HSG senior vice president, joined Agilysys in 2004 through the acquisition of Inter-American Data Inc., where she served as vice president of software services. 1982 Chuck Allabaugh Jr. celebrated his 20-year anniversary at Zodiac Printing Corp., Mountain Top, Pa. Allabaugh is employed as a sales manager for the printing division and acts as a senior account manager for the company’s full-service ad agency, Mojave Creative. 1983 Gary Malia MBA’91, Hanover Township, Pa., has been hired as administrator of the nursing and rehabilitation center operated by AGE of Pennsylvania LLC. 1989 Reunion Oct. 2-4 ~ Stephen Primatic of Savannah, Ga., is principal percussionist for Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and was featured soloist in a fall 2008 performance of Ney Rosauro’s Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra. Primatic is an associate professor of music at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah. He holds a master of music degree from Florida’s University of �class notes DeAngelis, Shoval Named Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania Two members of the Wilkes family joined the ranks of Trustee Susan Shoval, left, receives her award from Pennsylvania First Lady Marjorie Rendell, center, and Susan Catherwood, 2008-09 president of the Distinguished Daughters. Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania in October. Alumna Catherine D. DeAngelis, M.D., M.P.H., ’65 and Trustee Susan Weiss Shoval were honored by Gov. Edward G. and First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell variety of titles before receiving the rank of full professor during a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence. in 1984, making her the 12th woman named full professor DeAngelis, of Chicago, Ill., majored in biology and chemistry at Wilkes. She was the first woman to serve in the institution’s 94-year history. DeAngelis has been recognized by the National Library of as editor of the Journal of the American Medical Medicine as a woman who has changed the face of medicine. Association, where she currently serves as editor in DeAngelis says her biggest career success is ensuring the chief, and is one of the leading figures in calling provision of the “best care” no matter if she’s functioning as attention to conflicts of interest in medicine. a “clinician providing direct care for sick children and young After building what she touts as a “great foundation” at Wilkes, DeAngelis went on to graduate from the adults, as a clinical researcher providing new information on how to better care for them, as an educator of clinicians teaching them how to provide good care, or as a high-profile medical journal editor in chief publishing cutting edge papers of high integrity to promote best practice care.” Shoval, of Kingston, Pa., has received significant and varied public recognition that has emphasized both her success in business and with her community. She co-founded GUARD Insurance Group, a regional insurance company sold to a public company in 2007. Under Shoval’s leadership, GUARD has encouraged its staff toward philanthropy and civic involvement. Pennsylvania has honored influential women of Pennsylvania for their leadership, distinguished Catherine DeAngelis, M.D. ’65 service, and contributions to the state through their University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She became professional and volunteer service since 1949. To be a nationally recognized leader in pediatrics and women’s selected as a Distinguished Daughter, women must be health and advancement, having published 11 books and nominated by organizations for achievements of 200 articles, eventually earning a master’s of public statewide or national importance. health degree from Harvard University. DeAngelis later – By Shannon Curtin ’06 Miami and a doctor of musical arts from the University of Georgia. He performs with jazz, theater and classical groups in the Savannah and Hilton Head areas, and is the drummer for 1990 Tracy Goryeb Zarola is a realtor with Lewith and Freeman Real Estate in Robert Wachowski and wife Shavertown, Pa. She resides in Meghan announce the birth of son William Thomas Wachowski, Shavertown with her husband, Joe, and sons Patrick and Adam. born on July 21, 2008. the Darius Rucker (of Hootie and the Blowfish) Big Band. 1993 Ronald Miller and his family announce the birth of a son, Corey Donovan, born June 9, 2008.This is the third boy for the Miller family. WILKES | Spring 2009 worked at John Hopkins University, where she held a 23 �class notes Glunk Presides Over Pa. Medical Society Daniel J. Glunk, M.D., ’84 was sworn in as the 159th president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society in October 2008. It marks the first time in more than 100 years that a Lycoming County physician has held the position. Glunk attended Wilkes as a Hahnemann scholar. After completing internships and residencies at the University of Pittsburgh and a chief residency at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, Glunk started his general internal medicine practice in Williamsport in 1989. Daniel J. Glunk, M.D., ’84 receives applause upon becoming president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY Glunk is certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of program between Pennsylvania Medical Society physicians Physicians and has served on several committees at and high school and college students interested in the Susquehanna Health in Williamsport, where he has been health care field. “Pennsylvania has difficulty recruiting and chief quality officer since January 2007. retaining physicians. We know from our studies that if Glunk’s position in the Pennsylvania Medical Society Pennsylvania medical school and completes their residency served in various positions, including chairman of the in Pennsylvania, then they are much more likely to stay in board of trustees from 2003-06, chairman of the Pennsylvania to practice. We feel it is important to society’s executive, finance and patient safety encourage Pennsylvanians to go into health care if that’s committees and vice president of the society in 2006. something that truly interests them.” “I received a great education from Wilkes,” says and that served me well in medical school.” WILKES | Spring 2009 someone is a resident of Pennsylvania and goes to a followed a 20-year membership in the society, where he Glunk. “The rigors of the program required discipline, 24 As for the society, Glunk intends to develop a mentoring 1995 Christina Ortiz Juguilon married J. Noel Juguilon in April 2008. Kerry (O’Neil) Miscavage ’95 was a bridesmaid. Juguilon works at the Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, where she is a clinical social worker/family psychoeducation therapist for the Family Psychoeducation Program. She practices as a part-time psychotherapist at an outpatient group practice in New Jersey. She also received board-certified diplomate status in July 2008 from the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. 1996 Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., of Wilkes-Barre is co-author of Glunk resides in Williamsport with his wife, Margrit Shoemaker, M.D., and their two children, Brigitta and Andrew. – By Shannon Curtin ’06 Disaster Nursing: A Handbook for Practice, which was released in October 2008 by Jones & Bartlett Publishers. 1997 Meghan (LaVigna) Suhocki MS’01 and her husband, Chris, welcomed their second child, Jonah William, born at 9:34 a.m. Dec. 28, 2006, 6 lbs. 13 oz., 20 inches. He joins big brother Alex Luca, born at 8:49 p.m. Dec. 1, 2005, 7 lbs. 3 oz., 19.5 inches. Valerie (Love) Badowski, MBA ’98 and husband Peter welcomed their first child, Jacob Peter, on Nov. 8, 2008. They reside in White Haven, Pa. �class notes 2000 Megan Sara Daniels and Jason Lee Kauwell were united in marriage on June 28, 2008.The bride is employed by Street Delivery as a photographer.The groom is employed by U.S. Investigative Services as a special investigator. They reside in Dallas, Pa. Matthew Kuntz and wife Erika Strawn-Kuntz welcomed twins, Cohen and Mackenzie, on Sept. 12, 2008. Lisa Marconi married Mark Ceaser on Oct. 11, 2008. She is administrative manager for the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration office in WilkesBarre, Pa.The couple reside in Dorrance, Pa. 2003 Kelly DelGuercio married Andrew Cordell on Sept. 27, 2008. They reside in Lehighton, Pa. Timothy I. Millard is a producer for Central Florida News 13, a cable news station, in Orlando, Fla. 2004 Reunion Oct. 2-4 ~ Brian P. Moore is currently residing in Modesto, Calif, and working with the Colorado Rockies farm team. Binder credits her MBA as a “real differentiator” in MBA Graduate Named One of 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking both her career and her own development. The finance Lisa (Zazworskey) Binder MBA ’86 got her start in develop an in-depth understanding about micro and banking when she took a summer job as a teller after macro economics, financial markets, managerial course taken during her MBA education helped Binder graduating from high school. Last accounting and finance. fall, U.S. Banker magazine named “The course helped me put the her one of the 25 most powerful business I was doing into a women in the industry. broader context,” Binder says. In January 2007, Binder became “I could understand how my job president and chief operating function contributed to the larger officer of Associated Banc-Corp, a scope of the company. It was a diversified bank holding company real core course that I go back to that holds total assets of $22 frequently because it helped me billion and has about 300 banking think differently.” offices and 5,200 employees With the economy in an official serving more than 180 state of recession, the banking communities in Wisconsin, industry faces a number of Minnesota and Illinois. She challenges. “The state of the oversees the company’s retail, financial market is the most commercial and corporate banking; critical crisis the industry has corporate real estate, wealth faced,” she says. “Communicating management, and insurance services; and information and educating the public about Lisa Zazworskey Binder MBA ’86 technology systems, marketing and communications functions and operations. Previously, she served as group executive vice president and director of retail and business banking for the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of Citizens Financial Group. She also held various senior executive positions at Citizens and Mellon Financial. the distinction between investment banks, multi-money management banks, and their respective functions, clearly is the most challenging aspect of my current position.” Binder resides in Milwaukee, Wis., with her husband and children. – By Shannon Curtin ’06 WILKES | Spring 2009 1999 Reunion Oct. 2-4 ~ Robert Pace Jr. MS’02 and Lauren Elizabeth Boccardo were united in marriage on Oct. 3, 2008. He is employed by Pace Transportation.The couple reside in Exeter. 25 �class notes Erick Arden Bourassa completed his doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences/ pharmacology in August 2008. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. 2005 Cynthia Clarke and John Matosky Jr. were united in marriage on July 5, 2008. She is an events planner for Beyond the Wall, Stroudsburg. They reside in Flanders, N.J. Graduate Degrees 2001 Linda Lee Zulkoski, MS, and Ryan Michael Cywinski were united in marriage Aug. 8, 2008. She is a fifth-grade teacher for the Hanover Area School District. 2005 Kristina Mullay, Pharm.D., married John Wakeley on Sept. 29, 2007.They reside in Quakertown, Pa. WILKES | Spring 2009 2007 Michelle Brooks, MS, married Philip Rogers Jr. on Oct. 13, 2007. She is employed by the Crestwood School District as a kindergarten teacher.The couple resides in Wilkes-Barre. 26 2008 Kathleen Ann Evarts, MS, and David Thomas Wychock Jr. were united in marriage on June 14, 2008. She is employed by Northwest Area School District as a teacher.The couple reside in Glen Lyon, Pa. In Memoriam 1937 Joseph V. Gallagher, 91, formerly of Arlington,Va., died Nov. 5, 2008. He received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving his law degree, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II in the South Pacific. He practiced law in WilkesBarre prior to moving to the Washington, D.C., area, where he retired from the antitrust division of the Department of Justice. 1950 Edgar C. Plummer, 82, of Binghamton, N.Y., died Oct. 27, 2008. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Air Force in Burma and Thailand. He moved to Binghamton, N.Y., in 1952 and became auditor of the Arlington Hotel, and then auditor and comptroller of Broome County for 24 years. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean; daughters Karen Sawyer,Wallingford, Pa., and Barbara Springer, Lockport, N.Y.; three grandchildren; and a brother and sister. 1958 Joseph C. Macaravage, 76, of Jenkins Township, Pa., died Nov. 20, 2008. He served in the U.S. Army in its Army Security Agency in Baumholder, Germany. He later worked as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force and the Department of the Interior, and he retired from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Macaravage was a devoted fan of Wilkes University sporting events, attending hundreds of games for different sports. He and his wife, the former Josephine M. Snarski, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 28, 2008. Other survivors include son Mark R., Randolph, N.J., and sister Germaine Gemzik, Fayetteville, Pa. The Rev. Charles R. Steinhauer, 74, of Langhorne, Pa., died Nov. 15. He received his master of divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and served as a pastor.After retirement, he was employed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. He is survived by wife Estelle, to whom he was married for 50 years, and daughter Donna Kennedy, Turnersville, N.J. 1961 James S. Skesavage, of Wall Township, N.J., died Nov. 14, 2008. Skesavage served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps at the El Toro Base in Santa Ana, Calif. He began a career in accounting with Haskin and Sells in New York City. He later worked for American Cyanamid and CYRO Industries in Wayne, N.J. He owned his own accounting firm, and in 1981, he started his business, JMS Plastics Supply Inc., in which he served as president until his death. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Lou; sons James Jr., Marietta, Ga., Mark, Allenhurst, N.J., and Stephen, Howell, N.J.; and four grandchildren. 1969 Kerry Balchun, 61, of East Hampton, N.Y., died Aug. 16, 2008. Balchun owned Balchun Real Estate in East Hampton until his retirement. Surviving are brothers George J. Balchun Jr. and Barry D. Balchun. 1970 Reba Heidel Yarnal, 60, of Shavertown, Pa., died Aug. 24, 2008. Yarnal was a graduate of Wilkes College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was formerly employed by Catholic Social Services as a social worker. Surviving are her mother, Marie Ontko Heidel; daughter Jennifer, Edwardsville, Pa.; sons Adam, Cherry Hill, N.J., and Jesse, Pittsburgh; and three grandchildren. 1980 John J. Simons, 52, of Killingworth, Conn., passed away Nov. 7, 2008. Simons began his career at Commonwealth Telephone Company. He later moved to Connecticut to Times Fiber Communications. He was currently employed by Motorola as an account director. John is survived by his wife, JoEllen, and their two daughters, Madison, 9, and Rylee, 6, Connecticut; his father, John Simons Sr., and �class notes Devadoss Studies HIV/AIDS in India as Fogarty Scholar Rajitha Devadoss ’05 was on a train to Chennai, India, when a tsunami hit the shores of South Asia in 2004, leaving massive devastation and killing more than 200,000 people. The event sparked her desire to make a difference in the world by “providing equitable, quality health care beyond the comfortable borders of my Devadoss, right, attends inpatient rounds and outpatient clinic as part of her experience. And as Devadoss works through her time as a 2008 U.S. collaborating with a not-for-profit eye hospital, and National Institutes of Health Fogarty International Clinical developing a health literacy questionnaire designed to Research Scholar, she is on her way to doing just that. improve treatment adherence and outcomes for the Ninety-six scholars and fellows were selected and South Indian HIV/AIDS population. underwent orientation and training at the National Institutes of Health before departing to 25 sites in 18 countries. Devadoss took a year off from State University of New As a second-generation American who frequently travels to Chennai, Devadoss says, she had an easier time adjusting to the cultural differences than some York Upstate Medical University to participate in the companions. Her knowledge of a few native languages prestigious research program. Devadoss works at the YR allows her to experience more of India, taking classes in Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education in yoga, advanced language, traditional Indian painting and Chennai in partnership with The Miriam Hospital, Brown dancing and spending time with extended family. “One University. Her primary work is a retrospective study of of the highlights of my year has been the chance to Type 2 diabetes patients diagnosed with HIV. spend time with my extended relatives in celebrating “Basically, I am trying to look for any differences in adverse events, hospitalizations and outcomes holidays, birthdays and religious events.” Devadoss has had to navigate challenges. “It’s been a between the diabetic and non-diabetic HIV patients,” huge learning curve trying to learn all the basics to the Devadoss says. She is also working on review projects, latest HIV research,” she says. She had not done specific research in HIV/AIDS. But she credits Wilkes University for providing her with a “research background in a variety of fields (that) set the foundation for critical, systematic reasoning and problem solving.” Her most rewarding experience is simply spending time with her patients. “Each morning, I attend inpatient rounds and outpatient clinic with the HIV physicians at YRG CARE. The patients here are definitely the reason why I go to work. The clinical experience has been phenomenal.” – By Shannon Curtin ’06 Devadoss, left, graduated from Wilkes summa cum laude with a biology degree. WILKES | Spring 2009 home and community in the U.S.,” she says. 27 �class notes WILKES | Spring 2009 his wife, Maryann, Florida; and sisters Susan Simons-Williams, Forty Fort, Pa., and Gail Wyberski, Dallas, Pa. 28 1994 James J. Stadulis, 65, died Nov. 4, 2008. Stadulis earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wilkes, a master’s degree in public administration from Marywood University, and degrees in criminal justice and general studies from Luzerne County Community College. Stadulis had a 32-year military career. He served with the Army Expeditionary Forces in the Dominican Republic and was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He served as special agent criminal investigator in Washington, D.C., where he provided protective security for the secretary of defense and chairman of the Joint Chiefs. In addition, he worked as a criminologist and as a licensed private investigator and owner of Magnum Investigations Detective Agency in Plains Township, Pa. Stadulis was last employed as a mobile therapist by Children’s Service Center, Wilkes-Barre, and former senior residential adviser by Management and Training Corp. at Red Rock Job Corps, Lopez, Pa. Surviving are his wife, the former Mary Ann Petrick; son Michael,Wilkes-Barre; daughters Trish Iannone, Moscow, Pa., and Shauna, Orlando, Fla.; and four grandchildren. 2007 Arthur George Redmond, 24, died Nov. 17, 2008. He was recently employed by Thomas’ Market, Shavertown, Pa., while awaiting deployment to the Peace Corps in summer 2009. He was a son of Lois and Brian Redmond, professor of environmental engineering and earth science. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are sisters Maggie, Franklin,Tenn., and Abbey, Wilkes-Barre; brother Peter, Tamaqua, Pa.; and grandmother Gladys Redmond of Kingston, Pa. Faculty/Staff James P. Berg, of Mountain Top, Pa., professor emeritus of history, died Nov. 17, 2008. Berg attended Harvard College on a Pepsi Cola scholarship, then pursued graduate work in theology and Byzantine history at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. His early teaching career included positions at Temple University’s Technical Institute and High School, Temple University, and Millikin University, in Illinois. He came to Wilkes in 1964, retiring in 2002. While at Wilkes University, in addition to teaching ancient and medieval history, Berg designed and built the Wilkes FM radio station. He also provided audiovisual services for the university. His love of radio led him to start a home business, Berg Audio. Berg leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Frances Jacobs Berg, Mountain Top; daughter Sigrid E. Berg, M.D., Bangor, Maine; daughter Birgit A. Berg, Ph.D.,Washington, D.C.; a granddaughter; and a brother and sister. Vesta Jane (Robinson) Breakstone, 79, of Port Orange, Fla., formerly of Trucksville, Pa., passed away Nov. 13, 2008. She had been employed in the Alumni Office of Wilkes University. In 1980, she moved to Florida and worked at Embry Riddle University. She was preceded in death by her husband, Royal Albert Breakstone. Surviving are daughters Charlotte Mason and Debbie Breakstone, both of Orlando, Fla.; son Michael Breakstone, Hanover Township, Pa.; four grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. Friends of Wilkes Irene M. Stawicki, 92, of Nanticoke, Pa., died Nov. 15, 2008. Stavicki was employed by RCA, Harrison, N.J., in the Engineering Development Department. She and husband Stanley E. Stawicki established the Stanley F. and Helen Stawicki Memorial Scholarship in memory of his parents. She was preceded in death by Stanley in 2006. Submitting Class Notes Share personal or career news in any of three ways: • E-mail it to wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu. • Post it at The Colonel Connection Web site at community.wilkes.edu. • Or mail it to: Class Notes Wilkes Magazine 84 W. South St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 �then & now Spring brings graduation, with all its pomp and circumstance. Recognize any Wilkes scholars here? Share names or reminisce at The Colonel Connection message boards, found at community.wilkes.edu. Or send responses to Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. You can also e-mail wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu. PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES Here, newly minted Wilkes alumni relish the moment during 2008’s graduation ceremony at Wachovia Arena. PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY �w 15:!I~ WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY 1933-2008 events March 14 Football Reunion at the home of Gary Popovich ’65, Ormond Beach, Fla., with guests of honor Coach and Marge Schmidt Through 15 “Painting the Beautiful: American Impressionist Paintings from the Michener Art Museum Collection,” Sordoni Art Gallery 22 Wilkes Chamber Singers Concert with the Robert Dale Chorale, St. Matthew’s Church, Scranton, part of the Bach Festival’s St. John Passion 29 “Jean-Michel Basquiat:An Intimate Portrait,” Sordoni Art Gallery through May 16 April 2, 3, 4, 5 Theatre production, Pride and Prejudice, Darte Center Main Stage 19 Wilkes Chorus and Chamber Singers Concert, “Folk Songs From Around the World,” St. Stephen’s Church,Wilkes-Barre 25 ASME Car Show, Henry Student Center Parking Lot 25 Dance Concert, Darte Center Main Stage 25 Alumni Scholarship Dinner honoring Helen Bitler Ralston ’52 25-26 Wilkes Band Weekend 28 Jazz Orchestra, Darte Center Main Stage May 16 Spring Commencement PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and The Colonel Connection! Or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2009 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2009 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2009 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2009 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/4538ae1e15f62859747db8e173bd67d6.pdf f1dc090d12d50257a5d76c1fa818f750 PDF Text Text SPRING 2008 GLOBAL VISION | FROM START TO START | CONSTITUTIONAL CALLING �president’s letter SPRING 08 Education for a Smaller, Flatter World T he ability to work in, respect and learn from diverse cultures is growing daily as people become more mobile, communications move at light speed, and the world grows smaller and flatter. To help prepare our graduates for this new world, Wilkes is working harder than ever to ensure its students receive a broad, multicultural experience. Under a recommendation approved by the Board of Trustees at its December meeting, the University will establish a Center for Global Education and Diversity to oversee planning, direction and coordination of the University’s efforts to become a regional leader in these areas. Besides supporting students, staff and faculty of diverse backgrounds, the center will strengthen international opportunities for all students. Today, the University hosts its largest contingent of international students ever. In fall 2007, 46 students from 10 countries outside the United States were among our undergraduates, with 49 in graduate programs.The largest groups come from India and Saudi Arabia, with the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia represented.Their presence demonstrates Wilkes’ commitment to providing an outstanding education to students of all races and backgrounds, and to exposing domestic students to a broad range of cultures and social networks. One innovative program lets international students experience Wilkes and earn college credits here toward a degree in their home country. For example, Punjabi University, in India, will send Punjab students to the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership for the second year of their MBA studies.Wilkes students have visited India, as well. Many of our alumni work to promote peace and health through their work and volunteerism. Our cover story highlights the efforts of four of these alumni, diverse in both professional life and cultural background.Their impact reaches from Central and South America to the Middle East and all the way to China. As our mission states,Wilkes seeks to educate our students for lifelong learning and success in a constantly evolving and multicultural world through a commitment to individualized attention, exceptional teaching and academic excellence. Our alumni demonstrate that a Wilkes education provides our graduates with the awareness and the capacity to thrive in an increasingly global world. WILKES UNIVERSITY President Dr. Tim Gilmour Interim Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations Michael Frantz WILKES EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor Jack Chielli Associate Director, Marketing Communications Christine Tondrick ’98 Wilkes Editor Kim Bower-Spence Creative Services Mark Golaszewski Web Services Craig Thomas Manager, Athletics Administration John Seitzinger Graduate Assistant Shannon Curtin ’07 Layout/Design Quest Fore Printing Payne Printery Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Executive Director Sandra Sarno Carroll Associate Director Michelle Diskin ’95 Alumni and Advancement Services Manager Nancy A. Weeks Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Manager Lauren Pluskey ’06 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President George Pawlush ’69 First Vice President Terrence Casey ’82 Second Vice President John Wartella ’84 Historian Colleen Gries Gallagher ’81 Secretary Bridget Giunta ’05 SPRING 2008 Above: Jennifer Edmonds, left, assistant professor of business at Wilkes, compares U.S. and Indian currency with other visitors to the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, in fall 2007. Dr. Tim Gilmour Wilkes University President Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �contents FEATURES 8 Global Vision Wilkes alumni promote peace and health in an ever-shrinking world 14 From Start to Start 8 English graduate makes a career of getting technology companies off the ground 16 Constitutional Calling Clerkship with Chief Justice Earl Warren leads to career teaching law 14 DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 6 Athletics 18 Alumni News 20 Class Notes 16 On the cover: Roya Fahmy Swartz ’83 uses drama and art to promote diversity and tolerance. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR Fall 2008 75th Anniversary Winter 2008 Environmental Initiatives Have a story idea to share? Contact Editor Kim Bower-Spence at kimberly.bowerspence@wilkes.edu or 84 W. South St.,Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. WILKES | Spring 2008 FUTURE ISSUES 1 �on campus Banking on the Future In the homes of some children, three little pigs represent more than characters in a nursery rhyme.They represent savings, responsibility, independence and civic duty, thanks to Wilkes’ Students in Free Enterprise team.The students, mostly business majors in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, serve as financial mentors for more than 20 children participating in a savings fund initiative. The children, ranging in age from 4 to 12 years old, each received three piggy banks: the largest for saving 80 percent of money they receive; a medium-sized bank for spending money, a recommended 15 percent; and the smallest to hold 5 percent of their income to share with the less fortunate. The piggy bank initiative was the brainchild of John Kebles, president and CEO of Choice One Community Federal Credit Union, which purchased the piggy banks and supplied each child with $1 in nickels to start. “Reaching children at an early age will pay a lot more dividends in their financial future,” says Kebles. A board member of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation, Kebles learned of SIFE’s affiliation with REACH, a social service outreach of a local church, and saw a great opportunity to partner with Wilkes students to bring financial literacy education to children. For eight years, families associated with REACH have visited the Wilkes campus once a month for an education night designed to build financial literacy and independence. “That quickly changed,” says Jeffrey Alves, SIFE advisor and director of the Alan P. Kirby Center in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. “The children were visibly upset after being told they had to wait an entire month to come back to campus, so we increased the visits to twice a month. Children learn the basics of saving from members of Students in Free Enterprise. WILKES | Spring 2008 PHOTOS BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY 2 We’ve formed a de-facto big brother/big sister connection.” SIFE members Jared Lyman and Marissa Treanor say mentoring children about saving for the future has been educational for them too. “The savings program is working wonderfully with the children,” SIFE President Lyman relates. “Watching them fill up their piggy banks has reminded us how important and simple it is to budget money.” Adds Treanor: “One thing they have taught me is to just have fun. College can be stressful at times, but twice a month I now get the chance to relax a bit and be around these amazing people who really do teach you to not forget to nurture your young side.” In January, SIFE members were to take their money-saving mentees to the Credit Union to open savings accounts.The children deposit money saved in the large piggy bank into their account each month. Choice One made a $5 initial deposit for the children. “The deposits provide continual reinforcement of the savings habit,” Alves says. “Savings will stay fresh in the children’s minds.” SIFE will match the total savings of each child and hopes to establish a scholarship at Wilkes for one of the participating children. �on campus Former Mexican President Draws Students, Protestors to Outstanding Leaders Forum Former Mexican President Vicente Fox advocated for immigrants but not illegality during the Outstanding Leaders Forum in November. President Fox, who ended 70 years of one-party rule in Mexico when he was elected president in 2000, spoke to a crowd of more than 1,200 about the Mexican economy, immigration and leadership. “Only those who have a job should be able to stay here,” Fox told lecture goers. “We need them back in Mexico, and we’re working hard in Mexico to bring them back.” As he spoke inside the F.M. Kirby Center, a cluster of protesters picketed outside on the city square. Hosted by the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, about 100 high school students attended their own prelecture Leadership Development Day conference and got to pose their own questions to President Fox.Teacher Tom Gilroy’s advanced-placement history class at Dallas High School was among those that incorporated lessons on Fox’s presidency, Mexican culture and politics in their classrooms prior to the visit. The high school students attended the lecture as special guests of the University. “We left Wilkes-Barre more open-minded – President Vicente Fox than when we came,” says Dallas High senior Alex Napierkowski. WE ARE ALL AMERICANS on this continent.We all SHARE the American DREAM. Vicente Fox fielded questions from about 100 high school students during a pre-lecture leadership conference hosted by the Sidhu School. PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY Wilkes University’s Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership and the student personal finance club Money Matters recently received a $3,500 financial literacy grant from Choice One Community Federal Credit Union, based in Wilkes-Barre.The grant money will support a number of educational outreach initiatives, including financial literacy workshops for area high school students. The Money Matters club promotes understanding and knowledge of personal finance to the Wilkes campus by conducting workshops on money management, budgeting, taxes, investment and college expenses.The club also sponsors educational trips to the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Money Matters club will soon conduct personal finance workshops in nearby communities and will partner with the Commission on Economic Opportunity to extend their Youth Savings Account and Family Savings Account programs. Choice One recently presented a grant to the Money Matters club. Pictured are, from left: Holliann Brooks; Ashish Javia; Ashley Deemie, club vice president; John P. Kebles, president and CEO of Choice One; Nandita Das, assistant professor of business and Money Matters club advisor; Leslie Bartolli Bortz; Matthew Bickert; Sue E. Bat, director of marketing and business development for Choice One; and Johnathan Botch, club president. PHOTO BY SHANNON CURTIN WILKES | Spring 2008 $3,500 Grant Will Fund Financial Literacy 3 �on campus If I knew MARGINS, if I knew the INDUSTRY, I would have known I couldn’t do these things and we never would have tried. ... FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN and knowing too much [alter the entrepreneurial spirit]. Norman Mailer appeared at the Lincoln Center with Wilkes Professor J. Michael Lennon in June 2007. It was Mailer’s last public appearance. PHOTO COURTESY OF J. MICHAEL LENNON WILKES | Spring 2008 Wilkes Professor Talks God With the Late Norman Mailer 4 In his last book before his November passing, the late Norman Mailer, with co-author J. Michael Lennon, tackled no less than the nature of God. On God: An Uncommon Conversation offers a series of probing, amusing and uncommon dialogues between the literary icon and Wilkes English professor Lennon, Mailer’s friend, archivist and official biographer. Published by Random House, the book contains a series of 10 theological conversations between Lennon and Mailer. Mailer rejected both organized religion and atheism, presenting an artistic God who often succeeds but can also fail in the face of contrary powers in the universe. Lennon proposed to Mailer that they write about his religious beliefs. “His theological ideas are not run of the mill.” Mailer was born a Jew but was not a practicing Jew; he was interested in Catholicism but was not Catholic. He was interested in all religions of the world. He viewed fundamentalism as a danger, but he was not an atheist. Lennon and Mailer began corresponding 35 years ago, when Lennon was working on his doctorate.As their friendship developed, Lennon, a New England native, started visiting Mailer at his Provincetown, Mass., home.The professor came to Wilkes University in 1992 as provost. He also chaired the humanities department for a time and taught English. He co-founded Wilkes’ Creative Writing program and currently serves as an advisory board and faculty member. Lennon edited his first Mailer book, Pieces and Pontifications, in 1982 and has published widely on Mailer. He also co-wrote The Spooky Art, based on comments Mailer had made about the writing process. After publishing a collection of Mailer’s letters in 2008, Lennon will write his biography. Lennon reflects on Mailer’s life and relationship with Wilkes in an essay on page 26. – Tom Scott Co-founder and CEO of Nantucket Nectars and Plum TV Tom Scott discussed the formula for Nantucket Nectars’ success with business students during the Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship last fall. PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY �on campus Zebra Communications Keeps Restoration Project on Track A train engine that served the U.S. Army during World War II will see new life if a retired Wilkes-Barre attorney and the University’s student-run public relations firm get their way. Communication studies majors received hands-on public relations planning experience, along with a lesson in transportation history, when they accepted George Spohrer as a new client. Spohrer, a train enthusiast, enlisted Zebra to create a promotional and fundraising campaign to restore the engine. A student account team worked with Spohrer to raise awareness for the Vulcan Iron Hammer, an engine that served the U.S. Army in the 1940s. Zebra Communications worked with Wilkes-Barre City Mayor Tom Leighton to declare Nov. 10, 2007,Vulcan Train Day, which included a train naming contest and read-along for children. Through an ongoing promotional campaign, Spohrer and the Zebra team hope to raise $200,000 to restore the Vulcan train so it may one day make a regular run along stretches of the Susquehanna River that have historic significance to the Wyoming Valley. Retired attorney George Spohrer entertains children with trainthemed stories during Vulcan Train Day at the college bookstore. PHOTO BY JAMIE GWYNN Zebra Communications is staffed by 30 public relations students and each semester works with more than a dozen client-partners, including not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, small businesses, campus initiatives and regional grant-funded projects. WILKES WINS AWARDS Efforts of the University’s Office of Marketing Communications were honored with a bundle of awards this fall: WILKES MAGAZINE • International Association of Business Communicators Harrisburg Chapter – Magazines (four or more colors) – Silver Award – Most Improved Publication – Gold Award • Public Relations Society of America Central Pennsylvania Chapter – Keystone Award – External Magazine “A MAJORITY OF ONE” The University’s risk-taking advertising campaign POETRY IN TRANSIT focused on six individual accepted students, Poems by 20th century masters, original photography and artwork were highlighting Wilkes’ mentoring commitment. installed on 38 county buses. • Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II – Advertising – Gold and Silver awards • International Association of Business Communicators Harrisburg Chapter • International Association of Business Communicators Harrisburg Chapter – Graphic Design Non-Publications – Gold Award – Photography/Color Photography – Gold Award • Public Relations Society of America Central Pennsylvania Chapter – Keystone Award with Special Merit – Promotional Campaign Marketing/Communication Campaign “WILKES GOES ALL-MAC” – Electronic Advertising, for MySpace.com ads News release announced the University-wide switch to Apple’s new – Special Purpose Pieces/Displays or Exhibits, Intel-based Macs. for ads in mall kiosks – Special Purpose Pieces/Outdoor Billboards • International Association of Business Communicators Harrisburg Chapter – Writing/News Releases for Media Outlets - Silver Award WILKES | Spring 2008 – Comprehensive Communication in a 5 �athletics C lonel CONNECTION FIVE ALUMNI LEAD ‘OLD-FASHIONED, HARD-NOSED’ BASEBALL From left: Mike Toomey ’06, head coach Joe Folek ’88, Bob Klinetob ’95 and Jerry Bavitz ’75 all played for the Colonels. Assistant coach Nate Lipton ’00 is absent from the photo. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR WILKES | Spring 2008 By John Seitzinger 6 I T IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR SCHOOLS TO HIRE ONE OF their own graduates to coach an athletic team, so the fact that Joe Folek ’88 is entering his 13th season as the head coach of the Wilkes baseball team is not really newsworthy. However, Folek’s entire fiveman coaching staff comprises alumni. Last season, Folek, along with assistant coaches Jerry Bavitz ’75, Bob Klinetob ’95, Nate Lipton ’00, and Mike Toomey ’06, led the Wilkes baseball team to an overall record of 24-12 and the Freedom Conference championship. The conference title was the first for the Colonels since 1994, and garnered the squad its first NCAA Division III playoff appearance since 1978. Folek, Freedom Conference Coach of the Year in 2007, has been affiliated with the program for 23 years. He played for Wilkes from 1985-88 and then became an assistant coach for the Colonels for six seasons. As the head coach, he has amassed an overall record of 241 wins, 196 losses and four ties. “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach at Wilkes,” says Folek, who teaches in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. “Many of �athletics He’s not opposed to bringing in an outsider, Folek explains. “We’ve been fortunate that we’ve never had to due to the fact that there has always been someone from the Colonel ‘baseball family’ to take over when one of the staff moves on.” He notes that Wilkes has always been home to old-fashioned, hard-nosed baseball. “We’ll continue to keep it simple: Be dedicated, practice hard, play harder. And we’re not afraid to admit that winning matters.” Cross Country Reinstated as Varsity Sport Wilkes brings back cross country for the first time since 1994. This photo is from 1990. PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES V ARSITY MEN’S AND women’s cross country teams return to Wilkes beginning with the 2008 season. Nick Wadas will serve as head coach for both programs. Wilkes last sponsored the sport in fall 1994. A lack of numbers on both men’s and women’s teams forced an end to the varsity program. Both teams will compete as members of the Middle Atlantic Conference. “Bringing back both men’s and women’s cross country is the latest step to expand sports offerings at Wilkes,” says University athletics director Addy Malatesta.“This will be the first expansion since the addition of women’s lacrosse in 2003.” Wadas graduated from College Misericordia with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a master’s degree in occupational therapy. He also holds certification in addictions counseling. While at Misericordia,Wadas was a four-year member of the cross country team. He earned secondteam All-Pennsylvania Athletic Conference honors in 2000, 2001 and 2002.Wadas was a five-time member of the PAC All-Academic Team and was chosen as a Division III Academic All-American in 2002. WILKES | Spring 2008 the things that we do today in the program are things that were done in the past by Coach (Gene) Domzalski, Coach (Bob) Duliba and Coach Bavitz. I have added some of my own wrinkles, but everything goes back to the roots of the program. The fact that we are graduates of the school and the baseball program helps because we never have to break anyone in. Each of us knows how things work, and we are able to maintain a consistency because of it.” Bavitz, athletic director at Nanticoke Area High School, is the elder statesman of the staff. He enters his 36th year at Wilkes, including four years as a player, four as head coach and 28 years as assistant coach. Bavitz served on the coaching staff under Domzalski when, from 1976-78, the Colonels made three straight NCAA appearances. “Coaching with fellow Wilkes alumni has been exciting,” Bavitz says. “The fact that we are all Wilkes graduates helps us relate better to the players, as well.We know the faculty and staff and understand what is expected of a Wilkes student.” Klinetob is back for his 13th season as a coach. A player for three seasons for the Colonels, he was starting catcher on the 1994 Middle Atlantic Conference championship team. Lipton, who works for the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s office, returns for his fourth season as an assistant coach.Toomey, graduate assistant for the baseball program, returns for his second season of coaching. Both played four seasons. “The teachers, coaches and administrators at Wilkes have definitely helped shape who I am,” says Klinetob, brewmaster at Lion Brewery. “Being a member of the coaching staff affords us the opportunity to have that type of impact on today’s student-athletes.” Folek notes that the team has had 13 different former players coach at one point or another since 1990. “From the annual trip to Florida to open the season, to 6 a.m. workouts, to who has to pick up meal money/vans on game day, to meeting with recruits, to the pitcher’s home run hitting contest, to who throws batting practice before the game and ‘floor touchers’ during preseason conditioning, these are all just a small part of being a Colonel.” 7 �I • Global Vision WILKES ALUMNI PROMOTE PEACE AND HEALTH IN AN EVER-SHRINKING WORLD By Kim Bower-Spence W ILKES BOASTS A LONG LIST OF alumni who found professional success in fields from education to science, business to law. But founding President Eugene Farley’s vision of an educated person went far beyond material success. “… in planning his adaptation to rapidly changing conditions, man at long last is compelled to consider the need for those human qualities that enhance the lives of men. Concern for others, compassion, consideration, and even gentleness and love become man’s primary concern,” he said in a 1964 address. Even after his death, Farley’s ideals were “pounded into” Wilkes undergraduates, as one recalls gratefully. And a number WILKES | Spring 2008 health, peace and social justice far beyond U.S. borders. Here 8 we profile four diverse examples, from a drama therapist teaching tolerance to a financial planner helping Beijing prepare for the Summer Olympics. Above: Ruth McDermott-Levy ’82, third from left, advises Omani nurses studying at Villanova University. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTH McDERMOTT-LEVY Above right: Roya Fahmy Swartz ’83 began a consulting business called Visions of Tolerance, based on her experiences using drama and the arts to bring together diverse cultures. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR We were giving a MESSAGE OF PEACE, which was very successful. – Roya Fahmy Swartz ’83 WILKES | Spring 2008 took up the cause, using their skills and knowledge to promote 9 �Visions of Tolerance ~ R oya Fahmy Swartz ’83 practices what she preaches. She’s made a career of bringing together people of diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds, including Palestinian and Israeli youths, to promote peace. Her business,Visions of Tolerance, offers programs to schools and other organizations that promote diversity, tolerance and WILKES | Spring 2008 Roya Fahmy Swartz ’82 and husband Daniel adopted daughter Alana Naveena Yasmine from India. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR 10 multicultural awareness through fine and performing arts. It was born out of creative co-existence workshops she started post 9/11, with help from the Interfaith Coalition of Metropolitan Washington, bringing together 69 youths from nine faith traditions for arts workshops. Growing up in Dallas, Pa., she recalls being called the “N” word in grade school because of her dark complexion, sometimes characteristic of her Middle Eastern ancestry. Upon graduation from Wilkes with a communications degree, she studied acting in New York City and became a professional actress in Los Angeles. Following the 1980s Soviet-Afghan War, she played an Afghani Muslim whose husband died fighting. “That show really started to marry my sense of social justice and the arts,” she says. The cast consisted of Jews, Arabs and Christians of various heritages. “We were giving a message of peace, which was very successful.” Her acting spurred her to explore religion. She converted to Judaism and married rabbinical student Daniel Swartz in 1988. She was in Los Angeles when riots erupted in the wake of Rodney King’s 1991 videotaped beating at the hands of police. Roya helped found and became project director for L.A.Works, which raised money from the entertainment industry and mobilized 200 volunteers to rebuild a youth center in southcentral Los Angeles. The organization expanded from its initial mission and continues to serve the community today. When Daniel took a job in Washington, D.C., Roya volunteered at a children’s hospital, doing crafts and art projects with patients. The hospital ended up hiring her, and her work included producing a film with teens hospitalized in the psychiatric ward and making jewelry with adolescent girls suffering from eating disorders. Swartz joined the National Association of Drama Therapists. “No, it’s not therapy for actors,” she insists. The group promotes healing and wellness through drama. She researched drama therapy for her master’s thesis in social work at University of Maryland. When Seeds of Peace needed facilitators with social work experience, Swartz’s career took a new direction.The fledgling organization brought teens from warring areas of the world, particularly the Middle East, together at a summer camp in Maine to experience coexistence in the midst of sports, arts, computers and field trips. “Every afternoon there would be coexistence sessions. Mine always used drama.” In summer 2000, the couple adopted Alana Naveena Yasmine, now 8, from southern India. The family moved to Clarks Summit, Pa. Swartz continues her work there, performing a play in schools to recount the history of the garment workers union and its impact on women, conducting a peace workshop for elementary school children, and helping organize a Jewish film festival. “I have no control over the results” of the work, she realizes. But she hopes she plants a seed. “I think that God takes care of the results.” �A nthony DeVincentis ’79 makes children smile. And it’s not just his amiable manner. Back in 1989, the Bloomfield, Dentist Anthony DeVincentis ’79, left, N.J., dentist volunteered his performed cosmetic dental work that services to Heal the Children gave Dolores, right, her bright smile. PHOTO FROM HEAL THE CHILDREN MIDLANTIC Midlantic, a Hawthorne, N.J.based nonprofit that secures free medical treatment for needy children in the United States and other countries. His first patient was an 8-year-old girl, Dolores, from the Dominican Republic. An oral surgeon performed surgery to open her fused mouth, a malady that made it impossible for her to eat and function normally. The operation opened a whole new world for DeVincentis, who provided basic dental care for her newly opened mouth. DeVincentis promised Dolores, “If you get to the point where you can open your mouth wide enough, I’ll make you look like a movie star.” After 12 years, two more surgeries and many trips between the Dominican Republic and the United States, Dolores could open sufficiently enough not only for her promised cosmetic reconstruction, but to enjoy eating her first cheeseburger normally. Dolores, now in her 20s, sports a bright new smile. She still stops in to see DeVincentis when she visits the states. In 2006, he treated a Costa Rican teen, Nicole, who had lost an eye to a disorder that caused increased intraocular pressure. When Nicole arrived in the states, she was in danger of losing her good eye. The fine – Anthony DeVincentis ’79 work of the many volunteer physicians did not let that happen. During her stay, Nicole developed a toothache and visited DeVincentis’ office. After examining Nicole, DeVincentis realized that she was in need of extensive dental work. Along with the host family and Heal the Children Midlantic, DeVincentis was able to get Nicole’s visa extended and the dental work completed.With her '' They’re JUST KIDS. ... And with the hand they’ve been dealt, they’re pretty AMAZING. ' new ocular prosthesis and smile,“She went back home a normal 16-year-old.” The children brought by Heal the Children Midlantic often have multiple medical needs and have never seen a dentist.“Most of these kids are in a lot of trouble dentally.” DeVincentis has provided fillings, extractions, root canals and even cosmetic reconstruction for many children over the years. “I think we get more out of it than the kids do,” he says. “We are given the opportunity to actually transform a person’s life.” Many of these children come from small villages in the Dominican Republic and Central America, where their disabilities make them outcasts. “For a condition such as a cleft palate, they’re ostracized,” he explains. Still, he marvels at the children’s resilience. “They’re just kids,” he observes. “And with the hand they’ve been dealt, they’re pretty amazing.” In recognizing DeVincentis for his contributions, Healing the Children leaders noted: “He has the type of personality where, instantly, children are at ease when they go to see him for treatment. He genuinely cares about the work he does and has never turned down a request from Healing the Children to help a child in need.” “We just do what little we can as far as helping these kids," says DeVincentis, who lives in Kinnelon, N.J., with his wife, Jane, and 8-year-old daughter, Francesca. Olympic Hopeful T ourists in Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics may have Bill Lewis ’80 to thank – at least a little bit – should they need first aid care there. Lewis, of Pittston, Pa., is part of an American Red Cross team training the Chinese Red Cross to handle health needs during the event. Lewis got involved with the Red Cross in 1979, while a political science student at Wilkes. A vice president and certified financial planner at Merrill Lynch, Lewis served on the American Red Cross board from 1999 to 2005. After his term expired, he stayed involved nationally as chair of the National Education Committee and was chief of the American Red Cross delegation for an international symposium for Olympic health care in Beijing. While the International Olympic Committee will oversee athlete health, the Chinese requested expertise to help them train first Bill Lewis ’80, shown at a governor’s reception in China’s Shandong Province, is helping the Chinese Red Cross prepare for the Olympics. PHOTO COURTESY OF BEIJING RED CROSS WILKES | Spring 2008 Healing Smiles 11 �WILKES | Spring 2008 responders and build capacity to deal with health issues that may arise when millions of people from all over the world descend upon the city. One area of particular concern is heart disease, which is a less significant problem in China than in other countries. The Beijing Red Cross also runs municipal ambulance services, and they requested advice on structuring first aid response, recruiting volunteers to support their programs, and how to respond in the event of an incident like the Atlanta Olympic bombing in 1996. Lewis traveled to Beijing once in 2004 and twice in 2007. In October, he helped set up an agreement with a U.S. company to distribute defibrillators in China. Noting snarling traffic that delays emergency responses, he says the American Red Cross delegation introduced the concept of air medical evacuation. The Chinese government is acquiring its first emergency medical helicopters. Stateside, Lewis has arranged tours of U.S. Red Cross facilities for Beijing officials. “It’s been a very interesting evolution of things,” observes Lewis, a father of four married to the former Mary Ellen Judge ’83. “I don’t have any particular expertise in anything, but a lot has just been connecting parties together.” U.S. officials learn new ideas even as they share, he notes.“The volunteer spirit that they have there is just unreal, particularly among the youth.” Lewis counts the admission of Magen David Adom, the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross, as another significant moment during his tenure on the American Red Cross board. Some Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations in the international movement resisted MDA’s admission, objecting to the red Star of David emblem on its flag. “Everyone who says they want to do humanitarian work and fly some kind of a symbol is going to be recognized,” asserts Lewis. He was heavily involved as the American Red Cross and the U.S. State Department worked to bring the group into the fold. The opposing organizations eventually folded and admitted MDA as a sister organization, he says. “If they weren’t recognized, then all the Geneva Convention privileges wouldn’t fall upon them.” 12 International Nursing C ommunity nursing” takes on broad implications when taught by Ruth McDermott-Levy ’82, clinical instructor of nursing at Villanova University, Villanova, Pa. For each of the past two years, she and undergraduate students in her community health course have spent spring break providing care and education in impoverished regions of Peru and Nicaragua. “It’s a personal conviction,” explains McDermott-Levy, who lives in Berwyn, Pa., with husband Andy and sons Matt and Sam. “I’ve always been really intrigued by what’s going on in the rest of the world. I’ve always been intrigued by other people, other cultures.” “I guess I’m a little crazy,” confesses the doctoral candidate. “I like the challenge.” Student nurses prepare material they will teach, have it translated, and then travel to remote villages with translators.They teach local lay health workers how to prevent water-borne illness and manage certain diseases. And they provide basic medical care in homes.They leave donated health supplies like dressings. Conditions can be rugged. “You have to wake up pretty early in the morning to surprise me,” she says, noting that she also does home visits in Philadelphia drug houses. But in the city, she can always find resources to reach someone in need. “ Lewis, sixth from left, was on hand to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Red Cross Society at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. PHOTO COURTESY OF BEIJING RED CROSS �Peru was my first exposure to such UNRELENTING POVERTY. At least once daily I wanted to burst into TEARS, but I couldn’t because the students were there. – Ruth McDermott-Levy ’82 '' importance of including everyone and valuing each person in a community or organization. She hopes her students take with them a commitment for outreach and peacemaking when they leave her tutelage. “Now you know how most of the world lives,” she emphasizes. “Now you know.What do you do with it?” Top: McDermott-Levy, second from left, studied Omani nursing for her doctoral studies. Bottom right: McDermott-Levy’s students at Villanova University learn community health nursing on study trips to remote villages in Peru and Nicaragua. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUTH McDERMOTT-LEVY We’re sure there are more examples of alumni efforts. Are you making a difference in the world through international humanitarian efforts? Let us know by contacting Editor Kim Bower-Spence at kimberly.bowerspence@wilkes.edu. WILKES | Spring 2008 “There, it was just us. Peru was my first exposure to such unrelenting poverty. At least once daily I wanted to burst into tears, but I couldn’t because the students were there.” Inside stick huts, they found babies with pneumonia, and elderly villagers suffering heart disease or bent over with arthritis and sleeping on beds of sticks lashed together. With her students, McDermott-Levy discusses the politics of the situations they see and how they might make a difference. For instance, in Nicaragua they discussed the effects of the war between the former Sandinista and Contra rebels. She says they can see the outcomes of war and the impression it leaves of the United States. For the last five years, McDermott-Levy has also advised Omani nurses in an 18-month program to earn bachelor’s degrees at Villanova, which has a relationship with the Oman Ministry of Health. She visited the small, Islamic sultanate on the Arabian Peninsula in 2004. Besides academic counseling, students consult her for everything from friendships to health issues. McDermott-Levy, whose doctoral studies have focused on Omani nursing students, says nursing care in Oman is task-oriented and not as autonomous as in the U.S. Nurses stand when physicians come onto a floor, and nurses and physicians don’t collaborate in patient care. McDermott-Levy hopes her work gives Omani nurses more confidence in their abilities and helps push their practice further. She’d like to teach there or work with other Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq someday. Her work, she says, reflects the influence of President Farley, a fellow Quaker. Her years at Wilkes emphasized the 13 �~ •:••11~► ar •·~ ar ENGLISH GRADUATE MAKES A CAREER OF GETTING TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES OFF THE GROUND WILKES | Spring 2008 C 14 HERYL TRAVERSE ’67 STARTED blazing trails early. The Scranton, Pa., native became the first woman lifeguard at Nay Aug Park when she demanded to know from park services why they wouldn’t hire a female. “Lots of press in the Scranton Times,” she recalls. So began a career built on going places no one had been before.Today, the San Francisco resident is in her fifth job as chief executive officer of a startup technology firm. She’s plugged into a network of venture capitalists who call on her to get fledgling companies off the ground and then sell them to larger firms. Then she moves on to a new project. Traverse majored in English and education at Wilkes, then taught in New Jersey and Long Island, N.Y., for several years before switching to business. She cut her teeth selling radio time for WPLJ 95.5 in New York City. She counts “Crazy Eddie,” whose “insane prices” and loud commercials were known throughout the region in the 1980s, among her first clients. “I really learned how to prospect, sell and negotiate. And I found out that attaching myself to the revenue line was the way to go for a woman,” she recalls. From radio, she moved to Warner Amex Cable to set up local retail advertising systems on cable television. She moved to Houston to manage a 100-person team selling Warner cable service door-to-door in apartment buildings. She then moved to California to manage a $60 million sales and service arm of MCI, which she grew to $120 million. Eventually, Sprint recruited her to organize its first large telesales effort, which ended up with centers in Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay area and Detroit. She left telecommunications and began consulting when Sprint moved its corporate headquarters to Kansas City. That’s when she got into managing high-tech companies on a project basis.“Venture capital guys find me,” she explains. She got her first CEO job with a group of Chinese entrepreneurs who needed an experienced person to launch and grow their business. “I don’t write code, but I understand technology at a pretty deep level,” Traverse explains. Currently, she’s CEO of New Jersey-based Xceedium, which delivers security, compliance and By Kim Bower-Spence operational efficiency for technical users who manage data centers, protecting them from threats like internal attacks by unscrupulous technical employees. She splits her time between New Jersey and her California home.“One of my investors from my last company was interested in this company,” she says, explaining how she got there. She is responsible for the technology, sales and marketing strategy and decides where to invest resources, how to acquire financing and how to grow business. She raised a Series A round of financing, and the company is now profitable. Other companies she’s headed have been purchased by Novell and Peoplesoft. Traverse makes a point to share her experience with up-andcoming business leaders. She volunteers as an advisor for two California nonprofits dedicated to mentoring entrepreneurs, particularly women. One of those, called Astia, depends on volunteer mentors to advise entrepreneurs, says CEO Sharon Vosmek. She says that while they ask mentors for a minimum of five hours a month, Traverse goes well beyond. “She really works the problem with the entrepreneur.” “Cheryl is a serial entrepreneur herself,” Vosmek notes. “Nationally, Cheryl is in a very small number and in a very elite class.” As a role model, she “really paved the way.” Traverse notes, “I really take it seriously because I feel very fortunate.” Traverse makes time to pursue other interests too. Sailing San Francisco Bay is a favorite. She has “bare-boated” — rented a boat and served as captain — in places like Tonga, Greece, Croatia and the Caribbean. She likes golf and scuba diving around the world, and she is now training for her second half-marathon. Cheryl Traverse San Francisco, Calif. B.A., English 1967 Career: Has built and sold five technology companies as CEO in the last 12 years, while serving as a mentor for women entrepreneurs. Notable: Has “bare-boated” worldwide in the Tonga, Greece and Croatia. Takes seven-mile runs on weekends. �Nationally, Cheryl is in a very SMALL NUMBER and in a very ELITE CLASS. Sailing San Francisco Bay is one of Traverse’s favorite pastimes. PHOTO BY SHANNON McINTYRE WILKES | Spring 2008 - Sharon Vosmek 15 �Constitutional CLERKSHIP WITH CHIEF JUSTICE EARL WARREN LEADS TO CAREER TEACHING CONSTITUTIONAL LAW WILKES | Spring 2008 By Sherrie Flick 16 Choper’s prowess in teaching constitutional law has earned him many awards from students. PHOTO BY JIM BLOCK �Calling T HE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA BUSTLED with counterculture in 1965. At University of California, Berkeley, the addition of a new law school faculty member might have flown below the radar of most hippies. But Jesse Choper had served a clerkship with Earl Warren, chief justice of the United States. With interests in baseball, basketball, football, the racetrack and classical music, he would become an expert in constitutional law and dedicate his life to teaching others, never having owned a lava lamp.The hippies are gone now, but Choper is still there. The Wilkes-Barre native was born into a Russian-PolishJewish immigrant family. He graduated from public high school and then attended Wilkes on scholarship after winning a math competition. Choper doesn’t put on airs. He seems surprised by the success he credits partly to his early years on the Wilkes debate team. “The debate team participated in the major tours in the East, including the national competition in West Point,” recalls Choper. “It was a very strong experience for me in terms of learning how to engage in logical thinking. I then sharpened that a good deal in law school.” Choper was initially drawn to accounting and was headed to a job with accounting firm Price Waterhouse when Wilkes English professor and debate coach Arthur Kruger convinced him to try law. Choper attended University of Pennsylvania’s law school while teaching accounting at its Wharton School. After law school, he was offered a clerkship with Chief Justice Warren.Warren took on civil rights and civil liberties during a turbulent time in U.S. history and helped to make the Supreme Court the extraordinarily powerful and controversial institution it is today. “It was a heady experience,” admits Choper. “Chief Justice Warren was a wonderful person. I was one of three people working for him. He was revered. He was 70 years old at the time, which seemed old to me then,” Choper says with a chuckle. His time with Warren piqued his interest in constitutional law. “Constitutional law involves a large variety of questions about the relationship of our government and its constituent parts. Some are of the highest importance, and some are less important,” says Choper. “But they’re all very challenging. My study of the U.S. Supreme Court is the study of a critically important institution. I want to have an impact in helping explain that to others.” Choper served as dean of Berkeley’s Boalt School of Law from 1982 to 1992. His greatest pride is in the success of his students. “I’ve been given a lot of satisfaction from students who have told me what an important impact I’ve had on their education.” - Stephen F. Ross, Former Student Former student Stephen F. Ross, director of the Institute for Sports Law, Policy and Research at Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, notes that Choper’s influence wasn’t purely academic.“His good word to then-Professor Ruth Bader Ginsburg was critical to my selection as one of her first clerks. He truly is one of my role models for my own career as a professor.” He recalls learning the Socratic method. “Jesse would always call on one student for some light, introductory questions, and then on a second student to provoke a disagreement. If the second student disagreed, he’d referee a fine discussion. If the second student lamely agreed, Jesse would then interrogate him/her. Our class quickly learned it was better to argue with a classmate than to tangle with Choper!” Choper resides in Lafayette, Calif., with wife Mari. He has two sons, Marc and Ted, and two stepdaughters, Molly and Emily. '' He truly is one of my ROLE MODELS for my own career as a professor. ' Jesse Choper, Lafayette, Calif. B.S., Business Administration 1957 Career: A member of the University of California, Berkeley, Notable: Clerked for Earl Warren, chief justice of the United States, following graduation from University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 1960. Choper, right, and John Bucholtz comprised the Wilkes Debating Society two-man team in 1955-56. They’re shown prior to a Johns Hopkins tournament where they placed third. PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES WILKES | Spring 2008 law faculty and expert in constitutional law since 1965. 17 �alumni news Alumni Scholarship Dinner Honors Sheptock The Annual Alumni Scholarship Awards Dinner will take place April 5, 2008, in the Henry Student Center Ballroom. Each year at this event, the Wilkes University Alumni Association awards the annual scholarship.To be eligible for the scholarship, you must have a family member who graduated from Wilkes. The event this year honors head football coach Frank Sheptock. “The committee chose Coach Sheptock as honoree for his generosity of spirit, intelligence and his loyalty to Wilkes University,” says Fred Demech ’61, chairman of this year’s event. In the past, this event has raised more than $5,000 for the scholarship fund. “We are hoping this year we can double that amount,” Demech says. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Michelle Diskin, associate director of alumni relations, at (570) 408-4134 or michelle.diskin@wilkes.edu. Head football coach Frank Sheptock will be honored at this year’s Alumni Scholarship Awards Dinner. PHOTO BY WARREN RUDA Widenhorn to Join Alumni Staff WILKES | Spring 2008 Mirko Widenhorn 18 Wilkes is such a DYNAMIC PLACE that I look forward to helping bring more and MORE ALUMNI BACK to the valley. We are pleased to announce that Mirko Widenhorn joins the staff of the Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving as director of alumni relations and annual giving programs. He comes to Wilkes from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, where he most recently was head of student affairs and communications manager. He is eager “to join the Wilkes community and work closely with alumni on a wide range of programs.Wilkes is such a dynamic place that I look forward to helping bring more and more alumni back to the valley,” he says. At the beginning, he will focus on relationship building through regional networks, alumni in admissions, graduate school programming and lifelong learning opportunities for alumni. Born in Germany,Widenhorn moved to Indiana at age 9. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, French and German from Drew University in Madison, N.J., where he also worked as an assistant director of alumni relations. He earned a master’s degree from the College of Europe in European political and administrative studies. Please make a point to meet and welcome him either electronically or the next time you’re on campus. His e-mail is Mirko.Widenhorn@wilkes.edu. �alumni news With the advent of the new team of volunteer leaders, the Alumni Association’s key initiatives of mentoring and relationship building are up and running under the leadership of President George Pawlush ’69. Traditional association activities benefit from new energy generated as the University approaches its 75th birthday in 2008. Plans are under way to breathe life into geographic networks of Colonels.Witness the Washington, D.C., holiday gathering hosted by Bill Hanbury ’72 to introduce Provost ReynoldVerret.Winter events were also planned for Doral Arrowwood, Rye Brook, N.Y., before the men’s basketball game against Manhattanville; and a deans’ visit to Boston, complete with dinner hosted by John Kerr ’72.The traditional Naples, Fla., gathering was to bring together Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton, President Tim Gilmour and Bill Miller ’81 (trustee and Barnes & Noble vice president) to dynamically demonstrate how the partnership between the University and the city have benefited both beyond expectations. Outreach to concentrations of alumni (and parents) focuses on bringing the good news from campus and Wilkes-Barre to those who have left the valley. For those who remain nearby (our alumni base’s single largest population concentration), several new initiatives are in the works, including an event at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, revitalization of The Colonels Club and special Wilkes entertainment opportunities at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.Watch these pages or check The Colonel Connection Web site (community.wilkes.edu) for details on upcoming events. If you have interest in being part of an alumni association committee, Wilkes Alumni gathered in Washington, D.C., in December. please complete and Top photo: Nicole Eileen Weiss ’00 return the tear card in and Dana Sacoman ’00. Bottom photo: Janice Raspen ’92 this magazine. Newcomers and Mary Jo Rubino ’91. are always welcome. PHOTOS BY SANDRA CARROLL Plan to Celebrate Wilkes’ 75th Anniversary It has been a journey of alternating success and hardship as the University has adapted and reinvented itself to meet new challenges.Today, its future is brighter than ever as the institution continues to expand in terms of academic excellence, prestige, resources and enrollment. Some would say it has been a bumpy ride, but all would agree it has been an interesting process. In 75 years,Wilkes has educated thousands of alumni who have succeeded in securing positions of leadership in an endless array of organizations around the world.There will be many opportunities for you to share your memories of Wilkes as festivities unfold.We will kick off the official anniversary in September 2008 at our convocation celebrating the beginning of another academic year. As commemorative festivities are planned, you will be invited to the excitement that will last throughout the year. New events will be organized, and traditional ones, such as Homecoming and the Athletic Hall of Fame, will bear the mark of the 75th in this special year. As the campus engages students, faculty, staff and alumni in planning, the spectrum of the 75th “touch” will be boundless. If you have a special memory or memorabilia you would like to share for the occasion, please let us know via the tear card within this issue. Stay tuned for more information! Bill Montague ’68 M’77 and wife Sue hosted fellow Wilkes alumni at Park Country Club, Buffalo, N.Y., in November. Front row from left are: Michael Sobolewski ’98, Jennifer Sobolewski, Brittany Reynolds, Jason Reynolds ’02. Back row from left are: James Aikman ’40, Gary Quinn ’99, Marvin Kurlan ’57, Cheryl Quinn ’00, Sue Montague, Donald Bowman ’76, Bill Montague and Wilkes President Tim Gilmour. WILKES | Spring 2008 Alumni Association Steps Up Activities 19 �class notes 1957 Patsy (Reese) Morris currently resides at Heritage Village in Southbury, Conn. She is active with the church bell choir, camera club and art. She moved around the country with her late husband, Bob, and raised three children: Pam, Jeff and Susan. Patsy worked as an art teacher in continuing studies and later became an upper division art teacher at Delaware Academy before becoming a closing secretary for a law office. She has three grandchildren. 1965 James and Leslie (Tobias) Jenkins reside in Aurora, Colo. Jim is retired from United Airlines but keeps busy with Civil Air Patrol, volunteering at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, participating in BMW Car Club and flying with an airplane club. Leslie volunteers at a military pharmacy, BMW Car Club and American Association of University Women. She is a five-year breast cancer survivor. 1958 Reunion Oct. 3-5 ~ Ronald A. Olson currently works at Eye Centers of Florida in Naples, Fla., as an ophthalmologist. He and wife Leona (Baiera) Olson ’62 have lived in Naples for four years. He previously served as an ophthalmologist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. 1970 Alyce Marie (Puscavage) Zura of Duryea, Pa., was recognized by “Who’s Who Among Executives and Professional Women.” In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wilkes, she earned a doctorate summa cum laude from Temple University. She is a third-grade teacher at Wyoming Area School District and a Spanish instructor for the Summer Academy of Languages. She is the widow of the late Kenneth Zura ’69. WILKES | Spring 2008 1962 Raymond Nutaitis is production studio director for classical radio station KBAQ (89.5) at Arizona State University. 20 1963 Reunion Oct. 3-5 ,-.._ Philip Siegel works at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fla. Looking forward to retirement, he plans to return to Wilkes-Barre and spend winters in Florida. 1977 John J. Minetola M’82 joined PMJ Productions Inc., a business brokerage and consulting firm based in Clarks Summit, Pa. He has four children and resides with his wife, Lenora, in Luzerne. 1980 Fred A. Pierantoni III was elected and sworn as president of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania. The association comprises more than 500 magisterial, municipal and traffic judges across Pennsylvania. Pierantoni has served Magisterial District 11-1-04 in Luzerne County since 1992. Pieroni graduated from Temple University School of Law in 1983. 1982 Dominick Augustine of Harrisburg, Pa., is a MidAtlantic sales manager for Maple Leaf Bakery. Augustine resides with his wife, Lisa, and three daughters: Joelle, Marissa and Nicole. He enjoys coaching soccer. Maire (Anton) Box of Shavertown, Pa., works as a registered nurse at a breast center. After graduation, Box traveled to Houston,Texas, where she did a critical care nurse internship before moving back to Pennsylvania and working at the Nesbitt Hospital emergency room for 17 years. Maire resides in Shavertown with her husband, Jeffrey Box ’85, and their children, Christopher and Adrienne. Maurita (Gries) Elias M’83 co-owns the Woodhouse Spas Corporation, a national spa company that to date has franchised 31 spas throughout the United States. She operates her own Woodhouse Spa in Kingston, Pa. She formerly owned and operated three retail stores in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. She resides in Dallas, Pa., with her husband, Robert. Shelley Freeman, Wells Fargo Los Angeles Metro Community Bank Regional president, received the “Excellence in Civic Leadership” award from the Southern California Leadership Network.The award recognizes the ways she has effected change in California.The Wilkes University trustee also is a member of the board of directors of the Jewish Home for the Aging and the Los Angeles Center Theatre Group. Freeman serves on the AIDS Project LA Ambassador Council and on the Advisory Councils for the Los Angeles Alzheimer’s Association, the Trevor Project and the Los Angeles Library. 1984 Richard Cassidy, M.D., was named vice president of medical management for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. Rich and wife Debbie (Solowe) ’83 reside in Ponte Verdra Beach, Fla., with their three children. Sharon Gross is an independent “ecoprenuer” with the Citizenre REnU program. �class notes Wilkes Alumnus Endows Scholarship with $100,000 Gift Peter Perog of Little River, S.C., recently committed $100,000 for an endowed scholarship in entrepreneurship at Wilkes University, his alma mater. The Peter W. Perog, CPA ’60 Scholarship in Entrepreneurship will be awarded to one or two fulltime student(s) demonstrating promise, ability and campus or community involvement. First preference will be given to an entrepreneurship major with financial need. Michele Zabriski, director of individual giving at Wilkes, says, “We’re grateful that Mr. Perog decided to make a gift of this magnitude to Wilkes. It will truly impact students’ lives and contribute to the University.” “I remember the difficulty I encountered in financing my own college education,” says Perog, “and I decided that if I could make this financial burden easier for a qualified student with financial need, it could benefit that individual. It is very gratifying to me to participate in such a worthwhile contribution to my alma mater.” Originally from Paramus, N.J., Perog started his career working with Price Waterhouse and Co. in Newark and traveled internationally with General Foods. Later Perog became controller of Great Gorge Ski Area in McAfee, N.J., before starting his own successful certified public accountant practice in Sparta, N.J. He retired in 1996 after 26 years as an entrepreneur and now enjoys travel, golf and yachting. At Wilkes, Perog majored in accounting, was a resident of Ashley Hall and lettered in golf and soccer. He started the golf team with retired faculty member Welton Farrar. Perog has fond memories of his time at Wilkes and expresses that this gift is “very rewarding to me on a personal level because I feel deeply in giving back to Wilkes what they gave to me.” Peter Perog ’60 PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES WILKES | Spring 2008 – By Shannon Curtin ’07 21 �class notes From Campaign to Cable When Susan (Havrilla) Wasserott ’84 decided to run for office, she wasn’t expecting to end up with her own television program. But the Shavertown, Pa., native’s 2006 bid for a seat in the Maine state legislature yielded just that. Wasserott’s television show, In My Backyard, came into existence largely as a result of her campaign experiences. It was during the campaign that she realized her passion for issues affecting her fellow citizens; plus, the campaign trail was where she made the numerous contacts needed to succeed in a media venture. Wasserott, who touted, “I’m not a politician, I’m a person who cares who’s running for public office,” garnered 43% of the vote while running against a twoterm incumbent. After she communicated her positions in televised debates, the local television station suggested she contact them if she wanted to do a program. Now Wasserott hosts the 30-minute “In My Backyard” on Bath Community Television, a local cable station in midcoast Maine. Her show deals with issues spanning locally significant topics such as: high health care costs, consolidation of county jails with state prisons, school regionalization and adoptees’ access to original birth records. Susan (Havrilla) Wasserott ’84 In addition to her new position as a local television personality, Wasserott works as a human resources specialist at Mid Coast Health Services. Wasserott credits Wilkes with “providing a desire for lifelong learning, as well as the foundation to [her] After earning her masters in human resource administration at University of Scranton, Wasserott and her husband, Paul, moved to Woolwich, Maine, where they reside with their yellow lab, Misty, and a cat, Sylvia. career.” The psychology major knew she wanted to work in human resources, so she worked closely with Professor Wasserott can be reached at IMBhost@gmail.com. Carl Charnetski. Together they fashioned a curriculum WILKES | Spring 2008 that prepared her for her current career. 22 1985 Naomi Cohen is employed by The Hartford in the property and casualty division. She resides in West Hartford, Conn., with husband Bruce and children Nathan and Abigail. Eleanor Madigan and husband Nicholas announce the birth of daughter Danae Catherine, born May 2, 2007. She joins an older brother, Morgan. Eleanor works per diem as an emergency nurse at Robert Packer Hospital. She – By Shannon Curtin ’07 recently submitted a case study on neuroleptic malignant syndrome to the Journal of Emergency Nursing. It has been accepted and is scheduled for publication in the June 2008 issue.The family resides in Towanda, Pa. Donna (O’Toole) Sedor, executive vice president of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, has been designated a certified chamber executive by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. She is �class notes a member of the American and Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Executives. Donna and husband John ’87 celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Aug. 15, 2007. They reside in Larksville with sons Sean and Evan. 1987 Maj. Allan C. Knox retired from the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 28, 2007. After 20 years of service, he retired as assistant director of operations for the Air Force Rescue Control Center. Knox continues to serve as a Department of the Air Force civilian working as the search and rescue program manager and as an instructor/course manager at the National Search and Rescue School. He and his family reside in Yorktown,Va. Communications Grad Produces Films The mentoring in the film Mentor, produced by Jeff Eline ’89, isn’t the type Wilkes promotes. But it’s making a name for the Baltimore-based filmmaker. The independent feature film premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City and has run on the Encore channel. It won an award for best supporting actress in the April 2007 Los Angeles MethodFest film festival. The film depicts a love triangle between a college professor, a graduate assistant and a former student. Eline majored in communications at Wilkes, minoring in theatre and business. Before graduating, he worked at WBRE-TV, running a studio camera for the newscast. He went on to direct weekday newscasts. Today, he owns e-LINE Productions, which produces industrials, commercials and instructional videos. He wrote, produced and directed his first feature film, The Lottery Incident, in 1995, and with friend William Whitehurst in 2001 produced and directed the short film The Tears of a Clown, about a birthday party clown who shows up for a gig and finds his old 1989 Maria DiCredico earned her Life Underwriter Training Council certification from The American College. 1990 Robert Johansen and wife Jen are currently acting in a two-person show in Indianapolis, Ind. He has been a professional actor for 15 years. college girlfriend at the party. In 2002, the film won an award of excellence at the ninth annual Berkeley Video Film Festival. Eline expects to release his second feature film this spring. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF ELINE “I was first interested in theater. The power of a well-told story is exhilarating and inspiring,” Eline explains. “I’ve also always been a gadget/techno geek. So the technical aspect — cameras, editing, computers — really appealed to me. The fusion of those two interests led me to film.” He just completed producing another feature film, I Do and I Don’t, which he expects to be released in spring. – By Kim Bower-Spence WILKES | Spring 2008 Christine Rakauskas is a full-time faculty member at Brevard Community College in Brevard County, Fla. 23 �class notes 1992 Lee Morrell is executive editor of DRIVE! Magazine and a senior media relations specialist for CCG Investor Relations. He resides in Santa Clarita, Calif. Andrej Petroski was promoted to senior instructional designer in corporate learning at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. 1994 Anthony Salerno is managing director of business development at Lyndon Group LLC in Newport Beach, Calif. WILKES | Spring 2008 1995 Gino R. Angelozzi received a master’s degree in business administration from DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa. He is employed as the network operations manager for Financial Resources Federal Credit Union in Bridgewater, N.J. He resides in Wind Gap, Pa., with wife Pamela (Jones) ’94 and children Daniela and William. 24 Christina Ortiz completed her master’s degree in social work from Marywood University in May 1999 and received postgraduate clinical training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, Manhattan, N.Y., in 2005-06. Ortiz is a licensed independent social worker in Ohio and a licensed clinical social worker in New York and New Jersey. She is employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and has accepted a position as a clinical social worker for family psychoeducation therapy at Newark Day Treatment Center. She also practices as a psychotherapist in a group private practice in northern New Jersey. 1998 Reunion Oct. 3-5 ,-.._ Melissa (Rasnick) Coxe and husband Steve announce the birth of daughter Ashlyn Taylor on July 30, 2007. Melissa is an elementary music teacher.They reside in Greenville, N.C. 1996 Jennifer (Ryman) Davis and husband Glenn announce the birth of daughter Callie Claire on Aug. 1, 2007. She joins a brother, Logan. Jennifer works for VaxServe as a manager of financial analysis.They reside in Dallas, Pa. 1999 Kelly Casterline Kester has joined BrightFields Inc., an environmental consulting firm in Wilmington, Del., in its brownfield development group. Timothy Tenasco and wife Tara (Kurland) Tenasco welcomed their second daughter,Tessa McGee, on June 21, 2007. She joins a sister,Tehya Leigh.Tim and Tara work at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy in Northwood, N.H., as a social studies teacher and guidance counselor, respectively.They reside in Naymond, N.H. 1997 Clayton E. Bubeck of New Ringold, Pa., was named an associate and shareholder at Rettew, a Lancaster, Pa.-based engineering firm. Bubick, an environmental engineer, heads the firm’s Schuylkill Haven office. Philip Siegel Jr. is a cost accountant in the construction industry. He resides in Bonita Springs, Fla. 2000 Nelson M. Braslow, M.B.A., is executive vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer for MVP Health Care, a company serving the mid-Hudson Valley. Paula (Gentilman) Gaughan accepted a position with Sacred Heart University, Luxembourg. Amber (Deets) Lazo and husband Michael welcomed their first child, Emerson Elizabeth, on Dec. 19, 2006. They reside in Mountain Top, Pa. Brian Lubenow and wife Amy announce the birth of their daughter, Molly, on June 27, 2007.The couple also has a 2-year-old son, Ian. Carmela Smith and husband Thomas announce the birth of twin sons, Eric Anthony and Brian Thomas, on June 27, 2007. Eric and Brian join a big brother, Andrew Joseph. 2001 Matthew Reitnour was named the director of athletic communications at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Reitnour started at Canisius in August 2001 as a graduate assistant before being promoted to full-time status in 2003. 2002 Jessica Alferio married Brian Clark on July 14, 2007, in Scranton, Pa. Beth Danner married Milt Kinslow on May 12, 2007, in Kansas City, Mo. Aaron Kuzmick accepted a position in the manufacturing technology platform at Sanofi Pasteur in Swiftwater, Pa. 2004 Carlee Fitzsimmons married Ryan Laubach on April 22, 2006. She is a reading specialist for grades K-2 at East Elementary in the Riverside School District, Moosic, Pa. Sabrina A. McLaughlin is an adjunct faculty member teaching English composition at Luzerne County Community College. 2005 Lee F. Hixon Jr. is a civil engineer and project manager with Roberts Engineering Inc., Blacksburg,Va. He is working on a master’s degree and is married to Maria. �class notes 2006 Ashley Ambirge published her first book, titled Become a Costa Rican in 30 Minutes Flat: Insider’s Tips to Visiting Quepos/Manuel Antonio. 2007 Jaclyn Francese is working at Pepperjam, an Internet marketing agency. Donna Talarico is employed as a client advisor for E-commerce company Solid Cactus in Wilkes-Barre. Additionally she is a writer for the eBiz Insider magazine, published monthly by Solid Cactus, and is pursuing a master of arts in creative writing at Wilkes University. She resides in Fairmount Township, Pa. Mellas Travels Home to Open Brazil’s First Starbucks When Adriana Espinheira Mellas M’98 read an article by Starbucks founder and chairman Howard Schultz, she was so intrigued by the company she dropped off a resume. Soon the Wilkes MBA graduate was hired and has now been with the coffee corporation for three years. The store manager has helped open six stores in the United States, including around the Rego Park, Queens, N.Y., area, where Mellas resides with her husband, William. She also travels internationally. Last year, Mellas was chosen for a Starbucks team that traveled to her native Brazil to open two stores. There Mellas assisted with training employees on customer service and coffee. “Going back home as an international businessperson was really a dream come true, as is work with Starbucks.” Starbucks’ brand may be even stronger than its coffee, Mellas relates. She recalls leaving the Brazil store one day while it was still under construction. “One girl from the store next door asked us when we would open ’cause she couldn’t wait anymore. So I asked her where she had been at a Starbucks, considering that we didn’t have any in Brazil. She said she had never been to one, but she had Mellas helped open the first Starbucks in Brazil. seen the movie The Devil Wears Prada, so she wanted to PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIANA ESPINHEIRA MELLAS Mellas’ position as a store manager requires her to train Her position includes a great number of challenges, as well. “We see about 700 customers every day, and there and supervise employees — her favorite part of the job. are 20 partners (employees) in the store. Sometimes it’s a “The most interesting or enjoyable part of my job is challenge to keep everyone happy, but it’s fun.” socializing and drinking coffee! I really enjoy developing She counts Verona as her favorite coffee. “It is a bold people and working with the employees from the and yet smooth coffee with a sweetness to it, a blend of beginning stages of the hiring and training phase.” Latin America and Asia Pacific coffees. It is the coffee of Mellas also appreciates the efficiency of her company. “They’re very big on systems, and it’s like a real-life case romance. And my favorite beverages are a tall latte or an iced vanilla latte.” study I get to do every day.” – By Shannon Curtin ’07 WILKES | Spring 2008 try the same drink they had on the movie.” 25 �class notes Remembering Norman Mailer, 1923-2007 A friend of Wilkes and one of the literary masters of the 20th century died in New York on Nov. 10. Norman Mailer was awarded an honorary doctor of Humane Letters degree by Wilkes President Christopher N. Breiseth in May 1995. His citation reads, in part: “In more than 40 books over 50 years, from your 1948 novel The Naked and the Dead, based on your experience as a rifleman in WWII, through your chronicle of the moon shot, Of a Fire on the Moon (1970), to your biographical studies of Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali and Gary Gilmore, to your just-published study of the Kennedy assassination, Oswald’s Tale: An American Mystery, you have, as one critic stated, tried ‘to position yourself so as to stand face to face with the true identity of our time, our time in America.’ Your works are as brilliant and varied as the post-war American culture you have chronicled, criticized and helped to create.” Mailer went on to write eight more books before his death, including a novel depicting the early life of young Adolph Hitler, The Castle in the Forest (2007), and just days before he died, On God: An Uncommon Conversation. In 2000, Mailer was the Max Rosenn lecturer at Wilkes Mailer readily served as chair of the creative writing program at Wilkes. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA PABST he said. Based on his comments, the requirement was and spoke at the opening of the Norman Mailer room in changed and several students, including Mr. Czury, were the Farley Library. He donated his speaking fee to the accepted based solely on their creative work. Ever after, University to help establish a scholarship in the newly he was a strong supporter of the program and spoke at established graduate program in creative writing, now an the writing conference when it was launched in June M.F.A. program. Named after Mr. Mailer’s wife, the novelist 2004. The faculty, students and staff of the program and painter Norris Church Mailer, the scholarship received are grieved at his passing. many other gifts and is awarded annually to a promising It has been said that if you could combine the artistic writer enrolled in the program. This past June, Mrs. Mailer abilities of D.H. Lawrence, Herman Melville and Henry gave the graduation address and made the award to Craig James, we would have another Norman Mailer. But there Czury, a current M.F.A. student. was only one singular, unprecedented, irreplaceable Shortly before the program was launched, Bonnie Culver, the program’s director and co-founder, asked Mr. Norman Mailer. We salute the storyteller of the American Century. Mailer if he would serve as chair of the program’s advisory board, and he readily accepted. She sent – By J. Michael Lennon WILKES | Spring 2008 Mailer a draft of the guidelines for the program and he 26 sent back comments and questions. He asked why it J. Michael Lennon is a co-founder of the creative writing was necessary for writers accepted into the program on program, and Mailer’s authorized biographer. His edition the basis of their work to also have completed a of Mailer’s letters, 1940-2007, will be published by bachelor’s degree. “Surely their work speaks for itself,” Random House in 2008. �class notes 1938 Genevieve Brennan Davis, Havertown, Pa., died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007. She grew up in Kingston, Pa., graduated from Bucknell University Junior College and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bucknell University. She also earned a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Charles Seminary. Before her marriage, Davis was employed by Carnegie Illinois Steel Company in Pittsburgh, Pa. Later she worked for General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., and DuPont in Wilmington, Del. More recently, she worked for the Haverford Township School District as a homebound and substitute teacher. Davis is survived by children Genevieve Shapiro, Gwendolyn Tierney,William C. Davis Jr., Lawrence P. Davis, and by five grandchildren. Donations in her memory may be made to the Genevieve Todd Brennan Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wilkes University, 84 W. South St,Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. 1939 Robert M. Kerr, M.D., of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Sept. 18, 2007. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he attended Bucknell Junior College, Bucknell University, Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and the Graduate School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. 1943 Margaret (Wilson) Wood, 83, of Logan, Utah, passed away on Aug. 10, 2007. She celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary to John K.Wood on March 15, 2006. She is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren. 1945 William I. Rozanski Jr., M.D., 80, of Glassboro, N.J., died Nov. 13, 2007. Raised in Plymouth, Pa., he graduated from Plymouth High School and Bucknell Junior College before graduating from Hahnemann Medical College in 1949. Rozanski served in the U.S. Army as a medical doctor during the Korean Conflict. He was honored by the N.J. Medical Society for 50 years of practicing medicine and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumption Council #3397, and St. Anthony Mutual Aid Society. He is survived by his wife, Ethel Marie (Re) Joyce; children Kathleen Schultes, William,Teresa Mancini, Michael, Susan Laspata and Mary; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother Lawrence. 1948 James F. Roberts, 86, of North Lake, Sweet Valley, Pa. passed away Sept. 1, 2007. A native of Plymouth, Pa., he graduated from Plymouth High School. After graduating from Wilkes College, he received his doctorate from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1954. Roberts served in the U.S. Army as a captain before practicing dentistry in Forty Fort until his retirement in 1987. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Clara (Smith) Roberts, and is survived by his wife, Ellen (Drake) Roberts; a son, James Jr.; one grandson; two great-grandchildren; and a niece and nephew. 1949 Betty Reese DeBarry, 80, of Dallas, Pa., died Aug. 19, 2007. She graduated from Bucknell University Junior College and was employed by Sterling Engineering and Manufacturing Co. She was also a reporter, journalist and columnist for local newspapers, including the Dallas Post, Suburban News, Sunday Independent and Sunday Times Leader. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen L. DeBarry Sr., in 1976. She is survived by sons Stephen L. and Paul A. and daughter Robin A. Sorber, as well as three grandchildren. Donald Wolfe, of Edwardsville, Pa., passed away Sept. 10, 2007. Born in Kingston, he was a graduate of Kingston High School. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel and was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare until retiring in 1981 as a manager. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Naylis) Wolf; sons Donald and Sean; brother Jack; and sister Joan Bryant. 1950 Armin J. (Bud) Gill passed away March 21, 2007, after a lengthy illness. Gill was a graduate of Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre and served in the U.S. Army Signal Intelligence Service during World War II. He was branch manager of Monroe WILKES | Spring 2008 In Memoriam Kerr practiced medicine for 40 years, serving as president of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in 1975, as well as serving as president of the Luzerne County Medical Society in 1973, a delegate to the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Kerr was also a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a flutist in the Wilkes-Barre Symphony Orchestra. He was on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Wyoming Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Children and Youth Services of Luzerne County. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, the former Mary H. Zeller. He is survived by his wife, Anne Brockman Kerr; brother, Milton; sons Bruce, Brian and David; daughter Mary Lee Carson; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. 27 �class notes Calculating Machine Co. of Clarksburg W.Va. and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty, of Kingston, Pa., three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 1952 Robert M. Rudnicki, 79, of Berwick, Pa., died Sept. 18, 2007. Born in Plymouth, he was a graduate of Plymouth High School. He attended St. Louis University on a football scholarship in 1950 but transferred back to Wilkes College before taking a job with the former Consolidated Cigar Corporation, where he would become plant manager. Rudnicki was a World War II and Korean War veteran, having served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Loughlin) Rudnicki; son Michael; daughters Joanne Guenther and Lesa Angell; five grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren. 1959 Samuel Marshall Davenport III of Kingston, Pa., died Dec. 11, 2007. He served as alumni director at Wilkes University, had been a teacher in the Lake Lehman School District, and was coowner of the former Vaudevilla night club. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wilkes and a master’s from Bucknell University. Davenport was also a U.S. Army veteran, attaining a rank of corporal. 2007 Travis Bo Tkach, 25, of Slatington, Pa., passed away July 20, 2007. He graduated magna cum laude from Wilkes and had recently accepted a position as a sales representative with Ris Paper Company, Pennsauken, N.J. He is survived by parents James and Sandi (Keiper) Tkach, sister Tristin ’06 and brother Tyler. Faculty Sylvia Dworski, Ph.D., of Silver Spring, Md., died Dec. 24, 2007. She taught French and Spanish at Wilkes from 1948 to 1962. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Sylvia Dworski, Ph.D., Scholarship at Wilkes University, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Friends of Wilkes Anne Marie (Sterner) Michelini, wife of former Wilkes President Francis “Mike” Michelini, passed away Aug. 19, 2007, following a battle with cancer. A native of Lansford, Pa., she earned her bachelors’ degree in home economics from Immaculata College. She was employed as a dietician at Germantown Hospital in Philadelphia until moving to Wilkes-Barre with her husband, who joined the faculty of Wilkes College in 1955. At Wilkes, she was active as a leader of the faculty wives club and served as the first lady of Wilkes College during his tenure as second president. During his presidency, the 1972 flood caused by Hurricane Agnes submerged 58 campus buildings, including the president’s home. She provided leadership for restoration of that campus property and support for faculty families who suffered from that devastation. Her family moved from the Wilkes-Barre area in 1975 and has resided in Upper Allen Township since that time. She is survived by her husband of 55 years and three daughters: Michelle Hardiman, Galloway Township, N.J., Lisa Spengler, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., and Lucia Michelini, at home; four grandchildren; and a brother. Submitting Class Notes Share personal or career news in any of three ways: • E-mail it to news@wilkes.edu. • Post it at The Colonel Connection Web site at WILKES | Spring 2008 community.wilkes.edu. 28 • Or mail it to: Class Notes Wilkes Magazine 84 W. South St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 �then & now LABORATORY EXPLORATION Morris Feinstein ’49 of Havertown, Pa., identifies himself as the first man on the left in this photo from the 1947 yearbook. He also recognizes the late Paul Koval ’47, third from left in the back. He recalls that many World War II vets were in that class making up for lost time. Recognize any musicians from this photo? Share their names or reminisce about musical memories at The Colonel Connection message boards, found at community.wilkes.edu. Or send responses to Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. “Others of us were going to college 12 months a year to get as much college education done before we were drafted.” PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES The Wilkes Civic Band, under the direction of Philip Simon, continues to welcome students, adult community members and advanced high school students to join in rehearsals and performances of concert band repertoire. PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY �calendar of events March 30 “Sweetheart Like You: Roller Derby Portraits,” photographs by Michael Poster, Sordoni Art Gallery, runs through May 4 April 17-19 Shakespeare’s As You Like It, presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department, Darte Center 19 Flute Ensemble Concert, Darte Center 19 Civic Band Concert, location TBA 20 Civic Band Concert, Darte Center 26 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Car Show, Henry Student Center Parking Lot 26 Spring Dance Concert, Darte Center 27 Chorus Concert: An Earth Day Celebration, St. Stephen’s Church, Wilkes-Barre 28 String Ensemble, Darte Center 29 Jazz Concert, Darte Center May 17 Spring Commencement 31 Ballet Northeast presentation of Cinderella, Darte Center For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and The Colonel Connection, www.community.wilkes.edu. PHOTO BY MARK GOLASZEWSKI w WILKES UNIVERSITY WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine Spring 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2008 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2008 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/db3d07df165b7bc027076289da723f66.pdf 6e225dcde7a40648633d1ccdc7eaec88 PDF Text Text SPRING 2007 MENTORING MATTERS | HISTORY MYSTERY | ARTIST AND ANGLER �president’s letter SPRING 07 Building a College Town WILKES UNIVERSITY President Dr. Tim Gilmour Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations Marty Williams WILKES EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor Jack Chielli Associate Director, Marketing Communications Christine (Tondrick) Seitzinger ’98 “Wilkes” Editor Kim Bower-Spence Manager, Graphic Design Mark Golaszewski Manager, Athletics Administration John Seitzinger Contributing Writers Cindy Taren M’07 Kimberly Pupillo Photography Earl & Sedor Photographic C. Richard Gillespie Jason Jones Photography Howard Korn Warren Ruda Phil Sheffield Michael Touey Layout/Design Quest Fore I N KEEPING WITH WILKES UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY OF HELPING build the economic prosperity of our region, I began service as chair of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry in January.This is a wonderful opportunity for our university to integrate more fully its strategic and master plans into the economic revitalization of our region and help lead an organization that has done so much to facilitate that revitalization. The outstanding results the region enjoyed last year are a tribute to many dedicated and talented people who work to bring our region economic growth: Gov. Ed Rendell, the county commissioners, Mayor Tom Leighton, the chamber and colleges in the Wyoming Valley. One headline after another extolled the economic progress of our downtown business district: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, the purchase of 10 E. South (University Towers) for student apartments, Movies 14, new restaurants and businesses, and creation of a downtown Business Improvement District.We have a great opportunity to challenge the business community to accelerate this progress even more. Many leaders, including me, believe the key to our region’s future is promoting Wilkes-Barre as a college town, with the additional richness of a vibrant arts community and a strong business and retail presence. Success at making Wilkes-Barre a college town will be good for Wilkes University and good for all of Wilkes-Barre. If we have learned anything from the past, it is that working together to find new solutions to old problems produces exciting results from which everyone can benefit. Printing Payne Printery Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 David DiMartino ’01 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Executive Director Sandra Sarno Carroll Associate Director Michelle Diskin ’95 Alumni and Advancement Services Manager Nancy A. Weeks Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Manager Lauren Pluskey ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Colleen Gries Gallagher ’81 First Vice President George Pawlush ’69 Second Vice President Terrence Casey ’82 Historian John Pullo ’82 Secretary Beth Danner ’02 SPRING 2007 Movies 14, located on Northampton Street, is just one of the recent downtown improvements in Wilkes’ neighborhood. PHOTO BY MARK GOLASZEWSKI Dr. Tim Gilmour Wilkes University President Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �contents FEATURES 8 Mentoring Matters More than simple advising, mentoring permeates the Wilkes culture with one-on-one relationships that drive students to achieve more than they thought possible. 13 Window to a Tiny World Donation of two scanning electron microscopes helps establish Microscopy Center on campus. 8 14 History Mystery Unveiled Even historians didn’t know that blacks served in white Union regiments during the Civil War – until Juanita Patience Moss ’58 told them about her great-grandfather. 16 Artist and Angler Passions for painting and fly fishing converge in watercolors and oils that bring Luther Kelly Hall ’70 national recognition among sportsmen. DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus Welcome to “Wilkes,” the newly redesigned university magazine • Leadership Day brings together scholars from area colleges for Giuliani visit. 13 6 Athletics Football and women’s tennis teams post championship seasons; Sheptock and Leicht are named coaches of the year. 14 18 Alumni News Get ready for the Last Hurrah Wrestling Reunion, and check out tour opportunities to Italy, Costa Rica and the French Riviera. WILKES | Spring 2007 20 Class Notes What’s happening in the lives of fellow alumni? See who has a new job, spouse or baby. On the cover: Amanda Lewis ’06, left, credits mentor Tom Thomas, right, with helping her confirm that a communications career is the right fit for her. PHOTO BY JASON JONES PHOTOGRAPHY 16 1 �on campus Giuliani Addresses ‘Leadership in Difficult Times’ “America’s Mayor” and potential presidential contender Rudolph Giuliani shared his vision of leadership during the Second Annual Outstanding Leaders Forum in November. Giuliani listed six principles outlined in his 2002 book titled “Leadership”: • Strong beliefs. “You have to know what you believe.” • Optimism. “Train yourself to be a problem solver.” • Bravery and courage. Manage and overcome fear. • Relentless preparation. “Take the fear and put it into relentless preparation.” • Teamwork. “Leaders have to understand it’s about the other people.” • Communication. “A leader, I think, ultimately comes down to teaching and motivating.” He concluded: “You can’t dictate to people.You’ve got to get them to participate.You’ve got to be there when things go wrong.” The lecture, coupled with a New York-style buffet, raised funds to support Outstanding Leaders scholarships in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. Rudolph Giuliani. PHOTO BY MICHAEL TOUEY THANKS TO THESE SUPPORTERS OF THE OUTSTANDING LEADERS FORUM: UNDERWRITER Young Presidents’ Organization PARTNER Entercom Pocono Northeast Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises Maslow Foundation Sodexho Umphreds/McCole Foundation Wachovia Bank LEADERSHIP Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll Benco Dental Diversified Information Technologies Hirtle, Callaghan & Company Lockheed Martin Corporation One Source HR Solutions Power Engineering Service Corporation Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald LLP SunGard Higher Education ASSOCIATE A. Pickett Construction Amtire Corporation Bloomsburg Metal Brdaric Excavating Coca-Cola Enterprises Gavin Law LLC Gould Evans WILKES | Spring 2007 New Look, New Name 2 Welcome to the new “Wilkes” magazine, and thanks to all who responded to our fall readership survey. You spoke and we heard you. You’ve asked for more color, more features about alumni, and more emphasis on achievements of our alumni, students and faculty.We aim to deliver a timely and engaging glimpse into how Wilkes University impacts students, our community and our world. You’ll notice a name change too.The magazine is now called simply “Wilkes” to spotlight its position as the university’s premier publication. Let us know what you think about the changes. Send a note through The Colonel Connection (www.community.wilkes.edu) or to “Wilkes” magazine, Marketing/Communications Department, 84 W. South St.,Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. GUARD Insurance Group Intermetro Industries Michael Gottdenker Morgan Stanley Prudential UBS Financial Services Inc./UBS Securities LLC �on campus Einstein Another Smart Move for Campus Einstein Bros. Bagels, a national restaurant franchise, opened Jan. 2 in the recently renovated University Center on Main (UCOM). Einstein Bros. employs five full-time and three part-time workers at the 2,250-square-foot facility. It currently operates in more than 300 locations in 27 states, serving hot and cold sandwiches, salads, baked goods, desserts and to-go and gourmet coffee.The franchise adds another casual dining option for the campus and downtown business communities. “With 100 full-time Wilkes employees in UCOM and a capacity for 400 students living directly across the street at University Towers, Einstein Bros. will have a built-in customer base and become another success story for downtown Wilkes-Barre,” says Scott Byers, vice president for finance and general counsel for Wilkes. Einstein Bros. Bagels will serve Wilkes and the downtown business community. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE SEITZINGER Eight Outstanding Leaders scholarship recipients spent the day leading up to Rudolph Giuliani’s speech reflecting on his leadership and preparing themselves to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. College Misericordia, King’s College, Penn State Wilkes-Barre and University of Scranton each sent two students to participate in Leadership Day with the Wilkes scholars. Morning workshops explored leadership styles. Then they moved to the new ropes courses in the University Center on Main (UCOM) for exercises in confidence and team building. Sophomore entrepreneurship major Elizabeth Lewis of Falls, Pa., appreciated the teamwork exercises. “We needed to communicate ideas, encourage participation, trust each other and help each other perform the task at hand. At the end of the session, the group discussed how some people emerged as prominent leaders, and we talked about the differences in everyone’s contribution to the team.” Salman Punekar, a senior business administration major, admires Giuliani’s leadership in high-pressure situations. “Many people can easily lead when things are going well, but few can be calm, composed and effective when things are falling apart,” observes the Manhattan resident. “It takes an exceptional leader to maintain control when things are going bad. Applying this to a business model seems very fitting.” Organizer Matthew Sowcik ’00, director of leadership education in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, says, “I received so many wonderful e-mails and letters from the students and administrators at the other universities that we are currently in the process of planning some future events.We will definitely do Leadership Day each year.” Elizabeth Lewis tackles the ropes course. PHOTO BY KIM BOWER-SPENCE WILKES | Spring 2007 Discourse to Ropes Course: Leadership Day Brings Together Scholars from Neighboring Colleges 3 �on campus Decisions Made Easy The one-stop Student Service Center is open for business in the University Center on Main. Wilkes University is taking some of the anxiety out of the college application process. High school seniors visiting campus now can find out immediately whether they’re accepted to the university. The process is easy. Prospective students who schedule an on-campus appointment with a counselor any time during their senior year of high school are asked to bring an official transcript, SAT scores and completed application. Admissions counselors review the file and give an admissions decision the very same day. The Instant Decisions program applies only to traditional students applying to full-time undergraduate programs. Pharmacy and some health science programs may require a secondary application for acceptance into these popular programs. PHOTO BY MARK GOLASZEWSKI Freshmen Dig Up the Past Wilkes University freshmen archaeologists uncovered human bone and ceramics fragments from the basement of a local church. The excavation project, conducted by about 20 students as part of an archaeology course, unearthed more than 100 artifacts buried beneath St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.Theresa Kintz, instructor of sociology and anthropology, led the students as they discovered artifacts ranging from historic ceramics dating back to the late 18th century to human hair and bone fragments. Kintz believes the human remains were displaced from burial sites during the 1972 flood, but further investigation is required into recorded burial locations in the vicinity. Students excavated in the church basement, which was consecrated in 1823, in an approximate 12-by-12-foot area where the concrete and brick floor had been removed to accommodate a heating system. Kintz has previously led students on excavations at Doane and Kirby halls on campus. Her course offers freshmen an opportunity to explore the human odyssey from the Stone Age to the Space Age through study of archaeology.The artifacts remain on display in Stark Learning Center. Archaeology students found human hair and bone fragments buried beneath St. Stephen’s. WILKES | Spring 2007 PHOTOS BY MARK GOLASZEWSKI 4 �on campus Savitski Named McGowan Scholar Joshua R. Savitski, a senior in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, was named the 2006 William G. McGowan Scholar and received an $18,000 scholarship.The McGowan Scholars program began at Wilkes in 1999. Savitski serves as secretary of the Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM), where he helps supervise fund-raising events and prepares the team for annual competitions. He also is a member of the Programming Board and Commuter Council. Administered by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, the Scholars Program honors William G. McGowan, the Ashley, Pa., native, humanitarian and telecommunications pioneer who founded MCI Communications.The program provides select colleges and universities with a program to identify outstanding business students. Left to right: Paul Browne, dean of the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, Josh Savitski and Wilkes President Tim Gilmour. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE SEITZINGER '' Not only should you look AHEAD TO THE FUTURE, you must also learn to LIVE IN THE PRESENT moment. – Edward Schicatano ' Edward Schicatano, associate professor of psychology at Wilkes University, received the annual Carpenter Outstanding Teacher Award for the 2007-08 academic year. The Carpenter Award recognizes a faculty member who has been an outstanding educator during a three-year period. A committee of colleagues generates nominations.The recipient must meet professional qualifications, which include teaching effectiveness, interaction with students, research contributions and overall excellence. “I’m especially honored because this award is given to me by my peers,” says Schicatano. In addition to receiving the Carpenter Award, he also won the Wilkes Outstanding Faculty Award during the 2002-03 academic year. In a commencement speech on Sept. 10, 2006, he said, “Not only should you look ahead to the future, you must also learn to live in the present moment. Appreciate what is here today. Notice the beauty that exists outside you. And don’t be afraid to show the beauty that is inside you.” It’s a philosophy that Schicatano says reached him after college, as he got older. He imparts this wisdom on his students on a daily basis by “showing respect in the classroom and smiling.” Edward Schicatano, Carpenter Outstanding Teacher for 2007. PHOTO BY CINDY TAREN WILKES | Spring 2007 Professor Lauded as Outstanding Teacher 5 �athletics athletics Lady Colonels Net Tennis Title The Wilkes University women’s tennis team left its mark on the 2006 season with poised domination.The Lady Colonels fashioned a 16-0 record en route to their first Freedom Conference title and an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Championship. Wilkes overpowered the opposition during the year, winning 79 of 89 singles matches and 41 of 48 doubles contests.Team members garnered a number of individual accolades along the way. Coach Chris Leicht was named Freedom Conference Coach of the Year after leading Wilkes to its best season in school history. Freshman Xiaoqiao Zhang was honored with the conference’s Player of the Year award after fashioning a 17-1 record while playing number one singles in her rookie season. A first-team All-Freedom Conference recipient, Zhang claimed the number one singles title at the Middle Atlantic Conference Individual Championships. She was joined on the All-Conference team by first-team selection and Freedom Conference team tournament MVP sophomore Alison McDonald, and second-team honoree sophomore Kristin Wilt. The Lady Colonels, ranked 17th in the Atlantic South Region, will continue their historic season in the spring as they make their first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in May. A talented group of Colonels claimed its first Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) football championship and first unbeaten regular season since 1993. For the second straight year,Wilkes earned a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs, where players garnered a win for the first time in school history. Head coach Frank Sheptock led the football team to an 11-1 mark and a new school record for victories in a season. For his efforts, Sheptock was recognized as the MAC Coach of the Year and AFCA Region 2 Coach of the Year. Junior Kyle Follweiler earned D3football.com All-East Region and ECAC Southeast Player of the Year honors. Follweiler and senior Anthony Serafin were named second-team All-Americans by D3football.com, while senior Mike Ferriero and junior Jordan Purdy earned honorable mention honors. Follweiler garnered MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors as well, while senior Jim Jordan was the MAC’s Offensive Player of the Year. Follweiler and Jordan were among 14 Colonels named to the All-MAC team. Senior Bryan Vivaldo was recognized as a first-team Academic All-American by “ESPN The Magazine,” while both Vivaldo and senior John Darrah copped first-team “ESPN The Magazine” District II Academic All-America honors. Senior running back Tom Andreopoulos (#8) rushed for 1,285 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Freshman Xiaoqiao Zhang was honored with the conference’s Player of the Year award. PHOTO BY WARREN RUDA WILKES | Spring 2007 WILKES | Spring 2007 Football Team Claims MAC Championship PHOTO BY WARREN RUDA 6 7 �LITTLE GUIDANCE PUSH, GENTLE A LITTLE PUSH, AGENTLE AND GUIDANCE UNIQUE ANDPROPEL UNIQUE STUDENTS OPPORTUNITIES PROPEL OPPORTUNITIES TO ACHIEVE STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE MORE THAN THEY THOUGHT POSSIBLEMORE THAN THEY THOUGHT POSSIBLE By Kim Bower-Spence w ~ WILKES | Spring 2007 U I\IER ITY Tom Thomas, right, administered personality and career tests to help Amanda Lewis, left, confirm a communications major was a good fit for her. S ALVATORE AGOSTA ’98 WAS convinced his interest in natural history couldn’t translate into a job. So as a student at Wilkes University, he needed direction to find an ordinary profession that held his interest. Enter biology professor Mike Steele. “Mike steered me away from doing something ordinary by showing me the path to a career doing something that I would do for free,” explains this northern New Jersey native. Now in the last year of a fiveyear doctoral program in ecology at University of Pennsylvania, he studies how different plants impact the growth, development and survival of the caterpillars that eat them. And he does that in the tropical dry forests of northwestern Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Conservation Area. One-on-one relationships with professors are common at small universities. But Paul Adams, vice president of student affairs, says Wilkes takes it further. “It’s the culture of the institution. And while there are numerous and separate initiatives aimed at developing different aspects of mentoring relationships, what we’re really doing is initiating and fostering that culture and taking it to a greater level. We’re working to assure that everyone who wants to be engaged in such a relationship at the university has an opportunity to do so.” The challenge is to not institutionalize the natural, organic nature of the process — to not create a mechanized system but rather nurture conditions that allow relationships to evolve naturally. Notes Adams: “Education is about people learning and changing and developing, and that involves risk.” WILKES | Spring 2007 Mentoring Mat ters PHOTO BY JASON JONES PHOTOGRAPHY 8 9 �Research Boost All faculty in the biology department run their own research programs in their own research space. Freshmen can volunteer to help with research projects. And at least five paid summer research positions are available for undergraduates, with free housing provided on campus.“We try to provide those opportunities for full-time research,” says biologist Steele. “Research defines much of our culture, and we really believe it has made for a much more dynamic and exciting atmosphere for our students and provides much more opportunity for career development.” Many students work on two or three research projects before they get to their senior project. Notes Steele: “This is how a graduate student would learn science.” And that translates into a good number of students entering the best doctoral programs in the country. That includes Agosta, who now studies with renowned Penn scientist Dan Janzen. Agosta credits Mike Steele’s mentorship with helping get him there. “Mike’s research program is well-designed to foster and nurture the interests of undergraduates.” He is currently writing his dissertation, with plans to defend in May 2007. Afterward, he hopes to continue his research in tropical ecology. Agosta adds: “Initially, undergraduates like me have only a foggy idea of what ecology is and what it means to do research. Through his mentoring and friendship, Mike helps lift this fog, which is the first step to defining one’s goals and harnessing one’s ambition.” WILKES | Spring 2007 Finding a Path - 10 For Amanda Lewis ’06 of Somerset, N.J., defining that ambition was the challenge. She arrived at Wilkes undecided on a major but with a passion for dance. She met Tom Thomas, executive director of University College, when he taught a freshman foundations course. Two years later, as a junior, she looked him up, and he remembered her. Even though Thomas wasn’t her advisor, Junior Beth Horn reworked her resume and focused her marketing ambitions as a result of e-mail communications with alumni mentor Brian Summers. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR he took time to administer a personality test and a career test to gauge whether a communications major was a good fit. “I was so overwhelmed in college. I didn’t know there were so many choices in my career path,” acknowledges Lewis, who works as a Relay for Life coordinator for the American Cancer Society.“He showed me the light that there was something I was good at. He just gave me that little extra push, and I was able to take it from there.” Building confidence is a big part of the mentor’s role,Thomas asserts. “If we as mentors have confidence in someone and we point out their strengths, they’re more likely to listen because they see us as being objective.” Beyond the Comfort Zone Gabe LeDonne ’05 planned on a college path that would launch his career as a political reporter. He became editor of “The Beacon” and a mentee of advisor Andrea Frantz, who encouraged him to “get out of your comfort zone.” With her prodding, this Lake Wallenpaupack, Pa., native accepted a position as a financial reporter with SNL Financial, based in central Virginia. Writing about investing and the financial services industry was foreign to this communications studies and English double-major with no business background. “I’m gaining knowledge in something that I previously had no knowledge of at all, and now I enjoy it.” Says Frantz:“My job is to be a sounding board. I need to listen and ask questions. My job as a mentor is as coach and supporter and advisor, someone who continues to push and advocate and even challenge ideas.” And that doesn’t stop when student dons cap and gown.“I don’t believe in false openings and false closings of education,” she says. “Relationships established with students continue because learning never ends.” LeDonne and Frantz continue to touch base almost weekly. Bridging Generations Adams sees mentoring efforts tying together generations of alumni. As decades pass, the value of mentoring sustains itself and has really become part of Wilkes’ fabric. Take Brian Summers ’90 and Beth Ann Horn ’08. “Having a mentor, somebody to lean on, is so important,” explains Summers, Skillman, N.J., who serves as chief operating officer of Construction Financial Management Association. Fellow Wilkes alumnus Jason Griggs recruited him to participate in a Sidhu School of Business and Leadership program that pairs sophomores with alumni mentors. Summers and Horn corresponded via email over an eight-week period in spring 2006. �Horn, of Roseland, N.J., credits Summers with helping her focus her career interests. She hadn’t realized that within marketing, her chosen concentration, she could go into promotion or research. She’s already updated her resume to reflect Summers’ suggestion that she highlight how her employers to date had benefited from her efforts. “I’m more focused now, so I’m more confident about what I’m going to do in the future,” reports Horn, who’s never met Summers in person. Summers benefited from the discussions too, picking up ideas he’ll use in mentoring his own staff, and in establishing a mentoring program to groom his association members for leadership. And Horn’s determination reminds him to “prepare a little more for things I don’t see.There’s more for me out there, and I’d better be prepared.” ' Initially, undergraduates like me have only a foggy idea of what ecology is and what it means to do research. Through his MENTORING and FRIENDSHIP, Mike (Steele) helps lift this fog, which is the first step to DEFINING ONE’S GOALS and HARNESSING ONE’S AMBITION. – Salvatore Agosta ’98 '' WILKES | Spring 2007 Mary Waldorf, left, teaches communication and team building while belaying for students like Michael Lewis, right, in UCOM’s Recreation and Athletic Center. PHOTO BY EARL & SEDOR 11 �' I was so overwhelmed in college. I didn’t know there were SO MANY CHOICES in my career path. ...He just gave me that LITTLE EXTRA PUSH, and I was able to take it from there. Student to Student Climbing Higher The nurturing culture permeates right down to students. Upperclassmen often help and encourage classmates through programs like E-mentoring (see fall 2006 issue) and the Writing Center. Matt Zebrowski ’06 benefited both from mentoring and serving as a mentor to others. An English major now studying linguistics at Temple University, he began working in the Wilkes Writing Center as a freshman. He served several semesters as a writing fellow, coaching fellow students who needed extra help in English 101 and 120. “If education is done right, it is mentoring,” reasons Zebrowski, who comes from a family of teachers in Laflin, Pa. “I don’t really see the two as distinct.” Zebrowski and Patrick Austin ’07 are developing an online writing center based on MySpace.com to expand consulting services and allow students to direct papers to tutors best able to help them. A mentoring mini grant allowed English professor and Writing Center Director Chad Stanley to take the two students to a writing conference at University of Illinois, where they presented the concept. Says Stanley: “I love the mentoring culture at Wilkes. It’s wonderful to see it being funded and supported.” Mentorship sometimes happens in surprising places. Michael Lewis, a junior mechanical engineering major and a cadet with the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 752 on campus, names Mary Waldorf ’01, coordinator of student development, as his mentor. "Mary is my advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success and a co-belayer for the Wilkes rock wall.” For those unfamiliar with climbing, a belayer is the person who secures the ropes to ensure climbers don’t fall very far if they slip. Waldorf headed the project to bring a rock wall and ropes course to the Recreation and Athletic Center in the University Center on – Amanda Lewis ’06 Main (UCOM). She says it adds an experiential adventure component to leadership training — and an opportunity for mentoring. “At Wilkes, our doors are always open to the students.This mentality gives us, the faculty and staff, the opportunity to learn as much from students like Mike as they can learn from us.” Adds Lewis: “Mary inspires me with her optimistic view on life and positive attitude. Although she has a very busy job at Wilkes University, she always finds time for students. She serves as a constant reminder to me of the motto ‘Mission first, people always.’” Grants and mini-grants augment and encourage mentoring at Wilkes University. Among projects funded are: • Scholarly research projects in biology. The program funds paid summer research positions for undergraduates. • Sidhu School of Business and Leadership '' mentors. All sophomores studying business have opportunity to pair with alumni mentors. • Writing mentors and writing associates programs. Students are paid to coach and assist fellow students with writing assignments. • Mini-grants to promote travel to conferences such as an October 2006 Chicago Writing Center Conference at University of Illinois and a national WILKES | Spring 2007 clinical competition for pharmacy students. 12 To learn how you can help nurture the mentoring culture at Wilkes University, contact (800) WILKES-U ext. 4130 or alumni@wilkes.edu. Summers invites anyone with questions to contact him at bsummers@patmedia.net. Can’t Be Contrived Thomas asserts that the most important factor in a mentoring relationship is respect.“I truly don’t believe that it is a contrived or artificial relationship. I don’t think it’s something you can set out to become.” He says: “Oftentimes when someone assigns us to that mentoring role, it is not because we have done more than we would for any other student.These are the kinds of relationships we want to develop with all our students.” Concludes Adams: “Every encounter — no matter with whom — is a moment of truth and frames our future encounters and relationships.” �Window to a Tiny World Left to right: Ali Razavi and Don Mencer will head the newly established Microscopy Center for faculty and student research. PHOTO BY MARK GOLASZEWSKI DONATION OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPES OPENS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH T WO SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPES (SEM) worth $600,000 were recently donated to Wilkes University’s newly established Microscopy Center. The powerful microscopes will open up a new path of research for students and faculty who can now experiment and learn on some of the most sophisticated equipment in the region. Ali Razavi, associate professor of mechanical engineering, and Donald Mencer, associate professor of chemistry, have teamed up to head the Center, which will be located on the first floor of Stark Learning Center.The equipment will be particularly useful to faculty and students from chemistry, biology, pharmacy and engineering programs, Razavi explains. The microscopes give students and faculty an opportunity to experiment and learn on some of the most sophisticated equipment in the region. Schott Optical Company, Duryea, Pa., and Fairchild Semi Conductor, Mountain Top, Pa., donated the equipment because of ongoing relationships with Razavi, who has done work for them in the past.“We are ecstatic that these two companies have decided to donate their equipment to Wilkes,” Razavi said. A scanning electron microscope forms topographical images by moving a beam of electrons across an object. Electron microscopes can produce high-resolution images of the surface of microscopic materials. The microscopes, which can magnify objects up to 200,000 times their size, are used in research and development of electronic devices such as computer microprocessors. And research on biological specimens helps scientists better understand microorganisms. The microscopes will also be used by the university to build partnerships with area industries to stimulate economic development, Mencer says. In fact, Razavi and Mencer already have their first partnership, with Gentex Corporation of Carbondale, Pa. “If Gentex needs to use this type of equipment, they either have to invest in a new SEM or travel out of the region to use one at another location,” Mencer said. “Now they can come here. These types of projects provide valuable research and development experience in the form of real-world, hands-on work for our students.” WILKES | Spring 2007 By Jack Chielli 13 �History Mystery UNVEILED RETIRED TEACHER UNCOVERS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN HISTORY OF BLACKS SERVING IN CIVIL WAR’S WHITE REGIMENTS By Kim Bower-Spence J UANITA PATIENCE MOSS ’58 RECALLS LAYING flowers on the West Pittston, Pa. grave of her greatgrandfather each Decoration Day when she was a girl. As American Legion members led a parade for what we now call Memorial Day, her family made sure the youngster knew escaped slave Crowder Patience had served with the Union Army in the Civil War. The retired biology teacher didn’t think much about that part of her family history until she noticed a Washington Post article in 1998. It invited descendants of black Civil War veterans to a symposium coinciding with the unveiling of the AfricanAmerican Civil War Monument. Moss, living just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., in Alexandria, Va., searched a National Park Service database of United States Colored Troops (USCT) and was surprised to find no record of her ancestor. Before she headed to the symposium, Moss combed the contents of an old box given to her by Patience’s daughter. Discharge papers revealed the regiment in which he served, and she was able to find his name listed as a Union soldier. At the symposium, she stood before politicians, archivists, historians and authors to ask why they weren’t also honoring black men who served in white regiments. “Because there weren’t any,” she was told. “Oh, yes there were. I know of one: my great-grandfather,” she recalls telling the assembly. She pulled his discharge papers from her briefcase. “You could tell by the looks on their faces that this was entirely new information to them.” The mystery launched a search that would divert Moss from a quiet retirement in which she had planned to learn Spanish and quilting. Instead, the 74year-old has mined Civil War records to research Patience and other black soldiers in white regiments. WILKES | Spring 2007 '' 14 Overcoming — those are the STORIES that NEED TO BE TOLD. And every family has them. “She’s done a good job of digging,” confirms Wilkes University history professor Harold Cox. “The evidence is there. She’s proven to my satisfaction that there were integrated units in the northern army.” Moss learned that Patience enlisted in the 103rd Pennsylvania Regiment on Jan. 1, 1864, in Plymouth, N.C., serving as a cook. In April 1864, this Union regiment was among 16 that fought Confederate troops in the Battle of Plymouth. All Yankees were killed or captured, but Moss’ grandfather apparently escaped. “He had not deserted,” she confirms. After the war, he ventured north to Harrisburg, Pa., to collect his last pay from the Union Army. Patience married and eventually made his way to West Pittston, where he raised eight children in the predominately white community. Savoring the mystery, Moss refuses to reveal how he got away. The answer is in Moss’ first book, “Created to be Free.” She wrote this fictional account of Patience’s life because she lacked enough details to write a biography.“He didn’t discuss his former life in slavery at all.” That doesn’t mean the book lacks a historical basis. Cox helped fill in Civil War facts, and Moss did extensive research. Moss has discovered 1,000 black Civil War soldiers in white regiments so far, and she plans to keep looking. After writing “Created to be Free,” she was encouraged to write the nonfiction “The Battle of Plymouth, N.C., April 17–20, 1864: The Last Confederate Victory” and “Forgotten Black Soldiers in White Regiments During the Civil War.” At the encouragement of a friend who appraises African art, she authored “Anthracite Coal Art of Charles Edgar Patience” about her father’s work. Moss is a frequent speaker at historical societies, universities and other organizations from Connecticut to Florida. Besides recounting history, she offers workshops on “Becoming Your Own Family Storyteller.” Moss has no interest in encouraging others to write “Mommy Dearest”- type books that air family skeletons.“Overcoming — those are the stories that need to be told.And every family has them.” Juanita Patience Moss Alexandria, Va. BA, Secondary Education 1958 Career: High school biology teacher, New Jersey Notable: Amateur historian revealed previously unknown fact that black men served with white regiments in the Civil War �Insets: Photos show Moss’ father, coal sculptor Charles Edgar Patience. Crowder Patience’s grave can be found in West Pittston Cemetery. PHOTOS BY HOWARD KORN WILKES | Spring 2007 Above: Moss has learned of at least 1,000 black soldiers who served in white Union regiments during the Civil War. AND KIM BOWER-SPENCE 15 �artist and... LUTHER KELLY HALL HOOKS NICHE PAINTING SCENES OF FLY FISHING WILKES | Spring 2007 By Kimberly Pupillo 16 angler �B Y COINCIDENCE – OR MAYBE NOT – Wilkes University alumnus Luther Kelly Hall ’70 was watching the movie “A River Runs Through It” when called in December to talk about the juncture of his vocation and passion. Hall, a renowned watercolor painter and illustrator of fly fishing scenes, actually watched the 1992 classic about family and fly fishing twice that week. It happened to be on cable, but he owns the DVD too.“It’s an incredible story,” says Hall, of Mystic, Conn. “It just reminds me of my own family. A river ran through it all. My family does a lot of fishing. I grew up going fishing with my father’s family — my grandfather, my father, my brother and now my son and daughter. I had so many great times in the stream fishing. I can just really relate to it.” He relates so much so that he decided to focus his artistic abilities on this unique genre. Hall, who earned a bachelor’s degree in art at Wilkes, had been painting traditional landscapes when he received a book showing fly fishing scenes.At that point, he decided to follow his heart and paint what he loves so much. “Landscape is extremely competitive,” Hall notes.“Fly fishing is a good, unique niche.” In 1992, he started exclusively painting fly fishing scenes. He’s done two-person shows with the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Manchester, Vt., as well as events in cities such as Denver and San Francisco. He also has provided illustrations for numerous magazines, including “Gray’s Sporting Journal,”“Sporting Classics Magazine” and “Flyfisher” magazine, based in Tokyo.“Yale Angler’s Journal” featured one of Hall’s paintings on its front cover – the first time the magazine used an image from a living artist. ' I GREW UP GOING FISHING with my father’s family – my grandfather, my father, my brother and now my son and daughter. He also works with the Atlantic Salmon Federation and auctions paintings off to raise money for conservation efforts. His work is featured in galleries such as Redbone Gallery, Islamorada, Fla.; Sportsman’s Gallery and Paderewski Fine Art,Atlanta, Ga., and Beaver Creek, Colo.; Morgan Gallery, Blakeslee, Pa.; and others. Primarily, Hall uses watercolors as his medium of choice. Within the past year, however, he has used mainly oil.“I did oil at Wilkes, and I was interested in trying and developing my skill,” he explains. “I decided to experiment, and I found I enjoyed the medium. I’ve put a really serious effort into oils.” Hall works full-time as a middle school art teacher in Mystic, but he still finds time to paint every day. The length of time it takes to complete a painting or illustration varies.After fishing a particularly scenic spot, he may shoot photographs from several vantage points. “I try to find a place that has good angles and good design.”Then he creates practice sketches and completes one or two smaller versions before completing a project. Sometimes, he will do several practice studies. Finding time to fish can be a challenge, considering the amount of commission work he does. And he participates in celebrity fishing tournaments to raise money to fight cystic fibrosis. Still, he enjoys salt-water fly fishing from his Hydra-Sports center console boat in the Atlantic Ocean, just 10 minutes from his home. And the Kingston, Pa., native still likes to cast about the Keystone State, particularly Spruce Creek and the Little Juniata River. Hall and wife Susan, a dental hygienist, have two children: Michael, 18, and Ashley, 12. Recently, Michael had to write an essay for a college application on a unique skill he possesses.“He’s writing it about fly fishing,” Hall said. “He came in and saw that I was watching ‘A River Runs Through It,’ and he sat down with me and we watched it together.” '' Luther Kelly Hall, Mystic, Conn. BA, Art 1970 Notable: Gained renown with paintings depicting his favorite pastime, fly fishing Website: www.lutherhall.com Above: Luther Kelly Hall’s painting “Fishing the Grande,” acrylic, 18” x 24”. Left: Hall’s paintings have appeared in magazines across the United States and in Japan. WILKES | Spring 2007 Career: Painter, middle school art teacher PHOTO BY PHIL SHEFFIELD 17 �alumni news Wrestlers to Gather May 26-27 for ‘Last Hurrah’ Legendary Wilkes University wrestling coach John Reese will host the Last Hurrah Wrestling Reunion on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, in the Marts Center. The reunion, which coincides with Coach Reese’s 80th birthday, will begin Saturday at 4 p.m. with a meet-and-greet and cocktail reception. Following the reception, dinner will be served in the Marts Center, with a storytelling session scheduled for later in the evening. The event concludes Sunday with a brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The reunion is free and is open to former wrestlers and fans of the program. For more information on the event, please contact current Wilkes head coach Jon Laudenslager at (570) 408-4035 or jon.laudenslager@wilkes.edu. WILKES | Spring 2007 Alumni Association Meets Its Goals 18 After a full year of activity, the Wilkes University Alumni Association has made real progress toward its three initial goals: Improve communications to alumni. • Completed are a readership survey and redesign of “Wilkes” magazine to include full color. • The Colonel Connection, the Wilkes online community (http://community.wilkes.edu), has been launched and includes online transaction capability. Develop programs and services that stimulate and re-engage alumni. • The association introduced a networking component to alumni events and programs. • Alumni programs/visits have been scheduled in areas with populations of alumni. See back cover for upcoming locations. Enhance use of technology to improve alumni relations and the alumni services’ support process. • “Neighborhoods” based on alumni affinity groups (for example, residence halls, sports, clubs) have been developed. • The online community includes self-service directory/e-mail/ message board capability. Celebrate Coach John Reese’s 80th birthday at the Last Hurrah Wrestling Reunion. The work accomplished in committee reflects an enormous commitment of time and energy on the part of committee chairs and members and is the direct result of Alumni Association President Colleen Gallagher’s pledge to move the organization forward in new and positive directions. For example, through the leadership of Chair John Wartella ’84, the Development Committee assured that the Alumni Board achieved 100 percent participation in the Annual Fund.The Affinity Committee, shepherded by John Serafin ’90, worked tirelessly to develop several new benefits for alumni.These include long-term healthcare insurance, a student loan consolidation program and AFLAC insurance. Beyond this work is the underlying “buzz” that comes as the result of many alumni being engaged in activities of benefit to the organization, to Wilkes and to alumni in general.The association hosted an open meeting at Homecoming 2006, and plans are in place to do so again in October 2007. If you are interested in a leadership role or committee membership, please complete the tear card in this issue of the magazine or e-mail alumni@wilkes.edu. �Wlm fKUIJ!'kdl Alonrl &111,;I, ~1!.f11-$11i,1 alumni news ,,welcome to the Colonel Connection!Th••-v.,a-eo_,, Explore Exotic Locales with Fellow Alumni The Colonel Connection Relaunches — With Prizes! Since the launch of The Colonel Connection in July 2006, almost 3,000 people from the Wilkes community have logged into the new online community to see what this website is all about. What is it all about, you ask? The Colonel Connection is the new MySpace and Facebook at Wilkes. It is the university’s very own Wilkes social networking space, strictly geared toward Wilkes alumni, students, parents, faculty/ staff, friends and family of the university.The Colonel Connection works just like MySpace and Facebook. It is a virtual neighborhood where you can find old friends, share your news, chat online, post your resume, search job openings, share class notes, create a photo gallery and network with classmates and friends from all over the world. The community is a great place to find a former classmate or professor and reach out to them. Jonathan Henry ’03 says he found a friend he hadn’t talked to since his junior year.“I was looking for a friend I hadn’t talked to in years and e-mailed her through the community and found out she had moved to Oklahoma. If it wasn’t for the community, I don’t think I would have ever found her.” If you haven’t already, sign up now.The more members who log in and update their information, the more useful the site will be to users. A prize will be given to the 100th person who registers to this online community.There also will be a weekly scavenger hunt called “Catch the Colonel,” where the first person to find the “hidden colonel” on The Colonel Connection website will win a prize for that week. Anyone who has not yet signed in should have recently received a postcard with instructions on how to do so.To check out The Colonel Connection, go to http://community.wilkes.edu. For more information on how to login into The Colonel Connection, contact the alumni office at (570) 408-4331 or e-mail alumni@wilkes.edu. Stay tuned for more good news. Highlights • Stresa • Como • Lugano • Milan • Bergamo • Cremona • Cinque Terre • Parma • Busseto Wilkes University alumni will travel to Italy for nine days. This trip includes round-trip air travel from Philadelphia, hotel transfers, air taxes and current fuel surcharges.The cost also includes seven breakfasts and four dinners. Fuel charges are subject to change until trip is paid in full.This amount does not include insurance of $120 per person. Tropical Costa Rica Departs Nov. 7, 2007 Price per person: twin, $1,999; single, $2,499 Highlights • San Jose • Poas Volcano • Thermal Spa Resort • Cano Negro Refuge • Monteverde Cloud Forest • Guanacaste Join fellow Wilkes University alumni as they travel to Costa Rica for nine days.This trip includes round-trip air travel from Allentown, Pa., hotel transfers, air taxes and current fuel surcharges. Eight breakfasts, two lunches and seven dinners are included. Fuel charges are subject to change until trip is paid in full. Cost does not include insurance of $120 per person. French Riviera Departs March 2, 2008 Price per person: twin, $1,849; single, $2,249 Highlights • Nice • Flower Market • Chagall Museum • Grasse Perfumerie • St. Paul De Vence • Ventimiglia • San Remo • St.Tropez • Cannes • Antibes • Picasso Museum • Villefranche • Rothschild Villa and Gardens • Monaco Oceanographic Museum The price of this eight-day trip includes round-trip air travel from Newark, N.J., air taxes, hotel transfers and current fuel surcharges (subject to increase until paid in full). Six breakfasts and four dinners are included in the cost. It does not include insurance of $120 per person. For more information on any of these trips, contact Michelle Diskin, associate director of Wilkes University Alumni Relations, at (570) 408-4134 or michelle.diskin@wilkes.edu. WILKES | Spring 2007 - Northern Italy Departs June 21, 2007 Price per person: twin, $2,799; single, $3,049 19 �class notes 1955 Robert Fay resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He is retired. 1958 Judith (Menegus) DeLuca resides in Belvidere, N.J. 1962 eunion Oct. 5_7 Rick Rees co-authored a book titled “The Successful Leadership Development Program: How to Build It and How to Keep It Going.”The book was published in June 2006 by Pfeiffer, an imprint of John Wiley Inc. WILKES | Spring 2007 1970 Georgiana Cray Bart is an artist who has been featured at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, in Harrisburg, Pa., and the 78th annual regional exhibition of the Hazleton Art League, where she was awarded the Theodore R. Laputka Memorial Award. Her work has been accepted into exhibitions at the Broome Street Gallery in New York City and the National Association of Women Artists 217th annual meeting at GoggleWorks, Reading, Pa., among others. Her work was also featured in three publications in 2006. Bart resides in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 20 Don Turner is president of Jorad & Company. He owns and operates a number of northern California businesses, including hotels, restaurants and a financial services company. Turner currently serves as chair of the California Lodging Industry Association. He resides in Napa, Calif. 1971 Raymond Smith resides in Hazleton, Pa., with his wife, Marlene (Atherholt) Smith ’71, and their daughter, Lindsay. 1972 eunion Oct. 5•7 Judith (Greenstein) Davis is human resource director at Bradley Arant Rose & White LLP, the oldest and largest law firm in Alabama. She resides in Birmingham, Ala., with her husband, Patrick, and children, Abby and Jamie. Leo C. Petroski is an IT audit senior manager for Accume Partners. He resides in Morrisville, Pa., with his wife, Joan Ann (Usevicz) Petroski. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in November 2006. issued patents dealing with biotechnology. He resides with his wife, Dr. Deborah L. Galson, and his three children in Wexford, Pa. Ray Dombroski resides in Malvern, Pa. Bernard Fagnani is owner of Bernard A. Fagnani & Company, CPAs. In addition, he is a full-time instructor at Penn State Worthington Scranton since 1989. He is also an investment advisor representative with Genworth Financial Securities Corp., specializing in management of retirement assets, since 1999. Fagnani resides in Peckville, Pa., with his wife, Linda Marie, and their children, Karly Marie, Linnzi Rae and Dustin. Diane Kiwior resides in Dedham, Mass. 1975 Michael V. DeVincentis is an owner of Tony D Electric Inc. He resides in Pequannock, N.J. Beth Robin Kaye resides in Port Washington, N.Y. William Rice ’48 Endows Pharmacy Scholarship William H. Rice ’48 gave more than $90,000 as a charitable gift annuity to fund the first endowed 1974 Philip E. Auron recently accepted a position as professor and chairman of the department of biological sciences at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa. He received his doctorate in biochemistry from the Pennsylvania State University in 1980 and did postdoctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then accepted an appointment to the faculty of Harvard Medical School, where he remained as an associate professor until 2002, when he accepted a position as professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Auron has published 90 scientific papers and holds 11 pharmacy scholarship. The scholarship will go to a student enrolled in the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy & Nursing studying for a doctor of pharmacy degree. The recipient must demonstrate financial need and maintain acceptable grades. Preference will be given to a person who contributes to campus diversity efforts. Rice, of Oberlin, Ohio, was a member of Wilkes' first wrestling William Rice, shown in a 1947 wrestling photo. WILKES ARCHIVE team in 1946. His mother always hoped one of her children would become a pharmacist. None ever did, which is why Rice designated the gift for pharmacy. Rice retired from General Electric as an engineer in 1987. �class notes Pashinski Wins House Seat; Trades Music for Politics Greater Nanticoke Area School District while a Retired music teacher Edwin “Eddie Day” Pashinski ’67 rock groups and helped local musicians organize their was sworn into the Pennsylvania House of own bands. Representatives in January, handily winning the 121st District seat vacated by Kevin Blaum. member of Eddie Day and the TNT. After that group broke up in 1982, Pashinski managed several other As a teacher, Pashinski became active as a union representative in his local teacher’s association. He began “It’s totally exhilarating, and it’s quite humbling,” as a school representative and advanced to chief Pashinski says. The democrat hopes to “balance the spokesperson, vice president and eventually local scales of fairness” toward working-class families. “Those president. Pashinski retired in June 2005. people who work every day and do the right thing every day — they need to have a voice.” Pashinski hopes his new position will let him work On a regional and state level, Pashinski represented Luzerne County as president of the PSEA Coordinating Council, chair of the Luzerne County Legislative toward healthcare reform benefiting all Americans. He Committee and regional assistant and chair of the state began researching the issue about four years ago due PACE Committee. to his involvement with the Pennsylvania State He and his wife, the former Millie Ritza, reside in Education Association (PSEA). “Every company, every Wilkes-Barre, Pa. They have four children and seven school district is struggling trying to find ways to pay grandchildren. for the health insurance plans for their employees.” Pashinski graduated from Wilkes University with a bachelor’s degree in music education and received a master’s equivalency from Penn State University. He began his music career as a member of the Back Mountain rock band Starfires, which he joined as a freshman. Upon graduation, he became a music teacher and choral director for Pashinski, left, hopes to tackle healthcare reform as a state representative. Ann Timko-Hughes has taught world and American history for four years at Methuen Public Schools. She also works as the coordinator of education for the Worcester Diocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. She resides with her husband, Edward, and their children in Methuen, Mass. 1976 David L. Davies and Gina P. Davies ’77 reside in Plano,Texas. Shavertown, Pa., with his wife, Pam, and their children, Chuck, Lauren, Ray Anthony and Brett. Raymond Ostroski is senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises. He resides in Anthony M. Schwab was recently appointed principal of Meyers High School,WilkesBarre Area School District. He resides in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 1977 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ~ Christine A. (Koterba) Lodge has served as a director for American Education Services for 10 years, managing federal student loan programs for the state of Delaware. She resides with husband John in Wilmington, Del. WILKES | Spring 2007 PHOTO BY GUY CALI 21 �class notes Rittenmeyer Takes Helm of Technology Giant EDS Ron Rittenmeyer ’72 became president of Plano, Texas-based EDS in December. He retains his role as chief operating officer. The Kingston, Mary P. (Patty Cullinan) Spinelli is assistant vice president of human resources at Rochester Institute of Technology. She resides with her husband, Robert J. Spinelli ’76, and their children, Elizabeth, Christopher and Amanda, in Rochester, N.Y. 1980 John Kazanecki resides in Thornhurst, Pa. Barbara Pirrella is a division director for Bayada Nurses in Pittston, Pa. She resides in Pittston with husband Bob and daughter Giavanna. Pa., native oversees all of EDS’ operations, including about 145,000 employees in 63 countries. “2006 for us will be a very good year, and we want to continue that growth in a positive way,” Rittenmeyer noted, speaking before release of full-year earnings reports. “Our goal is to continue that growth and get a better return for our shareholders.” Before joining EDS in July 2005, Rittenmeyer served as managing director of The Cypress Group, a private equity firm. He was responsible for all operating aspects of the company's $3.5 billion investment portfolio. Previously, Rittenmeyer served as chairman, chief executive officer and president of Safety-Kleen Inc., a $1.5 billion hazardous and industrial waste management company. At Safety-Kleen, he successfully led the company's reorganization from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At Wilkes, he earned a degree in commerce and finance. “Wilkes provided me with an opportunity 1978 Dr. Cynthia Mailloux has been appointed associate professor and chair of the Department of Nursing at College Misericordia. She completed her doctorate in nursing with a concentration in education at Penn State University in 2003. She contributes to her community’s educational goals by serving as a Crestwood School Board director and is a member of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center’s advisory board. Dr. Mailloux resides in Mountain Top, Pa. with her husband, Peter, and two children, Bradley and Clifford. Tina (Falcone) Stehl has been a vice president of software development for Agilysys Inc. for five years. She received an MBA degree in May 2006 from Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business. She resides in Alpharetta, Ga., with husband Jim Stehl ’77 and daughter Lauren. to learn that I still respect and appreciate,” he says, noting that he worked three jobs while a WILKES | Spring 2007 student. He also holds a master of business 22 administration degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. He and his wife, Hedy Wrightson Rittenmeyer ’72, are the parents of a son, 29, and a daughter, 22. 1979 Karen Lucchesi Bostrom is a marketing specialist at Krugliak,Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co. in Canton, Ohio. She resides with husband Brian and son Anthony in North Canton, Ohio 1981 Kathryne (Whitney) Lavoie is a foster care supervisor with Chenango County Department of Social Services. She resides in Norwich, N.Y., with husband William and their three children, Scott, Matthew and Whitney. Judith (Barnick) Steve is partner/chair of Ideaworks Marketing & Design in Plymouth, Pa. She resides in Dallas, Pa. 1982 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ~ Michael A. Gould is a district assistant superintendent for the Department of Defense Education at Quantico Marine Corps Base and Dahlgren Naval Base in Virginia and the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He resides in Fredericksburg,Va., with wife Lori J. (Cavalla) Gould ’81 and their children, Jessica and Megan. 1983 Stephanie Grenfell has been a nurse manager at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 23 years. She is recipient of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Nursing �class notes Excellence in Leadership Award for 2006. Grenfell resides in Philadelphia. Stuart Kall resides in Jamaica Estates, N.Y. Alice Merlino has worked as an associate broker for DeMulder Realty USA.com for the past year. She resides in Norwich, N.Y. 1984 Jerome P. Nachlis was promoted to president and CEO of ImageFirst Professional Apparel, a directsale uniform company located in New Castle, Del., that supplies uniforms throughout the United States to mid-to large-size companies. In addition, he serves on the board of directors of the Bernard and Ruth Siegel Jewish Community Center, located in Wilmington, Del., and has been named treasurer. He resides in Wilmington, Del., with wife Debbie and two sons, Joshua and Aaron. Albert Solomito is a full-time emergency physician working for Emergency Physician Medical Associates in Indianapolis since 2000. He resides in Indianapolis, Ind., with his wife, Michelle, and their children after completing 12 years in the U.S. Air Force. Jeffrey Yablon ’80 Publishes First Novel By day, neurosurgeon Jeffrey Yablon ’80 delves deftly into the life-and-death cases of patients in need of his highly specialized care. But he spent late nights during much of the last decade dissecting and weaving characters for his first novel, “Eight Cases.” Drawing on Yablon’s own experiences, the book is told from the perspective of a mechanic and fledgling writer who befriends a neurosurgeon. In his visit to the Michael Williams is a principal at Hancock High School. He resides in Liberty, N.Y., with his wife, Christine, and their children, Brittany and Gillian. mechanic’s shop, the fictional Dr. Robert Green offers compelling insight into his professional and personal life as he shares with his friend. Yablon wanted to leave a legacy for his 16-year-old son, Jeremy, so the teen would understand his father’s work. “I had a lot of information and stories that I wanted to tell from my training and practice.” The New York native had written journal articles through the years, but this was his first attempt at fiction, with characters to develop and grow through the story. “It was almost cathartic. I had the story in me, and I wanted to get it out. And I wanted it to have a surprise ending.” He co-wrote the book with the late Jerry Leech, a handyman friend with whom Yablon shared a love of literature. Leech, who passed away two years ago, told the 1985 Maureen (McDermott) Cannon has been an elementary band director for the Caesar Rodney School District in Camden, Del., for 12 years. She is also the principal flutist of the Dover Symphony Orchestra in Dover, Del., where she resides with husband John. physician, “I have a lot of free time. I can help you.” another two years to the project. “Eight Cases” is available for purchase on Amazon.com. The biggest reward came at a local book signing. “A whole group of my patients showed up and had me sign the book.” Yablon’s private practice in Pottstown, eigh Pa., serves patients in Chester and Montgomery counties. Named Wilkes’ Outstanding Young Alumnus in 1995, he also is affiliated with Temple University and Graduate Hospital and serves as a medical legal expert. He is married to Monique and has two stepdaughters. cases Yablon hopes to follow “Eight Cases” with a sequel, and he has other ideas for stories that don’t deal with medicine. “I hope in retirement David Foster is a lieutenant colonel for the U.S. Air Force. He resides with his wife, Chris, and their sons, Kyle and Evan, at McGuire AFB, N.J. 1986 Carl Sosnowski is a detective with the Broward County Sheriff ’s Department, where he has worked for 21 years. He resides in West Palm Beach, Fla., with his wife, Cindy, and their children, Carly, Casey and Caley. to continue writing extensively.” Michele J. Wagner, SPHR, has been a college relations WILKES | Spring 2007 The actual writing took eight years of late-night powwows. Editing and publishing added 23 �class notes manager for six years in Englewood, Colo. She resides with her husband, Jeff Wagner, and their children, Lizzy and Spenser, in Centennial, Colo. 1987 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ,-.._ Thomas Gasper is chief investment officer at Columbia Ridge Capital Management. He resides with his wife, Hollie, and their children, Zachary, Alex,Valerie and Lacey, in Raleigh, N.C. 1988 Deborah J. (Marquart) Liddick has been a lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C., for 17 years. She resides with her husband,Terry S. Liddick, in Bowie, Md. 1989 Jeff Churba and his wife celebrated the birth of twin daughters in September. WILKES | Spring 2007 1990 Elizabeth (Walsh) Barbieri has been a senior medical information specialist for Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals for five years. She resides in Bridgewater, N.J., with husband Jeffrey and daughter Caitlin. 24 Steve Fidyk is an accomplished percussionist and educator. He has made more than 30 recordings, three of which were Grammynominated. Fidyk is a drummer with the United States Army Jazz Ensemble, a gig that has taken him into the White House, the vice president's house and to many other diplomatic Washington events. He holds a master’s of jazz studies from the University of Maryland. Fidyk has also taught music at several universities, including Wilkes. Daniel Fisher is a teacher at the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit. He resides in Drums, Pa., with his wife, Dawn. Keith Silligman has been director of ambulatory care services for Children’s Hospital in Omaha, Neb., for five years. He resides with his wife, Nancy, and their children, Ashley and Christopher, in Omaha. 1991 Jason Griggs and his wife welcomed twin daughters in September. Joann (Scubelek) Prushinski has been a division sales manager with the Avastin brand for Genentech BioOncology for three years. She resides in Palmyra, Pa., with her husband, Scott ’93. 1993 Andrew Banks married Yvette Stackhouse on Feb. 2, 2002. Cristina Bruno is a guidance counselor for Patchogue Medford Schools. She resides in Great River, N.Y., with husband Bill and children Lindsay, Douglas and William. Lori Guarino is an account executive for Pfizer Inc. in the animal health veterinary industry. She resides in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. Gregg Steuben is a computer scientist for GE Global Research. He resides with his wife, Nicole, in Clifton Park, N.Y. 1994 Kevin M. Barno is owner and therapist of Pinnacle Rehabilitation Associates in Kingston, Pa. He resides with his wife, Bridget, and their children, Drew and Erin, in Mountain Top, Pa. Tom Brisbane is a sales engineer for Brisbane Industrial, a power transmission and motion control equipment manufacturer in Jim Thorpe, Pa. He resides in Middletown, Del., with his wife,Yesim, and their children, Alex and Ryan. Nancy (Stanislow) Crake resides in Newark, Del. Wilkes Visits California Dina (Gavenas) Nathan is a registered nurse and has worked for eight years as an operating room nurse at St. Barnabas Medical Center. She resides in West Orange, N.J., with husband Mark and son Nicholas. Scott Redfield resides in St. Charles, Mo. 1992 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ~ Susan (Merchant) Denner has been a label specialist at Shire Pharmaceuticals for one year. She resides in Royersford, Pa., with husband Edward and daughter Faith. Bill Harries ’88 hosted Wilkes alumni director Sandra Carroll during a recent visit to the San Francisco, Calif., area. Harries owns and operates a mortgage franchise helping underserved multicultural populations. �class notes 1995 Cherie Casari has been vice president of Microbac Laboratories Inc. in Camp Hill, Pa., for 10 years. She resides in Weatherly, Pa. Guy DuBoice is a senior corporate planning engineer at Century Telecommunications. He resides in West Monroe, La., with his wife, Jully, and their children, Joseph and Daniel. Arada (Kunyosying) Halder resides in Pearland,Texas, with her husband, Kallol, and their children, Priya and Arun. Julie (Good) Heffner resides in Lititz, Pa., with her husband, Chad, and their children, Owen and Natalie. Natalie Donna Heffner was born July 19, 2006. Jean (Gaudioso) Hemmer and Chris Hemmer ’97 announce the birth of their second son, Andrew Martin, on Jan. 9, 2006. Jean is a stayat-home mom, and Chris works as a fund-raiser. Andrew joins older brother Thomas, who is 3. Jean and her family reside in Airmont, N.Y. Jerome Hunsinger works in strategic sourcing for Wawa Corp. He resides in Mount Laurel, N.J., with his wife, Tine, and their son, Jerome Jr. J. Corey (Chick) Jackoby resides in Springboro, Ohio, with her husband, Henry, and their children, Joshua, Andrew and Lucas. 1996 Timothy Ahrens is a project manager for AMEC E&E. He resides in Schenectady, N.Y., with his wife,Vanessa. Bill LePore is an account executive for Otterstedt Insurance Agency in Summit, N.J. Bill and his wife, Sandy, became parents of twins, Justin Tyler and Olivia Paige, on April 1, 2006. Karen B. (Bednarczyk) Cowan and husband Scott announced the birth of their first daughter, Grace Evelyn, on Dec. 7, 2005.The family resides in Winter Garden, Fla. Andrew Mazzeo is an operations manager at Tetra Tech EM Inc. Andrew, his wife, Hope, and their daughters, Clare and Jane, recently relocated to the Philadelphia area after spending 10 years in Kansas City. Daniel Reilly is an attorney at Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLP in Philadelphia, Pa. He resides with his wife, Jennifer, in Conshohocken, Pa. Timothy Williams is a fifthgrade teacher in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas. He also teaches multi-age dance classes at Gilbert Magnet School for Creative Arts and Communication.Timothy trains teachers in literacy/ writing as a teaching consultant for the Southern Nevada Writing Project. He was named to the 2005-06 edition of Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Tanya (Daigle) Zegers and her husband, Ernie, welcomed their first child, Emma Margret, on Aug. 14, 2006. They reside in Roscoe, N.Y. Jodi DePue resides in Binghamton, N.Y. Chad Edwards is a senior clinical dietician at Temple University Hospital. He completed his master’s at Marywood University in 2001. Edwards resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Michelle. Marci McDade is a 10-year guidance counselor in Scranton School District. She resides in Scranton, Pa., with husband Kenneth P. Barnansky and daughter Katherine Anna, who was born April 20, 2006. Ali Qureshi was recently promoted to director of advanced business solutions for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer at the U.S. House of Representatives. He completed his Executive Master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School and Penn Engineering) and now plans to focus on his Ph.D. and spend time with his two boys, Daniyal and Ryaan, and his wife, Sarah. Ali serves on the alumni board at Wilkes. 1997 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ~ Paul Chimock has been a mortgage specialist for NEPA home loans for the past year. He resides in Duryea, Pa., with his wife, Meredith. Matthew Connor is a senior chemist for the Pall Research and Development Corporation. He resides in Van Etten, N.Y., with his wife, Laura (Rhodes) Connor ’97, and their children, Shannon and Michael. Mark B. Evans has been a mortgage specialist for NEPA home loans for the past year. He resides in Scranton, Pa. Asif Ilyas recently completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He was awarded a fellowship in surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital of Harvard Medical School. He and his wife recently welcomed their second child, Amber.Their oldest child, Dean, is 3.They reside in Boston. Amy (Michel) Lounsbury and her husband, Scott, welcomed their first son, Zachary William, on Oct. 19, 2006.The family resides in Nanuet, N.Y. Tonya Masenheimer is an owner of Pinnacle Wireless in Hanover, Pa. She resides in McSherrystown, Pa. Michael Noone is an assistant district attorney in the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. He resides in West Chester, Pa. WILKES | Spring 2007 Suzanne (Stanski) Scheible and her husband, Robert Scheible, announce the birth of their second daughter, Zoe Emma, born May 17, 2006. Suzanne resides with her family, including daughter Hannah, age 4, in Andover, N.J. 25 �class notes Christine Pavalkis has been a graphic designer for Wizdom Media for three years. She resides in Weehawken, N.J. William Zigmund is a project manager at PRA International, a pharmaceutical research facility in Charlottesville,Va. He resides in Crozet,Va., with wife Heather and daughter Catherine Wynn. 1998 Amy Lynn (Reilly) Craig is a registered nurse of 13 years for the Wyoming Valley Healthcare System. She resides in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with son Mathew. Kerri (Gosling) Fasulo is an acquisitions marketing manager for Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield based in New York City. She resides in LaGrange, N.Y., with husband Justin ’96. Brian Miller has been a leasing director for Dranoff Properties Inc. for three years. He resides in Newark, Del., with his children, Brian and Briya. WILKES | Spring 2007 Jacqlyn Ryan resides in Pottsville, Pa. 26 1999 Jennifer (McDonnell) Mleczynski is a certification specialist at Tri County Housing Council, a non-profit organization in Big Flats, N.Y. She resides in Elmira, N.Y., with husband Shawn. Bridget E. (Finnerty) Moran has been a special education teacher at Forest City Regional High School for five years. She resides with husband Tom and sons Thomas and Michael in Forest City, Pa. Susan (Smith) Shetti resides in Nashua, N.H. Danielle (Lillis) Spadafora resides in Sellersville, Pa., with husband Elio and children Dylan, Nico and Matthew. Andrew Yenser has been a sales engineer for KME Fire Apparatus for six years. He resides in Lehighton, Pa., with wife Sarah and children Bradley and Quinn. 2000 Dustin Daniels has been a quality assurance manager at Power Packaging in Reading, Pa., for more than two years. He resides with his wife, Amy (Wenz) Daniels, and their son, Brody Daniels, in Blandon, Pa. Michael Krasulski is a public services librarian at Philadelphia University. Krasulski recently co-authored an article titled “Keeping Up with Google: Resources and Strategies for Staying Ahead of the Pack,” which was published in “Internet Reference Services Quarterly.” He resides in Philadelphia. Lisa Marconi is an administrative assistant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). She resides in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Amanda Muscavage works as a civil/environmental engineer at the Tobyhanna Army Depot in Tobyhanna, Pa. She resides with husband Mohamed in Plymouth, Pa. Jeffrey Nason recently became president of Crossroads Group LLC. He is a primary design engineer for the firm. He and Jeremy Hoagland ’01, Harleysville, Pa., started this business to “address the ever-growing need for responsible engineering.” Crossroads is based in Quakertown, Pa. Nason resides in Pottstown, Pa., with wife Mary. Wendy-Ann (Skiro) Oresick is a first-grade teacher at Rice Elementary in the Crestwood School District. She and husband Michael welcomed their second child, Olivia Elisabeth, on June 28, 2006. She joins big brother Tyler Michael.The family resides in Drums, Pa. Abby (Sherburne) Stroud is a claims representative for the Social Security Administration and coaches the dance team at Towanda High School. She resides in Towanda, Pa., with husband Jake and daughter Jocelyn. Will Taylor resides in Ridgefield Park, N.J. Miranda H. Thresher is a phlebotomist at Chester County Hospital. She resides in West Chester, Pa. Jennifer Lynn (Gadomski) Vallach is an adjunct faculty at Wilkes University in the nursing department. She is also employed with Geisinger Health System as a perioperative nurse.Vallach resides in Plains, Pa. with husband Scott and son Ryan. Carol (Hudak) Vallinino resides in Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y., with husband Brian.They were married in July 2006. 2001 Danielle (Flock) Michaels is a mortgage broker with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. She resides in Philadelphia with husband Etzion. Megan (Stevens) Greenman has been a clinical nurse specialist at SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y., for two years. She resides with husband Jason and daughter Kathleen in Cortland, N.Y. Skyler Rohwedder resides in Millburn, N.J. Raymond Wascavage resides in Old Forge, Pa. 2002 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ~ Aaron Kuzmick is a pharmaceutical technician for SanofiAventis. He resides in Forty Fort, Pa. Debbie Brandt Landry is an attorney at Covais Law Offices. She resides in Hanson, Mass., with husband Charles. �class notes master’s degree in education at Wilkes University. Aaron is employed as a network engineer at Lightspeed Technologies.They reside in Forty Fort, Pa. Erin Priestman resides in Berwick, Pa. Elizabeth (Alles) Sheakoski is a sales manager at Residence Inn Sandestin. She resides in Destin, Fla. with husband Brian ’03.They were married Sept. 16, 2006. Brian is an activeduty captain and pharmacist in the U.S.Air Force. He is stationed at Eglin AFB. Emily Sheston resides in Philadelphia. 2003 Kyla Cambell is a sports reporter at WJAC, Johnstown/Altoona, Pa. Jason Holloway is a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual. He resides in Nescopeck, Pa., with wife Whitney (Bull) Holloway. James Moran resides in Larksville, Pa. Erin Schultz and Aaron Moreck ’03 were married Aug. 6, 2005, in Wilkes-Barre. Erin is employed as an English teacher in the Dallas School District and is pursuing a 2004 Emily Bly resides in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Misty (Weidner) Davis is a clinical staff pharmacist at Lehigh Valley Hospital. She resides in Martin’s Creek, Pa., with husband Ron ’02 and children Evan and Rece. Ronald Krysiewski resides in Moosic, Pa. Jessica Pezolano is a special education teacher at Brandywine High School in Glenmoore, Pa. She resides with husband Jeremy Gordon ’04, in Exton, Pa. Lori Ann Phillips is an engineer in training for BBL, an Arcadis Company, the world’s largest environmental consulting company. She resides in Apex, N.C. Tammy (Perry) Sweigart is a psychiatric caseworker at St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, Pa. She resides in Wyomissing, Pa., with husband Craig and sons Elliot Neil and Adian Daniel. 2005 Matthew Caines is a graduate student at A.T. Still University, the principal school of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Matthew has been inducted into Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national college honor society for premedical students. Upon completion of the Master of Public Health program at ATSU, he plans to pursue medical school in preparation for a career as a physician. Caines resides in Fort Washington, Pa. Rachael Conner is a kindergarten teacher at the Beginnings Company. She resides in Philadelphia. 2006 Ashley Ambirge resides in Spring City, Pa. Brian Tull ’02 and Michael V. O’Neill ’77 chat with Michael Wood, Wilkes’ executive director of advancement, in Washington, D.C. Kate Thomas is an operations coordinator for International SOS, an international medical assistance organization. She resides in Berwyn, Pa. Master’s Degrees 1986 Abiodun Ogunkoya resides in Hartstown, Dublin, Ireland. 1987 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ~ Betty Z. Harris is currently retired and resides in Mechanicsburg, Pa. 1999 Heather Johnson-Mullisky is an English teacher in the Wilkes-Barre School District. She resides in Mountain Top, Pa., with her daughters, Caitrin and Ruth. 2002 Reunion Oct. 5-7 ~ Corey Yanoshak is a high school teacher at Lake Forest School District in Felton, Del., responsible for its Daylight/Twilight Program. He was hired in August and is currently taking courses to become a certified business education teacher. 2006 Amanda Wojcik is a special education teacher at Voorhees High School. She resides in Phillipsburg, N.J. WILKES | Spring 2007 Dr. Kara (Jones) Martin has been a staff pharmacist at Costa Drugs for nearly 13 years. She resides with husband Christopher in Duryea, Pa. 27 �class notes In Memoriam 1949 John M. Culp Jr. died July 19, 2006, at Hospice Care of the Visiting Nurses Association at Heritage House,Wilkes-Barre. He served in World War II. Culp had resided on Rutter Avenue in Kingston for 46 years. A life member of the Irem Temple, he was past president of the Kingston Rotary. He served on the council of the Church of Christ Uniting as the council moderator and Sunday school teacher. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, the former Rhuea Williams; sons John, Jeffrey and Drew; brother and sisters. WILKES | Spring 2007 1950 John “Jack” D. Joseph of Hanover Township died Sept. 29, 2006, at Riverside Manor, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Jack was a graduate of Meyers High School. He attended Bucknell University Junior College and Wilkes College. He was instrumental in naming Wilkes College the “Colonels.” He was a member of the undefeated Wilkes football teams of the late 1940s. As a member of the Eighth Air Force, he was stationed in England and France during World War II. He was a retired sales representative for Lion Brewing Company, Wilkes-Barre. 28 1960 Mary (Homan) von Guilleaume died Sept. 16, 2006, of pneumonia in Johannesburg, South Africa, her home for the last 44 years. She went to South Africa in 1962, was married and had six children. 1962 Dr. Stephen W. Schwartz died June 11, 2006, of complications from a 19-month battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Major Schwartz ’61, son Jonathan and daughter Jennifer Moroz. He was a nationally recognized figure in leadership education and was instrumental in creating Marietta College’s McDonough Leadership Program, which became a national model for small liberal arts college leadership programs. 1968 Joseph Roszko died Dec. 23, 2005, after battling cancer. He played four years as a Colonel and was co-captain of the undefeated football team. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry immediately after graduating from Wilkes. Serving two years in Vietnam, he was a decorated soldier, receiving two purple hearts. He spent much time tutoring and coaching young people. He retired from the Pennsylvania Welfare Department in June 2004. 1973 Regina Bria died May 14, 2006, in the Hospice Care of the Visiting Nurses Association at Heritage House,WilkesBarre, after a battle with breast cancer. She was a member of St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, where she was a Eucharistic minister and had been employed as an outreach coordinator. Regina had been employed as a seventh grade school teacher at St. Boniface Interparochial School. Surviving are her parents, Leonard J. and Marie A. Gdovin Sulzinski; a son, Frank Bria Jr.; daughters Rebecca and Alyssa Bria; a brother and a sister. 1980 Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan died July 19, 2006, at Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore after a long illness. He was 80. A distinguished toastmaster, community leader and longtime priest in the Diocese of Scranton, he served in such local organizations as Leadership Wilkes-Barre, the F.M. Kirby Center, Wachovia Arena and all four Catholic universities in Northeast Pennsylvania. He also was a leading public figure in both his work as a clergyman and community advocate. 1989 Christine A. (Dodds) Brasington died Aug. 11, 2006, after a long battle with brain cancer. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her two children, Lauren and Tyler, and her husband, Jamie. Friend of Wilkes Geraldine Townend NesbittOrr died, July 21, 2006, at her home in Dallas, Pa. She endowed $3 million for Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Mrs. Orr named the school in honor of her late husband,Abram Nesbitt II, who died in 1982.The gift was the largest one-time gift in the 66year history of Wilkes University. Orr helped to shape the Luzerne County Birth Control League, which secured its first clinic space in the Kirby Memorial Health Center in 1934. She served as president of the league from 1939-41. Her family has been associated with quality health care and philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1912, when Abram Nesbitt donated land for West Side Hospital. In 1929, the name of the hospital was officially changed to Nesbitt Memorial Hospital. She was dedicated to serving the community on the board of Nesbitt Hospital and its auxiliary. She also had a longtime association with such organizations as the Wyoming Valley Philharmonic, the League of Women Voters and the Junior Aide. She was active at her residence in Palm Beach, Fla., with the Garden Club, Crippled Children’s Association and the United Way.The Nesbitt-Orr Trustee Scholarship was named in honor of her and her second husband,William P. Orr III. Mrs. Nesbitt-Orr had attended the Wilkes-Barre Institute and the Sarah Lawrence School, Bronxville, N.Y. �then & now Recognize anyone from these photos? Cue and Curtain presented Gershwin’s “Girl Crazy” at the Irem Temple in November 1954.The musical comedy was the first production to combine efforts of the theatre and music departments and included a pit orchestra. To identify cast members shown here, or to reminisce about these productions, visit The Colonel Connection at www.community.wilkes.edu and click on Message Boards. Or send us a note at “Wilkes” Magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Below is a scene from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts’ April 2006 production of “Antigone,” by Jean Anouilh.The production was directed by guest artist Stephen Benson with costume designs by Tasjanna Lee Smith, scenery by Teresa Fallon and lighting by David Shock. Laura Dunbar played the role of Antigone. Shown here are (left to right) Deidre Lynch, Jared Roberts, Dara Rees, Andrea Kinal and Rachel Dyer. PHOTO BY C. RICHARD GILLESPIE �calendar of events February April 1 Exhibition “Sudan:The Cost of Silence,” Sordoni Art Gallery. Runs through March 18. 13 Alumni Mixer, Connolly’s Pub, New York City 21 Alumni Mixer, Don Cesar Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach, Fla. 22 Alumni Mixer, Bay Colony Beach Club, Naples, Fla. 23 Alumni Mixer, Hemisphere Lounge, Miami Beach, Fla. 26 Alumni Mixer, Chapel Hill Golf Club, Douglasville, Ga. 1 Wilkes University Art Faculty Show, Sordoni Art Gallery. Runs through June. 19-22 “The Pied Piper” theatre production, Darte Center 27 Chorus/Chamber Singers Concert, St. Stephen’s,Wilkes-Barre 28 Dance Concert, Darte Center 29 Civic Band Concert, Darte Center 29 Max Rosenn Lecture, featuring film “God Grew Tired of Us” and lecture by director Christopher Dillon Quinn and John Dau, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan in the film, Darte Center TBA Alumni Mixer, Boston March 12 Alumni Mixer, Omni Tucson National, Tucson, Ariz. 13 Gallery Talk, “Sudan:The Cost of Silence” with photographer Ryan Spencer Reed, Sordoni Art Gallery 14 Alumni Mixer, Omni Interlocken Resort, Denver, Colo. 29 Allan P. Kirby Lecture Series in Law and Humanities, featuring Ken Schmidt, former director of communications for Harley-Davidson 30 Alumni Yield Party, RiverCrest Golf Club, Montgomery County, Pa. For details on dates and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and The Colonel Connection! w WILKES UNIVERSITY WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 May 5 Flute Ensemble Concert, Darte Center 10 Wilkes Alumni Day at Lackawanna County Stadium (Yankees vs. Pawtucket Red Sox) 19 Spring Commencement 26-27 “Last Hurrah”Wrestling Reunion, Wilkes University (Come celebrate Coach Reese’s 80th birthday!) June 21-29 Alumni trip to northern Italy TBA Alumni Mixer, Philadelphia � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2007 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/d062e92ca98e7235d96f766694008b84.pdf fe6f1261e61c12752704f13e252731f3 PDF Text Text SPRING 2019 Looking Back, Looking Forward WILKES PRESIDENT PATRICK F. LEAHY REFLECTS ON SEVEN YEARS LEADING THE UNIVERSITY �president’s letter VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 1 Recalling Seven Years at One of the Finest Small Universities O n September 15, 2012, I had the honor of being installed as Wilkes University’s sixth president. Soon after beginning my tenure, I worked closely with members of the campus community to create a plan that would position Wilkes as one of the finest small universities in the country. This vision placed equal emphasis on the words small and university, instead of viewing them as mutually exclusive descriptors. At Wilkes, we offer a unique experience that celebrates the integration of the words small and university—one that blends a close-knit, mentoring culture with academic opportunities often found at much larger institutions. Over the past seven years, we have worked to more fully develop into a doctoral university by making significant investments in academics, research, and the campus. We have added 25 new academic programs, including the launch of the University’s first Ph.D. To encourage research, we created a $1 million fund that supports scholarly endeavors of faculty members. In many cases, faculty work hand-in-hand with undergraduate students to complete this important work, which is celebrated annually at the Research and Scholarship Symposium. More discovery is happening at Wilkes than ever before, resulting in the University’s first six patents. Unprecedented improvements have also been made to the campus, totaling a remarkable $100 million. The beauty of the Wilkes campus has never been more apparent, and investments in academic labs and classrooms have enhanced the learning environment. And, our enduring commitment to the arts continues. The Sordoni Art Gallery has President Patrick F. Leahy speaks at Sordoni Art Gallery’s opening, one of experienced a resurgence, with an expanded the highlights during his tenure. location, new leadership, and an endowment to support exhibitions. The Marching Colonels, the region’s only collegiate marching band, adds spirit to campus and community events. And, through the generosity of the Maslow Family, Wilkes’ graduate program in creative writing will continue to grow for years to come. In January, these efforts culminated in a milestone achievement for Wilkes University—earning doctoral university status from the Carnegie Classifications. Wilkes is now part of a list (albeit a long one) of the finest universities in the country, and we are one of the smallest on the list. It has been a privilege to play a role in the evolution of this incredible institution and I am confident that more progress lies ahead. Thank you all for your support and dedication to Wilkes University. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President SPRING 2019 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Executive Director of Marketing Communications Kim Bower-Spence Senior Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services John Csordas Executive Director of Communications and Graduate Marketing Gabrielle D’Amico ’04, MFA’17 Web Services Brittany Terpstra Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Graduate Assistants Sarah Bedford ’17, MA’19 Samantha Stanich MA’18 Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Lane Press EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng MA’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Donna Sedor ’85 OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Chief Development Officer Margaret Steele Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations Mary Balavage Simmons ’10, MBA ’16 Manager of Alumni Relations and Advancement Special Projects Jacki Lukas ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 Vice President Matt Berger ’02 Secretary John Sweeney ’13 Historian Cindy Charnetski ’97 Wilkes magazine is published two times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �24 8 14 20 26 contents SPRING 2019 8 Looking Back, Looking Forward Looking Back, Looking Forward WILKES PRESIDENT PATRICK F. LEAHY REFLECTS ON SEVEN YEARS LEADING THE UNIVERSITY Putting students first has been the hallmark of Patrick F. Leahy’s presidency at Wilkes. He will leave the University in July. PHOTO BY MARK McCARTY Patrick F. Leahy, Wilkes’ sixth president, reflects on achievements during his tenure. 14 #24atWilkes A look at the University through the lens of social media captured by students, faculty and staff. 20 Game Changers Athletics Hall of Fame inductees recall their experience as student athletes. 24 Gateway to the Future Campaign DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 28 Alumni News 29 Giving Back 30 Class Notes Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline A new project will enhance the Ralston Athletic Complex for student athletes. 26 Health Care for a Changing Planet Ruth McDermott-Levy ’82 researches environmental impacts on patient health. 'lJ ~~~ MIX Paper from responsible sources FSC®C022085 WILKES | Spring 2019 FEATURES 1 �on campus Wilkes Earns Doctoral University Designation Wilkes University has been categorized as a doctoral university in the revised 2018 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the highest classification for institutions in the country. Of approximately 80 private institutions in Pennsylvania, Wilkes is now one of just 14 with this designation. “The change in classification places Wilkes University in the rightful company of some of the finest universities in the nation, completing our evolution from a two-year junior college in 1933 to a national doctoral university in 2019,” says University President Patrick F. Leahy. “Our unique mix of academic programs and robust degree conferrals across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels set us apart from other private institutions, both regionally and nationally. We are proud of the students we serve and look forward to continued growth.” The doctoral/professional university category includes institutions that award at least 20 research doctoral degrees or 30 or more professional-practice doctoral degrees. In 2016-17, WILKES | Spring 2019 The number of doctoral degrees awarded at Wilkes’ three commencement ceremonies held in January, May and September grew to 165 in the 2017-2018 academic year. 2 Wilkes awarded 122 doctoral degrees across three programs: the doctor of pharmacy, with 69 graduates, the doctor of nursing practice, with 30 graduates and the doctor of education with 23 graduates. In the 2017-18 academic year, the total grew to 165. This represents nearly three times the doctoral degrees of any other institution in northeast Pennsylvania, making Wilkes the leading doctoral university in the region. Wilkes will award the university’s first doctor of philosophy degrees in 2020. The Ph.D. in nursing welcomed its first class in Sept. 2017. There are currently 33 nurses enrolled in the program. The Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for recognizing and describing diversity among U.S. higher education institutions since 1970, when the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education developed the method of classifying colleges and universities to support its program of research and policy analysis. The classifications, derived from empirical data on colleges and universities, reflect changes among institutions and are used in the study of higher education. �on campus Eugene Roth ’57 will receive the President’s Medal at the Founders Gala 2019. The President’s Medal is bestowed annually on an individual whose personal and professional life reflects the highest aspirations of Wilkes University. Roth, who is an attorney at Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, in Wilkes-Barre, will be presented with the award at the event being held June 1 at the Westmoreland Club. Proceeds from the event benefit the First Generation Scholarship Fund. “Gene is a fierce supporter of our core mission: to provide educational opportunities to all who show potential. His support is evident in his leadership and generosity, but is also demonstrated in the way he supports our students,” says Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy. “A first-generation college student himself, it is incredibly fitting to have Gene Roth as this year’s President’s Medal recipient.” Roth, who has the distinction of being the longest-serving attorney at his firm, rose through the ranks from law clerk to partner during his 60-year tenure. A prominent figure in northeast Pennsylvania, he frequently has been recognized for his professional, civic and community efforts with awards from the United Hebrew Institute, the Boy Scouts of America and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Roth served under each of the University’s six presidents during an association with Wilkes that began when he was a student. He first served as vice president of his undergraduate class, then as president of the alumni association and eventually as a member of the University’s board of trustees, a role in which he continues to serve. He was the chairman of the board from 1993 to 1998, helping to establish the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. His philanthropic support is apparent across campus, especially in Lawrence W. Roth Hall, a standout residence for first-year students, and the Max Roth Center, home to the Center for Global Education and Diversity. Roth and his wife, Connie, established the Lawrence W. Roth Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son. It is granted annually to a Wilkes student with an interest in the law, politics or community service. Wilkes Launches Search for Seventh President Wilkes has launched a search for its next president following the announcement that President Patrick F. Leahy will leave the University on July 30, 2019. Leahy was Wilkes’ sixth president and joined Wilkes in 2012. He announced in December that he will leave the University to become president of Monmouth University in New Jersey. His tenure has been a period of significant growth with transformational improvements to campus, the addition of academic programs including the University’s first Ph.D., and achieving designation as a doctoral university. For a story summarizing the highlights and accomplishments during Leahy’s seven years as president, please turn to page 8. A Presidential Search Committee has been formed with members representing all constituents in the Wilkes community. It will be chaired by Dan Cardell ’79, chairman of the University board of trustees. The committee includes faculty members Karim Medico Letwinsky, doctoral department chair and associate professor, and Eric Ruggiero, associate professor of digital design and media art; senior administrators Jonathan Ference, associate provost, and Janet Kobylski, assistant vice president of finance and treasurer; students Hunter Hughes and Caroline Rickard; and board of trustee members Laura Cardinale ’72, Dan Klem Jr. ’68, Chuck Cohen, Randy Mark ’81 and Bill Miller ’81. The University has contracted with the Boston-based executive search firm Park Square to assist in identifying candidates for the position of president. Forums were conducted on campus in March in preparation for the search. Faculty, staff and students had opportunities to attend and provide comments about the kinds of skills and characteristics that would be valuable in leading Wilkes. It is expected that the search will continue into 2020. Finalists for the position will be brought to campus during the 2019-2020 academic year. WILKES | Spring 2019 Eugene Roth ’57 to Receive President’s Medal at Founders Gala 2019 3 �on campus WILKES | Spring 2019 Paul Adams ’77 MS ’82 Named Interim President 4 Wilkes alumnus Paul Adams ’77 MS ’82 has been appointed interim president of the University, effective Aug. 1, 2019. Adams, who serves as Wilkes’ vice president for student affairs, will lead the University during the search for a new president. Adams’ appointment was approved in February by the University’s board of trustees. In announcing Adams’ appointment, Dan Cardell ’79, chair of the board, said, “Paul brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to this position. He has studied or served under five of our six presidents, is a two-time alumnus and has dedicated his life and career to the success of our students. I can think of no one better than Paul Adams to lead Wilkes as we recruit our seventh president.” Adams has served as vice president of student affairs since 2002. In that role, he leads areas that enrich student life, including athletics, health and wellness, residence life and student development. The latter encompasses areas that include career development and internships, student activities, campus interfaith, community service, e-mentoring and orientation. Adams joined the university in 1979 as director of housing. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Wilkes and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and curriculum instruction from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Institute for the Management of Lifelong Education. Adams is married to Jean (Reiter) Adams ’78, who is an instructor in the University’s art department. Adams will return to his role as vice president of student affairs when a new president assumes office. Pharmacy Student Earns Top Ten Finish in National Patient Counseling Competition for Second Year Third-year student pharmacist Dylan Fox knows the importance of compassion and empathy when working with patients. It helped him earn his second top ten finish in the National Patient Counseling Competition at the American Pharmacists Association national meeting in March. Every pharmacy school in the nation attends the conference and Fox competed against students representing 140 other institutions. A Denver, Pa., native who also is majoring in Spanish, Fox also placed in the top ten nationally in 2018. For the first round of the competition, Fox counseled a patient on the use of levothyroxine, commonly known as synthroid, which is used to treat thyroid conditions. His second round of counseling included a breast cancer patient being prescribed the nausea medication compazine. He credits his success to the preparation he receives in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. “The program at Wilkes sets all of the pharmacists and graduates up to be Third-year student pharmacist Dylan Fox has been a top ten finisher in the National Patient prepared patient counselors and very Counseling Competition for two consecutive effective at what they do,” he explains. years. PHOTO BY SARAH BEDFORD. FULLY ONLINE MBA IN THE SIDHU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BEGINS IN FALL 2019 Aspiring business leaders wishing to advance in their careers or experienced managers looking to grow their communication, professionalism and decision-making skills can now do it in a completely online MBA program at Wilkes. The University announced that it will offer the Master of Business Administration degree fully online starting in fall 2019. The online MBA emphasizes leadership. The program can be completed in two years. Accelerated, seven-week courses allow students to focus on one course at a time while completing two courses during each academic semester. New online MBA students will be accepted in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Wilkes also offers the MBA in a weekend format. Students in the weekend program attend face-to-face classes on the second Saturday of each month. Supplemental coursework and assignments are conducted online between class sessions. The weekend MBA program offers tracks in global business, leadership and management. Wilkes offers two dozen online and low-residency master’s and doctoral programs in fields like creative writing, education and nursing. For more information about the online MBA, visit www.wilkes.edu/MBAonline. �on campus Marilyn Pryle’s week begins and ends with teaching. The Wilkes doctor of education student teaches English at Abington Heights High School, but when the final bell rings on Friday, she hasn’t finished teaching. Pryle leaves her traditional classroom and switches gears, teaching English at the Lackawanna Children’s Library in Scranton, Pa. Pryle started an English conversation group two years ago for refugees from Congo and Uganda. The group meets every Sunday and on any given week may have 15 volunteers and up to 30 refugees. Her dedication to education in both traditional and community settings led to Pryle being named Pennsylvania’s 2019 teacher of the year. Now she’s in the running for the national teacher of the year award which will be announced in April 2020. The state Department of Education and the state chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year sponsor the Teacher of the Year program. It honors public school teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade who have made outstanding academic contributions. “I am completely honored to receive this award and to represent the excellent, hardworking educators of Pennsylvania. During the SAS Conference, I had a chance to meet the other eleven finalists and they are all exceptional teachers,” Pryle says. Ty Frederickson, who has taught Pryle as an assistant professor in Wilkes’ doctor of education program, says the recognition is well deserved. “Marilyn’s work to build relationships between groups of students and this population of Syrian and Ugandan refugees exemplifies the caliber of her character and her commitment to teaching and learning well beyond the school day,” Frederickson says. “She uniquely understands that her responsibilities as an educational leader are to all people, not only those students within her classroom, and she acts according to this understanding.” Pryle was nominated by students, parents, peers and members of the community for her achievements both inside and outside the classroom. She has been an educator since 1992, beginning at St. Xavier School in Kathmandu, Nepal. After teaching at East Middle School in Braintree, Mass., she taught in higher education settings before finding her place at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit, Pa. Summing up her teaching philosophy, Pryle states, “Every student brings unique gifts. The teacher’s work is to create a space for each to grow—to wonder, to risk, to connect. To Marilyn Pryle, right, discusses writing with Abington Heights High School student Sabriya Seid. become more fully oneself, and more deeply human: This is the purpose of education.” She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Scranton and a master of fine arts in creative writing and literature from Emerson College. Pryle has shared her passion for teaching by authoring seven books, six of which are with Scholastic, Inc. The books are written for educators, providing strategies for teaching writing. “I always say that I’m in it for the long game—I want students to be confident, engaged readers and writers for their whole lives, not just during my class,” she adds. “I try to find any way possible to show them the power and joy of being active readers and writers.” “She uniquely understands that her responsibilities as an educational leader are to all people, not only those students within her classroom, and she acts according to this understanding.” – Ty Frederickson, assistant professor, doctor of education program WILKES | Spring 2019 Wilkes Doctoral Student Named Pennsylvania Educator of the Year PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN PRYLE 5 �on campus Super Seniors go to the Head of the Class Cue “Pomp and Circumstance.” May marks the end of the academic year at Wilkes—and time for spring commencement. Although it would be impossible to spotlight all of the impressive members of the Class of 2019, these six students, representing each of Wilkes’ schools and colleges, illustrate the Wilkes experience and highlight the bright future in store for members of the graduating class. For more stories about 2019 graduates, visit news.wilkes.edu, look under the student life menu for “Super Seniors.” Lauren Bezek Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics and Secondary Education Minor School of Education Hometown: Kingston, Pa. Activities and Achievements: Bezek was a counselor at both the Women Empowered by Science summer camp and the SHINE day camp at Wilkes. She also served as the Kirby Scholar in STEM education at the University’s Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Bezek completed research with Vee Ming Lew, associate professor of math and computer science. She was a tutor for the math department and also tutored middle- and high-school students. Noteworthy: Bezek was chosen to complete a week-long field and has established the club as an American Chemical Society Green Chemistry chapter. Favorite part of the Wilkes experience: “The highlight of my time at Wilkes has been all the research and laboratory experience I have gained. I have had the wonderful opportunity of working on multiple research projects and running various instruments that you would never get to use as an undergraduate at another institution. I feel this experience really prepared me for my graduate education, and gave me a huge advantage over other applicants.” Future plans: Fitzpatrick will pursue a Ph.D. in organic Favorite part of the Wilkes experience: “The highlight chemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Future Plans: Bezek plans to pursue a master’s degree in either mathematics or STEM education. Nicholas Fitzpatrick Bachelor of Science, Chemistry College of Science and Engineering Hometown: Jenkintown, Pa. Activities and Achievements: WILKES | Spring 2019 Noteworthy: Fitzpatrick is president of the Chemistry Club experience in education in Arizona. of my time at Wilkes has to be the relationships I have built with my professors and the opportunities these relationships have granted me….I know I would not have had many of the opportunities that I am so thankful for without my professors and Wilkes University.” 6 American Chemical Society where he has presented on behalf of the Chemistry Club. He has been a teaching assistant for organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and general chemistry labs since his sophomore year. Fitzpatrick has done research with Megan Youmans, assistant professor of chemistry. He also was part of a research team with Amy Bradley, associate professor and chair of chemistry. Fitzpatrick attended numerous conferences and national meetings including the Justin Gaskill Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Musical Theatre Major Hometown: Somers Point, N.J. Activities and Achievements: Gaskill has performed in 16 mainstage productions with Wilkes University Theatre, four dance shows, six black box productions and many choral concerts. Gaskill also knows how to work behind the scenes, doing set construction, costuming, stage management, props running crew, lighting and painting. Noteworthy: Gaskill had lead roles in five Wilkes productions. Favorite part of the Wilkes experience: “The highlight of my time here at Wilkes was all of the training I received within the field I am studying. I got so much personal attention �on campus because of the smaller class sizes that I really grew and found where I belong within this crazy, hectic career path.” Lok Hong, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, and Thomas Franko, assistant professor of pharmacy practice. Future plans: Gaskill will be a full-time resident actor with the Noteworthy: Ponce planned a medication take-back event in spring 2017. Since then, he has coordinated two additional take-back events collecting more than 250 pounds of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. Dannielle Hickok Bachelor of Science in Nursing, History minor Passan School of Nursing Hometown: Fleetville, Pa. Activities and Achievements: Hickok is a member of Sigma Theta Tau National Nursing Honor Society and the history department’s chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society. She participated in the NCLEX challenge bowl at the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania convention. NCLEX is the examination for nursing licensing. Hickok completed her senior research on the implementation of specialized diabetic nurse educators to improve patient outcomes and decrease diabetes related hospital readmissions. Noteworthy: While attending school full-time, Hickok balanced a part-time job and being a mother of two. Favorite part of the Wilkes experience: “The highlight of my time here at Wilkes has been being initiated into a career field together with a group of wonderful individuals that share in the belief that nursing is truly a life vocation.” Future plans: Through her clinical placements, Hickok has developed an interest in emergency medicine and hopes to work in an emergency department. She also hopes to enroll in the Passan School’s Family Nurse Practitioner master’s degree program. Alex Ponce Doctor of Pharmacy Favorite part of the Wilkes experience: “My favorite aspect of Wilkes University is the supportive faculty and family-like learning environment. I also felt as though I was supported with whatever I wanted to do in addition to being pushed to become the best that I can be.” Future plans: Ponce will complete a pharmacy residency at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Mingzhu Yue Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing and Management Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Leadership Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Hometown: Zhengzhou, China Activities and Achievements: Yue was the president of the Asian Cultural Society and vice president of the Hospitality Leadership Club at Wilkes. She completed three internships, which included traveling to China, working with local digital marketing agency LSEO and with the Best Western Genetti Hotel in Wilkes-Barre. She does research about the hospitality industry with HyeRyeon Lee, assistant professor, with whom she has presented research papers at conferences in Fort Worth, Texas and Las Vegas, Nev. Noteworthy: With fellow Sidhu student Kacee Diehl, Yue won the award for Best Undergraduate Research Proposal Presentation from THEREPS, a tourism, hospitality, event conference for researchers, educators, practitioners, in April 2019. Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Favorite part of the Wilkes experience: “I know Wilkes-Barre Hometown: Oley, Pa. is a quiet city, and Wilkes University is not a big school; however, the people here make this place warm and lovely. I am so glad that I chose to study at Wilkes.” Activities and Achievements: Ponce served as president of the National Community Pharmacists Association and the chair of Generation Rx. He also participated in Industry Pharmacists Organization, American Pharmacist Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the honor societies Phi Lambda Sigma and Rho Chi. He coordinated 33 different community service events. Ponce did research with Ka Future plans: She plans to earn her master’s degree in hospitality management after graduation. As Wilkes magazine went to press, she already had been offered a scholarship from Boston University. WILKES | Spring 2019 Charleston Stage Company. He will be featured in a minimum of seven shows, including playing the leading role, Ren McCormick, in “Footloose.” 7 �Looking Back, Looking� OCTOBER $35 million Cohen Science Center dedicated. WILKES | Spring 2019 PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 8 2012 2013 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER Patrick F. Leahy is installed as Nursing Simulation Center opens. Wilkes’ sixth president during three-day event built around the theme “Looking Back With Pride, Looking Forward With Confidence.” ��Forward Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy Reflects on Seven Years Leading the University By Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Ask Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy how he would like to be remembered at the University and a wry smile crosses his face. “It’s humbling to think that people would remember me at all,” Leahy quips. His self-effacing comment doesn’t accurately reflect the many accomplishments during his seven-year tenure as president. When Leahy announced that he will leave Wilkes at the end of July 2019 to become president of Monmouth University, a private university on the north Jersey shore, it offered a chance for faculty, staff and alumni to note the many milestones at Wilkes under his leadership. The timeline on these pages highlights, year by year, achievements reached during the Leahy presidency. They include more than $100 million in campus improvements, the establishment of an honors program, the introduction of 25 new academic majors, the launch of a $1 million faculty research and scholarship fund and the start of Wilkes’ first Ph.D. program in the Passan School of Nursing, Wilkes’ fifth terminal degree. Perhaps the most significant moment came in January 2019, when Wilkes achieved doctoral university status, placing it among the nation’s most prestigious institutions. Wilkes magazine sat down with Leahy to reflect on his years leading Wilkes. In the following question-and-answer session, he talks about his fondest memories. SEPTEMBER New home of the Sidhu JUNE Gateway to the School of Business and Future Strategic Leadership dedicated in 2014 JUNE Inaugural Founders Gala raises $250,000 for First Generation Scholarship Fund. The late Joseph ..... ~ ..4,,·: 11 I/. ,/iii'. Savitz ’48 was the first President’s medal honoree. In 2018, the gala raised $820,000, bringing the total raised to $2.3 million since event’s inception. University Center on Main. AUGUST The Marching Colonels, the region’s first collegiate marching band, debuts. WILKES | Spring 2019 Plan launched. 9 �There have been many accomplishments during your tenure at Wilkes. Are there ones of which you’re most proud? Leahy: I hope during my time that we have accelerated our evolution toward becoming a doctoral university. Wilkes was evolving in this way, and we anticipated the shift was coming and decided we were going to double down on our efforts. To do that, we grew the programming in our master’s and doctoral programs, including the addition of our Ph.D. program in the Passan School of Nursing. We delivered graduate programming to a national audience. In addition, I’d like to think we’ve done more impactful research in the last seven years, as evidenced by the fact that we now have six patents that we have issued to protect ideas that might have commercial application. And, obviously, we have made considerable investments in our campus. We took a school that was continuing to evolve and really focused on developing it into an albeit small, nonetheless, bona fide doctoral university. You would appear to have achieved that goal, given the fact that the University’s Carnegie classification was changed to doctoral university. How will that impact Wilkes moving forward? Leahy: I am extremely proud that we’ve achieved that designation. It more adequately reflects the range of ways that we at this university serve students. Educating undergraduate students remains at the heart of what we do. But, offering master’s and doctoral programs is an extension of our mission SEPTEMBER The Wilkes University SHINE Program of providing worthy students with a first-class private education. And I think receiving doctoral university status is important because I want to be sure that our faculty and staff members are properly recognized for their contributions to the University. Moving forward, the new designation has the potential to impact Wilkes practically because it places us on a list of the greatest universities in the country. In addition to seeking doctoral university status for Wilkes, supporting first-generation college students has been another priority since the beginning of your presidency. Why was establishing the Founders Gala so important and why has it been such a success, raising $2.3 million to date? Leahy: I felt strongly that, once a year, we ought to have a first-class black tie fundraising event that could re-set the expectations of people both on and off campus to a level of excellence and demonstrate that Wilkes University can support that kind of a fundraising event. Part of the reason it’s been so successful is because of the purpose of the event, which is to raise money for first-generation students. Serving those students was such an important part of our founding and now, 85 years later, it’s still an important part of who we are. Using that event to raise money for first-generation students resonated with so many constituents of the University, and that is why it has been successful. SEPTEMBER Neurotraining of Luzerne County launches with and Research seven afterschool centers. Center opens. 2015 NOVEMBER WILKES | Spring 2019 SEPTEMBER 10 Honors Program is established. Michelini Hall is named in honor of Wilkes’ second president, Francis Michelini. OCTOBER NOVEMBER $1.7 million Karambelas Wilkes is Ranked 25th in the Nation East Campus Gateway is dedicated. by The Economist for the value its education brings to graduates. �During your time here, you have often been quoted as saying you cannot have a true university without an enduring commitment to the arts. How has that commitment manifested itself during your presidency? In addition to raising the bar related to academic programs, you also provided the impetus for major co-curricular and extra-curricular changes on campus. Under your leadership, Wilkes added seven varsity sports. Why was that important? Leahy: I hope that it is evident in a lot of ways. The most obvious example of our commitment was the multi-pronged strategy around the re-invention of the Sordoni Art Gallery. We made a big investment in a new space and made it more accessible to both the campus and the Wilkes-Barre community. We also began building a permanent exhibition endowment and hired a new director and assistant director for the gallery. But there are other examples of which I am proud. One is the addition of the only marching band in all of northeast Pennsylvania, an expansion to our musical program. And over the years we’ve made big investments in the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing. First, we made major renovations of the home of the creative writing program, Cox Hall. Then we secured a major financial commitment to name the program after the Maslow family. At Wilkes, emphasis is placed on the liberal arts, even for students in our professional programs. I’ll repeat something now that I stated when I began as president—I believe strongly that even our engineers should read Shakespeare. Leahy: There are many reasons why I think expanding athletic programs is so important. It really is a strategic move. One reason is that it has allowed us to attract students from a much wider geographic area. For example, you have no choice but to recruit ice hockey players and lacrosse players from a wider area because playing those sports happens outside of this region. Having those sports allowed us to grow our recruiting footprint and to bring more student athletes to campus. And we love having student athletes here at Wilkes because the evidence proves that athletes typically retain and graduate at higher rates than our student body as a whole. Plus it’s just fun to have more athletic competitions and more students representing the University. It also gives us more opportunities to build school spirit. FEBRUARY Wilkes launches historic MAY partnership with President Patrick F. the Republic of Leahy speaks at U.N. Panama. as Wilkes is a founding sponsor of Micro-, Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day. 2017 MAY JUNE John J. Passan makes $3.3 million gift to Creative Writing Program receives leadership establish the Passan School of Nursing. gift to become the Maslow Family Graduate $1 million Faculty Research Fund is established and first symposium is held to celebrate. AUGUST Inaugural President’s Awards for Excellence are presented. Creative Writing Program. WILKES | Spring 2019 2016 11 �AUGUST Wilkes enrolls the largest and most AUGUST well-prepared first-year class in its history. Karambelas Media and Communication Center is dedicated providing a new home for the communication studies department. NOVEMBER South AUGUST Campus The Wilkes Educational Gateway to Excellence Gateway is (Wilkes EDGE) launches. The program helps support completed. students in the transition from high school to college. 2017 2018 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER University’s first Ph.D. program established The Mark Engineering Center is dedicated in in Passan School of Nursing. Stark Learning Center, launching a new era for Wilkes’ engineering programs. OCTOBER Sordoni Art Gallery opens in its new home with the exhibit “Andy Warhol, 15 Minutes: From Image to Icon.” It sets a record for attendance, drawing 3,028 visitors. WILKES | Spring 2019 For a moment, let’s switch gears from your professional accomplishments. Your wife Amy and your four children have been a visible presence here during the last seven years. Are there moments at Wilkes that you will remember as a family? 12 Leahy: The first that I remember was at the family holiday party the year that I became president. Our four kids at the time were 5, 7, 11 and 13. All six of us put balloon hats on and were walking out of the event across campus when somebody snapped a picture of us and said, “Things are going to be a lot different around here, aren’t they?” So, from that point on, I hope the family has been an important part of the University community. Another event that stands out was a few years later when Vice President (Joe) Biden visited campus. We picked the kids up early from school so that they would have a chance to meet him. My son, Brian, who was probably 9 at time, said, “Dad, can we get a selfie with the vice president?” and just as the Secret Service said, “No selfies,” Vice President Biden kindly interrupted him and said, “It’s OK. Let’s let him take a picture.” So I have a priceless picture of my family, the six of us, with Vice President Biden. What is the biggest lesson you’ll take away from the experience of being Wilkes president? Leahy: The experience has affirmed something I said when I first became the president of Wilkes: In our line of work, it is always best to put students first. One example that comes to mind is when I traveled to the United Nations for the first time in 2017 to speak at the International Council for Small Business’s Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises Summit. When I was introduced on the floor of the United Nations, a roar went up in the audience from more than 30 students that we brought along to experience an insider’s look at the United Nations. It prompted other university presidents who were there to say, “Wow, I didn’t know you could bring your own cheering section.” Here at Wilkes, our first thought when the invitation arrived for me to speak was to consider how many students we could bring. They said 10, and we brought 30. �OCTOBER JANUARY MAY Gateway to the Future Carnegie Ground is broken for Campaign launched Classification Bruggeworth Field at with $55 million goal. awards Wilkes Ralston Athletic Complex. doctoral university status. 2019 ................... ----~ APRIL Number of patents awarded Men’s and women’s ice hockey become the 22nd and 23rd through Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship totals 6. varsity sports, bringing the total added under Leahy’s tenure to 7. JUNE Phases 2 and 3 of the neighborhood enhancement project begins. The project will be completed in August. Leahy: There are really three. The first is when the campus community gathered to do the ice bucket challenge in honor of our dear friend and colleague, the late Jim Merryman (professor of anthropology). We put the call out to do the ice bucket challenge, which was a pretty popular thing at the time, and I suspected there might be 20 or 30 people, and there were probably 200 who showed up. We filled up the entire front of the library with people dressed in shorts and t-shirts and bathing suits. We all did the ice bucket challenge to raise money for ALS research in honor of our friend Jim Merryman. The second time was when we gave Mr. (John) Passan an honorary degree and we recognized him at commencement. He was sitting there on the stage and—without any prompting—each nursing student went over to Mr. Passan and thanked him for his support of the school of nursing when they crossed the stage. They did it with such genuine appreciation. Then, a number of non-nursing students stopped to thank him for his support at Wilkes before they came to me to receive their degrees. As president, I found it very moving to have students who understood how important his support was. And quite honestly, one of the times I felt really proud to be president was when we had commencement in fall 2018. I remembered that one of our graduates had come all the way from Hawaii to receive her degree. It was the first time she’d ever been on campus because she was a graduate nursing student who earned her degree 100 percent online. So on a whim, I said at commencement, “It dawns on me that some of you in our graduating class are visiting Wilkes University and Wilkes-Barre for the very first time. In order to welcome you more formally, I’d like to ask anyone who is here for the first time in our graduating class to please stand.” I was amazed at the number of students who stood—it was half of the class. I turned to (vice president for student affairs) Paul Adams and said, “Now, that’s a 21st century university.” WILKES | Spring 2019 Is there a moment when you were most proud to be the president at Wilkes? 13 �#24atWilkes WILKES | Spring 2019 Campus Life Captured on Social Media for 24 Hours at Wilkes 14 �Henry Student Center, students gather to play bingo—a prelude to Casino Night, one of the year’s biggest campus events taking place the next day. Upstairs at Henry’s Food Court, others grab food at Late Night, so named in students’ unique shorthand to refer to the time from 7:30 to 11 p.m. when they can get a snack to fuel a midnight study session. Crossing West South Street in front of the student center, a pair of students enters the Fenner Quadrangle. Crossing in front of the John Wilkes statue, one of them turns, raises her phone and snaps a picture of the statue silhouetted against the night sky. Over its shoulder, the brightly lit student center sends out welcoming light through the eyes of all of its windows. The picture becomes one of dozens that students, faculty and staff snap in a 24-hour period and post to social media, capturing campus life. In the digital age, the story of life at Wilkes University plays out online over and over again every 24 hours. This spring, Wilkes magazine invited the campus community to share their images from 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 until 8 p.m. on Friday, March 15. Using the hashtag #24atWilkes as they posted on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, the University community’s photos caught impressions of campus life, from a coffee at Starbucks to baseball practice. Some used it to record their day, hour by hour. Others composed images to reflect on what Wilkes means to them. On these pages, Wilkes magazine shares a sampling of the photos posted to social media during 24 hours at Wilkes. WILKES | Spring 2019 In the Ballroom of the 15 �♥ � � � From top to bottom: Communications officer Zach Patterson was answering calls for service on the 3-11 p.m. shift in Public Safety. The clock on the Campus Gateway strikes midnight in a photo by student Above: The clock read 10:02 p.m. when criminology major Lindsay Becker snapped this photo of John Wilkes on her walk back to her residence hall following Late Night. photographer Seth Platukis. Communication studies and sports management major Luke Modrovsky, editor- Below: Communication studies major Caroline in-chief of The Beacon, Rickard caught middle level education majors Kyleigh shares part of his day Smeltzer, left, and Kierstin Parricelli, showing their through an Instagram story. BINGO cards during a Casino Week event. To the right, Ryan Balliet, a sports management and WILKES | Spring 2019 0. 16 marketing major, Keeps it Locked at WCLH 90.7 radio. � �� � � � � � Right: Environmental engineering major Khrista Baran posted this Facebook photo saying she finds balance at Wilkes. Below: A group of students takes full advantage of the new study spaces inside the Mark Engineering Center. Above: Engineering majors Kyle Rosler, left and Dayton Benjamin crunch numbers in the basement of the Farley Library. Left: Joshua Bradley, political science and international studies major, shares the view from his balcony in Towers. WILKES | Spring 2019 24atWilkes � 17 �� � � � � � � � - Right: Biology Professor Ken Klemow shared his view of students in his Biology 122 class in Stark Learning Center, room 101. Below: Sophomore catcher and financial investments major Nicholas Malatesta smiles for the camera as he prepares for a game on the Colonels baseball team. Number 24, senior second baseman and accounting major Jack Fischer, is at bat. Baseball photos #24a were shared by communication studies student Kirsten Peters. Right, from top: Student pharmacist Katelyn Jimison snaps a picture of her lunch and laptop while completing school work looking out on the Fenner Quadrangle. Communication Studies major Caroline Rickard has a swinging time on a hammock outside of WILKES | Spring 2019 Capin Hall. 18 �♥ � � � � � atWilkes Clockwise from top right: Electrical engineering major Kris Smetana sets up labs in the Mark Engineering Center. Student pharmacist Patrick Speakman leads a campus tour. The moon shines over campus during the overnight shift with this photo by facilities night supervisor Jim Gabriele. Wilkes Adventure Education students Seth Hanchett, top row left, and Teddy Marines, top row right, highlight teamwork and fun with local Girl Scouts in Troop 30304. Student Allie Gundlah is second WILKES | Spring 2019 from right in the first row. 19 �GAME CHANGERS Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees Reflect on Their Experience as Student Athletes Being a student athlete defines the Wilkes experience for generations of University alumni. The 2018 inductees to the Athletics Hall of Fame reflect on their most memorable moments and the lessons learned on the WILKES | Spring 2019 playing field that they’ve applied to life after Wilkes. 20 Members of the Wilkes 2018 Athletics Hall of Fame class at the induction ceremony are pictured, from left, Carrie Chipego Singer ’98, Kyle Follweiler ’08, Ed Burke ’70, Nadine Taylor Prutzman ’07, MS ’13, Ted Sokolowski ’72 and Joe Folek ’88. �Ed Burke ’70 Kyle Follweiler ’08 FOOTBALL FOOTBALL WHERE HE IS NOW: Burke resides in Dallas, Pa., and runs a coin and metal detector business. He was a teacher in the Wyoming Valley West school district. He retired after 35 years. WHERE HE IS NOW: Follweiler resides in Germansville, Pa., and is the owner of Kyle’s Kars Sales and Service. COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: During three seasons as an offensive tackle, Burke was part of legendary coach Rollie Schmidt’s Golden Horde from 1965-1969 which won 32 straight games capturing three Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) titles. Burke was named Most Valuable Offensive Lineman by the MAC in 1968. He was also selected honorable mention All-American and All-State in 1969. Burke was named to the MAC All-Century Team as well as being inducted in 2013 to the Luzerne County Hall of Fame. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “My memories from my collegiate days center around Ralston Field and the 32-game win streak we had during those years. The friendships formed during those years last until today.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “My experience on those teams allowed me to coach high school football for several years in the Seventies.” COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: One of the best tacklers to ever suit up for the Colonels, Follweiler played linebacker for four seasons. He was a four-time First Team All-Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) honoree, while also earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2004. Follweiler was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year three times, racking up more than 400 tackles over his career. Follweiler’s accolades continued on the regional and national level as he was named All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) four times as well as Rookie of the Year in 2004 and Player of the Year in 2006. Follweiler also excelled on the baseball diamond. He was named All-Freedom three times while standing second all-time in runs scored with 143, sixth in at-bats with 470, second in hits at 185, fifth in doubles with 35, fifth in home runs with 22 and sixth in RBI’s with 123. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “Winning the MAC title in football and baseball in 2006 and 2007.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “Athletics gives you structure and discipline that isn’t duplicated in other hobbies and ventures. It helps you set goals and work to progress towards achievements.” Joe Folek ’88 BASEBALL WHERE HE IS NOW: Folek resides in Swoyersville, Pa. WHAT HE DOES NOW: Folek teaches special education at Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “Being fortunate enough to play baseball at Wilkes for Coach Duliba and Coach Bavitz, and then having them give me my start in the coaching profession by asking me to join the Colonel staff. This led to being able to team up with Coaches Bavitz, Youngblood and Klinetob and accept the head coaching position which got our brand of “old-fashioned hard-nosed baseball” off and running. Right along with this would be my Dad (Walter), a former Colonel himself, taking me to my first alumni game at Artillery Park as a kid in the early 1970s.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “I met some of the greatest, most dedicated and loyal people I have ever met in my life. My teammates, coaches, and especially my players have had a major impact on my life and continue to do so today and in the future.” WILKES | Spring 2019 COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: A four-year letter winner as a student, Folek enjoyed a highly successful career coaching the Colonels baseball team, accumulating 338 wins and finishing as the all-time winningest coach of the program. He began as an assistant coach with Wilkes in 1994 where he helped lead the squad to the Middle Atlantic Conference championship. In 1996 Folek took over as head coach where his teams recorded more than 20 wins in 10 of his 17 years at the helm. In 2007 the Colonels captured the Freedom Conference championship going 24-12 ,earning the school’s second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Two years later Folek led the squad to a school-record 29 wins and a Freedom Conference and ECAC Southern Region postseason berth. 21 �Nadine Taylor Prutzman ’07, MS ’13 SOFTBALL WHERE SHE IS NOW: Prutzman currently resides in Archbald, Pa. She is a special education teacher at the Western Wayne Middle School. Colonels sports career: Prutzman helped lead the Colonels to 83 wins and the 2006 Freedom Conference championship and NCAA tournament. She was named All-Freedom Conference three times including Player of the Year as a junior in 2005. She also was named First Team All-ECAC South, First Team All-Region and Second Team All-American in the same season. Taylor was also recognized on the Middle Atlantic Conference All-Century Team in 2013. She ranks seventh in runs scored with 79, seventh in hits with 131, eighth in doubles with 25, third in triples with 8 and fifth in stolen bases with 38, all while playing in the Colonels outfield. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “My favorite memory at Wilkes University would have to be meeting my future husband in Evans Hall. We both lived on the fourth floor. He was a sophomore and I was a freshman. We will be celebrating 9 years of marriage in November 2019. We welcomed a son, Talon, in November 2013 and a daughter, Taylor, in June 2016.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HER LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “Athletics impacted my life after college in many ways. My success as a student athlete at Wilkes only made me a stronger individual in confidence and in determination. Being an athlete means you practice to make it perfect and that is exactly what I put into my everyday teaching style with my students, as well as to my two children. Learn from your mistakes and work hard every day.” Ted Sokolowski ’72 Carrie Chipego Singer ’98 BASEBALL FIELD HOCKEY WHERE HE IS NOW: Sokolowski resides in Nanticoke, Pa. He retired from Nanticoke Area school district, where he taught for 38 years in the elementary school. WHERE SHE IS NOW: Singer resides in Forty Fort, Pa., and is a chemist for the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority. COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: One of four pitchers in Colonels history to reach 20 wins, Sokolowski earned Middle-Atlantic Conference (MAC) Most Valuable Player honors in 1972. He finished his career with a 21-7 overall record on the mound standing ninth all-time in winning percentage (.750) and second in wins. Sokolowski made his mark throughout the Colonel pitching record book, standing second in innings pitched with 227, third in games started with 32, fifth in complete games with 16 and eighth with an earned-run average of 2.26. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “Playing baseball, we won a championship and intramural basketball. I had some good friends.” WILKES | Spring 2019 HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “I played a lot of baseball, basketball and hardball after (college)— it was a big part of my life until I couldn’t do it anymore.” 22 COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: Singer was an integral part of a Colonels field hockey program that won three straight Freedom League championships, two ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championships and made one NCAA tournament appearance. Her finest year came as a junior where she led the team with 35 points on 14 goals and seven assists earning Most Valuable Player honors at the ECAC Championship. Singer was a two-time First Team All-Freedom League selection in both her junior and senior seasons and earned National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-American honors as a senior in 1997. For her career Singer finished with 79 points on 31 goals and 17 assists. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “I loved going to away games and driving in the van with everyone. We always had such a great time singing songs on the radio and sometimes getting lost along the way to the game.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HER LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “I really loved the game so much, I ended up teaching seventh and eighth grade field hockey for Wyoming Valley West for ten years. I had so many girls! A few went on to play collegiate sports.” �1994 Baseball Team The 1994 Wilkes baseball team captured the MAC Championship after beating nationally ranked Elizabethtown College in a best-of-three series earning a berth in the ECAC Southern Region Championship Tournament. Wilkes took game one 9-1 and then claimed the title in game three with a 6-5 victory. The Colonels finished the season 19-14 under head coach Bob Duliba and assistant coaches Jerry Bavitz and Joe Folek. Five different players earned all-conference honors led by conference Most Valuable Player Bill Noone and his seven wins and 1.60 earned-run average. Duliba was also named conference Coach of the Year. Team members include: Chris Carver, Geoff Little, B.J. Mushinsky, Keith Adamski, Dave Meyers, Bill Blanck, Chris Tyukody, Bob Klinetob, Mike Wassel, Tony DeCesare, Dave Macedo, Grant Yoder, Aaron Stoker, Rob Michaels, Steve Klem, J.J. Grube, Dave Kelly, Kevin Gryboski, Steve Endres, Chris Tobias, Clarence Baltrusaitis, Dave Kaschak, Joe Balay, Robert Horensky, Mark Youngblood, Bill Noone, Ryan Flynn, and Tom Whille. Members of the 1994 baseball team gathered for a team photo at the Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The following alumni are representing the 1994 baseball team for this story: WHERE HE IS NOW: Klem resides in Kingston, Pa., with his wife Lauren and two sons, Trevor and Jesse. He is a teacher at Wyoming Valley West High School where he teaches Advanced Placement psychology and American law. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “There are three memories I will never forget. [These include] the Saturday afternoon when we won the 1994 MAC Baseball Championship, playing baseball in Florida to start our season and my student-teaching experience which encompasses working with the many talented faculty members within the education and content area of my teaching certificate.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “The lessons that were taught by the coaching staff at Wilkes have shaped my ability to work as a team member and never feel that what other people call impossible is impossible.” Bill Noone ’95 WHERE HE IS NOW: Noone resides in Exeter, Pa., and is the director of product management with Prudential Retirement. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “Winning the 1994 Middle Atlantic Conference Championship. Also meeting my wife Tammy Swartwood ’96.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “Athletics at Wilkes has made a significant and positive impact on my life over the years after graduation. From the friendships I have maintained with teammates, coaches and many other Wilkes athletes, to the experiences and lessons from the coaches, I am now able to leverage that in my own coaching at the youth sports level.” David Kaschak ’94 WHERE HE IS NOW: Kaschak resides in Sewell, N.J., where he is a sales executive for Aetna. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “Winning the 1994 MAC Championship.” HOW ATHLETICS CHANGED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “Athletics taught me how to deal with different personalities and work towards a common goal.” WILKES | Spring 2019 Steve Klem ’94, MS’08 23 �Gatewar i Future CAMPAIGN WILKES | Spring 2019 Ralston Athletic Complex Project Will Enhance Experience of Student Athletes 24 �The Gateway to the Future Campaign continues its goal of enhancing Wilkes University “brick by brick” with a project launching this summer at the Ralston Athletic Complex. Opposite page: An artist’s rendering shows Bruggeworth Field at the Ralston Athletic Complex. It will include a baseball field and a multi-purpose field that will be used by five sports. This page from top: A new baseball field will replace the current one at Artillery Park. Center, men’s and women’s soccer will be among the sports playing on the new multi-purpose field. Bottom, a rendering shows the proposed pedestrian gateway leading to Schmidt Stadium. Naming Opportunities at Bruggeworth Field Gifts of all sizes are welcome to support the Ralston Athletic Complex project. The following are among the available naming opportunities: • Baseball press box • Multi-use field press box • Scoreboard • Two spectator areas • Pedestrian Gateway to Schmidt Stadium WILKES | Spring 2019 A multi-use field is planned that will transform the experience of student athletes with improved playing fields that will allow better scheduling of games and practices. It also will provide playing surfaces that will be better able to withstand the kind of weather that often accompanies a soggy spring in northeastern Pennsylvania. Bruggeworth Field at the Ralston Athletic Complex, made possible by an initial leadership gift of $1 million from Wilkes alumnus Robert Bruggeworth ’83, will include a baseball field and a second, multi-purpose turf field that will be used by five sports: men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse and field hockey. The Gateway to the Future Campaign seeks to raise an additional $1 million for this project as part of its overall campaign goal. Gifts of all sizes are being sought to support the project. Naming opportunities are available for press boxes, scoreboard, spectator areas and a pedestrian gateway to Schmidt Stadium. The new facilities will provide a competitive advantage for the teams using the fields. The Colonels baseball team will be able to play outside earlier in the season. Other teams playing on the multi-purpose field will no longer be dealing with practice and game cancellations because bad weather has rendered a field unplayable. The artificial turf and improved drainage will mean that student athletes can still compete there. The more than 500 student athletes playing in the University’s 23 varsity sports teams as well as the many who participate in intramurals benefit directly and indirectly from this planned project. With the addition of Bruggeworth Field, more teams can simultaneously be practicing or competing at the new facility and in the existing space in Schmidt Stadium. Scheduling problems— often a challenge for student athletes—will be greatly eased by the availability of expanded facilities. The Bruggeworth Field project is the beginning of phased improvements to the Ralston Athletic complex that will continue over the next decade. For more information about supporting the Gateway to the Future Campaign and its goals for the Ralston Athletic Complex, please contact Margaret Steele, chief development officer, at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or 570-408-4302. 25 �Ruth McDermottLevy ’82 Studies Health Care for a Changing Planet WILKES | Spring 2019 By Koren Wetmore 26 R Ruth McDermott-Levy ’82’s research on health care and the environment often takes her outdoors. She is pictured on the Belmont Plateau near Philadelphia, not far from where she teaches at Villanova University. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON uth McDermott-Levy ’82 arrived in Finland in summer 2018 during the third heatwave in what would become the nation’s hottest year on record. Finland’s average temperatures have already risen 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures—exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius maximum set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and double that of the rest of the globe. It was an auspicious start for a scholar who came to discuss the impacts of climate change on patient health. She soon discovered her subject was new to many nurses in Finland. “That was surprising, because Finland is way ahead of us on living sustainably,” she says. “Once nurses started talking about environmental health and our changing climate, however, they could see its relationship to their patients and they wanted to learn more.” While others debate the reality of climate change, McDermott-Levy, associate professor and director of the Center for Global Public Health at Villanova University, is training nurses to discern and address its effects on patients. �Sewing Seeds Early Early on McDermott-Levy had a passion for the outdoors and an interest in people. When the first Earth Day launched in 1970, she saved all her “nickels and pennies” and bought seedlings for everyone she knew. The experience sparked a curiosity about the connection between people and their environment. Yet she didn’t see how to translate that into a health career. Finding Her Focus She returned to school in 2013 to pursue her master’s degree in public health, with an emphasis on environmental and global health. As part of her studies, she examined the effects of fracking on the people in northeastern Pennsylvania. She also became the co-chair of the Pennsylvania State Nursing Association’s environmental health committee. “The health impacts of fracking are awful. As committee co-chair, I had to address those issues. The more I studied fracking and the impact of fossil fuels, it naturally led to the climate change piece.” Now the activist-scholar uses every tool at her command to educate and equip the next generation of nurses to address the health impacts of climate change. She co-edited an open-access ebook, “Environmental Health in Nursing,” published by the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE). She serves as co-chair of the ANHE Education Workgroup and a member of its fracking and climate change workgroups. She lectures nationwide, writes articles—she’s currently working on a piece about climate change impacts on older adults with former Wilkes Professor Anne Marie Kolanowski—and continues to do research here and abroad. Her recent trip to Finland was funded by a 2018 Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Health and Environmental Sciences Award. Her work there included teaching and research related to the impacts of climate change on human health. Her study results will inform the creation of future nursing curricula, including an online course for students at Villanova and the University of Eastern Finland. Like the seedlings shared in childhood, McDermott-Levy’s efforts carry a promise for the future. “This younger generation thinks differently than we do. My job is to give them the foundation and skills to look critically at the science, and then step out of their way,” she says. “We haven’t found the solutions to these complex problems that affect human health yet. I’m trusting they will.” WILKES | Spring 2019 “In Oman, the oil fields are far from where people live, so there are only occupational exposures. Here, fracking occurs in a community’s backyard.” Her first clue came while studying nursing at Wilkes. “I took care of people who had black lung disease from working in the mines, and saw patients with health problems related to air quality in their neighborhoods.” More clues arrived after graduation, when she worked in hospital and home health-care settings. There she saw how environmental exposures contributed to heart and respiratory diseases. But it wasn’t until her graduate work that things really started to gel. Between earning her master’s degree in nursing in 1996 and her doctorate in 2008, both from Villanova University, McDermott-Levy participated in multiple trips abroad as a Villanova faculty member. She guided students in service projects in Peru and Nicaragua, where she witnessed the impact of poverty and geography on health-care access. There were places where, if you needed care, you had to “walk two or more days” to get to services. She also spent six years serving as academic advisor to Omani nurses studying at Villanova and as an external reviewer for the University of Niswa. The work involved trips to Oman, and led to a visit to the Islamic sultanate and the Omani oil fields. It was an experience that proved informative when fracking for oil production began in Pennsylvania. “In Oman, the oil fields are far from where people live, so there are only occupational exposures. Here, fracking occurs in a community’s backyard,” she says. 27 �alumni news SAVE THE DATE FOR THE RALSTON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT The Second Annual Ralston Memorial Tournament to benefit athletics at Wilkes University will be held on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at the Wyoming Valley Country Club in Wilkes-Barre. For more information, contact Margaret Steele, chief development officer, at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or 570-408-4302. Alumni Association Open Board Meeting Are you interested in learning more about the Alumni Association? Participate in our open meeting on Friday, May 31, 2019, at 1 p.m. Whether you join us on campus or call in to the meeting, you’ll get a firsthand look at how our board of directors works with campus partners to provide programs for the alumni community. At the meeting, we’ll review our goals and discuss future opportunities for the upcoming fiscal year. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wilkes.edu or 570-408-7787. Email Information As a benefit of being a member of the Wilkes Alumni Association, we offer an email address for life. In the coming months, we will be transitioning active alumni email accounts which currently end in @wilkes.edu to end in @wilkesalumni.com. If you currently use your @wilkes.edu email address and would like to continue to have an email account hosted by Wilkes, please watch your @wilkes.edu inbox for more instructions on this process in the future. For any questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wilkes.edu or 570-408-7787. WILKES | Spring 2019 Contribute to Wilkes, Support its National Ranking 28 By contributing to Wilkes University as an alumnus, you can do more good than you may realize. The number of contributions made to Wilkes are considered in awarding national rankings. If alumni collectively participate, no matter the size of the gift, you can make a big difference in Wilkes University’s national ranking. For more information about the many ways your contributions can be put to use at Wilkes, contact Margaret Steele, chief development officer at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or 570-408-4302. Save the date for HOMECOMING 2019 October 4-6! Class years ending in 4s and 9s, get ready for your class reunion! www.wilkes.edu/homecoming �giving back The late Umid R. Nejib left a lasting legacy at Wilkes as the man who created the University’s engineering department and the program’s four-year curriculum. Now that legacy will be celebrated at Homecoming 2019 when a lab will be dedicated in the Stark Learning Center to forever commemorate his impact at Wilkes. “He truly was one of those people who bled blue and gold,” says Barbara King ’80, Nejib’s wife who worked at the University for 35 years and retired as associate dean of student affairs. “He just loved the place.” Alumni, faculty and students who knew him return that affection, frequently affirming, “Wilkes University is better because he was here.” Nejib, the founding dean of the School of Science and Engineering and professor of electrical engineering, joined Wilkes in 1965 and died in July 2002. He was originally hired temporarily to develop the engineering program and stayed for 37 years. Later in his career, he took on a new challenge to lay the groundwork for the establishment of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. King said that teaching was his true passion and he was always proud of his students. He was committed to the type of education that Wilkes provides, which incorporates technical skills with a liberal arts education. “He was so passionate about engineers who were educated in the liberal arts tradition,” King says. “He came from a background where he had all of the advantages of liberal arts learning, so that was very important to him.” Because Nejib also came from a background where women were very influential, educated and successful, it was a point of pride for him to have both men and women in engineering from the Umid R. Nejib start of the program. “Even from the very first class of engineering graduates, in 1973, he was always proud that there were women in the class,” recalls King. Walter Placek ’61 joined Wilkes as a faculty member around the same time that Nejib arrived at the University. The two were colleagues who became friends and worked together for more than 30 years. “He enjoyed doing all that he did,” recalls Placek. “When he was teaching, it was obvious that he enjoyed teaching. When he was chairing a meeting, he liked that too.” Placek says that Nejib held various positions at Wilkes, but he specifically remembers how his late colleague respected and supported his fellow faculty members in his role as chair of the engineering department. “When he asked you to do something, he would provide you with the resources to follow through.” King says that because Nejib was a modest man, he did not expect recognition for his work. She says that he would be surprised to have a lab named after him but it is an honor nonetheless. Placek agrees, saying that naming the lab is appropriate recognition, but Nejib cared more about the success of the school. “He wanted to do a good job,” says Placek. “He would prefer the degree, the program, the building, and the facility, to be successful. That, to him, would mean more than having a lab named after him.” JOIN US AT HOMECOMING 2019 as we celebrate and honor Dr. Umid Nejib’s legacy at Wilkes by dedicating the Engineering Flex-Lab in the Mark Engineering Center, located on the first floor of the Stark Learning Center. A donor plaque will be placed in the engineering lab recognizing individuals who contribute in honor of Dr. Nejib. For more information about making a gift in his honor, please contact Margaret Steele, chief development officer at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or call 570-408-4302. WILKES | Spring 2019 Lab Dedication at Homecoming 2019 Will Honor the Legacy of Umid R. Nejib 29 �class notes Mark Hunter ’06’s Research Career Takes Him to Stanford’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Ask Mark Hunter ’06 what he does as a staff scientist at the Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University, and you feel like you’ve taken a step into a scientific future that’s still evolving. The work at the lab centers on X-ray lasers that can help scientists better understand how chemical reactions occur, uncover the 3-D molecular structure of an enzyme that transmits African sleeping sickness, and study microscopic components of air pollution at the nanoscale. And that’s just a few examples. Hunter’s primary role at the Menlo Park, Calif., facility is helping external scientists use the LCLS for biomedical science experiments. He also is continuing his own research into novel ways of doing structural biology at the LCLS. Since its founding in 1962, the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy, has supported ground-breaking research that led to three Nobel Prizes in physics and the 2006 Nobel Prize in chemistry. For Hunter, a Wilkes chemistry graduate who earned a doctorate in chemistry in 2011 from Arizona State University, Hunter’s career path included time as a research associate—a his current role started with his doctoral dissertation related postdoctoral appointment—at Lawrence Livermore National to protein crystallography using X-rays, a technique used Laboratory and then at LCLS at the Coherent X-ray Imaging for determining the atomic and molecular structure of the beamline, where he had conducted most of his experiments as molecules comprising a crystal by means of X-ray diffraction. a graduate student. Promotions to associate staff scientist and Hunter’s research focused on X-ray lasers found at the lab staff scientist followed. where he now works. WILKES | Spring 2019 “I had a great experience at Wilkes and due to the caliber of “Much of our knowledge about the chemical structure of professors and mentors I had, I grew much more as a person matter has ultimately been derived from crystallography, in than can be understood through grades for courses alone,” which you grow a three-dimensionally ordered agglomerate of Hunter states. “The research opportunities at Wilkes definitely a sample—similar to a crystal of table salt—and then probe it helped my resume, and the ability to start research at an early using X-rays or electrons,” Hunter explains. stage in the undergraduate degree is very important.” However, traditional X-rays can damage the samples. Enter He cites Wilkes chemistry faculty Donald Mencer and Amy the X-ray laser technology available at the Linac Coherent Light Bradley and math professor John Harrison as incredibly Source and the research that was the basis of his dissertation. important mentors. He says Henry Castejon, now chair of “The new X-ray lasers seek to avoid this damage by having the mechanical engineering department, provided him with pulses so short that the material doesn’t have time to respond 30 Mark Hunter ’06 pauses outside the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory where he is a staff scientist at the Linac Coherent Light Source. PHOTO COURTESY MARK HUNTER “tough love.” to the X-rays before you collect all the necessary information— “Dr. Castejon always made sure to let me know when I wasn’t damage-free data collection,” Hunter continues. “And what the performing up to my potential, and that perspective has helped large team that I was part of showed was that, yes, you can use me greatly once I left Wilkes and ventured forth along my these techniques at X-ray lasers and avoid the damage caused career,” Hunter says. by traditional X-ray sources.” – By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 �class notes 1960 Bruce Miles of Stamford, Conn., Jerome Pauley of Shickshinny, Pa., and Robert Martin ’61 of Wall Twp., N.J., along with their classmates, the late Larry Choper and Boyd Hoats, were members of a popular singing group in the late 1950s called the Crewnecks. On Oct. 30, 2018, the CBS television show “NCIS” featured their song “Rockin Zombie,” which they recorded in 1959. The group sang extensively at college functions during that time. 1969 REUNION: OCT. 4–6 George Pawlush MS ’76 of Cheshire, Conn., was inducted into the Connecticut American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in January 2019. He served as Connecticut state baseball chairman and tournament director from 1999 to 2005. 1970 Caleb McKenzie of Hoboken, N.J., was reelected to a second term as the 92nd president of the Illuminating Engineering Society of New York City. McKenzie and his brother, Jeff, sponsor the Beryl and Cromwell E. Thomas Engineering Scholarship at Wilkes. He is also co-chair of the Richard Kelly Grant and the chair of the Illuminating Engineering Society of New York City Merit Scholarship. McKenzie is a principal at US Lighting Consultants, an international lighting consultancy based in New York City. 1977 Jim Burnetti and Deborah Hynoski Burnetti of Derwood, Md., celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Sept. 2, 2018, with a trip to the Galapagos Islands. They were accompanied by their son, Tony, who recently earned his doctorate in molecular biology at Duke University. Jim is employed as a senior principal systems engineer at the MITRE Corp. in McLean, Va. Debbie recently retired from her position as an editor with the American Geological Institute to devote her time to writing a book based on her father’s letters to her mother during World War II. 1978 Doreen Wickiser Dzoba MS ’00 of Orlando, Fla., retired from teaching after 36 years. She taught at St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pa. for 28 years. Her last 8 years of teaching were in Orange County, Fla. She lives in Florida with her husband, Tom Dzoba. Alan France and Sheree (Kessler) France ’79 of Center Valley, Pa., are celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary. They have also 1977 1975 Thomas Pezzicara of Holland, Pa., welcomed his first grandson, Enzo Christopher Pezzicara, on Oct. 12, 2018. Linda Abbey ’77 of New York, N.Y., and Nicholas Adler ’00 of Bloomfield, N.J., recently worked on “Goalkeepers” for the Bill Gates Foundation. The event brings together leaders from around the world to accelerate progress toward ending poverty and fighting inequality. Adler is an associate house manager at Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. Abbey is the vice president at Great Performances in New York City. 1962 Florence (Billings) Finn of Dallas, Pa., was inducted into The Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in August 2018. She taught in the Lake Lehman School District and coached basketball, junior high field hockey and softball. Finn has been retired for 22 years. 1980 Recently, several 1980 graduates met to remember their days at Warner, Gore and Slocum halls. Pictured from left to right; Steve Pavlick ’81, Joe Ferrara, David Arrigoni ’80, Richy Maurer ’82, Nick Gard ’80, John Haffner ’80, Craig Jackson ’80. Missing from the photo are: Peter Pagano ’79, Ken Lesniak ’80, Bill Manley and Jack Manley. WILKES | Spring 2019 Undergraduate 31 �class notes Clothiers, a high-end consignment shop near Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996 William Boyer, M.D., of Allentown, Pa., was appointed chief academic officer/ designated institutional official at Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. 1985 Donna (O’Toole) Sedor of Larksville, Pa., was named executive director of The Arc of Luzerne County, the leading agency fighting for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She previously was the director of development for the Women’s Resource Center of Scranton. welcomed a grandson, Alan Bird. Alan France is the president of France, Anderson, Basile and Company P.C., a CPA firm in the Lehigh Valley, and was recently elected as president of the Lehigh County Historical Society. Sheree retired from teaching in 2015. 1997 Shawn Harden of Semora, N.C., has been promoted to senior associate at Dewberry, a professional services firm. 2005 Brian and Katherine (Green) Fischer of Factoryville, Pa., welcomed twins on Aug. 23, 2018. Lucas and Reid Fischer were welcomed home by big brothers Jack and Everett and big sister, Lia. 1988 John Coble of Reading, Pa., was appointed as a new commissioner by the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. Coble is a middle school English teacher at St. Francis Academy, Philadelphia. 2000 Nicholas Adler – see 1977 2008 Christopher Mayerski MBA ’10 of Springfield, Pa., became the director of graduate admissions at Wilkes University on Nov. 12, 2018. 1995 Alexandria Marchel of Sandy, Utah, opened Primrose WILKES | Spring 2019 1980 Shepard Willner of Arlington, Va., retired from the federal government on Sept. 28, 2018, after 35 years of federal service. 32 1986 Paul Cummings of Cohoes, N.Y., co-authored the article “A solvable conjugacy problem for finitely presented semigroups satisfying C(2) and T(4)” appearing in the April issue of the mathematics journal Semigroup Forum. 2011 Britney Hazleton of Dallas, Pa., and her husband, Michael, welcomed their first child, Madelyn Elizabeth Hazleton, on April 15, 2018. 2012 2011 Jacqueline Lukas of Courtdale, Pa., married Kevin Eovitch on Nov. 3, 2018. Nicole Kaufman of Scranton, Pa., and her husband, Mark, welcomed baby boy Robert Joseph Kaufman to their family on Sept. 20, 2018. �class notes Jenna Strzelecki ’07, MBA ’09 Becomes Business Owner with CrossFit Anthracite When most people wake up for work, Jenna Strzelecki ’07 MBA ’09 has already opened up her gym, CrossFit Anthracite, taught a class and got coffee for the other coaches at the gym. Then she is off to her day job at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Later, when her colleagues are calling it a day after eight hours at the office, she is back coaching and encouraging gym members. Strzelecki’s full-time job is working for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton as the director of curriculum development and assessment. For the past ten years, she has been responsible for managing and providing oversight for all aspects of the medical school curriculum. She added a second job in 2013 when she became part owner of what was DK Cross. “After two years of getting my MBA at Wilkes and being busy, “I loved being able to impact people’s lives in a healthy owning a business in addition to a demanding day job seemed and positive way,” says Strzelecki, who earned her bachelor’s like a piece of cake,” she laughs. “Owning a business was always degree in business with a marketing concentration. “The gym a dream of mine. Being your own boss is something I think a lot is not necessarily my passion, but helping people realize their of people dream of but they are afraid the risk will outweigh the potential is my passion. I share my love for CrossFit and the reward. Opening the gym with a business partner at first eased gym with people to help them better themselves.” some of those risks, which was a great start to jumping into the world of business ownership.” Maintaining a routine and intricate schedule helps her to balance her two jobs. Strzelecki credits her MBA from Wilkes In February 2018, she bought out her partner and reopened for the confidence, knowledge and skills needed in making the gym under the name CrossFit Anthracite as the sole owner. important financial business decisions and “ensuring the Her passion and dedication to succeed along with her everyday operations of the business were handled profes- business knowledge allowed Strzelecki to continue fulfilling sionally and to highest standards possible.” her goal of bettering people’s lives through health and fitness. “My MBA at Wilkes taught me to understand what it takes At the gym, she is also the head coach. She earned her Level to make a mark in the ever-changing world of owning and 1 CrossFit Certification in 2012 as well as her Level 2 and Kids operating a business,” she explains. CrossFit certifications, allowing her to lead members and She knows her schedule is hectic but she is confident in her abilities to handle anything thrown her way. fellow coaches. “If you want something badly enough you make time for it. You make time for what matters in your - Jenna Strzelecki ’07, MBA ’09 life no matter how hectic your days become and how late your nights go,” she says. “I am fortunate to work with two great teams that allow me to easily navigate both jobs.” – By Samantha Stanich MA ’18 WILKES | Spring 2019 “...Helping people realize their potential is my passion. I share my love for CrossFit and the gym with people to help them better themselves.” 33 �class notes Levi Leyba MBA ’16 Creates Bilingual Books for Children “The ‘Young Series’ are bilingual children’s books that promote childhood literacy and parental involvement,” Leyba explains. Right now, titles include stories about young Susan B. Anthony, John. D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin. “The stories introduce each character, announce a problem or situation that each character must overcome, and close with a resolution to the earlier mentioned obstacle,” he adds. With the Amazon sale of each “Young Series” book, Leyba donates a book to a child in a low-income community. “In 2012 I started a 501(c)3 non-profit called Guardian Angel Council,” Leyba says. “Through my charity, I have partnered with Title I elementary schools that help with the distribution of books to those who need them the most….with every book purchased, one will be donated. I do this with Guardian Angel Council and its Book for Book program.” A Title 1 elementary school has large concentrations of low-income students and receives additional funding to Levi Leyba MBA ’16 became inspired after writing a research assist in meeting educational goals for students. Though his paper in one of his Wilkes MBA classes on childhood literacy target age group is preschool through sixth grade, Leyba and its relationship to educational and economic success. explains that there is value in adults reading the series, too. Once he completed his degree, the Mesa, Ariz., native took that inspiration and created a publishing business, writing “Through my research, I learned that when someone wants to learn the English language, the first thing they do is and illustrating bilingual check out children’s books children’s books. Part of from the local library,” he that plan was to donate books to students in need. With guidance from his Wilkes mentor, retired business professor Anthony Liuzzo, he set forward. “Dr. Liuzzo helped me with my “The ‘Young Series’ are bilingual children’s books that promote childhood literacy and parental involvement.” final research paper setting – Levi Leyba MBA ’16 WILKES | Spring 2019 up the guidelines that I 34 says. “So, in reality, any age-group can benefit from these bilingual books if they are interested in learning English and Spanish.” Leyba also serves as an adjunct faculty member in business at Mesa should follow to properly research the topic of early childhood Community College and on the board for A New Leaf, a literacy. Without his experience and knowledge, I’m not certain 46-year-old community nonprofit organization, providing a that the type of research I made myself do would have resulted broad spectrum of support services to help individuals and in publishing bilingual children’s books,” Leyba says. families in crisis. The books, now known as the “Young Series,” are helping Leyba connect with Spanish and English language learners and low-income communities to make a difference in children’s lives. – By Sarah Bedford ’17, MA ’19 �class notes 2013 Dustin Hough of Chambersburg, Pa., and Lauren Wood of Kingston, Pa. married on Sept. 13, 2018 at Sand Springs in Drums, Pa. 2012 Mary Siejak of Hanover Twp., Pa., was honored as a 2019 Distinctive Woman by the Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre. Siejak is an individualized instruction teacher at Good Shepherd Academy and a ballet instructor at the Degnan Ballet Center at the Conservatory at Wilkes University. 2018 Madison Scarfaro of Whitehall, Pa., recently graduated from Wilkes and has become a field staff member for the Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania team. Marsy’s Law would ensure that victims of crime have the same co-equal rights as those who were accused or convicted. The law has been passed unanimously by Pennsylvania’s Senate and House. The law must be approved by the voters of Pennsylvania in a ballot referendum before it can be added into the constitution. 2015 Angela (Cairns) Choate of Camp Hill, Pa., welcomed her second child, Theodore James, with husband Joshua Choate on Nov. 2, 2018. Graduate 1976 See George Pawlush in Undergraduates 1969 2000 See Doreen Wickiser Dzoba MS ’00 in Undergraduates 1978 2008 Holly (Miller) Courter MBA of Wilkes-Barre Twp. welcomed a daughter, Delaney Jane, with her husband, Josh, on Feb. 21, 2018. The couple also have a six-year old daughter, Peyton. 2010 See Christopher Mayerski MBA, Undergraduate 2008 2013 Christina Force Ed.D. of Berwick, Pa., received the Michael and Bree Gillespie Faculty Fellowship from the department of business education at Bloomsburg University. She earned her doctorate from Wilkes in educational administration. Force serves as the adviser of Pi Omega Pi, the business education honor society, and is a member of the national executive board. She is the vice president for both the Pennsylvania Business Education Association and Phi Kappa Phi. In addition, she organizes the Husky Dog Pound, a shark tank-like event for Bloomsburg University students and high school students. WILKES | Spring 2019 2013 Jessica Short of Scranton, Pa., and Nadine Taylor Prutzman ’07 MS ’13 of Scranton, Pa., ran into each other on Future Day at Western Wayne School District. Short works at Western Wayne School District and is the cheerleading coach at Wilkes University. Prutzman is a special education teacher at Robert D. Wilson Elementary School and a member of the Wilkes Athletics Hall of Fame. 35 �class notes MARLON JAMES MA’06 RELEASES NEW NOVEL TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM Marlon James MA ’06 has released “Black Leopard, Red other media outlets. James Wolf,” the first book in a trilogy that has been described also was interviewed on Late as an African “Game of Thrones.” The book’s release has Night With Seth Meyers. The garnered media attention from The New Yorker, The New film rights for the novel have York Times, Time, Vanity Fair, Variety and in dozens of been optioned by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Warner Bros. In April 2019, James was named to Time magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People.” He is listed in the category of “Pioneers.” Legendary author Salman Rushdie wrote the Time tribute to James, calling him “one of the most important voices of his literary generation.” Talking about “Black Leopard, Red Wolf,” Rushdie describes the book as having “echoes of Tolkien, George R.R. Martin and Black Panther, but highly original, its language surging with power, its imagination all-encompassing. Marlon is a writer who must be read.” James has been on the fast track to literary stardom since his novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings won the Man Booker Prize in 2015. As the first Jamaican to win the international prize, the award put James in the company of such notable authors as Rushdie, Hilary Mantel, Philip Roth and Alice Munro. WILKES | Spring 2019 PHOTO BY EARL & SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC 36 PICTURE PERFECT: GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING PHOTOS FOR CLASS NOTES 1. Email jpeg or tif files to wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or upload as an online class note submission on the alumni website at www.wilkes.edu/alumni. Wilkes magazine accepts photos of alumni weddings and to accompany class notes reporting achievements and milestones. To ensure that we can use the photos submitted, please follow these requirements: 2. Digital photos must be at least 4 by 6 inches at 300 dpi or 1200 pixels by 1800 pixels. If you are sending a photo from your smart phone, choose full size or the largest size when prompted to specify the size you wish to send. 3. Please identify everyone in the photo, starting from left to right. Identify both alumni and non-alumni in submitted photos. Include class years for alumni. �class notes In Memoriam 1940 Charles Fehlinger of Montoursville, Pa., died on Aug. 24, 2018. Fehlinger was a World War II veteran who served in the Army Air Corps. He retired from Conrail. 1943 William S. Myers of Green Valley, Ariz., died in 2017. 1948 John Gorski of Front Royal, Va., died on Oct. 27, 2018. Gorski retired as an advisory systems engineer with IBM. 1949 Dorothy “Pinky” Wilkes Lewis of Staten Island, N.Y., died on Dec. 22, 2018. Lewis continued her education at Wagner College and was a chemist at Seaview Hospital. She was a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology for over 50 years. Jerome Mintzer of New York, N.Y., died on April 10, 2015. He was a certified public accountant for more than 50 years and a World War II veteran. Stanley Siberski of Newtown Square, Pa., died on Feb. 21, 2017. Siberski served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Frank Sromovski of Wilkes-Barre Twp., died on Dec. 6, 2018. Sromovski was an Army veteran of World War II. He and his late wife owned and operated Frank’s Market in Wilkes-Barre Township for many years. 1950 William Kiselis of Kingston, Pa., died on Nov. 3, 2018. Kiselis retired from the Social Security Administration. John Nixon Shoemaker of Wyoming, Pa., died on Aug. 5, 2018. Shoemaker served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was the owner of Shoemaker Card and Gift Shops and Shoemaker Hardware. He was a member of many organizations, including Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming Business Club and served on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Wyoming. Edward Teno of Plymouth, Pa., died on Oct. 24, 2018. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He was employed by RCA Corp./ Harris Corp. as an electrical engineer for many years. 1951 Theresa (Jendrezejewski) Bates of Bangor, Pa., died on Aug. 4, 2018. She was employed by the research department at Perelman School of Medicine, and later worked for RCA in New Jersey and Mountain Top, Pa. 1952 John Murtha of Silver Spring, Md., died on June 26, 2017. 1953 William Veroski of Lancaster, Pa., died on July 25, 2018. He served in the U.S. Navy where he became a naval aviator. He then was an engineer for Goodyear. He later was the city engineer for several communities, eventually retiring as the County Sanitary Engineer for Fairfield County, Ohio. Thomas Vojtek of Virginia Beach, Va., died on Dec. 27, 2018. Vojtek was a retired Navy captain. He earned a juris doctorate from Temple University Law School and was a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. 1954 Robert Bhaerman of Pickerington, Ohio, died on July 30, 2018. He taught at the University of Delaware, Ohio State University and the State University of New York system. He also was associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Education at Wayne State University. He was director of educational research for the American Federation of Teachers and coordinator of school-based service-learning for Learn and Serve America. He authored or co-authored more than 100 books, chapters, articles, monographs, reports and guidebooks. Stanley Knapich of Sweet Valley, Pa., died on Nov. 12, 2018. He earned a master’s degree and doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University. He specialized in plant taxonomy and published on that topic as well as on aesthetics in biology. He was biology professor and chairperson of biology and medical technology at Misericordia University. 1955 Ruth (Wilbur) Bretz of Upper Providence, Pa., died on May 21, 2013. Bretz was a past member of the Rose Tree Media School District School Board and former president of Elwyn Institutes Parent Staff Association. Robert C. Dickshinski of Nanticoke, Pa., died on Dec. 22, 2018. Dickshinski served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He had a long career with American Chain and Cable, Wilkes-Barre. He was last employed by Smith-Miller Associates. Clarence Florkiewicz of Tallmadge, Ohio, died on Nov. 7, 2018. Florkiewicz served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company with 35 years of service designing specialty tires. WILKES | Spring 2019 1939 Chester Weinstock of Tierra Verde, Fla., died on Aug. 30, 2018. He was a graduate of Bucknell University Junior College. 37 �class notes Aldona Lillian “Pat” Hojecki of Carteret, N.J., died on March 29, 2018. Hojecki joined the Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary in 1971 and remained a life-long member, holding the post of secretary for over 20 years. She was a member of the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital Rahway Auxiliary for over 28 years where she volunteered for over 2,900 hours. Frances (Haver) Moran of Wilkes-Barre, died on Oct. 2, 2018. Moran did accounting for Moran & Flynn Iron Works, Jay Dee Shoe Store and United Penn Bank. She was employed at Bell Telephone Co. in various departments until her retirement and was a lifetime member of the Bell Pioneers. 1957 Walter Bednar of Wyoming, Pa., died on Oct. 14, 2018. He began his teaching career in New Jersey before moving to the Southern Lancaster County School (Solanco) System in Quarryville. In 1967, he became a business teacher at Luzerne County Community College. He was also a certified public accountant. WILKES | Spring 2019 Luciana (DiMattia) Suraci of Clarks Green, Pa., died on Oct. 22, 2018. 38 1958 Robert Augustine of Wyoming, Pa., died on Aug. 31, 2018. Augustine served in the U.S. Army. He worked for Consolidated Cigar and also was an agent for Prudential Life Insurance Co. Carol (Hallas) McGinley of Tunkhannock, Pa., died on Oct. 31, 2018. McGinley was a certified public accountant, a teacher at Lackawanna College and a tax preparer at H&R Block. George Morrash of Wilkes-Barre, died on Dec. 8, 2018. Morrash worked as a clerk typist for the federal government and later served as a U.S. Marine in World War II. He was recalled to serve in the Korean War in 1951. He retired from the Social Security Administration after 42 years of service. William “Willy” Players of West Pittston, Pa., died on Nov. 11, 2018. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Players taught geometry, trigonometry and calculus for 35 years at Wyoming Area High School. Joseph Todryk of Wyoming, Pa., died on Sept. 18, 2018. Todryk was a teacher and principal for more than 25 years in the Tunkhannock Area School District. earned his master’s degree in education from Newark State College in New Jersey. He taught in the Old Bridge, N. J., School District for 37 years, retiring in 1997. John Neddoff of Dallas, Pa., died on Oct. 29, 2018. He was in the restaurant business with his brothers and sisters for over 50 years, with local eateries the Peerless Lunch and Neddoff ’s Restaurant. Arlene Tanalski of DeSoto, Texas, died on Aug. 12, 2018. Tanalski taught elementary school for more than 40 years in Stratford, Conn., Cleveland, Ohio, and Dallas, Texas. She also had her own Montessori School in DeSoto, Texas. 1960 Carl Henning of Bridgton, Maine, died on June 6, 2017. Henning served in the U.S. Coast Guard. His work focused on research and development of diesel fuel injection equipment. 1959 Charles Gender of Glen Burnie, Md., died on Feb. 15, 2018. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955. He retired from the Anne Arundel County Public School system after many years of service. Gerald J. Killian of Mountain Top, Pa., died on Sept. 9, 2018. He had a private practice in optometry for over 50 years and was a member of the American Optometric Association. He participated in the Low Vision Clinic of Allied Services, Scranton, Pa. David John Edwards Morgan of East Brunswick, N.J., died on Dec. 26, 2017. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served honorably during the Korean War. Morgan Marilyn (Warburton) Lutter of Washington, D.C., died on Nov. 29, 2018. Lutter was employed as a social worker for over 30 years. Her career included work with an adoption service, at the Moss Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., and serving as director of social services at the Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, D.C. 1961 Thomas D. Shaffer of Murieta, Calif., died on Dec. 12, 2018. Shaffer worked for Bethlehem Steel Corp. as an engineer in its Chicago plant. After moving to California, he and his wife were top-selling realtors in the Sacramento/ Rancho Murieta area. 1962 Samuel Book of Cabin John, Md., died on May 13, 2016. William Ruzzo of Wilkes-Barre died on Sept. 22, 2018. Ruzzo earned his juris doctorate from the University of Bridgeport and was a criminal defense attorney. In addition to his private law practice, he was a member of the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office. 1963 Gary E. Frank of Harvey’s Lake, Pa., died on Aug. 10, 2018. Frank was an optometrist at Dr. Brown’s, a family business, and at Northeastern Eye Institute. 1965 James Reid of Exeter, N.H., died on Sept. 17, 2018. Reid owned and operated a successful insurance business in Dover, N.H., and was active in commercial real estate investing throughout his career. �class notes Harry Wilson of Tunkhannock, Pa., died on Aug. 3, 2017. He was employed by the Tunkhannock Area School District for 35 years, first as a social studies teacher and later as a middle school guidance counselor. 1968 Stuart Jed of El Cerrito, Calif., died on Dec. 16, 2016. His career in management spanned 40 years directing both urban and rural health-care facilities across the country. He founded Delta One, a Bay Area management firm specializing in revitalization of hospitals on the verge of bankruptcy. John Prego of Willow Grove, Pa., died on Feb. 4, 2019. Prego was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Thomas E. Rokita of Shavertown, Pa., died on Sept. 11, 2018. An all-star athlete at Wilkes, Rokita was inducted into the Wilkes University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989 and was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also head tennis coach and head soccer coach at Wilkes College. He taught at Wyoming Seminary and was the head soccer coach there. He later became the athletic director at Lake-Lehman School District. 1969 Paul Kane of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Aug. 18, 2018. While at Wilkes, he played linebacker for the Golden Horde football team. Kane was employed by Hanover Area High School as a social studies teacher for 33 years. While at Hanover Area, he was the assistant football coach. He was also the assistant football coach at Wilkes and was the assistant wrestling coach at West Side Central Catholic High School. Robert Kopec of Swoyersville, Pa., died on Oct. 20, 2018. He worked as a certified public accountant. Rosalie Mazur of Plymouth, Pa., died on Dec. 2, 2018. Mazur received her master’s degree in clinical psychology in 1972 from University of New York at Buffalo, N.Y. Eloise Griffiths Orsi of East Windsor, N.J., died on September 12, 2018. She worked in child care. Joseph A. Stallone of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, died on Jan. 15, 2019. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He later had a career as an artist with specialties in ceramic sculpture and decorative painting. James B. Thomas of Plymouth, Pa., died on Dec. 3, 2016. Prior to his retirement, Thomas had been employed by UGI Corp. as a supervisor and by John Connolly & Sons. He was also a representative for Plymouth Borough to the Westside Landfill Authority. John Turner of Shavertown, Pa., died on Feb. 21, 2019. Turner retired in 2005 from Dallas High School after teaching history for 36 years. Turner created the first fire science associate’s degree program at Luzerne County Community College, where he taught both fire science and history courses for over 25 years. He authored the Pennsylvania Firefighter Certification Exam and taught local level training programs to firemen throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. He served on the Luzerne County Emergency Management Team and most recently served as the Kingston Township Emergency Management coordinator. 1970 David Bogusko of Bel Air, Md., died on Nov. 26, 2018. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1970 to 1976. He worked as a school psychologist in the Harford County Public Schools in Maryland. 1972 Anthony Calore of Oak Ridge, N.C., died on Feb. 4, 2019. David Furman of Fayetteville, N.Y., died on June 28, 2018. Furman retired as chief financial officer of Dey Brothers in Syracuse. He also was a financial consultant. Robert D. Jarrett of Plymouth, Pa., died on Aug. 12, 2018. Early in his career, he worked as a research chemist for Diamond Shamrock Corp. in Ohio and was awarded several patents for advancements in the medical field. He later worked in the laboratory of the former Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre and as an instructor in the Biology Department of Luzerne County Community College. David Richards of Forty Fort, Pa., died on Jan. 7, 2019. Prior to his retirement, Richards was a supervisor for the Veterans Administration Office in Philadelphia. Daniel L. Son of Mountain Top, Pa., died on Nov. 26, 2018. Son received his medical degree from the University of Guadalajara. He began his surgical career at Hahnemann University Hospital, where he served as a senior instructor of urology. He served in various capacities within the Hazleton/St. Joseph Medical Center and most notably was the chairman and chief of surgery. He also practiced at several hospitals in the region, including the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance and was a sole practitioner in the Hazleton/Drums area. WILKES | Spring 2019 1966 Ernest John Krute of Conneaut Lake, Pa., died on March 25, 2018. Krute was a financial officer for the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County. 39 �class notes 1975 Pauline (Hayes) Lawson of Garland, Maine, died on November 26, 2013. Lawson was a retired elementary school teacher from the Hazleton School District, Hazleton, Pa. Emerson Logan of Mountain Top, Pa., died on Jan. 6, 2019. Logan was employed by the Sunday Independent for 25 years, and subsequently by The Citizens’ Voice, the Hazleton Standard-Speaker and The Scranton Times-Tribune. 1981 Melissa Molinaro of Hazleton, Pa., died on May 23, 2017. Molinaro was employed as a same-day surgery nurse for Lehigh Valley HospitalHazleton. WILKES | Spring 2019 1983 Richard Martin of Westminster, Md., died on Oct. 18, 2018. Martin studied special education for the deaf at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. He later was employed by Tricon Construction Inc., Crofton, Md., where he served as chief administrative officer and chief information officer for many years. 40 1984 Theodore Dalpiaz of Berwick, Pa., died on Jan. 1, 2018. Dalpiaz started his career with United Engineers in Philadelphia. He also worked for Southport Nuclear Station in Southport, S.C. He later worked for PPL Electric at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station for 30 years. 1993 Cindy Haefele of Plains Twp., Pa., died on Dec. 13, 2018. James Scales of Myrtle Beach, S.C., died on Jan. 5, 2019. Ann Marie O’Donnell of Nanticoke, Pa., died on July 25, 2018. She was a reading specialist with the Greater Nanticoke Area School District. Marguerite “Peggy” (McCormick) Tolan of Wilkes-Barre, died on Oct. 8, 2018. Tolan was director of nursing at Valley Crest Nursing Home when she retired in 2000. 1987 Philip Cyriax of Whitehall, Pa., died on July 23, 2018. Cyriax served as a claims adjustor for multiple insurance companies. Mary Therese (Koval) Pitcavage of Swoyersville, Pa., died on Sept. 15, 2018. She retired after 29 years of service as a math teacher and director of community service at The Wyoming Seminary Upper School. 1989 Thomas C. George of Bethlehem Twp., Pa., died on February 23, 2017. He worked for Minerals Technologies in Easton, Pa., until retiring. 1990 Dominick Aritz of West Pittston, Pa., died on Jan. 12, 2019. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Artiz worked as an electrician and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 163. 1994 Bonita (Rynkiewicz) Mosley of Bear Creek Twp., Pa., died on April 27, 2018. She was employed by Blue Cross of Wilkes-Barre as a data analyst for 24 years. 1996 Philip J. Calabro of Clifford Twp., Pa., died on Sept. 28, 2015. Calabro was a maintenance supervisor at Tredegar Film Products. He also served in the National Guard. 2001 Joseph Cortegerone of Exeter, Pa., died on Sept. 21, 2018. 2002 Barbara Benesky of Dallas, Pa., died on Oct. 4, 2018. Benesky worked for Nanticoke Special Care Hospital from 1976 to 2004. 2004 Anita Legge of Mountain Top, Pa., died on Feb. 22, 2019. 2009 Patricia Ann (Trisha) Fenton of Jessup, Pa., died on June 18, 2018. She worked at HRSI, Scranton as a health care receivables specialist. 2014 S. Ryan Kojsza of Scranton, Pa., died on Oct. 2, 2018. Kojsza worked as a supervisor for United Parcel Service. 2015 Daniel Ruth of Slatington, Pa., died on Aug. 8, 2018. He was an airman at Ellsworth Air Force Base and belonged to the 37th Bomb Squadron. 2018 Lauren Lewis of Moscow, Pa., died on Nov. 19, 2018. She was employed by Walgreens Pharmacy. �There’s still time to help build the Gateway to the Future BRICK BY BRICK OPPORTUNITY BY OPPORTUNITY STUDENT BY STUDENT The Gateway to the Future Campaign aspires to raise $55 million. Join the effort by making a gift in support of the following goals: UNRESTRICTED GIFTS | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS | RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP There has never been a better time to contribute to Wilkes University. Join the campaign by making a gift now! Learn more at www.wilkes.edu/campaign or text Wilkes to 565-12 For more information about ways to give, contact Margaret Steele, chief development officer, at 570-408-4302 or margaret.steele@wilkes.edu �Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 calendar of events PHOTO BY JAMES MUSTO May 1-18 “Ukiyo-e to Shin Hanga: Japanese Woodcuts from the Syracuse University Art Collection,” Sordoni Art Gallery 18 Spring Commencement, McHale Athletic Center, University Center on Main 20 Summer Presession Begins 20 Summer Full Session Begins June 1 Founders Gala, Westmorland Club, Wilkes-Barre 1-2 “The Little Mermaid” and “Waltzes From Vienna,” Degnan Ballet Center at the Wilkes Conservatory 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 2 Summer Presession Ends 10 Summer Session I Begins 10 Nine-Week Session Begins 11-Aug. 4 Liz Godley, Sordoni Art Gallery 16-20 Maslow Faculty Reading Series, 7 p.m. Sunday, Barnes & Noble, Public Square; Monday-Thursday, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 30-July 1 New Student Orientation July 8-Aug. 23 Summer Creative Writing Workshops 12 Summer Session I Ends 14-15 New Student Orientation 15 Summer Session II Begins 15-18 Advanced Placement Summer Institute for High School Teachers, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 19 Admissions Open House for prospective students 21-27 Women Empowered By Science Summer Camp August 13 Nine-Week Session Ends 16 Summer Full Session Ends 16 Summer Session II Ends 23-25 Welcome Weekend 26 Start of Fall 2019 Semester September 8 Summer Commencement, Marts Center 9 Ralston Memorial Golf Tournament, Wyoming Valley Country Club, Wilkes-Barre 29 Collegiate Marching Band Festival October 4-6 10 10-12 14 18 15 Wilkes Homecoming 2019 Fall Recess Begins Norman Mailer Conference Classes Resume Earth and Environmental Science Day Lecture, Pete Souza, speaking about the exhibit of his photographs, “Two Presidents, One Photographer,” 7 p.m., Dorothy Darte Center 22-Dec. 8 Pete Souza, “Two Presidents, One Photographer,” Sordoni Art Gallery 27-Oct. 5 “Rust Belt Biennial,” Sordoni Art Gallery For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2019 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2019 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2019 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/1cc54bbfa18110900959ee84a8f8160c.pdf 2b4609283fe3a2f1fda13939519e68e8 PDF Text Text FALL 2019 Woman of the World SIDHU SCHOOL PROFESSOR WAGIHA TAYLOR REFLECTS ON 50 YEARS AT WILKES INSIDE: FRANK PASSALACQUA ’15 HAS 1.28 MILLION YOUTUBE FOLLOWERS �president’s letter VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 2 Relationships Built at Wilkes Define the Campus Community S ince becoming interim president in August, I have had the great privilege of celebrating members of the campus community whose contributions have helped shape the University. As you read through this issue of Wilkes magazine, you will see that the campus recently remembered the lives of two University greats - Dr. Umid Nejib, founding dean of the school of science and engineering, and Dr. Francis J. Michelini, Wilkes College’s second president. With the naming of the Dr. Umid Nejib Flex Lab in the Mark Engineering Center in early October, Dr. Nejib’s legacy became part of the lexicon of the University. The dedication of the Nejib Flex Lab will remain a highlight of my time in the President’s Office, not only because Umid is so deserving of this honor, but also because it was a memorable occasion for my friend and former colleague, Barbara King, who was married to Umid. Earlier this fall, the Wilkes community lost Dr. Francis Michelini, more commonly known as simply “Dr. Mike.” After his passing, a standing-room-only crowd gathered together in Weckesser Hall to celebrate Dr. Mike’s life and career. Through memories shared by Dr. Christopher Breiseth, Dr. Thomas Kelly ’69 and Lisa Michelini Spengler, Dr. Mike’s daughter, we were all reminded of his strength of character and his generosity of spirit. Also during Homecoming weekend, we celebrated the contributions of Bob Bruggeworth ’83 with the official dedication of Bruggeworth Field at the Ralston Athletic Complex. The field is also the home to a new tradition for Wilkes Interim President Paul S. Adams ’77 Colonels — the ringing of a victory bell. When led the memorial service held in the victory bell rang — not once, but twice October for Dr. Francis Michelini. Wilkes’ second president. PHOTO BY — on the day of the dedication, we all took PATTY DEVIVA great pride in both the successes of our studentathletes who competed on the field, and in Bob’s accomplishments, which made these improvements possible. Now, with the publication of this edition of Wilkes, we recognize Dr. Wagiha Taylor and her remarkable 50-year career teaching students at Wilkes about the world of economics and business. As you read her feature, and the others in this issue, you will notice a common theme — relationships built at Wilkes have the power to enhance learning, both on campus and long after commencement. By recognizing individuals like Umid Nejib, Francis Michelini, Bob Bruggeworth and Wagiha Taylor, we also celebrate their devotion to Wilkes. It is my hope that by doing so, we will inspire the students of Wilkes today to become the leaders and visionaries of tomorrow. Paul S. Adams ’77 Interim President FALL 2019 WILKES MAGAZINE Interim University President Paul S. Adams ’77 Executive Director of Marketing Communications Kim Bower-Spence Senior Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services John Csordas Executive Director of Communications and Graduate Marketing Gabrielle D’Amico ’04, MFA’17 Web Services Brittany Terpstra Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Graduate Assistant Sarah Bedford ’17, MA’19 Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Lane Press OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Chief Development Officer Margaret Steele Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations Mary Balavage Simmons ’10, MBA ’16 Manager of Alumni Relations and Advancement Special Projects Jacki Lukas Eovitch ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 Vice President Matt Berger ’02 Secretary John Sweeney ’13 Historian Cindy Charnetski ’97 Wilkes magazine is published two times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �8 12 21 16 24 contents FEATURES 8 Influencer Frank Passalacqua ’15 has found career success as a tech reviewer on YouTube. Woman of the World SIDHU SCHOOL PROFESSOR WAGIHA TAYLOR REFLECTS ON 50 YEARS AT WILKES INSIDE: FRANK PASSALACQUA ’15 HAS 1.28 MILLION YOUTUBE FOLLOWERS Wagiha Taylor brings a world view to her business classes in the Sidhu School. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 12 Literary Citizen Donna Talarico ’05 MA ’09 MFA ’10 MA ’14 promotes creative nonfiction writing as the publisher of a literary magazine, books and through a national conference that she founded. 16 Campers to Colonel The Women Empowered By Science program introduces young women to science careers and draws some to study at Wilkes. 21 Woman of the World 2 On Campus 28 Alumni News 29 Giving Back 30 Class Notes Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline Wagiha Taylor has spent a half century educating students at Wilkes. 24 Saving History Natalie Baur ’06 and Nicholas Zmijewski ’07 preserve the past for future generations in their work as archivists. fl~ !1S MIX Paper from responsible sources FSC®C022085 WILKES | Fall 2019 FALL 2019 DEPARTMENTS 1 �on campus Dedications of Bruggeworth Field and Nejib Flex Lab Highlight Homecoming Bruggeworth Field at the Ralston Athletic Complex was dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 5, highlighting Homecoming weekend. The nearly $8 million project includes a multipurpose turf field that will be used for men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse and women’s field hockey. It also includes a new turf baseball field, a scoreboard, press boxes, and stadium lights for evening competition. The project was made possible by a leadership gift from Bob Bruggeworth ’83. The dedication of the field also marked the start of a new tradition: the ringing of a victory bell for winning Colonel teams at the field. Bruggeworth established the field in honor of his mother, who rang a bell to call the family together. Bruggeworth, who majored in electrical engineering at Wilkes, is president and chief executive officer of Qorvo, a global communications company headquartered in Greensboro, N.C. In addition, the engineering flex lab in the Mark Engineering Center was dedicated in honor of the late Umid Nejib. Nejib, the founding dean of the School of Science and Engineering and professor of electrical engineering, joined Wilkes in 1965 and died in July 2002. Later in his career, he laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Clockwise from left, Bob Bruggeworth ’83 and his wife, Michelle, are greeted by Wilkes students before the dedication of Bruggeworth Field. Bruggeworth rings the victory bell for the first time at the new field. Bruggeworth, right, and his father, Bob Bruggeworth Sr., left, unveil the sign at the field. Barbara King ’81, wife of the late Umid Nejib and former associate dean of student affairs, greeted guests at the dedication of the Nejib Flex Lab in the Mark Engineering Center. PHOTOS BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Dr. Umid R. Nejib DR. UMID R. NEJIB FLEX LAB WILKES | Fall 2019 ~rN/OCICJHf.f,ol0'9 2 �on campus College of Science and Engineering Receives National Science Foundation Grant Deborah Zbegner, dean of the Passan School of Nursing, was a keynote speaker at the World Congress on Nursing and Healthcare, held in July in Rome, Italy. Zbegner’s presentation, “A Dean’s Journey: Revitalizing a School of Nursing,” reviewed innovations and improvements that she has spearheaded since becoming dean in 2015. The conference theme explored innovations in nursing and health care. The event drew more than 300 attendees and included five keynote speakers and more than 60 other speakers, educational sessions and workshops. The proposal was crafted by a multidisciplinary team of faculty members from the College of Science and Engineering with a common goal of integrating computational technology with teaching and research. The team was led by Henry J. Castejon, professor and chair of mechanical engineering, and included Del Lucent ’03, associate professor of physics; Caroline Fortunato, assistant professor of biology; Bobak Karimi, assistant professor of environmental engineering and earth science; Sofya Chepushtanova, assistant professor of math and computer science and Abas Sabouni, associate professor of electrical engineering. “Interdisciplinary learning prepares our students for fulfilling careers while helping to advance scientific discovery,” said interim Senior Vice President and Provost Terese Wignot. “This award will continue our educational emphasis on mentoring and hands-on learning.” WILKES | Fall 2019 Nursing Dean Deborah Zbegner Keynotes International Conference Wilkes University’s College of Science and Engineering has been awarded a major research instrumentation award from the National Science Foundation. Totaling over $486,000, the award will help Wilkes acquire a high-performance computer cluster, a state-of-the-art tool that supports student-faculty research across a variety of science, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Acquiring the high-performance computer cluster will position Wilkes as the only institution in the region with such advanced computational facilities. The instrument will allow faculty and students to perform high-caliber research on the most demanding of computational problems, including climate and earthquake prediction, genomic analysis, artificial intelligence and drug design. Additionally, the equipment will allow melding of real-time modeling and simulation with classroom instruction, providing a more impactful student learning experience. The award will also support Wilkes in its outreach to high school students, promoting science to young people and instilling an interest in research and discovery. “On the heels of being ranked a national university by U.S. News and World Report, this is just another example of the talent and breadth of Wilkes University’s faculty,” said interim President Paul S. Adams. 3 �on campus Search Proceeding for Wilkes’ Seventh President The search for Wilkes’ seventh president is continuing, with the goal of having a new president in place by the start of fall semester 2020. Dan Cardell ’79, chairman of the University’s board of trustees and chair of the presidential search committee, updated the campus community in September about the status of the search. The firm Park Square Executive Search, which has been engaged to assist with the search, created a position description that captured the necessary qualities and characteristics for Wilkes’ next president. The description was based on meetings it held with the campus community in spring 2019 and on feedback from the presidential search committee. Park Square then engaged in an extensive national search to identify and recruit a diverse pool of candidates. In addition, members of the campus community nominated individuals who they felt would be a good fit for the position. In July and August, the search committee evaluated the entire list of qualified, interested candidates and narrowed the pool by identifying the candidates with the highest potential for success at Wilkes. Based on the advice of Park Square, a confidential search is being conducted to attract the best talent to Wilkes. During the fall semester, semifinalists participated in interviews with the search committee. “From this group, we anticipate asking two to three of these candidates to join us on campus as finalists for the position,” Cardell says. “While on campus, finalists will have the opportunity to meet with the presidential search committee, as well as leaders from various areas of campus, during confidential meetings.” Although the process will be confidential, it will still be participative. Select members of the Wilkes community, representing various campus constituencies, will be asked to meet with finalists and then share their feedback with the search committee. Final recommendations will be made by the committee to the Board of Trustees for their consideration. Members of the presidential search committee are faculty members Karim Medico Letwinsky, assistant professor and chair of the doctor of education program, and Eric Ruggiero, associate professor and chair of digital design and media arts; senior administrators Jonathan Ference PharmD ’03, associate provost, and Janet Kobylski, assistant vice president of finance and treasurer; students Hunter Hughes and Caroline Rickard; and board of trustee members Laura Cardinale ’72, Chuck Cohen and Bill Miller ’81. WILKES | Fall 2019 Kishan Zuber Named Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing 4 Kishan Zuber has joined Wilkes as the vice president of enrollment management and marketing. Zuber oversees undergraduate and graduate admissions offices, enrollment services, financial aid and marketing. With her leadership, Wilkes will continue to advance its overall enrollment strategy, creating one of the finest doctoral universities in the country. Prior to joining Wilkes, Zuber was the vice president of enrollment services at Wells College in Aurora, N.Y. At Wells, she developed a comprehensive recruiting strategy that consistently increased the number of first-year students and more than doubled the international student population. She previously served as the assistant dean of the graduate school at Binghamton University, State University of New York, where she grew graduate and international applicants and enhanced the academic profile of prospective students in more than 90 academic programs. “I am excited and grateful to join a nationally ranked institution known for its scholarly work, faculty-student research and civic responsibility,” said Zuber. “Wilkes University’s footprint extends well beyond the northeast region, educating students from across the country and around the world with premier undergraduate, professional and online programs. I’m proud to help promote Wilkes nationally and internationally.” Zuber earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and her master’s degree in student affairs and diversity from Binghamton University, State University of New York. �on campus WILKES WELCOMES THE CLASS OF 2023 Wilkes welcomed the Class of 2023 during Welcome Weekend, the kickoff to the fall 2019 semester. 560 FIRST-TIME, FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS WOMEN: 296 President Barack Obama enjoys a personal moment with his wife, Michelle, under the watchful eyes of Secret Service members. The photo by presidential photographer Pete Souza is featured in the Sordoni Art Gallery exhibit. *One student chose not to identify gender. ~.,,,,,-- White House Photographer Pete Souza Visits Campus Launching Sordoni Exhibit ~.,,,,,-- 68 ~.,,,,,--.,,. TOP 10 PERCENT OF THEIR HIGH SCHOOL CLASS 4 5 VALEDICTORIANS ..- ( ...,.--......_../ (including Alaska for the first time!) SALUTATORIANS ...,.--......_../ 20 ...,.--......_../ STATES REPRESENTED J C12 .54% 43 % 26 (__ FOREIGN COUNTRIES REPRESENTED FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS* OF THE ENTERING CLASS J STUDENT ATHLETES *First in their family to attend a four-year college WILKES | Fall 2019 Legendary White House photographer Pete Souza spoke about his career as a chronicler of Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan in an Oct. 15 lecture at Wilkes. The speech was a prelude to the exhibition of his work, Two Presidents, One Photographer, which continues through Dec. 8 in the University’s Sordoni Art Gallery. It showcases 56 of Souza’s photographs and favorite images taken during his tenure as chief official White House photographer for the two presidents. Souza is a freelance photographer based in the Washington, D.C., area and is the former director of the White House Photography Office. He previously was a national photographer for the Chicago Tribune and a freelancer for National Geographic. He is the author of six photography books, including, “Obama: An Intimate Portrait,” which debuted at Number 1 on The New York Times bestseller list. It is one of the bestselling photography books of all time. His new book, “Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents,” was published in October 2018. The Sordoni Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.wilkes.edu/sordoniartgallery MEN: 263 5 �on campus Student Pharmacist Alexis Nicholson Named PQA CVS Scholar Wilkes University fourth-year student pharmacist Alexis Nicholson of Breinigsville, Pa., was accepted in the national Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) and CVS Health Foundation scholars program. Nicholson is one of just 15 student pharmacists across the nation to be accepted into the program based upon their research proposal. Mentored by Nicole Pezzino, director of community outreach in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Nicholson’s research focuses on how pharmacists can best communicate with prescribers after identifying high-risk drug therapy problems (such as drug interactions and fall risk in the elderly). Since the national response rate is 33 percent, Nicholson’s goal is to learn how to increase that response. As a PQA-CVS scholar, Nicholson receives funding to attend two national conferences and access to national mentors to assist in her research. PQA and the CVS Health Foundation provide a $1,250 stipend to each student within the mentor-mentee pair to support their expenses to attend and actively participate in up to two PQA live meetings. Nicholson also will present a poster detailing her project results and present it at the PQA annual meeting in May 2020. NEWS@WILKES OFFERS UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES ON UNIVERSITY LIFE Take an insider’s tour of Wilkes interim President Paul Adams’ Weckesser Hall office. Get introduced to the Dogs of Wilkes — the canine companions of Wilkes’ faculty, staff and students. Grab a closer look at a campus head-shaving event that raised money for breast cancer research. These stories — and more — are featured on News@Wilkes, the official news Student pharmacist Alexis Nicholson was one of 15 student pharmacists in the country named to the Pharmacy Quality Alliance and CVS Health Foundation scholars program. site of the University. Check it out at news.wilkes.edu PHOTO BY SARAH BEDFORD ’17 MA ’19 NEW TRUSTEES WELCOMED WILKES | Fall 2019 The Wilkes University Board of Trustees welcomed three new trustees at the October 4 meeting. Pictured from left to right are Paul S. Adams, interim president, new trustees William Hanbury ’72, Tara Mugford Wilson and Lisa Isbitski Golden ’90, and Dan Cardell, chair of the board of trustees. 6 �on campus EPPIKOJ: NTYNAN Hospital Center Students who study abroad in Greece might talk about visiting a historic site like the Parthenon as a highlight of their trip. When Wilkes junior Jason DeBoard talks about the time he spent in the Mediterranean country, he remembers observing open-heart surgery, plastic surgery and more. DeBoard was able to get an international health care perspective through his participation in the Atlantis Fellowship. The fellowship is an intensive program abroad for American pre-med students. Fellows experience global health care through hospital shadowing rotations and prepare for medical school applications through reflective hospital observation, Wilkes junior Jason DeBoard, pictured above fourth in the second row, volunteering and medical humanities research. earned a Bierly Fellowship at Wilkes to study health care in Greece in summer 2019. PHOTO COURTESY JASON DEBOARD Another Wilkes pre-med student, senior Amina Mustafa, also gained valuable experience examining international health care issues through her study-abroad experience in Amman, Jordan. Mustafa spent seven Mustafa completed two weeks of weeks in the Middle Eastern country in the School for International Training’s classes that examined topics related to program examining refugees, health and humanitarian issues. While staying in Jordan, Syrian refugees in Jordan. Her last five she lived with a host family, enhancing her experience. weeks were spent in an internship with the Eastern Medical Public Health Network, also known as EMPHNET. She helped to analyze data from a survey assessing women’s knowledge “It was such an invaluable experience. There’s of health care issues, such as breast cancer. The data, which was shared no way I would have learned what I learned with UNICEF on completion of her in a classroom.” – Amina Mustafa assignment, will be used to determine what health education programs and services may be needed for a Wilkes senior Amina Mustafa looks back from her perch on a camel during vulnerable population. a summer study abroad trip examining “It was such an invaluable experience,” health care issues in Jordan. PHOTO COURTESY AMINA MUSTAFA Mustafa says of the internship. “There’s no way I would have learned what I learned in a classroom.” The experience has influenced her career plans. Mustafa is considering programs combining study to become a medical doctor with a master’s degree in public health. Both DeBoard and Mustafa received the Bierly Fellowship to fund their study abroad experiences. The Bierly Fellowship is open to full-time undergraduate Wilkes students in any major. Students may receive the one-time award to fund study abroad in their sophomore, junior or senior year. WILKES | Fall 2019 Bierly Fellowships Fund International Health Care Experiences for Pre-Med Students 7 �Frank Passalacqua ’15 has 1.28 million YouTube Followers WILKES | Fall 2019 By James Jaskolka ’16 8 �Frank Passalacqua ’15 still isn’t used to meeting his fans. “It’s such a bizarre experience,” he says. “I’ve probably met 20 or so people, just randomly, who recognized me from my videos.” Passalacqua has gained massive popularity with his YouTube channel, RandomFrankP, where he uploads tech reviews and videos and guides fans on room tours of impressive video gaming setups. His channel currently has 1.28 million subscribers. Producing its content is his full-time job. Opposite, Frank Passalacqua ’15 has built his YouTube channel, RandomFrankP, into a successful business. Above, surrounded by the tools used to create his videos, Passalacqua works in his studio, located in his Avondale, Pa., home. ALL PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON WILKES | Fall 2019 Like many millennials, Passalacqua, who earned his degree in communication studies, grew up with YouTube and social media still in its infancy. He understood the way the medium encouraged user-generated content and developed an interest in video production. “I saw the potential for it, and I always wanted to have a viral video,” he says, citing comedy skits he would upload with his friends as a teenager. “There’s always been a part of me that wanted to be in that space.” As he grew up and his interests developed, Passalacqua’s YouTube channel became devoted to video games. His videos featured gameplay commentary and helpful hints for popular games. He posted infrequently but began to develop a small following. Things changed the first time he went viral. 9 �Passalacqua, seen editing one of his videos, can spend five days completing one. “... I figured I could take that summer off and work on the channel, treating it like a full-time job, doing everything I could to grow it and see where I was at…. I doubled my subscriber count in those two or three months alone.” WILKES | Fall 2019 – Frank Passalacqua ’15 10 One 2013 video, a rather profanity-laced clip of Passalacqua getting penalized in-game for cursing on a headset in the popular basketball game “NBA 2K14,” gained notoriety quickly. The clip was picked up by ESPN and Howard Stern, and received over a million views in only 48 hours. “It exploded overnight,” he recalls. With more eyes than ever on his channel, he began to post videos more frequently. Eventually, he realized there was a niche not being filled within the community: reviews for gaming accessories and peripherals, like wireless headsets and gaming keyboards. So, in an effort to give potential buyers information he wished he’d had, he began to post reviews of these items. “Before I’d buy something, I always looked at reviews, and there weren’t too many…so I would buy things that I wanted and review them myself. I noticed those videos started to do a lot better,” he says. “Once I saw that there was immediate interest in those peripherals in PC gaming, I figured I would start to do that more often.” One video, a comparison between two high-tech gaming keyboards, became incredibly popular, amassing more than 6 million views since its upload five years ago. Passalacqua saw the interest and knew he was on the right track. As Passalacqua continued to make videos, his channel grew in popularity, gathering advertisers and sponsors, and reaching 40,000 subscribers in a few months. With graduation quickly approaching, he knew he had a choice to make. “As I was applying for jobs, I looked at starting salaries in public relations and compared them to what I was making [from the channel] at that time. There was still a huge gap,” he recalls. “But I figured I could take that summer off and work on the channel, treating it like a full-time job, doing everything I could to grow it and see where I was at.…I doubled my subscriber count in those two or three months alone.” Since then, Passalacqua, who lives in Avondale, Pa., has turned his YouTube channel into a full-fledged career. This is made possible through a partnership he made with BroadbandTV, a multichannel network, or MCN. Similar to booking agents or management companies, MCNs will sell space in their clients’ videos to advertisers, provide them with music libraries for their videos, assist with strategies for audience growth and retention, pay for travel expenses and provide other services. This has allowed Passalacqua to receive a monthly payment from his videos. Passalacqua says he has gained income from sources other than his YouTube channel. He frequently creates marketing �says. “When I’m doing sponsored or branded content on my channel, it’s gonna be all about the company in the end, and when I make a product review, I need something that’ll appeal to the audience but also make the company happy.” Elmes-Crahall remembers her former student’s time as a board member for Zebra. She says his online persona differs from the off-screen student she knew. “He stood out immediately for two reasons: his tech savvy and his extremely strong analytical and team-building skills,” Elmes-Crahall says. “What might be most surprising considering his current YouTube following is that Frank was often quiet and thoughtful when faced with a question. But when he spoke, he had thought through many perspectives and offered great insights.” Having high-quality content and staying as up-to-date as possible have kept Passalacqua in the spotlight, but he credits consistency as the biggest factor in his success. He posts videos three times a week, usually on weekends, to best reach his target demographic. Most importantly, he committed to consistency when it mattered most. “If it wasn’t for me taking the time off at the end of college and treating it like a full-time job, who knows how far it may have gone, or how little it would have grown?” he said. “I knew that if I took a nine-to-five with 40,000 subscribers and didn’t focus on that, or learn what would become of it, I’d always wonder ‘What if ?’ I think I’m a lot happier now than I would have been working a job I didn’t like,” he says. “It was just a matter of taking that leap and hoping it all went well, and, thankfully, it did.”� Passalacqua’s studio is filled with tech toys and tools used in creating his YouTube channel. WILKES | Fall 2019 materials for companies he’s reviewed products for, like LG and Corsair. He makes videos and takes photos for these companies but never releases them on his channel, instead allowing the company to use them in product rollouts. Though it might be his dream job, Passalacqua emphasizes that it still is a job — and one that takes quite a bit of work, considering he remains a one-man operation. “There are no days off. I’m constantly checking emails or thinking of new video ideas, ways to try to get ahead of the curve,” he explains. Most of his work happens behind the scenes: writing, studio setup, filming and editing. Even the shortest videos require serious effort. “Someone will see an eight-minute video and think ‘Oh, this video took eight minutes to make’...but this one video I’m working on now, I’ve probably put in five 12-hour days already, and it’s a video that might not even perform well,” he says, laughing. Passalacqua credits his time at Wilkes for developing and fostering many of the skills he uses today. His coursework in journalism and public relations trained him to break down company press releases and formulate scripts quickly. His logo, now iconic to more than a million people, was originally sketched in an integrative media class with instructor Steve Husted. The biggest help, Passalacqua says, came from his time in Zebra Communications, Wilkes’ student-run public relations firm, with former professor of communication studies Jane Elmes-Crahall. “Zebra definitely helped me big-time, getting that real-world experience talking to companies to learn what they want,” he 11 �Literary Citizen ___ , __ _ ~ Donna Talarico Writes Her Own Story as a Publisher By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 Donna Talarico ’05 MA’09 MFA’10 MA’14 remembers exactly when she came up with the name for her online literary magazine. She was sitting with members of her cohort in the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing, brainstorming project ideas when it came to her. WILKES | Fall 2019 Hippocampus. 12 �Donna Talarico is the publisher of Hippocampus Magazine and Books by Hippocampus, and also leads the nonfiction writing conference HippoCamp. WILKES | Fall 2019 ALL PHOTOS BY ERIC FORBERGER 13 �T Talarico leveraged the magazine’s growing audience to start HippoCamp, a nonfiction writing conference, in 2015. Held at the Lancaster County Convention Center in the Pennsylvania city where Talarico lives, it draws more than 250 attendees from 29 states and four foreign countries. A list of keynote speakers at the conference includes Lee Gutkind, founder of Creative Nonfiction magazine, Mary Karr, author of the “The Liar’s Club,” and Tobias Wolff , author of “This Boy’s Life,” among others. At the conference’s heart is a team of dedicated volunteers and more than 40 sessions presented by writers at all levels of experience. Veteran New Jersey writer Lisa Romeo, author of the memoir “Starting with Goodbye,” is a frequent presenter at HippoCamp. She finds it unique among conferences. Romeo says, “From the very first day of HippoCamp conference, everyone was treated the same and felt valued. Everyone is part of the community there. This is because of Donna. It’s how she set this conference up. You very much have a feeling that the participants are coproducing the conferences.” Community is the word that comes up over and over again when people talk about Talarico. The other words most frequently used to describe her are “literary citizen” and “nice.” “She’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” says Wilkes creative writing classmate and HippoCamp volunteer Angela Eckhart MFA ’10. Eckhart says Talarico’s success is a combination of perseverance, networking and an online platform that she has skillfully nurtured. Talarico, who also works as a freelance writer and content marketing consultant, took a few detours on her way to publishing success. She entered Wilkes as an undergraduate in 1996, but took time off to work full-time Talarico, seated at the book sale as a promotion director for a table at the HippoCamp conference, began publishing books in 2018. Wilkes-Barre radio station. A gig as an admissions representative for a trade school followed. She returned to Wilkes five years later to finish her bachelor’s degree in communication studies, and cites faculty Jane Elmes-Crahall and Andrea Frantz as influences. She returned to Wilkes in 2008 to earn her creative writing master’s degree while at the same time working at e-commerce firm Solid Cactus. The latter job proved invaluable since knowing how to establish and nurture an online presence has been integral to Hippocampus’s success. WILKES | Fall 2019 he hippocampus is the tiny, seahorse-shaped part of the brain associated with memory. It was the perfect name for a publication that would showcase creative nonfiction — a genre which often focuses on work based on memory. Nearly a decade later, Hippocampus Magazine (www.hippocampusmagazine.com) draws between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors to its site each month to read essays, book reviews and craft articles, all focusing on creative nonfiction. There are 9,000 subscribers to its email list that announces when issues go live and trumpets calls for submission. While the internet has spawned a proliferation of online journals, the bimonthly Hippocampus has emerged as one that has caught the attention of readers and writers. In 2020, the publication will celebrate a decade of publishing new and established writers. It has since spawned HippoCamp, an annual literary conference, and a small press, Books by HippoCampus, which has published six volumes. “The first time it hit me that we might have something people were paying attention to was when I heard someone say, ‘Hippocampus published me!’ I know we’re not top tier like The Sun,” Talarico says, citing one of the literary world’s most respected publications. “But someone was proud to be in our magazine.” Allison K. Williams, a writer and editor based in Dubai, says the publication fills a niche. “There aren’t a lot of lit mags that are respected but not impossible to get into,” Williams says. “It’s important to have a magazine like Hippocampus with quality writing that’s still able to accept submissions from writers without agents or big-deal reputations.” 14 �Talarico takes a moment to chat with an attendee at the nonfiction writing conference, HippoCamp, that she runs in Lancaster, Pa. “I feel so grateful that my manuscript was published through Hippocampus,” Fish Ewan states. “I hear a lot of horror stories about working with heavy-handed editors or publishing houses that see writers as small cogs in the big business machine of bookmaking. Donna took my manuscript and brought it into publication with tender care and as I had created it.” Some colleagues were surprised by Talarico’s decision to publish books in print. “That might be where the ‘gutsy’ comes in,” she says, referencing the fact that some say the era of publishing books in print is past. “We’re seeing book publishing moving in the direction of audio books and ebooks and online. People have asked me ‘Why are you publishing books?’ If I had money, Hippocampus would have been a print magazine. I always imagined we’d do an annual print edition or anthology.” “From the very first day of HippoCamp conference, everyone was treated the same and felt valued. Everyone is part of the community there. This is because of Donna.” – Lisa Romeo, author of “Starting with Goodbye” What might seem like risk-taking actually has been a measured strategy. Talarico introduced the writing conference five years after the magazine started. She announced her book publishing endeavor at the first conference, where she had a built-in audience for the first anthology. She likens building her business to the time she watched a friend’s family open a restaurant in the Poconos. The restaurant was almost-but-notquite finished, when it opened. “They weren’t trying to be perfect. They just tried to grow as they were doing it,” she says. Slow but steady progress has been her mantra. She remembers an interview with country singer Kenny Chesney, who had his first big hit after having minor success with earlier albums. The singer noted the value of those more modest beginnings, saying it’s sometimes better to start slow. “He said, ‘Take off like a rocket, fizzle like a rocket,’ ” Talarico says. “It always stuck with me.” WILKES | Fall 2019 “The common thread in my career was that I was always there when something was going to change. I got into e-commerce when it was just starting,” she says. “It has always helped that I’ve been an early adopter and been able to have a skill that others didn’t have at that time.” Talarico says that early experiences hinted that writing and nurturing other writers would become her life’s work. She wrote for The Beacon at Wilkes and freelanced for local newspapers in Wilkes-Barre. She tried her hand at starting an entertainment Web site, NEPAnights.net, and self-published an anthology, “Kids, Have You Seen My Backpack?,” a collection of essays about people who went back to school as adults. After earning creative writing degrees, she became director of integrated communications at Elizabethtown College. While there, she reconnected with Kevin Beerman ’01, who she first met when they were Wilkes undergraduates. They married in 2012 and he’s familiar to attendees at HippoCamp, working the registration desk and troubleshooting technical problems. Talarico left her college job in 2015 to concentrate on her own writing, her literary endeavors and to do freelance consulting. She earned another Wilkes master’s degree — this time in publishing — in 2014 as she prepared to launch her independent publishing company, Books at Hippocampus. The first book published under the Hippocampus banner was “Selected Memories: Five Years of Hippocampus Magazine.” Two other anthologies, “Air,” a collection of essays about radio, and “Dine,” an homage to diners, have followed. The first books Talarico has published by solo authors are “Dig: A Personal Prehistoric Journey” by Sam Chiarelli ’08 MFA ’14 and “By the Forces of Gravity,” an illustrated memoir by Rebecca Fish Ewan. Both writers affirm that publishing with a smaller publisher is a writer’s dream come true. 15 �• CAMPERS TO WILKES | Fall 2019 COLONELS 16 Women Empowered By Science Camp Launches Science Careers By Sarah Bedford ’17, MA ’19 �Squeals and giggles erupt from room 219 of the Cohen Science Center. Inside the “You Be the Vet” lab, Wilkes senior Morgan Tarnalicki lifts her two furry lab assistants, white rats Fish and Chips, from their cage. Tarnalicki and Wilkes senior Bridget Regan, both biology majors, are running the veterinary lab, hoping to inspire the attendees at the Women Empowered By Science Camp to share their interest in veterinary science. Using the long-tailed critters and two pups named Bo and Derby is working: The elementary-aged girls can’t don their stethoscopes fast enough. Commonly referred to as WEBS, the program gives female students entering seventh and eighth grades the opportunity to investigate many areas of science through hands-on laboratories and activities. Now in its eighteenth year, the program has expanded to offer opportunities for high school girls. Two WEBS campers, Dallas School District seventh graders Adriana Kopalek and Gina Pugliese, affirm the program’s success. The two first-time campers hope to return. “I find science really interesting,” Pugliese says. “There are so many types of science and ways you can learn it. It’s just really fun to do.” With their yellow draw-string bags filled with worksheets, lab goggles and snacks, the students-turned-scientists attended labs like “Wizards of Physics,” “Rainbow Density” and “Neuroscience: Brain Cake and Icing.” WEBS provides both an opportunity to explore the many fields of science and an introduction to Wilkes University. “I first heard of WEBS in sixth grade when Deb Chapman (faculty of practice in biology) came to my elementary school,” sophomore Holly Jones explains. Jones has participated in WEBS as both a camper and volunteer. “Deb heard that I was coming to Wilkes and asked me if I would be interested in becoming the student coordinator.” Her answer was an enthusiastic yes. “I had the job before I completed any college credits,” the biology major says laughing. She has been able to relive her WEBS experience when her niece, Raine Coury, a seventh grader at Schuylkill Haven Middle School, decided to attend the camp. “It’s really cool because we get to talk about it,” Jones says. Although the emphasis on hands-on labs has stayed the same, WEBS has grown and transformed since it began some 18 years ago. BEDFORD ’17 MA ’19 Right, seen from left, Wilkes senior Kierstin Parricelli is coached by Megan Bucher Ruhmel ’09, senior research technician at ExxonMobil, in a lab with campers Julia Godfrey and Tessa Kopetchny. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK Far right, Dallas School District seventh graders Adriana Kopalek and Gina Pugliese test their coding skills during the robotics lab in Stark Learning Center. PHOTO BY SARAH BEDFORD ’17 MA’19 WILKES | Fall 2019 Above, WEBS campers Persayis Horvath and Jevahnie Hernandez share a laugh with their four-legged lab instructor. PHOTO BY SARAH 17 �First WEBS Are Spun WILKES | Fall 2019 In 2001, a parent approached Les Turoczi, former Wilkes biology department chair, to find ways to involve local middle school girls in science laboratory activities at the University. That conversation spawned the WEBS after-school program, which is still held in the fall and spring semesters. Fifty girls from participating school districts come to campus once a month to do labs covering various fields of science. Chapman estimates that 1,800 students have participated after school since its inception. Chapman and Professor of Biology Michael Steele saw the need to expand the program because of research showing that young women are often deterred from the sciences. According 18 to a study by Microsoft that included a sample of more than 6,000 females from ages 10 to 30, over 75 percent of girls who participate in hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities outside the classroom feel a sense of empowerment. That finding drops to under 50 percent for those who only experience STEM activities in the classroom. To offer more opportunities, the first WEBS summer camp began in 2009 with the support of a Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant. WEBS was just one element funded by the $1 million grant, which allowed Wilkes to launch new initiatives to creatively engage students in biological sciences. “It allowed faculty and students to offer this outreach program for middle school-aged girls,” Steele says, who was the primary author on the grant. “Several of the campers entering 11th and 12th grade are considering Wilkes for their undergrad degrees. Those students are interested in pre-med, chemistry, engineering and environmental science.” – Shealyn Marino, research assistant in biology �From left to right, campers Robin Stitzer, Avery Kozerski, Jamie Timlin, Kiley Kondraski and Lily Shymanski introduce themselves to white rat lab assistants Fish and Chips. Campers Khristian Banks, Ava Putnam, Megan Ruhmel and Shariah Yearwood test the law of gravity during a lab. Camper Avery Kozerski checks lab assistant Bo’s heart rate during the “You Be The Vet” lab. Deb Chapman, faculty of practice in biology and director of the WEBS program, addresses the campers during the opening session of the weeklong camp. PHOTOS BY SARAH BEDFORD ’17, MA’19 AND CURTIS SALONICK WEBS 2.0 and 3.0 Chapman never thought WEBS would grow in such a way. “When we first started, it was just supposed to be a one-year camp,” Chapman says. Soon girls were asking how they could remain involved once they completed middle school. The solution was WEBS 2.0, which targets rising ninth-grade girls who have successfully completed two years of WEBS Camp and wanted to return to assist current campers. WEBS 3.0, which launched in summer 2019, has been established for rising high school sophomores through seniors. Shealyn Marino, research assistant in biology, had been tasked with creating programming for WEBS 3.0, including new lab activities for the older girls. “Several of the campers entering 11th and 12th grade are considering Wilkes for their undergrad degrees,” Marino explains. “Those students are interested in pre-med, chemistry, engineering and environmental science.” Opposite page, inset, creating an oil spill and learning best practices of clean-up was the goal for campers Maia Costagliola and Kaitlynn Keller during the “Oil Spill” lab. Sophomore biology major Neha Metgud worked as a student coordinator with Jones focusing on community outreach and donations. She started her WEBS journey as a camper in seventh grade and hasn’t left. She acknowledges the long-term benefits of the program — including a renewable WEBS scholarship to study sciences at Wilkes. Students who have participated for two years as campers and one year as a volunteer and then pursue a degree in nursing or science are eligible for the scholarship. WILKES | Fall 2019 Since then, the support of community sponsors such as UGI and internal funding from Wilkes Student Government has supported WEBS’ growth. Twenty girls attended the first WEBS summer camp. Eleven years later, the number was capped at 132 in 2019 when lab capacity was met. Right, Tatiana Schlifka tries levitation during the “Wizards of Physics” lab. PHOTOS BY SARAH BEDFORD ’17, MA ’19 19 �“The WEBS camp has completely changed my life. Working for the program made me love Wilkes… and I was able to form lasting connections with all professors, students and faculty at the University.” – Margaret Galatioto ’18 Life After WEBS Top photo, from left to right Elizaveta Graydus, Chloe DeGraffenreid and Raine Coury do an inventory of the skeletal system during the “Bone Hunt” lab. Middle, camper Kaylee Shaw and Wilkes Associate Professor of Biology Valerie Kalter rearrange bones to form the skeleton during the “Bone Hunt” lab. TOP PHOTOS BY SARAH BEDFORD ’17, MA ’19 Bottom right, WEBS keynote speaker Megan Bucher Ruhmel ’09, center, blue shirt, poses with all the campers and counselor. PHOTO BY CURTIS WILKES | Fall 2019 SALONICK 20 Chapman knows that the camp does wonders for the girls who attend. But student leaders from Wilkes also benefit. She says, “When group leaders that have been with me in the past interview for medical and professional schools or jobs, they are asked, ‘What’s WEBS camp?’ ” Ashley Wojciechowski ’19 served as a student coordinator for WEBS — something she thinks has put her ahead of her peers. “Not many college students can speak to having managerial experience before graduating,” Wojciechowski says. Now she’s employed as chief scribe by the emergency department at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. Margaret Galatioto ’18 agrees. Galatioto has recently completed her master’s degree in physiology and biophysics from Stony Brook University and is applying to medical school. She became involved in the camp as a first-year Wilkes student and was student coordinator. She continues to offer assistance in any way she can. “The WEBS camp has completely changed my life,” Galatioto says. “Working for the program made me love Wilkes… and I was able to form lasting connections with all professors, students and faculty at the University,” she says. Such comments reflect the program’s impact. WEBS students of the past, present and future experience the vast world of science on the Wilkes campus, Steele says. “Deb Chapman has created one thing after another to build this lineage, exposing young women to science from middle school to beginning college.”� �Woman of the World Wagiha Taylor is Wilkes’ Longest Serving Faculty Member By Andrew Seder Sidhu School Professor Wagiha Taylor teaches international business and is known for taking students on her annual spring break trip to Europe. WILKES | Fall 2019 ALL PHOTOS BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 21 �W agiha Taylor, Ph.D., Wilkes University’s longest serving full-time faculty member, marked her golden anniversary this year and shows no signs of slowing down. She bristles when someone dares mention the dreaded “R Word.” “I will never retire,” Taylor says. “I could never survive sitting around.” Her husband, Merlin Gene Taylor, retired years ago after teaching physics at several universities, including American University in Cairo, Egypt, Wilkes and Bloomsburg University. “He never asks me to retire,” Taylor says with a smile. “He knows better.” The Egyptian-born Taylor still loves what she does and her passion for, as she calls it, “molding brains” is as strong as ever, perhaps even stronger. Abel Femi Adekola, dean of the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, called Taylor “Wilkes University’s treasure.” He says she has served as a role model for not only students but colleagues, himself included. Some faculty have returned to teach after retiring, but only Taylor has remained so long as full-time faculty. WILKES | Fall 2019 Wagiha Taylor’s office in the University Center on Main is filled with five decades of mementos from her career and her travels. 22 While some criticize members of Generation X or Y, Taylor appreciates them and believes that, thanks to social media, globalization and involvement in politics, today’s college student has a “broad-mindedness” she admires. When she first started teaching, students had a very local mindset. There was little diversity among students in the classroom or their professors. But, as that has changed and students have become accustomed to interacting with those of different religions, ethnicities and nationalities, she believes a stronger student has emerged, more ready to tackle the ever-changing world of business and economics. Taylor, who has taught economics since 1969, jokes that she has taught so many local bankers that her husband tells her she could never rob a bank. “They could all identify me. They all know me.” While some might get bored teaching at the same university for five decades, Taylor, a mother of three who drives a bright blue Porsche and is known for wearing large, opulent, dangling earrings, says she never loses interest in her job. Assuming new roles and new responsibilities has helped. In addition to teaching, she has served as dean of graduate studies, assistant dean of the School of Business and Economics, associate dean of the School of Business, Society, and Public Policy and more. “Change is good for the mind. You can be in the same place but doing completely different things every few years is important,” Taylor says. �TOUR PROFESSOR WAGIHA TAYLOR’S OFFICE ON NEWS@WILKES Posters and prints from around the world, seen left, are part of the colorful collection in Sidhu Professor Taylor’s office. Visit her space and see her collection in the “Office Visits” feature “Change is good for the mind. You can be in the same place but doing completely different things every few years is important.” – Wagiha Taylor, Ph.D. One of her former students, Bernard K. “Buck” Mallan ’71, was a business administration major who credits Taylor and his Wilkes education for his successful career as a commercial insurance salesman, from which he retired in 2010. “Little did I realize as I sat in her classroom so many years ago that her subject material would be so relevant in my business career,” says Mallan, who lives in upstate New York and Jupiter, Fla. The two caught up at Homecoming 2018. “I was overwhelmed when I saw Dr. Taylor at homecoming. So many years had gone by and yet here I was talking to one of my profs from my college days and she was still part of the faculty. I was blown away,” he says. Mallan missed out on what Taylor considers her pride and joy, an annual spring break international trip that draws 50 students for a three-credit course called the “International Business Experience.” After trying to start the class in 2000, she was determined to offer students this potentially life-altering experience and found success relaunching it in 2004. While classroom learning is important, the real-world education the students get for those 10 days is invaluable. Students have visited the United Kingdom and various European countries. “We’re not living in the United States only anymore. It’s an international culture now. International business has changed. The world has changed. And students are eager to see the world. Twenty-five years ago they were not. They were too local-oriented,” Taylor says. If anyone has a worldly view, it’s Taylor. As a girl growing up in Cairo, she learned English and thought about being an ambassador to the United States. Her father, Mohamed Saleh Abdel-Gawad, a judge, and her mother, Nasima Abdel-Gawad, a homemaker, encouraged her. As a college student, she enrolled in a program that would bring the best of the best to America to further their education. “The U.S. government used to give scholarships to prospective bright young students overseas and I won one,” Taylor recalls. She came to America and earned her master’s degree in economics at Brown University and a Ph.D. in economics at Clarke University. She met and married her husband and eight years after she first arrived in America, they headed to Egypt to see her parents. “I went back with a Ph.D. in one hand and a husband in the other,” Taylor says. Her husband took a teaching job at American University in Cairo but they soon returned to the States, where he took a job at Wilkes. A few months later, she did too. He left but she remained. She’s served under six — soon to be seven — Wilkes presidents and nine United States presidents have occupied the White House since she came to Wilkes. She likes presidents and politics. She has pins on her desk from the Clinton/Gore campaign and also one from Trump/Pence. She proudly has pictures of herself with former Egyptian presidents Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak. Her office in the University Center on Main is adorned with posters depicting Paris, Moscow and Rome. She also has a bookshelf filled with mugs, glasses and other mementos from her international travel. “I have been very lucky,” Taylor says. “I have lived a very good life.” Of her many accomplishments, one stands out. In addition to being, at one point, the only female full professor at Wilkes, she’s also had the honor of being the only female to carry the university mace at graduation ceremonies. It’s an honor that goes to the University’s longest serving and highest ranked faculty member. For 15 years, she has been that person. “There’s something to be said about experience. There really is,” Taylor says. WILKES | Fall 2019 online at news.wilkes.edu. 23 �WILKES | Fall 2019 Saving 24 �History Wilkes Alumni Build Careers Preserving the Past Opposite page, Natalie Baur ’06 works as an archivist in Mexico City, which she first visited as a Fulbright Fellow. PHOTO BY JACKIE RUSSO This page, Nick Zmijewski ’07, pictured in front of the remnants of Bethlehem Steel’s blast furnaces, works as an archivist for the Industrial Archives and Library. WILKES | Fall 2019 By Rachel Luann Strayer MFA ’12 PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 25 �I f Natalie Baur ’06 and Nicholas Zmijewski ’07 have one thing in common, it’s that history is a part of their past. “I was always into old stuff,” says Baur, recounting trips to estate sales and antique shops with her mother growing up. She even did Civil War reenactments, though the authentic clothing held more interest for her than the battles themselves. “I liked looking at history in a creative and artistic way.” Zmijewski also got his introduction to antiquities through a parent. “My father was an amateur photographer,” he says, “so I got dragged around to coal mines, steel mills, railroad yards.” This led to Zmijewski’s own involvement in photography, and through it, his fascination with old photographs. “It’s a large part of what drew me to become an archivist.” Both Baur and Zmijewski are proud of their roles in preserving history for future generations. Here’s a glimpse at the lives of two Wilkes graduates who turned their fascination with the past into careers for the future. Natalie Baur ’06 WILKES | Fall 2019 PRESERVING INCREDIBLE LIVES 26 When Natalie Baur first came to Wilkes, the only records she planned to keep were medical ones. “Wilkes had an excellent pharmacy program,” she says. “And my family wanted me to do something practical.” But Baur wondered if her love for history, writing and cultural exploration could be a career instead of a hobby. Baur switched to a history major, adding minors in English and anthropology under the guidance of professors Diane Wenger and John Hepp. “It’s not so different from pharmacy,” Baur laughs. “I’m just cataloguing different things.” Baur’s path has been as diverse as the history she preserves. A semester-long internship at the Howell Living History Farm in New Jersey led to a relationship that took her to Ecuador for two years, where she became fluent in Spanish. After completing a master’s degree in history from the University of Delaware and a master of library science degree from the University of Maryland, Baur was offered her first job as an archivist with the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami. Four years later, she received a Fulbright Fellowship to study digital preservation in Latin America, specifically in Mexico. While researching in Mexico, Baur was offered a position with El Colegio de México, as their first digital preservation librarian. But it was a horseback ride through the woods that would lead to the next twist in her career. At home in Mexico City where she is surrounded by historic architecture, Baur says that archival work combines her love for history, writing and cultural exploration. PHOTO BY JACKIE RUSSO Friends on that ride told Baur about a local man with a film archive she might find interesting. At the time, Baur had no idea that the man in question was Carlos Martínez Suárez, an award-winning documentary filmmaker who had recorded sociopolitical issues in Mexico since the 1980s. His primary collection of raw footage documented Rafael Sebastián Guillén Vicente, also known as Subcomandante Marcos, and the Zapatista National Liberation Army’s 1994 rebellion in Chiapas, Mexico. Suárez was the official cameraman of the movement, recording interviews from both sides of the conflict. Baur approached the project with urgency. “The longer something like that sits on a hard drive, the more likely it is to break down,” she explains. She was able to acquire copies for El Colegio de México, effectively preserving the historic footage. “That was a turning point,” she says. According to Baur, the Suárez project allowed the university to secure grants and funding for further digital preservation and storage, which can sometimes be difficult. “If the money dries up, the files might not be updated and the data could be lost,” Baur says. While she is still a consultant on the Suárez project, Baur left her position in August to pursue another new adventure: teaching. She now works for Escuela Nacional de Conservación, Restauración y Museografía, teaching in the Master of Archival Management Program. She also designs and teaches online classes in digital preservation for Library Juice Academy. �Nicholas Zmijewski ’07 A PERSONAL CONNECTION Nicholas Zmijewski always knew he wanted a degree in history, but he had no idea where it might take him. Fortunately, he had Wilkes mentors John Hepp and Joel Berlatsky to set him on the right track. “It was Dr. Hepp who helped me get the internship,” Zmijewski says, referring to his summer at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pa., after which he was hired as a tour guide. It was Zmijewski’s experience scanning and digitizing negatives as a staff photographer and photo editor for Wilkes’ student newspaper, The Beacon, that prepared him for his next career step. When the museum’s nonprofit branch, Friends of the Railroad, received a grant to digitize 2,600 photographic negatives, Zmijewski was a natural fit for the job. Under the grant, he preserved closer to 7,600 negatives. Zmijewski was then hired full time. One of his favorite experiences at the museum was finding a negative of a photo taken by his father. “I called my dad and asked him, ‘What were you doing in Philadelphia on August 3, 1966?’ ” His father responded, “I wasn’t in Philly that day.” Zmijewski enjoyed telling him that he had photographic evidence to prove otherwise. Zmijewski only works sporadically with the Railroad Museum these days but he still lives in Lancaster with his wife, Allison Zell M.S. ’16, and their 11-month-old twins, Zoe and Logan. Three days a week he drives to Bethlehem, where he works for Industrial Archives and Library. The organization’s mission is to collect, organize, conserve and preserve industrial records and to make them available for education and research to historians, scholars and the public Some of the artifacts he’s worked with include original reports from Bethlehem Steel’s first chairman, Charles Schwab, as well as building plans for a bridge he used to drive past in his hometown of Cranford, N.J. “There are a lot of personal connections,” he says. “I’m doing something I would have done as a hobby anyway.” Just like Baur, Zmijewski has diversified his experience by furthering his education and getting involved in numerous organizations. He is pursuing a master’s degree in archives and records administration from San Jose State University and is a member of the Society of American Archivists, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference and vice chair of the board of governors for ArchivesSpace. He has been published in Railroad Museum’s magazine, Milepost, and the popular hobby magazine Ralifan and Railroad. Zmijewski says starting out at a small institution is valuable for someone entering the archival field. “You learn how to do everything,” he says, “and you learn how to do it on the cheap.” He notes that technology has impacted his field, just as it has changed many others. He goes on to explain that 50 years ago, archivists were only working with paper and film. Now an archivist should expect to work with all types of digital materials as well. “There are a lot more opportunities if you know how to handle a lot of different materials.” That personal connection comes in handy too. “You do a better job if you’re interested in what you’re doing.”� With Bethlehem Steel’s blast furnace soaring behind him, Zmijewski says he feels a personal connection to the history he preserves. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON WILKES | Fall 2019 Baur is also exploring new ways to preserve history. Recently she served on the advisory board of DocNow, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving content posted on social media. She hopes the next generation will prioritize digital preservation as well. “It’s something I like on a personal level,” she says, “being close to people who made history or witnessed it. People who lived incredible lives.” 27 �alumni news 2019-2020 Alumni Scholarship Recipient: Lacey Bradshaw ’20 This year’s Alumni Association Scholarship recipient is Lacey Bradshaw ’20, an electrical engineering major with a minor in physics. Lacey’s dad, Mark Bradshaw ’96, attended Wilkes and encouraged her to look more closely at his alma mater. “From the moment I stepped onto Wilkes’ campus I knew that it was the school for me. After only being here for a few months, I convinced my sister to apply to go to Wilkes too. Now she is a sophomore in the pharmacy program,” says Lacey, who is expected to graduate in May 2020. On campus, Lacey is involved in Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Society of Women Engineers. She’s also worked in the Admissions Office, the Disabilities Support Services Department, and as a teaching assistant in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Physics. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WILKES? The friendly atmosphere on campus. It’s amazing how many people I wave hello to in one day. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING OPPORTUNITY HERE AT WILKES? The engineering department allows students to take small lab classes and to use equipment while learning. This is a huge opportunity that has prepared me for my future career field. I have been grateful to have this small class-size setting. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL? I like to explore nature by hiking and kayaking when the weather permits. On bad weather days, I love to read and bake. There are a lot of high-achieving people in my life that I look up to, but my main role model has been my dad. He is an engineer and has a great work ethic. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? HOW DOES RECEIVING THE ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? My future plans involve achieving my degree from Wilkes and later becoming a licensed professional engineer. I hope to work in a technology-driven career that will be based off of my studies at Wilkes. The Alumni Association Scholarship is awarded annually to a current Wilkes undergraduate student (freshman, sophomore or junior) who has had a parent or grandparent attend Wilkes and has at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must have a FAFSA on file. This scholarship will allow me to have a significantly smaller financial burden in the coming year. I will be able to focus more on my studies because I will not have to work as much to finance school. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO UNDERCLASSMEN? I would suggest that every student at Wilkes find what they are passionate about and pursue it. Wilkes offers so many opportunities that not every student knows about. LEIGH ANN M. JACOBSON, CFRE JOINS ADVANCEMENT TEAM WILKES | Fall 2019 Leigh Ann Jacobson joined the Wilkes Alumni and Development team this summer to serve 28 as director of alumni engagement and annual giving. Jacobson is a certified fund raising executive (CFRE) with 20 years of fund development experience. In her role, she will develop and manage programs to engage alumni in meaningful ways to deepen their relationship with Wilkes and to grow alumni philanthropic support. Jacobson can be reached at Leighann.Jacobson@wilkes.edu or (570) 408-4608. �giving back The Class of 1969 Makes an Impact in 2019 December 31, 2019, of any amount, to any area of Wilkes, count as part of the Class of 1969 reunion campaign. Stinger, a first-generation college student, says that staying involved in the Wilkes community is important. “If you were fortunate enough to receive assistance from Wilkes, you should consider giving back. It’s also a way to help others succeed and achieve their goals.” Glancey added that, “Opportunities like the Wilkes experience do not happen by accident. The experience should be continued and shared.” Having fond memories of their time at Wilkes encourages graduates to participate as alumni. Burke, Catina and Zeglarski all look back fondly on their time at Wilkes and reminisce about things that impacted their lives. Burke, also a first-generation college student, says, “My professors made a lasting impression for more than 50 years and serving on this committee is a way to say thank you to Wilkes.” Catina, a retired educator, says that the liberal arts education received at Wilkes is so important. “My exposure to many things at Wilkes that I had never been exposed to before in my life made me a better educator and a better professional. Wilkes epitomizes what it means to get a liberal arts education.” “Well, I don’t have any great memories of studying for my history exam,” jokes Zeglarski, recalling the challenges of academics. “I dormed with my classmates in tight quarters before the new men’s dorm was built, and that made for some great, long-lasting memories and friendships.” Pawlush, who is also a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, is grateful for Wilkes and attributes his successful career in health care marketing and public relations to his Wilkes education. “I am grateful to the faculty and administrators who mentored me and the experiences gained from my involvement in extra-curricular activities. I feel that I was well-prepared to meet the many challenges during my career,” Pawlush says. More than 20 alumni from the Class of 1969 returned to campus to celebrate their Golden Anniversary in Weckesser Hall on Saturday, Oct. 5. The event was made possible through the involvement of members of the 50th Reunion Committee. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Do you have a reunion coming up in 2020? Get involved by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations. Email: alumni@wilkes.edu, Phone: 570-408-7787. WILKES | Fall 2019 The class of 1969 celebrated its 50th Reunion during Homecoming 2019. The Office of Alumni Relations recruited a committee of six class members, representing a range of majors and interests, to help plan a reunion event that would create unique and lasting memories for the Golden Colonels. Pat Burke ’69, George Pawlush ’69, MS ’76, Bob Catina ’69, Nancy Wanczyk Stinger ’69, Bob Zeglarski ’69, and Mike Glancey ’69 were members of the Class of 1969 50th Reunion Committee. Throughout the Homecoming and reunion planning process, committee members are asked to join calls periodically where they’ll learn about the plans for the reunion, and reach out to their classmates to encourage participation. The group reflected on their time at Wilkes and what it means to be a member of the committee. Glancey says the opportunity to join the committee is a good way to “help catch up with friends, both old and new, in a relaxed and positive atmosphere.” “The more input there is, the better the chances there are for great results,” he says. The committee members agreed that the same opportunities they had in 1969 should be available to today’s Wilkes students. To help support current Wilkes students and the progress at the University, the group fundraised around the occasion of their 50th Reunion. Gifts made between June 1, 2019, to 29 �class notes Megan Bucher Ruhmel ’09 Researches Fuels of the Future for ExxonMobil If biofuels derived from algae ever replace diesel “I’m in the lab every day doing some sort of test. The algae don’t sleep. They grow like crazy.” in our trucks, Wilkes alumna Megan Bucher Ruhmel ’09 might have a hand in making it happen. Ruhmel is a senior research technician at ExxonMobil, where her days consist of testing and analyzing the productivity of algae for the company’s Algae Biofuels Program. She and her research colleagues are working - Megan Bucher Ruhmel ’09 to find ways to dial down the protein and dial up Above, Megan Bucher Ruhmel ’09, a biofuels researcher for ExxonMobil, returned to campus this summer to speak at the Women Empowered By Science Camp. Below, Ruhmel shares her passion for science with girls in one of the camp’s labs. PHOTOS BY CURTIS SALONICK the fat in algae through protein and genetic work. “Remember,” Ruhmel says. “Oil is fat.” The normal strains of Ruhmel, who was the keynote speaker of the Women algae have a lot of protein. Algae biology is very challenging Empowered By Science (WEBS) Camp in July 2019, can’t so researchers are working to develop and apply genetic remember a time when she was not fascinated by science. tools to engineer algae strains that can one day be scaled up. When visiting her grandmother’s house, her first stop was the The eventual goal is to take this science from the lab, to the bottom bookshelf to pick up where she left off in the science greenhouse, to producing 10,000 barrels a day. book collection. As a child, her favorite question was “Why?” “I’m in the lab every day doing “I would always be asking questions: Why is the sky blue? some sort of test,” says Ruhmel. Why, when you put these magnets together, they attract each “The algae don’t sleep. They grow other, but when you turn them around, they repel each other? like crazy.” Why does the ocean look blue but when you get in, it’s clear?” Exxon worked to publicize this While at Wilkes, she fell in love with the laboratory setting program by creating YouTube videos and the faculty helped her to facilitate her energy, and prepare and Ruhmel, who comes equipped her for stepping out into the real world. She names Wilkes with biology faculty Debra Chapman, Valerie Kalter, Kenneth an energetic and bubbly personality, even starred in one. She Ruhmel’s path to ExxonMobil was not a direct one. “A lot of and explains the work she does. It people just assume that you graduate and you get your dream sounds complicated, but as Ruhmel job, and that’s just not the case.” She worked at three different explains to her interviewer, Farrah, companies before being recruited by ExxonMobil, which was WILKES | Fall 2019 it’s relatively simple and algae could be a better source of fuel 30 Klemow, Jeffrey Stratford and Michael Steele as influences. was interviewed by a 6-year-old girl looking for qualified candidates with genetics experience. for future generations. In the video, Ruhmel explains that this Ruhmel has also faced some challenges as a woman in program is trying to find the most productive strain of algae science, but she encourages other women in STEM fields to that produces enough oil to create fuel. (To view the video, log keep challenging themselves and pushing their way into the on to YouTube and search School of ExxonMobil/algae) room by asking, “Why can’t women do what men can do?” – By Jacki Lukas Eovitch ’11 �class notes 1951 Nicholas Heineman of Palm Coast, Fla., recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He has been retired for 15 years. 1965 Steven Paradise and Jane Paradise ’66 have moved to Canal Walk in Somerset, N.J. They have both retired. 1966 Jane Paradise, see Steven Paradise 1965. 1972 Catherine ChandlerOliveira of Saint Lazare, Quebec, recently won the Richard Wilbur Award for her fourth book of poetry, “The Frangible Hour” (University of Evansville Press). Her first book, “Lines of Flight” (Able Muse Press) was shortlisted for the Poets Prize. Her fifth book, “Pointing Home,” will be published later this year by Kelsay Books. Her website is cathychandler.blogspot.com. 1979 Joseph P. Lavelle of Washington, D.C., was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, a peer-reviewed ranking recognizing lawyers for their professional excellence across the United States. He has more than 25 years of experience litigating patent cases and is currently employed by DLA Piper, a global law firm. 1981 Elizabeth DeCosmo Dean ’82, MBA ’85, formerly of Occoquan, Va., has relocated to the Wilkes-Barre area and been named executive director of the Irem Temple Restoration Project. She previously served as board chair of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. Dean has been recognized with various awards including “Influential Woman of Virginia” and the Ethel Georges Labor of Love Award. 1982 Andrew Bloschichak of Harrisburg, Pa., was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to serve a three-year term on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Health Policy Board. As a board appointee, he will serve as an advisor on regulations and other healthrelated issues. Bloschichak currently serves as the senior medical director for Capital Blue Cross. Alvin Bauman of Carlisle, Pa., has retired as senior policy analyst from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is now performing acoustic music at local venues near his residence. He posts updates on his performances on his FaceBook page, JustAlvinsMusic. 1983 Amy Elias of Knoxville, Tenn., is the recipient of a named fund, the Amy J. Elias Founders Award, awarded by The Association for the Study of the Arts of the Present. The association is an international 1976 Mary Ellen (Dwyer) Jolley MA ’94 of Nanticoke, Pa., was recognized by the League for Innovation at Luzerne County Community College. She was involved in the project, College Ready Math Program, which was recognized as the 2018 Innovation of the Year Award winner for the community college. The program was developed to help high school students enhance their college-ready math skills. Pictured from left are Rosana Reyes, a current Wilkes doctor of education candidate and vice president, enrollment management and student development; Mary Ellen Jolley ’76, MA ’94, off-campus programs specialist; and Nicole (Layaou) Saporito ’94, professor and chair, mathematics and engineering at the community college. 1981 Peter Steve of Plymouth, Pa., was selected as the Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award recipient recognizing his lifetime of achievement within the marketing and advertising community. The award was presented on March 1, 2019 at the Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre. Steve is the owner and chief creative officer of Ideaworks Marketing in Wyoming, Pa. scholarly arts organization started by Elias in 2009. The organization’s scholarly journal, published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, was founded by Elias in 2016 and has won three national awards. In 2017, Elias was appointed director of the humanities center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and also continues her faculty appointment as professor in the English department. WILKES | Fall 2019 Undergraduate 31 �class notes 1991 Shelley (Umbra) Pearce of Los Angeles, Calif., presented at an international tele-summit in March 2019. Entitled “Dharma and the Evolution of Conflict,” the five-day symposium highlighted renowned teachers, authors, religious educators, and psychologists presenting their unique views on conflict, compassion, and healing our divides including integral theory founder, Ken Wilber. 1993 Jason Langdon is now a senior vice president in the enrollment division of Ruffalo Noel Levitz. He previously worked at the College Board. 2000 Jason Evans of Lahaina, Hawaii, is the producer of Xploration Awesome Plant. The program was nominated for a daytime Emmy award in the category of outstanding educational or informational series. Evans has been the producer of Awesome Planet for all five seasons its run. This is his third year with an Emmy nomination and fourth Emmy nomination over the past 5 years. The photo, taken by Evans, is from a 2018 shoot about shark conservation in Fiji. In the shot is the host, Philippe Cousteau, an underwater camera person, and the dive safety team. 1994 Nicole (Layaou) Saporito – see 1976 WILKES | Fall 2019 1992 32 Lee Morrell was recently named manager, advertising and public relations for Mercury Insurance, a provider of home, auto and business insurance. In his role, Morrell will work with the company’s multiple external agencies to craft messages that position the company within the competitive insurance space. Under Morrell, those agencies manage public relations, marketing, social media, advertising and video creation. He also will work with the company’s multiple sports marketing and entertainment initiatives to ensure these relationships continue to draw traffic and new customers. Morrell joins Mercury following four years as public information officer for the Saugus Union School District, a 15 school, elementary-only district in northern Los Angeles County. He lives in Saugus, Calif., with his wife LeeAnn and daughter Sydney, as well as a menagerie of three cats and two dogs. He is pictured cherry picking with his wife and daughter in Leona, Calif. Debbie Yendrick is beginning her 21st year teaching at LincolnHubbard School in Summit, N.J. After being a classroom teacher for 20 years, she will be a basic skills teacher for reading and math. In May 2012, she was named Lincoln-Hubbard’s Teacher of the Year. 1998 Phillip Torres of Elk Grove, Calif., is now a registered respiratory therapist at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif. 1999 Lucia Piccolino of Scranton, Pa., recently started her own business, AutoBahn Title and Tag, in June 2018. 2001 Angelina Cardoso of Bridgeport, Conn., accepted a position as the director of curriculum development and implementation at Great Oaks Charter School in Bridgeport. Previously, Cardoso was an educator for the Diocese of Bridgeport for 14 years. More recently she was a math teacher and curriculum enthusiast at a charter school in Bridgeport. �class notes Matthew Reitnour of Kenmore, N.Y., was recently promoted to associate athletic director for communications at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Reitnour, who has served as the college’s lead athletic department spokesman since 2006, is entering his 19th year at the institution. 2004 Nicolle Nyzio of Media, Pa., published an opinion article in the Daily Times in Delaware County about the importance of encouraging STEM education for girls. She is the corporate environmental, health and safety coordinator for Heraeus for the Americas region, including sites in Yardley and West Conshohocken, Pa. 2008 Stacie Gogo of Rockaway, N.J., performed at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. with the Pushcart Players in “Stone Soup and other Stories.” Gogo appeared Off-Broadway as a Kit Kat Girl in “Cabaret” at The Players Theatre, as Penny Pingleton in “Hairspray” at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, in the ensemble of “Grease!” at the Surflight Theatre and in international tours. 2006 Lauren Pluskey McLain MBA ’10 has been named associate vice president for institutional advancement and senior director of development and campaign at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. She previously was managing director and director of development for the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. 2002 Stefanie Taylor and husband, Andrew, welcomed their third child on March 6, 2019. His name is Alexander Joseph Stephen and he has two big sisters, Mackenzey and Ellyson. 2009 Heather (Chulick) Gogas of Wilkes-Barre, married Matthew Gogas ’10 on May 25, 2019. The ceremony was held at Firwood United Methodist Church with a reception held at The Mary Stegmaier Mansion. WILKES | Fall 2019 Katie (Pearson) Desiderio MBA ’03 of Allentown, Pa., was recently honored at the Lehigh Valley Business Forty Under 40 Awards Ceremony, as one of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s most accomplished young business professionals. She is an associate professor of management at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., where she also is executive director of graduate business programs. 33 �class notes Morgan Evans Serpico ’14 is Activist for Suicide Awareness Five years later, Serpico and her mother, Dawn Loftus Evans, have used their loss as the impetus for working to raise awareness and educate others about suicide prevention. Serpico is a volunteer to the board of the Northeast Pennsylvania chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and her mother, Dawn Loftus Evans, serves as board president. Their volunteerism is actively When Morgan Evans Serpico ’14 thinks back to her Wilkes supported by Serpico’s father, David A. Evans ’84, and her graduation, her memories are different than most graduates. husband, Sandro Serpico ’15, who also participate in many Instead of simply recalling it as a day of celebration, she also events. The chapter recently was merged with the Lehigh remembers that it happened barely a month after her brother Valley chapter to become the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter. David, a high school student, died by suicide. Serpico and her family played an integral role in growing While her classmates celebrated, Serpico felt alone. the chapter’s major fundraising event, the annual Greater “Everyone was in a happy space. No one understood my loss,” Northeast Pennsylvania Out of the Darkness Community says Serpico, who works as a regional manager for Suntan City Walk. In January 2019, the event was honored as the most tanning salons. improved community walk at the national organization’s 14th Annual Chapter Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas. The 2018 walk raised $94,381 and had 1,300 participants. It is the third largest walk in the state, behind Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Morgan Serpico says she and her family want to help provide resources that were not available to them at the time of her brother’s death. The subject of suicide has long been treated as taboo in American society and is seldom discussed openly. And as a person who lost a sibling, Serpico found it especially difficult. No resources focused on the death of a brother or sister by suicide. “Nobody has a book that tells you what to do,” she says. After participating in a glow walk held at Wilkes that benefited the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Serpico and her family found the organization provided helpful resources and support. They began volunteering for the group. In addition to chairing the regional board, Serpico’s mother, Dawn, delivers educational programs to schools, businesses and community groups, to raise awareness about suicide. Both mother and daughter have been trained to facilitate support groups for those affected by suicide loss. Both women staff informational tables at community events throughout the year. Serpico plans to continue her volunteerism to raise WILKES | Fall 2019 awareness about an issue that affects many. Each year “If I can be that one person for somebody, it would mean everything to me.” suicide claims more lives than war, murders and natural - Morgan Evans Serpico ’14 be so grateful to that person,” Serpico says. “If I can be that Morgan Evans Serpico ’14 and her husband, Sandro Serpico ’15 participate in northeast Pennsylvania’s Out of the Darkness Walk in memory of her brother, David. The walk was the most improved in the nation in 2018, raising $94,381. PHOTO COURTESY MORGAN EVANS SERPICO 34 disasters combined, yet funding for research and education about it lags behind many other issues. Serpico is determined to make a difference. “If one person had been able to save my brother, I would one person for somebody, it would mean everything to me.” – By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 �class notes Jamie Gwynn of Philadelphia, Pa., and his wife, Erica, had a baby girl, Olivia. 2010 Jason Woloski of Wilkes-Barre was one of 42 physicians in Pennsylvania recognized as a “Top Physician Under 40” by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Honorees are nominated by colleagues and selected by a committee of Pennsylvania Medical Society member physicians. Woloski is a family physician with Geisinger Wilkes Barre-Community Medicine and also is an assistant program director with the Geisinger Kistler Family Medicine Residency Program in Wilkes-Barre. He serves on the board of trustees for both the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and the Luzerne County Medical Society. Woloski also is a participant in the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s 2019 Year-Round Leadership Academy. 2010 Megan Grim of Lewisberry, Pa., was promoted to manager at Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz. Grim has over eight years of experience in public accounting. She provides tax services to small for-profit and nonprofit entities in a variety of industries, and specializes in employee benefit plans. 2011 Allison Roth of Denver, Colo., along with her mother, Elizabeth Eron Roth, and uncle, Joseph B. Eron, are publishing a book, “Ted Eron Designed That,” in November 2019. The book chronicles the iconic work of Roth’s grandfather, a package designer for some of the most iconic supermarket brands in the 1950s and 1960s. Roth served as the photographer of products, paintings and original sketches for the book. 2013 Jessica (Short) Frazier MS ’15 of Scranton, Pa., was married on May 25, 2019. Pictured are Wilkes alumni in attendance at the wedding: Kevin Ruitenberg ’13, Brian Palmiter ’13, Anthony Cooper ’14, Lauren Machell ’15, Samantha Lindo ’14, Joseph Pugliese ’13, Jessica Short-Frazier ’13, John Sweeney ’13, Lindsey Coval-Cooper ’15, Ashley Mehall ’14, Bethany Sharpless-Chalk ’15 and Dawn DiMaria ’14. 2013 Brian Palmiter of Wilkes-Barre was named the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers 2019 Young Engineer of the Year. He has been promoted in his role of civil designer in the water and municipal service center at Borton-Lawson. Palmiter is actively involved in community organizations and activities including the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, the United Way of Wyoming Valley and his alma mater, Wilkes University. Palmiter also serves as a mentor to younger engineers. Alexandra Roman of San Diego, Calif., was accepted into the International Education Management program at the Middlebury Institute. 2017 John Stoner of Carlisle, Pa., was promoted to senior associate at SEK, CPAs & Advisors. 2018 Joseph Ungvarsky of Wilkes-Barre, is employed as a registered nurse at First Hospital in Kingston and is currently enrolled in Wilkes University’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. He will be starting a new job at the University as a clinical instructor for the undergraduate nursing program for psychiatric nursing. WILKES | Fall 2019 2009 35 �class notes Graduate 1985 Elizabeth DeCosmo Dean ’82 MBA – see undergraduates 1982 1994 Mary Ellen (Dwyer) Jolley MA ’94 – see undergraduates 1976 2000 Susan Robel MHA of Salt Lake City, Utah, was named senior vice president of clinical operations and chief nursing executive for Intermountain Healthcare. During her 34-year career at Geisinger, Robel led efforts to standardize nursing practices and developed the Geisinger Nursing Institute. She also helped guide the organization’s move toward value-based care, which is a major focus at Intermountain. WILKES | Fall 2019 2003 Katie Desiderio MBA - See Undergraduates 2001 36 2006 Marlon James MA’s book “Black Leopard, Red Wolf ” is a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction. The winner will be announced on November 20, 2019. Described as an African “Game of Thrones,” the book received critical acclaim when it was published in February 2019. Film rights for the novel have been optioned by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and Warner Bros. 2010 Lauren Pluskey McLain MBA – See undergraduates 2006 Dania Ramos MA of Bloomfield, N.J., is the series creator of “Timestorm,” a fiction podcast about twelveyear-old twins from Newark who travel through time to preserve Puerto Rico’s true history. The series relaunched on Aug. 1, 2019. Ramos is the author of the middle-grade mystery books “Ignacio in the Dark” and “Who’s Ju?” 2006 John Bednarz MA of Shavertown, Pa., has been selected a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2019. This is the eleventh consecutive year Bednarz has been named a super lawyer. 2015 Jessica (Short) Frazier MS – See undergraduates 2013 2016 Mona Nashman EdD of Alberta, Canada, was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Alberta Alumni Association for leadership in international education. Nashman was honored at one of the highest levels when Queen Elizabeth made her a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2016. 2013 David Tirado of Lancaster, Pa., has been named director of information technology at Saxton & Stump, LLC, a full-service law firm. Previously, he worked at multiple school districts in central Pennsylvania in positions ranging from network and PC specialist to director of information technology and services. Tirado has worked for over a decade in the IT industry at multiple companies in the Lancaster area, including as the system administrator for Cardinal Technologies and the network administrator for Miller & Miller CPAs. PICTURE PERFECT: GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING PHOTOS FOR CLASS NOTES 1. Email jpeg or tif files to wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or upload as an online class note submission on the alumni website at www.wilkes.edu/alumni. Wilkes magazine accepts photos of alumni weddings and to accompany class notes reporting achievements and milestones. To ensure that we can use the photos submitted, please follow these requirements: 2. Digital photos must be at least 4 by 6 inches at 300 dpi or 1200 pixels by 1800 pixels. If you are sending a photo from your smart phone, choose full size or the largest size when prompted to specify the size you wish to send. 3. Please identify everyone in the photo, starting from left to right. Identify both alumni and non-alumni in submitted photos. Include class years for alumni. �class notes In Memoriam Remembering Francis J. Michelini, Wilkes University’s Second President The sign in Michelini Hall proclaims “We’re all in this boat together.” It quotes Francis J. Michelini, Wilkes’ second president and the man for whom the residence hall is named. For Michelini — known as “Dr. Mike” — the quote was especially apt. He was the president who helped to ensure Wilkes’ survival in 1972 in the aftermath of the devastating flood that enveloped campus Francis J. Michelini, Wilkes’ second president, is seen at the 2015 dedication of Michelini Hall, a residence hall named in his honor. following Hurricane Agnes. When his passing was announced on Sept. 12, 2019, many remembered that he quite literally set out leader with great energy and a great strategic plan for in a boat to help with flood rescue operations. restoring Wilkes,” Kelly states. “When Wilkes needed a hero, Michelini was the first Wilkes president to ascend from the Dr. Michelini was there and Wilkes can be forever grateful.” academic ranks when he succeeded founding president Eugene He left Wilkes in 1975 to serve as the president of the Farley in 1970. When he first joined what was then Wilkes Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities, College in 1955, he was the third full-time faculty member in an organization supported by 80 independent colleges the biology department. In 1963, he became Wilkes’ dean of in Pennsylvania created to represent the public policy academic affairs, where he left his mark interests of those institutions and developing programs and majors. their students. Two years after becoming president, In November 2015, Wilkes dedicated he was the driving force behind what the residence hall at 80 West River was known as “Operation Snapback” Street in his honor. The Michelini following the Agnes flood. Dr. Mike Greenhouse on the roof of the brought Cohen Science Center also is named the campus community to assist in recovery efforts for him. and ensure that campus was ready for Michelini’s undergraduate career at classes in fall 1972. New Jersey’s Seton Hall College was Speaking at a campus memorial interrupted when he served in the service held in October, Thomas F. Kelly Army Air Corps during World War II. ’69, retired vice president of external affairs at Binghamton He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Seton Hall, University, recalled that many wondered whether Wilkes would a master’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware, survive. “Dr. Mike assured us that we could do it — that saving and his doctorate in biological sciences from the University Wilkes was a noble and worthy task,” Kelly recalls. Kelly also of Pennsylvania. says that Michelini asserted that “good education takes place Over the years, he frequently returned to Wilkes from his when you have good faculty and good students interacting.” home in Mechanicsburg, Pa., arriving in his bright red sports Those things remained after the flood. car. Recently he participated in regular gatherings with other Kelly accompanied Dr. Mike on visits to organizations asked former Wilkes presidents — Christopher Breiseth, Joseph to donate money to Wilkes’ flood recovery efforts. He said they “Tim” Gilmour and Patrick F. Leahy — to compile an oral were invariably impressed with him. “They saw a charismatic history of the institution. WILKES | Fall 2019 together 37 �class notes 1947 Victor Swinski of Hunlock Creek, Pa., died on April 8, 2019. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Prior to retiring, he was employed as a draftsman for American Car Foundry in Berwick and Milton. 1950 Bernice Perloff Fierman of Kingston, Pa., died on March 20, 2019. She was a life member of Temple Israel and served as president of the temple sisterhood and as regional president of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. 1951 Arthur Bloom of Groton, Vt., died on Feb. 7, 2019. He served in the U.S. Army for two years as a sergeant. WILKES | Fall 2019 Patricia (Patty) Boyd Thomas Brady of Hanover, Pa., died on June 5, 2019. She was a teacher at Frederick High School in Frederick, Md., and also taught English literature and honors English at California Area High School in western Pennsylvania. After her retirement, she continued substitute teaching in Hanover and later taught English as a second language to families in the area. 38 Joseph Donald Stephens of Hobe Sound, Fla., died on May 21, 2019. Stephens was a dentist with practices in Randallstown, Md., and Eldersburg, Md., for 40 years. He was a veteran and served in the U.S. Air Force. Stephens supported the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Maryland and was recognized as the 1965 Jaycee of the year. In 1966, he was honored as the world’s 5960 Junior Chamber International Senator. He was a member of the American Dental Association and professionally honored as a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. A former president of the Wilkes University Alumni Association, the Dr. Joseph Donald Stephens, DDS Global Scholars Award at Wilkes was established in his honor. His survivors include his daughter, Deborah Stephens Kalaritis ’78, and her husband, Panos Kalaritis ’77, and his son, Joseph Stephens Jr. ’79. Burl Updyke of Sweet Valley, Pa., died on Sept. 3, 2019. Updyke was employed as television engineer at WBRE. He then went on to publish a weekly newspaper, “Country Impressions,” in Sweet Valley for 20 years. He founded and built two Christian radio stations, WRGN F.M. in Pennsylvania and a mission outreach, WIVH, F.M. in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. He operated both stations 30 years until his retirement. 1953 Anne Markovich Kish of Avoca, Pa., died on June 11, 2019. During World War II, Kish was stationed at the U.S. Marine Corps training facility on Parris Island, S.C., where she was a truck driver. She was an assistant professor of literature and an English scholar at Wilkes College for 20 years. She was active as a volunteer in veterans affairs in the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas for many years. Frank Radaszewski of Wilkes-Barre died on March 21, 2019. Radaszewski was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Before retiring in 1995, he was an executive director of human resources at RCA in Scranton, Pa. 1955 Robert Dymond of Bethel Park, Pa., died on Feb. 21, 2019. John Finn of Forty Fort, Pa., died in July 2019. Finn earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bucknell University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1952, where he was stationed in Europe. Finn was employed by Martin Aircraft in Baltimore as a design engineer. In 1957, he began working for PennDOT and was part of the team that built the interstate highway system throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. He later was a PennDOT district engineer for a seven-county region. During his tenure as district engineer, he oversaw the construction of the Cross Valley Expressway in Luzerne County. He later established his own engineering consulting practice. 1958 Thomas Myers of Bear Creek Twp., died on March 16, 2019. He served in the U.S. Navy. Joseph Oliver of York, S.C., died on Aug. 26, 2018. He was a retired teacher from Northern Burlington County Regional High School in New Jersey and also served 12 years on the Willingboro, N.J. board of education, with five years as president. 1959 Bernard Dancheck of Mountain Top, Pa., died on April 2, 2019. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Frank Gazda of Naples, Fla., died on March 6, 2019. A former Wilkes-Barre resident, he was an optometrist in northeast Pennsylvania for 56 years. He was a Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force. Gazda was the past president of the Northeastern Optometric Society, a member of the Pennsylvania and American Optometric associations, an original staff member at the Low Vision Clinic of Allied Services for the Handicapped and a past president and member of the Plymouth Kiwanis Club. Edward Mikolaitis of Hanover Green, Pa., died on May 31, 2019. He was an airman in the U.S. Air Force. Before retiring in 1993, he taught English and history and subsequently was an administrator with the Perkiomen Valley School District in Montgomery County, Pa. 1962 William Ackerman of Bear Creek Twp., Pa., died on March 19, 2019. He served with the U.S. Army in Germany as a medic and retired from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after 34 years. �class notes Leo T. Morgan Jr., of Pittston, Pa., died on Nov. 24, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy. Morgan was a certified public accountant and worked at Lavanthol Krekstein. Later he worked for Dupont Anthracite as an accountant and auditor. 1963 Douglas Bennington of Old Tappan, N.J., died on July 6, 2016. Bennington was a social studies supervisor at Bergenfield High School for more than 33 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 and was a member of the National Railway Historical Society. Gerald A. Moffatt of Naples, Fla., died on March 24, 2019. Moffatt served on Wilkes’ Board of Trustees. Barbara Soyka of Exeter, Pa., died on March 23, 2019. Soyka was as an English teacher at Coughlin High School for 38 years. 1964 William Shaner of Dallas, Pa., died on March 6, 2019. Prior to retirement, Shaner worked for Commonwealth Telephone Company. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Telephone Pioneers and was on the board of the Boy Scouts of America. Richard Shemo of Shavertown, Pa., died on July 29, 2019. Shemo served in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He later became an insurance adjuster with Aetna Life and Casualty. He later worked at the law firm Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn as a litigation specialist, retiring after 25 years with the firm in 2005. 1968 Mary (Sokash) Challenger of Dillsburg, Pa., died on April 18, 2019. She worked as a senior computer programmer analyst for 26 years at Mechanicsburg Naval Supply Depot. 1969 Lillian (Geida) Dzwilefsky of Yulee, Fla., died on Aug. 23, 2018. Linda Esopi of Allentown, Pa., died on April 3, 2019. She was a registered nurse in the Allentown School District until her retirement. Michael Gryszkowiec of Chocowinity, N.C., died on Sept. 29, 2018. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Gryszkowiec retired as director of planning with the General Accountability Office in Washington, D.C. after 37 years of service. He later worked part time with FEMA, helping with disaster recovery. Charles Morgan Sr. of Warminster, Pa., died on March 15, 2019. He was the owner and operator of Penn Locksmith of Warminster for 35 years. Howard Weinberg of Salisbury, Md., died on April 19, 2019. Weinberg began his career teaching in the Interboro School District in Delaware County, later becoming chair of the business department. He served as president and chief negotiator of the Interboro Education Association. 1970 Frances (Rosato) Liva of Mountain Top, Pa., died on July 11, 2019. Liva worked in recreational services at Retreat State Mental Hospital until its closing. She later was a licensed real estate agent, working for Tom Heart Realty company. William Tarbart of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., died on Dec. 5, 2016. He was a management consulting professional. In 2011, he received the Ancestral Colonel Trophy award at Wilkes. He served as the Wilkes Alumni Board president from 2004-2007. Alvin Ullman of Reading, Pa., died on June 28, 2019. Ullman studied at Dickinson School of Law before serving in the U.S. Army Jewish Chaplaincy at Fort Mead, Md. After his military service, he worked in advertising sales before starting Area Directory Publishers Inc., a suburban telephone directory company. 1972 Anthony Calore of Oak Ridge, N.C., died on Feb. 4, 2019. As a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Calore was stationed in Biloxi, Miss., Santa Ana, Calif., Korea and Japan. He retired as a logistics manager after 39 years with Standard Brands, now RJR Nabisco. 1973 John J. Fetch III of Blakeslee, Pa., died on Aug. 2, 2019. He was a sales consultant in the construction industry. Richard Murosky of Redlands, Calif., died on Feb. 2, 2017. Delphine Opet of Miami, Fla., died on Aug. 18, 2019. She taught English at the Dade County High School for more than 35 years. 1974 Janice Margaret Reindel of Bear Creek Twp., Pa., died on Aug. 14, 2019. Reindel was employed for 30 years at Luzerne County Children and Youth Services. Most recently, she led its independent living unit, receiving a prestigious state-wide award for her service in June 2018. 1975 William Lee of Hanover Twp., Pa., died on March 16, 2019. Lee served in the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic during the Korean War. Lee and his family were the owners of the Sans Souci Mobile Home Court along with the Sans Souci Amusement Park. Hanover Township’s Lee Park was named after his family. Robert Schoner of Spring, Texas, died on June 19, 2019. He served in the U.S. Army with the 17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry WILKES | Fall 2019 William Greytock of Wilkes-Barre died on May 8, 2019. Greytock served for two years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Salem. Until his retirement, he was a bookkeeper for Apex Building Products Co. of Edwardsville, Pa. 39 �class notes Division. He was employed by Allegheny Airlines and Anthracite Marble and Tile. 1976 John Norce of Hallandale Beach, Fla., died on Aug. 12, 2016. Rita Loftus of Wilkes-Barre died on May 11, 2019. Loftus taught in the Dodson and Palmer schools in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District and also taught math at the district’s Kistler Elementary School. 1980 Joseph Blizman of Wilkes-Barre died on June 9, 2019. Blizman was a science teacher at the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Slovak Parochial School in Wilkes-Barre. He later taught at several other parochial schools in the Diocese of Scranton. Joseph McFadden of Doylestown Pa., died on Aug. 24, 2019. WILKES | Fall 2019 1986 Katherine (Farrell) Hines of Mountain Top, Pa., died on Aug. 23, 2019. Hines was employed by SmithKline Beecham before joining Sallie Mae in 1990. For the past 19 years, she worked as a job coach with life skills students through Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18. 40 1991 Janice (Miller) Browning of Peckville, Pa., died on July 24, 2017. She was a registered nurse and a certified pediatric nurse. 1993 Mariclare Stinson of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on April 23, 2019. 1994 Niki Corba Wallace of Wilkes-Barre died on Sept. 6, 2019. A wife and mother, she was a talented artist, who also enjoyed playing golf and the outdoors. 1997 Paul “PJ” Crawford of Huntington Mills, Pa., died on March 14, 2019. Crawford served in the U.S. Army for four years during the Gulf War era and earned the rank of sergeant. He was a design engineer for Commonwealth Telephone Company before becoming a police officer for the City of Wilkes-Barre in 2008. 2005 Harry Aultz of Lewistown, Pa., died on Jan. 28, 2019. Aultz was a history teacher at the Mifflin County Junior High School and he was also a junior high and varsity football coach. 2008 Jonathan Miller of Scranton, Pa., died on July 7, 2019. He was a roofer for Garvin Construction, Scranton. Graduate 1986 Mary Ann (Koshatzky) Keirans MBA of Mountain Top, Pa., died on Aug. 2, 2019. Until her retirement, Keirans was the administrator for the former Visiting Nurses Association. Prior to that, she worked in New York City as a public health nurse. She was the recipient of the Athena Award for women’s business leadership skills in Luzerne County. 2000 Lisa Marie KliamovichTomchik MS of Hunlock Creek, Pa., died on April 16, 2019. She was employed for several years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in Wilkes-Barre before earning a teaching certificate in elementary education from King’s College and a master’s degree from Wilkes University. Faculty Mahmoud H. Fahmy, of Dallas, Pa., died on Sept. 23, 2019. Fahmy taught at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa., and Wilkes University, where he had an accomplished 30-year career as an academic and administrator. He was professor emeritus of education at Wilkes. He completed his undergraduate education at Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt. He left his birth country of Egypt to come to America in 1958 to study at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned his master’s degree in education and history. He earned a doctorate at Syracuse University. He quickly became a naturalized U.S. citizen and his favorite saying was, “I am an American by choice.” Fahmy devoted time volunteering on various boards and community organizations in Luzerne County. He was often called upon by the community for his expertise and knowledge of global affairs and Middle East politics, providing media commentary and lectures. He strongly believed in interfaith cooperation, and led one of the first interfaith delegations to Egypt and Israel after the Camp David Accords were signed in 1978. His survivors include his wife of 60 years, Irandukht Vahidi Fahmy, and children, Roya Fahmy ’83 of Scranton, Pa., Raef Fahmy ’84 of Newburyport, Mass., and Randa Fahmy ’86 of Washington, D.C. Friends of Wilkes Stanley Davies of Mechanicsburg, Pa., died on Aug. 5, 2019. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and later served multiple roles at Royer Industries in Kingston, including machine assembly, design, general manager and president. His wife, Pattie S. Davies, is a Wilkes trustee emerita. Arthur L. Piccone of Wilkes-Barre died Aug. 4, 2019. An accomplished lawyer in Luzerne County, Pa., he was the first assistant district attorney and special counsel to the Department of Labor. He was a workers’ compensation judge and also served as solicitor for the Borough of Forty Fort, Luzerne Borough and Luzerne Borough Sewer Authority. He was president of the Luzerne County Bar Association and president of the County Conference of Bar Leaders. He served as the 100th president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, as well as president of the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation. �Become a Part of Building the Gateway to the Future BRICK BY BRICK OPPORTUNITY BY OPPORTUNITY STUDENT BY STUDENT The Gateway to the Future Campaign aspires to raise $55 million. Join the effort by making a gift in support of the following goals: UNRESTRICTED GIFTS | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS There has never been a better time to contribute to Wilkes University. Join the campaign by making a gift now! Learn more at www.wilkes.edu/campaign For more information about ways to give, contact Margaret Steele, chief development officer, at 570-408-4302 or margaret.steele@wilkes.edu �Wilkes university • Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 calendar of events PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY November 14-16 “Nine,” University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. 16-17 “Nine,” University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 2 p.m. 1-Dec. 8 Pete Souza, “Two Presidents, One Photographer,” Sordoni Art Gallery 24 Chorus and Chamber Singers Concert, First Presbyterian Church, 3 p.m. December 5 Jazz Orchestra, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. 7 Flute Ensemble, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. 8 Civic Band, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 3 p.m. 9 Chamber Orchestra, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 8 p.m. 9 Classes End 23 Winter Intersession begins January 5-9 Maslow Foundation Salon Reading Series, 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5, Bares and Noble, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre; 7 p.m., Jan. 6-9, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center April 10 Winter Intersession ends 13 Classes Begin 14-Feb. 28 Nancy Crow, “Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints,” Sordoni Art Gallery 18 Martin Luther King Day Recess 19 Winter Commencement February 1 Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony, Arnaud C. Marts Center 12 Alice Sola Kim, author, Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, 7 p.m. Salon, Kirby Hall 20-22 “The Spitfire Grill,” University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. 22-23 “The Spitfire Grill,” University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 2 p.m. 29 Spring Recess March 9 Classes Resume 18 Poupeh Missaghi, author, Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, 7 p.m., Salon, Kirby Hall 21-May 17 “Drawn to Abstraction, Marks on Paper from the 60s and 70s,” Sordoni Art Gallery 2-4 “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. 4-5 “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 2 p.m. 18 Choreographer’s Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 3 p.m. 18 Spring Dance Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. 19 Terry Gross, host of National Public Radio’s Fresh Air, Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities, 2 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 25 Civic Band Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. 29 Classes End May 16 Spring Commencement For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Spring 2019 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring 2019 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2019 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2019 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/af56484b43900f606375ae91839a3a87.pdf 6f42026d322cccc2b4f1af1cfe6e50ed PDF Text Text FALL 2018 On the Edge of Knowledge WILKES RESEARCH CULTURE PUTS STUDENTS AT ITS CENTER INSIDE: WILKES LAUNCHES $55 MILLION GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN �president’s letter VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 2 Gateway to the Future Campaign Will Transform Wilkes S ix years ago, the University’s Gateway to the Future Strategic Plan was created with the bold goal of developing Wilkes into one of the finest small universities in the nation. Significant funds would need to be raised in order to meet the ambitions outlined in the plan, so work began on the Gateway to the Future Campaign. The largest and most comprehensive fundraising effort in University history, the Gateway to the Future Campaign aspires to raise $55 million dollars in support of transformative campus enhancements, endowments for research and scholarships, and annual resources. In the four years since the start of the Campaign, we have raised more than $45 million to advance Wilkes University. To see evidence of this progress, all you need to do is step foot on campus. The Campus Gateway Project has reshaped the Fenner Quadrangle and areas surrounding the Henry Student Center. Investments in Stark Learning Center, including the new Mark Engineering Center, have transformed an aging academic building into a showpiece. In addition, properties along South Main Street continue to be redeveloped in support of our academic programs. The Sordoni Art Gallery welcomed record numbers during its inaugural year in its new location and students continue to thrive in the Karambelas Media and Communications Center. Many more less obvious aspects of the Wilkes experience have been improved through the generosity of donors. Programs were established to enable Wilkes students to study abroad. Naming gifts have provided lasting support for our Passan School of Nursing and Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing, and dozens of deserving students have received tuition Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy relief from newly endowed scholarships. shares his vision at the kickoff of the Last month, I had the pleasure of celebrating these Gateway to the Future Campaign. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY achievements with the Wilkes community at the public kick-off for the Gateway to the Future Campaign. While much has been achieved since 2012, there is more work to be done. During this final and most critical stage of the Campaign, we will need the support of all of our alumni to ensure success. This fundraising effort allows you to direct your funds to the area of Wilkes that means the most to you. Your contribution is more than just a financial commitment— it is also a display of your pride in Wilkes. You see, the percentage of alumni who give to their alma mater is the only way third-party rankings measure alumni satisfaction. So I urge you to reflect on your Wilkes experience and make a gift of any amount in support of the Gateway to the Future Campaign. I hope that you will consider the ways in which you can help us build the Gateway to the Future here at Wilkes. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President FALL 2018 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Senior Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services John Csordas Director of Communications Gabrielle D’Amico MFA’17 Web Services Joshua Bonner MS’16 Electronic Communications Brittany Terpstra Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Graduate Assistants Sarah Bedford ’17 Samantha Stanich MA’18 Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Lane Press EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng MA’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Donna Sedor ’85 OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Chief Development Officer Margaret Steele Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations Mary Balavage Simmons ’10, MBA ’16 Manager of Alumni Relations and Advancement Special Projects Jacki Lukas ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 Vice President Matt Berger ’02 Secretary John Sweeney ’13 Historian Cindy Charnetski ’97 Wilkes magazine is published two times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �24 16 26 10 22 contents FEATURES On the Edge of Knowledge WILKES RESEARCH CULTURE PUTS STUDENTS AT ITS CENTER INSIDE: WILKES LAUNCHES $55 MILLION GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN Holly Frederick, left, associate professor of earth and environmental science, helps to assess water quality at North Lake in Sweet Valley, Pa., assisted by environmental engineering student Scott Heffelfinger. PHOTO BY KNOT 10 On the Edge of Knowledge 2 On Campus The research culture at Wilkes has students at its center. 28 Alumni News 30 Giving Back 16 A Dream Realized Campus enhancements completed in summer 2018 transform campus. 31 Class Notes 22 Safeguarding Safety Samantha Sonnett ’04 trains police as part of the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Unit. JUST ANY DAY 24 Gateway to the Future The University’s $55 million capital campaign will change Wilkes brick by brick, opportunity by opportunity and student by student. 26 Animal Advocate Lawyer Garry S. Taroli ’76 helps those who can’t speak for themselves. Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline Qr'; '1,.,J MIX FSC Paper from responsible sources wwwf~o~ FSC® C022085 WILKES | Fall 2018 FALL 2018 DEPARTMENTS 1 �on campus Wilkes Dedicates Mark Engineering Center Wilkes University’s newest facility, the Mark Engineering Center, officially opened with a dedication ceremony on Sept. 14. The dedication is the culmination of a 16-month, $8 million renovation to the engineering facilities in Stark Learning Center, creating flexible lab and learning space in disciplines that include nanotechnology, additive manufacturing and bioengineering. To see photos of the renovated space, please turn to page 20. The center is named in honor of Randy ’81 and Robin Mark, who made a leadership gift to support the project. Randy Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wilkes. He is the owner and president of Pulverman, a global manufacturer of precision metal components located in Dallas, Pa. He has served on the University’s board of trustees since 2013. “We are humbled to be part of the Wilkes University community. The growth and success of Pulverman is the culmination of a great education, a community that fosters entrepreneurship and many dedicated and innovative people,” Mark said. “It is our hope that the Mark Engineering Center will inspire innovation and encourage success among Wilkes students for years to come.” The center was also funded by a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “The growth and success of Pulverman is the culmination of a great education, a community that fosters entrepreneurship and many dedicated and innovative people.” – Randy Mark ’81 Robin and Randy ’81 Mark, pictured left, celebrate the unveiling of the sign for the Mark Engineering Center at the Sept. 14 dedication. Joining them in marking the occasion are, from right of the sign, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, state Sen. John Yudichak and state Rep. Eddie “Day” Pashinski ’67. PHOTO BY JOSHUA BONNER MS ’16 WILKES | Fall 2018 Hark Englncterlna: Center 2 �on campus Legendary Athlete, Author and Activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Visits Wilkes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Basketball Hall of Fame center, author and activist, was interviewed by Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy for the Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities. The conversation between Leahy and Abdul-Jabbar encompassed key highlights from the athlete’s life. They included reflections on growing up in Harlem, his time playing at UCLA with legendary coach John Wooden and his eventual transition from being the NBA’s highest scorer to his current role as writer and humanitarian. Abdul-Jabbar also offered thoughtful comments about issues of race in America. During his Sept. 30 visit, Abdul-Jabbar took time for pictures with Wilkes students and signed books after the lecture. The event was attended by more than 800 people, one of the highest for an on-campus lecture in recent University history. Top, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, left, interviewed the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar about his career as an athlete, author and activist during the 2018 Rosenn Lecture. Center, stacks of Abdul-Jabbar’s memoir, Becoming Kareem, are ready to be autographed at the book signing after the lecture. Bottom, the Wilkes men’s basketball team had an opportunity to meet the sport’s all-time leading scorer. WILKES | Fall 2018 PHOTOS BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 3 �on campus Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Marks 25th Anniversary The Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship celebrated 25 years as a force for economic development in the region with a Nov. 16 dinner at the Westmoreland Club. The event celebrated the center’s successes during a quarter century on the Wilkes campus. The center and its location on West South Street were established in 1993 through a generous gift from Allan P. Kirby Jr. Working with then-Wilkes President Christopher Breiseth and the University’s chief financial officer, Paul O’Hop, Kirby established a center that would promote free enterprise and entrepreneurship as central to American society. The center was named in honor of Kirby’s father. The center’s earliest focus was academic, providing the region’s first undergraduate major in entrepreneurship at Wilkes. Arlen Lessin served briefly as its first director. In 1996, Jeffrey Alves became director and distinguished professor of entrepreneurship. An established leader in entrepreneurship education, under his leadership the University established majors and minors in entrepreneurship in the Sidhu School of Business as well as a concentration in the Master of Business Administration Program and interdisciplinary programs with other departments on campus. During the 25-year history of the center, the Allan P. Kirby Lecture Series has been one of its most successful initiatives, bringing to campus leaders in a variety of business-related fields. The day before the anniversary celebration, the Allan P. Kirby Lecture was to be delivered by Jake Wood, founder and CEO of Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization that trains and deploys military veterans to disaster zones in the U.S. and around the world. Wood spoke about “The One and the Nine: Building Teams and Organizations that Win.” Past lectures included Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Andrew Ross Sorkin, author of Too Big to Fail, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, and Martin Eberhard, founder and former CEO of Tesla Motors, among others. With the advent of Rodney Ridley in 2014 as executive director and distinguished professor, the center developed a new focus, providing support and services designed to help start-up businesses to grow. Support provided to businesses includes office space ANNIVERSARY Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in the Allan P. Kirby center’s business incubator, and a full range of services provided via a network of volunteer business mentors. These services include accounting, marketing, technology and legal services. Twenty-four businesses received support in the 2017-2018 academic year, with 15 started by Wilkes students, faculty and staff. Wilkes students derive additional benefits from the center via the Kirby Scholars program. This group of students is selected via a rigorous application process among Wilkes’ academic departments. They benefit from networking and mentoring opportunities. Most importantly, they add valuable experience to their resumes via the work they do with the businesses associated with the center. EDWARD CIARIMBOLI ’95 JOINS WILKES BOARD OF TRUSTEES Edward Ciarimboli ’95 has been appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees. He graduated from Wilkes with dual degrees in political science and engineering and applied science. A graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law, he was admitted to the Order of Barristers for Excellence in Courtroom Advocacy and was named a national semi-finalist in the American Trial Lawyers Association Moot Court Competition while in law school. Ciarimboli became a named partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli in 2005 where his practice WILKES | Fall 2018 focuses on truck and car crash litigation and medical malpractice. He serves on the board of 4 governors for the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, the board of governors of the National College of Advocacy, the board of regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and the board of governors for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. He has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2005. Ciarimboli was recently named one of the Top Ten Attorneys—Pennsylvania Trucking Trial Lawyers Association, The Nation’s Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel and The National League of Renowned Attorneys. �on campus Two of the University’s annual lecture series will bring thought leaders to campus during spring semester 2019. Both events are free and open to the public. Award-winning author Dave Eggers will speak in the English Department’s Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. Eggers is the founder of McSweeney’s, an independent publishing company based in San Francisco that produces books, a quarterly journal of Author Dave Eggers will speak at Wilkes on Feb. 28. new writing and a monthly magazine. He also is the founder of 826 National, a network of youth writing and tutoring centers around the United States. Eggers is the author of ten books, including A Hologram for the King, which was a finalist for the 2012 National Book Award, and the memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Bryan Stevenson will be the featured speaker at the spring Max Rosenn Lecture Series in Law and Humanities. Stevenson’s lecture, “American Injustice: Mercy, Humanity and Making a Difference,” will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. Stevenson is an attorney, human rights activist, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and author of Just Mercy. The Max Rosenn Lecture Series in Law and Humanities, established at Wilkes University in 1980, recognizes Judge Max Rosenn’s exceptional contributions to public service. Author and activist Bryan Stevenson delivers the Rosenn Lecture on April 4. PHOTO BY NINA SUBIN Sidhu Student Michelle Lehman Wins 2018 TecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition Wilkes University student Michelle Lehman ’18 graduated in May with more than a diploma. The marketing major in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership earned $10,000 and $100,000 in in-kind services as the winner of the collegiate division in the annual TecBRIDGE business plan competition. She beat out students from Marywood, East Stroudsburg, the University of Scranton, Lackawanna College and Penn State Worthington-Scranton to win the collegiate prize. Lehman began studying for her Master of Business Administration degree at Wilkes in August. She is also preparing for a product launch around the same time. “Education is extremely important to me,” Lehman says. “To ensure that I am managing RAE SLEEVES to the best of my ability, I will be completing my MBA at Wilkes as Michelle Lehman ’18 became the first a graduate assistant for the Allan P. Wilkes student to win the TecBRIDGE business plan competition, earning Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and $10,000 for her business, RAE SLEEVES. PHOTO BY PATTY DEVIVA Entrepreneurship.” Lehman was awarded the prize based on her business plan for her company, RAE SLEEVES. With the money, Lehman started manufacturing her women’s clothing line. Lehman has designed a form-fitting shirt that allows the wearer to transform the look of any outfit by adding one of her garments— which she calls sleeves—to create a long-sleeved look for any dress or top. “Winning the TecBRIDGE Business Plan competition and gaining $10,000 and $100,000 of in-kind-services from generous sponsors, advanced RAE SLEEVES tremendously,” she says. “I was able to begin the process of manufacturing the product for retail. I am in the final steps of finalizing a manufacturing agreement, sourcing fabric, and completing all the technical papers associated with making RAE SLEEVES available for women around the globe.” Lehman is the first Wilkes student to take first place in the business plan competition. The TecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition is a regional event that celebrates entrepreneurship, innovation and potential in northeast Pennsylvania. The competition includes collegiate and non-collegiate divisions that allow aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas, start-ups, and early stage ventures to compete for cash and in-kind services. WILKES | Fall 2018 Spring Lectures Bring Luminaries to Campus 5 �on campus Q&A Meet Christine Muller Director, Honors Program Assistant Professor, American Studies DEGREES B.A., History, Psychology, Villanova University M.A., English, Villanova University Ph.D., American Studies, University of Maryland, College Park What positions did you hold before joining Wilkes? Residential College Dean for Saybrook College and Lecturer, American Studies at Yale University. What attracted you to the job at Wilkes? As a student, then an administrator, in Villanova’s honors program, honors education has long figured significantly in my understanding and value of a university education. I welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with campus colleagues to provide Wilkes students with similarly rich and rewarding curricular and co-curricular experiences. Can you describe your responsibilities as honors program director? The role engages students and colleagues from throughout the university, from admissions and marketing to all of the academic departments and disciplines in which our undergraduates are involved. In collaboration with the Honors Advisory Council, a cross-disciplinary faculty body supporting the work of the program, the director administers program operations ranging from curricular planning to grant funding for student’s co-curricular opportunities to community events. Will you be teaching at Wilkes as well as directing the honors program? Yes. Through the History Department I am teaching Producing the History of 9/11 and through the First Year Foundations program I am teaching What We Can Learn from the Zombie Apocalypse. If you could tell people three things about the benefits of being in the honors program, what would they be? First, the program is guided by faculty and administrators who truly care about the students. We all share a heartfelt investment in manifesting the potential of this talented community. Second, the program is designed to support students’ enhancement of their education, through funding for experiences such as study abroad and research. Third, the students have each other—this highly-motivated, highly-achieving, interdisciplinary group can offer one another camaraderie and collaboration as they each pursue their own unique version of a Wilkes education side-byside with their peers. If I was not teaching, I would be…. writing the great American novel. WILKES | Fall 2018 Right now I’m reading…. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale 6 People would be surprised to learn that I…. hadn’t traveled on an airplane until I was 23 years old. �on campus Meet the Class of 2022 52 % 48 % MALE FEMALE STATES REPRESENTED 631 NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS * 8 7 VALEDICTORIANS SALUTATORIANS MOST POPULAR NAME IN THE CLASS: 21 MICHAEL MOST POPULAR MAJORS: ENGINEERING BIOLOGY NURSING PHARMACY * �The Class of 2022 is the second largest class in University history. Wilkes increased opportunities for its students with new student pharmacists to earn two advanced degrees in six degree programs, majors and minors that expand career years. These options join a program in which students options after graduation. They included three programs can earn a bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. in industrial and that allow students to acquire a master of business organizational psychology in five years. administration degree in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business The Sidhu School also added a new undergraduate major and Leadership while completing degrees in other schools in hospitality leadership. Other new programs include a and colleges. A 4+1 bachelor’s degree/M.B.A. program bachelor of fine arts degree in integrative media, art and gives students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s design, a theatre design and technology major and minors in degree and M.B.A. in five years. A Pharm.D./M.B.A. program sport psychology and actuarial sciences, all in the College of introduced in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy allows Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. WILKES | Fall 2018 NEW MAJORS AND MINORS EXPAND STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES 7 �on campus Wilkes Names Hall In Honor of Jack Miller ’68 Wilkes honored the late John R. (Jack) Miller ’68 with the dedication of Miller Hall. The building at 32 West South Street that houses the finance department was named for Miller in recognition of his many years of service to the University. Miller was a member of the University Board of Trustees from 1999 until his death in 2016 and served two terms as board chair. He also served as vice chair and chair of the governance committee. Miller, who earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and finance from Wilkes, retired in 2005 as partner and vice chairman of KPMG LLP. Miller’s generosity to Wilkes included naming a geology lab and office suite in the Cohen Science Center, sponsorship of the Miller Conference Room in the Henry Student Center and the establishment of the KPMG/John R. Miller Scholarship, which is awarded to a Wilkes accounting major. Sarah Wise Miller, center, wife of the late Wilkes alumnus John B. (Jack) Miller ’68, attended the dedication of Miller Hall, named in her husband’s honor. She is pictured with Dan Cardell ’79, left, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, and University President Patrick F. Leahy, right. CHECK OUT THE LATEST ON NEWS@WILKES Alumni and friends of the University can check out the latest f 'I @ In a a 0. about Wilkes on a new web site. News@Wilkes is the official news site of the University. It publishes stories—in print, video WILKES | Fall 2018 and multi-media formats—that reflect the dynamic community 8 that is Wilkes. The site is committed to publishing new, original content that goes beyond news releases to capture the programs, people and events at the University. Check it out any time at http://news.wilkes.edu �on campus Nursing Graduate Student Dana Hatwig Named Tillman Scholar Wilkes graduate nursing student Dana Hatwig of Jacksonville, Fla., was named a 2018 Tillman Scholar. Hatwig, a lieutenant in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, is among 60 scholars selected from 3,000 applicants nationwide. She is pursuing her master of science in nursing as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This is the second year a Wilkes student has earned the honor. Jason Homza, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wilkes, was recognized in 2017 as a student at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. After her father’s untimely death, Hatwig began volunteering as a long-term care companion at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in Illinois. The mother of five and business executive was given the opportunity to develop and launch “No Veteran Dies Alone,” a federally sanctioned veterans affairs initiative designed to provide emotional and spiritual support to actively dying veterans. She went on to earn her nursing degree and was commissioned as a Navy Nurse Corps officer. Hatwig coached patients and families through their most challenging days as an emergency nurse. Deployed to Afghanistan, her trauma-nursing role was twofold; first to save lives, later to save minds. While stabilizing an injured unit following a VBIED attack, Hatwig experienced patients’ overwhelming anguish and knew she could make the most significant impact as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Identifying the acute need for mental health providers, Hatwig will continue her military service after credentialing as a nurse practitioner. Hatwig’s goal is to assist service members and their families to live healthier and balanced lives. “To have two Tillman Scholars from a small university like Wilkes in back-to-back years is humbling, and speaks volumes to the quality of our students. Wilkes University fills an important place in the nation as an institution that prides itself in making a major difference in the lives of our veterans and to those who are still serving our nation like Dana,” said retired Lt. Col. Mark A. Kaster, Wilkes veterans counselor. Founded in 2008, the Tillman Scholars program supports our nation’s active duty service members, veterans and military spouses by investing in education and professional development. It provides academic scholarships, a national network and professional development opportunities, so Tillman Scholars are empowered to make an impact at home and around the world. “Wilkes University fills an important place in the nation as an institution that prides itself in making a major difference in the lives of our veterans and to those who are still serving our nation like Dana.” –L � t. Col. Mark A. Kaster, Wilkes veterans counselor Wilkes graduate nursing student Dana Hatwig, a lieutenant in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, was named a 2018 Tillman Scholar, selected from 3,000 applicants nationwide. PHOTO COURTESY TILLMAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM Remember Wilkes on Giving Tuesday Wilkes University will participate in Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27. Giving Tuesday collaboration. We are asking for the support of alumni and friends on this special day to impact the current students of Wilkes. Mark your calendars for the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and help us to make Nov. 27 a great success by contributing to Wilkes on Giving Tuesday! To learn more about contributing to Wilkes, text Wilkes to 565-12. #GivingTuesday WILKES | Fall 2018 is observed as a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and 9 �On the Rn~R of KNOWLEDGE Wilkes Research Culture Puts Students at its Center WILKES | Fall 2018 By Vicki Mayk 10 �Junior environmental engineering majors Scott Heffelfinger and Jillian Weston collect water samples from North Lake in Sweet Valley, Pa., to measure nitrate and phosphate levels. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY It was a machete engraved with the Wilkes logo, Schall’s name and the words “Stratford Lab Legends.” The memento commemorated the four years she spent as a student researcher in his lab. Stratford, who is an ornithologist, is assisted by students as he studies environmental impacts on bird populations, food webs and other ecology-related topics. “We had used the machetes in our field work for our research projects and it was kind of a funny, thoughtful gift,” Schall explains, adding that fellow alumna Chrissy Shonk ’17 also received one. The tool routinely is used by Stratford’s students as they cut through brush to find birds’ nests and other specimens. Both biology majors worked with Stratford year-round. After graduating, Schall took the machete with her to Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pa. Shonk is now at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass., where she is in her second year of veterinary school. Although neither chose a research career, they praise its value in their undergraduate program. “It definitely gave me a lot more confidence to pursue something that I was interested in and the ability to know that I could do it, that is for sure,” Shonk says Schall and Shonk’s experience reflects opportunities that are integral to undergraduate education at Wilkes. From the time students step on campus, they become part of a University with a research culture. Students assist faculty with grant-funded research. Or they complete their own projects, as many majors require students to complete research to earn their degrees. Wilkes’ research emphasis is unique for a university its size. Institutions who tout a research culture are most often large universities, where research primarily involves graduate students. What’s more, student involvement is incidental to the research at those schools. Wilkes faculty are quick to note the difference. “At Wilkes, it is a research culture with students at its center,” states Amjad Nazzal, associate professor of physics. “We are helping young men and women to discover themselves.” His research involves two students— junior mechanical engineering and physics major Sam Lizza and sophomore chemistry/premedical major Stephanie Ko. The project involves synthesizing crystals and exploring their optical properties. Wilkes’ commitment to research opportunities attracts prospective students. Leah Thomas, a senior premedical/biology student, says it was a deciding factor when she transferred to Wilkes as a sophomore. “Other schools didn’t have the research opportunities that we have at Wilkes,” she says. AN EVOLVING EMPHASIS During the past 20 years, there has been an evolution and strengthening of the research culture at Wilkes, says Mike Steele, H. Fenner Chair of Research Biology and head of the biology department. “We’ve always been interested in involving students in experimental questions,” Steele says. He recalls that Les Turoczi, former chair of the biology department, made a conscious decision to strengthen that focus. The benefit to students drove those decisions. “Research makes them better critical thinkers,” Steele says. As students graduate and pursue advanced degrees, they excel above their peers, he adds. Several external grants have funded student research. Two—one from the National Science Foundation in 2000 and a second from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in 2008—were among many that fueled research opportunities in biology. Since then, the University has taken the lead in providing support that encourages student research involvement in all disciplines. WILKES | Fall 2018 When Amanda Schall ’17 graduated from Wilkes, she received a present from Jeff Stratford, associate professor of biology. 11 �Anne Skleder, provost and senior vice president, says that Wilkes’ commitment to support research is reflected in its Gateway to the Future strategic plan. “One of the major goals of the strategic plan is excellence in academic programs, and it calls for support for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in faculty-sponsored research and scholarly activity,” she says. That support has taken several forms. One was a $1 million commitment to fund faculty research projects. Preference for funding is given to those involving students. Another source is University Mentoring Grants, which underwrite everything from student stipends in summer to the cost of travel to present research with faculty at international conferences. Support also comes from endowed scholarships and funds which underwrite student opportunities on campus, off campus and even abroad. (Please see the accompanying story on page 14 about alumni support for student research.) Other funding comes from myriad places, including the academic deans of Wilkes’ seven colleges and schools and from specific academic departments. The results of the increased institutional support are reflected in an annual research and scholarship symposium. Introduced in 2017, the multi-day event features more than 100 presentations by faculty and students. WILKES | Fall 2018 Biology Professor Kenneth Klemow, center, surrounded by members of his student research team, points out varieties of plant life growing around the Williams Transco Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline. Klemow is researching the impact of pipelines on native plants. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 12 SUMMER RESEARCH COMMUNITY A unique part of Wilkes’ institutional support enables students to remain on campus in summer to assist with faculty research. In addition to receiving stipends offsetting the loss of wages they might have earned from summer jobs, students get free campus housing. It is a perk few schools provide for undergraduates. More than 50 students participated in summer 2018. The result is a robust summer research community. It includes weekly meetings for biology students— informally dubbed “pizza Wednesdays”— where the undergraduates take turns presenting their work to their peers. �Wilkes Students Shine at International Conferences Wilkes students present research at international professional student teams monitored plant growth. Using a one-foot-by-one- conferences in locations as diverse as Singapore, New Orleans and foot frame, the students viewed plants in 120 plots, monitoring Hawaii on topics covering an array of scientific disciplines. Their them three or four times a week from May to August. experiences at these conferences have one thing in common. “We couldn’t find any other undergraduates presenting at The poster presented at the ecological conference boasted a clever title: “Natural Revegetation on Natural Gas Pipelines the conference,” says senior Leah Thomas, who accompanied in NEPA (Surprise: Natives Win!).” It explained results showing Professor Linda Gutierrez to the European Society of Medical that plant species native to the area were not impacted by the Oncology conference in Singapore in 2017. presence of the pipeline. The fact that Wilkes students frequently emerge as the only Klemow says that the poster drew higher than usual attention undergraduate presenters at these prestigious events further in a room with literally hundreds of others. When he checked underscores the unique opportunities available at the University. in with the students manning the table, he learned that they And even more opportunities can emerge as a result of attending received some surprising feedback. “They said, ‘By the way, there the conferences. was a person from a journal, Restoration Ecology, and she said Such was the case with the team of students who accompanied they’d like to see us submit our manuscript,’ ” Klemow says. A biology Professor Kenneth Klemow to the Ecological Society of second visitor from a research institute had left her business card, America’s August 2018 conference in New Orleans. Klemow was suggesting that they apply for funding to continue the research. accompanied by a team of students that included juniors Jillian The students seemed matter-of-fact when they shared this Weston, Scott Heffelfinger, Amber Gruhosky and Cassidy Hyde. news with Klemow—who says it is not typical. What made a They presented a poster on research that assessed the impact of bigger impression was the question they received frequently from a natural gas pipeline on native plant species. Using a site where conference attendees: “When are you going to finish your Ph.D.s?” the Williams Transco Pipeline traverses property owned by Wilkes, Summer provides students with an entry to year-round involvement. Such was the case with first-year pharmacy students John Oberlin and Katy Blankenhorn who began working in summer 2018 with Ajay Bommareddy, associate professor of pharmaceutical science. Bommareddy’s research is investigating the use of alpha santalol as a treatment for prostate cancer. With four years of pharmacy school still ahead of them, the two students jumped at the chance to get a head start on research. “We are learning a lot of lab techniques in case we want to go on for a fellowship after graduation,” Oberlin says. Bommareddy says he especially enjoys working with students from the beginning of their academic careers. “It gives me great pleasure, especially working with the P1s,” he states. “I like the enthusiasm I see in those students. I want to open doors for them and see them grow over the four years.” STUDENT BENEFITS Camaraderie among students enhances the research experience. Members of Frederick’s student team reminisce about working in the rain, falling in the lake while collecting samples and discovering that leeches had attached to Heffelfinger’s legs. In biology professor Linda Gutierrez’s lab, where she researches factors influencing tumor growth, senior biology students Isaiah Pinkerton, Jacob Baranski and Leah Thomas rib each other about their work. “I’m the organized one,” Baranski says, saying he makes sure specimens are properly labeled. “Organized?” Pinkerton chortles. “You’re meticulous.” Gutierrez smiles benevolently, noting that her job is to train them to work independently. “It’s like when you are teaching your son or daughter to ride a bicycle: You give them a push and they have to go all the way by WILKES | Fall 2018 “It’s one of my favorite summer jobs I’ve ever had,” says junior environmental engineering major Scott Heffelfinger. He worked with biology Professor Ken Klemow in 2017 and returned in summer 2018 to work with Holly Frederick ’93, associate professor of earth and environmental science. Frederick’s team also included junior environmental engineering majors Kaitlin Sutton and Jillian Weston. The three spent the summer collecting water samples at North Lake in Sweet Valley, Pa., near Wilkes-Barre. They evaluated the samples to assess how nitrate and phosphate levels were affecting algae bloom, which impacted the use of the lake for residents. “This project was interesting because it had the students out at a site where the residents are interested in what is happening to the lake,” Frederick says. “As we would be sampling, the residents would ask questions or offer comments and advice. It was a good experience to know that they were interested in the results of the work.” 13 �Endowed Scholarships Support Student Research External grants and institutional support from the University underwrite many aspects of the student research experience at Wilkes. Support from alumni and friends of the University provides additional funding that enables students to pursue research both on and off campus. Recent endowed scholarships that support the research experience include: The Carolann G. and Philip A. Besler Scholarship was established The Bierly Fellowship supports a semester-long experience to support students conducting summer research overseen by for a student and may include undergraduate research, a faculty mentor for the purpose of actively participating in a study away or study abroad trips and internships. Awards scholarly research project. To the extent possible, the intention range from $500 to $5,000. The fellowship honors George is to financially support each student with a $3,000 summer W. Bierly, who left a $1.7 million bequest to Wilkes in his stipend. Students from any discipline may apply but are required estate. A Wilkes-Barre native, successful businessman and to obtain faculty documentation confirming their ability to support community leader, Bierly graduated from Bucknell University a full-time summer project in which the student will participate. Junior College, the institution that became Wilkes University. Preference is given to U.S. citizens identified through the FAFSA He earned his bachelor’s degree at MIT. application. The scholarship is made possible by a gift from alumni Carolann (Gusgekofski) Besler ’76, who is a member of the board of trustees, and her husband, Phillip A. Besler ’76. WILKES | Fall 2018 themselves,” she says. Her student researchers affectionately refer to her as “Dr. G,” reflecting another benefit of doing research: developing close faculty relationships. Of greater significance are skills acquired. For example, working with Nazzal gave chemistry/premed studies major Ko a head start on her organic chemistry class. But perhaps the most important student benefit is exposure to the true nature of scientific inquiry, where answers are not pre-determined. “When we are doing research, we are traveling together on this journey to places where no one has been before,” Gutierrez says. Pinkerton concurs, saying 14 that he’s learned as much from mistakes as he has from successes. “In research,” he says, “we’re sitting on the edge of knowledge.” Skills honed in Wilkes labs also make graduates attractive to future employers and graduate programs. “This is how we make our students more competitive in the market,” Nazzal states. Psychology faculty Ellen Newell and Jennifer Thomas have seen the proof in the students who assist them. Thomas, an associate professor and developmental psychologist, and Newell, an assistant professor and social psychologist, are studying the physiological responses of women exposed to overt and covert forms of sexism. Their students perform a variety of functions, from monitoring study subjects to painstakingly entering data in spreadsheets. “In order to get into graduate school in psychology, the really competitive ones, you have to have that kind of experience,” Newell notes. If students do, it pays off: Newell and Thomas recall one student was admitted into all eight graduate experimental psychology programs to which she applied. Boats become the laboratory for associate professor of earth and environmental science Holly Frederick ’93, far left, and her students, from left, Scott Heffelfinger, Jillian Weston and Kaitlin Sutton. The three environmental engineering majors sampled water at the lake during summer research. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY �PART OF THE CURRICULUM Top, Ajay Bommareddy, right, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, demonstrates lab techniques used in research to first-year pharmacy students Katy Blankenhorn and John Oberlin. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Bottom, junior Keira D’Agostino, left, a criminology and psychology major, adjusts equipment on senior criminology and psychology major Jess Snyder. The research will measure physiological responses to sexist behavior. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK being done in both graduate and undergraduate courses. Jennifer Edmonds, associate dean, notes that the research culture is growing in Sidhu. A robust research culture will help to grow the school’s reputation, Edmonds notes. More importantly, it will drive a culture of innovation. “How you get to the point of innovation is through research,” Edmonds says. “It’s when you begin to connect the dots.”� WILKES | Fall 2018 Many academic majors require student research projects to fulfill requirements. Biology and biochemistry are just two of many requiring majors to complete senior research projects. In the engineering disciplines, year-long senior projects center around research. Psychology majors can choose to do research-based capstones. Other programs in the social sciences, such as criminology and sociology, require research papers to complete degrees. The communication studies department has made research an integral part of its curriculum. Beginning with one of their foundation courses, “Principles of Communications,” students are introduced to scholarly research through the review of journal articles. Mark Stine, professor and chair of communication studies, says, “It’s important for graduates to have a working knowledge of that literature. It makes for a much more well-rounded communication studies graduate.” Seniors complete a major research project via a two-semester class, “Research Methods.” For some students, the projects are examples of applied research, in which findings can help determine strategies for public relations campaigns or social media. One such example was the research study completed by Taylor Ryan ’16, which studied the effect of media campaigns in influencing African-Americans to become organ donors. All communication studies students complete a written research paper and make an oral presentation to faculty. “This supports our desire to graduate students who have outstanding oral and written communications,” Stine says. In 2017, the Sidhu School of Business launched a research symposium to showcase research 15 �A DREAM I THE BULLDOZERS AND EARTH MOVERS ARRIVED on campus two days after the May commencement ceremony. They left the Fenner Quadrangle less than a week before first-year students arrived on campus for fall semester. In between their arrival and departure, a series of projects created a green oasis in the center of campus, planted new trees, built walkways and put the finishing touches on a renovation to Stark Learning Center. These campus enhancements, completed during summer and early fall 2018, have achieved Wilkes’ goal of creating a traditional residential campus within the City of Wilkes-Barre. Part of a $100 million plan, the completed projects include an expanded gateway linking the southern part of campus to the Fenner Quadrangle. Other recently completed projects created new green space and a companion gateway at the south entrance to the Henry Student Center. These pages WILKES | Fall 2018 offer a look at a campus transformed. 16 At the start of the fall 2018 semester, students returned to a dramatically different Wilkes campus. Pictured here, the Fenner Quadrangle has been transformed with an expanded gateway linking it to South Main Street, new walkways and meeting places. ALL PHOTOS EARL & SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED �REALIZED • WILKES | Fall 2018 AMBITIOUS PROJECTS TRANSFORM CAMPUS 17 �1 2 1. A new façade has transformed the Stark Learning Center and the entrance to the College of Science and Engineering. 2. An archway across from the Henry Student Center marks the entrance to the Fenner Quadrangle. 3. A new walkway and a new gathering place have been built behind the student center. 4. The Stark Learning Center courtyard has been transformed into an inviting area to gather between classes. 5. An aerial view shows the pedestrian walkway created behind the Henry Student Center. 6. The archway behind the student center is seen in close up. PHOTO 6 BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 3 WILKES | Fall 2018 4 18 �CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT BY THE NUMBERS 61,610 BRICKS used to create new walkways 26,884 SQUARE FEET of new concrete walk 5 6 40 NEW TREES added to campus L_ ____ _ _J WILKES | Fall 2018 LED 50 NEW LIGHTS 19 �r MARK ENGINEERING CENTER The dramatic $8 million renovation of the Stark Learning Center will equip Wilkes engineering students with skills relevant to the 21st Century. Funded by a leadership gift from alumnus Randy Mark ’81 and his wife, Robin, and by a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant, the center was dedicated on Sept. 14. Please turn to page 2 for a photo from the dedication. ABOUT THE MARK ENGINEERING CENTER • Additive manufacturing and high-performance computing labs • Refreshed building facade facing the Fenner Quadrangle and courtyard areas • Microfabrication lab outfitted with equipment donated from ON Semiconductor • Two large flex labs, interdisciplinary-collaboration space and student lounges • Flexible wet lab space for bioengineering experimentation, faculty research and graduate student activities • Dedicated space for 3-D printing and high-end computers that are integral in research and new WILKES | Fall 2018 product design activities 20 1 2 �3 4 1. Xiaoming Mu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, works with junior mechanical engineering major James DeGerolamo on one of the engineering center’s 3-D printers. 2. Xiaoming Mu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, standing foreground, supervises mechanical engineering junior Jeshurun Sestito in one of the flexible lab spaces. The space allows students and faculty to work on multiple projects in one area. 3. Rooms for student collaboration line the hallway in the Mark Engineering Center. 4. Matthew Saporito, visiting instructor in electrical engineering and physics, confers with Nikolas Placek, junior electrical engineering major, in one of the collaboration spaces off the main lab. 5. Abas Sabouni, associate professor of electrical engineering, standing center right, coaches electrical engineering graduates Yasmin Aboajila ’18 and Matthew Miller ’18. PHOTO 5 BY MARK MCCARTY/CCA WILKES | Fall 2018 5 21 �SAMANTHA SONNETT ’04 recalls the moment that “Then I started to realize a lot of women were being choked, but not to the point where they were completely unconscious or dead,” she says. “Because of a gap in the law, there wouldn’t be an assault charge even though someone had closed their airway.” In 2010, New York added a second-degree category to its strangulation laws, stating that choking to the point of injury or unconsciousness could be classified as a felony. This meant that cases previously treated as misdemeanors could now result in up to a seven-year prison term. One of Sonnett’s cases was the first to be tried under the new law. A man had beaten his 26-year-old girlfriend and choked her till she passed out. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and second-degree strangulation. Sonnett testified in the groundbreaking trial, but the jury found the boyfriend not guilty of the second-degree charge. He served 38 days in jail for misdemeanor assault. Throughout her career, Sonnett continued to hone her counter-terrorism knowledge and skills and, in 2016, was invited to join the COBRA unit. “I was looking for people to staff the department’s counterterrorism training program and she was the first person who popped into my head,” says New York Police Lt. Matthew changed the course of her education and career: It was Sept. 11, 2001, during a public speaking class at Wilkes. Her instructor switched on a television and Sonnett watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell. “It angered me so much,” she says. “Right after 9/11, I decided to focus my career on ensuring that something like that doesn’t happen again.” It was too late for the psychology major and U.S. Air Force Reserve member to change her degree path. So Sonnett augmented her coursework with self-study, devouring books on terrorism and the Middle East. She later studied master’s degree courses in international criminal justice and counter-terrorism at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. Sonnett had hoped to apply her education to a military career, but the Air Force unexpectedly discharged her because of her sexual orientation. Before the 2011 repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, openly gay Americans could not serve in the military. Instead, she joined the New York Police Department. Today Sonnett is an instructor with the Chemical, Ordinance, Biological and Radiological Awareness (COBRA) unit, in the police department’s Counterterrorism Division. She and her colleagues teach 18,000 officers a year how to protect the public and themselves when responding to calls related to terrorism and hazardous materials. She is one of two women who are instructors in the four-person unit. The three-day COBRA course includes a day of lecture followed by two days of field exercises. Participants perform tactical operations—shooting, clearing rooms, victim extraction, and running decontamination lines—while wearing hazmat suits and breathing through a respirator. The training covers situations ranging from terrorism-related events to more common dangers encountered on the job. Sonnett cites By Koren Wetmore an example scenario of an overturned tanker surrounded by a low-lying cloud. “A cop with this training will understand how to read the truck Strong, who has known Sonnett since their days as rookie cops. placards and know that the cloud isn’t from some fire. It’s anhydrous “Her enthusiasm is contagious. She motivated everyone to ammonia and if you walk into it, it will kill you almost instantly.” become an expert in the field and that had a positive effect on She also teaches basic life support skills and trauma treatment the whole unit.” through the police department’s Medical Emergency and Critical Sonnett recently expanded her reach to include first Intervention Unit. responders nationwide. As an adjunct instructor for Texas Sonnett began her New York police career two months after A&M’s Extension Service, she uses her vacation time to train graduating from Wilkes. She served several years as a patrol officer officers in hazmat operations. and in 2010 shifted to the Domestic Violence Unit, where she “We go to funerals nearly every week for people who died handled nearly 4,000 cases per year. from what they were exposed to during the 2001 attacks,” Elder abuse was rampant as were crimes against women. Sonnett says. “I want cops to understand the threats—whether Sometimes her investigations led to arrests, but frequently the it’s carcinogens from a building explosion or sarin gas in a elderly had dementia and couldn’t be easily interviewed. subway—so we don’t have another 9/11.”� SAFEGUARDING WILKES | Fall 2018 SAMANTHA SONNETT ’04 WORKS FOR THE NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT’S COUNTERTERRORISM DIVISION 22 �SAFETY Samantha Sonnett ’04 rides on a radiation detection boat in New York harbor—one of the tools she uses in work detecting chemical hazards. WILKES | Fall 2018 PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 23 �WILKES | Fall 2018 Wilkes Launches Public Phase of $55 Million Fundraising Campaign 24 Homecoming Weekend 2018—often a time to remember the past—kicked off with a celebration of Wilkes University’s future. Alumni, faculty, staff and students gathered for the Gateway to the Future Campaign Kick-Off Celebration. The event, held in the McHale Athletic Center, launched the public phase of the $55 million fundraising campaign that will transform the University, brick by brick, opportunity by opportunity and student by student. The event was hosted by chief development officer Margaret Steele, who introduced two current students and one young alumna—all first-generation college students—who spoke about the personal transformations each achieved during their Wilkes educations. (Please see the separate story on the opposite page for excerpts from their speeches.) Jason Griggs ’90 spoke on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Noting the campaign’s success during the last four years, Griggs said, “This campaign is an opportunity for each of us to have impact at Wilkes University. Whether you are a golden Colonel, a graduate of our most recent class, or a long-time member of one of our giving societies, Gateway to the Future offers an opportunity to make a difference in a way most meaningful to you personally.” Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy began his remarks by announcing that the Board of Trustees approved a new campaign goal of $55 million and by announcing that Griggs has made a $500,000 leadership gift to the campaign. Calling the campaign kickoff “a special event on a special weekend,” Leahy noted that when he wrote the University’s strategic plan, also called Gateway to the Future, he was reminded of a quote that he had used in his installation address Left, University Trustee Jason Griggs ’90 addresses attendees at the launch of the Gateway to the Future Campaign on Homecoming weekend. Center, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy shares his vision for making Wilkes one of the finest small universities in the nation. Right, Wilkes vocalists sing the alma mater at the campaign kickoff. PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY �at Wilkes. “I quoted the American architect Daniel Hudson Burnham, who said ‘Make no little plans, for they have no power to stir the soul….Make big plans; aim high in hope and work,’ ” Leahy said, explaining that he took his cue from those words to advance an ambitious plan for Wilkes. Leahy outlined four major campaign projects that would be supported by the Gateway to the Future Campaign: • The renovation of the Ralston Athletic Complex • The renovation of the building at 116 S. Main St., which will continue the redevelopment of South Main Street while providing new office space and student housing • General scholarship and research support • Expanding tuition assistance to make Wilkes more affordable and support the University’s tradition of providing access for first-generation students Leahy asked alumni at the kickoff to support the campaign at any level possible. Because alumni support is crucial to Wilkes’ rankings in lists of the top colleges in the United States published by magazines like U.S. News and World Report, Leahy stressed that gifts of any size are helpful. Leahy closed by saying that everything the campaign funds impacts one constituency. “You see, like everything at Wilkes, it’s about the students,” Leahy said, referencing the three student speakers who had opened the program. “I hope you will support the campaign in their names. On behalf of them— and all of our students—thank you.” “To those of you who have made Wilkes a beacon of hope that shines brighter with each effort you make to support each and every capital project: thank you. Because of your Wilkes legacy, we now begin ours.” – Aislinn Speranza, senior communication studies and marketing major, CEO of Zebra Communications and Kirby Scholar “My time at Wilkes University has been absolutely nothing like the vision I had in place as an incoming freshman. I have learned to listen to the advice of others and to believe in myself. And while I believe you should plan and have a plan, the most important thing we can do at Wilkes is to look for opportunities and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.” – Dillon Davis, senior biology major and member of the Honors Program. Davis completed research while studying abroad in Southampton, England. “To my fellow first-generation college students in the room, please remember to thank those who helped you achieve this goal....To the faculty, staff, and administration of this University, you have built a place of comfort and understanding, one in which I knew I could succeed, grow, and call my home. Lastly, to the donors: with each and every one of your donations, you have been able to not only give me, but numerous first-generation students, the resources we needed to succeed. Without you, I would not be able to call myself a Wilkes alum.” – Nancy Ramirez, Class of 2018 graduate. WILKES | Fall 2018 STUDENTS AND ALUMNA RECALL OPPORTUNITIES AT WILKES 25 �Animal Adv cate ATTORNEY GARRY S. TAROLI ’76 WORKS TIRELESSLY FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS WILKES | Fall 2018 By Andrew Seder 26 �of the Colonels swim team—he co-captained his final two years—he fondly recalls his teammates, the meets and how that team went from also-rans to powerhouse. “We ended up breaking every swimming record but one,” Taroli says. Although his name is no longer in the record book, his memories remain worthy of a gold medal. He still keeps in touch with many of his teammates and they get together often. But while swimming was rewarding for him personally, his success in the water didn’t make a big splash toward helping the plight of animals, which he yearned to do. After he earned his law degree at Dickinson School of Law and started practicing law with the firm Rosenn Jenkins and Greenwald, he began devoting his free time to animal rights issues. He was instrumental, along with Luzerne County SPCA Executive Director Todd Hevner, in getting the county council to adopt an ordinance prohibiting dogs from being outdoors for more than 30 minutes when the mercury rises above 90 degrees or dips below freezing. The ordinance was a feather in his cap and he was even more pleased when the Pennsylvania Legislature passed Libre’s Law, a statewide statute that incorporated the outdoor dog ordinance Luzerne County instituted and added to it, including stiffer penalties. His activism isn’t limited to local causes. The July 2015 killing of 13-year-old Cecil the lion on a reserve in Zimbabwe by an American infuriated him. He made his outrage known through media interviews, a Washington rally and even a letter to the Zimbabwe embassy. A vegetarian since 1995, Taroli, who loves the Grateful Dead, the San Francisco Giants and Star Trek, quotes Ghandi: “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Hevner praises Taroli for his work with the SPCA and his animal rights advocacy, much of it on a pro bono basis. Taroli received the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Pro Bono award in 2017 and was recognized with a citation from the state House of Representatives for his advocacy work. “I don’t know a man who is a bigger advocate for animals, period,” Hevner says, adding that the passion, knowledge and guidance Taroli has provided to the SPCA and other organizations is “invaluable.” Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis says even before she became district attorney, she knew Taroli from his reputation as someone “known for his dedication to help animals who have suffered from abuse and neglect. When I met him, I realized he was so much more.” The press release that accompanied the pro bono award called Taroli “a hero.” Taroli scoffs at the word. “There are people like Todd, humane officers like Wayne Harvey, Marge Bart at Blue Chip, who live this every minute of every day. They’re the heroes,” he says.� The Wilkes alumnus, a Wilkes-Barre real estate attorney by trade, has made a local, state and international name for himself in the animal rights realm. His heart, his checkbook and much of his free time are devoted to making sure the voiceless are heard. Taroli’s involvement is reflected in his board membership with the SPCA of Luzerne County; his work with rescue organizations in northeast Pennsylvania such as Blue Chip Farms Animal Refuge, Valley Cat Rescue or Modified K-9; and his role as a special Luzerne County assistant district attorney tasked with prosecuting animal cruelty cases. The Dallas, Pa., resident has shared his home with more than a dozen animals in his life, including Lilah, a German shepherd/collie mix who died in 2017 at the age of 16. “You always hear about dogs that are your soulmate,” Taroli says. “That was her.” But it was Laddie, his very first dog, that made an indelible impression on his psyche and steered him down a lifelong path of acting in the best interests of animals. His parents brought Laddie home to the family home in Kingston, Pa., when Taroli was 4. The two quickly bonded, but within a few years the dog had contracted distemper, which at that time was a death sentence. His parents sent Laddie to live with Taroli’s grandfather, who worked in the coal mines for decades and who was known as someone who could fix anything. Young Garry thought the dog could be fixed, too, but he learned that wasn’t the case. “Years later, when that scene came back to me, it was one of those things that really affected me,” he says. His love of animals was uncaged. Taroli majored in political science at Wilkes. While he still lived with his parents during college, the Wilkes swimming pool was his home away from home. A four-year member Garry S. Taroli ’76 confers with Big Mama, one of the dogs whose cases he has defended for the Luzerne County SPCA. WILKES | Fall 2018 The curtain has come down on the world’s largest circus. Sea World has stopped breeding orcas in captivity and states have cracked down on puppy mills. There are laws stipulating how long dogs can be kept outside in extreme weather. Garry S. Taroli ’76 has applauded the decisions, seeing each as a victory, not just for animals, but for humans, too. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC • •• 27 •• •• �alumni news Alumni Association Welcomes New Board Members The Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomed six new directors elected to the board during the March 2018 meeting. They began their three-year terms in June. The six new directors talk about their favorite thing about their experience attending Wilkes and about what they like about being involved as alumni. Rich Albrecht ’05 WILKES | Fall 2018 Occupation: Assistant Director, Institute on Protective Services at Temple University 28 My favorite thing about my Wilkes experience was the “Wilkes experience.” On the academic side, taking Dr. (Robert) Bohlander’s class, “Critical Thinking in Psychology,” probably had the largest impact on me, personally and professionally. The second thing that stuck out to me was the atmosphere created by the faculty and staff of the psychology department; it is second to none. I enjoyed the opportunities to travel with Dr. Bohlander and Dr. (Deborah) Tindell attending psychology conferences and getting to know them on a personal level. Dr. (Ed) Schicatano’s contagious passion for neuroscience was a blessing and I am thankful for all the hard work in getting the neuroscience program approved as a minor and, subsequently, as a major. As an alumni board member, I am excited for the additional opportunities to interact with current students and alumni. While I’ve been involved with the mentoring program since its infancy, I am looking forward to those interactions in a variety of differing formats. Troy Carey ’16 Occupation: Information Security Analyst, NBT Bank I came to Wilkes as a freshman in 2013. During my time there, I quickly learned what made this University so special. The faculty and staff are one of a kind. They care about the students and truly want to see them succeed. I had so many professors who I relied on, in and out of class, to make my experience that much more successful. They helped me fulfill goals I didn’t know I was capable of achieving. The alumni board gives former students a unique way to give back to future students, staff, and faculty at a university that’s already given us so much. My time at Wilkes played a huge role in making me the person I am today, and I want to provide that same opportunity for current and future students. It’s also fun to connect with other alumni who I might not otherwise communicate with. This is such an engaging community of people to be a part of, and one that allows me to be an even closer part of Wilkes University. Neal McHugh ’86 Occupation: Manager of Environmental Affairs, Buckeye Partners I transferred to Wilkes after attending a community college and expected to feel like an outsider, but that was not the case. I quickly became part of the Wilkes family with the help of Deans George Ralston and Art Hoover, two men who mentored me during my time at Wilkes. I found that my professors would go the extra mile to help me be successful if I put in the work. Through my participation in Air Force ROTC, the First Aid Team, Student Government and as a resident assistant, I learned many valuable life skills and made lifelong friends. I welcome the chance to become a bigger part of the Wilkes family. I have been working with the mentoring program for a few years and joining the alumni board gives me a chance to become more of an advocate for Wilkes and assist in achieving the goals of the Alumni Association and the University. I think we can really expand alumni participation of the 1980s era alumni—my era—so I plan to make that a focus while I am a member of the alumni board. �alumni news Occupation: Registered Nurse I’ve always spoken highly of my time at Wilkes. Academically, I was prepared to head into my career as a nurse, well prepared to take on whatever job I chose and be successful. So many memories of studying in the library or drinking coffee in the commons added to the exceptional learning experience. I can never talk about my college experience without mentioning the friends I made and how we have a special bond and still remain friends. Returning for Homecoming is one of the highlights of every year for me. Social media has helped us stay close throughout the year, but the time we get to sit together and reminisce is so important to me. Living in Georgia, I sometimes feel so far away, but spending time with my Wilkes people brings me back to my roots! I always wanted to get involved with the University in some way and I am honored that I now have the chance through the Alumni Board. I’m hoping to contribute ideas to keep my fellow alumni interested in coming back to where it all started and celebrate the growth of our great University. Michael Scott ’93 Occupation: Proprietor, Nips Park Avenue Saloon As I take the time to reflect on my educational experience at Wilkes, I am profoundly grateful for everything that I have been blessed with, personally as well as professionally. When I chose Wilkes University, I had no way of knowing that I would be so truly fortunate to have forged the lifelong friendships my time at the University has provided me. My time at Wilkes prepared me to take on many different and challenging opportunities throughout my professional career. It is with great pride that I have introduced several student athletes to Wilkes, and I’ve enjoyed watching them evolve into outstanding young men and great representatives of the University. I am proud that I am able to serve the University that has blessed me with so much. Lisa Shafer ’01 Occupation: Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Swarthmore College My appreciation for Wilkes has grown over time. My career in higher education advancement has allowed me to reflect, observe, and truly see the real value in Wilkes as an institution, not just for its students, but also for the region. I look forward to the University continuing to find ways for it to expand its reach, since it has so much to bring to the table. I am excited and honored to join the Alumni Association Board of Directors, because I see this as another opportunity for me to reconnect with Wilkes—learning from it yet again and hopefully contributing more to it this time around. MEET THE 2018 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: HUNNTER MAXWELL Hunnter Maxwell PharmD ’22 was awarded the Alumni Association Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year. Both of Hunnter’s parents, Scott ’94 and Donna Dicton Maxwell ’93, are Wilkes alumni. Hunnter, a pharmacy student, is a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team and is involved in the Pre-Pharmacy Club. Learn more about our recipient by visiting: www.wilkes.edu/HunnterMaxwell Hunnter Maxwell, second from left, is pictured at the White Coat Ceremony in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy with his siblings and his parents, Scott ’94, right, and Donna Dicton Maxwell ’93. WILKES | Fall 2018 Donna Chisarick Michael ’78 29 �giving back Two Alumni Give Back Through Professional Development Gneiss is a type of metamorphic rock. It’s also the name of a new scholarship started by two Wilkes alumni who wanted to give back to the University. It’s an appropriate name for a scholarship that will give a Wilkes student the opportunity to attend the Field Conference of Pennsylvania Geologists. Heather Shocker ’94 and Jason Sheasley ’93 established the GNEISS Scholarship—which stands for Geologic Networking Experience Initiated by Sheasley and Shocker. With the new geology major at Wilkes, the pair thought that it would provide a good professional experience for students. The two have been regular attendees of the conference for several years. It provides opportunities for geologists and geo-scientists to learn about the geology of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Shocker earned her master’s degree in geology from Michigan Technological University in 1997 and she is now the director of program management with DigitalGlobe, International Defense and Intelligence in Denver, Colo. Sheasley is a licensed professional geologist in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida. He is an associate and senior hydrogeologist with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in Jacksonville, Fla. ABOUT THE GNEISS SCHOLARSHIP Applicants for the scholarship prepare a 500-word essay explaining why they would like to attend the conference. The recipient must give a short presentation to the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department about the conference to encourage other students to apply. Shocker and Sheasley would like to challenge fellow alumni to donate to the scholarship. “Our hope is that we will be able to send more than one student to the conference, offering them this unique experience,” they say. Alumni can donate WILKES | Fall 2018 to the scholarship by contacting them at gneiss. 30 scholarship@gmail.com. For more information about scholarships at Wilkes, contact Margaret Steele at 570-408-4302 or Margaret.steele@wilkes.edu. From left, Jason Sheasley ’93, Wilkes student Emma Sukowaski and Heather Shocker ’94 celebrate opportunities for geologists. “It is important for us to give back to Wilkes students because we both benefited from the generosity of others who were willing to share their knowledge and experience with us,” Shocker and Sheasley recall. “We believe we can make a difference by offering students tangible, real-world experiences and introduce them to others working in the geosciences field.” The conference provides both networking and educational opportunities. “The unique thing about the conference is that it involves traveling to various locations, like mines, quarries, road cuts, around the state to observe and study geologic features first-hand,” says Sheasley. He adds that students also have an opportunity to meet professionals in the industry and explore career opportunities. “The conference is very popular among Commonwealth geo-scientists and, for logistical reasons, the number of participants each year is limited to 275. In most cases, the conference is booked within a weeks’ time,” explains Sheasley. He and Shocker have arranged with the conference coordinators to secure a spot for a GNEISS Scholarship recipient each year. The first scholarship recipient was Emma Sukowaski, who is also the first declared geology major at Wilkes. The second recipient is Ryan Wysocki, a junior geology major. Sukowaski says attending the event helped her to refine career and graduate school choices. “At the conference, I learned that I had many options,” Sukowaski says. She is now considering attending graduate school or obtaining her professional geologist license and becoming a consultant. �class notes Andrew Bartlow ’10 Receives Postdoctoral Fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory L~Alamos Andrew Bartlow ’10 discovered a new world when he began conducting research as an undergraduate at Wilkes University. In his sophomore year he joined the laboratory of Michael Steele, professor of biology and H. Fenner Chair of Research Biology, and the experience changed his career path. “I was interested in veterinary medicine at the beginning of my undergraduate career,” Bartlow says. “I started doing research as a sophomore in Mike Steele’s lab and I didn’t realize that it was a profession I would like or that it was even a possibility.” Yet Bartlow has made research his career. He is currently a Director’s Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National “Having those skills and the basic foundation of ecology that I got at Wilkes...allowed me to explore different areas of research and be involved in a lot of cool projects.” - Andrew Bartlow ’10 Laboratory in New Mexico, the laboratory best known for the Manhattan Project and the development of the first atomic bomb. Andrew Bartlow ’10 presents research from his work at Los Alamos National Laboratory at the Western Asia Bat Research Network (WAB-Net), held recently in the Republic of Georgia. PHOTO COURTESY ANDREW BARTLOW Bartlow joined Los Alamos’ Bioscience Division as a graduate research assistant in October 2017 and applied for the highly for his work examining host/parasite interactions in the Great competitive fellowship in February 2018. He says that of more Basin Desert in western Utah. “They are all the same,” Bartlow says. “They are all biological prestigious fellowship, which provides research funding for communities. Whether it is a bird, microbial, or parasite up to three years. A community ecologist, Bartlow studies community, all the same concepts and skills apply. So I can biological communities and how environmental change, such as use those statistics and those methods and analyze the data climate change and habitat change, influences communities. the same way. Having those skills and the basic foundation Bartlow is currently researching bird communities in the of ecology that I got at Wilkes as an undergraduate, and Los Alamos area in relation to climate change and pine tree researching with Dr. Steele, allowed me to explore different mortality and is involved in projects studying the microbial areas of research and be involved in a lot of cool projects.” communities of people and animals. He describes himself as the Bartlow says it would be great to be converted to a scientist “stats person:” he analyzes collected data to identify patterns at the laboratory but thinks his ultimate goal would be to work and tests hypotheses related to ecological concepts. He hopes at a liberal arts school, have a few graduate students working to use this research to better understand how environmental with him, and work with undergraduate students as well. change impacts biological communities and if scientists can use certain communities as indicators of environmental change. Bartlow credits the education he received and the research He states, “I know the benefit of getting undergraduates involved in research. Being at Wilkes and seeing Dr. Steele and the rest of the biology department foster that undergraduate experience he gained at Wilkes for his career trajectory. research environment, I think I could do that myself. It’s After graduating from the University with a degree in biology, rewarding, benefits many people and gets potentially the best Bartlow pursued a doctoral degree at the University of Utah, people into science as a career.” where he studied parasite community ecology and received a prestigious National Science Foundation Research Fellowship – By Francisco Tutella MFA’16 WILKES | Fall 2018 than 30 applicants, he was one of five chosen to receive the 31 �class notes Andrew Seaman ’10 Earns Society of Professional Journalists Highest Honor Andrew Seaman ’10 attended the Society of Professional Journalists President’s Installation Banquet in Baltimore, “I think of journalism as something that is unchanging— what changes is how you get that information.” – Andrew Seaman ’10 Md., this September for the final time as the chair of the organization’s ethics committee. But what he thought would be a night of reflection turned into a celebration. Seaman was awarded the Wells Memorial Key for sure users are in the know. “LinkedIn wants to start putting achievement, awarded to the member who is judged to have that information out there to utilize that information for other served the society in the most outstanding fashion during the members,” explains Seaman, who majored in communication preceding year or over a period of years. studies at Wilkes. After earning his master’s degree from Columbia University’s with,” says Lynn Walsh, former Society of Professional Graduate School of Journalism, he was employed by Thomson Journalists president. “He is constantly available, timely with Reuters. As the senior medical journalist and then digital editor projects and just fun to work with. Andrew has a way of during his roughly seven years with the organization, he covered getting serious points across by adding in a bit of wit.” the Affordable Care Act, the White House and health policy. In 2014 Seaman became the chair of the organization’s Though the Wells Memorial Key was his lastest ethics committee. “It’s sort of surreal,” he says. “I wouldn’t achievement, Seaman also was previously recognized with have expected to be able to do that.” He first joined the three President’s Awards from the Society of Professional organization’s board of directors as a student member, and Journalists for his work chairing its ethics committee. then was named to the awards committee before chairing the Stepping down from his role at the Society of Professional ethics committee. He was part of the group which reviewed Journalists has allowed time for a new perspective, Seaman and edited the code of ethics which hadn’t been updated reflects. “It’s been a wonderful part of my life.” since 1996. The code provides the cornerstone for professional standards for all journalists. But since then, Seaman has shifted fields in the world of Seaman has been a journalist since his undergraduate career at Wilkes where he was the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Beacon. “Wilkes was a fantastic education communications. He joined LinkedIn in May 2018. Seaman because it wasn’t big and you could do stuff right away,” he joined the company, touted as the world’s largest professional says adding, “That prepared me to jump in on projects.” network, as news editor. Based in New York City, he works He credits his Wilkes mentors for their support—and notes with a team to provide the news and views that members that it does not end at graduation. Part of his support network need to discuss what matters most in their fields. includes Andrea Frantz, who was an associate professor of “The way they approach journalism is unlike other tech companies—it’s really innovative,” he says. “I think of WILKES | Fall 2018 PHOTO COURTESY THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS Outstanding Service to the Society. It is the group’s highest “He is one of the most reliable people I have ever worked 32 Andrew Seaman ’10, at podium, accepts the Wells Memorial Key for Outstanding Service to the Society of Professional Journalists. journalism as something that is unchanging—what changes is how you get that information.” LinkedIn provides users with access to information from communication studies during his time at Wilkes, and Mark Stine, professor and chair of communication studies. “It’s fun to run into your Wilkes support network—to run into them in the city,” he says. “It’s good to have people from Wilkes with you throughout your career. Seaman says his leading professionals and industries in resources like the time at Wilkes, as well as his various internships and career LinkedIn Daily Rundown. Seaman explains that the team keeps experiences, have positioned him for what comes next. up to date with professionals and industry trends to make – By Sarah Bedford ’17 �class notes Undergraduate 1967 William Schmidt of Roseburg, Ore., and his wife Gretchen, spent the summer of 2018 working at the front desk of the Best Western Weston Inn in West Yellowstone, Mont. 1969 Robert Catina, of Effort, Pa., received the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Liberty Bell Award. 1965 Leslie (Tobias) Jenkins of Aurora, Colo., and Jim Jenkins recently took a cruise to the Baltic countries including Russia. Leslie and Jim Jenkins are pictured in front of the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow. The award was presented during the state association annual meeting in May in Hershey, Pa. The Liberty Bell Award honors individuals for their outstanding community service and for promoting the blessing of liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. After teaching business law at Pleasant Valley High School for nearly 40 years, Catina currently serves as tipstaff to President Judge Margherita Worthington of the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas. James Wills of Sterling, Va., was named the managing member of Phillips Strategic Advisors, a business development company specializing in Asian, Africa and Middle Eastern markets. 1970 Rabbi and Cantor Elliot Rosenbaum of Laredo, Texas, published his latest video, “Hashkiveynu,” which is available on YouTube. The project began in 2013 with the composing, recording and publishing on YouTube of 20 original songs based upon the liturgy of the Jewish Sabbath Evening Service. Rosenbaum began to republish in 2015, adding vocal harmony and instruments to each audio track. The videos are part of a whole album, “Friday Night!,” which was inspired by The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Rosenbaum created the album to add accessible melodies to the cantorial repertoire to encourage those with limited 1976 1970 Carl Charnetski of Harveys Lake, Pa., professor of psychology at Wilkes, was recently honored by S.A.F.E. Inc. with the Angel of Autism Pioneer Award. Hebrew skills and to serve as a tool for students to learn the liturgy of the Sabbath evening prayers. 1974 Pamela Pethick Gale and Randall Gale of Camp Hill, Pa., have been married 44 years. Pamela is retired from teaching reading in the Camp Hill School District. She previously worked in the personnel office of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. Randall is a partner in the Harrisburg, Pa., office of the law firm of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP, where he has worked for the last 33 years. He previously worked in the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and as a law clerk with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Bruce Weinstock of Kingston, Pa., and his wife Nancy were honored on April 27 by the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association for more than 30 years of service. Joseph Jedju of Flagtown, N.J., was recently honored as general music teacher of the year for 2018 by the West Virginia Society for General Music. His award was presented in Charleston, W. Va., on March 9 before the start of the annual All State Children’s Choir concert. 1976 Barbara Gavlick Hartnett of Swoyersville, Pa., retired from her costume rental business Costumes by Barbara in March after over 30 years in business. She continues her love of costumes and theatre in her online ETSY shop “Surely You Jester.” Noel Jorgensen Cardew, Bouraine Meehan Smith, Mary Lou Murray Brady and Sandy Akromas Thomson—also known as the Wilkes College Barre Hall girls—got together in July at the Barley Creek Restaurant in Tannersville, Pa., for a mini reunion. 1978 Michael Heller of Marshall, Texas, was named a charter member of the newly formed Brig Gen Camp 5, Department of Texas, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and has been appointed chaplain by the camp. WILKES | Fall 2018 1962 Ruth Melberger of West Pittston, Pa., conducted a tree tour of West Pittston in conjunction with the West Pittston Library. Area residents attended the 90-minute tour where Melberger pointed out different varieties of trees, including a magnolia tree rarely seen in this climate. 33 �class notes 1980 Mark Rado was presented with the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service by retired commander Sgt. Maj. Marshall Williams. 1982 Ruth McDermott-Levy of Villanova, Pa., received a Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Health and Environmental Sciences Award for teaching and research. She will be at the University of Eastern Finland from August to December 2018. 1983 Margie Eckroth-Bucher of Bloomsburg, Pa., retired on June 30, 2017, from Bloomsburg University after 24 years. She was a full professor of nursing, and upon retiring was granted Faculty Emeritus status by the university’s council of trustees. WILKES | Fall 2018 Ellen Van Riper of Phoenix, Ariz., was promoted to the position of chief deputy city attorney for the City of Surprise, Ariz. 34 1984 Michael Williams of Liberty, N.Y., was recently appointed superintendent of schools in the Tri-Valley Central School District, in Grahamsville, N.Y. 1985 Timothy Williams of Lancaster, Pa., has recently been appointed the superintendent of the York Suburban School District in York County, Pa. He was previously the superintendent of the Westmont Hilltop School District in Johnstown, Pa. Earlier in his career he served in various school administrative roles in Lancaster County, Pa. Williams is pictured being sworn in as a commissioned officer by Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera. 1987 Helen Barrett Snyder of Watstontown, Pa., recently married Robert Snyder. They live with their golden retriever, Cosette. They were married in Helen’s hometown church, Saints Peter and Paul in Towanda, Pa., and celebrated afterwards at her family’s Barrett Century Farm. She is the director of religious education at St. Joseph’s Church in Milton, Pa. 1988 Edward Nowicki retired from the United States Air Force on June 1, 2016, as a lieutenant colonel. His retirement ceremony was held at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. 1994 Lt. Col. Robert McAllister of Marlboro, Md., assumed command of the historic unit of the 1st Battalion 109th Infantry Regiment, 28TH Infantry Division. The Pennsylvania Army National Guard unit consists of more than 700 soldiers and is based in Honesdale, Williamsport, Tamaqua, Stroudsburg, New Milford, and Carbondale. It is the unit in which McAllister originally enlisted in 1991. McAllister previously had been assigned to the Army Capabilities Integration Center, Fort Eustis, Va.; which develops capabilities for the Army’s future force. He has served in Bosnia and Iraq and in homeland operations related to Hurricane Katrina and Operation Jump Start. 1990 Janice Saldukas-Parsons is an education associate in the Exceptional Children’s Workgroup at the Delaware State Department of Education. 1993 Daryle Cardone of Virginia Beach, Va., was named the executive officer of the USS George Washington, a Nimitz Class aircraft carrier, in Newport News, Va. He serves in the U.S. Navy. 1997 Shawn Harden of Blacksburg, Va., was promoted to senior associate at Dewberry, an engineering consulting firm. Previously, Harden was a civil engineering and land development expert with the Danville, Virginia, firm. Harden has been with the firm for more than 17 years, and is the civil and economic development department manager, responsible for leading an experienced team of engineers in the layout and design of industrial parks and commerce centers. Harden is currently overseeing the design of the SoVa Mega Site at Berry Hill, located in Pittsylvania County, Va. Brian Malina of Easton, Pa., started a new job as director of marketing and communications at the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Ying Wu College of Computing. 1997 Sean Higginson of Saint Charles, Mo., was recently named president of Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Va. 1998 Phillip Torres of Brooklyn, N.Y., a licensed respiratory care practitioner, is now practicing respiratory therapy at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. �class notes James Alfano Jr. ’15 Promotes Cultural Understanding With Fulbright James Alfano Jr. ’15 received the Fulbright U.S. Student “Taiwan is in the news or brought up occasionally, but only Program award to Taiwan in education. Alfano is teaching in the context of escalating tensions with China,” he says. “The English at Hualien City School Districts as part of a project citizens of Taiwan have been incredibly nice and considerate, to promote cultural understanding and language instruction despite my vast unfamiliarity with the Chinese language. to Taiwanese students. The award is presented by the U.S. I aspire to continue learning about their culture to truly Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign understand the values of both their citizens and students.” Scholarship Board. Alfano graduated from Wilkes with majors in When he returns, he aspires to teach his American students about Taiwanese culture in a more immersive way to remove history and secondary education. Alfano is one of over 1,900 U.S. citizens conducting research, misconceptions and stereotypes. In doing this, Alfano will teaching English and providing expertise abroad for the continue the Fulbright Program tradition of building lasting 2018-2019 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student connections between the people of the United States and the Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis people of other countries. of academic and professional achievement as well as a record of “Ultimately, I believe this experience will make me not only a more culturally empathetic individual, but a more effective service and leadership potential in their respective fields. “I feel very thankful for the opportunity to teach in Taiwan teacher that can draw on real-world, first-hand experiences that are critical when discussing and provide English instruction while teaching their students about Western culture,” Alfano says. “It’s definitely a once-in-alifetime experience and I’m happy to represent my country and university in a way that’s impactful to students who are entering a “...I’m happy to represent my country and university in a way that’s impactful to students who are entering a very different, globalized world.” very different, globalized world.” concepts in high school social studies classrooms,” he says. – By Samantha Stanich MA’18 - James Alfano Jr. ’15 Alfano was nervous about how the citizens of Hualien would respond to him since it is a small city without much diversity. However, as soon as the Wilkes graduate set foot on foreign soil, everyone welcomed him and James Alfano Jr. ’15 is seen at the entrance of Chung Yuan Primary School in Hualien City, Taiwan, where he is teaching. PHOTO COURTESY JAMES ALFANO JR. helped make the cultural adjustment easier than expected. Alfano will be in Taiwan until June 30, 2019, spending almost a full year in Taiwan. Before leaving, he researched the country’s school system and learned how they feel about learning English. “I learned very quickly that it’s different from your typical American school setting,” he says. “I think having that prior knowledge allowed me to align my expectations properly and avoid getting too blindsided by the differences.” He credits his ability to adapt and learn in new, unfamiliar environments to what he learned at Wilkes. life,” he says. “There were challenges to overcome, and I believe the counsel I received from the education and history departments allowed me to persevere and find my own teaching style.” Alfano is hoping to learn about a culture that he believes “often goes unnoticed on the world stage.” WILKES | Fall 2018 “My student teaching seminar was incredibly helpful for preparing me for this, as that was one of the busiest times of my 35 �class notes 2006 Jason Bozinko and Sarah Doman-Bozinko of Swoyersville, Pa., welcomed their baby boy, Jackson Francis on April 16, 2018 2001 William Layo of Memphis, Tenn., is working for SAIC as an information strategic planning consultant for the City of Memphis. 2002 Sandra (Burke Porasky) Fassett of Shickshinny, Pa., had a chance meeting with the granddaughter of Wilkes’ founding President Eugene Farley. While Fassett and her husband were standing in line to enter Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas, owned by Joanna and Chip Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper,” they struck up a conversation with a young woman standing behind them. They learned that the woman’s grandfather was the founder of Wilkes College. WILKES | Fall 2018 2005 Darron Fadden of Scranton, Pa., and his wife Jessica, welcomed daughter, Cecilia Mae, on Aug. 22, 2018. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 21 inches long. 36 2007 Donna Talarico Beerman MFA’10 of Lancaster, Pa., recently was featured in a front-page story in the living section of LNP, Lancaster’s Sunday newspaper. The story was about Hippocampus, the online literary magazine that Talarico Beerman founded and edits, and Books at Hippocampus, a book publishing arm that her business launched in 2017. 2008 Mark Levy of Aventura, Fla., published a collection of 70 short essays, Trophy Envy, that he had broadcast on the public radio show, Weekend Radio. Wendy Miller of Muncy, Pa., was named assistant dean of health sciences at Pennsylvania College of Technology. In May, she completed her doctorate, receiving the Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University. 2009 Jonathan Hummel of Schuylkill Haven, Pa., began working as a staff accountant at Evans Network of Companies in April 2018. Prior to working with Evans, he was a staff accountant at Schuylkill Community Action. 2009 2008 Mark Congdon Jr. of Greensboro, N.C., graduated with a doctorate in communication with a concentration in social entrepreneurship in communication pedagogy and educational leadership from the University of Maine in May. Congdon accepted an assistant professor position at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y., beginning in fall 2018. Congdon is pictured at his graduation from the University of Maine with his Ph.D. co-advisor, Liliana Herakova, left, and University of Maine President. Susan J. Hunter, right. 2010 Jason R. Woloski of Plains, Pa., was promoted to assistant program director of the Geisinger Kistler Family Medicine Residency in Wilkes-Barre.Woloski continues to see family medicine patients at the Geisinger Kingston Outpatient Clinic and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital. He also serves as a clinical assistant professor of family medicine for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. 2013 Trisha O’Boyle Perrin of Swoyersville, Pa., wrote a children’s book, Luna the Rescue. It was published Feb. 15, 2018. Jeffrey Bauman of Duryea, Pa., accepted a position at Johnson College as an academic advisor. In this newly created position, Bauman will coach and counsel students through course selection as well as assess and measure student success based on retention and persistence to degree completion. Bauman completed his Master of Arts degree in higher education from Messiah College in spring 2016. He also was recently elected as a member of Duryea Borough Council for a four-year term. Bauman is pictured at his first meeting of the Duryea Borough Council. 2015 Rasha Shaker of Greater Nashville, Tenn., was promoted to research and engagement supervisor at Grayscale Marketing in Nashville, Tenn. Previously she was the advertising and marketing coordinator for the company. She is now a member of The Recording Academy, the largest professional organization in the music industry. 2016 Justin Davis graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a master of science in education degree focusing on policy and reform. �class notes Integrative media alumna Erin Gallagher ’13 of Kingston, Pa., has been creating visual representations of social media activity since February 2017. Her work has been gaining attention and has been featured on the online news site Buzzfeed. It recently earned her an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Company. Gallagher describes her work as “ongoing social media research.” She started her data visualizations to help others understand social media manipulation. “After the 2016 election there was a lot of fear about propaganda bots swaying public opinion and trolls nudging us to vote one way or another, or to not vote at all,” she explains. “So my original intention was to show people what Twitter bots look like, and I’ve done that a few times. But I’ve found that there is also value in showing people what our real human interactions on social media look like.” Describing her process, Gallagher says she downloads tweets for a hashtag or a keyword. She then creates a network graph of that Twitter activity using Gephi, an open source network visualization software that reveals patterns and trends in the data being researched. The result is a visual representation of a digital conversation shown by burst of color on a black background, resembling fireworks at night. Pictured below is a graphic reflecting the online activity around the hashtag #metoo, which exploded on social media amid news related to sexual assault allegations. It was featured in Artnet News in November 2017. – By Samantha Stanich MA’18 2017 James Brown of Scranton, Pa., started a business, The Brown Initiative, LLC., with his siblings, Christian and Dianna Brown. The performing arts company puts on shows featuring singing, dancing, and live music. The trio performs locally near their home in Daleville, Pa., and Scranton, Pa. In March, Brown continued his baseball career when he signed to a team in France that is part of the French Federation of Baseball and Softball. He signed a contract to play for the Metz Cometz for the 2018 season which will keep him in France until October 2018. Rachel Leandri of Wyoming, Pa., is the co-owner of the dance studio, Broadway on the Boulevard in Pittston, Pa., with partner Brad Chikowski. The studio was formerly known as the Pittston David Blight School of Dance. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center in August. A feature about the studio ran in the Times Leader online. Graduate 2001 Robert Catina MS, see undergraduate, 1969. 2006 John A. Bednarz Jr. of Shavertown, Pa., has been selected a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2018 by Philadelphia Magazine. 2001 Sherri Maret MS of Chambersburg, Pa., recently published her book, The Cloud Artist. It is now a finalist for the 2018 Oklahoma Book Award. Sherri is a veteran English teacher and librarian and is now a full-time author. She taught in the Chambersburg, Cumberland Valley, and Shippensburg, Pa., school districts for 20 years. Another book is in the works for a release later on this year. Bednarz has received the honor for 10 consecutive years in the field of workers compensation law. 2010 Donna Talarico Beerman MFA, see undergraduate 2007. 2011 Sarah Doman-Bozinko MS, see undergraduate 2006. 2012 Liz Krewson-Ross MBA recently joined the team at the Evergreen Family of Companies in Wyoming, Pa., as the manager of marketing and social media. Prior to her current position, she was the marketing and communications specialist at NiUG International. WILKES | Fall 2018 Erin Gallagher ’13 Creates Graphic Images of Social Media Activity 37 �class notes In Memoriam 1940 Mary Elizabeth (Schwager) Burnaford of Lancaster, Pa., died on Dec. 21, 2018. She loved music and participated actively as a pianist. Annabel (Rosenheim) Morris of Kingston, Pa., died on May 19, 2018. She owned and operated A.E. Morris Jewelers in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with her husband Abraham. 1954 Thomas Robert Adams of Nanticoke, Pa., died on Feb. 18, 2018. He served in the Navy for four years, ending his career as a lieutenant. 1946 Harriet B. (Brown) Schectman of Scranton, Pa., died June 29, 2018. She was an aging program representative for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging for Lackawanna and adjacent counties. 1950 Edwin Johnson of Dallas, Pa., died on Feb. 16, 2018. 1948 Elmo Clemente of Kingston, Pa., died on March 9, 2018. He was a member of the U.S. Navy, serving as an executive officer aboard the LSM 246 during the invasion of Okinawa in the South Pacific. He also served during the Korean War. He was a certified public accountant and co-founded the accounting firm Snyder & Clemente. Melvin H. Feltz of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on March 30, 2018. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps., 4th Air Force West Coast, for three years as a radio operator. He owned and operated an upscale women’s clothing store, The Hollywood Shop, in Wilkes-Barre. 1957 James E. Mark of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and St. Petersburgh, Fla., died on Sept. 23, 2017. He was an internationally renowned polymer chemist and was employed as a professor of chemistry by the University of Michigan. He also was a professor of chemistry at the University of Cincinnati and was the first honoree there to be named distinguished research professor. He published more than 650 research papers; and coauthored or coedited 24 books. He was the founding editor of the journal Computational and Theoretical Polymer Science. He received numerous honors including the ACS Kippling Award; the Flory Polymer Education Award; and the Reed Lectureship at Rensselear. WILKES | Fall 2018 1949 Joseph A. Hughes Jr. of Dallas, Pa., died on July 23, 2018. He served in World War II with the U.S. Army. He was also a professional engineer and principal in the Hughes Corp. and Home Fuel Corp. 38 Jack M. Kloeber of Harleysville, Pa., and Lansdale, Pa., died on May 8, 2018. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a veteran of World War II. He was employed by Sordoni Construction in Forty Fort, Pa., and was a partner with Heddon Construction in Dallas, Pa. 1951 Shirley (Salsburg) Bernard of Forty Fort, Pa., died on May 9, 2018. 1952 Charles Augustine Caffrey of Williamsport, Pa., died on Jan. 12, 2018. He was in the U.S. Army where he served in Army Intelligence. After being honorably discharged, he worked for the National Security Agency as an analyst during the height of the Cold War. He earned a degree in law. 1953 Theresa B.(Cionzynski) Lastowski of Nanticoke, Pa., died on Jan. 13, 2018. She was employed by Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., as a medical technologist as well as by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Twp., Pa. 1958 William A. Zdancewicz of Edwardsville, Pa., died on Jan. 13, 2018. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He also worked for the Girl Scouts and was a barbershop quartet singer. 1959 Lynne (Herskovitz) Warshal died on Aug. 1, 2016. 1960 Norbert ‘Bud’ Hysick of New Britain Borough, Pa., died on Nov. 16, 2017. He was a veteran with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan shortly after the Korean conflict. He was employed for 30 years as a salesman by the Joseph Dixon Crucible Company and later worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Hatfield Auto Auction. 1961 Maurice D. James of Allentown, Pa., died on April 5, 2018. He was employed by the public accounting firm of Peat, Marwick and Mitchell. He and his wife owned and operated Ashley’s Greenhouses and Florist. Donald Radnor of Charlotte, N.C., formerly of Mountain Top, Pa., died on Feb. 24, 2018. He served in the Navy during the Korean War as a naval aviation electronics engineer, Air Transport Squadron 22. He was an insurance broker and served on the Crestwood School District School Board. 1962 Judy Lawrence of Nanticoke, Pa., and Dover, Del., died on March 27, 2016. She taught language arts and social studies at Central Middle School in Delaware for many years. �class notes Paula A. (Mesaris) Odell of Middlesex, N.J., and formerly of Exeter, Pa., died on April 2, 2017. She was a kindergarten teacher in Middlesex, N.J. 1966 Frank Malia Jr. of Forty Fort, Pa., died on April 16, 2018. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was employed by IBM and was a sales representative for Armour Pharmaceutical. 1968 Marianna (Tomassetti) Baldwin of Havertown, Pa., and Devon, Pa., died on March 2, 2018. She worked as an administrative assistant for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 1969 Fred L. Ford Jr. of Halifax, Pa., died on June 20, 2018. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served with the 759th Military Police during the Vietnam War. He was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Welfare, where he led the development of the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare Child Support website. He was a founder of the Heights Packers football team and the Wyoming Valley Junior Football Conference. Eleanor M. Krushefski of Hanover Twp., Pa., died on May 8, 2018. She was the choir director at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church and made numerous operatic appearances locally and in other areas. Joseph P. McGraw Sr. of Shavertown, Pa., died on May 29, 2018. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served in the Korean War. He was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as an income maintenance caseworker. Katherine M. (Urban) Panzitta of Mountain Top, Pa., died on May 15, 2018. She devoted her life to the healthcare profession and worked with the Keystone Job Corps. 1970 Angelo O. Garofalo of Clarks Summit, Pa., died on May 30, 2018. He was employed as a music history professor at the University of Scranton as well as director of strategic initiatives by American Janitor and Paper Supply. Karen (Lewis) Harvard of Waverly, Pa., died on April 22, 2018. She was briefly employed by International Paper. She was a beautiful swimmer, a talented person with cross-stitch and yarn, and an avid reader and lover of animals. 1971 William H. Theurer of Lancaster, Pa., died on April 23, 2018. He served in the Army Reserve and was employed by Henkels & McCoy for 37 years. 1974 Mary B. (Becker) Marshall of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on April 19, 2018. She was employed by the state of Pennsylvania as a disability claims adjudicator for over 30 years. 1975 Hugh M. Richards of Dallas, Pa., died on March 11, 2018. He was a gas well farmer. 1977 Angie B. Chapasko of Ashley, Pa., died on March 14, 2018. She was a registered nurse for Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Plains Twp., Pa.; Children’s Service Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; and Northeast Counseling, Hazleton, Pa. Karen Line of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Jan. 2, 2018. 1980 John Miranda of Richboro, Pa., died on Aug. 29, 2016. He was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. 1981 R. Malcolm Bowes III of Shavertown, Pa., died on April 16, 2018. He was a systems analyst and a special project manager for the United Postal Service. James W. Kearney of Laflin, Pa., died on June 20, 2018. He was a general agent with the Knights of Columbus for 38 years. Michael A. Kowaleski of Wyoming, Pa., died on June 21, 2018. He worked for Century 21 as a real estate broker. 1982 Mary Teresa Rondine of Plymouth, Pa., died on March 28, 2018. 1983 William Kopf Lourie of Mullica Hill, Pa., died on Feb. 18, 2018. He was employed by Brandywine Global Investments as a computer programmer in the Philadelphia area. James Dabney Watkinson of Richmond, Va., died on May 31, 2018. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He earned a doctorate in American history from the University of Virginia. He taught at various colleges in Virginia, including Virginia Commonwealth University. WILKES | Fall 2018 1964 Jennie A. (Moses) George of Wyomissing, Pa., died on July 29, 2018. She worked loading shells in a munitions factory during World War II. She also taught in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District for 27 years, much of the time teaching fourth grade at Dodson School. 39 �class notes 1985 Nancy J. Lane of Tunkhannock, Pa., died on April 23, 2018. She served as director of Wyoming and Sullivan County Conservation Department. Mike Lavage of Scranton, Pa., died on June 7, 2018. He worked at Iron City Sash and Door, Erie Materials and Harvey Building Products. 1989 Marilyn (Maslowski) Gruenloh of Pittston, Pa., and formerly Glen Lyon, Pa., died on April 30, 2018. She worked as a nurse in various psychiatric units throughout northeast Pennsylvania. She was also a travel nurse in New Jersey and North Carolina. WILKES | Fall 2018 1991 Thomas S. Chirkot of Swoyersville, Pa., died on June 11, 2018. He was employed as a general manager by Hebeler LLC, Tonawanda, N.Y. He was also a U.S. patent holder and a published author. 40 Susan (Dalton) St. Onge of Fanwood, N.J., died on June 21, 2018. She played on the first Lady Colonels soccer team at Wilkes. Her higher education career included positions at Franklin Pierce College, Rutgers University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Princeton University and Stevens Institute of Technology, where she served as director of graduate admissions. 2003 Deborah Susan Gabriel Macri of Mountain Top, Pa., died on April 14, 2018. She was a health and physical education teacher for 18 years in the Crestwood Area School District. 2010 Katherine (Bialczak) Felker of Scott Twp., Pa., died on April 2, 2018. She was the principal at Evans Falls and Mill City elementary schools in the Tunkhannock Area School District. 2012 Andrea Yorina Vomero of West Wyoming, Pa., died on May 7, 2018. She was a registered nurse in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Intensive Care Unit for almost 30 years. 2017 Jessica Lynn Helfrich of Jacksonville, N.C., died on April 11, 2018. She worked for many years as a paralegal. Friends of Wilkes Welton Grant Farrar of Dallas, Pa., died on Aug. 15, 2018. He will be remembered by Wilkes alumni as a beloved professor of economics at the University for more than 40 years. An avid supporter of Wilkes athletics, he was elected to the Wilkes Athletics Hall of Fame. Farrar will be remembered as a fixture at Colonels football and basketball games and at wrestling matches. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and also studied at Harvard and Cornell universities. Farrar served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. Frank Martz Henry of Dallas, Pa., died June 3, 2018. Henry was a member of the Wilkes University Board of Trustees since 1977. He was the recipient of Wilkes’ highest honor, the President’s Medal, in 2017. The honor is bestowed annually on an individual whose personal and professional life reflect the highest aspirations of Wilkes University. He had a distinguished career in the transportation industry. He was president of Gold Line, Inc. and served as the president of First Class Coach Company, Inc. He was chairman emeritus of the Wilkes-Barre-based Frank Martz Coach Company and the Martz Group companies. He served as that company’s president from 1964 to 1995. His generous support for Wilkes is reflected in the Henry Student Center, which serves as the center of campus life at Wilkes since its dedication in November 2001. It was named in honor of Henry and his late wife, Dorothea. Henry’s generosity is also reflected in the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Gymnasium, named in May 1990 in recognition of their gifts to the Wilkes Tomorrow Capital Campaign. Henry served as a director of many local, regional and national companies. He was director of C-Tec Corp. and served as honorary director of Gray Line Corporation, Inc. and served as its director and as a member of First Union NE Pennsylvania Regional Advisory Board. Other companies benefiting from his leadership as director included Commonwealth Enterprises Inc. (CTE), Wachovia Corp., Wells Fargo and First Fidelity Inc. Henry was a past chairman and member of the Geisinger Health System Foundation Board of Directors, Salvation Army Advisory Board and past chairman of the board of trustees of the Wilke-Barre Family YMCA. Henry graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, where he served in the Strategic Air Command. John Horner of Forked River, N.J., and formerly of Hoboken and Waldwick, N.J., died on Jan. 18, 2018. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during World War II as a radio navigator and gunner. He also served in the Korean conflict as part of B-24, B-17 and B-29 air crews. He was one of the last Flyboys. �We are building the Gateway to the Future BRICK BY BRICK OPPORTUNITY BY OPPORTUNITY STUDENT BY STUDENT The Gateway to the Future Campaign aspires to raise $55 million to meet the goals of the University’s strategic plan of the same name supporting the following goals: CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT | ENDOWMENT | ANNUAL FUND There has never been a better time to contribute to Wilkes University. Join us in this effort by making a gift now! Learn More at www.wilkes.edu/campaign or text Wilkes to 565-12 For more information about ways to give, contact Margaret Steele, chief development officer, at 570-408-4302 or Margaret.Steele@wilkes.edu. �Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 calendar of events December 2 6 8 9 10 14-16 Civic Band Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 3 p.m. Jazz Orchestra Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. Flute Ensemble Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. Choral Concert, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, 3 p.m. Chamber Orchestra Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. The Nutcracker, Conservatory/Degnan Ballet Center, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Through Dec. 16 Loud Silence: Expressions of Activism, Sordoni Art Gallery January 2019 6-10 Maslow Foundation Salon Reading Series, 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6, Barnes & Noble, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre; Jan. 7-10, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 15-March 1 Käthe Kollwitz: Peasant War, Sordoni Art Gallery 15-March 1 Holly Trostle Brigham: Sacred Sisters, Sordoni Art Gallery 20 Winter Commencement, Henry Gymnasium, Arnaud C. Marts Center, 1 p.m. February 9 Admissions Open House 21-24 Cabaret, Wilkes University Theatre, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, Thursday-Sunday, 8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. 28 Dave Eggers, author, Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center March 2 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science 11-16 Degnan Ballet Center 2019 Open House 23 Accepted Student Day April 2-May 18 Ukiyo-E to Shin Hanga: Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Syracuse University Art Collection, Sordoni Art Gallery 14 Bryan Stevenson, “American Injustice: Mercy, Humanity and Making a Difference,” Max Rosenn Lecture, 2 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 27 Junior Admissions Open House May PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 18 Spring Commencement, Henry Gymnasium, Arnaud C. Marts Center, Graduate Ceremony, 10 a.m., Undergraduate Ceremony, 3 p.m. For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2018 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2018 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/b6d527587ffbfb581c7d2747dc78d51f.pdf b03843112655bb842367f8e6c753c9f9 PDF Text Text F A L L / W I N T E R 2 01 7 Colonel Couple PANOS AND DEB (STEPHENS) KALARITIS SHARE CAREER SUCCESS AND A MARRIAGE MADE AT WILKES INSIDE: THE NEW KARAMBELAS MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION CENTER AND THE SORDONI ART GALLERY �president’s letter VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 2 Milestones Signal Time of Great Progress at Wilkes W ilkes is halfway through our six-year Gateway to the Future strategic plan, and we are making great progress toward our goals. Through the efforts of our campus community, Board of Trustees, alumni, and talented student body, we are positioning Wilkes for the next phase of our continued evolution—becoming one of the nation’s finest small doctoral universities. In just the first few weeks of the fall semester, we celebrated three significant milestones that are evidence of this evolution. In September, the University’s first Ph.D. program in nursing became a reality. Sixteen students from seven different states will be prepared to educate the next generation of nurses through the program’s rigorous coursework. With the addition of the Ph.D. in nursing, we now offer five terminal degrees that enroll more than 550 students. Just two weeks later, Wilkes’ commitment to the arts was renewed with the rededication of the Sordoni Art Gallery in its new location at 141 South Main Street, making a bold statement about the importance of the arts at this University. The opening exhibition, “15 Minutes: From Image to Icon,” featured works by internationally-known artist Andy Warhol. In just the first month since the gallery opened its doors, more than 1,000 people have visited the space. It has been such a thrill to see visitors— Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy speaks at the dedication of the Sordoni Art Gallery, launching a both art-lovers and novices alike—experience new era for the arts. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Warhol’s renowned works right here on our campus. This is the beginning of a new era for the Sordoni Art Gallery, during which our students and the community will have the opportunity to view art at Wilkes like never before. And finally, earlier this semester, I had the distinct honor of writing a letter in support of a senior biology student who is applying for a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Guided by a faculty member with experience in this highly competitive process, we believe that this is the first time in University history that a Wilkes student will apply for this scholarship. Regardless of the outcome, this effort has elevated the level of academic excellence for all of our students. I think you will agree that each of these achievements is individually impressive and worthy of celebration; however, when viewed collectively, they signal something greater. Now is a time of great progress at Wilkes, as we layer exciting investments in academics and infrastructure with initiatives that strengthen our foundational values of community and mentorship. I hope that these three examples of our progress make you as proud of Wilkes as I am. There has never been a better time at Wilkes, and I look forward to celebrating more milestones like these with you in the coming months. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President FALL/WINTER 2017 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Vice President for Advancement Thomas MacKinnon Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Senior Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Director of Communications Gabrielle D’Amico MFA’17 Web Services Joshua Bonner MS’16 Electronic Communications Brittany Terpstra Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Graduate Assistants Sarah Bedford ’17 Samantha Stanich Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Lane Press EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng MA’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Donna Sedor ’85 OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations Margaret Steele Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 Manager of Alumni Relations and Advancement Special Projects Jacki Lukas ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 Vice President Matt Berger ’02 Secretary John Sweeney ’13 Historian Cindy Charnetski ’97 Wilkes magazine is published three times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �8 16 14 22 24 contents FEATURES 8 Colonel Couple Panos ’77 and Deb (Stephens) ’78 Kalaritis found success individually and as a couple. Colonel Couple PANOS AND DEB (STEPHENS) KALARITIS SHARE CAREER SUCCESS AND A MARRIAGE MADE AT WILKES INSIDE: THE NEW KARAMBELAS MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION CENTER AND THE SORDONI ART GALLERY Panos ’77 and Deborah (Stephens) ’78 Kalaritis met at Wilkes and went on to success in the pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries. PHOTO BY SETH JOHNSON 14 Artistic Vision The rededicated Sordoni Art Gallery has a new vision, a new location and the works of Andy Warhol. 2 On Campus 28 Alumni News 29 Giving Back 30 Class Notes 16 Collaborative Communicators Students celebrate the possibilities in the new Clayton ’49 and Theresa Karambelas Media and Communication Center. 22 Flying High Deirdre Gurry ’99 is a lieutenant colonel, squadron commander and a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. 24 Creative Community Past editors of Manuscript contribute to an oral history of the magazine’s 70 years. Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline f.>iJ ~~s MIX Paper from responsible sources FSC® C022085 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 FALL/WINTER 2017 DEPARTMENTS 1 �on campus Words of Wisdom Bob Bruggeworth ’83, CEO of Qorvo Inc., shares career insights with students. REAL-LIFE LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTED IN WILKES PRESIDENT’S SEMINAR PHOTO BY RYAN WOOD WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Bob Bruggeworth ’83 explains to a group of Wilkes students that sometimes failure is necessary in business—especially among innovators. But he adds an important caveat: “I tell the team, let’s fail fast.” Bruggeworth, CEO of Qorvo Inc., a global developer of radio-frequency technology, addressed the President’s Seminar in Leadership, taught by Wilkes President Patrick Leahy in spring 2017. His advice didn’t end with the two-word dictum about failure. “What I mean by that is, I’m okay with failure. Just fail faster,” he explains. “The problem is, we learn too late and spend too much money. Part of innovation is failing. I define innovation as having an idea, creating something and making money with it sooner than your competition.” Bruggeworth was one of seven seminar speakers who brought lessons about leadership to Wilkes students. It offered them the chance to hear from leaders in fields as diverse as technology, child care, investments and retail. Guest speakers also included Frank Joanlanne, president of Borton-Lawson; Dan Cardell ’79, chairman of the Chicago Quantitative Alliance; Bill Miller ’81, president of Galison/Mudpuppy; Tara Mugford Wilson, CEO of Power Engineering Corporation; Carl Witkowski, COO of Guard Insurance; and Bill Grant MBA ’86, founder of Hildebrandt Learning Centers. Structured as a conversation, each class began and ended with questions posed by Leahy to spark discussion. These included what Leahy calls the “lightning round,” a succession of questions designed to elicit one-word responses that give a snapshot of the speaker. Questions posed are as diverse as “What is your favorite word?” and “What is your most irrational indulgence?” The most important information shared, Leahy says, has to do with achievement after Wilkes. “These distinguished individuals have much to share with our students about leadership and success,” Leahy says. 2 Bill Miller ’81 discusses his role as president of Galison/Mudpuppy. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK “The alumni bring the unique perspective of discussing how their Wilkes experiences prepared them for the roles they now fill.” “I really felt like I grew up at Wilkes,” Bill Miller ’81, president of Galison/Mudpuppy, a stationery and gift company, tells the group. Noting that he gained experience just as they did—writing for The Beacon and serving in Student Government—he also shares that summer jobs at the retailer Pomeroy’s paved the way to his selection to Macy’s Management Training Program upon graduation. From those early experiences, Miller became a retail marketing guru for industry giants like FAO Schwarz and Barnes and Noble. His networks supported him through his career transitions, prompting Miller to tell the students, “One lesson that I learned early is to create your own networks.” Emphasizing that he learned many facets of each company where he’s worked, Bruggeworth lauded the value of teamwork. “That’s why I’m a big fan of collaboration. It’s also interesting to get different people’s perspectives to make a good decision, because everybody sees the world differently,” he says. “I’ve been Wilkes President Patrick Leahy a big fan of bringing together hosted Bill Miller ’81 at the President’s Seminar in Leadership. people who are cross-functional.” PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK He also encouraged students to become life-long learners. “We’re the only asset that appreciates in business. We become worth more over time if we keep investing in ourselves and bringing more to the part,” he says. Senior finance major Aaron Sadowski of Robesonia, Pa., says he rearranged his schedule to take the leadership seminar. He’s glad he did. “Presidents don’t decide to teach a class unless they are going to do it to presidential standards,” Sadowski says. He especially appreciated hearing the perspectives of Frank Joanlanne and Dan Cardell, who both had successful careers in finance. Among the biggest takeaways for students? “There isn’t one roadmap to success; it’s what you make of your education and experiences,” Sadowski says. �on campus Scott Stolte Appointed Dean of Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Scott Stolte, Pharm.D., has joined Wilkes University as dean of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Anne Skleder, Wilkes provost and senior vice president, praises the breadth of Stolte’s experience in pharmacy education. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Stolte at the helm of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Our outstanding pharmacy program is poised to move forward to educate the next generation of pharmacists,” Skleder says. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with Dr. Stolte and support his vision on behalf of the University.” Stolte says, “I am humbled and honored to lead the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. I am excited to work with our outstanding faculty and staff members and student pharmacists to improve the health and well-being of the citizens of our community. I look forward to meeting with our alumni and local leaders to discuss how the school can have the greatest impact.” Prior to joining Wilkes, Stolte was professor and dean of the College of Pharmacy at Roseman University of Health Sciences in Henderson, Nev. He began his career in pharmacy education in 1998 at the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va. During more than a decade at Shenandoah, he rose through the faculty ranks and served in a variety of leadership positions, including department chair and associate dean of academic affairs. Stolte has an established national reputation in pharmacy education. He is active in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, serving on a number of national Scott Stolte joined Wilkes this fall as committees and as a leadership pharmacy dean. PHOTO BY EARL & SEDOR fellowship facilitator. Stolte PRODUCTIONS earned a doctor of pharmacy degree from Purdue University. He completed a postdoctoral residency in community pharmacy practice at the Family PharmaCare Center Inc. and Purdue University. He also completed an Academic Leadership Fellowship with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. MEET THE CLASS OF 2021 the second largest class in University history, as well as the strongest academically. What else do we know about the newest crop of Colonels? 52 Students joining Wilkes honors program, now in its third year. 14 Number of states first-year students call home. : .............. I 16 ....................................................... :• The percentage of all new entering students who 40 Total number of new international students enrolling at Wilkes. count a Wilkes graduate among their immediate or extended family. Number of students in the first-year class who are the first in the family to pursue a four-year degree, reflecting Wilkes’ continuing commitment to its founding mission. 323 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Wilkes’ Class of 2021 has 632 students, making it 3 �on campus Wilkes Welcomes New Members to Board of Trustees Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 earned a degree in English from Wilkes and has served as a member of the Alumni Association board of directors since 2010. She became president of the Alumni Association in March 2017 and previously served in leadership roles including vice president and secretary. In addition, Hall chairs the board’s Homecoming Committee and mentors current Wilkes education students. Now retired, Hall taught elementary school in the Northwest Area School District for 34 years. Seymour Holtzman ’57 graduated from Wilkes with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He is the president and CEO of Jewelcor Inc., which operated a chain of retail stores throughout the United States. He was previously the chairman of the board and CEO of Gruen Marketing Corp., a company involved in the nationwide distribution of watches. Holtzman also serves as chairman and CEO of Jewelcor Management Inc., an investment and management services firm. He owns C.D. Peacock Inc., a retail jewelry Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 store in Chicago, Ill., and the Rolex Boutique Luxury Swiss in Miami, Fla. Holtzman is chairman of the board of Destination XL Group Inc., the nation’s largest specialty retailer of big and tall men’s apparel. He is also the owner of Homeclick.com Inc., an internet retailer specializing in luxury brands for the home. Gregory MacLean ’78 graduated from Wilkes with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art. He was the founder and CEO of Magestic Systems Inc., located in Westwood, N.J. The company provides integrated manufacturing software solutions used worldwide by leading manufacturers in the aerospace, transportation, energy, defense, industrial and construction industries. Seymour Holtzman ’57 Gregory MacLean ’78 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 A REGAL RETURN AT HOMECOMING 2017 4 Among the alumni returning to campus for Homecoming from Oct. 6-8 was Gloria Dran Elston ’57, the University’s first-ever homecoming queen. Crowned in 1955, Elston traveled to Wilkes from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, to celebrate her 60th class reunion. Elston did the honors, crowning this year’s king and queen during halftime of the football game against Widener University at the Ralston Athletic Complex. She’s pictured, left, with this year’s royal couple, Nancy Ramirez and Dylan Fox. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY �on campus Honors Students Gain Global Perspective at Conference in Thailand “Think global, act local, and start personal” was the big take away for five Wilkes University honors students who attended the 2017 University Scholars Leadership Symposium. The students traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, with Mark Allen, dean of students and adjunct professor, Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, for the week-long training session. The event draws 1,000 of the world’s most promising leaders from 90 universities and colleges around the world. The students included neuroscience major Raeva Mulloth; management major Christine Walsh; nursing major Angus Fortune; environmental engineering major Nicole Hart; and psychology major Maria Lerch. Held at the United Nations building in Bangkok from Aug. 1-7, 2017, attendees heard speakers and participated in group discussions surrounding the topic of “Causes that Matter” and completed workshop sessions to put their plans into action. Students also spent one day completing community service by working with local schools and planting in mangroves. “Being in the U.S., problems such as famine and widespread disease are not seen as everyday problems. However, for some of the people that I met, these are struggles they face every day in their communities,” says Mulloth. “The symposium not only opened my eyes to the vast and differing amount of problems around the world, it also inspired me to look at the problems I see in my own community.” The Wilkes students attended the symposium as part of an honors course, International Leadership. The students will be graded on their attendance at the symposium and three presentations about their experience at the event that will be given to MORE ON THE WEB Wilkes honors students attended the 2017 University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand, where they gained an international perspective that they shared with first-year honors students. Pictured from left to right are attendees Dean of Students Mark Allen, Raeva Mulloth, Angus Fortune, Nicole Hart, Maria Lerch and Christine Walsh. PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTINE WALSH the honors sections of First Year Foundations classes during fall semester. The honors course continued through fall 2017. It was the second year that Wilkes honors students attended the symposium. In August 2016, four students attended the event in Hanoi, Vietnam. These two international events have created a chance for students and administration to network across the globe. The connections may lead to the development of new curriculum at Wilkes as soon as January 2018. A CONVERSATION WITH JAY SIDHU MBA ’73 President Patrick F. Leahy hosted a conversation with Jay S. Sidhu MBA ’73, Chairman and CEO of a division of Customers Bank, and BankMobile Technologies. The Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership was named in his honor. The event, held in October, was attended by Sidhu School students. To view a video and highlights from Leahy’s conversation with Sidhu, go to www.wilkes.edu/presidentialconversation. Wilkes University President Patrick F. Leahy listens to a response from Jay S. Sidhu MBA ’73, Chairman and CEO of Customers Bancorp. PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Customers Bancorp, Customers Bank, BankMobile, 5 �on campus History Majors Bring the Past Alive in the Present WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 A young Luzerne County soldier’s draft notice for the Union Army sits in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa. The fragile piece of paper took a son away from his family, possibly pitting him against friends. The draft notice was one of the artifacts researched by Wilkes senior history major Sarah O’Hara during an internship at the center. O’Hara and fellow history major Jeffrey Stanford both held internships in which they were responsible for researching and recording American history. History majors at Wilkes are required to complete at least one internship. It reflects the department’s interdisciplinary approach to studying, preserving and sharing the past. O’Hara of Doylestown, Pa., researched artifacts from the Civil War at the Constitution Center, such as a newspaper describing the death of Abraham Lincoln, medical supplies from battlefield hospitals and fans used as Victorian mourning accessories. She also picked out new artifacts to add to the collection and created packets to be used for History major Jeffrey Stanford spent the summer as an intern at the Antique Auto Club of America Museum. PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH CRISPELL retraining the museum programs staff. O’Hara put lessons learned in her material culture class with Diane E. Wenger, associate professor and Both students credit Wilkes for co-chair of global cultures, to good use when writing summaries and developing research skills needed for the questions regarding the objects. internships. Stanford used skills learned in “I liked creating something that I knew would be useful and instrumental in helping his Wilkes classes to research the manufacpeople learn and connect to the past,” O’Hara says. “I also loved being able to interact turing stamps on the back of objects such and talk with visitors when I had time to work on the floor.” as plates. The stamps would help him to Stanford took inventory of a 1950s diner, Valentine Diner, at the Antique Auto identify where the objects were produced. Club of America Museum in his hometown of Hershey, Pa. He described around 400 “I think it is important to make sure objects or more, including duplicates, to create digital records. people have something digital to look at. “I would try to accurately describe how old an object is and what the condition We live in a digital age and we have to was,” Stanford explains. “My only real tools to do this were the objects themselves integrate history into that so people can and the internet. There were objects like a rearview mirror above the stove so the tell stories and connect more with the cook could see what was happening behind him. Objects like that helped me gather past,” Stanford says. information on the diner.” 6 “I liked creating something that I knew would be useful and instrumental in helping people learn and connect to the past.” – Sarah O’Hara Senior history major Sarah O’Hara interned at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where she is seen in Signers Hall, posing among life-size statues of the signers of the Constitution. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON �on campus Enhancements Improve Safety and Beautify Campus WASHINGTON MONTHLY RANKS WILKES AMONG TOP SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTING TO PUBLIC GOOD Wilkes is among the nation’s top colleges and universities included in Washington Monthly’s annual rankings of higher education institutions and what they are doing for the country. Wilkes is ranked in two categories: contribution to public good and best bang for the buck. The University is the highest ranked institution from northeast Pennsylvania in the best bang for the buck category, which looks at schools that help students pursue a marketable degree at an affordable price. Wilkes ranked 83 of 384 institutions in the northeast. In the contribution to public good category, Wilkes ranked 129 of 632 master’s institutions, jumping 15 spots since 2016. Wilkes is the only institution in northeast Pennsylvania to MONTHLY 2017 COLLEGE I I OS “We have always taken issue with rankings that focus on prestige as opposed to outcomes. We look for and value rankings that celebrate our unique, access-based mission,” says University President Patrick F. Leahy. “We’re pleased to be recognized by a respected publication like Washington WhatCanCollege!DoFor-Yettt-c,!'...,, Monthly, which celebrates our enduring commitment to first-generation and P\U5.TMU_.....,_,.oatfti10l'MIIIU Aalfb'IMl.~,.lltt~<oltt" ==--. I ' high-need students.” Tht ........ dtdlllof-kw,i\l,tl'lltll' Tlit(itQtffl,,..,.fflldffUIIC1lliltr_.. ..,.....,..~5111t1fflfWQlt/ll aotlnftlll_.,.~ .... Terese Wignot Appointed Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Wilkes has announced key leadership appointments to the University’s enrollment management team. They will lead efforts to recruit students to the University on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Terese (Terri) Wignot will serve as the associate provost for enrollment management. Wignot brings 28 years of experience as a faculty member and university leader to the position. During her career at Wilkes, she has served as chair of the Chemistry Department, interim provost, associate provost and in several interim dean roles. In announcing her appointment, University Provost and Senior Vice President Anne Skleder said, “Dr. Wignot has been instrumental in recruitment and retention at Wilkes, serving as a liaison between the faculty and admissions, and leading the development of our innovative WilkesEDGE program. I am confident that her leadership will be instrumental in reaching our ambitious enrollment goals.” Joining Wignot on the enrollment management team is John Baum, who was appointed executive director of undergraduate enrollment. Baum successfully led the Wilkes Air Force ROTC program since 2015 after an exemplary career as a U.S. Air Force aviator. Baum retired in 2017 at the rank of colonel. Under his leadership, the University’s ROTC detachment grew substantially in size and the number of academically prepared and successful cadets increased. Terese Wignot John Baum WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 ~shing-fon improve its ranking in the category this year. New sidewalks, lighting and tree plantings have been installed on streets bordering the Wilkes campus, funded by a $1 million grant from the Pennsylvania State Transportation Alternatives program. Work was completed this summer and fall to enhance pedestrian safety on West South Street between South River and South Franklin streets and on South Franklin between West South and Northampton streets. A new pedestrian crosswalk was installed in front of the Henry Student Center. In addition to the streetscape improvements, the first phase of a planned $8 million renovation to Stark Learning Center will be completed by the end of fall semester. The building will have a new façade facing the Fenner Quadrangle, a project that precedes significant interior renovations. The project is funded in part by a $3 million RACP grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with matching funds from the University. Wilkes also saw the completion of the first phase of a three-part project to improve signage on campus. 7 �Colonel Couple PANOS ’77 AND DEB (STEPHENS) ’78 KALARITIS SHARE CAREER SUCCESS AND A MARRIAGE MADE AT WILKES By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 I 8 t wasn’t the most auspicious introduction. Wilkes freshman Deb Stephens ’78 had joined her Waller Halls roommate, Sherry Meyer, as a score keeper for the men’s soccer team. Milling around with the players before an away game, Deb, clad in dark pants, had taken a seat on the stairs at the Ralston Athletic Complex. Wilkes soccer player Panos Kalaritis ’77, a junior international student from Greece, was there with the rest of the team. “He was not shy,” Deb says of her first encounter with the man who would become her husband. “And his first words were less than romantic.” When Deb rose from her perch on the stairs, Panos informed her that her pants were dirty—using a very specific word to identify the location of the dirt. Deb retreated to the ladies room in embarrassment. The husband and wife laugh at the memory. “It wasn’t intended to be an ice breaker,” Panos says. “It was just a casual comment.” Despite the dubious first impression, the meeting at Wilkes began a relationship that is now a successful marriage of more than 38 years. And, although they did not know it then, career success lay ahead as well. Panos’ work in the pharmaceutical industry would earn him 35 patents while working with leading pharmaceutical companies such as Abbott Laboratories and Hoffman La Roche, and eventually his own company, IRIX Pharmaceuticals. Deb would make her name in the telecommunications industry, working in marketing for AT&T and Accenture before launching her own consulting firm, Mercury Communications. (See stories on pages 11 and 13.) Careers weren’t yet the focus when the pair formed a friendship at Wilkes in fall 1975, getting together with friends to play cards. Eventually they began dating. On the surface, it seemed a case of opposites attracting—right down to their choice of major. Panos was studying chemistry and Deb majored in international studies. “I was her international studies subject,” Panos chuckles. In her own tonguein-cheek take on their early relationship, Deb notes wryly that her brother wasn’t particularly thrilled that she was dating a chemist, given her history with the subject. “My experience in organic chemistry included causing a fire, which my teacher rapidly doused.” The paths that brought each of them to Wilkes were equally diverse. Above, Panos and Deb Kalaritis confer about plans about their many philanthropic and professional projects. Opposite page, The Kalaritises, who met when they were Wilkes undergraduates, are pictured at their home in Florence, S.C. ALL PHOTOS BY SETH JOHNSON MEDIA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED �9 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 �A native of Patras, Greece, Panos was salutatorian when he graduated from the High School of Corinth, Greece. His good academic record earned him a scholarship to study at Wilkes starting in 1973 via a program run by the Anglo Hellenic Bureau of Education. The program identified talented Greek students, providing them with a scholarship and matching them with universities in the United States. The program placed about 10 students per year in colleges in the northeast. Students did not choose which school they would attend. The first person in his family to finish high school, Panos’ trip to America also marked the first time he left his country. He and his wife credit his mother, Georgia Kontea, a woman whose education ended in elementary school, for having the vision to allow her only son to leave Greece to pursue a college degree thousands of miles away. “I went from a small town back then to a huge country without having any relatives nearby to rely on,” Panos says. “The most memorable moment was getting off the Greyhound and seeing Dr. (George) Ralston and the assistant dean, Mr. Domzalski.” Deb also did not choose where she would attend college. Her father, dentist Joseph D. Stephens ’51, formerly Wilkes Alumni Association president, gently insisted his daughter attend Wilkes. “My dad gave my brother (Joseph D. Stephens Jr. ’79 ) and me a choice: We could attend Wilkes or continue living at home. With five siblings all living at home, it seemed like a good decision to come to Wilkes.” Once on campus in Wilkes-Barre, both embraced the experience, academically and socially. “One thing I will say for Wilkes is that it was a perfect environment for me,” says Panos. “Coming from a small environment in Greece, it was a school that gave a lot of personal attention.” A strong background in chemistry, physics and math helped ease his transition to academic life. At Wilkes he was introduced Wilkes sophomore biology student Maria Dima of Corinth, Greece, received a scholarship named in honor of Georgia Kontea, Panos Kalaritis’s mother. PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 CRISPELL 10 to work in the lab by Dr. Owen Faut, professor emeritus of chemistry, and Dr. John Labose, professor of chemistry. Faut remembers his student, characterizing him as “dependable” in class and in the lab. “You knew that you could count on him to do what was expected.” Faut says that Panos’ subsequent success in pharmaceutical research is not a surprise. “His attitude was so very good. One of the most important things we see in a student is their attitude,” he says, noting that the right attitude is often the difference between success or failure. A TWO-CAREER COUPLE Panos headed to the University of Kansas to earn a master’s degree after his 1977 graduation while Deb fast tracked her bachelor’s degree completing her program in three years. The couple were married in 1979, just after he completed his master’s degree. Deb landed a job with AT&T in the years before the company’s breakup and restructuring. Deb’s relocation prompted Panos’ entrance into a doctoral program at Washington University in St. Louis. The Kalaritises became the quintessential two-career couple, frequently taking turns relocating to accommodate a new job or opportunity for either spouse. “Panos supported me in my career and vice versa,” Deb recalls. “We used to say if we lived someplace for more than two years, that was a long time. It’s been a very symbiotic and supportive relationship between the two of us.” Plotting their career moves on a map would find lines taking them from St. Louis and Chicago in the Midwest to East Coast locations in Basking Ridge, N.J., and eventually Florence, S.C. While living in South Carolina, a downsizing at Hoffman La Roche ironically coincided with Panos receiving a bonus for his work there. He jokes, “It left me with a lot of money and a lot of time on my hands.” The combination of capital and time allowed him to launch his own company, IRIX Pharmaceuticals, in 1996. Continuing their pattern of mutual support for career endeavors, Deb, by then running her own marketing consulting firm Mercury Communications, designed the company’s logo and tagline. In ancient Greece, the name IRIX meant falcon. Panos and his partner, J. Guy Steenrod, interviewed chemists for research positions at the new company, seated on folding chairs at a card table in temporary headquarters and retrofitted their first lab at South Carolina’s Francis Marion University. Panos was the company’s co-founder and chief operating officer. Under his leadership, IRIX grew to 200 employees, including more than 40 scientists with doctoral degrees and annual revenues of approximately $75 million. It was sold to Patheon in 2015. Main story continues on page 12 �It started, as it does for so many Wilkes students, with opportunities to work in the lab in Stark Learning Center. Panos Kalaritis ’77 felt at home there. Originally intending to pursue a medical career, by graduation Panos found his lab experience had pulled him in a different direction: putting his chemistry research skills to work, ultimately in the pharmaceutical industry. “I’ve always felt that things happen for a reason,” he says philosophically. His resume summarizing a 34-year career clearly reflects that fate set him on the path to success. He earned a master’s degree in medicinal chemistry at the University of Kansas and a doctorate in organic chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis. His research focused on the design of more effective chemotherapeutic agents for use in cancer treatment. The word “design” is appropriate in describing Panos’ approach to research, his wife Deborah explains. “His field fits his personality,” she says. “He’s not a pocket protector chemist….. Panos has such a creative bent.” That creative bent would earn him 35 patents in the pharmaceutical field, including innovations that assembled complex molecular structures in creative ways and produced commercial drugs more effectively, reducing the number of chemical steps, the processing time, and, ultimately, the costs. “Developing chemical processes for commercial products that are friendly to the environment was always at the forefront of my research endeavors,” he notes. His portfolio of green commercial manufacturing processes includes well-known commercial drugs like Xeloda, used in treating cancer; Lumigan, Xalatan and Travatan, which are used for glaucoma; the cardiovascular drug Berapros; Remodulin, used for COPD; and the blood thinner Warfarin. He began his career working for a combined 13 years for two major pharmaceutical companies— Abbott Laboratories and Hoffman La Roche. He advanced through the ranks to the position of director of synthesis development. He was actively involved with developing many investigational drug candidates, commercializing several of them. He was involved with the commercial manufacturing of Accutane, used in acne treatment; Dormicum, used to treat insomnia; the osteoporosis Panos Kalaritis surveys the company drug Rocaltrol; and the antibache started in 1996, terial drug Sulfisoxazole. He also IRIX Pharmaceuticals, which he later sold worked on a large number of to Patheon. clinical development candidates, including drugs used to treat cancer, HIV, anxiety, ulcers, psoriasis and bacterial infections. “Chemistry is a common thread “I always wonder, if certain things had that ties most of the activities relating not happened, would I have had the to new drug product development from nerve to do it,” he muses. early discovery, to market introduction, Irix was a science-based company and commercialization,” he explains. that offered research and development “I was fortunate to have the services to the pharmaceutical industry. opportunity to develop experience It specialized in making difficult-toacross the entire spectrum.” manufacture active pharmaceutical Panos was instrumental in two ingredients, also known as APIs. “New new drug introductions to market: drug discovery and early phase clinical the anti-bacterial Omniflox and the development today is primarily in anti-cancer drug Xeloda. “The most the expert hands of approximately rewarding moments of my career were 2,000 small pharmaceutical discovery when we introduced a new drug to companies in North America, not the market. The feeling of satisfaction is major pharmaceutical companies,” he hard to describe,” he adds. “It is the explains. “Irix played a pivotal role in thought of having played a small part in helping these companies advance their the creation of a product that improves clinical candidates.” human health or saves lives.” Before the company was sold to Fate once again played a role in Patheon in 2015, Irix supported the Panos’ career when a global reorganidevelopment of approximately 80 zation at Hoffman La Roche ended investigational drugs per year and with him and several research and served more than 200 pharmaceutical development colleagues losing their companies worldwide. Most recently, jobs. Once again stating, “things happen the company was also instrumental for for good reasons,” Panos and a fellow the market introduction and commercial chemical engineer launched their own manufacturing of Viberzi for irritable company, Irix Pharmaceuticals, in 1996. bowel syndrome. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 PANOS KALARITIS ’77 ACHIEVES SUCCESS IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY 11 �WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 A NEW CHAPTER 12 The Kalaritises found a new focus in their lives after Deb weathered treatment for breast cancer in 2001. She notes that her husband’s knowledge about cancer treatment, forged during graduate school, added an extra measure of support. “It was a long time after his master’s and Ph.D., when he researched chemotherapy, but he spoke quite knowledgeably with my oncologist, Dr. Michael Pavy. We were surprised there was not significant change in cancer treatment from 1979 to 2001… same drugs with improved administration protocols.” After facing down cancer, Deb stepped up her volunteer activities in the Florence, S.C., community, for church, civic and charitable organizations. With the help of friends who supported her during her cancer treatment, she raised more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society in 2002. She served on the board of the Florence Symphony Orchestra, chairing its Taste of Symphony benefit, and also lent her talents to supporting the community’s library, museum and domestic violence shelter. Deb and Panos, being avid advocates of higher education, have supported undergraduate academic research and established scholarships. Panos offered scientific internship programs at IRIX Pharmaceutical. He also funded undergraduate research programs at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C., and the endowed Coffen-IRIX Research Fund at the University of South Carolina. The couple also have taken a personal interest in helping promising students receive a college education. Remembering the help that Panos received, they have founded scholarships for worthy students at Wilkes, Francis Marion University in South Carolina and Towson University in Baltimore, MD. “The passion that Panos and Deb have for higher learning, particularly here at Wilkes, has established a unique opportunity for our students to experience the global education that is key to their success and at the core of our mission,” says Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy. “The Kalaritises are role models in every sense, from their business success to their ability and desire to provide philanthropic support for our students. We are so proud to count them among our most valued alumni and friends.” Two scholarships at Wilkes have allowed the Kalaritises to honor their parents while helping the next generation of Colonels. The Dr. Joseph Donald Stephens, DDS Global Scholars Award, named in honor of Deb’s father, provides students with scholarships to pursue their education in another country. Three scholarships will be awarded annually. The first three $5,000 awards were presented to three Wilkes students. During summer 2017, Ana Castillo, a nursing major, traveled to Spain for a six-week program to complete her Spanish minor and improve her Spanish language skills in health-care terminology. Junior biology major Dillon Davis completed a two-month summer internship at Southampton University in England. He assisted a doctoral student studying retinal pathophysiology with a focus on age-related macular degeneration. Jacee York will use her scholarship to study in Australia in 2018. Another scholarship established at Wilkes brings Panos’ experience at the University full circle. In summer 2016, he contacted the principal of the high school he attended in Corinth, Greece, to request his help in identifying a student who would benefit from attending Wilkes. Maria Dima, a sophomore biology major, became the first recipient of the four-year scholarship, established in honor of Panos’ mother, an uneducated person who had great appreciation for education, who supported the decision of her only son to study in the United States. Meeting her benefactors just before traveling to the States, Dima was impressed by their friendly and approachable demeanor. “They are so much fun!” she says. Dima learned she was coming to Wilkes only one month before her arrival, so she didn’t have time to think about the giant step she was about to take. “Looking back, it scares me more now,” Dima states. “I ask myself, ‘How did I do that?’ ” She says she has benefited from advice that Panos offered—“In order to be successful in your new environment you will need to adapt in it. Get involved on campus and socialize but not only with international students.” She has joined Enactus and the UNICEF Club. Like her benefactor, she found the culture at Wilkes has been the most significant factor in her transition. “What made me the most comfortable is that everyone was here to help me.” Most recently, the Kalaritises added a third four year scholarship at Wilkes University in their name that will go into effect with the 2018 academic year. BUCKET LIST AND BEYOND Since selling IRIX, the Kalaritises have traveled, checking items off their bucket list of places to visit. Stops have included the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest in Australia and international wine tasting at Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, at Barossa, Eden, and McLaren Vale valleys in Australia, and Rioja, Priorat, and Ribera del Duero in Spain. Other stops included the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, and visits to Seville, Granada, the Spanish Riviera and the Greek Isles. “Panos had his first taste of golf at St. Andrews in Scotland and we both visited shrines amid the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, (Japan),” Deb says. Their new home in Austin, Texas, signals another development in his pharmaceutical career. “I am looking to start a new company with a focus on commercializing pharmaceutical products with improved therapeutic profiles over their current commercial proteges,” Panos says, explaining that his new company concept will also help to shorten existing approval processes and timelines to bring such products to market. Deb meanwhile, is gearing down her involvement in real estate company Evelpis, LLC to devote more time to managing their donor advisory fund to further their philanthropic efforts. Neither is using the word retired to define their status. �DEB (STEPHENS) KALARITIS ’78 MARKETED TELECOMMUNICATIONS GIANTS Deb (Stephens) Kalaritis ’78 worked in the telecommunications industry in its heyday, when communications technology was rapidly developing. It was 1978, long before cell phones could be found in everyone’s pockets. A new Wilkes graduate, Deb went to work for industry giant AT&T. “I was part of a marketing organization that was developed within AT&T,” Deb says. “I loved every day that I worked there.” Focusing on business-to-business marketing of AT&T’s products, she was based in St. Louis while her husband completed his doctorate at Washington University. “My last job in St. Louis was implementing a private network for Southwestern Bell,” she recalls. The project was the largest electronic tandem network, or ETN, ever installed at the time. The terminology refers to technology used to route calls within a private company network. Her efforts earned Deb a promotion to the Competitive Assessment Organization at AT&T’s headquarters in Basking Ridge, N.J. and a position in the Management Development Program. During her time in New Jersey, she earned an MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she would later teach as an adjunct professor. In 1988, when Panos accepted a position with Abbott Laboratories in Chicago, Deb transitioned to the AT&T regional vice president’s staff. In the Windy City, Deb made her next major career move, joining the technology consulting firm now known as Accenture. As marketing director, Deb helped position the global firm’s cutting-edge business solutions within the telecommunications industry. “I interfaced with some amazing visionaries at Accenture,” Deb recalls. “Al Burgess was at the top of the pack. He was the global telecommunications visionary at Accenture.” Burgess, who was a managing partner at the time, is credited with initiating several firsts during his career at Accenture, including the creation of the annual Customer Contact Forum in 1989, which is the global communications industry’s premier conference for senior-level executives. “I would set up interviews for him with national and industry publications (Business Week, Newsweek, Telephony), and he could speak eloquently and brilliantly about anything to do with the telecommunications industry; absolutely an amazing man,” Deb says. Panos’ move to South Carolina with Hoffman La Roche brought with it the opportunity to start her own marketing consulting firm, Mercury Communications. Accenture became one of her customers during the five years that she ran the firm. More recently, Deb runs her second business start-up, Evelpis LLC, a real estate development and management company with vacation and residential rental properties in the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area. Evelpis is also parent to two partnerships with another Wilkes graduate, her brother, Joseph Stephens, Jr. ’79. Eline-Stephens focuses on commercial real estate in Maryland while Evelpis Aruba features vacation rentals at Desert Dolphin, an estate home in Aruba. Deb also has turned her marketing acumen to philanthropic efforts, including fundraising for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Florence Symphony Orchestra. She says her philanthropic direction focused early in her career. Her parents had always been civic-minded but, she states, “My interest in philanthropy came from my time at AT&T where community involvement was an organizational objective.”� WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Deb (Stephens) Kalaritis coordinates her work for the real estate start-up Evelpis LLC and for many philanthropic projects from her home office in South Carolina. 13 �Artistic Vision Sordoni Art Gallery Opens the Doors to New Home With Warhol Exhibit WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 By Geoff Gehman 14 Zigzagging through the opening-night crowd for the opening exhibit of the new Sordoni Art Gallery, people are staring at Andy Warhol’s iconic images: Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O., Brillo. No two people experience Warhol’s art the same way and part of a gallery’s purpose is to provide myriad ways to enter the experience. In its new location with a new director, the Sordoni Art Gallery aims to do that. The bigger, better Sordoni Art Gallery debuted in October beside the new Karambelas Media and Communications Center on South Main Street. It has 7,000 square feet, nearly double than in its previous home in Stark Learning Center. State-of-the-art climate control and convenient parking also are upgrades. Three years ago, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy began campaigning for a gallery that was more engaging and empowering. He envisioned a place with more space for a wider range of exhibits and programs to attract visitors, drawing not only arts veterans but arts rookies. The gallery would reflect the University’s investments in academic programs, people and campus infrastructure, all part of the Gateway to the Future strategic plan. “In my opinion, you can’t be a true university without an enduring commitment to the arts,” Leahy said during the Sordoni’s opening ceremony. Leahy’s vision was quickly championed by Andrew J. Sordoni III, who helped launch the Sordoni Art Gallery in 1973 with his artist mother, who provided a naming gift from the family foundation he now heads. Sordoni shared Leahy’s vision to make the gallery more vital. Increasing the endowment for exhibits, they reasoned, would attract shows spotlighting bigger artists, leading to increased attendance. The plan involved judiciously selling some works from the permanent collection, generating more than $600,000 to push the endowment past $1.3 million. Leahy praises Sordoni as an open-minded steward. “I’m glad to lock arms with him,” he says. “I’m very grateful to him for �Above, Grace Leahy, daughter of Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, and a friend consider the Warhol exhibit at the opening of the Sordoni Art Gallery. Right, a new era for the Sordoni Art Gallery at its October rededication. Doing the honors at the ribbon cutting are, from left, Paul Riggs, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, William Sordoni, Wilkes trustee Bill Miller ’81, gallery director Heather Sincavage, President Patrick F. Leahy and Student Government President Cody Morcom. “�You can’t be a true university without an enduring commitment to the arts.” – Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy lending credibility to a bold investment in the arts via a slightly different model.” “A university has to serve its students, its community, its mission, as it evolves,” says Sordoni. “The arts are fragile; for the arts to survive and thrive, everyone has to buy into the commitment.” Two summers ago while visiting Pittsburgh, Leahy identified the artist whose work would launch the new gallery. In the city’s Andy Warhol Museum, he saw that his four children were impressed by their first exposure to his jarringly colored Pop pictures. If Warhol’s works could captivate his kids, they could captivate Sordoni visitors, especially novice gallery goers. Leahy found a Warhol ally in Heather Sincavage, who became the Sordoni’s new director in June 2016. She too fell under Warhol’s spell as a youngster. Four decades later, Warhol played a role in her job as director of a new gallery at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She curated a Warhol show there and acquired Warhol prints, including a silkscreen of Sitting Bull, the Native American chief. Sincavage included the Sitting Bull picture in the Warhol show she curated at Wilkes. She covered a wall with Warhol’s Polaroids, most studies for his “vanity” silkscreens of such celebrities as musician Carly Simon and choreographer Martha Graham. During the opening reception, the Polaroids were a backdrop as attendees were photographed with a Warhol impersonator wearing a suit the color of tomato soup. Another Warhol ally was Bill Miller ’81, a Wilkes trustee and a distributor of Warholian merchandise. As president of Galison Publishing LLC/Mudpuppy Press, he works with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts to produce everything from crayons with signature colors like Jackie O. Pink to an hourglass that empties after 15 seconds, invoking Warhol’s infamous prediction that everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. Miller persuaded the foundation to lend a 54-minute film, projected from floor to ceiling, of slightly moving head shots of 13 ’60s celebrities, including rock musician Lou Reed and actor/director Dennis Hopper. Sincavage also is an assistant professor of integrative media and art. One of her goals is to make the gallery an extension of Wilkes’ academic programs. The women’s and gender studies program will be among the first. In January she’ll launch the initiative with the exhibit “The Bones of Us Hunger for Nothing,” a series of Angela Fraleigh’s realistic, abstract paintings of women in classical settings usually dominated by men. Later in spring semester, the gallery will host a poster workshop led by a member of the Guerrilla Girls, the feminist activist group. Sincavage also plans programming to draw students and community members to the gallery. During fall semester, this included a visit from a mobile glass-blowing studio and a series of “Warhol Wednesdays” lectures. “I want to break down the intimidating factor, especially for first timers,” she says. “I want to make the Sordoni a place where they can really start a lifelong love of the arts, a place that will inspire them to hop on that Martz [Trailways] bus and head into New York.” Warhol began his career as an illustrator. It seems fitting then that the Sordoni will end its 2017-18 season with a spring exhibit of nearly 100 works from Andrew Sordoni’s vaunted collection of classic American illustrations and comic strips. Illustrator heavyweights include N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish and Alberto Vargas. “Art, if it’s attractive and worthy, deserves to be loved, deserves to be seen,” says Sordoni. “The whole point is to share.”� WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 PHOTOS BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY 15 �Collaborative Communicators WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 New Karambelas Media and Communication Center Launches New Era By Vicki Mayk MFA’13 and Sarah Bedford ’17 A centralized newsroom with computers and meeting space in the Karambelas Media and Communication Center promotes a collaborative environment for students. PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES BY EARL AND SEDOR PRODUCTIONS 16 �Features of the new Karambelas Media and Communication Center include: • new, state-of-the-art equipment; • a radio studio visible from the street; • a centralized newsroom to serve all student media; • a high-definition television studio with theaterstyle viewing; • classrooms equipped with ceiling-mounted cameras for critiquing public speaking classes; • a production control room, which manages the composition of outgoing television programming. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 W ilkes junior communication studies major J.M. Rey has a window on the world these days—at least the world outside the new Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media and Communication Center. Rey, production director for campus radio station WCLH, has gone from cramped quarters in a hard-tofind area of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center to a spacious, state-of-the art studio that looks out on the street through tall windows at 141 S. Main St. Passersby can hear WCLH’s programming broadcast from speakers placed outside. “Now people walking by can see you, say hi, and promote the station,” Rey says. “Now when you’re doing a live show they can hear what you’re playing out in the street. It’s just great to hear reactions and see people jamming out and everything; it’s just so cool.” Rey sums up his first reaction to seeing the new facility in three words: “My jaw dropped.” His reaction is shared by many who visit the new center. Dedicated in August, the $4 million, 14,000-square-foot building houses the communication studies program, consolidating all classes and activities into one modern facility where students can collaborate across media disciplines. Previously, the cocurricular activities that enhance students’ academic experience, such as The Beacon newspaper, WilkesNow television program and Zebra Communications, the student-run public relations agency, were scattered in various locations around campus. The center is named in honor of Clayton and Theresa Karambelas, who made one of the largest gifts in Wilkes history to support the project. Clayton Karambelas earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wilkes College in 1949. He and his wife, Theresa, are the previous owners of the Boston Candy Shop & Restaurant and C.K. Coffee. In 2016, they were honored with the University’s President’s Medal, presented annually to individuals whose personal and professional lives reflect the highest aspirations of Wilkes University. The new center is designed to promote a collaborative experience for students, according to Mark Stine, professor and chair of the communication studies department. “Convergence in the media and in the communication-related fields is a reality that’s upon us. This center gives students the opportunity to work in an integrated environment to learn and practice the collaborative skills they’ll need in order to thrive in today’s communication industries,” Stine says. On the following pages, student leaders from the communication studies student organizations share their enthusiasm for their new home. 17 �Zawadi Nshimirmana Senior, Communication Studies Vice President of Client Relations, Zebra Communications Concentrations: Strategic Communication, Multimedia Journalism Hometown: Bethlehem, Pa. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Above, the viewing room in the new center provides facilities for viewing and critiquing programs, watching political debates for rhetoric classes and a host of other possibilities. 18 “I just want to say thank you to the donors, because not everybody has that kind, warm heart and not everybody would be willing to do this big thing for us to make our dreams come true.” Members of The Beacon staff meet in their new offices to prepare for next week’s edition. From left, faculty advisor Kalen Churcher ’96, standing left, coaches a reporter while staff members life, arts and entertainment editor Amanda Bialek, seated, editor Toni Pennello and news editor Cabrini Rudnick confer. �“It’s going to allow us to more easily pull people from other departments within the communications major to work on stories together, for example—I’m really excited about that. If we have a story going on at The Beacon or at WilkesNow, we can get something and run it on the radio as well. It’s going to allow for a lot more teamwork, which is a great thing.” J.M. Rey Junior, Communication Studies Production Director for 90.7 WCLH Concentration: Media Production Hometown: Wilkes-Barre WCLH staff members, from left, Kendle Peters and J.M. Rey discuss programming in a bigger, brighter studio overlooking South Main Street, with their advisor Kristen Rock ’06. Toni f Pennello Senior, Communication Studies Editor-in-Chief, The Beacon Concentration: Multimedia Journalism Hometown: Tobyhanna, Pa. “One of the main things that I like about it is that everybody is in one place now. We were all over campus … so I didn’t feel like we had a place to be a community…. I think it’s important that we all know each other, for networking purposes and for that sense of community.” WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 19 �Right, Mark Stine, professor and chair of the communication studies department, gives feedback to students in the new production studio. New digital equipment and monitors give students experience in a setting comparable to commercial studios. Below, Members of the speech and debate team practice while being coached by faculty. Pictured from left are Christopher Smith, Jerome Hannon, Olivia Fakhoury, Christine Mellon, faculty of practice in communication studies and Mia Briceño, assistant professor, communication studies. Jerome Hannon Junior, Communication Studies President of Speech, Speech and Debate Concentration: Public Relations and Broadcast Production WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Hometown: Wilkes-Barre 20 “It means to me … another degree of professionalism. … This is a communication and media center. This is where we can go to grow and define our talents. This is our capital; it means a lot to my impression of our department to see this. It feels like an amazing step forward.” �“I got really excited because I get to learn all new equipment and it’s up to date, so if I do this in the real world, I’ll be familiar with (working on) a set and behind the scenes. It will provide students with a better sense of the real world once they graduate.” Micaela Oliverio Senior, Communication Studies and Musical Theatre double major Director, WilkesNow Concentration: Media Production Hometown: Carlisle, Pa. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Below, the television studio is designed to offer maximum flexibility in configuring space for programs and the latest lighting capabilities. 21 �From Wilkes Colonel to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Deirdre Gurry ’99 has seen the world By Kelly Clisham MFA ’16 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 GROWING UP IN THE SMALL TOWN 22 of Bushkill, Pa., Deirdre Gurry ’99 never imagined she’d become a pilot. “My vision of my future was very limited. I had no idea as a kid what I would be doing with my life,” she says. Today she has a much higher world view. Gurry is not only a pilot but a lieutenant colonel, squadron commander, teacher and mentor to the next generation of aviators in the United States Air Force. In high school at Notre Dame of East Stroudsburg, Gurry thought she might want to teach. When she told her guidance counselor that she wanted to teach college students, he laughed and replied, “You have to learn something first.” Gurry took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, or ASVAB, scoring in the 99th percentile on the mechanical section of the test. She decided to pursue an ROTC scholarship to help cover college costs. �Lt. Col. Deirdre Gurry, Enid, Okla. Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Wilkes Opposite page, Lt. Col. Deirdre Gurry ’99 stands next to her aircraft—a T-6 Texan II—which she pilots as the commander of a squadron of T-6 pilots. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. AIR FORCE Master of Business Administration, Trident University International Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, Air Command and Staff College Career: One of an elite group of women pilots in the U.S. Air Force. First female commander of the 8th Flying Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base. Noteworthy: Gurry’s call sign—the nickname pilots use to refer to each other— is “Nuke.” She’s tight-lipped about its origins, but says, “Everybody earns their call sign. It’s a rite of passage.” Though her days are anything but typical, Gurry tries to fly every day with the students. As a T-6 instructor, she gives her students a solid foundation—from take-off and landing to aerobatics and formation fundamentals—that will translate to every aircraft. She enjoys performing aerobatics while flying in formation. “I like to fly upside down. It’s my favorite thing.” Gurry is hard-pressed to name any specific challenges she’s faced during her Air Force career. Though she has not received every assignment she’s hoped for, she never let it slow her down. “When given a project, whether I like the project or not, I dive into it and own it and make it the best that I could make it. I show up every day with pride and enthusiasm.” Longtime friend and current Wilkes associate professor of pharmacy practice Dan Longyhore saw that same spirit in Gurry, first when they were high school and then college classmates. “She takes on absolutely anything and excels at it,” says Longyhore. Longyhore recalls time spent with Gurry in the roller hockey club at Wilkes. When other players were content to take it easy, Gurry was always focused. “She was motivated and determined and positive. She was like the coach.” The lieutenant colonel’s drive hasn’t changed from her days in the Marts Center. “There’s no surprise in my mind that she’s where she’s at today,” says Longyhore. Gurry hasn’t thought much about life after the Air Force. “I feel that when I get out of the military, I get to start a whole new life, and I don’t know where to go with it.” She may pursue a master’s degree in architecture to satisfy an interest in art. She may travel around to air shows, promoting STEM education by showing off her plane and getting kids excited about the mechanics behind it. “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up,” she says. Whatever she decides, no doubt Gurry will make a smooth landing.� WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 When she completed the scholarship application, she says, “It’s the first time I ever saw a list of majors.” Encouraged by her high ASVAB score and her fondness for tinkering in the garage with her dad, Gurry checked off mechanical engineering on the list. Visiting Wilkes for the ROTC scholarship interview, Gurry discovered the campus would be an ideal place to spend the next four years. It was close to home, offered a major in mechanical engineering and provided room and board as part of the Air Force ROTC scholarship. “My engineering experience at Wilkes was incredible,” she says. “I loved that we had small classes. It was more of a small-group setting, which really helps in engineering.” Gurry took advantage of hands-on experience in the machine shop, learning how machines work and figuring out how to build things. Outside of class, Gurry occasionally rode into sporting events on horseback as the Wilkes Colonel, though she spent most of her time with the AFROTC detachment. “I enjoyed the program. I enjoyed the structure. I worked well in that environment. I showed up with enthusiasm.” Her enthusiasm led to a spot in the pilot training program at Mississippi’s Columbus Air Force Base, then an invite to stay on as an instructor. “I ended up with my dream career of teaching college kids,” Gurry laughs. “I’m one of the luckiest people in the world.” Luck may play a part, but Gurry demonstrates serious skill in the air. She piloted the C-17 Globemaster III, a large military cargo plane, as well as the T-37 and now the T-6, two-person aircraft used to teach new pilots. Gurry’s service has taken her to all seven continents. As a cargo pilot, she’s been deployed to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, transporting servicemen and supplies in and out of combat zones. She also enjoyed time in Ferrara, Italy, serving as an airlift liaison to NATO, practicing military movements on paper and planning cargo movements. It was “essentially wargaming,” says Gurry. Promoted to lieutenant colonel in October 2014, she took command of the 8th Flying Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma in June 2017, the first woman to do so. As squadron commander, Gurry oversees 68 pilots and 110 student pilots annually. She not only teaches pilots in training, but mentors those across the base. “I really enjoy mentoring people and seeing people grow and meet their potential.” Gurry’s mentoring extends to the Supergirls, a group for female pilots that she helped to found. As one of 713 women out of 12,600 pilots in the Air Force, she’s committed to making sure her colleagues have a voice and the support they need. 23 �Creative Community AN ORAL HISTORY OF MANUSCRIPT’S 70 YEARS AS WILKES’ LITERARY MAGAZINE WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 By James Jaskolka ’16 24 Above, Manuscript covers and art culled from the publication’s seven decades. From left to right are the cover from the 1999 edition, the graphic “Eve of the Second Millenium” by Donna Bytheway ’96 and the cover from spring 1960. In the first issue of Manuscript published in 1947, the editors expressed their hope that the literary magazine would become a college tradition of which they might all be proud. As the publication marks its 70th anniversary, it’s clear their dream was realized. Founded as a way to ensure free and open speech in creative work, Manuscript Society and the publication it produces serve as a vital creative outlet at Wilkes. Visual art and writing are accepted from students, faculty or alumni, guaranteeing that each edition reflects Wilkes’ best creative work. Manuscript Society also hosts creative events such as open mics, writing workshops, film showcases and the annual unveiling of Manuscript every spring, where the creators celebrate by reading their works or discussing their art. Sean J. Kelly and Chad Stanley are both associate professors of English and co-advisors of Manuscript. They share a vision for the value it brings to the student experience. �CENSORSHIP AND ARTISTIC FREEDOM An emphasis on free expression distinguished Manuscript from its earliest years. Kross:  I was a pain in the butt for the people there, because my senior year I wrote an article on H.L. Mencken’s view of Christianity. … Of course, it was anti-Christian. At that time, I was in a rebellious stage. … I was told that Dr. Farley was not pleased when he saw the Manuscript out. In this oral history, editors from all generations reflect on their experience with Manuscript. INSPIRATIONAL LOCATION For generations of Wilkes students, working on Manuscript meant time spent in Kirby Hall. Ron [Kryznewski] Kross ’60: We met at Kirby Hall, but at that time, Kirby Hall was the main library … the smaller room on the first floor was the card catalog room; what they call the salon now was a reading and study room … it was a wonderful place in a wonderful school. Jim Warner ’99 MFA’09:  Kirby Hall was a great place for reading. It still is. … The weekly meetings we had used to be in the old alumni offices in the top floor of Kirby, and that place was like a clubhouse for us. We got work done, but it was also a place where a lot of friendships were codified. Read selections from 70 years of Manuscript—including work written by the alumni interviewed in this story—online. To view poetry and prose from seven decades of Wilkes’ literary magazine, please go to www.wilkes.edu/manuscriptanniversary Ray Klimek ’78: There was one issue where we printed something by a woman about Joan of Arc. … I think the clincher line was something like “they couldn’t [expletive] her so they made her a saint…” and this became the subject of a little bit of controversy. … We always had the support of the faculty, which was great because they were like, “We aren’t approving of censorship, they can do whatever they want.” Elyse Guziewicz ’18:  I can’t speak for all of the faculty or the administration, but the English faculty value creativity. As an organization, Manuscript prides itself on not censoring sensitive material and promoting the inclusion of all creative material in our canon. Even if the administration tried to step in, I think both the English faculty and the Manuscript staff would resist that full-force. Warner:  We were never really censored … We had controversial things, issues of sexual identity, drug use … but when you’re in college, being able to discover those spaces to talk about things that were taboo is important … I was fortunate enough to be with a department that gave us free rein. Above, the work “Artist’s Lament” by Hedy (Horbaczewski) Prater ’60 from the 1960 Manuscript. Left, the photograph “Self Portrait” by Murnal Abate ’87 MBA ’94 appeared in the 1985 edition. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 “There has always been a core group who strongly self-identify as poets, novelists or visual artists. These students often keep writing and even publishing long after graduation. If Manuscript didn’t exist, they would have to invent it,” Kelly says. Stanley adds, “I think it is a crucial medium for students engaging in studies in creative writing, art, or design—and for students who have relevant interests in such work but are not majoring in those fields. It complements education in many ways, and extends education and culture.” Although much about Manuscript has changed over 70 years, reflecting the changing University and the city surrounding it, much remains the same. Interviews with previous editors reflect common themes of community and creativity and the long-term influence that producing Manuscript had on improving skills and influencing careers. 25 �MENTORS Working closely with faculty mentors was a memorable part of working on Manuscript. Deirdre Swinden ’95: I worked with Dr. Bonnie Bedford [Culver]…she was very open with everything we wanted to do. She sort of let us have free rein over Manuscript itself … she was really a wonderful resource. She simply said, ‘Think and then do,’ and that’s what we did. Karen Mason ’85: Bob and Pat ’61 Heaman [professors of English], they were real mentors for me … They were really willing to take students under their wing, spend time with students and help them. … Manuscript in a lot of ways was about relationships to me, and about having a connection. … it was a lot about community. Klimek: Bob Heaman used to have parties every year. We’d go to his house in the woods and hang out. It was a good way to get to know your professors in a more intimate setting, rather than a formal one. It was an important experience for me, to be treated seriously by someone I respected. … there’s a lot of interaction that way, and a lot of support for Manuscript as well … it was a very special kind of thing. LESSONS LEARNED, VALUE GAINED Manuscript added as much to the educational experience as time spent in the classroom. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Warner: I was a pretty shy kid, so [writing] was a way for me to try to connect. Things like literary magazines and literary communities are places where the intangible is made flesh. … it’s a space for those connections to be made real … and the older I get, the more important that’s become to me … I think Manuscript planted that seed early on, that it wasn’t just about my work. There’s all this out here. … It kind of gave you that idea, that you’re not creating in a vacuum. 26 Kross: The greatest thing at the time was getting the feedback from the group. It didn’t always happen in the English classes, because the English classes were bigger. … when you wrote something for the Manuscript, people would discuss it, and you could go back and rewrite. Swinden: To have [your work] critiqued by your peers at a university level and get that feedback … is really vital to everyone’s creative process. You can write as many stories as you want, but if nobody sees them, you’re only writing for yourself. Klimek: I think the most important thing was that there were sets of values there that could be applied in all kinds of circumstances. It’s something that comes from studying literature, studying humanities, and studying the arts …It’s learning to ask the right questions, learning to question your own motives, learning to question the values of the culture that you live in. Sarah Simonovich’15: Part of the reason Manuscript was such a positive influence in my life was the creation … being able to put something out there that you’re proud of. We live in a world where it’s so easy to see the negative and all the bad things that people do…but at the end of the day, people are creators. Whether you’re creating text, visual art… if you’re creating in a community, that in itself is such an inherently good thing. PROGRAMMING BEYOND PRINT For 70 years, Manuscript Society has enriched campus life with cultural events that touched the community beyond campus. Mason: We would show films that were open to the public… Hitchcock films, James Dean…that was another way to connect with people and establish a presence for Manuscript. Klimek: The advantage to that was it encouraged a discussion about a common experience, which is harder to do when you’re watching DVDs on your computer screen. I think that fulfilled a really important service, not only to other students but to the larger community … these were people that were sort of starved for foreign films or art films. Warner: When I was at Wilkes we were lucky enough to have writers like Edward Albee and John Updike visit. … having these people come, interact and give their time were sort of models for me on how you’re supposed to act. Swinden: We had Joyce Carol Oates come to dinner, which was an incredible experience for those who were invited to attend. It was great to have people like that to show us that writing isn’t something you could just do on the side, that it was something you could use to express yourself in ways you hadn’t thought of before. �From left, a selection of artwork from Manuscript includes an untitled work from 1999 by Colleen (McKinnon) Boyer ’99, “Computer Cat” from the 1985 edition by Tim Williams ’85, MS’01 and an untitled work by an anonymous artist that appeared in 1995. Manuscript has a tradition of printing anonymous work. LONG-TERM IMPACT Alumni agree that Manuscript was a life-changing part of the Wilkes experience, providing lessons that impacted their careers. Simonovich: Manuscript was the first time I was in a leadership position … It was a learning experience … learning to understand other people’s perceptions.You think, ‘How can I approach this problem, whether its textual or with people, in a different critical way?’ I learned an appreciation for other people’s worldviews and their interpretations of things. Klimek: I just taught my first class of the semester, History of Photography, and I made a big point about photography being, you know, not just taking nice pictures, but a kind of thinking … being both a creative tool and a critical tool … so in that way, Manuscript still informs my ways of thinking. It did make me more confident in my judgments and probably prepared me to be a teacher. Guziewicz: Manuscript has done wonders for my professional and organizational skills, especially since I stepped up as executive editor last year. I had to learn how to communicate to a group, organize events, run meetings, and put together a publication pretty much on the fly as I was the only one returning from the senior staff ... Mason: Part of [my job] is writing a two-page letter of recommendation for every student I advise … we’re comprising that from the facts of the student’s life and shaping it into a story, which is definitely a creative act … I’m also looking at tons of essays, helping students revise, so I use those skills I developed at Manuscript every day. Swinden: It enabled me to move better in the world, and to obtain my first job in communications. Being part of Manuscript helped me learn how to refine my writing skills and techniques, and that I had a resource to show off my editing skills professionally— which in turn enabled me to have a career as a writer and an editor. If I hadn’t been involved with Manuscript, I’m not sure I’d have thought of publishing my own novel, helping to realize a lifelong passion of mine. Warner: Everybody has that moment where something gives you the permission to create, to write. For me, that moment was Manuscript…being the editor gave me confidence about my own work.� Alumni Interviewed for the Oral History The following are the alumni and current students—all editors of Manuscript— interviewed in this oral history. Elyse Guziewicz ’18 is a senior at Wilkes Sarah Simonovich ’15 is lead content writer majoring in English and the current executive for Petroleum Service Company. Ray Klimek ’78 is an assistant professor at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he is also the supervisor of the photography lab. Deirdre Swinden ’95 is the director of global marketing communications for West Pharmaceutical Services in Exton, Pa., where Formerly, Klimek taught English at she has been employed since 2009. She Rutgers University. published her novel, The Inn, in 2015. Ron [Kryznewski] Kross ’60 is retired Jim Warner ’99 MFA ’09 is a member of the from a long career as a professional actor and an English teacher in the New York City public schools. Karen Mason ’85 is the director of college counseling for Germantown Academy, a private school in Fort Washington, Pa. faculty in the Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing at Arcadia University. He also is host of the CitizenLit podcast. He has published two poetry collections, Too Bad It’s Poetry and Social Studies. Top, the colorful painting “Hombolovi” by Michael Loverdi ’01 from 1999 and, bottom, the print “Decisions” by Amy (Blease) Strockoz ’96 that appeared in the 1995 Manuscript. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 editor of Manuscript. 27 �alumni news Alumni Association Welcomes New Board Members Kathy Kautter ’72 The Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomes five new directors elected to the board at its February 2017 meeting. They began their three-year terms in June. The five new directors share their favorite memory about their Wilkes experience: KATHY KAUTTER ’72 Independent arts and crafts professional Brian Palmiter ’13 Fred Pierantoni ’80 I spent six years getting my undergraduate degree, starting full time and ending up going part time...while working full time. With that frantic schedule, I found a little oasis of quiet and comfort in the old Kirby Hall Library. On one of the upper floors, tucked away behind some bookshelves, was a little room with a solitary chair—a big old comfortable chair—that looked out over the Commons. I like to think that I spent a lot of time reading and studying in that chair, but I think I often dozed off to get some much needed rest. I am so happy to see the direction that Wilkes University is taking in 2017 and beyond. ...I want to do whatever I can to help any student who wants to succeed at this great school. BRIAN PALMITER ’13 Civil designer, Borton-Lawson Engineering Alyssa Stencavage ’15 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Kate Thomas ’15 28 It is difficult to pick my absolute favorite thing about my Wilkes experience because I loved everything about my four years at the University. …If I had to point out one thing... I would have to say (it would be) my freshmen year living in Catlin Hall. ...As to be expected, putting two dozen men in such a close-knit environment led to frequent fun … I still keep in close touch with several people from Catlin Hall and they are among my best friends to this day. … My point of all this is that life at Wilkes is amazing, not just in the classroom, but around the entire campus.You feel like you are a part of a community … Being a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors allows me to give back to the University that treated me so well. FRED PIERANTONI ’80 Judge, Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas As a student I enjoyed my time at Wilkes as I received a quality education, which provided an opportunity to achieve my career goals while developing many lasting friendships. I also enjoyed the co-curricular activities. I particularly cherish the time I spent as a disc jockey and station manager at WCLH. As a proud legacy parent, I am honored to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, mentor current students and provide internship guidance while encouraging other graduates to share their own experience and become involved in the Wilkes community. ALYSSA STENCAVAGE ’15 Marketing Coordinator, Aramark This might sound cliché, but I loved the tight-knit connection that exists in the Wilkes community and the relationships that form between students and professors and all others on campus. The professors knew me personally and I could always go to them with a question or concern. Not only did this serve me well during my time at Wilkes, but it has also been beneficial in my post-graduate life … I’m excited about the opportunity to serve on the Alumni Board because it allows me to come back to campus with a fresh and different perspective and also see things in a slightly different light. KATE THOMAS ’15 Assistant director of undergraduate admissions, Wilkes My favorite thing about Wilkes is that there are so many opportunities on campus to get involved and allow yourself to grow. As a student, I met some of my closest friends by getting involved in different activities through my classes, sport and student clubs. As an admissions counselor, I get to work with prospective students and share my story, as well as work with enrolled students who share the same passion for the University that I do, which makes me even more proud to represent the Alumni Association. Meet the 2017 Alumni Scholarship Recipient, Nicole Cumbo Nicole Cumbo ’18 was awarded the Alumni Association Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year. Nicole’s father, Joseph Cumbo ’90, MS ’01, pictured with her, left, received two degrees from Wilkes, both in electrical engineering. Nicole is a biology major with a minor in chemistry. She is a member of the women’s softball team, Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, the dance team, Pre-Professional Society, and the Badminton Club. In addition, Nicole is a first-year student E-Mentor and does research with Linda Gutierrez, associate professor of biology. Nicole also works as a nursing assistant at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Learn more about Cumbo at www.wilkes.edu/alumnischolarship. �giving back Eugene Pappas ’72 Leaves a Legacy During his career, the late Eugene Pappas ’72 frequently worked in Paris. PHOTO COURTESY NICHOLAS PAPPAS Gene, a family-oriented, hard-working man, always believed in giving back and he greatly appreciated that path that led him to a fulfilling education at Wilkes. To create a legacy for Gene, Nick established an endowed scholarship so that students can benefit from Gene’s generosity for years to come. The scholarship recipient will be an undergraduate student who demonstrates academic ability, good character and The late Eugene Pappas ’72, pictured far right, worked on a project that involved working with former New York Gov. Elliott Spitzer, fourth from left, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, fifth from left and Sen. Chuck Schumer, third from right. financial need. One student will receive the scholarship each year, with the first awardee in the 2019-2020 academic year. While at Wilkes, Gene worked at the Osterhout Library. After graduation, he was hired full-time, but then had the opportunity to receive his master’s degree from the Pratt Institute in New York City, N.Y. While he was in graduate school, he took a part-time position at McKinsey & Co, a global management consulting firm in New York City. He worked his way up through the company, spending more than 30 years of his professional career there as a banking consultant and senior partner in New York and Paris. When he passed away, he was semi-retired and still working for McKinsey & Co. as a senior advisor. “He was on-the-go a lot. He was a frequent flyer on the Concorde for business purposes,” says Nick. “He was able to maintain residency in the Wyoming Valley area and Paris.” His career afforded him many opportunities, including working on a study produced by McKinsey & Co. for New York City. The project enabled him to meet luminaries such as Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Gene’s generosity lives on through his scholarship at Wilkes. “A scholarship just seemed to be the best long-term investment,” says Nick. Although he considered other options to create a legacy for his brother, Wilkes seemed the best choice. “The impact would not have been as direct as it is at Wilkes. He’s helping someone to get the same start he had.” ESTABLISHING AN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP The benefits to endowed scholarships are endless. With your donation, students at Wilkes will benefit from your generosity in perpetuity. At Wilkes, endowed scholarships require a minimum gift of $50,000. For more information, or to begin an endowed scholarship of your own, contact Margaret Steele at (570)408-4302 or margaret.steele@wilkes.edu. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 When Eugene Pappas ’72 arrived on the Wilkes campus in 1968, he was a first-generation college student with a scholarship award and a dream. Gene passed away in May 2016 and left behind many loving family members and friends, as well as his impeccable collection of personal records. “He had records from the ’60s, including paystubs, and even his original scholarship letter from Wilkes in 1968,” says Nicholas Pappas, Gene’s brother. Seeing the letter made an impression. “Had he not received the scholarship, he probably would not have gone to Wilkes. I don’t think he would have had the same path.” 29 �class notes Jason Homza ’11 MS ’14 Honored as Pat Tillman Scholar For Commitment to Service When Jason Homza ’11 MS ’14’s oldest brother, Joe, became and leadership potential, critically injured in a head-on crash while serving in the Marines, a true sense of vocation he was not expected to survive. But Joe made a full recovery, and a deep commitment returned to active duty and deployed to Iraq. Inspired by his to create positive change commitment, Homza was compelled to follow in his footsteps, through their work in the enlisting as a Marine after high school. fields of medicine, law, Those first steps in service eventually led Homza to a Wilkes degree, a teaching job and most recently to enrollment in medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Surrounded by “amazingly LAVELLE STRATEGY GROUP accomplished leaders” at the Pat Tillman Foundation Leadership national recognition as a Pat Tillman Scholar, awarded for Summit in Chicago, Ill., Homza realized just how big of an honor exemplifying strong leadership and a drive to make a positive it was. Sharing the story of fellow Tillman scholar Jonathan impact on his community and country. Kim, who served in the Navy, earned numerous accolades then Homza says his commitment evolved from his decision became a Harvard medical doctor and an astronaut, Homza says, to enlist in the Marines. The experience helped clarify his “The fact that I’m in the same room as people like that, that’s future goals. when it really hit me.” “At that time I was 16 years old and I didn’t have a direction,” If Homza seems surprised to find himself in such distin- says Homza. After serving for four years, including time in a guished company, those who know him are not. Lt. Col. Mark war zone in Haditha, Iraq, he began a new chapter when he Kaster is Wilkes’ veterans counselor and met Homza as an enrolled at Wilkes on the GI Bill. Homza earned a bachelor’s undergraduate. degree in earth and environ- “He is a remarkable young mental science with a minor man. He served in the Marines was taking a teaching job at Scranton High School while pursuing his master’s degree in education, also from Wilkes. While teaching, he felt called to serve in a different way by studying medicine. He is humble in discussing WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 education and the arts. Jason Homza ’11 MS’14 is committed to making a difference. PHOTO COURTESY OF Medicine. Now his commitment to service has earned him in education. His next step 30 business, policy, technology, TCMC ~ his selection as a Tillman “It’s a great story of a teacher helping people becoming a medical doctor who will help people heal. It warms my heart that I made a difference to this young man.” – Lt. Col. Mark Kaster, Wilkes Veterans Counselor Scholar, crediting his wife, Autumn, for her support. The Tillman Scholars program was in a combat situation,” Kaster says “It’s a great story of a teacher helping people becoming a medical doctor who will help people heal.” Kaster, who spent 32 years in the military himself added, “It warms my heart that I made a difference to this young man.” Homza notes that he’s found that medicine is a perfect career choice for those who wish to serve. established in honor of Pat Tillman, who ended his NFL career “If you aren’t service oriented this isn’t the career for you,” with the Arizona Cardinals to serve in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 he says. While he has yet to declare a specialty, he has found an attacks and was subsequently killed in combat. The scholarship interest in prostate cancer research. “Even small advancements covers educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books can make a difference,” he explains, adding he could see himself and living expenses. Scholars are selected based on academic staying in the area to work in medicine. – Sarah Bedford �class notes 1950 William Plummer of Painted Post, N.Y., has published a book, Fronds and Anemones, a collection of essays on birding and gardening. The collection reflects an interest in nature that began while growing up in north Wilkes-Barre. 1959 Stephen Poleskie of Ithaca, N.Y., is having his artwork studied at a graduate seminar at Humboldt University in Berlin. The course is being taught by the Swiss art historian Inge Hinterwaldner, who is writing a book about Poleskie. Formerly a member of the faculty at Cornell University, Poleskie’s long art career included running the New York City fine-art screen printing shop Chiron Press and the creation of Aerial Theatre, in which he created four-dimensional designs in the sky by flying an aerobatic plane. 1965 Catherine DeAngelis of Baltimore, Md., was among those honored at the Awards and Portrait Presentation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Biennial Meeting and Reunion Weekend in June 2017. Awards recognized the outstanding achievements of distinguished Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine alumni and faculty, and portraits honored the influential members of the Johns Hopkins Medicine family. 1970 David Koranda received the Distinguished Advertising Educator Award from the American Advertising Federation at its national conference in June 2017. He teaches at the University of Oregon. 1972 Fred DeVecca’s first novel, The Nutting Girl, was published in August 2017 by Coffeetown Press. 1965 Leslie Tobias Jenkins of Aurora, Colo., was one of six women who won the 2017 notecard contest for the national American Association of University Women. Jenkins won for her yellow mailbox photograph. 1973 Kay Marie Platt of Mickleton, N.J., retired on March 17, 2017, after more than 27 years as an administrator at Widener University. She spent the last 22 years as assistant dean for the University College and then for its Center for Continuing Studies. 1974 James Godlewski MS ’77 of Kingston, Pa., was the keynote speaker at the 13th Annual Building Blocks to Early Learning, Early Care and Education Professional Development Event held at Lock Haven University in 1987 Allan Knox of Yorktown, Va., has accepted a position as an analyst with the search and rescue satelliteaided tracking system program with the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Knox retired from the United States Air Force in 2007 after 20 years and since that time has worked as both an Air Force and Coast Guard civil servant in various search and rescue positions. Clearfield, Pa. Godlewski’s presentation was entitled School Readiness: What Early Education Teachers Can Do to Help Families Get Their Child Get Ready for Kindergarten. 1976 W. Lee Miller recently celebrated 30 years in business at his company, Independent Sealing Company. As president and founder, Miller formed the company that serves all of the United States specializing in parts for the fluid sealing industry. Charles D. Jones of Richardson, Texas, had the opportunity to meet Drew Brees, NFL quarterback for the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 28, 2017. The picture was taken at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Andy Dalton, NFL quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, is married to Jones’ daughter, Jordan. 1976 Garry Taroli was featured on the “Newsmakers” program on WBRE TV in Wilkes-Barre in a segment dealing with new anti-animal abuse legislation signed into law by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Undergraduate 31 �class notes Bo Ryan ’69 Inducted Into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Bo Ryan ’69, former University of Wisconsin head men’s basketball coach, was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, earning him a place among the sport’s most legendary players and coaches. Ryan’s remarkable coaching career included 27 postseason appearances as the coach at three different University of Wisconsin campuses. Ryan began his head-coaching career at the University of WisconsinPlatteville and won 353 games from 1984 through 1999. He also guided the program to four NCAA Division III national titles. He spent two years at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, and gave the team its first back-toback winning seasons in nearly a decade. In 2001, he moved to Division I coaching when he was hired by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ryan spent the next 14 years in Madison racking up 364 wins for the Badgers. He took all of his Badger teams to the NCAA Tournament, including a Final Four appearance in 2014 and a spot in the national championship game in 2015, his last season on the sidelines. He never finished lower than fourth in the Big Ten standings and won four conference titles. Bo Ryan ’69 cuts down the net at the NCAA Tournament during his time coaching the University of Wisconsin–Madison team. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 PHOTO COURTESY THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN 32 1997 Christina Poff of Williamsport, Md., was selected as Supervisor of the Year for the Maryland Correctional Training Center. The center contains the largest population of inmates in the State of Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Poff works as a psychotherapist for Greater Washington Psychiatry Counseling. 1978 Susan Adams of Pottsville, Pa., retired after 38 years as a high school and elementary art teacher with the Williams Valley School District in Tower City, Pa. 1988 Andrew Bossard was chosen as the Outstanding Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Intermediate-Level Civilian of the Year. Each year, the Air Force honors outstanding performance in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and exceptional contributions to the field of ISR. 1989 Anthony DeCosmo of Swoyersville, Pa., released his latest science fiction novel, Anansi Station, which is available in paperback and e-book formats. 1994 Jonathan Perloff of Slatington, Pa., received his sixth patent issued for an interbody spacer that can be introduced in a minimally invasive manner to help patients with degenerative disc disease. He developed the device as part of his work for Globus Medical, a company specializing in innovative technologies for patients with spinal disorders. 1995 Timothy Williams was appointed superintendent of schools for the Westmont Hilltop School District. The district is located outside of Johnstown, Pa. 1997 Asif Ilyas was featured in The New York Times in March. Ilyas is a hand and wrist surgeon who specializes in wide-awake surgery as well as an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. �class notes 1998 Kristen LaBuda of Boiling Springs, Pa., published a children’s book, Don’t Be A Bully, Be A Friend!. LaBuda is a mother of four children and was an elementary school teacher for eight years before becoming a full-time mom in 2007. Sarah Kovacs Yoder MS ’09 earned her doctor of education degree in educational administration from Temple University on May 12, 2017. 1999 Ronald Honick Jr. of Old Forge, Pa., has been appointed to Pennsylvania Bankers Association advisory committee for the Security/ Fraud Committee. Honick is the senior vice president and operations and technology services officer at FNCB Bank. John Lack ’78 Launches Second Career as Published Author 2004 Amanda Leigh Brozana married Victor Barreto Rios on Sunday, May 28, 2017, at a ceremony in Schuylkill County, Pa. She is the director of communications and development at the National Grange. The groom works in customer support and information technology at Comcast. Lack graduated from Wilkes with a commerce and finance degree and received his MBA from Columbia University. He gives substantial credit to his English literature professor at Wilkes, Philip Rizzo, as a central motivator in his writing career. “Dr. Rizzo influenced my interest in literature and the long-term impact it can have on the way people view their lives,” he says. “I can still picture an animated Dr. Rizzo breathing life into the classics as he performed before a captivated class. His passion for the written word left an indelible mark on me.” John Lack traveled the world as a senior manager with a long Wilkes-Barre shines through as the thinly veiled setting of his career in the telecommunications field; but, exotic, faraway upcoming novel, The Context of My Life. The fictional account places couldn’t satisfy his imagination. Lack traded in his centers on a 17-year old boy from upstate New York who goes 31-year career, picked up a pen, and wrote his way to becoming to a small college town in northeastern Pennsylvania. “Expressing my ideas through stories has always appealed to a self-published author. John has four published works. The two newest titles are me,” Lack says. “Triggering a reflective moment or a nascent Scarcity Bites and Heiding Fortunes, Feinding Truths. Scarcity memory that enriches someone’s path through life has a Bites is “a modern economic fable,” where Lack taps into pleasing draw. Hearing directly from readers that my stories his financial knowhow and appreciation of irony to highlight either brightened their day or lessened their load makes the the fact “that no matter how well-meaning the intentions, work gratifying.” the unbending laws of economics will ultimately intervene to dictate the outcome.” – Samantha Stanich Heiding Fortunes, Feinding Truths follows two men named Richard who live 200 years apart, but face similar life challenges. “The Dickensian style novel is my first attempt at creating a entertain the reader,” Lack explains. He describes his other two novels, The Other Side of the Kneeler and Tempest’s Arc, as “comedic fiction with a dash of irreverence.” The Other Side of the Kneeler is set in a funeral parlor and is narrated by a current customer while Tempest’s Arc follows a young girl who adores math, but can’t tolerate the irrational nature of Pi. John Lack ’78 makes notes for his next novel. PHOTO COURTESY JOHN LACK WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 completely serious storyline without an assist from humor to 33 �class notes Kristen Konosky PharmD ’15 Helps With Relief Efforts After Hurricane Harvey Lt. Kristen Konosky, PharmD ’15 is spending her career behind bars, putting her pharmacy degree to work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the Federal Medical Center—Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas. After graduating from Wilkes, she worked in a retail pharmacy until she had the opportunity to become a Commissioned Corps officer for the U.S. Public Health Service in September 2016. Konosky became interested in working in a prison after completing Lt. Commander Charity Earnhardt, left, a pharmacist with the U.S. Public Health Service’s Indian Health Service, and Wilkes alumna Kristen Konosky PharmD’ 15, who works for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, are ready to take off to aid in Texas hurricane relief efforts. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE one of her clinical rotations in a prison in her last year of pharmacy school. Less than a year after achieving her goal of working for the Public Health Service, her training was put to the test when Hurricane Harvey barreled down on Texas. Konosky was deployed to help with the relief effort. “USPHS officers have day jobs, but we get deployed for humanitarian relief efforts,” she says. During her two-week deployment, Konosky worked in San Antonio, restocking ambulances with supplies to send out to areas in need. She then headed to Houston, where she was stationed in the NRG Stadium parking lot to help disperse medical supplies to ambulances serving the flooded areas. “When we were in Houston, we flew with the Army Reserve to Beaumont to resupply the ambulances,” she said. “Ambulances couldn’t get back to Houston, so we flew to them.” Konosky humbly sees her work in Texas as part of her job. She was excited to be able to help and carry on the mission of the U.S. Public Health Service to protect, promote and advance the health and safety of the nation. “I felt prepared when I got deployed to Texas, largely because of my Alternative Spring Breaks and mission work I did through Wilkes,” she explained. Konosky took trips to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica for Alternative Spring Break and mission trips, and she also spent time in Uganda for a five-week rotation that included time in the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala and two weeks in a rural clinic where WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 the closest hospital was four hours away. Konosky also says she benefited from being able to complete a double major in Spanish and pharmacy at Wilkes because she’s been able to use it quite often on her job. Konosky recognizes the connections and great relationships she developed because of Wilkes and its small school environment with a large focus attitude. “I was close to my classmates and got to know my professors,” she says. “I would tell the pharmacy students to be adventurous and don’t be afraid of opportunities as they come to you. People thought I was crazy to take the rotation in the prison or to go to Uganda, but if I hadn’t take that rotation or gone, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” – Samantha Stanich 34 2013 Conor Clair ’13 - see undergraduate degrees 2012. Brian Palmiter, of Kingston, Pa., was nominated as a 2017 Young Professional of the Year by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. Palmiter is a civil designer at Borton-Lawson where he has been employed for three years. 2014 Jeremy Wiest was promoted to the national account sales team with Consolidated Electrical Distributors and relocated to Fort Worth, Texas. The national accounts team works with retail operations, restaurants, healthcare providers, property managers and other national multi-site clients helping to fulfill construction and maintenance needs. 2015 Rasha Shaker was named the executive marketing assistant for Grayscale Entertainment Marketing. Grayscale Entertainment Marketing is a full-service marketing agency focused on connecting brands, fans, events and bands located in Nashville, Tenn. �class notes 2012 Darron Fadden of Scranton, Pa., and wife, Jessica, welcomed a daughter, Eleanor June, on Jan. 30, 2017. She weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. Cynthia Riccio Clair of Tannersville, Pa., and Conor Clair ’13 were recently married. Fifteen Wilkes alumni attended the wedding and the group took a Wilkes photo. The alumni who were there include: Nick DiPaolo ’12, Ryan Bracey ’12, Jake Stonelake ’12, Dave Kratzer ’13, Justin Franiak ’13, James Harcher ’12, Ashley Thorpe ’12, Chelsea Minix ’12, Conor Clair ’13, Cindy Clair ’12, Jaclyn Volpe ’12, Mark Fowler ’13, Kerry Morton ’13, Amanda Peters ’12, and Bridget Hine ’12. Graduate 1977 James Godlewski MS – see undergraduate degrees 1974. 2010 Katie Nealon of Huntington Beach, Calif., was named to the 2017 list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, an honor awarded to the top five percent of lawyers in Pennsylvania. Super Lawyers is a resource that recognizes the country’s most outstanding attorneys in more than 70 practice areas. Selection is based on independent research, peer nominations and peer reviews. Candidates are evaluated on twelve indicators of professional excellence, including experience, honors/awards, verdicts and settlements, pro bono work, scholarly achievements and other credentials. 2010 Thomas Kresge of Brodheadsville, Pa., had a hole-in-one using a wedge on hole 9 at Whitetail Golf Club on Sunday, July 30. His witnesses were Jerry Rickrode, Wilkes major gifts officer, and Jeremy Gigliotti. 1999 Carissa Pokorny Golden MS of Hellertown, Pa., was named associate dean of the College of Education at Kutztown University this May after serving as the interim associate dean. Pokorny Golden served as an associate professor of English and supervisor of secondary education at Kutztown since 2004. Prior to that, she taught English at Lehigh Carbon Community College and Pleasant Valley School District. 2003 Shawn T. Fitzpatrick MS was named superintendent of the Schuylkill Haven School District. He previously taught middle school in the Hamburg Area School District 2009 Sarah Kovacs Yoder MS – see undergraduate degrees 1998. 2011 Patricia Florio MFA and Donna Ferrara MA’13 co-edited Jewels of San Fedele, published by Serenity Books. The book is a collection of short fiction, memoir, art and photography. After a magical week in Tuscany, a group of writers shared their experiences in this paperback. 2013 Donna Ferrara MA – see graduate degrees 2011 WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 2005 35 �class notes In Memoriam Remembering Doris Saracino – By Dotty Martin ’77 Before Title IX, there was Dorie. Standing just over 4-feet tall, Doris Saracino was a giant when it came to women’s athletics. She believed in equality for female athletes and fought hard to make sure they got that. Saracino—called Dorie by her letterwomen—died June 2 at 81, leaving behind a family who loved her dearly and a nation of female athletes who owe her so much. The mission of Dorie Saracino began when she accepted a position as an educator in the athletic department at Wilkes College in 1960—12 years before Title IX became law, forcing mandatory equality for women in education and athletics. Dorie spent 34 years at Wilkes, where she became affectionately known as the “Mother of Wilkes Women’s Athletics” and where her mission of advocating for female athletes would continue until the day she died. She started the women’s basketball program at Wilkes and served as the first full-time coach of the team, a position she held for 10 years. She started a field hockey program at the school in 1962 and coached that team for eight years. The One of Doris Saracino’s proudest moments came in 2016 when she was one of only eight Wilkes University staff named to the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame. She is pictured with Wilkes President Patrick Leahy. volleyball program for women at Wilkes began in 1972 under Dorie’s tutelage, and she guided the Lady Colonels in that sport She fit right in with the women, many 20 and 30 years her for 15 years. junior, telling stories and recalling memories of days gone by. As female athletic programs at Wilkes continued to grow, Dorie Saracino stood up for women athletes during a time Dorie recruited Gay (Foster) Meyers to coach the field hockey when they had no one else on their side. She showed them they team and Sandy Bloomsberg, one of the best basketball players deserved equality and, if they had to fight for it, they should do to ever wear a Wilkes uniform, to coach the women’s basketball just that. team upon her graduation. Dorie then started the Wilkes Letterwomen’s Club, an organization whose members continue to network with each WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 other to this day. 36 Dorie commanded respect. When she spoke, her letterwomen responded. Mike, her husband of 56 years, her children, Michael, Maria and Edward, and her grandchildren will miss her. But many She served as part of the women’s volleyball rules committee Wilkes women around the country will mourn her passing just during the 1984 Olympics. Many of her letterwomen were on as much. They know that many of the doors that opened for hand to see her inducted into the Wilkes University Athletic Hall them, both athletically and professionally, opened only because of Fame in 1995 and, in one of her proudest moments in 2016, of Dorie Saracino. when she was named to the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame, one of only eight Wilkes athletic personnel to receive Dotty Martin ’77, of Forty Fort, Pa. graduated from Wilkes with that prestigious honor. a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in journalism. Dorie was an annual presence at Wilkes Homecoming events While at Wilkes, she was a four-year starter on the women’s and could always be found under the Letterwomen’s banner in basketball team and a four-year member of the Letterwomen’s the tent. She called meetings every couple of months, urging Club. She is suburban editor of the Times Leader Media Group in local members of the club to socialize with her and each other. Wilkes-Barre. �class notes Paul Hooper Trebilcox of Plymouth, Pa., died on March 19, 2017. He attended Bucknell University Junior College and finished his chemistry degree at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., in 1942. Trebilcox worked on the Manhattan Project at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge, Tenn. 1941 Thomas E. Brislin of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Jan. 4, 2017. He served as a lieutenant j.g. in the U.S. Navy South Pacific Fleet during World War II. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and was the vice president and trust officer of PNC Bank, Wilkes-Barre. 1942 Rita Dicker of Luzerne, Pa., died on June 26, 2017. She worked as a lab technician and on the venipuncture team at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pa. 1943 Pearl Kaufman, of New York City, N.Y., and formerly of Edwardsville and Kingston, Pa., died on June 9, 2017. She was a realtor for Lewith & Freeman and was active with Jewish Family Services. 1944 Robert Edward “Bob” Parker, of Dallas, Pa., died on July 29, 2017. He had a 40-year career as an engineer and engineering manager with Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania. 1948 Dorothy (Sorber) Garboczi, of Neffsville, Pa., died on March 27, 2017. She worked for the Donnelley Printing company. 1949 Austin C. “Bing” Bisbing, of Kingston, Pa., died on Dec. 13, 2016. He served as a B-17 pilot in World War II. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor and retired from the Air Force Reserves as a major. Richard D. Glass, of Wallingford, Pa., died on Jan. 3, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He worked as a mechanical engineer with Uniroyal. John J. Verban of Potomac Falls, Va., died on Aug. 28, 2015. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and retired as a colonel after completing his service in the Air Force Reserve. He worked for the Department of the Navy and the General Services Administration. 1950 Reed D. Lowrey of Greenwood, N.Y., died on Sept. 6, 2016. He served in the Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force in World War II. Steven Senko died on May 16, 2017. Marvin Smith of Laflin, Pa., died on April 7, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a manager for Prestige Footwear and Carter Footwear. 1951 Elmo J. Begliomini, of Wyoming, Pa., died on Dec. 15, 2016. He served in the Navy Air Corps. He worked as an accountant and acquired ownership of Atwater Inc., a division of Burlington Industries. Joseph George Bendoraitis, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Feb. 4, 2017. He was a chemist for Mobil Oil for 41 years and was a pioneer in the development of synthetic motor oil for ExxonMobil in Paulsboro, N.J. Benjamin R. Bona, of Mountain Top, Pa., died on April 23, 2017. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He was employed by the Social Security Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare. Donald Charles, of Corning, Pa., died on Jan. 3, 2002. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He taught at Corning-Painted Post East High School for 30 years and was inducted into the Corning-Painted Post Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 for coaching. John A. Germann, of Estero, Fla., died on April 19, 2013. He taught at Parkville Senior High School. Harold Hymen, of Baltimore, Md., died on Feb. 12, 2017. He was born in Mildred, Pa. Thomas Daniel Morgan, of Kingston, Pa. and Leesburg, Fla., died on March 16, 2017. He was a former member of the Pennsylvania National Guard and had a 38-year career in education. Doris (Kanarr) Pearsall, of Forty Fort, Pa., died on Dec. 26, 2016. She donated her time to local charities including Planned Parenthood, the United Way and the Dorranceton Methodist Church. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 1940 Henry C. Johnson of Pittston, Pa., died on Dec. 29, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He owned and operated Henry C. Johnson Company, his family’s lumber and hardware business in Luzerne. 37 �class notes 1952 Ruth A. Casey, of Dalton, Pa., died on July 22, 2014. Paul John Delmore Sr., of Webster, N.Y., died on July 3, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a chemical engineer and is credited with several patents for products developed for Kodak. Carl A. Fosko, of Plains Twp., Pa., died on Jan. 5, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. He worked as an IRS agent and tax accountant in Philadelphia prior to opening his own practice in Kingston, Pa. 1954 Robert “Bob” T. Croucher, of Linden, N.J., died on Jan. 29, 2016. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the Linden Volunteer Ambulance Corps. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 Nancy Lee (Hannye) Goodman, of Pacific Grove, Calif., died on Jan. 10, 2017. She had a long academic career lecturing in statistics and probability theory and was the dean of Empire State College in New York. 38 Caroline M. (Szczechowicz) Pierog of Endwell, N.Y., died on Nov. 9, 2015. She worked at UHS Binghamton General Hospitals as a medical technologist. 1955 David L. Hoats, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died April 25, 2017. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Russell R. Picton, of Corvallis, Md., died on Jan. 6, 2016. He served in the Marine Corps, enlisting in 1947 and returning to serve in the Korean War. He was the quarterback for the Parris Island and Camp Lejeune football teams, winning the titles of All-Navy and All-Marine quarterback during his time on both teams. He had a long career as a fund raiser in higher education, serving as director of development at Wilkes College and at other colleges and universities. He ended his career as a consultant for Marts and Lundy. 1956 Clifford R. Brautigan, of Avon-by-the-Sea, N.J., died on Sept. 25, 2016. He taught at Highstown High School for 38 years and worked as an assistant principal and content specialist. Carol (Heuer) Steinhauer, of Kingston, Pa., died on Feb. 8, 2017. She was a homemaker and a past member of Grace Episcopal Church, Kingston, where she worked for a time as a church secretary 1957 Martin Joseph Novak, of Laurel, Md., died on Aug. 24, 2014. Ronald David Slimak, of Orlando, Fla., and formerly of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Jan. 8, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy on a destroyer during the Korean War. He worked for Air Products and Chemicals for 20 years. 1958 Ruth Younger Davidson, of Pottsville, Pa., died on Feb. 8, 2017. She was an instructor of writing composition at Penn State Schulykill Campus for 22 years and was active in community organizations. Robert S. Jacobs, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Nov. 21, 2016. He was an educator and guidance counselor at Meyers High School in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District for over 30 years. Rev. George R. Richards, of Scranton, Pa., died on May 13, 2017. He was pastor of churches in Pennsylvania and in Clifton Springs and East Rochester, N.Y. 1959 Eugene “Cord” Sheridan, of Berwick, Pa., died on Jan. 23, 2017. He was employed at Pope and Talbot—previously Potlatch Corporation and Swanee Paper—as a production scheduler and credit manager for 33 years. 1960 Peter “Captain” Janoski, of Hanover Twp., Pa., died on April 18, 2017. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He was employed by Danoff Sporting Goods, and was a member of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, Buttonwood, Pa. Shirley (Brandwene) Klein, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. and Longboat Key, Fla., died on Aug. 9, 2017. She served as president of Hadassah, League of Women Voters and Temple Israel Sisterhood for many years. 1961 Sebastian T. Amico, of Pittston, Pa., died on July 30, 2017. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. As a 58-year member of American Legion Post 477, Pittston, Pa., he was its longest-living member. Frank A. Spudis, of Pittston, Pa., died on May 28, 2017. He was considered a key contributor to the football program at Wilkes, as both a player and a coach. He was the owner of Fran-Jo’s Pizza, Pittston, and was employed for many years as an insurance manager with INA, now known as CIGNA, and as a car salesman. �class notes Inger Kate Miller, of Bear Creek Twp., Pa., died on Jan. 11, 2016. Robert F. Januszko, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on June 4, 2017. He was captain of the Wilkes golf team. He was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 35 years. 1967 Janie “Jackie” (Black) Eustice, of Frazer, Pa., died on Nov. 7, 2016. She was a teacher for many years in Altoona, Pa. 1963 Lorraine Marie (Rome) Payonk, of The Villages, Fla., died on Feb. 7, 2017. She was an educator, artist and mother. 1964 Donald L. Brominski, of Moosic, Pa., died on Jan. 5, 2017. He was employed in managerial positions by Aetna Casualty, Atlas Chain and Louis Cohen & Sons. Patricia (Gonos) Flannery, of Kingston, Pa., died on April 17, 2017. She was employed for 34 years as a third- and fourth-grade teacher by Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Daniel Lyons died on May 18, 2017. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was an industrial engineer. 1965 Carl John Missal, of Kingston, Pa., died on May 15, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a teacher in the Groton, Conn., school district for 29 years. Carole Ann Thomas, of Mystic, Conn., died on May 31, 2016. She taught in the Mary Morrisson School in the Groton, Conn., school district and was active in community organizations, including serving on the board of directors of the Mystic Marine Life Aquarium. Dennis Quigley, of Greensboro, Ga., died on April 27, 2017. 1968 David Baum, of Kingston and Shavertown, Pa., died on July 28, 2017. He served in the U. S. Coast Guard. He was the business manager of WBRE TV in Wilkes-Barre. Rosemary Susan (Baiera) Hieronymous, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Jan. 23, 2017. She worked as a certified licensed vocational rehabilitation counselor for 35 years. Lee A. Nunemacher, of Woodbury, Conn., died on Dec. 21, 2016. He taught high school math in Hazleton, Pa., and Woodbury, Conn., before changing careers to become a machinist, specializing in secondary operations in the screw machine industry. 1969 Sandra Ann “Sandi” (Kulick) Matthews, of Sun City, S.C., died on April 27, 2017. She worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher in Arnold and Annapolis, Md. 1970 Georgiana (Cray) Bart, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Feb. 19, 2017. She graduated cum laude from Wilkes University and taught art there. She also taught classes on various cruises with Queen Mary II. John J. Guida, of Old Forge, Pa., died on Jan. 1, 2015. He was employed for 32 years as a special-education teacher by the Northeast Education Intermediate Unit 19. Bernard Leo Holleran, M.D., of Harveys Lake, Pa., and Tierra Verdes, Fla., died on Jan. 18, 2017. He had a private practice in West Wyoming, Pa., and worked at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was head of emergency medicine and head of the credentials committee at the former Nesbitt Memorial Hospital, Kingston, Pa. He also served as the physician on call for the State Correctional Institution, Chase, Pa. and for the Wyoming Area School District. Philip G. Rudy, of Mountain Top, Pa., died on March 2, 2017. He opened Circles on the Square, a gourmet deli, which became a downtown fixture for 32 years in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 1971 Marilyn (Grzyb) Crossin, of Shavertown, Pa., died on May 28, 2017. She was employed by TV Guide, Triangle Publications, for 26 years. She advanced to the position of regional editor in the Wilkes-Barre office. Ellen Arthur Davenport, of Forty Fort, Pa., died on April 18, 2017. She was a social worker for Family Service in Wilkes-Barre. She also was bookkeeper for Davenport Manufacturing, the metal fabricating business that she owned with her husband in West Wyoming, Pa. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 1962 Dale DeRonda, of Kingston, Pa., died on April 28, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy. He worked at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va. while President John F. Kennedy was in office, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Kennedy assassination. 39 �class notes William Huey Roberts Jr., of Kingston, Pa., died on March 8, 2017 . He worked as a defense contractor auditor for the federal government. 1972 Alan J. Bloem, of Archbald, Pa., died on Sept. 3, 2016. Prior to his retirement, he worked in the banking industry. He served as both a deacon and an elder at First United Presbyterian Church of Lackawanna Valley. Mary Elizabeth (M.E.) Morris Mickulik, of Kutztown, Pa., died May, 23, 2017. She earned a music degree at Wilkes and participated in several area church choirs and served as a soloist and cantor. 1973 Walter T. Petrash, of Nanticoke, Pa., died on July 11, 2017. He was a master carpenter and a musician. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2017 1974 Lorna (Stubblebine) Davis, of Dallas, Pa., died on March 21, 2017. She was the guidance counselor for West Side Vocational Technical School. 40 1976 Gilbert Reese Griffiths, of Dallas Twp., Pa., died on April 28, 2017. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He was superintendent of the Dallas School District. He returned to Wilkes University in 2004 where he mentored and educated the next generation of leaders in education. He served as chairman of the board for the Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Practices Commission. 1977 Leo J. Strumski Jr., of West Palm Beach, Fla., died on Nov. 21, 2016. 1979 Joseph Hogan, of New York City, N.Y., died on Feb. 25, 2017. He was a teacher in the New York City public school system until his retirement. Mark A. Molitoris, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on May 3, 2017. 1980 James W. Grey, of Mountain Top, Pa., died on April 12, 2017. He was the owner and operator of Grey and Associates in North Wilkes-Barre, Pa., serving as a financial planner and advisor. Ronald David Williams, of Nuangola, Pa., died on Aug. 8, 2017. He was the owner of a construction company for more than 30 years. 1983 Susan Ann (Harrison) Jenkins, of Monument, Colo., died on Nov. 17, 2015. She worked for several nonprofit organizations in Colorado, including the Colorado Opera Festival and the DaVinci Quartet. William Kopf Lourie, of Mullica Hill, N.J., died on Feb. 18, 2017. He was a computer programmer for Brandywine Global Investments in the Philadelphia area. 1987 Keturah E. Faust, of Harrisburg, Pa., died on Nov. 19, 2016. She served in the U.S. Navy. She retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Health where she worked as a nursing home surveyor. 1989 Robyn Ann Jones MS, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on July 15, 2017. She was the first women’s athletic director at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA. She coached field hockey at Coughlin High School and taught junior high health in the Dallas School District, where she finished her career as a guidance counselor after earning her master’s degree at Wilkes. 1990 Paul “Willie” Williamson, of Kingston, Pa., died on Aug. 26, 2017. He was the owner and operator of “Will-eeze Speedy Lube.” 1996 Mary Ann Stockdell MBA ’00 of Scranton, Pa., died on July 8, 2017. She worked as a financial analyst for IBM in Rochester, N.Y. 2000 R.C. “Mac” Miller, of Plains Twp., Pa., died on Dec. 15, 2016. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., attending to the veterans returning home from Vietnam. He continued to serve veterans as a registered nurse at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Twp. 2005 Gregory Michael Haladay, of Danville, Pa., died on May 20, 2017. He was employed by Vintage Tub and Bath. �Creating a Legacy Wilkes University’s giving societies recognize alumni, friends and benefactors for their role in shaping the future of the University and its students. Consider joining the prestigious John Wilkes Society by making a year-end charitable gift of $1,000 or more. Or become a member of the Marts Society, where Wilkes recognizes generous donors for their planned giving support. Your planned gift can provide security for your heirs while giving back to the University that helped to shape your life. Consider sustaining your legacy with one of the many giving options. “As an alumna and member of the Marts Society, I intend to leave a legacy. We created an endowed scholarship which will help future generations of students benefit from a Wilkes education.” - Ronald & Lois (Schwartz) ’61 Nervitt Charitable trusts make clear your giving priorities. “The First Generation Scholarship Fund reminds us to appreciate the educational foundation Wilkes provided to me. This fund is near to our hearts and a natural way to give back.” - Kenneth & Joanne (Schreibmaier) ’72 Schoonover Using a donor-advised fund helps donors manage charitable giving in an immediate, tax-efficient way. “As John Wilkes Society members for many years we see our donation put to direct use. Every year when we visit we see tremendous progress; the campus is clearly on the move.” - Daniel ’63 & Alexandra Zeroka 2017 may be the year to consider an IRA rollover as a tax deductible opportunity and an easy way to support Wilkes University. For more information about how planned giving opportunities can benefit you while supporting Wilkes, please contact Margaret Steele, executive director of alumni relations and advancement, at (570) 408-4302 or margaret.steele@wilkes.edu. �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events December Through Dec. 20  Andy Warhol: “15 Minutes: From Image To Icon,” Sordoni Art Gallery 2 Chorus Concert, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 7:30 p.m. 3 Chorus Concert, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3 p.m. 4 Chamber Orchestra Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. 6 Chamber Winds Concert, Church of Christ Uniting, 7:30 p.m. 7 Jazz Orchestra Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. 9 Flute Ensemble Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 7:30 p.m. 10 Civic Band Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 3 p.m. January 7-11 Maslow Foundation Salon Reading Series, Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing, nightly at 7 p.m.; Jan. 7, Barnes and Noble, Public Square; Jan. 8-11, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 16-March 2  Angela Fraleigh: “The Bones of Us Hunger for Nothing,” Sordoni Art Gallery 20 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Arnaud C. Marts Center, 4 p.m. 21 Winter Commencement, Henry Gymnasium, Arnaud C. Marts Center. 1 p.m. 27 Admissions Open House ebruary F 22-24 The Crucible, Wilkes University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. 24-25 The Crucible, Wilkes University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 2 p.m. March 3 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science 24 Admissions VIP Day April 12-14 A Chorus Line, Wilkes University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. 14-15 A Chorus Line, Wilkes University Theatre production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2017 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2017 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/e19821d95b8260a7ede0c7946ea42a52.pdf 7244997f6a4f99d1dbf233d024099562 PDF Text Text F A L L / W I N T E R 2 01 6 A Dose of Success NESBITT SCHOOL OF PHARMACY CELEBRATES TWO DECADES OF EXCELLENCE �president’s letter VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 3 Wilkes Continues Academic Evolution With New Nursing Doctorate T hursday, November 4, 2016, was yet another seminal moment in the storied history of Wilkes University. On that day, the faculty held its monthly meeting to discuss matters important to our institution. During the meeting, the faculty as a whole overwhelmingly endorsed the development of the University's first Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree—the Ph.D. in nursing. Why is this so important? It marks the beginning of the next phase of the University's evolution. Let me explain. In 1933, our institution was founded as Bucknell University Junior College, a two-year school to prepare local students for transfer to Bucknell's main campus in Lewisburg. In 1947, we became Wilkes College, a four-year bachelor’s degree granting institution. In 1961, we offered our first master’s degree. And, in 1990, we became Wilkes University, a name change which much more adequately reflected our commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. In 1996, we offered the University's first doctoral degree, when we started the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and offered the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Today, we at Wilkes University serve as many graduate students as undergraduate students. In fact, over the past few years, we are one of only a handful of universities across the country to confer at least 400 bachelor’s degrees, 800 master’s President Patrick F. Leahy shares plans for the South Campus Gateway at a campus degrees, and 100 doctoral degrees in news conference. the same year. Our Ph.D. Program in Nursing continues our dedication to serving students to solve societal challenges. There is a significant shortage of qualified academics to teach the next generation of nurses, and our Passan School of Nursing wants to be part of the solution. We have always been the institution that offers academic opportunity, and the creation of our first Ph.D. program is further proof of this enduring commitment. As we continue to expand the scope and scale of our graduate programs, Wilkes University will likely for the sixth time in our history change our Carnegie Classification to a “Doctoral Research University - Modest Research.” This new designation, made possible in large part due to the expansion of our programming, will provide a fresh opportunity to position this relatively small university among the greatest universities in the nation, while still preserving the mentoring, tight-knit culture that has been our heritage. There has never been a more exciting time to be part Dr. Patrick F. Leahy of Wilkes University. Thank you for all the ways you Wilkes University President continue to support your alma mater! FALL/WINTER 2016 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Vice President for Advancement Thomas MacKinnon Executive Editor Jack Chielli MA’08 Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Director of Graduate Marketing Gabrielle D’Amico MA’15 Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Graduate Assistant Jennifer Jenkins MA’16 Hillary Transue MA’15 Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Pemcor Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng MA’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Director Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Associate Director Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 Alumni Event and Communication Manager Jacki Lukas ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Cindy Charnetski ’97 Vice President Ellen Hall ’71 Secretary Kathy Heltzel ’82 MBA ’85 Historian Tom Ralston ’80 Wilkes magazine is published three times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �14 6 18 contents 6 A Dose of Success The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy marks 20 years of educating pharmacists to meet evolving health care needs. 14 Head of the Class Student pharmacist Hillary Harris works in the Care Lab. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC Melanie Wiscount EdD ’15 puts students first and garners national awards as a top technology teacher. 18 Storyteller Anna Arnett MA ’16’s best story might be about how she became Wilkes’ oldest graduate at age 92. DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 5 Athletics 20 Alumni News 21 Giving Back 22 Class Notes Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline F,j FPO C WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 FEATURES 1 �on campus Transformational South Campus Gateway Projects Announced A $3.5 million South Campus Gateway initiative will transform Wilkes and the streets bordering it into a parklike campus in the heart of the City of Wilkes-Barre. President Patrick F. Leahy says the South Campus Gateway will make the campus safer and more attractive, increasing Wilkes’ unique appeal as a University that offers programs comparable to a large, research university in the mentoring culture of a small, liberal arts college. “This is another step in our vision of creating a residential campus in an urban environment,” Leahy says. “This space will be enjoyed by our students, faculty and staff and by people who live and work in Wilkes-Barre.” Dan Cardell ’79, chairman of the University’s board of trustees, said that the project embodies priorities outlined in the institution’s strategic plan, Gateway to the Future. “The strategic plan calls for us to develop and strengthen our campus facilities and infrastructure. It also emphasizes supporting our host city,” Cardell says. “This project marries those two strategic priorities. These campus enhancements have the added benefit of helping us recruit more students and improving the neighborhood surrounding Wilkes. It is a win-win-win for Wilkes, our students and for the City of Wilkes-Barre.” The project combines University resources with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Department of Community and Economic Development funds to improve pedestrian safety, alleviate traffic congestion and beautify the campus and surrounding neighborhood. For more information on the project, please visit www.wilkes.edu/ WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 SouthCampusGateway. 2 The South Campus Gateway project will create a plaza behind the Henry Student Center, above. Right, a gateway also will be created from the Student Center across West South Street to the Stark Learning Center. The three parts making up the South Campus Gateway are: • $1 million project to create new entrances to the Henry Student Center parking lot from South River Street and South Franklin Street. It will also create an expanded south entrance plaza to the student center and landscape open space on South Franklin Street that will serve as a pedestrian connector to the Henry Student Center. The project is funded by the Multimodal Transportation Fund program, which provides grants for transportation-related projects. Wilkes received a $650,000 grant and is matching it with $350,000. • $1.35 million project to create a new pedestrian walkway in front of the Henry Student Center. It also will fund streetscape improvements, including new sidewalks and lighting, on West South Street from South River to South Franklin Street and also on South Franklin from West South to Northampton Street. Funding for these improvements came via the PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Program, which provided a $1 million grant that is being matched by $350,000 from Wilkes. • $1.15 million project to create a gateway from the Henry Student Center to Stark Learning Center. The project, which will be entirely funded by Wilkes, will create a Gateway on south campus similar to the one which the University opened in 2015 on South Main Street. The two Gateways will beautify the campus and support renovations to the engineering labs in Stark Learning Center. Work is expected to begin in May 2017 with completion expected by fall 2018. �on campus Senior Jillian Ehret gained international experience while interning at the United Nations. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON New Research and Scholarship Fund Awards $1 Million to Faculty Faculty research and scholarship have long been an integral part of the student experience at Wilkes. Undergraduates begin to work in research with their faculty mentors as early as their freshman year in fields as diverse as biology, pharmacy, psychology, business and communications. Now a new faculty research and scholarship fund established by the University will encourage and support faculty with a particular emphasis on projects involving undergraduates. The University awarded 12 grants in spring 2016, ranging from $10,000 for a one-year project to $30,000 for a three-year project. A committee made up of representatives from all of Wilkes’ academic colleges and schools reviewed 18 applications to make the awards, which were judged on a set of criteria that included plans for sharing research results and how students would be involved in the projects. A second set of 9 proposals was funded in fall 2016. The funded projects will be highlighted at the Wilkes Scholarship Symposium each spring. Terese Wignot, associate provost, says the grants are meant to provide a starting point for faculty research and scholarship. “This gives faculty the opportunity to get research going. We want it to be sustainable so that they can leverage this grant to get external funding,” Wignot explains. A diverse group of research and scholarship topics were awarded funding. They include: Wilkes senior Jillian Ehret didn’t need a passport for her summer internship. But the Sugarloaf, Pa., native met people from around the globe every day during her internship with the United Nations. An international affairs and political science double major, Ehret interned with the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations. Based in New York City, Ehret researched and attended briefings related to social and economic development issues. The internship is made possible through Wilkes’ partnership with the Humpty Dumpty Institute, which brings a United Nations speakers’ series to campus. • A project exploring factors contributing to entrepreneurial environments spearheaded by Morgan Clevenger, assistant professor of entrepreneurship. • Research involving the analysis of protein dynamics by Del Lucent ’03, assistant professor of physics. • A project examining the role American lawyers have played in shaping international law in the twentieth century, led by John Hepp, professor of history. University Offers First Research Doctorate in Nursing, Adds Family Nurse Practitioner Program The Passan School of Nursing continues its leadership role in nursing education with the introduction of a doctor of philosophy degree in nursing in summer 2017. The Ph.D. in nursing, which is a research-focused degree, meets a critical need in nursing education for Ph.D.-prepared nursing faculty. The school also announced the addition of a low-residency family nurse practitioner degree. Wilkes is the only school in the region offering a family nurse practitioner degree online. Deborah Zbegner, dean of the Passan School, says it is the first research nursing doctorate in northeast Pennsylvania and one of only seven nationally that will be offered online. “The addition of this degree further enhances the Passan School’s position as a comprehensive school of nursing,” Zbegner says, noting the school now offers nursing education from the undergraduate through doctoral levels. For an explanation of the significance of the doctor of philosophy in nursing degree and its impact on the University’s future, please see President Patrick F. Leahy’s letter on the inside front cover of the magazine. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 United Nations Internship Yields Worldly Wisdom for Wilkes Senior 3 �on campus Ice Hockey Added to NCAA Sports Offerings President Patrick F. Leahy announced the addition of men’s and women’s ice hockey to its list of NCAA Division III varsity sports. The ice hockey teams are affiliated with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, allowing Wilkes to practice and compete at the Toyota SportsPlex at Coal Street Park in Wilkes-Barre. The women’s team will debut in 2017-2018, with the men’s team expected to begin the following year. The addition of the two ice hockey programs increases the number of intercollegiate sport offerings at Wilkes to 23. Wilkes will field one of only four NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey programs and one of five women’s programs in Pennsylvania. Stephanie Newmark was appointed head coach of the women’s ice hockey program. The announcement of Wilkes’ new men’s and women’s ice hockey teams took place at the Toyota SportsPlex, home of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. From left, President Patrick F. Leahy, the Colonel, Penguins mascot Tux and Jeff Barrett, chief executive officer for the Penguins, try out the ice. PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS New Members Welcomed to University Board of Trustees Sidhu School Dean Brings International Experiences Wilkes welcomed new members to its board of trustees in 2016. Abel Adekola is the new dean of the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. Adekola will lead faculty and oversee academic programs in the Sidhu School. He also will facilitate programs and partnerships with the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and the Family Business Alliance. Adekola says his first priorities as dean are to raise the Sidhu School’s profile from a regional business school to a national business school. He also plans to lead efforts to gain accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—a seven-year process that he hopes to complete in 4 years. A native of Nigeria, Adekola comes to Wilkes from the the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wis., where he was dean of the College of Management, overseeing eight bachelor’s degree programs, five master’s degree programs and an ROTC program. He was a Fulbright Scholar to ISM University of Management and Economics, Vilnius, Lithuania. He also received a Vietnam Faculty Development in International Business Program Fellowship in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Adekola earned the doctor of business degree from Nova Southeastern University, his MBA from Barry University and a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University. Carolann (Gusgekofski) Besler ’76 has enjoyed a long career as an entrepreneur in the child care industry, owning centers and serving as a consultant to people opening daycare facilities. She has served as past president of the N.J. Child Care Association, a past validator for accreditation for existing child care centers and past member of the New Jersey governor’s advisory council to set standards for child care centers receiving funds from the state government. Gerard McHale ’67 is a certified public accountant in Florida and New York and is certified in financial forensics. His firm specializes in bankruptcies, insolvencies, receiverships, litigation support and mass consumer frauds. McHale has been a court-appointed Chapter 11 bankruptcy trustee on complex cases in Florida,Virginia, California and New York. He has had substantial success in recoveries under Ponzi schemes and mass consumer frauds. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Eugene Roth ’57 is a partner at the law firm Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald. In June 2016, Roth became the first emeritus member of the board to be re-nominated to the Board of Trustees. He previously served on the board of trustees, serving from 1979 through 2008. In 2008 he was recognized with emeritus status. 4 William J. Grant MBA ’86 is the founder of Hildebrandt Learning Centers LLC, based in Dallas, Pa. The company is a provider of employer related early learning programs for colleges and universities, state and federal governments and corporations in the Middle Atlantic region. �LEADERSHIP LESSONS athletics Field Hockey Captain Taylor Ryan Scores in Multiple Campus Roles by James Jaskolka ’16 Field hockey captain Taylor Ryan practices at Schmidt Stadium. Watching Wilkes field hockey captain Taylor Ryan in action, she seems to be a natural leader. The senior communication studies major feels differently, however, crediting her experiences on and off the field with developing her ability. “I definitely think that it came with time and experience.... It came with people, coaches and professors really pushing me to get where I am,” she says. Ryan, a Fredericksburg, Va., native who also has minors in marketing and women’s and gender studies, has played field hockey since she was 7. Recruited to play for Wilkes, she was voted captain at the beginning of the fall 2016 season. Ryan has led the team through a strong season that ended in the Middle Atlantic Conference Semifinals, but she’s interested in more than just winning. As captain, she strives to make sure the team has chemistry, and that the younger players feel comfortable, included and valued. Her reasoning? She wants new teammates to have the experience she did as a first-year student athlete. “If I was to designate one thing that’s given me more than anything else, I would say it’s field hockey,” she explains. “It’s really shaped me as a student and a person, but also as a leader, and it’s set me up really well for my leadership roles now.” Ryan’s leadership positions outside of athletics include serving as sports co-editor of The Beacon, Wilkes University’s student-run newspaper, and as co-chair of Zebra Communications, the student public relations agency. She also was chosen to be a Kirby Scholar at the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. As a scholar, she assists local businesses— and the center itself—with everything from pitching press releases to establishing brand cohesion. Ryan also is committed to giving back to the community. All sports teams complete community service projects. Leading Zebra, Ryan and the other co-chairs made it a point to take on clients that actively make a difference, such as the Special Olympics and the Children’s Miracle Network. To an outsider, it may seem like athletics and academics compete for Ryan’s attention, but she doesn’t see it that way. At Wilkes, she says, she never had to pick one facet of her identity over the other. She attributes this to the faculty and staff—from coaches to administrators—who encourage students to get involved and reach their potential. “Coming to college is when I was able to break out of my shell,” she says. “I evolved and gained that confidence because of the people I surrounded myself with, and I think that’s the most important thing.” WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK 5 �A D SE OF SUCCESS NESBITT SCHOOL OF PHARMACY CELEBRATES TWO DECADES OF EXCELLENCE By Patty Pologruto You won’t find the drugs produced by Lanier Evans PharmD ’04 in your local pharmacy. That’s because they include low doses of radioactivity used by hospitals for high-tech scans that help diagnose WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 a variety of medical conditions, from cancer to heart problems. 6 It’s a career Evans never dreamed of when he first entered Wilkes’ Nesbitt School of Pharmacy in 2000. He learned about being a nuclear pharmacist from Bernard Graham, founding dean of the Nesbitt School, who had once worked in the field himself. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” says Evans, who is manager of a nuclear pharmacy in Atlanta, Ga., for PETNET Solutions, a division of Siemens Medical Solutions Inc. “He introduced this world to me.” At the time, only two pharmacy schools in the United States offered classes leading to nuclear certification. Because Graham and other faculty tailored classes to help prepare Evans for his field of interest, he didn’t need to invest more time and money after graduation. “When I came out of school, I had all of the requirements for the nuclear medicine certification. I was offered a position with PETNET, the company I’m still with,” Evans says. Evans’ experience in the pharmacy school reflects its strengths: close relationships with faculty, a personal approach to pharmacy education and—perhaps most importantly—a school that continues to adapt its curriculum to meet the rapidly changing field of pharmacy. As Nesbitt celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first entering class, it continues to evolve. The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy was first imagined by the late Umid R. Nejib, then dean of Wilkes’ College of Science and Engineering. Nejib saw the need for pharmacy school in northeastern Pennsylvania, advanced the idea at Wilkes and hired Graham from Idaho State University to serve as dean. �I The first student pharmacists entered Wilkes in fall 1994, and the professional pharmacy program commenced in fall 1996. It became the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy in 1999, when Geraldine Nesbitt Orr made a gift to the University to name it in honor of her late husband, Abram Nesbitt II. Then as now, two years of pre-pharmacy education lead to guaranteed seating for the four years of study toward the doctor of pharmacy degree. The program has tracks in pharmacy practice or pharmaceutical sciences. The introduction of the pharmacy program also was a milestone for the University, becoming the first academic program offering a terminal degree—the highest degree in a field of study. It was a turning point in Wilkes’ academic history, says University President Patrick F. Leahy. “Our goal is to create one of the great small universities, with all of the programs, activities and opportunities of a major research university in the caring, mentoring environment of a liberal arts college. Nowhere is that goal more fully realized than in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy,” Leahy says. “Our student pharmacists study in an outstanding program leading to a doctoral degree, mentored by excellent faculty. At the same time, they are able to enjoy a typical college experience, playing varsity sports, leading student government and participating in clubs and organizations.” Daniel Longyhore, associate professor of pharmacy practice, standing center, works with students in the CVS Pharmacy Care Lab. The Care Lab, an integral part of education in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, was renovated and rededicated to mark the school’s 20th anniversary. PHOTOS BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Pharmacists are the third largest group of clinicians in the U.S., behind doctors and nurses. 7 �DEVELOPING LEADERS pharmacist’s role is more than filling prescriptions. That’s been Graham’s mantra since he became dean of the school in 1994. “Pharmacists are in a more value-added role in health care today,” Graham says. “The profession has moved from product-focused to patient-focused. There is a lot of responsibility today for pharmacists regarding medication therapy compliance.” Pharmacists are expected to improve medication safety and prevent medication-related problems, contributing to positive patient health outcomes and reducing hospital admissions. To support these industry expectations, Nesbitt’s curriculum now focuses on preparing its graduates for the reality of a value-based health-care environment. The school’s integrated curriculum takes the students beyond the classroom and lab, with 30 percent of the program devoted to out-ofclassroom externship programs. Shelli Holt Macey, director of experiential programs for pharmacy practice, has been a member of the faculty since the school’s founding, and coordinates opportunities for this critical piece of hands-on experience. Knowing how to engage with patients and with other clinicians is essential to the growing number of pharmacists who are part of care teams seeing patients on hospital rounds or in outpatient facilities. Graham says that due to a primary care physician shortage, more pharmacists will act as physician extenders in doctors’ offices, working with patients on medication management and compliance. To better prepare for these changing roles, many Nesbitt graduates go on to receive Lanier Evans PharmD ’04 Focuses on Aiding Diagnoses Lanier Evans PharmD ’04 almost didn’t become a pharmacist. He had long considered a career in dentistry. A stint working in a community pharmacy and time spent observing his brother juggle the challenges of opening a dental practice convinced him to consider a different career. After graduating from Augusta State University in his native Georgia with a degree in biology and psychology, he applied to both dental and pharmacy schools. A visit to Wilkes with his mother convinced him, especially after he met Dean Bernie Graham. “Never would you meet the dean at other places as part of the interview process,” Evans says. “That impressed me and impressed my mom. Actually the • decision was already made for me by my mom; she loves Dr. Graham and Dr. (Harvey) Jacobs.” Assured that he would get personal attention, he enrolled in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. During his four years in the school, he not only earned a degree but also honed a career path. Encouraged by Graham, he sought □ a specialty in nuclear pharmacy. ll Twelve years later, he serves as nuclear pharmacy manager for PETNET ••• □ Solutions, a division of Siemens Inc. based in Atlanta. Evans and his team prepare tl Lil drugs that include doses of radioactive isotopes. They are used by hospitals and clinics for diagnosing conditions using high-quality imaging tests, such as PET and CT scans. About five batches of drugs are made each day at his lab. “Then we have to IJ figure out how to get the drug to the patient. Our back is always up against time in this facility.” Because the nuclear drugs can be used for only a limited time before losing their effectiveness, Evans and his crew have to calculate shipping time to a WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 hospital to determine where and when the drugs can be used. 8 Despite the challenges, Evans is proud of the advances being made by nuclear pharmacists and researchers. “Nuclear is having a major impact on health care,” he states. “In the last four years, two new drugs the FDA has approved are nuclear. One is a new drug for diagnosing Alzheimer’s. The other is a new drug for diagnosing prostate cancer. Alzheimer’s disease has been around for 100 years, but until now it could only be officially diagnosed postmortem. With this drug, people can be diagnosed earlier, while they are still alive.” Evans demonstrates a robotic device in handling the radioactive materials that nuclear pharmacists use to create medicines. PHOTO COURTESY PETNET SOLUTIONS �Eli Phillips PharmD ’06 Forges Career Combining Law and Pharmacy Not many people would choose to follow four years of rigorous study in pharmacy school with another three years of schooling to earn a law degree. Eli Phillips is one of them. When he completed his pharmacy Eli Phillips, PharmD ’06 combines expertise in pharmacy and law in his position at Cardinal Health. degree at Wilkes, he was admitted to Drexel CARDINAL HEALTH University’s new law school, where he earned the juris doctor degree in 2010. When he graduated, he became part of a small number of professionals who combine the fields of pharmacy and law. Among members of the American Society of Pharmacy Law, only around half of its members hold degrees in both fields. It was all part of a career plan for Phillips, a Wilkes-Barre native and son of a pharmacist and pharmacy store manager who worked for CVS. “I always envisioned myself as an executive with one of the large pharmacy chains, so I weighed getting an MBA or a law degree,” says Phillips, who worked for CVS in Philadelphia while attending law school. “I realized that the juris doctor would give me more options.” Phillips now works for Cardinal Health, a global healthcare services and products company, providing custom solutions for drug manufacturers as well as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, pharmacies, physician offices and clinical laboratories. Based in Dublin, Ohio, Phillips is director of quality and regulatory affairs and pharmacy compliance for the company’s specialty businesses. His wife, Vanessa (Velikis) PharmD ’05, is a pharmacist with Express Scripts, also in Dublin, Ohio. Phillips oversees a team of 52 who work with six of Cardinal Health’s businesses. They include the Cardinal Health repackaging business—which literally repackages larger quantities of drugs into smaller units for sale at pharmacies, and the Cardinal Health specialty drug distribution arm, which delivers expensive drugs or drugs that require special handling, such as refrigeration. He also works with two specialty pharmacies owned by Cardinal Health in Baltimore, Md., and Nashville, Tenn. These specialty pharmacies dispense high-end drugs used to treat rare conditions impacting small numbers of patients. Other areas of responsibility include the company’s private label business, which produces in-store brands such as the Leader brand, used by the Medicine Shoppe chain, and Sonexus, a manufacturer support and third-party logistics provider that handles inventory on behalf of manufacturers. “My role is to keep the supply chain of pharmaceuticals safe for patients and their families, by making sure that we’re meeting FDA and other federal and state regulatory requirements,” Phillips says. Frequent changes make keeping track of state and federal regulations challenging. “You have to be nimble to keep up,” When the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy opened its doors, it was the 80th school of pharmacy in the country. PHOTO COURTESY he says. Technology continues to impact the profession, he explains, citing the introduction of track and trace provisions that will allow companies and regulatory agencies to track every bottle of medication by serial number. No matter how swiftly regulations change, ensuring quality always means one thing for Phillips and his colleagues. “Keeping patients safe always is the top priority,” he says. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 advanced education in specialty areas such as cardiology, oncology, pediatrics and emergency medicine. The shift in the pharmacist’s role may have started in the early 2000s, when Pennsylvania approved specially trained pharmacists to immunize patients in community locations like Walgreens. Nesbitt was the first pharmacy school in the state to put the American Pharmacy Association’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate into its curriculum, requiring every student to earn it. More recently, the school adapted its curriculum in response to the opioid addiction issue. “We are training students to identify people who abuse medications, including opioids,” says Ed Foote, professor and chair, pharmacy practice. “We are teaching our students to identify risk factors and when to make an appropriate intervention. They also are being trained on how to administer the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone.” New diseases also mean pharmacists need more information. “Infectious disease lectures are continually being updated for topics like the Zika virus,” says Zbigniew Witczak, professor and chair, pharmaceutical sciences. “A new trend in pharma teaching is putting more core science into the curriculum because pharmacists need that understanding,” explains Witczak, who taught an elective course this fall on how marijuana impacts the body. About 30 percent of Nesbitt students are involved in research. Witczak reminds his students that they cannot separate pharmacy from 9 �Julie Olenak, professor of pharmacy practice and assistant dean of student affairs, clarifies a point for students. - MENTORING MATTERS WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Half of Wilkes pharmacy graduates go into community pharmacy, a third go to a residency or graduate training and a third go into other aspects of pharmacy work, such as academia, sales and research. 10 science. While Nesbitt’s curriculum is built on an interdisciplinary approach involving academic disciplines such as business, nursing and education, Witczak is a proponent for students taking more core science courses. It’s a position that makes sense for a research scientist who recently became president of the International Carbohydrate Organization. He is working to establish an anti-cancer drug derived from carbohydrates. He also is working with four students synthesizing carbohydrates as a potential drug for antibacterial agents and anti-diabetes. Not all pharmacy research is about creating new drugs. Students and faculty members conduct retrospective medical file reviews and analyze data for health-care systems, processes and trends that pharmacy can impact. Judith Kristeller, professor of pharmacy practice, and Dana Manning PharmD ’08, associate professor of pharmacy practice, recently received a $150,000 grant from Cardinal Health Foundation to expand a system for improving the transition of care and medication use for patients discharged from Commonwealth Health Network hospitals to home. In addition, Kristeller and Manning have also been awarded a $41,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation that will further support the project, which focuses on improving medication safety, preventing medication-related problems and preventing hospital readmissions. Students will assist with the research. Nesbitt students also are participating in the Interprofessional Student Hotspotting Learning Collaborative, an annual program that trains interdisciplinary teams of professional students from schools around the country to learn to work with patients who are high users of emergency services in their own communities. Under the guidance of Jennifer Malinowski, associate professor of pharmacy practice and assistant dean of academic affairs, three student pharmacists are part of inter-professional teams studying patients who frequent the emergency departments of Geisinger Health System and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. The student pharmacists are joined by medical, social work and physical therapy students to develop solutions on reducing emergency room visits. They are expected to present their ideas to top administrators at the hospital systems aimed at achieving better health at lower cost through a hands-on approach which includes home visits. Team members are training at local institutions such as The Commonwealth Medical College, University of Scranton and Marywood University. hanks to yearly entering class sizes of about 70 students, Nesbitt faculty truly know their students and mentor them for success. The mentoring process starts in the pre-pharmacy first year, when students are placed into a team of 12 that includes a faculty member, an upperclassman and an alumnus as mentors. Scott Bolesta PharmD ’00 says his career was impacted by a culture of mentorship that began with the start of the school. Now a Nesbitt associate professor of pharmacy practice, he was the very first Wilkes student to be handed a doctor of pharmacy degree in 2000. It was while shadowing several former faculty members that Bolesta decided he wanted to specialize in critical care, with an ultimate goal of teaching. After several critical care residencies, Bolesta returned to Wilkes in 2005 to teach. Today, he spends three days a week with students at his clinical site, Regional Hospital of Scranton. He rounds with the care team in the hospital’s intensive care unit and regular floors. All pharmacy practice faculty also work in clinical settings. Most faculty members spend 50 percent of their time managing patients in a doctor’s office or clinic, and Nesbitt students then have the opportunity for introductory or advanced practice experiences with those faculty members. “I shadowed a pharmacist at the Geisinger Care Site Pharmacy in Scranton and found the patient interaction and the role of controlling the patient’s blood thinners intriguing,” says second year student pharmacist Nikko Bonavoglia. That experience helped Bonavoglia decide he wants to be a pharmacist in the ambulatory care setting. �EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS PROVIDE DIRECTION lot goes on for Nesbitt students outside the classroom. Experiential programs and community service are requirements that help guide career decisions. Sarah Fillman, fourth-year student, said her internship at Geisinger Health System definitely will impact her career. While at Geisinger, she piloted a program to establish public awareness to promote proper drug disposal. Fillman received the U.S. Public Health Service \ Third-year student pharmacist James Steigerwalt participated in a summer 2016 internship at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital with 24 other students from pharmacy schools across the nation. “I was a little apprehensive that the students from the larger schools would be more experienced and prepared for the program, but I learned that the Nesbitt School offers the same high-level education and experiences as other schools. In fact, Award last spring for that work. She is the third Nesbitt student in four years to win the prestigious award. Geisinger is one of a number of health systems offering experiential learning for student pharmacists. Hospitals in nearby Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, as well as others in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Hershey, Pa., and New York state provide opportunities for Nesbitt students. Pharmacies and drug companies also provide externships. Solidifying Roots in the Crestwood Community Sonya Mylet PharmD ’07 and Jessica Ashford Orloski PharmD ’10 Co-own Crestwood Pharmacy community pharmacy residency, splitting her time between Sonya Mylet PharmD ’07 and Jessica Ashford Orloski Orloski after her residency. One year later, they hired Mylet PharmD ’10 didn’t know each other well as students, but and began cutting back their own hours. That’s when Mylet their experience as student pharmacists took them both to and Orloski approached them about buying the business. Mylet worked at the pharmacy during high school and throughout her time at Wilkes. She also completed pharmacy rotations that included Indian Health Services in New Mexico, Medicine Shoppe in Dallas, Pa. Jim and Mark Hanlon, brothers who co-owned Crestwood Pharmacy for over 30 years, hired “In the beginning they weren’t ready to retire because they liked to come to work every once in a while,” Orloski says. “Then after about a year or two they decided to sell.” Mylet and Orloski became owners on Jan. 30, 2015. Owning veterinary medicine at Cornell University and in neonatal a pharmacy comes with myriad challenges, from dealing with intensive care. She credits the Wilkes pharmacy program’s insurance companies to fixing toilets and shoveling snow. rotation options for helping her discover what she wanted However, the patients remain Mylet’s and Orloski’s main focus. to do professionally. After graduation she worked for The Owning a community pharmacy gives them the freedom to Medicine Shoppe in Wilkes-Barre and Dallas, Pa. make every interaction personal. “I like knowing that we’re The year Mylet left Crestwood Pharmacy, Orloski became its student intern. After graduation, she completed a one-year helping our neighbors, family and friends,” Mylet says. They also maintain their ties to Wilkes, taking student interns year-round. Orloski still teaches part-time at the University and fills in for professors. They plan to continue expanding their services and continue to promote Crestwood as a family pharmacy. “I like to bring my kids here, I like to see Jess’ daughter, Eva, here,” Mylet says. “We’re more of a family business. We want our families to be here too.” – By Francisco Tutella MFA’16 Sonya Mylet PharmD ’07, left, and Jessica Ashford Orloski PharmD ’10 chose community pharmacy for their career path when they became co-owners of Crestwood Pharmacy in Mountain Top, Pa. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Crestwood Pharmacy, which they now co-own. researching, teaching classes at Wilkes and working at The 11 �WILi< Nesbitt School of Pharmacy’s Founding Dean Bernard Graham Sets Tone for Excellence An appointment to take Bernie Graham’s photo to mark the 20th anniversary of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy starts with a joke. Getting ready to pose for his portrait as the school’s founding dean, Graham dons a pair of fake glasses, complete with false nose, mustache and eyebrows. Pressing a miniscule button, the mustache and eyebrows flutter up and down. “How’s that?” Graham asks, his blue eyes twinkling before he doffs the joke eyewear and assumes a serious pose. Graham’s sense of humor is legendary—just as is his 100 Bernard Graham, the founding dean of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, will retire at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK percent dedication to the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. When he retires at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year, Olenak PharmD ’03. “The passion we have now is the same Graham will be honored for leading a successful pharmacy as when it was back when the school started. Dean Graham school that continually evolved since its inception more than has provided consistent leadership and has stayed true to the two decades ago. The faculty, students and more than 1,000 school’s mission and vision.” alumni of the Nesbitt School know they owe a lot to Graham. One example of Graham’s visionary leadership is a In spring 2017, faculty, staff, alumni and students will have the commitment to engaging Nesbitt alumni by recently naming opportunity celebrate the dean’s vast accomplishments as he Jon Ference PharmD ’03 as the assistant dean of assessment prepares to retire. and alumni affairs. Ference says he will develop a program “I cannot say enough about Bernie,” says Harvey Jacobs, to engage alumni in mentoring roles, and he plans to form a associate professor. “He led us through the initial accreditation Dean’s Advisory Council made up of alumni who will provide and through three subsequent evaluations. He has met the input on the school, curriculum, industry trends and education changing climate of pharmacy and allowed Wilkes’ School of and training needs. Pharmacy to remain competitive in the ever-growing market. He recruits and retains highly qualified faculty and staff.” Graham likes to point out that the currently enrolled Current students also value Graham’s experience and vision. James Steigerwalt, third-year student, is serving as the president of the Pharmacy Student Senate. “Dean Graham pre-pharmacy students were not born when the school encourages me to find ways to better represent and act started more than 20 years ago. He says Nesbitt is “old” now, upon the needs and concerns of the student body,” says but in reality it is a highly regarded, competitive doctoral Steigerwalt. “He offers great insight when challenges arise, program thanks to Graham’s leadership. and I feel I am learning a lot about my leadership potential by “I am proud of what Dean Graham has accomplished,” says having the opportunity to work closely with him.” Nesbitt alumnus and assistant dean of student affairs Julie WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy has a 98 percent graduation rate. 12 I think our school provides more leadership and research opportunities than many other schools, and we receive more one-on-one attention from our faculty and professors that allows us to excel outside the classroom.” Opportunities also exist in countries far from the Wyoming Valley. Some students have traveled with Graham to Guatemala on medical mission trips. Others take part in five-week externship opportunities in Uganda and the United Kingdom. In the Amazon jungle in Peru, Fillman studied pharmacology, physical chemistry and ethnobotany of medicinal plants. “This was an irreplaceable experience that extended far beyond the classroom, broadening my social, environmental and global perspectives,” she says. �EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS, EXCEPTIONAL ALUMNI illman’s list of college accomplishments and activities is long: cross-country runner, minors in neuroscience and psychology, first-year student mentor, biology teaching assistant, bystander intervention student trainer, a member and leader of numerous clubs and organizations. Her involvement is not unusual. Steigerwalt is executive president of the Pharmacy Student Senate and a member of Phi Lambda Sigma and Rho Chi Society. He’s a musician who plays in the University’s Civic Band and Chamber Orchestra. Bonavoglia is the policy vice president-elect for the American Pharmacists Association chapter at Wilkes and advocates for Pennsylvania legislation that impacts pharmacists. The three students reflect the level of engagement for most Nesbitt School students. Upward of 20 percent of student pharmacists play Division III Athletics. Six out of the seven past student body presidents were student pharmacists. Many participate in activities like band and dance. More than 95 percent of Nesbitt students participate in professional organizations, and about 40 percent go off-site to professional meetings and conferences. “Nesbitt students excel, and they are motivated, dedicated and highly professional,” says Jon Ference PharmD ’03, associate professor of pharmacy practice and assistant dean of assessment and alumni affairs. Great students start with a great admissions screening process. Julie Olenak PharmD ’03, associate professor of pharmacy practice, and assistant dean of student affairs, says Nesbitt takes a “holistic approach” when selecting students that includes assessing leadership and communication skills as well as academic ability. ■ Those are skills that will remain important as future student pharmacists specialize in areas like public health, medicine/genomics, hospital pharmaceutical management and independent pharmacy ownership—all programs being considered for the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Nesbitt alumni confirm the variety of opportunities in the field. Pharmacy graduates work locally, in places such as community pharmacies. Others have roles where they may have impact on a national level, such as Susan (Pellock) Polifko PharmD ’05 and Stephanie (Victor) Begansky PharmD ’08, who both work for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Others, such as William Eggleston PharmD ’14, literally make national news. Eggleston, a clinical toxicologist at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, was quoted in the May 10, 2016, New York Times about a report he authored detailing new abuses of the over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drug loperamide. “You will never be bored in pharmacy,” states Olenak. “We will always be learning and teaching something new.”� Wilkes remains above state and national pass rates for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, with a 97.9 percent threeyear average first-time pass rate. School graduates have a 99 percent pass rate on the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam. Edward Foote, professor and chair of pharmacy practice, center, discusses preparation of injectables with student pharmacists Abby Stevens, left, and Erika Zarfoss. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 C 13 �Head of the Class Melanie Wiscount EdD ’15 Earns Presidential Teaching Award By Kelly Clisham MFA ’16 One glance at Melanie Wiscount EdD ’15’s résumé and you understand why she won a Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science. She’s snagged major honors ever since she switched careers to teach computer science at the middle- and high-school levels. During her 13-year teaching career, Microsoft selected her as a Partners in Learning U.S. and Global Educator. Siemens honored Wiscount as a STEM Institute fellow. Now there’s the WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 presidential honor, a national 14 prize that comes with $10,000 from the National Science Foundation. Still, when Wiscount talks about her work with the District of Columbia Public Schools, she doesn’t highlight her expertise or honors. She brags about her students, who team up to develop award-winning mobile apps and land prestigious internships with the likes of Microsoft, LockheedMartin, Accenture, World Bank and NASA. Working with a generation of kids who seem to be born with mobile devices in hand, does Wiscount worry about these young computer whizzes outpacing her? Not a chance. She relishes it. “I want them to question me. I want them to beat me out,” she says. “They’re going to find something they’re experts about, and that’s where the confidence comes in. Throw in a little bit of innovation and we’ve got tomorrow’s change-makers.” Change has been a constant in Wiscount’s career, and she proudly embraces it. She majored in accounting at Bloomsburg University, taking math and computer science courses for fun and graduated summa cum laude. She worked as an accountant for years but found she kept asking herself, “How can I serve other people in a better capacity?” Her answer: “Teaching is perfect for that.” She earned a master’s in business education and started teaching at her alma mater, Pine Grove Area High School in Pine Grove, Pa. She enrolled in the doctor of education program at Wilkes in 2007. Wiscount quickly developed an interest in educational reform, and while Pennsylvania was cutting school budgets, Washington, D.C., was putting money into education. Wiscount took a year off from the doctoral program and made the move to the District of Columbia schools. “It was completely different than anything I’ve ever done.” �WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Melanie Wiscount works in a new high school in Washington, D.C. PHOTOS BY STEVE BARRETT 15 �She completed her Wilkes doctor of education in educational leadership with a concentration in educational technology in 2015. Her dissertation examined the effects of kinesthetic learning, or learning through movement. Wiscount wanted to learn if students who learned about math kinesthetically would perform better on standardized tests. As part of her research, students kinesthetically manipulated the coefficients of the quadratic function using body movements and gestures using Microsoft Xbox Kinect camera. Wiscount loves the challenges, and the rewards, of teaching in an urban setting. For some of her students, the nation’s capital is not about museums or cherry blossoms. “A lot of my students live in neighborhoods surrounded by violence. They think they’re destined for that kind of future,” Wiscount says. “They’re not used to people believing in them and their potential.” Wiscount does, but more importantly, she teaches them how to believe in themselves. “I teach hope,” she says. “I teach hope every single day.” Wiscount tells the story of a former student who always showed up late for school. When she told him that he wouldn’t secure an internship if he couldn’t make it on time, he explained that his mother was seriously WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Wiscount encourages Elijah, one of her students, during an afterschool meeting of the technology club. 16 “The name of the award says it all. She’s an excellent teacher in the STEM arena. She works incredibly hard. She’s dedicated to the students. She cares about them as people.” – Anthony Priest, District of Columbia schools’ career and technical education program manager �Melanie Wiscount works with the tech leaders of the future. Pictured seated are Nashad, Wiscount and Christian. Standing, left to right, are Jelani, Amir, Elijah, Anthony, Kai and Adrian. Melanie Wiscount EdD ’15, Alexandria, Va. Doctor of Education, Wilkes Master of Science, Business Education, Bloomsburg University Bachelor of Science, Accounting, Bloomsburg University Career: Accountant turned computer science teacher and educational technology coach at middle and high schools in Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. Now teaching at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington, D.C. Notable: Winner of a 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science. The award was established to recognize and encourage outstanding teaching in the STEM fields. Favorite Wilkes memory: Dr. Gina Morrison’s “Leadership, Diversity, & Societal Change” class in her first week in the doctor of education program. “She asked us to write down our full name on a piece of paper and then to add ‘Dr.’ in front of our name. She asked us to look at our name with the title and know it’s our vision. It is up to us to create our path to it. I thought of that moment many times during the doctoral program...” WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 ill and he was responsible for getting his 2-year-old sister to daycare using public transportation. On her recommendation and the strength of his work, the student persevered and landed a top internship. “That’s what I mean about hope.” Wiscount’s colleagues can’t help but notice her commitment to her students— and fellow teachers. Emmanuel Schanzer of Bootstrap World nominated Wiscount for the Presidential Award. The two first crossed paths years ago at a conference, then again at a workshop. Bootstrap is an open-source framework for building website and web applications. According to Schanzer, “Bootstrap teaches students to program their own videogames in a way that has been shown to reinforce, rather than undermine, key concepts in mathematics.” Wiscount has used Bootstrap content with her own students, and has shared the work with other teachers and administrators. “She’s a veteran Bootstrap teacher and has had wonderful success with her students. She’s been an incredible advocate,” says Schanzer. Anthony Priest, District of Columbia schools’ career and technical education program manager, worked with Wiscount when she taught at McKinley Technology High School in Washington. Priest is not at all surprised that she’s been recognized for excellence. “The name of the award says it all. She’s an excellent teacher in the STEM arena,” says Priest. “She works incredibly hard. She’s dedicated to the students. She cares about them as people.” Since June 2016, Wiscount has put her dedication to student success to use as the educational technology instructional coach at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. The all-male high school focused on young men in the District of Columbia, especially young men of color. It opened in August with a class of 104 ninth-grade students, with plans to add another grade each year and graduate its first class in 2020. The high school is a one-to-one school, providing one device—a laptop computer—to each student. The school refers to this policy as one-to-world, meaning they teach students to use technology responsibly to connect with a global community. Wiscount’s teaching philosophy encourages students to be creators rather than consumers. Why download an app when you can develop one? Why buy a video game when you can design your own? Her dedication gives her students confidence to try new things, make mistakes and figure out how to fix them. “They become the experts. That empowers them. It’s really magical.” 17 �Storyteller Wilkes’ Oldest Graduate Anna Arnett MA’16 has Tales to Tell By Geoff Gehman Bonnie Culver, director of Wilkes’ graduate creative writing program, prepares to recognize Anna Arnett as the University’s oldest graduate. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 PHOTOS BY LINH LAM 18 Kathleen “Kat” Ethington issued a gentle ultimatum in December 2013 to her then 89-year-old mother, Anna Arnett MA ’16. It was high time, she told her mom, to write a book about her late Mormon parents, a pair of potato-farming school principals with a pioneer zest. She needed to preserve her tales on paper for her seven children, 28 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. That day at her Mormon church in Chandler, Ariz., Arnett learned about the Wilkes weekender program in creative writing at the nearby Mesa Center for Higher Education. For once, Arnett—who describes herself as a “procrastinator from the word go”—defied her tendency to dillydally, driving that same day to the center. The program would allow her to pursue a degree by attending class on weekends and writing at home the rest of the time. Learning that her late husband’s military benefits would pay for the degree, she enrolled. Two years and many written pages later, she became the oldest graduate in Wilkes history, earning her master’s degree in creative writing at 92. In the process she completed a memoir of her parents’ early lives called Forever Endeavor. �Arnett’s family story could be the basis for an epic novel. Her mother grew up on a cattle ranch in a log cabin with a dirt floor, a dirt roof and a “nice” fireplace. It was a hardscrabble start for a salt-of-the-earth mom of five who taught kindergarten. Her father was an innovative math teacher who let students proceed at their own pace and tested them without written exams. A shrewd psychologist, he awarded a 1916 silver dollar to the first pupil who finished a book’s exercises. “And that was back when a silver dollar would buy something,” says Arnett, who playfully adds that her dad didn’t scold her for hating math. “Numbers play hide and seek in my brain,” she says. Arnett’s husband, Charles, was an Air Force pilot imprisoned in an abandoned German concentration camp during World War II. She married him 10 days after he proposed, eager to erase the discomfort of two years of separation. “It’s what you call a whirlwind courtship,” she says. It was so whirlwind, she adds merrily, that she flunked all her college finals. Like many military wives, she followed her husband to assignments in Australia, Japan and 16 states, moving her family 29 times. After completing a year-long hitch alone in Vietnam, Charles urged Arnett to resume her college education. At age 45, with her oldest child in high school and her youngest child entering kindergarten, she enrolled at Arizona State University. At night she studied in the bathroom, the only place with a light that wouldn’t wake her sleeping loved ones. She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, followed by a master’s in teaching secondary English. She put the disciplines to work by co-founding, teaching at and directing a school for pregnant teens and leading an association of women who wrote at night. Returning to school many years later at Wilkes, Arnett still fit in well with her much younger classmates, who dubbed her “Miss Anna.” She impressed poet Spencer Aubrey MA ’16 with her wit, wisdom and keenly rendered stories about her parents. Aubrey, a part-time surveyor of new subdivisions, says “Miss Anna” is inspiring his poems about single mothers, including his sister. She charmed Darcy Breault MA ’16 with her positive attitude, strict attention to good grammar and stylish outfits of pink T-shirt, yoga pants and “cute” boots. Breault, a supervisor of college-credit programs for five high schools, says she’s more likely to weave fiction into nonfiction thanks to Arnett. “She would tell us: ‘You never get to an age when you can’t focus on writing and you can’t be publishing,’ ” says Breault. “You can always be following your dream.” Arnett also found an ally in her Wilkes faculty advisor, J. Michael Lennon, professor emeritus of English and co-founder of the creative writing program. Lennon praises Arnett’s panoramic, probing portrait of Mormon migration. “She is a superb writer with an eye like a pair of tweezers for the telling detail. Through her mother’s journals, and her own memories, she has put us in close touch with that golden time in American history when Mormon families walked across a continent to build lives in the West,” Lennon says. Arnett thanks Lennon for instilling a dedication to deadlines, easing her procrastination. She thanks her Wilkes classmates for easing the loneliness she’s felt since the 2008 death of her husband Charles. “He was the most perfect man I could have stood to live with,” Arnett says fondly. According to daughter Kat Ethington, with whom she lives, “Wilkes’ program made (my mother) feel more productive and more important. It definitely enhanced her life.” Arnett continues to enhance her life by pursuing a master of fine arts in creative writing at Wilkes. Lennon is guiding her research paper on great teachers in literature. As far as she’s concerned there’s still a lot she wants to do. “It’s a fascinating, wonderful world, and I’m not eager to leave it. I sometimes wonder at people who say they can hardly wait to get beyond this life to eternal peace and rest and praising God,” Arnett says. “That would be good for me for a week, but after that, you want something you have to do…. But life is good, life is great. When I’m down, I think how good it is and then I’m feeling up.” Anna Arnett MA’16, Chandler, Ariz. Master of Arts, Creative Writing, Wilkes Arizona State University Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education, Arizona State University Career: Self-published poet and memoirist. Founder and director of the first school for pregnant teens in Mesa, Ariz. Noteworthy: Oldest graduate in Wilkes history at age 92. Anna Arnett is interviewed by Arizona news media about life-long learning. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Master of Arts, Secondary Education, English, 19 �alumni news TAKE THE COLONEL TO YOUR CLASSROOM! The Colonel has traveled all over the world, thanks to our adventurous alumni. Just look at our Facebook album to see all the places he’s been! Now we’re asking education alumni to teach the Colonel a thing or two by taking him to your classrooms. Email alumni@wilkes.edu to get your flat Colonel. Then, take him to your classroom and snap a photo to send us! WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Kevin Sickle ’03 MS ’09 taught the Colonel a thing or two about science in his classroom at Heights-Murray Elementary School, Wilkes-Barre. 20 Alumni honored at A Celebration of Education event are pictured with Rhonda Rabbitt, left, dean of the School of Education. Honorees were Kevin Sickle, second from left, Jillian Mullen and Dawn Sutton. PHOTO BY JACQUELINE LUKAS Alumni Honored at A Celebration of Education Event A Celebration of Education was held on Nov. 9 at Wilkes in honor of American Education Week. Wilkes education alumni, faculty members and educators enjoyed time with friends while honoring Wilkes education alumni for their contributions to the field of education and the Wilkes community. Proceeds from the event benefit education scholarships for Wilkes students. Kevin Sickle ’03 MS ’09 received the Educator of the Year Award. Sickle earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and elementary education and a master’s degree in educational development and strategies, both from Wilkes. He has been a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Heights-Murray Elementary School in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District for 12 years. Outside the classroom, he has served as second vice president of the Wilkes-Barre Area Education Association for four years. In addition, he has been the director of the Heights-Murray Elementary School spelling bee for 12 years and the director of their science fair for 10 years. Jillian Mullen EdD ’16 and Dawn Sutton ’74, EdD ’16 received the Diane Place Doctoral Dissertation Award for their outstanding dissertations in the University’s doctor of education program. Mullen’s research dissertation was, A Comparative Analysis of Nontraditional Students’ Perceptions of Mattering in Small Private Catholic Four-Year Academic Institutions. Mullen has been the executive director of the Schuylkill Community Education Council in Mahanoy City, Pa., for 14 years. The council is a statefunded nonprofit organization promoting higher education and workforce development. Sutton, who also received her undergraduate degree from Wilkes, was honored for her dissertation, A Phenomenological Study: Understanding the Experiences of Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Students in the Use of Virtual Reality Environments. Sutton is a math and special education teacher for high school students at Vision Quest Academy. �giving back “We decided on the room in the science center because he Seventeen may be just another number to the average person, always wanted to help other students,” says John’s sister, Julianna. but to Jack, Mary Claire and Julianna Borzell, it evokes the “By having this lab named after him, this was one way he could memory of a son and brother. Number 17 was worn by the late continue to do that, even after he’s gone.” John ‘Beno’ Borzell ’11 throughout his athletic career. Each year since 2012, the family has raised money through The number 17 appears everywhere in the Borzell family’s the John ‘Beno’ Borzell Golf Tournament. This year, 144 golfers efforts to create a legacy in John’s honor. In 2017, the family participated in the tournament on Sept. 17, 2016. Donations will make the last payment on the environmental chemistry lab from family, friends and boilermakers were received. More than in the Cohen Science Center that bears his name. The payment 70 baskets and multiple prizes also were donated. will be made on Earth Day 2017 as a tribute to John’s love “The support is truly overwhelming. Since we moved our of the outdoors and the environment. Seventeen high school tournament to Emanon Country Club, it has been sold out students at John’s high school, Wyoming Area in Exeter, Pa., also for the past two years. It’s already sold out for next year,” says have received scholarships due to the Borzells’ generosity. Jack. “Beno had a ton of friends, who all participate in the John passed away on Sept. 3, 2011, at age 22 from serious tournament.” injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident. He had received The family says that their donations to Wilkes keep John’s his bachelor of science degree in earth and environmental memory alive and it helps the family cope with the loss. One of science from Wilkes just four months before. John was a John’s life goals was to make a name for himself and the Borzell skilled athlete, determined student, devoted family man, avid family continues their tireless work with that in mind. outdoorsman and so much more to those who knew him. “Every time a student walks by his room, he’s making a name Before entering Wilkes, John graduated from Wyoming Area for himself,” says Jack. High School in 2007. He was scouted by many schools to play In addition to their generosity to Wilkes, the Borzell family football and baseball, and could have received scholarships, but also awards scholarships to Wyoming Area West High School he chose to focus his studies on the environment. He first chose students—$1,700 per student to represent number 17 that John Penn State University, but before formally committing there wore during his athletic career at Wyoming Area. John had a change of heart. The family has more plans for their future giving to Wilkes “He came to me and said, ‘Dad, you know as well as I do University. They are considering a scholarship and investing in that I want to go to Wilkes,’ ” says Jack, a retired boilermaker. other campus improvements such as the Stark Learning Center Jack remembers that the small class sizes and personal attention and South Campus Gateway. from the professors were extremely important to his son. “Any money we make, we give it back. I think that’s what After John passed away, Jack, Mary Claire and Julianna John would want,” says Mary Claire. “We want to give back to decided that they wanted to keep his memory alive through Wilkes—always.” philanthropy and embracing the things that John loved the most: Wyoming Area High School, Wilkes University and the environment. “The month after John passed, I saw “We decided on in the newspaper that Wilkes would be the room in the building a new science building,” says science center Mary Claire. “I looked at my husband and because he said, ‘We need to get a room for John.’ ” The family had to decide between always wanted endowing a scholarship or naming a to help other room in John’s memory in the Cohen students.” Science Center. – Julianna Borzell The Borzell family work together on the golf tournament honoring the late John “Beno” Borzell ’11. Pictured from left are Mary Claire, Julianna and Jack Borzell. PHOTO COURTESY BORZELL FAMILY WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Borzell Family Creates Legacy in Memory of John ‘Beno’ Borzell ’11 21 �class notes Kelly Pleva ’14 Launches Opera Career on the Right Note Kelly Pleva ’14 came to Wilkes as a musical theatre major. Wilkes that she was exposed to opera for the first time by her But thanks to the guidance she received at the University, the music teacher Susan Minsavage. Schuylkill Haven, Pa., native is on a new path, working toward a career in opera. Minsavage suggested Pleva try singing opera, and she found her true voice. Although there was no major in classical voice, She’s already achieving success. many on the Wilkes faculty went beyond their appointed roles In summer 2016, Pleva attended to train her in classical music. “I owe so much to the theatre the prestigious Franco-American community. The Wilkes resources allowed me to springboard Vocal into opera,” says Pleva. Academy Austria. in While Salzburg, there, she After graduating, she entered New York University’s performed the role of Madame Steinhardt School and earned her master’s degree in classical Herz in Mozart’s comic opera Der voice in December 2015. While in graduate school, she made Schauspieldirektor. The training her debut at Carnegie Hall in 2014 with the New York Lyric program at the academy included Opera singing Juliette in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette. daily classes in German language, Currently Pleva is singing in concerts throughout the South, diction, voice, weekly master and auditioning for professional companies here and in Europe. classes and performing a recital. She is looking forward to returning to northeast Pennsylvania “My experience with the during the holiday season to perform for the Arcadia Chorale’s Franco-American Vocal Academy annual Messiah Sing-Along, directed by another one of her was wonderful,” says Pleva, who is a coloratura soprano. “I mentors, Steven Thomas, Wilkes professor of music and chair came to work very closely with some of opera’s best voices, of performing arts at the University. take master classes with opera professionals, and coach new music with world-class musicians.” – By Jennifer Jenkins MA ’16 Pleva met her new voice teacher, John Fowler, while in Salzburg. During a 30-year career as an operatic tenor, voice teacher and opera director, Fowler has performed title roles on many of the world’s premier stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, winning an Emmy for his performance as Rodolfo in the “Live at Lincoln Center” production of La Bohème. Pleva and Fowler realized they had worked with some of the same companies back in the States, including “I came to work very closely with some of opera’s best voices, take master classes with opera professionals, and coach new music with world-class musicians.” OperaLancaster. “Since returning from Austria, John has continued to train me, and I have now had four professional performances thanks to him, as well as many new connections that will only aid in getting my career off the ground,” she says. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 “I am so incredibly grateful for everything he has done for me 22 and am very excited to see where else this will lead us.” Pleva also credits Wilkes with starting her successful pursuit of her dream. As an undergraduate, she sang in many musicals and concerts, including roles as Mrs. Walker in Tommy and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical. It was not until she came to Pleva studied opera in Salzburg, Austria, in summer 2016. PHOTO COURTESY KELLY PLEVA �class notes Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. 1969 Robert S. Wallace II of North East, Md., retired after 41 years as a high school choral/instrumental director with the Cecil County, Md., public schools. He is deanelect of the Delaware Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and director of music at St. Mary Anne Episcopal Church. He is a published composer. 1984 Douglas Evans of Wilkes-Barre is the director of collections for the Westmoreland Museum of Art. 1972 REUNION: OCT 6–8 Ronald Rittenmeyer of Plano, Texas, was named chairman and chief executive officer of Millennium Health in April. He was named chairman earlier in 2016. 1977 REUNION: OCT 6–8 Karen Line of Wilkes-Barre and her company, Strategic Sports Alliance, hold the rights to “Snowflex,” a synthetic system that would create conditions for year-round skiing in the area. 1978 Barry Niziolek of Wilmington, Del., was named executive vice president and chief financial officer of Trinseo on June 13, 2016. Niziolek was most recently vice president and controller at DuPont for 34 years. 1978 John Lack has released two works of fiction, The Other Side of the Kneeler and Tempest’s Arc. They are available through Amazon. 1979 Daniel Cardell of Palatine, Ill., purchased The Windsor Inn in Jermyn, Pa., putting the establishment under new management. 1982 REUNION: OCT 6–8 Ed Eppler of Bethlehem, Pa., joined Discover Lehigh Valley as vice president of finance and operations. Eppler has been with Discover Lehigh Valley as director of finance since April 2012. Previously, he worked at Concannon Miller, CPAs, and Fling Vacations. Eppler founded and ran his own accounting and tax firm, Eppler & Company, for 17 years. 1983 Gautam Yadama of St. Louis, Mo., was named dean of the Boston College School of Social Work. Prior,Yadama was assistant vice chancellor for international affairs and professor in the George Steven P. Roth of Shavertown, Pa., was named managing partner of the Law Firm of Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald LLP in January 2016. He represents a number of the region’s leading businesses. 1985 Mark Mrozinski of Arlington Heights, Ill., is among the inaugural class of the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence based in Washington, D.C. Mrozinski also serves as assistant to the president for special projects at Harper College in Palatine, Ill., and is the lone fellow from Illinois. Nancy (Pardy) Cabot of West Tisbury, Mass., was recognized for her work in spearheading the Art Club at Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The residents’ artwork was displayed at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. 1989 Linda McAndrew of Clarks Summit, Pa., presented a paper, “Pain Management of the Substance-Using Trauma Patients and the Impact on Nurses: A Systematic Review,” at the 28th annual Eastern Nursing Research Society Scientific Sessions in Pittsburgh. Maggie Lipperini has been awarded a fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Lipperini is the executive director of orthopedics and neurosciences at Regional Hospital of Scranton. 1990 Marc Palanchi of Ledgewood, N.J., was named the Roxbury, N.J., police chief in March 2016. He began working for the police department in 1994. 1991 Mary Gould, of St. Petersburg, Fla., retired from active duty in the Air Force in May. Gould served from September 1991 through May 2015. Prior to her retirement, she served as political/military Afghanistan and Pakistan adviser and legislative affairs officer of U.S. Central Command. 1993 Margaret Fiscus of Scranton, Pa., was named director of vocational services at Allied Services. In her new role, her responsibilities include oversight of all facets of the community employment program, the William Warren work services facility and the adult day program. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Undergraduate Degrees 23 �:1mar class notes Three Alumni Help Pay It Forward With SmartSwapp Jordan Semar ’10, Kevin Gerhart ’11 and Anthony Griseto ’12 are hoping to turn the concept of paying it forward into a successful online business with the creation of their website SmartSwapp. It is a site they believe will make a significant contribution to the “sharing economy” revolution brought about by services like Airbnb, where users pay minimal prices to stay in homes of people in different parts of the world. SmartSwapp is a web-based and soon-to-be smart phone application used to connect people in order to exchange tasks Kevin Gerhart, Anthony Griseto and Jordan Semar celebrate at the launch party for their online business, SmartSwapp. PHOTO COURTESY SMARTSWAPP and services. To explain the SmartSwapp concept, Semar uses moving into a new home or apartment as an example. “Whenever anyone helps somebody else move, afterwards they always say, ‘Hey I owe you one,’ ” Semar says. They have says, “People can save a lot of expendable income and will have more money to spend on doing more things but also improve productivity.” created a site where that hypothetical moving helper can Semar, who majored in integrative media, lives in Wilkes-Barre, be paid back—not in money—but in a credit toward another where he does graphic design for Ebay. Griseto and Gerhart task. The mover can use his or her credits to fix a burst pipe, both graduated with business degrees and work for Pella receive an oil change, or even have someone take notes for a Windows And Doors in the Boston area. Griseto and Semar came up with the idea for the site after particularly dull lecture. Griseto explains that unlike most “sharing economy” apps discussing a similar application geared toward homeowners. such as Airbnb, Spinlister, and others, SmartSwapp offers The pair felt they needed to broaden the user demographic. something unique. Users may have to pay a small, $1 connection Griseto proposed the idea of exchanging services. Gerhart was fee or $3.99 for an unlimited month of connections, but they contacted to help finish turning the idea into a reality. won’t have to pay individual costs for specific tasks. In this sense, people are really only paying with their time. Griseto WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 1994 Nicole Cooper of Mountain Top, Pa., married Marc Cefalo on Sept. 19, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church, WilkesBarre. She is employed as finance director by Morgan Advanced Materials. 24 1996 Karen Bednarczyk Cowan and her husband, Scott, celebrated the birth of their third child, Shepherd Michael Cowan, on Dec. 29, 2015. 2003 Matthew Beck of Fredon, N.J., was selected as superintendent of the Andover Regional School District. Beck began his career in education teaching social studies in East Orange. Prior to becoming the superintendent, he served as the assistant superintendent at Sussex County Technical School. – By Hillary Transue MA ’15 2005 Daniel P. Cook of Pottsville, Pa., graduated from Villanova University in 2016 with a master’s degree in water resources and environmental engineering. He is employed as a project engineer at Alfred Benesch and Company. 2008 Lisa Dreier and Jared Clossen, celebrated the birth of their son, Dean Anthony Clossen, on Nov. 2, 2015. They live in Wilkes-Barre. 2010 Jason Woloski, of Plains, Pa., was elected to the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors. He is currently chief family medicine resident physician at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He has accepted a position with Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center beginning in 2017. �class notes 2009 Jared Nothstein of Dallas, Pa., joined St. Luke’s Medical Associates of Monroe County in East Stroudsburg, Pa. Nothstein specializes in internal medicine and recently completed a three-year internal medicine residency at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa. Michele Garrison MBA ’12, of Wilkes-Barre is the regional education specialist on the south campus in Wilkes-Barre for The Commonwealth Medical College. 2010 Christopher Gulla, of Berlin, N.J., accepted a new position as an associate attorney with Zeller and Wieliczko, LLP. Alan Hack MS ’10 EdD ’14 Becomes State’s Youngest School District Superintendent When Alan Hack completed his doctor of education degree at Wilkes in 2014, he never guessed that two years later he’d be putting it to work as Pennsylvania’s youngest school district superintendent. In July, Hack was selected to lead the Warrior Run School District at age 30. Hack started his career as a middle school math teacher, teaching first in the Northwestern Lehigh School District and later at Danville Middle School. While teaching, he earned a master’s degree in education in 2010 and his doctor of education in educational administration, both from Wilkes. He’d been serving as assistant principal at Warrior Run Middle School when he learned that the superintendent position was open in the rural district. Warrior Run includes townships in three Pennsylvania counties: Union, Montour and Northumberland. “I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve Warrior Run in this capacity. Regardless of age, the position of superintendent is highly complex and requires support from others both in and outside the organization,” Hack says. “There is always something new to learn, and I will continue to learn from those around me—those who are smarter than me. My success as a leader will be dependent on the success of our board, administrative team, teaching staff, and support staff all the way down to the individual students at Warrior Run.” In addition to his Wilkes degrees, Hack says he gained valuable insights when he was named a fellow with the Pennsylvania Educational Policy Fellowship Program in 2015-2016. While maintaining full-time positions, fellows develop a deeper knowledge of education policy and increase their professional network in child development and human services. “The EPFP was an invaluable experience and is among the best professional development for any educator,” Hack says. “Political advocacy is our responsibility as an educator to ensure our students receive the highest quality education possible. Whether Graduate Degrees 1973 Jay Sidhu MBA, of Mohnton, Pa., served as the keynote speaker at Entrepreneurship Week at Kutztown University. Sidhu also received an honorary degree from Albright College during its 157th Commencement on May 22, 2016. the advocacy occurs at the local and state levels or at the national level, we have a responsibility to our constituents, but more importantly our students.” – Jennifer Jenkins MA ’16 Alan Hack, pictured outside Warrior Run High School, went from assistant principal to superintendent in the district. PHOTO COURTESY THE DAILY ITEM WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Daniel DiMaria of Forty Fort, Pa., married Adrienne Trego, in North Carolina, where they now reside, on May 28, 2016. The two were married at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and spent their honeymoon in Ireland. 25 �class notes 2010 Megan Brady PharmD, of Swoyersville, Pa., married Luke Ruseskas on Oct. 15, 2015, at Friedman Farms in Dallas, Pa. She is employed by CVS as a pharmacist. 2013 George Tyler Behlke PharmD and Michelle Marie Choate PharmD of Palmyra, Pa., married on May 9, 2015. Choate is a staff pharmacist at Rite Aid in Lebanon. Behlke is a staff pharmacist at Rite Aid in Harrisburg. 2015 Doreen Rasp MS joined Advanced Behavioral Counseling providing pharmacological management for a variety of mental health disorders. Rasp has been a registered nurse since 1995. Sara Crolick ’12 Finds Writing Career at Startup MeetMindful.com English graduate Sara Crolick ’12 is writing her life’s current chapter working as the managing editor for MeetMindful.com. Crolick began working with the online dating website focused on mindful living two and a half years ago. With the startup based in Denver, Colo., Crolick works from her home in Kingston, Pa., staying in touch through virtual meetings. She is in charge of 15 to 30 writers as well as providing content, creating a weekly newsletter, publishing and managing day-to-day needs. Crolick finds herself submerged in a world she never anticipated working in. “I handle the publication part of the site, but it’s also a dating site. The fact that I’m working with a dating website to this day still blows my mind,” she says. “Being involved in a startup has been something I never anticipated for myself either. There’s this whole entrepreneurial world that I had no idea even existed.” Crolick creates relationship-based content on MeetMindful, using her own experiences as inspiration. 2006 John Bednarz M.A. of Shavertown, Pa., has been selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2016. Since 1991 he has been a board-certified civil trial attorney and is the only claims attorney practicing in Wilkes-Barre named a Super Lawyer in the practice area of workers compensation. He has been a member of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice since 1988. The Pennsylvania Association also honored him in 2011 with the George F. Douglas Amicus Curiae Award for his outstanding appellate advocacy as an amicus brief writer on worker compensation topics before the Commonwealth Court and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He has been practicing law in Wilkes-Barre since 1978. “The umbrella the whole website sits under is mindful living; some people call it conscious living. That embodies more than people even expect it to,” she explains. “Whether it’s meditation, eating healthy, shopping locally, whatever it is… It’s [for] people who identify with that lifestyle and the content is meant to support people on that mindfulness journey.” She says her Wilkes experience helped her to develop the managerial skills she uses on the job. She credits supportive faculty such as Lawrence Kuhar and Thomas Hamill, both WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 Crolick returns to her favorite Wilkes place, Kirby Hall, home of the English department. 26 associate professors in the English department. Crolick also says that it is the English department community in Kirby Hall that she misses. “Kirby Hall is just like this safe haven for ideas and how you express yourself, and it’s such a safe space to grow and learn,” she says. She continues with her own writing, which includes the 1000 Moments Project, which was inspired by a Facebook challenge called 100 Happy Days. She also publishes her own work on her blog, www.conversationswithahumanheart.wordpress.com. “My love has always been literature and creative writing,” she says. – By Sarah Bedford 2011 Erin Hardiman MBA, of Ocean City, N.J., returned to the University of Miami in March 2016 as the assistant director for business operations. She oversees all aspects of athletics department purchasing and accounts payable. �class notes In Memoriam 1949 John W. Edwards Jr., of Plymouth, Pa., died on May 13, 2016. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He also worked in the Department of Public Welfare. Louis Pezzner, of Ashley, Pa., died June 25, 2016. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked for Pezzner Brothers Inc. briefly prior to working as an accountant with the Internal Revenue Service. Mary Jule McCarthy, of Dallas, Pa., died on Aug. 8, 2016. McCarthy taught high school English in Havre de Grace, Md., and Doylestown, Pa. She also taught disadvantaged students at Red Rock Job Corps Center. She established the Christmas Shopping Fund at the center, enabling her students to buy presents for their families. 1951 Robert J. Shemo, of Wyoming, Pa., died on March 26, 2016. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945. He was a dentist for 57 years and also taught radiology at Luzerne County Community College. He was a member of the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry. 1953 Joseph P. Hirko, of Chico, Calif., died on March 26, 2016. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and served for 20 years. He worked for PG&E in Chico for 20 years. 1955 Eugene V. Snee, of Patchogue, N.Y., died in March 2016. Leo Kane, of Clair, Pa., died on March 6, 2015. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was the former owner and president of Credit Management Co. 1956 Joseph Modla, of Nanticoke, Pa., died on July 8, 2016. Working as an FDIC bank examiner, he was instrumental in the investigation and subsequent conviction of the Wall Street ponzi scheme led by E.F. Hutton. 1957 Bess (Proferes) Efsathiou, of Swarthmore, Pa., died on Feb. 25, 2016. She taught science in the Belleville (N.J.) Public School system, working at School Number 5, the junior high, and the high school as teacher and department head. She retired in 1994 as the district’s science supervisor. Lena M. (Misson) Baur, of Shavertown, Pa., died on June 9, 2016. She was a teacher for 36 years, teaching mathematics, chemistry, physics and geography. She also owned and operated the Treat Drive-Ins. 1958 Thelma Januskiewicz, of Edwardsville, Pa., died on June 6, 2016. She began her career teaching obstetrics at WilkesBarre General Hospital, working there for more than four decades. Wayne Pugh, of Tunkhannock, Pa., died on June 18, 2016. He was a fifth- and sixth-grade social studies teacher for 36 years in the Tunkhannock Area School District. He also served as a wrestling coach. 1959 Charles Dominick, of Duryea, Pa., died on May 11, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the U.S. Army Band. He became a professional musician and was also employed by the Hagerstown Area School District in Maryland teaching music. He retired from the Yurish Music Store in Kingston and continued to perform with the Starfires. 1960 Donald Barovich, of Gwynedd, Pa., died on Jan. 28, 2016. Donald Sabatino, of Jenkins Township, Pa., died on May 3, 2016. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He served as an elementary school teacher and principal in the WilkesBarre Area School District. He retired after 33 years of service. After retirement, he joined the faculty of the education departments at Wilkes University and King’s College. 1961 Leonard Gonchar, of Kingston, Pa., died on May 25, 2016. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was co-owner of Carter Footwear and served as the executive in charge of sales. James O. Thomas, of Laporte, Pa., died on Jan. 25, 2016. He was the sole practitioner for 47 years at the Eagle Veterinary Clinic in Havertown, Pa., and member of state and national veterinary associations. 1962 Edmund J. Resperski, of Pittston, Pa., died on July 25, 2016. Resperski was employed by Akzo Nobel, Clarks Summit, Pa., where he served as chief inventory controller. He also worked for Garwood Industries, Exeter, Pa., and Thomson Education Direct, Scranton, Pa., from which he retired. Robert John Slabinski Sr., of Unionville, Conn., died Aug. 25, 2015. He worked for Royal Typewriter in Elmwood, Conn., and for UTC Hamilton Standard. He was awarded several patents. 1966 Forrest Eichmann, of Woodstown, N.J., died on Dec. 31, 2014. He taught music education for more than 20 years in various school districts. He also served as the WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 1948 Shirley (Phillips) Passeri, of Sun City Center, Fla., died on April 23, 2016. 27 �class notes high school band director at Kingsway and Schalick high schools, both in New Jersey. He also was the director of emergency services in Salem County, N.J., retiring in 2002. John D. Wisloski Jr., of Doylestown, Pa., died Sept. 24, 2015. He taught elementary school at Abington Elementary for 38 years. 1966 Michael D. Elias Sr., of Wilkes-Barre died on May 7, 2016. He retired from Penn State University Wilkes-Barre campus after 15 years as an instructor. He also worked for Wilkes University teaching computer science for several years prior to his retirement in 2014. 1969 Dorothy “Dottie” (Bisher) Craig, of Forty Fort, Pa., died on June 23, 2016. She was a professor at Luzerne County Community College. She was also active in the Forty Fort Borough Council. WILKES | Fall/Winter 2016 1970 Stanley Lewis Perry, of Nanticoke, Pa., died on Feb. 3, 2016. He was employed by Luzerne County for more than 30 years. 28 1971 Richard C. Mark, of Leola, Pa., died Aug. 24, 2015. He was a retired United Methodist pastor. 1972 Eugene “Gene” Pappas Jr., of Kingston, Pa., died on May 26, 2016. He worked for McKinsey & Co. as a banking consultant and was a senior partner in the firm. He continued to work as a senior advisor until his death. 1973 Leonard J. Zaikoski of Wilkes-Barre died on May 29, 2016. He was an accountant for the Leslie Fay Co. for many years prior to retirement. 1974 Francis A. Singer, of Hughestown, Pa., died on Aug. 4, 2016. He was employed for 37 years as a paralegal and office manager at various legal firms including Fish and Neave PC, Arthur Young PC, Slade Pellman, Proskauer LLP and Akin Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld LLP, from which he retired in December 2015. 1975 Bernard “B.J.” Ford, of Nanticoke, Pa., died on April 6, 2016. His early career included teaching, coaching and retail management. After retirement from TechnaGlas, he worked at the Farley Library at Wilkes and for Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital as a patient sitter. He is survived by his family of Colonels, including his wife Joan ’75, and children James ’03, Jillian ’05 and Jeffrey ’12. 1977 Frederick A. Petrini, of Nanticoke, Pa., died on April 24, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He was the owner and general manager of Brunozzi Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile & Pontiac Inc. in Hanover Township for more than 30 years. 1979 Diane (Castrignano) Jones, of West Wyoming, Pa., died on July 8, 2016. Jones taught biology from 1974 to 2007 at Bishop Hoban High School, Wilkes-Barre, and from 2007 until her retirement in 2012 at Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre. 1982 Ronald W. Labatch, of Kingston, Pa., died on March 8, 2016. He worked in many drug stores over the years as a clerk then as assistant manager. He read the newspaper as a volunteer for more than a decade on King’s College Radio as part of the Radio Home Visitor Show. 1987 David L. Beaver, of Allentown, Pa., died Dec. 15, 2015. He retired as a financial controller. Mary Jo Meyers, of Wapwallopen, Pa., died on June 13, 2016. She served on the faculty of Wyoming Seminary Day School. 1994 Janice Bullock, of Swoyersville, Pa., died on April 7, 2016. She was a registered nurse, working first at Nesbitt Memorial Hospital and then at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. 1995 Jody Palmer, of Shrewsbury, Mass., died on March 18, 2014. She was a principal global program manager at EMC Corp. in Hopkinton, Mass., where she had been employed for the last 15 years. Charles R. “Charlie” Hepplewhite, of Fort Myers, Fla., died July 4, 2015. He was a business manager for Haystak Digital Marketing. Graduate Degrees 2007 Barbara Snyder MS of Fairfield, Pa., died on April 10, 2016. She was an art teacher at Delone Catholic High School since 2001. 2010 James Craig MA of Lancaster, Pa., died on July 30, 2016. Craig was a middle school teacher in the Ephrata School District for 14 years until his retirement. He was the author of the mystery novel Blue Lines Up In Arms. 2014 Diane Place EdD, of Towanda, Pa., died on March 1, 2016. Place taught Spanish at the Athens Area High School and Towanda Area High School. She was elementary school principal for the Towanda Area School District from 1997– 2006, Towanda Area School District superintendent from 2006–2012 and Athens Area School District superintendent from 2012 until the time of her passing. She was honored by Wilkes for outstanding dissertation in the doctor of education program. �- S AV E T H E D A T E 6 p.m. • Saturday, June 3, 2017 Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre For sponsorships, advertisements, or ticket information, please contact Jennifer Ciarimboli at 570-408-4953 or Jennifer.Ciarimboli@wilkes.edu or visit www.wilkes.edu/foundersgala. �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events December 1-18 Ying Li: “Geographies” Sordoni Art Gallery 4 “Dances and Dreams,” Wilkes Flute Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 5 Music From Britain and America, Wilkes University Chamber Orchestra, 8 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 11 Holiday Pops Concert, Wilkes Civic Band and the Marching Colonels, 3 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 12 Fall classes end. January 2017 3-13 Intersession 2017 6-14 Wilkes Graduate Creative Writing Residency 8-12 Maslow Reading Series. 7 to 9 p.m., Jan. 8, Barnes & Noble, Public Square, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 16 Spring Classes Begin 20-March 3 Lydia Panas: “After Sargent,” Sordoni Art Gallery 21 Instant Decision Open House for Prospective Students 22 Winter Commencement, 1 p.m., Arnaud C. Marts Center 25 Snow Date for the January 23 Instant Decision Open House February 3 Wrestling Alumni Night 4 Athletic Hall of Fame 17-19 “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 24-26 “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 28 Rivka Galchen, author of Atmospheric Disturbances, Allan Hamilton Dickson Fund Writers Series, 7 p.m., Kirby Hall April 29 Softball Alumni Day May 6 Wrestling Reunion & Coach John Reese’s 90th Birthday Celebration June 3 Founders Gala For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2016 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2016 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2016 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2016 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/558182dbcc3466e28d9a1c7a2f6b944a.pdf 391ac1e2da7e44b08a437303cb8dd905 PDF Text Text FALL 2015 Crowned With Hope Evana Manandhar ’14 Helps Earthquake Recovery as Miss Nepal INSIDE: WILKES DEDICATES NEW CAMPUS GATEWAY �president’s letter VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 3 FALL 2015 WILKES MAGAZINE Taking Steps Toward Our Future I have often spoken and written about our goal of becoming one of the finest small universities in the country. As I write my message for this issue of Wilkes magazine, I want to share some campus developments that reflect the progress we are making toward that goal. We recently announced the largest gift ever received by the University. This $3.3 million contribution from Wilkes-Barre businessman John. J. Passan is in support of our School of Nursing. The gift, secured with the assistance of Carol Keup, Mr. Passan’s niece and a member of Wilkes’ board of trustees, will transform our nursing program, providing technology, library materials and more. By the time you receive this magazine, we will have dedicated the Passan School of Nursing in Mr. Passan’s honor. Such a gift truly reflects an institution’s quality; a willingness to invest in a university’s programs affirms the institution’s value. This fall we welcomed our first class in our new Honors Program, as they moved into a reconfigured and renovated Barre Hall. Our lacrosse recruits have arrived and have begun their non-traditional season in preparation for their first competition in the fall of 2016. Four new academic deans joined the leadership team, and we launched new programs, including our first fully on-line undergraduate program in nursing. Perhaps nowhere is Wilkes’ progress more visible than on the new campus Gateway, dedicated during Homecoming weekend. This entryway to campus, extending from South Main Street into the heart of the Fenner Quadrangle, physically unites our campus. It also has added beauty and enhanced the sense that we provide a traditional college experience in an intimate setting on our President Patrick F. Leahy speaks at the urban campus. It is making a wonderful first dedication of the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership’s new impression on prospective students and their home in fall 2014. families—one that only grows when they visit our classes and meet our excellent faculty. I urge you to visit campus soon and see it yourself. These are just a few examples of successes on our path to creating the best University experience for Wilkes students now and in the future. Please join me in celebrating these successes and working toward more in the future. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Special Assistant to the President for External Affairs Michael Wood Executive Editor Jack Chielli MA’08 Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner Graduate Assistant Francisco Tutella MA’15 Jennifer Jenkins Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Pemcor Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng MA’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Director Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Associate Director Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 Alumni Event and Communication Manager Jacki Lukas ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Cindy Charnetski ’97 Vice President Ellen Hall ’71 Secretary Kathy Heltzel ’82 MBA ’85 Historian Tom Ralston ’80 Wilkes magazine is published three times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �10 6 14 16 contents F AL L 2 0 1 5 6 Secrets to His Success Bill Evanina ’89 is a leader in the United States intelligence community. Crowned With Hope Evana Manandhar ’14 Helps Earthquake Recovery as Miss Nepal INSIDE: WILKES DEDICATES NEW CAMPUS GATEWAY Evana Manandhar ’14 celebrates being crowned Miss Nepal World. PHOTO BY RAJAN MAHARJAN, LAXMI NARAYAN MAHARJAN, SAROJ PRAJAPATI AND BIBASH MAHARJAN SUWAL 10 First in the Family Wilkes’ First Generation Scholarships help students who are the first in their families to attend college. 14 Path to Greatness The new campus Gateway transforms the Wilkes campus. 16 Crowned With Hope Evana Manandhar ’14 helps her native country recover from a devastating earthquake in her role as Miss Nepal World. DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 5 Athletics 18 Alumni News 20 Class Notes Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline F,j FPO FSC WILKES | Fall 2015 FEATURES 1 �on campus Plans Announced to Revitalize Sordoni Art Gallery An artist’s rendering of the entrance at the new location for the Wilkes announced plans to relocate the Sordoni Art Gallery, as seen from South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre. Sordoni Art Gallery and reimagine its role for the campus and surrounding The second part of the plan calls for hiring a highly qualified community. Beginning in fall 2016, the gallery will move to faculty member to run the art gallery and enhance University arts new space at 141 S. Main St. near the new campus Gateway. programming. This faculty member will curate traveling shows, The decision also supports Wilkes’ strategic plan, which calls for develop academic programming, integrate the gallery into the helping to revitalize downtown Wilkes-Barre. campus arts community, and help identify new funding sources to The move is part of a three-part revitalization plan for the enhance the gallery. gallery that aims to enrich the arts experience on campus for The third step—relocation of the gallery—will create a larger students, faculty and staff and contribute to the cultural life of space with areas for teaching and entertaining. It also will be more Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley. accessible, with on-site parking available. The first step calls for creating a permanent, dedicated $2 Andrew Sordoni III, whose family established the gallery at Wilkes million endowment that will be used to bring to campus in 1973, encouraged the University to revitalize the gallery to better and the community high-quality art exhibits from nationally serve both Wilkes and the surrounding community. Sordoni has and internationally known artists. To create this endowment affirmed the new direction for the gallery, saying, “This is extraordinary and fund the annual schedule of exhibitions, Wilkes will sell stewardship from my experience in the arts. We are going to serve the selected pieces of the collection—a process that is known students, the community and posterity.” as deaccessioning in the art world. The sale of art will be “The plans to reinvigorate the Sordoni Art Gallery reflect Wilkes combined with the existing endowment to create funds needed University’s commitment to become a comprehensive university with for a substantial permanent and dedicated endowment. a national reputation,” University President Patrick F. Leahy says. WILKES | Fall 2015 Wilkes Dedicates Passan School of Nursing Honoring Donor of $3.3 Million Gift 2 Wilkes University has received a $3.3 million gift—the largest in the institution’s history—to support its School of Nursing. The gift, given by local businessman and philanthropist John J. Passan of Wilkes-Barre, will be used to create a dedicated, permanent endowment for the school. The gift will transform nursing education at Wilkes for both graduate and undergraduate nursing students, enabling expanded opportunities for scholarships, technology and professional development experiences. The nursing school was renamed the Passan School of Nursing in Passan’s honor at a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 21. “Wilkes University thanks John Passan for his vision in giving this gift to the School of Nursing, which now will bear his name,” says University President Patrick F. Leahy. “Such an investment reflects an awareness of not only what nursing education at Wilkes is—but, more importantly, what it can be, given the resources this his contribution provides.” Passan founded Valley Distributing & Storage Co. of Wilkes-Barre. He has supported a number of charitable causes in the region, including previous support to Wilkes. The building at 267 South Franklin St., which currently houses the office of the University’s dean of students, health and wellness services and residence life, bears his name. Nursing school Dean Deborah Zbegner says the Passan gift provides valuable programmatic support to Wilkes’ nursing programs. “The School of Nursing faculty joins me in thanking Mr. Passan for his support. With its dedication as the Passan School of Nursing, we enter a new era in nursing education with new resources. This gift will allow us to increase the number of scholarships we can provide to nursing students,” Zbegner said. “As technology continues to rapidly evolve, this funding will allow us to ensure that we have the most up-to-date technology resources. In addition, it will allow us to increase the number of nursing journals and online databases available in our library and will provide opportunities for students and faculty to attend professional conferences.” To see photos from the dedication of the Passan School of Nursing, visit www.wilkes.edu/passan �on campus Wilkes Seeks Historic First Patents for Faculty Research Wilkes University has filed patent applications for health care innovations developed by Ali Razavi, professor of mechanical engineering, and Abas Sabouni, assistant professor of electrical engineering. Their research could dramatically improve diagnosis and treatment for wound care, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other brain-related disorders. The two separate applications are the first intellectual property rights submissions that Wilkes has filed in its 82-year history. Razavi’s background is in materials engineering and chemistry. He has been researching the anti-bacterial properties of silver for the past three years with Owen Faut, professor emeritus of chemistry, Ken Pidcock, professor of biology, and their chemistry and microbiology students. They discovered a silver compound that mimics how the body’s immune system fights infection and produces oxygen to kill harmful bacteria. Their discovery has the potential to revolutionize wound care and healing. Sabouni has developed a non-invasive, real-time method for tracing the effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The FDA-approved procedure uses intense pulsed magnetic fields to induce electrical currents in neuronal tissues, producing therapeutic effects in the brain. It has been used since 2008, but until now there has been no way to provide real-time, visual feedback on the effects of the treatment. Sabouni’s research stimulates the brain’s neurons and captures high-resolution images of induced current in TMS. By using Three Wilkes faculty have collaborated on a compound to be used in wound care. From left, they are Ali Razavi, professor of mechanical engineering, Owen Faut, professor emeritus of chemistry, and Ken Pidcock, professor of biology. Abas Sabouni, assistant professor of electrical engineering, has invented a method for tracing effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). PHOTO BY EARL & SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC information from MRIs and a computer program simulation, this new technology can pinpoint the area of the brain that needs to be stimulated and allow for faster, less expensive treatment and lower doses of induced current. TMS is helpful in treating depression and cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. It is also used to measure the connection between the primary motor cortex and a muscle to evaluate damage from spinal cord injuries. It may someday prove beneficial in treating a broad range of other neurological problems, such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease. PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS Wilkes was recognized with a Rainbow Award by the Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance. The award honors individuals and organizations that have helped make northeast Pennsylvania more supportive of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The Safe Space program at Wilkes was recognized for providing support to the LGBT community on campus by identifying responsive faculty and staff members through the use of the safe space sticker. When the safe space sticker is displayed in an office or room, students know they have the freedom to speak openly about LGBT issues. This voluntary program offers education as well as awareness training. The Safe Space Ally training provides participants with supportive tools to work as advocates both on and off campus for the LGBT community. Awareness training is key for faculty, staff and students to introduce terminology and foster more open discussions. Better understanding of divergent cultures leads to a more open and accepting atmosphere for everyone at Wilkes. The University encourages students to seek out Safe Space allies as a means of support and belonging. The Rainbow Alliance also recognized the University’s Center for Global Education and Diversity and the student-run Wilkes Gay-Straight Alliance for co-sponsoring a three-part film series with the Rainbow Alliance in spring 2014. During Pridefest, Wilkes hosted public events on campus led by the student-run Gay-Straight Alliance. Wilkes has sponsored a table at Pridefest since 2012. WILKES | Fall 2015 Wilkes Honored for Support of LGBT Community 3 �on campus Veterans Council Awarded $10,000 Grant Wilkes’ Veterans Council has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the VetCenter Initiative grant program, a partnership between Student Veterans of America (SVA) and The Home Depot Foundation. The grant will be used to create a center for veterans on campus. A space in Conyngham Hall will be renovated to create a veterans resource center, and will serve as a focal point for veterans’ activities. Student Veterans of America chapters across the country competed for the award, with the 50 best plans receiving grants. Wilkes University Veterans Council President Kellie Palko states that, “This grant means a lot for our club. To receive it is an honor and confirmation that all our hard work paid off last semester. In short, this grant means a future for our club. It means we can grow and reach more veterans who need help. It will give veterans on campus a place to relax and feel safe.” Retired Col. Mark Kaster, veterans outreach coordinator, says the award affirms the University’s commitment to veterans. “Wilkes creates a culture that connects our students to veterans and our veterans to students,” Kaster says. Wilkes has previously been honored for its work with veterans by earning the Military Friendly Schools designation from G.I. Jobs magazine five times. WILKES WELCOMES NEW DEANS WILKES WELCOMED FOUR NEW DEANS FOR THE - ACADEMIC YEAR: WILLIAM B. HUDSON Science and Engineering WILKES | Fall 2015 Career: Professor of electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville; department chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology at Minnesota State University, Mankato; and dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science at University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Industry experience includes serving as principal network design engineer at Sprint. 4 Notable: His research has supported NASA instrumentation, inspection of bridges using tethered robots, determining reasonable human performance shooting reaction times of law enforcement officers, and design of fuel ethanol plants. Patents have resulted from his research in the areas of bridge inspection and firearms response time. PAUL RIGGS RHONDA M. RABBITT DEBORAH ZBEGNER Career: Interim associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, department head and professor of history at Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Ga. Served as executive assistant to the president, secretary of the college, assistant dean of the college, and assistant to the Office of Academic Affairs at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa.; and academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences at University of Pittsburgh. Career: Assistant dean and director of Graduate Programs in Education at Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wis. Regional development outreach specialist and interim director of the Master of EducationProfessional Development program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Faculty appointments and teaching positions include assistant professor, School of Education at Viterbo University; and team teaching lecturer, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus. Career: Interim dean, Wilkes University School of Nursing. Director of Wilkes School of Nursing’s graduate programs, where she co-developed the doctor of nursing practice program and played an integral role in the development of the University’s online programs in adult gerontology primary care and adult mental health nurse practitioner programs. Formerly associate professor of nursing, Wilkes. Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Notable: Co-principal investigator on a three-year U.S. Department of Education grant totaling nearly $1 million under the Teaching American History program. School of Education Notable: Judge for International Team Excellence Awards and Education Team Excellence Recognition. Served as president of the Wisconsin Independent Colleges of Teacher Education. School of Nursing Notable: Holds national board certification as a women’s health nurse practitioner and is certified in reproductive endocrinology/infertility and obstetric/gynecology ultrasound. Maintains a clinical practice as a women’s health nurse practitioner. PHOTOS BY EARL & SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC �athletics Remembering the Legacy of Rollie Schmidt Ask Bill Hanbury ’72 how he’d describe the late legendary Wilkes football coach Rollie Schmidt, and he’d be hard-pressed to choose one word. But somewhere near the top would be the word “motivator.” “Rare is the coach that can motivate players to spend their lives seeking his approval,” said Hanbury in the eulogy he delivered at Schmidt’s memorial service on June 1, 2015. “With every pass thrown, every drill run, every play memorized, every wind sprint completed, every touchdown scored, every game won, every honor made, we all wanted Coach’s approval.” Former players, Wilkes colleagues, friends and members of the community gathered to pay tribute to Schmidt, who died May 28, 2015, leaving his mark on Wilkes athletics through an unprecedented coaching career and indelible influence on the students he mentored. Schmidt’s career at Wilkes began in 1962, continuing until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure he was head football coach, men’s golf coach, head baseball coach and associate professor of physical education. Schmidt was elected to the Wilkes Athletics Above, Rollie Schmidt speaks with former Wilkes President Tim Gilmour on the day the stadium was named in his honor. Right, Schmidt chats with former players. “That desire for his approval didn’t end when we graduated from Wilkes. With every success in life, you wanted Coach to know about it.” – Bill Hanbury ’72 WILKES | Fall 2015 INDELIBLE INFLUENCE Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2010, Schmidt Stadium was dedicated in his honor—the result of the tireless efforts of his former players, who raised money to make it happen. Serving as head football coach from 1962 through 1981, Schmidt led the football team—dubbed the Golden Horde—to its legendary 32-game win streak, resulting in Wilkes College being awarded the Lambert Bowl trophy in 1966 and 1968 as the top small college football team in the East. As baseball coach, he led the Colonels to their first-ever Middle Atlantic Conference baseball championship in 1968. As golf coach, he led his teams to three conference championships. “Coach Schmidt served Wilkes with distinction and dedication for 32 years,” says Wilkes Vice President of Student Affairs Paul Adams ’77, MS ’82. “His 32-game win streak continues to be one of the great achievements in college football history. Always a mentor, he influenced young people not only on the football field, but as a professor in the classroom, and a coach on the baseball diamond and the golf course.” Nicknamed Zeus by his players, Schmidt imparted lessons on the field that players were able to apply to other parts of their lives. “Pride and Poise” were two words emblazoned on the locker room walls during his coaching career—and forever in the memories of his players. In eulogizing him, Hanbury spoke of the influence that continued for a lifetime. “That desire for his approval didn’t end when we graduated from Wilkes. With every success in life, you wanted Coach to know about it.You want to say: ‘Hey, Coach, look what I have done,’ ” Hanbury said. “And you want to thank him for teaching you that success is not an accident. And with failure, he also taught us how to lose with grace. He never made excuses when we lost. “When you’ve been kicked around by life, fallen down a few times, faced adversity, been knocked off your high horse, then you realize just how important Coach was and still is.You always hear his voice: ‘Come on, boys, pick yourself up, do better, pride and poise, never quit.’ ” 5 �SECRETS TO HIS SUCCESS Bill Evanina ’89 Directs Counterintelligence Activities for the United States By Andrew M. Seder WILKES | Fall 2015 A chunk of coal sits on Bill Evanina’s desk at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center in Bethesda, Md. Since he found it in an old coal mine as a youth, the anthracite has traveled with Evanina through each of his life’s phases. “I had it in Pickering Hall and I still have it,” Evanina ’89 says, recalling his Wilkes residence hall. “It’s a great focal point. It reminds you where you came from; that old coal miner’s work ethic. That value and that trust still are with me today. I’m hoping to hand it down to my son one day.” The work ethic has gotten him far. Evanina is the national counterintelligence executive, one of the most powerful people in the United States intelligence community, responsible for leading the counterintelligence and security activities of the United States government. His office works with the counterintelligence and security elements of the United States government, the United States intelligence community and the private sector to ensure awareness and mitigate the threats posed by foreign intelligence entities and malicious insiders. 6 Bill Evanina ’89 has brought his northeast Pennsylvania work ethic to his role as national counterintelligence executive for the United States. PHOTOS COURTESY THE NATIONAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE SECURITY CENTER �“It’s a great focal point. It reminds you where you came from; that old coal miner’s work ethic. That value and that trust still are with me today. I’m hoping to hand it down to my son one day.” The chunk of anthracite on Evanina’s desk is a reminder of his roots. He also, without hesitation and with the precise memory of someone who handles detailed intelligence matters, remembers the event that set him down the path toward becoming an FBI agent. He was a young teen riding his bike through Olyphant when he saw police cars outside a bank that had just been robbed. As he watched the officers going through their investigative steps he noticed a Dodge Dart pull up, and a man in a suit with a fedora emerge and walk up to the local police. Evanina asked someone who that guy was and was told the man was an FBI agent. He knew from that moment what he wanted to be. Getting there would take another 14 years. In between, his focus was on athletics, where he excelled at baseball and football. Former Valley View football coach Frank Pazzaglia was among those who provided structure and discipline in his life, two key cogs that would aid him in his future. But it was a Peckville town resident who came to watch the Cougars practice and play that left, perhaps, the longest-lasting and most meaningful impression on him as a teen. Local war hero and Medal of Honor winner Gino J. Merli would give pep talks to the players, and Evanina remembers their intent and meaning and carries the message with him to this day. “Fidelity, integrity, character. Don’t let adversity get you down,” Merli would tell the kids. “Let adversity be a tool.” “Him talking to high school kids was invaluable,” Evanina says. When Evanina graduated from Valley View in 1985, he went to Keystone Junior College to play baseball. After two years, he was recruited by Misericordia, Villanova and East Stroudsburg universities as well as by King’s College and Wilkes, among others. He opted to take his pitching and shortstop skills—and still deep-seated FBI aspirations—to Wilkes. He remembered playing high school state playoff games at Artillery Field, he liked the Wilkes campus and especially liked that it was “just far enough away but still close enough to come home on the weekends.” WILKES | Fall 2015 As an FBI agent “detailed out” to lead the center, Evanina first assumed the assignment in June 2014, and he thought he had a pretty good idea what he was getting into. He was wrong. “When I took this job, I didn’t fully understand the vastness and scope of the mission here,” Evanina recalls. But it’s just the latest big assignment for a man who has made his career in government with a focus on law enforcement. In his 18 years with the FBI, he was involved in major investigations that included 9/11, anthrax attacks, terrorist kidnappings and more. In speaking about his current job, Evanina says, “I’m not sure there is an average day. The days don’t end.” The phone never stops ringing. Things have changed from his easygoing days growing up in Peckville, Pa., just outside of Scranton. As one of John and Barb Evanina’s three children, he recalls a youth spent riding his bike around old anthracite mining pits, lettering in baseball and football for Valley View High School and playing video games with his friends. 7 �) William “Bill” Evanina, Alexandria, Va. Bachelor of Arts, Public Administration and History, WILKES | Fall 2015 He spent his two years at Wilkes residing in Pickering Hall, where he also served as a resident assistant. “(Pickering Hall) was attached to the cafeteria and had a triangle shape, which was very conducive to being a social butterfly, which is what I was.” He notes that mostly athletes resided in the sincedemolished hall that was located between West Ross and West South streets and South Franklin and South River streets. In his senior year, his Pickering Hall room neighbor was Jeff Yankow, a fellow Lackawanna County native and baseball pitcher. Yankow, who graduated from Wilkes in 1993 with an economics degree and now teaches that subject at Furman University, says the Bill Evanina he knew then has the same qualities as the man he knows today. “You respected his leadership. He commanded a high level of respect,” says Yankow, who was born in Olyphant, now resides in Greenville, S.C., and who played briefly in the Kansas City Royals’ minor league system. “He has such a work ethic, integrity. It’s no surprise to me he’s excelling at what he’s doing. Not one bit.” While playing both baseball and Sega Genesis took up some of Evanina’s time at Wilkes, he had several professors and staff members guiding him along, making sure his days after Wilkes would be successful and exercising his strong work ethic. Evanina mentioned baseball coach Jerry Bavitz, Dean of Students Mark R. Allen and professors Philip R. Tuhy and Susan Behuniak among those at Wilkes he credits with “being very attuned to the individual and what your needs were as a soon-to-be graduate.” He spent two years in the admissions office as a work-study student, giving tours to prospective students, mailing letters and doing other office work. He also landed an internship with the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office in the summer before his senior year. By watching the detectives and 8 Wilkes; Master of Education, educational leadership, Arcadia University. Career: National counterintelligence executive at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center in Bethesda, Md. Notable: His sister, Tanya, is also an FBI agent, assigned to work in the Pittsburgh field office. Favorite Wilkes Memory: “Weekend nights when we were bored out of our minds, we’d walk down to Public Square and go to Donuts Delight then go back to Pickering Hall and play Sega Genesis all night,” Evanina recalls. prosecutors, he learned that there’s a lot more that goes into a case than you realize. This, perhaps more than anything during his formative years, opened his eyes to the law enforcement community. “You got full exposure to the law enforcement process from crime to prosecution,” Evanina says, adding that prior to this experience he thought more about the crime aspect of such cases. But interacting with victims and even the criminal’s family, gave him a different perspective. “For every person that goes to jail there are many, many victims and friends and family of victims,” he says, When Evanina completed his bachelor’s degree in public administration and history at Wilkes, graduating magna cum laude, he was 21 years old. He still wanted to be an FBI agent, but applicants must be 26 years old. So five days after graduation, he became a federal government employee working in the General Services Administration office in Philadelphia. Left, Bill Evanina, center, celebrates his graduation day at Wilkes with his brother, Stephen, and sister, Tanya. Right, Evanina is up at bat in his days playing for the Colonels. PHOTOS COURTESY WILLIAM EVANINA �economic espionage: don’t be a victim A LECTURE BY BILL EVA NIN A ‘89 NATIONAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY CENTER 7 P.M. THURSDAY, NOV. 12, 2015 HENRY STUDENT CENTER BALLROOM Bill Evanina ’89 Delivers Lecture on “Economic Espionage” at Wilkes on Nov. 12 Alumnus Bill Evanina will share the knowledge he’s gained during more than two decades as an FBI agent and as national counterintelligence executive when he returns to Wilkes to deliver a lecture on Nov. 12. His presentation—“Economic Espionage: Don’t Be A Victim”—will provide information about how business owners and individuals can protect themselves from this threat. Evanina will speak at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Henry Student Center. The event is free and open to the public. WILKES | Fall 2015 During his five years there he rose to the level of project manager, handling construction projects for federal buildings and courthouses. But month after month the calendar turned another page closer to his chance to apply to the FBI. In 1996, he entered the bureau’s training program in Quantico, Va. After 21 intensive weeks he graduated in January 1997 and was assigned as a special agent in the Newark, N.J., field office, where he was placed on an organized crime unit for two years before being reassigned to an investigative unit handling violent crimes in New Jersey. Two years later his life—and the lives of millions of others— was about to change. On Sept. 11, 2001, two planes struck the World Trade Center, just 10 miles from Evanina’s Newark office. In that instant, Evanina would become intrinsically involved in working against the threat that is terrorism. Over the next 14 years he would move from office to office, unit to unit, while having a hand in counterterrorism, counterintelligence and security matters. While some might view all the moving and new assignments—especially the serious and stressful nature of them—as unappealing, Evanina says he’s been blessed. He reads intelligence reports from more than a dozen different counterintelligence and security organizations that receive guidance and direction from his office. That includes the FBI, CIA and the National Security Agency. From those reports he’s come to understand that the transformation of U.S. counterintelligence and cybersecurity methods has been eye-opening and constant. “The evolution has been not only expeditious but lightning speed,” Evanina says. He laughs, recalling that when he first started with the FBI, cell phones were rare. Agents would get a page, find a pay phone, call an 800 number and be “patched in.” Now pay phones are a rarity and cell phones are the norm. Noting that such things have come a long way in less than 20 years, Evanina says, “It grows and gets more complicated every day.” He says he hears the complaints from citizens about government intrusion and criticisms of the intelligence community, but he hopes Americans realize “there’s so much stuff being done by so many people in the intelligence community they don’t know about, nor should they.” Evanina does what he does each day hoping that his wife, JulieAnne, his son, 10-year-old Dominic, and other Americans can go to bed each night feeling a little safer. 9 �F1 RST IN THE FAMILY WILKES FUND SUPPORTS FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS By Donna Talarico-Beerman ’00, MFA’10 A secretary of state. A first lady. A coffee company CEO. The But being the first in the family to seek a degree does not come professional achievements of Colin Powell, Michelle Obama and without challenges. University Business also reported that first- Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz illustrate that success stories do generation college students are at higher risk of dropping out than indeed arise from being the first in one’s family to attend college. their peers. Earlier this year, The Washington Post reported that More than half of the undergraduates attending four-year institutions today are first-generation college students, the term used to classify those whose parents do not hold a degree. this is due to several factors, including a greater financial need and, in many cases, less moral support. Colleges and universities nationwide have embarked on programs That’s according to University Business magazine, which also to better support this constituency emotionally, academically and reported that 24 percent of students are first-generation and financially—to increase the ability of these students to achieve a low income. Wilkes University’s enrollment is in line with that dream. In addition to its already-strong mentoring for all students, national statistic. Wilkes in 2014 introduced a program that would provide financial “More than half of our incoming freshmen identify themselves as the first in their family to attend a four-year college,” says support to first-generation college students. The Founders Gala, Wilkes’ new premier fundraising event, President Patrick F. Leahy, adding that since it was founded as exclusively supports the First Generation Scholarship Fund. In its Bucknell University Junior College in 1933, Wilkes has helped first year, the sold-out event brought in $250,000 and to date the young scholars blaze the education trail for their families. Fund has raised more than half a million dollars. WILKES | Fall 2015 “In establishing the First Generation Scholarship Fund, the University has made a commitment to support those students in their journey to be 10 the first in their family to earn a degree,” says Leahy—those like Sergey, Margaret, Kyle, Salena and Cody, students you’ll meet on these pages: ASPIRING DOCTORS. A FUTURE NURSE. A BUDDING ENGINEER. �Found in Translation SERGEY SVINTOZELSKIY WHEN SOPHOMORE BIOLOGY MAJOR SERGEY SVINTOZELSKIY was younger, he translated for his Ukrainian family members while his grandfather was in the hospital. He knew, even then, that he felt comfortable in the medical environment. Later, shadowing his family doctor and being treated by an orthopedic surgeon for a shoulder injury sealed his interest in becoming a doctor. Svintozelskiy’s family moved from Ukraine to Plains, Pa., in 1999, when he was 4. His father left behind a career as an assistant veterinarian. In the States, he went into PHOTOS BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC Setting a Precedent SALENA DIAZ Diaz’ younger brother is 17, a senior in high school. She believes she’s a good influence on him and her 11-year-old sister. She is proud to be setting a precedent for the family, and, for that, she says, her mother is ecstatic. “It makes her even more optimistic that [my siblings] are going to be fine. College is absolutely feasible.” WILKES | Fall 2015 SOPHOMORE PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR SALENA Diaz was certain her mother got the message wrong. But the Kingston, Pa., native confirmed the information with Wilkes’ admissions office. “I honestly didn’t believe it,” she says of the moment she found out she was the recipient of a First Generation Scholarship. “Oh my goodness, I was over the moon!” After putting off applying to college, she attended an Instant Decision Day at Wilkes and, by the end of the event, she had been accepted. There was joy—but that soon turned to worry. “Acceptance is only the first hurdle,” she says. “The task of paying for college is a whole new beast.” She had high school friends whose parents went to college who could guide them through the application and financial aid process—something she did not have. “I was going in blind,” she says. “I thought it would be unbearably hard because no one could tell me it wasn’t.” Diaz, who is also minoring in Spanish, wrote a newspaper editorial about being a first-generation student. In the piece, she described herself as the oldest of three children “in a home captained by a hardworking single mother.” Her mom, a secretary, always encouraged her children to do well in school so they could earn a scholarship and continue on to college— “something she never got to do; her parents weren’t supportive [of higher education].” the food industry and now runs a restaurant in Pittston, Pa. Svintozelskiy says his family in Ukraine worked with their hands—on farms or in construction. His father didn’t want that for his kids. “My parents always envisioned us going to the States. They wanted us to excel in academics,” he says. By the time he graduated high school, he had earned 24 college credits at Wilkes through a Young Scholars program. He already knew faculty members and was acquainted with campus, so becoming a Colonel was a natural fit. Being awarded a first-generation student scholarship was a welcome bonus. “The financial aspect made a huge difference [in attending Wilkes]. I was overwhelmed and excited,” he says. Svintozelskiy knows that there’s often something different that motivates a firstgeneration college student. In his case, it was recognizing the sacrifices his family made. “My parents worked hard for us, and through their good will, we have opportunities,” he says, adding that he doesn’t take anything, including the college experience, for granted. 11 �Engineering a Future CODY COLARUSSO AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR, WEST WYOMING, PA., RESIDENT CODY Colarusso job-shadowed at Diamond Manufacturing, where his father had worked for 20 years as a machine operator. There he met Rob Falls ’09, an engineer. Colarusso was fascinated by the way Falls and his team drew on computers. “I asked him where he went to college, and he said Wilkes,” says Colarusso, now a sophomore engineering major. His older brother went to trade school and earned his commercial drivers license, but Colarusso would be the first in his family to receive a four-year degree. He knew he wanted a college degree and his parents pushed him to prepare. He took AP courses in high school and took a summer college-level calculus class. The budding mechanical engineer considered other schools, but decided Wilkes was the right fit for him—and he’d be able to remain at home and maintain his part-time job. Despite getting accepted to his college of choice, he was worried about finances Living for a Dream WILKES | Fall 2015 MARGARET GALATIOTO 12 because, as he describes, “we’re a family of four living on one income.” He was shocked and humbled when he got the call about the First-Generation Scholarship. “I was very driven to attend Wilkes and because of this award I was able,” he says. Colarusso says the engineering program is rigorous, but he knows “it will be worth it to push through.” And although much of his coursework revolves around science and math, he found an English class with associate professor and department chair Mischelle Anthony to be one of his favorites, offering a change of pace from science labs. Colarusso says his father taught him and his brother to always do the best in every situation and “if not, to try again.” That kind of determination, and being prepared for the unexpected, he says, is a trait first-generation college students share. “I want to succeed because I want to leave something behind,” he says. “And to give back to my parents too.” MOST OF HER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL classmates didn’t know what platelets were. But at a very young age Binghamton, N.Y., native Margaret Galatioto did. “I tried to understand [the medical terms] so I could understand what was happening with my father,” the sophomore neuroscience major says, explaining that he passed away from cancer in 2009. She says her father always pushed himself to be the best at everything he did, an expectation he also held for his children. “If we got a 90 on a test, he’d ask what we could do better.” Her mom taught her the importance of family. “She prepared me for how to take care of my, I hope, future family.” Galatioto recognized how hard her parents worked, despite financial and health obstacles; this instilled in her a desire and drive to succeed. �Nurturing a Career KYLE MCHALE “Just because you don’t have ‘XYZ’ doesn’t mean you can’t try hard and achieve crazy dreams,” she says. Her high school teachers continued to encourage her to “ask questions” and that curiosity kept her going in the “science direction.” She took college courses while still in high school—classes that involved rotations in hospitals. That’s where she fell in love with operating rooms. “I’m not a morning person, but the OR got me up at 5:30 a.m.” She also went to “mini-medical camps” as a kid and looked up to her teenaged counselors. “Now I’m that person,” she says. She helped Debra Chapman, biology education specialist, run Women Empowered by Science, Wilkes’ Throughout high school the Wilkes-Barre native worked, sometimes up to 30 hours in a week, and helped contribute to the family finances. Balancing a job, homework and chores afforded him time management skills he transferred to college. McHale, who commutes to campus, became interested in nursing after taking care of two autistic cousins during an entire summer. He administered medications, helped them exercise and bathe, and just assisted with simple, daily tasks. “It’s about wanting to see a person succeed. It’s not just about helping someone you care about, it’s being with them,” he says of his desire to be there fully for his future patients. A highlight of McHale’s campus tour was the nursing simulation center and a lengthy conversation with a professor; he was really moved by how much time she spent with him, even while he was still in “decision mode.” He says something about Wilkes grabbed him. “What I do know is that Wilkes makes you feel like you can succeed,” he says. McHale says that although his family struggled financially, his parents gave abundant support in other ways. The number-one thing that stands out is that his mom and dad never missed a sporting event, from T-ball to high school. He’d notice that his teammates’ families were not always in the stands. “I’d look over and see them hang their heads if they couldn’t find (their parents),” he says. “I may not have had a lot, but in those moments, the other person was envious of what I had.” McHale says that for students whose parents have a degree, the decision to go to college is likely more routine, something expected, constantly instilled. On the other hand, he says, first-generation college students don’t always have someone in their household to guide them through the process from personal experience. “I chose to be here,” he says. summer science program for middle school girls. When Galatioto began looking at colleges, Wilkes made it to the top of her list. She loved that it was small, that students made strong connections with advisors, and that it had a strong science program. But finances were a major factor in her ability to go to college. The First Generation Scholarship Fund lowered her family’s financial burden; and to continue to help her mom with college bills, Galatioto finds time to work on- and off-campus. “Everyone’s situation is different, but if a first-generation college student grew up watching their parents working extremely hard … they will be all the more motivated to persist,” she says. Her idea of success is being able to help people in the medical field, make a lasting impact on someone’s life and inspire other firstgeneration college students “to show them that they can do it as long as they are willing to work hard enough and believe in themselves.” But for now, she’s content on campus. “Wilkes is my second home. When I’m in the Cohen Science Center and look out at the greenway, I realize I have a lot to be thankful for,” she says. “I’m beyond thankful for the many gifts in my life.”� WILKES | Fall 2015 BEFORE THE CALL, THINGS WERE GRAY. DULL. A constant worry. But when sophomore nursing major Kyle McHale learned he was a recipient of a First Generation Scholarship, things changed. “It was like a curtain just dropped. We were relieved,” he says. McHale’s father worked two jobs—as a taxi driver and a hotel laborer—and his mother worked for a call center. His hard-working parents were, and still are, his role models. 13 �PATH TO GREATNESS CAMPUS .................................................................................... GATEWAY OPENS NEW ERA WILKES | Fall 2015 ------ 14 ·-------- - �O nce it was simply a sidewalk between two campus buildings, a well-traveled path from South Main Street to the center of the Wilkes campus. Five months and 47,700 bricks later, it’s become something more. Joining such campus landmarks as the John Wilkes statue, the Burns Bell Tower and the Fenner Quadrangle, the new campus Gateway promises to be a defining feature on the University landscape. Supported by a gift from alumnus Clayton Karambelas ’49 and his wife, Theresa, and a $600,000 PennDOT multi-modal grant, the Gateway provides a well-lit entrance and a cohesive centerpiece for Wilkes’ city campus. Dedicated on Oct. 2 during Homecoming weekend, the $1 million Gateway unites the campus, extending from South Main Street across campus and South Franklin Street to the heart of the greenway. GATEWAY FACTS • The metal archway at the entrance is made of structural steel tube. • 47,700 paver bricks were used. • The Gateway features over 2,000 plants and trees, including five red maples, 1,000 pachysandras, 55 wood ferns and 27 oakleaf hydrangeas. • The Howard replica clock stands 18 feet high. • It includes 11 lamp posts. • Pedestrian crosswalks were created on South Main and South Franklin streets. • The bases on the piers and curbs are Mt. Airy White granite from North Carolina. The cladding and caps on the piers is buff-colored limestone from Indiana, chosen to complement historic Weckesser Hall. • Architects for the project were Derck and Edson of Lititz, Pa. Construction was Opposite page, The archway for the campus Gateway on South Main Street provides an inviting entrance to Wilkes’ campus. This page, top right, clockwise from left, Students fill the Gateway as they travel to and from class. Upper right, The Howard replica clock towers 18 feet over the Gateway. Lower right, The new path crosses South Franklin Street into the heart of the greenway. Above, The seating area outside Weckesser Hall is ready for passersby to take a seat. PHOTOS BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC For more information about the Gateway and to view a time-lapse video of its construction and photos of its dedication, visit www.wilkes.edu/gateway. WILKES | Fall 2015 coordinated by Sordoni Construction Services Inc. 15 �HOPE CROWNED WITH EVANA MANANDHAR ’14 HELPS EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY AS MISS NEPAL WILKES | Fall 2015 By Lori M. Myers MA ’09 16 Above, Evana Manandhar ’14 greets the audience as she learns that she has won the title Miss Nepal World. Below, Manandhar distributes supplies to a woman affected by the earthquake that devastated Nepal. PHOTOS BY RAJAN MAHARJAN, LAXMI NARAYAN MAHARJAN, SAROJ PRAJAPATI AND BIBASH MAHARJAN SUWAL �B ecoming Miss Nepal World 2015 was never a childhood dream of Evana Manandhar ’14, but on April 18, she won the title, viewing this international platform as a stepping stone to help others. She didn’t have to wait long to realize that goal. One week later, a destructive 7.9 Richter scale earthquake struck her homeland and Manandhar was there to offer assistance to those in need. She credits Wilkes University and her family for developing the strength that enabled her to do this important work. “Wilkes helped build me to believe in myself,” Manandhar says. “Wilkes made me conquer Miss Nepal World.” The confidence and strength were important on April 25 while she sat in her sixth-floor residence in Kathmandu, 35 miles from the quake’s epicenter. As the earth shook, she ran to the basement for safety while the tallest tower in her city collapsed. Ironically, it also was Manandhar’s birthday. After several days, she traveled to the devastated areas to see firsthand the results of the quake. More than 8,000 people had died and families were living in tents under harsh conditions. Manandhar went to the local airport and directed foreign relief workers to the hard-hit areas. She distributed maternity kits and sanitary products to women and counseled children in orphanages who were left traumatized by the quake and its strong aftershocks. “I was in places I’d never been,” Manandhar says. “As Miss Nepal, you become the face for the country. The women and children connected with me. If I panicked, what would they do? I created hope for them.” Now, she says, people are concentrating on rebuilding Nepal. “I felt significant and carried lots of hopes of the Nepalese on my shoulders,” she says. “It was the moment to be strong. It was a great privilege to be their representative and make them realize that we are one nation, together.” Back in America, Manandhar’s Wilkes community hadn’t heard from her after the quake because there was no Internet service. Friends at the University were relieved when she finally posted on Facebook. In response to a request Manandhar made Evana Manandhar, Kathmandu, Nepal Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, Wilkes Notable: Miss Nepal World 2015; Ambassador for National Trust for Nature Conservation in Nepal Favorite Wilkes Memory: Taking a class with Wilkes University President Patrick F. Leahy and meeting inspiring mentors and professors from the Sidhu School of Business and the Center for Global Education and Diversity. on social media, the Wilkes community lit candles and observed a moment of silence on May 7 to remember the Nepalese people and the innocent lives lost. Manandhar’s dedication and the support and caring from those at Wilkes are not a surprise to Anne Heineman Batory, chair, Department of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Marketing in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership and a professor of marketing. Batory met Manandhar in fall 2011. She became her advisor when Manandhar declared marketing as her major. Batory recalls her former student as excellent both academically and as a team leader who inspired others. “Evana is a warm and compassionate person,” Batory says. “She was a friend and advisor to many of our international students. She wanted them to be successful at Wilkes, and she enjoyed learning about their home countries. As an international student, Evana wanted her classmates to understand and appreciate the graceful beauty of Nepal, Nepalese people, and Nepali culture. She shared pictures, artwork, fabrics and stories about Nepal in class.” Manandhar came to Wilkes from Kathmandu, Nepal, and was the only student from that country. She found the University through a consultant who was helping her to apply to colleges in the United States. She says it was “luck” that brought her to Wilkes, where she found a home and a family. Once she arrived, she quickly immersed herself in college life. Manandhar reached out to the University’s Center for Global Education and Diversity, working with staff and students on socialization, education, and social events. She hosted the first Nepali New Year at Wilkes to bring awareness of the cultural diversity, ethnicity, and the traditions of her country. When she graduated in May 2014—on her father’s birthday— her entire family came from Nepal and Connecticut to celebrate with her. She earned the Dean’s Excellence Award in Marketing at graduation. Manandhar will compete for the Miss World title in China in December, and continues to help her country. Wilkes, she says, is always part of everything she does. “I am proud to be a Wilkes alumna,” she says. “I am proud to be a Colonel, and once a Colonel, always one. Wilkes University pride.” Manandhar, right, gives books and school supplies to school children in her native Nepal. WILKES | Fall 2015 0 17 �alumni news New Board Members– Back to Campus During the May board meeting, five new members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors were elected. To help introduce them, we asked each one to talk about their favorite spot on campus. STEPHEN MOYER ’10 – Moyer graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and is the vice president of staffing recruitment at Huntsville Executive Search in Dallas, Pa. “My favorite spot at Wilkes is the Farley Library. I loved going there between classes, whether it was to use the computers or to do work. There was just something about climbing the steps to the second floor, finding a cubicle and getting to work.” COL. MARK RADO ’80 – Rado graduated with a bachelor JAMIE GWYNN ’09 – Gwynn holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies and now works as the assistant to the township manager in Northampton Township, Pa., and also assists the Bucks County Association of Township Officials. of science degree in business education. He is the U.S. Army Accessions Support Brigade commander in Fort Knox, Ky. “My spot is on “the hill,” which overlooks the Schmidt Stadium at Ralston Athletic Complex. (Trust me, no one who knows me “My favorite spot on campus was the Henry Student Center, expects me to say the library.) When I played football at Wilkes, it specifically the pool table section. I was a commuter student, was always exciting to come out of Munson Field House on top of and as a freshman I didn’t want to travel back and forth to my “the hill” and march down the steps and run onto the field. Later home between classes so I needed a place to stay and have fun. when I watched as a student, there was no better vantage point to I gravitated to the pool tables and bonded with lots of people. watch the game from. Now, when I return as an alumnus, “the hill” This became a hangout spot in between classes for a lot of us is the place to connect with old friends, make new friends and to throughout my experience at Wilkes.” rekindle memories of our time at our alma mater! Can’t wait to be on “the hill” for homecoming this year! AMY HETRO MBA ’12 – Hetro holds a master of business administration degree from Wilkes and works as an accounting professional for EDM Americas in the West Pittston, Pa., office. She is also an adjunct instructor in the Wilkes MBA program. “My favorite spot on campus is the greenway. Because I was “My favorite spot is the Henry Student Center. While at Wilkes, I evenings or on weekends. During our breaks from class, or even loved being in the middle of the action, and for me that almost between our weekender class sessions, my fellow classmates and always meant spending time in the SUB. From involvement in I would gather there to study, do assignments or just relax. The student clubs and organizations, fundraisers, events and just change of the seasons is one of my favorite parts of the Wilkes spending time with friends, most of my time out of the classroom University area and the greenway was always a great place to was spent in and around the building. As a result, some of my observe the leaves changing, snow falling, or flowers blooming.” favorite Wilkes memories were created there.” When you sign up your child or grandchild for our new Colonel’s Kids Club, they will receive a birthday card each year from the Colonel. Through the years, your child or grandchild may even get a few surprises as one of WILKES | Fall 2015 and graduated from Wilkes with a bachelor of science degree in accounting and business administration. He is an assurance associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Florham Park, N.J. an MBA student, most of my time spent on campus was in the SIGN UP FOR THE COLONEL’S KIDS CLUB! 18 JOHN SWEENEY ’13 – Sweeney comes from a family of Colonels the Colonel’s favorite kids! To sign up, please visit community.wilkes.edu/ colonelskidsclub. Pictured with the Colonel is Jack Ference, son of Jonathan PharmD ’03 and Kimberly (Hritzak) PharmD ’03 Ference. �giving back Susan Dalton Saint Onge ’91 Says Thanks With Gift to Women’s Soccer KES Susan Dalton Saint Onge ’91 left her mark as one of the Wilkes women’s soccer program’s inaugural team members. She’s making her mark again with a gift that helped to modernize the team’s locker rooms. In May 2015, Saint Onge and her husband, Kevin, who live in Fanwood, N.J., made a generous contribution of $10,000 for the project—one that is fitting for a player who helped to build a foundation for the more than 180 women who have played soccer for Wilkes since the sport began there in 1987. Saint Onge designated her gift to the women’s soccer program because this was the area that meant the most to her while at Wilkes. “The most fun I ever had in the sport was during my four years on the Wilkes team,” she says. “Susan and Kevin’s extremely generous gift made a great impact locker room space,” says women’s soccer head coach John Sumoski. In this interview, Susan reflects on her experience as a soccer player and why she chooses to give back to Wilkes. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WILKES MEMORY? I have many! One of the most exciting days on campus was when the entrepreneur and publisher Malcolm Forbes arrived via helicopter to dedicate Fortinsky Hall. Winter Weekend was always fun. I remember when the men’s soccer team won the 1990 ECAC Conference Title. And, of course, I remember when our team finally scored our first goal—thank you, Dawn Holser Acacio ’92! WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE PART OF THE INAUGURAL WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM AT WILKES? Exciting and daunting. Those early years of the program were rough. We were, however, hard-working, dedicated and enjoyed the sport enough to show up for practice, even when we knew the odds of us winning the next game were slim-tonone. Looking back now, you could say we were pioneers, but at the time we were just young women having a blast doing something we loved. Members of the women’s soccer team gather to thank Susan Dalton St. Onge ’91 and her husband, Kevin, for their gift supporting refurbishment of their locker room. Pictured from left are Shelby Trumbo, sophomore; Olivia Schlottmann, sophomore; Erin Donnelly ‘14, graduate assistant coach; John Sumoski, head women’s soccer coach; Susan Dalton Saint Onge ’91; Kevin Saint Onge; Sarah Wasley, senior; Megan Binder, senior; Kate Mahoney, senior. WHAT POSITION DID YOU PLAY HOW DID BEING PART OF A AND WHAT WAS YOUR NUMBER? COLLEGIATE TEAM HELP YOU IN I played defense—full back and stopper. I changed my number each year to match my age at the time—18, 19, 20 and 21! YOUR CAREER AFTER WILKES? WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON FROM WILKES DURING YOUR COLLEGE CAREER? An influential person in my college career was former professor and field hockey Coach Gay Meyers. During my first weeks of freshman year, I experienced several personal and family tragedies. She was my academic advisor and stepped in to help me navigate through a difficult time. WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE OF WOMEN’S SOCCER AT WILKES? Having witnessed the program’s very humble beginnings, Coach John Sumoski has transformed this program into a high-level, world-class and well-respected program. I believe athletics plays an integral part in work dynamics. Everything you do on and off the field contributes to the team. Improving your own skills, incorporating strategies, working with others, setting common goals, sharing ideas, dealing with adversity—all of those things contribute to your individual or team’s success or failure. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE WOMEN’S SOCCER PROGRAM AS A DESIGNATION FOR YOUR GIFT? It is important to me, to help out where I could make a difference, and to contribute to something that meant the most to me during my time at Wilkes. I recognize and appreciate the importance of women’s sports programs and how often these programs are underserved, especially at small colleges. WILKES | Fall 2015 on our program, inspired our young women and helped us update our 19 �class notes Wayne Henninger ’92 Hits Home Run as Little League Communications Executive Wayne Henninger ’92 emphasizes the importance of Little Henninger solved Little League’s 74-year-old problem: the League in his life. “I played Little League, my dad played Little lack of a direct line of communication to its most influential League, and now my son plays Little League,” he says. constituents: parents. He launched The Parent Connection, a His personal history has come in handy as Henninger monthly newsletter that reaches 1 million readers. managed communications for Little League International as The organization also runs the Urban Initiative Program, which both a consultant and its senior communications executive. develops programs in major cities to give disadvantaged youth an In the latter role, he managed an eight-person staff who opportunity to enjoy the game. Then there’s Henninger’s favorite champion Little League’s message of being a community- aspect about the Little League World Series: the Challenger oriented organization. Using the Little League website, Division, which gives intellectually and physically challenged newsletters and media coverage, the team sends that message children the opportunity to play baseball. to 7,000 leagues in over 80 countries. “We constantly beat the drum of fun, friends and community,” Henninger says. “And we do a lot more than just offer up baseball.” “We give kids that may have been dealt a little of a diminished hand an opportunity to enjoy sport, friends and community,” he says. Henninger knows firsthand the community that sport builds. As both consultant and communications executive, his greatest He was recruited to play basketball for Wilkes, and a campus visit challenge has been informing parents of the benefits that Little convinced him that the small class sizes, reputable instructors League offers over other activities available to children. and good communications program was right for him. “Little League is often the first page of a person’s lifelong He wanted to become an ESPN Sports Center anchor, so he scrapbook. I can remember riding my bike to practice, the taste concentrated on telecommunications and public relations. Then of boiled hotdogs with mustard and onion, the sound of tires an internship with the Detroit Pistons shifted his television crunching gravel as kids were being dropped off, and those focus to sports communications. The Pistons hired him after things have nothing to do with what happens on the baseball he graduated. field. I also remember my teammates, the rainouts and sitting in In 1998, Henninger launched his own sports-focused public the dugout hoping that it would stop, my first catch in left field. relations firm, Wave Public Relations, in Washington, D.C. My challenge is to communicate all of that to parents.” Clients included the Senior Olympics, Major League Lacrosse and the Pistons. He also wrote for Sports Business Journal “We constantly beat the drum of fun, friends and community. And we do a lot more than just offer up baseball.” and ESPN Magazine. He later sold his firm and became a consultant, with Little League International as a client. When a vacancy opened at Little League, Henninger agreed to temporarily fill the position, which lasted three years. As of Aug. 1 of this year, he’s come full circle, leaving his position to become a public relations consultant WILKES | Fall 2015 once again. And once again, Little League 20 International is his client. – By Francisco Tutella MA ‘15 Wayne Henninger ’92, seen at the Little League field in Williamsport, promotes the value of Little League baseball as its communications executive and a consultant. �class notes 1965 Leslie “Toby” Tobias Jenkins and Jim Jenkins celebrated their 49th anniversary in Trinidad, Colo. Leslie also placed 17 out of 90 women her age in the Spokane, Wash., Lilac Bloomsday 12K in May. This was her 27th Bloomsday. 1969 Philip W. Herfort, Ed Havrilla ’88 and Tawny Rushoe Dietrick ’85 are part of the Repasz Band. The band was invited by the U.S. National Park Service to perform at Appomattox,Va., on April 9 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the surrender of Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at the end of the American Civil War. 1971 Steven T. Case, professor emeritus of biochemistry and associate dean for medical school admissions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, retired after 36 years of service on the faculty. During the last decade, he was actively engaged with the Association of American Medical Colleges in facilitating medical school admissions workshops nationwide. 1972 Robert Byrne retired from The Citadel’s Counseling Center. Prior to that, he had a 24-year career with the Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., where he was director of the center for personal development. Mike Hughes retired as head coach of the women’s rowing program at the U.S. Naval Academy after 18 years at the helm and 24 years total at the academy. He was named Patriot League Coach of the Year in 2005, 2008, 2013 and 2015 and completed his career with three Patriot League Championships and two NCAA Championship bids. He was also named the 2015 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Region 2 Coach of the Year. trader and a principal for The Reserve Financial Group, specializing in options and equities trading. He and his wife, Susan, reside at The Encanterra Country Club and Resort in San Tan Valley, Ariz. 1974 Christine Mayo Donahue returned to her native Kingston, Pa., to play the role of Wilkes-Barre native and world’s worst opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins in a special presentation of “Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins” at Wyoming Seminary’s Kirby Center for the Creative Arts. She teaches voice at the University of Central Arkansas. Sharon Rodgers Naples became grandmother to Gemma Faith Benulis, born July 30, 2014. Naples is president and owner of Freelance Associates Inc., a graphic design, advertising, marketing and promotional product consulting and distribution firm named best local ad agency in 2014 by the Times Leader Luzerne County Reader’s Choice Awards. Naples and her husband, Gary, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on May 10, 2015. 1975 Bob Lehman retired from Honeywell Aerospace in July. He resides in Peoria, Ariz., with his wife, Melanie. They have three children and six grandchildren. 1976 William J. Goldsworthy Jr. was named executive director of the American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter. The chapter covers Luzerne, Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. 1973 Shirley Davis Newhart and her husband, Bob Hainly, have both retired and relocated to The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah, Ga. Ronald Yakus retired from American Greetings Corp. on July 7, 2014, after 40 years of service. He served as the southwest district sales manager for the past 25 years in Phoenix, Ariz. In January 2015, he became the senior 1967 Gerard “Jerry” McHale was named to the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Commercial Fraud Committee. The expert committee is at the forefront of fraud investigations and regularly publishes notices and alerts to others in the field, some of which help shape changes in national laws governing commercial fraud. McHale is a certified public accountant who specializes in bankruptcy, large-scale consumer fraud and litigation support. He has been involved in major national fraud and Ponzi scheme investigations for over 40 years—some of which have been featured on CNBC’s program American Greed. WILKES | Fall 2015 Undergraduate Degrees 21 �class notes 1977 John Jastrem was appointed chief executive officer of North American business at Arcadis, the world’s leading natural and built asset design and consultancy firm. Bruce Lear earned his Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification. He was also promoted to vice president of Global Sales for Hale Products Inc. 1980 Robert “Bob” Gaetano completed his first term as Kane Area School District superintendent of schools. He previously served as the Loyalsock Township Middle School principal in WILKES | Fall 2015 1977 22 Richard A. Russo, a partner in the law firm Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald LLP, was selected for inclusion in the 22nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Personal Injury Litigation—Plaintiffs. This is the second consecutive year that Russo was selected for this honor. Russo is the chairman of the firm’s personal injury practice. Russo serves on the board of directors for the Kevin Kitchnefsky Foundation for Spinal Cord Research. He lives in Dallas, Pa. Williamsport, Pa., and as an adjunct faculty member for the Wilkes Educational Leadership Program. Thomas Ralston was featured in public service announcements released by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. The commercials are part of an outreach effort for survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings. The commercials can be found at www.AskMOVA.org. 1982 Donna Fromel joined Lewith & Freeman Real Estate at the company’s Shavertown, Pa., office. Anthony Vlahovic was a finalist for the 2014 Special Olympics North America Coach of the Year award. He was nominated by Special Olympics New Jersey for initiating and coaching baseball in the state’s Special Olympics movement. A former Major League Baseball player,Vlahovic was among 15 individuals named as finalists. 1985 Tawny Rushoe Dietrick – See Undergraduate Degrees 1969. 1988 Ed Havrilla – See Undergraduate Degrees 1969. 1990 Jason Griggs and his business partner, Matt Cubbler, were featured in Entrepreneur magazine for their business, MaxOut Strength Systems. 1978 Bob Welsh volunteers on weekends as a scuba diver in the shark tank exhibits at Adventure Aquarium, Camden, N.J. He recently performed as “Scuba Santa” and was equipped with a microphone and earphones to speak with audiences during the show. He encourages Wilkes alumni to contact him to arrange for private “back stage” tours. 1993 Carmela Fox was named assistant vice president of human resources at Allied Services Integrated Health System. 1994 Jonny Perloff, along with two other inventors, patented inventions relating to devices and methods for treating damaged, diseased or traumatized portions of the spine. Perloff works for Globus Medical. He lives in Neffs, Pa. 1996 Jill Raspen was named a finalist for the Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award. Raspen is a sixth-grade English resource and classroom teacher at Ridgeview Middle School in Gaithersburg, Md. She was recognized for implementing technology such as Google learning apps in the classroom and leading a pilot program for the county’s 21st Century Learning Spaces Initiative to bridge the divides between individual learners. 1997 Paul Bracken, senior environmental engineer at Arcadis, received Engineering News-Record’s “Top 20 Under 40” award, which recognizes young professionals in all facets of design and construction. Bracken received the award from John Jastrem ’77, chief executive officer of Arcadis’ North American business. 1998 Jennifer Morrell Jordan was married to Craig Jordan in 2013. The couple reside in Lynchburg,Va. Jordan is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing at Wilkes. �class notes Taking A Bow: Corinna Sowers-Adler ’99 Receives Tony Nod for Education Efforts For Corinna Sowers-Adler ’99, the old adage holds true. It really is theatre at the Pocono and Bucks County playhouses. She an honor just to be nominated. During the spring, Sowers-Adler currently serves as executive director of the Gas Lamp received an unexpected message telling her she had been Academy of Performing Arts and Gas Lamp Players in Glen nominated for the first-ever Excellence in Theatre Education Ridge, N.J., where she directed this summer’s camp production Award, presented by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon of Urinetown: The Musical for students in grades 8 – 12. University. According to the Tony website, the annual award was While she enjoys nurturing young talent, Sowers-Adler created “to recognize a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has also has a busy career as an artist in her own right. She runs demonstrated monumental impact on the lives of students and NiCori Studios and Productions in Bloomfield, N.J., with her who embodies the highest standards of the profession.” husband and fellow alum Nick Adler ’00. Since 2010, she’s been “It was pretty thrilling to get that email, ‘You have been nominated performing her cabaret acts at venues throughout New York for a Tony Award,’ ” says Sowers-Adler. “The coolest part is you City. “As much as I miss Wilkes, it’s been the best thing for my get nominated by your students.” Sowers-Adler has worked career,” says Sowers-Adler. “Since moving closer to the city, my with hundreds of young singers and actors during her career. singing career started to take off.” Next up for Sowers-Adler are two performances of her “It was pretty thrilling to get that email, ‘You have been nominated for a Tony Award.’ ” critically acclaimed cabaret show “High Standards” on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Room, 34 W. 22nd St., New York, NY. Featuring the award winning pianist Alex Rybeck, “High Standards” spans a variety of classic and contemporary tunes mixed with witty banter. her Though graduation her schedule from Wilkes with a bachelor’s doesn’t allow for much free degree in theatre, she served time, as director of the Wilkes complaining. “In my business, University Sowers-Adler is not Conservatory it’s a blessing to be busy. It’s program for ten years. She good to be working on lots of also held the position of projects and I kind of like it that artistic director of children’s way. I’m singing for my supper.” Corinna Sowers-Adler ’99 leads the cast in a song from Urinetown, The Musical, at the Gas Lamp Academy of Performing Arts in Glen Ridge, N.J. Sowers-Adler’s 1999 Thomas Quinnan was appointed to the board of directors at Johnson College, Scranton, Pa. He is vice president of engineering at Leeward Construction Inc., Honesdale, Pa. To learn more, visit website at www.corinnasings.com. – By Kelly Clisham, ’12 MA’15 Jennifer Radzwillowicz was elected the 2015 Pennsylvania Junior Chamber (Jaycees) state president. 2001 Angelina Cardoso graduated with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of St. Joseph. 2005 Sabrina Naples Benulis and Michael Benulis welcomed their daughter, Gemma Faith Benulis, on July 30, 2014. The family resides in Drums, Pa. Sabrina’s second book in the dark fantasy trilogy The Books of Raziel, titled Covenant, was published by Harper Collins in April 2014. The third and final book in the series, Angelus, will be released in November 2015. Julian Morales MBA ’08 is now director of admissions at Penn State Law in State College, Pa. WILKES | Fall 2015 Following 23 �class notes 2015 Kyle Romm was hired as an engineer at HNTB Corp., Philadelphia, in the company’s transportation/highways department. Graduate Degrees 2005 Darron Fadden and his wife, Jessica, welcomed a daughter, Lillian Harper, on July 24, 2014. Lillian weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long. 2006 Miranda Heness Philbin was featured on Restaurant Startup on CNBC Prime on March 10, 2015, with her company, Peculiar Culinary Company. 2008 Jackie Klahold MS ’15 started a new job at Penn College as head softball coach and senior women’s administrator. Jody L. Post and Steven S. Lada were married Dec. 31, 2014, at the Beaumont Inn in Dallas, Pa. The bride is a program specialist at the Institute for Human Resources and Services in Kingston, Pa., and a therapist for Community Counseling Services, also in Kingston, Pa. The groom is a police officer. 2010 Kimberly Pham and Dominic Serine were married on May 30, 2015, by Moosic Mayor James Segilia at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, Plains Township, Pa. The bride is a physician assistant at Intermountain Medical Group. The groom is a trade finance specialist at Bank of America. Andrew Seaman was named member of the month for July 2015 by the Society of Professional Journalists. He is chairman of the organization’s ethics committee. Seaman is senior medical journalist with Thomson Reuters in New York City. WILKES | Fall 2015 2008 24 Marc Honrath and Brianna Bertoni Honrath were married on June 12, 2015, in Rehoboth Beach, Del. The groom is a captain in the U.S. Air Force. The couple resides in Ohio. 2013 Sheila Cook was named head women’s basketball coach at Alvernia University, Reading, Pa. 1991 Brian Rinker MHA was named senior vice president of the northeastern Pennsylvania region at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. 2005 Melissa Leedock PharmD was hired at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center to implement specialty pharmacy services. 2008 Julian Morales MBA – See Undergraduates Degrees 2005. 2009 Amanda Michaud Hess and Ryan Hess MBA ’10 were married on March 18, 2015, at Square Jean XXIII in Paris, France. The bride is a physician assistant at Maricopa County of Public Health. The groom is a student recruiter for Wilkes University’s Mesa Campus. The couple resides in Chandler, Ariz. They are pictured outside the Louvre Museum. PHOTO BY FRAN BOLONI 2010 Ryan Hess MBA – See Undergraduate Degrees 2009. Luciana Musto MA is director of advancement for the NativityMiguel School, Scranton, Pa. 2011 Amye Archer MFA earned the Provost Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Scranton, Scranton, Pa. She has taught courses in composition, business writing and creative writing at the university for five years and serves as the Writing Center coordinator. 2013 Amanda Dougherty Ward PharmD and Theron Ward PharmD were married on May 30, 2015. 2012 Kevin McCormick MBA was promoted to vice president at Fidelity Bank. 2015 Jackie Klahold MS – See undergraduates 2008 �class notes In Memoriam Remembering Robert S. Capin ’50 Wilkes’ Third President Left Mark as Leader and Teacher When Robert S. Capin ’50 was appointed Wilkes University’s Many former students third president, his comment to The Beacon reflected his remember him as a passionate lifetime commitment to the institution. “I consider it an honor to and invested teacher. His serve as president of Wilkes. The job is a particular thrill to me, academic standards were because I have participated in all phases of the Wilkes College high, and he believed that all family—first as a student, as faculty member, as academic dean, students deserved a quality acting president and finally as president,” said Capin, who earned education. To that end, the a bachelor’s degree in economics. Robert S. Capin Teaching The only one of Wilkes’ six presidents to graduate from the Chair in Accounting was University, Capin, who passed away on June 22, 2015, made a established, as well as the significant impact on the Wilkes community in most of those Endowed roles. The late U.S. Circuit Court Judge Max Rosenn headed up Accounting the presidential search committee that selected Capin, and he accounting majors. Scholarship for in freshman lauded his “unique ability to deal with problems firmly and fairly Education was a vital and and, at the same time, command the respect of faculty, student important part of his own body and administration.” life. He earned a master of Robert Capin ’50, Wilkes third president, used his finance and accounting skills to secure a period of financial stability during his tenure. As a Navy veteran of World War II, Capin began to develop the business administration while leadership skills that would serve him well at Wilkes. One of his teaching part-time at Wilkes most challenging roles as president was tackling the enormous and working as a certified debt load after rebuilding the university from the Agnes flood public accountant, first at in 1972. He used his leadership skills and accounting experience Laventhol & Horwath and as comptroller for Sitkin’s Metal Trading. to enable the school to operate in the black nine years in a row. He ran his own business as a certified public accountant from 1959 He also executed two multimillion-dollar capital campaigns leading to 1974. He was later awarded an honorary doctorate. to a new residence hall—Founder’s Hall which later became Evans Community also was significant to Capin, who worked with Hall—and renovations of several Tom Kelly ’69, professor of management at Binghamton University, was fortunate to have worked with Capin, first as a student and later as a colleague at Wilkes. In the eulogy he delivered at Capin’s many non-profit organizations. “His endearing personality, his knowledge of accounting, and his excellent teaching skills made Bob an excellent professor.” – Tom Kelly ’69 memorial service, Kelly stated, He was always supported by his family, especially his wife, Libby, who encouraged him in all his endeavors. Capin was proud of his daughters, Deborah and Ellen, and his son, David, and his grandchildren, Jeffrey, Mark, Abigail, Claire, Rea, Joshua, Aaron and Shira. “His endearing personality, his knowledge of accounting, and his Capin’s many accomplishments helped to make Wilkes University excellent teaching skills made Bob an excellent professor. And a place where a quality education was the only option. In eulogizing I know of these excellent teaching skills because I benefited in him, Kelly said, “His combination of abilities made him a renowned 1967 from taking an accounting course with Bob—and I have teacher whose classes quickly filled every semester. Many of his modeled some of his effective teaching techniques to this former students whom he personally mentored and counseled very day.” After Kelly earned his doctorate in higher education went on to be partners with the largest and most prestigious administration from Cornell in 1977, Capin brought him back accounting firms in the world: KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to serve as a dean on his senior staff. They traveled together Ernst & Young, and Deloitte. Bob was, indeed, a master teacher extensively in support of Wilkes. and masterful mentor.” WILKES | Fall 2015 historic facilities on campus. 25 �class notes 1942 June Owens, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died April 26, 2015. She taught mathematics in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District and retired from Myers High School in 1988. 1944 Alex Kotch, of Golden, Colo., died March 8, 2014. He was a research chemist for DuPont Co., program director for organic chemistry at the National Science Foundation, professor and associate chair of the chemistry department at the University of WisconsinMadison, assistant director for Information and Education at the Solar Energy Research Institute, and director of research and program development and professor of chemistry at the University of North Dakota-Grand Forks. Janet Post Phillips, of Shavertown, Pa., died Jan. 24, 2015. She owned a small dress shop, 3 Brook Street. Phillips worked at Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. until her retirement. WILKES | Fall 2015 1947 Harris Roy Boyce, of Whitehall, Pa., died Dec. 18, 2014. He was employed at Duquesne Light Co. for 40 years as an electrical engineer. He also served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. 26 1949 John F. Holbrook, of West Amwell, N.J., died March 19, 2015. He taught and served in school administration in the Westfield, N.J., school district for 35 years. He was a World War II veteran. 1950 Joseph P. Brennan, of Shavertown, Pa., died Feb. 28, 2015. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a licensed stockbroker at Butcher and Singer in Philadelphia, returning to the Wyoming Valley to manage the firm’s Wilkes-Barre office. He retired as a financial advisor from Wells Fargo in 2011. Donald Rau, of Berwick, Pa., died July 15, 2015. He was plant manager at Laros Textile Co. in Kingston, Pa., and later plant manager and vice president at Lady Esther Lingerie Corp. 1951 Delbert McGuire, of Cartersville, Ga., died March 2, 2015. He managed stores owned by the W.T. Grant company. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during World War II. He is preceded in death by his wife, June Persing McGuire ’49. He is survived by his son, Richard ’74. 1952 John Albert Sauciunas, formerly of Kingston, Pa., died April 1, 2015. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. 1953 Victor Turoski, of Neenah, Wis., died June 18, 2015. He was an analytical chemist at Carter Wallace, the American Can Company, and James River Corp. 1954 John J. Wojnar, of Williamsville, N.Y., died Oct. 16, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War and was a Naval Reserves commander. He was a research chemist and worked in sales at Occidental Petroleum, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 1955 Lawrence J. Nicholson, of Wilmington, Del., died March 12, 2015. He was a charter member of the teaching staff at Brandywine High School and later became director of personnel/pupil personnel services and assistant to the superintendent. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Charles A. Williams Jr., of Sugar Notch, Pa., died May 7, 2015. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force in the European Theater during World War II and was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. 1958 Lee W. Eckert, of Dallas, Pa., died June 17, 2015. He enjoyed a four-decade career as a structural engineer, working with the Wilkes-Barre firms Lacy, Atherton and Davis, and Quad Three Engineering, from which he retired as vice president. Gerald Minturn, of Santa Cruz, Calif., died July 26, 2014. He worked at IBM for 28 years and taught as an adjunct professor of computer science at State University of New York at Binghamton. He later relocated to Silicon Valley and joined Cooper & Chyan Technology as vice president. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Korean War veteran. Mary Craig Pugh, of Warner Robins, Ga., died July 4, 2014. Pugh worked in accounting at Miners Bank, West Hazleton, Pa., and at banks in Warner Robins, Ga. She was in-school suspension teacher at Northside Elementary School, Warner Robins, Ga. Shirley Ginz Putt, of Phoenix, N.Y., died Aug. 24, 2014. She served as a registered nurse in the U.S. Navy. Jacqueline Oliver Stevens, of Guilford, Conn., died May 21, 2015. Until her 2004 retirement, she served as reference librarian and head of reference at the Guilford Free Library. 1959 Lisa Chilson, of Virginia Beach, Va., died Aug. 12, 2014. She worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years, concluding as senior clinical analyst with the Clinical Documentation Team at Sentara Healthcare,Va. Don E. Wilkinson Jr., of Upper St. Clair, Pa., died January 23, 2015. He was an administrator of local Pennsylvania taxes for many years. 1960 Donald E. Stein, of Dallas, Pa., died April 20, 2015. He worked for Exxon Mobil Corp. and retired as district manager after more than 30 years with the company. Richard Rawley Wileman, of Prospect, Ky., died March 1, 2015. He worked in sales and marketing in Pennsylvania, New York City and New Jersey before relocating to Kentucky. �class notes Tom Williams Jr., of Liberty, Mo., died April 22, 2013. He was a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving two combat tours in Vietnam. He retired from the military in 1987 and later served on the Richmond (Mo.) Zoning Board. 1964 Clinton G. Hess, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., died April 4, 2015. He was a supervisory systems analyst from the U.S. Navy Fleet Material Support Office and later worked for PNC Bank. 1966 Robert L. Deets, of Hellertown, Pa., died May 1, 2014. He owned and operated the Robert L. Deets & Associates financial planning and insurance agency. 1968 Arthur “Art” Tevethan, of Westerville, Ohio, died April 10, 2014. He was director of reinsurance for Nationwide Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Following his retirement, he was CEO of Reinsurance Recovery Solutions. 1969 Owen “Jim” Costello, of Mountain Top, Pa., died March 28, 2015. He served as executive director for the Wilkes-Barre Recreation Board from 1974 to 1982. He was president and CEO of the Keystone State Games. 1970 Dan F. Kopen, of Shavertown, Pa., died May 26, 2015. Kopen, a former member of Wilkes Board of Trustees, was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. He earned a medical degree from Penn State Hershey Medical School, a master’s degree in healthcare administration from King’s College, a Six Sigma black belt from Villanova University, and a juris doctorate from Concord University. 1971 Albert Martin, of Harveys Lake, Pa., died March 25, 2015. He served as pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Queens, N.Y., and Christ Lutheran Church, Floral Park, N.Y., for 25 years. 1975 Dominick Pannunzio, of Dupont, Pa., died March 23, 2015. After receiving his law degree, he served as assistant district attorney for Luzerne County and had a law practice in Dupont. 1976 William B. Urosevich, of Lewisburg, Pa., died May 6, 2015. He was an optometrist for 30 years, operating Urosevich Eye Associates in Lewisburg. He also was professor of human anatomy and physiology at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Pa. In 1989 Wilkes University honored him with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Reilly Urosevich ’77, and brother, Thomas ’82. 1980 James Davis, of San Rafael, Calif., died May 15, 2015. He was chair of the economics department at Santa Rosa Junior College. 1985 John M. Stich, of Glen Allen, Va., died on June 30, 2014. He worked at Acosta Sales and Marketing as director of the Super Valu office in Richmond, Va. 1992 Jacquelyn Cunningham, of Norristown, Pa., died June 10, 2015. She worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 2005 William B. Palmer, of West Hazleton, Pa., died Dec. 2, 2013. He was last employed by Tobyhanna Army Depot. Faculty Patricia (Boyle) Heaman died June 8, 2015. A professor emerita of English at Wilkes, she chaired the department for 12 years. She established the Writing Lab, now known as the Writing Center, making it an integral part of the department. Heaman graduated from Wilkes in 1961 and earned her doctorate in English literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She was devoted to teaching and scholarship, her mentorship of her students and colleagues and her commitment to her community and social justice. She served on the boards of the League of Women Voters and Planned Parenthood of Northeast Pennsylvania and was instrumental in establishing the White Haven Area Community Library. She is survived by her husband, Robert, professor emeritus of English. John F. Myers died May 5, 2015. A professor emeritus of history, Myers joined Wilkes in 1969. Teaching was his first love and he was a specialist in American colonial history and the American early national period. He also was called upon to fulfill many roles during more than 30 years at Wilkes. In addition to teaching, he filled a half dozen administration roles. In 1986, he became associate dean of academic affairs and, in 1990, added the title and responsibilities of registrar. He served as registrar until his retirement in 2001. He is survived by his long-time companion Mary Ann Merrigan, associate dean of the Wilkes School of Nursing. Friends of Wilkes Arnold S. Rifkin, of WilkesBarre, Pa., died Aug. 3, 2015. Rifkin served as a Wilkes University trustee from 1980 until 1997 and served as board treasurer for three years. His many contributions to the University include the donation of the student residence known as Rifkin Hall and the lobby of Evans Hall, another student residence. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Rifkin was president of A. Rifkin Co., a company started by his father that was a part of Wilkes-Barre for more than a century. Along with his wife, Sandy, he was a community leader, supporting a variety of Wyoming Valley organizations. In addition to his wife, Rifkin is survived by his three children, Michael ’76, Jody and Kathleen. WILKES | Fall 2015 1961 David Lee Gottshall, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., died Nov. 19, 2014. He had a long career in sales and business management, retiring from Doughboy Recreational as vice president of sales and marketing. 27 �class notes Jane Lampe-Groh Leaves Legacy in Lives of Students She Mentored Jane Lampe-Groh, dean of student affairs emerita, joined Wilkes in 1969 as dean of women after Wilkes’ first president, Eugene Farley, interviewed her for the position. She later served as associate dean of student affairs and then dean of student affairs until retiring in 1997. In a 2008 interview, Lampe-Groh recalled her first meeting with President Farley. She said, “What impressed me about Dr. Farley was that he talked a little bit about the college, and then he talked extensively about the students. That just hit me right between the eyes. This is the kind of place I wanted to be.” Jane Lampe Groh, dean of students emerita, touched the lives of many students during her time at Wilkes. Lampe-Groh showed her commitment to the University’s students through the hundreds of relationships she formed. Michael T. Beachem IV ’98, associate director of residence life With her passing on May 7, 2015, she was remembered by at International House Philadelphia, remembers how nervous alumni whose lives were touched by her mentoring. he was when Lampe-Groh approached him in the Pickering Shelley Freeman ’82, now head of Consumer Credit Cafeteria and asked to speak with him upon finishing his lunch. Solutions at Wells Fargo & Company, remembers Lampe-Groh “I worried in vain,” he says. The dean wanted him to consider as “an extraordinary voice of student advocacy” and a source of taking part in Inter-collegiate Leadership Wilkes-Barre, which strong personal support. Freeman recalls Lampe-Groh’s smile she advised. The program led to his future leadership roles as a and warm embrace, her ability to deliver a funny story deadpan, resident assistant, yearbook editor and class president. and her unmistakable laughter. She says, “Dean Lampe-Groh “As a young closeted gay man, that confidence in me was was the living representation of our Wilkes motto: the power life-changing,” Beachem says. “Dean Lampe-Groh knew how to of independent thinking.” bring out the best attributes of her students and encourage our Several alumni discussed Lampe-Groh’s influence in shaping abilities. She knew so many of us on a personal level. I remember their careers. Sarah Vandermark ’96, director of the Advising driving back from an event in her car and she put on a Barbra Success Center at New Jersey Institute of Technology, says that Streisand CD. Intentional or simply a fan, I’ll never know, but I do know that she knew us all Lampe-Groh took her under her wing as a freshman and later encouraged her interest in working in higher education. “During year, Dean my senior Lampe-Groh allowed me to create an independent three-credit “I truly believe my passion for change, helping students succeed and advising students came when I met Dean Lampe-Groh.” – Sarah Vandermark ’96 WILKES | Fall 2015 She also will be remembered as the wife of the legendary associate professor emeritus of English and theatre arts and Wilkes theatre arts program founder, Al Groh ’41. They were married in 1977 in the Kingston home they shared until Groh’s course and learn about the 28 before we knew ourselves.” different departments on campus,” she says. Her interactions death in February 2013. Beachem says, “The love they shared by with Lampe-Groh led Vandermark to pursue a master’s opening their home and heart to so many Wilkes students over degree in counseling and higher education and a doctorate in the years left an indelible mark on so many Wilkes alumni.” counselor education. In the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Wilkes magazine, family “I truly believe my passion for change, helping students members recalled the couple’s devotion. “You don’t find many succeed and advising students came when I met Dean couples so utterly content with each other,” said Chris Miller ’83, Lampe-Groh and thought to myself, ‘One day, I want to be just Groh’s nephew. His sister, Alison Miller Kovalchik ’79, added, “It like her,’ ” Vandermark says. was a beautiful love story.” �JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATION OF THE PERFORMING ARTS Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present and anticipate the future of the performing arts at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center. An evening of music, theatre and dance performances and special reminiscences is planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the Darte Center and the special place it holds as a home for Wilkes University’s performing arts programs. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015  •  8 P.M. Please RSVP by visiting http://www.community.wilkes.edu/DDD50. Patrons requesting accommodations or services at Wilkes University or Wilkes University-sponsored events in accordance with The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III: Public Accommodations are asked to contact the University at 1-800-Wilkes-U to request such services/accommodations. It is recommended that requests be made at least 48 hours prior to any event. �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events October Through Oct. 11 Blair Seitz: Aerial Perspectives, 12 – 4:30 p.m., Sordoni Art Gallery 15-18 Fall Recess 24 Family Day 2015 24 Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts 50th Anniversary Celebration, 8 p.m. November 12 “Economic Espionage: Don’t Be a Victim” featuring alumnus William Evanina ’89, 7 p.m., ballroom, Henry Student Center 13-22 Wilkes University Theatre Presents: Shout! The Mod Musical, 8 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m., Darte Center 14 Admissions Instant Decision Open House 15 Empty Bowls benefiting local food banks, ballroom, Henry Student Center, 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. 18 Gardner Lecture Series: “How Do We Measure What We Know: The Controversy Over Standardized Testing,” 1 – 2 p.m., Breiseth 206 25-29 Thanksgiving Recess December 6 Civic Band Concert, 3 p.m., Darte Center 7 Chamber Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., Darte Center 10 Jazz Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., Darte Center 11 Chorus/Chamber Singers Concert, 7:30 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 13 Flute Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., Darte Center 14 Fall Classes End January 4-15 Intersession 2016 8-15 Graduate Creative Writing Program Residency 10-14 Maslow Faculty Reading Series, Graduate Creative Writing Program, 7 p.m., Darte Center 18 Spring Semester 2016 Classes Commence 23 Wilkes University Admissions Open House Wilkes Homecoming. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2015 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2015 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/0f7a68dc4ed1e1a980157f1b8c884b7e.pdf 9adb1636d1d8987190912f498ef6c078 PDF Text Text FALL 2014 Hunting for Success Nate Hosie ’08 is a World-Class Hunter and Aspiring Musician INSIDE: THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS AT WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 1 10/6/14 9:15 PM �president’s letter VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 3 WILKES MAGAZINE Strategic Plan Provides Gateway to the Future University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood S ince becoming president of Wilkes, many alumni have heard me say that we can become one of the finest universities, not just in this region, but in this nation. That can only happen if we have a clear sense of direction and an understanding of how we will get there. With the completion of Gateway to the Future: The Wilkes University Strategic Plan 2014-2020, we are ready to continue this journey. Our new strategic plan focuses on six key themes: 1. Foster Excellence in Academic Programs: As a University dedicated to student success and lifelong learning, Wilkes must continue to develop programs that transform students’ lives. 2. Invest in Our People: Since faculty, staff and alumni are our most important assets in transforming the lives of our students, Wilkes must continue to invest in these relationships. 3. Recruit, Retain, Place and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate Students: As an enrollment-dependent institution, Wilkes must make the most of its opportunities to increase enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students, recruiting these students from an increasingly wide area. 4. Improve Our Financial Strength: With the cost of attendance reaching a tipping point, Wilkes must strengthen and diversify its ability to generate and manage resources. 5. Strengthen Our Campus Infrastructure: With intensifying competition for students, Wilkes must ensure that we have the facilities and resources that our faculty, staff, and students need to excel. 6. Support Efforts at Redeveloping Downtown Wilkes-Barre: As an anchor in the center of Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes must continue to be a force for positive economic, cultural and social development in its community. Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy shares his vision for the University at the first Founders Gala. This message allows me to provide only the briefest of overviews of this dynamic plan. I invite you to visit www.wilkes.edu and click on “About Wilkes.” Under a link for Leadership, you will be able to read the plan in its entirety. It is an ambitious plan. But, as the poet, Goethe, said: “Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” At Wilkes, we have big dreams, and we’ll need everyone in order to realize them. Please join me in supporting these efforts. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 1 FALL 2014 Executive Editor Jack Chielli M.A.’08 Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner Graduate Assistant Francisco Tutella Bill Thomas ’13 Interns Shawn Carey Alyssa Stencavage Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Pemcor Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 M.S.’76 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Director Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Associate Director Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 Alumni Events Manager Jacki Lukas ’11 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Cindy Charnetski ’97 Vice President Ellen Hall ’71 Secretary Kathy Heltzel ’82 MSA ’85 Historian Laura Cardinale ’72 Wilkes magazine is published three times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications and Government Relations, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. 10/6/14 9:15 PM �6 12 18 14 contents FEATURES 6 Professional Prognostications The Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership marks its 10th anniversary as faculty and alumni contemplate the future of business. PHOTO COURTESY “HEADHUNTERS TV” 12 �Passport to Experience 2 On Campus 5 Athletics 20 Alumni News 22 Class Notes Three Wilkes alumni launch their teaching careers at an international school in Malaysia. 14 �Paradise Found Jason Evans ’00 runs his successful video production company, SilverShark Media, on Maui. 18 Hunting for Success Nate Hosie ’08 is a professional hunter and an up-and-coming musician. Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline £:j FPO SC WILKES | Winter 2014 Nate Hosie ’08 is a professional hunter on the Outdoor Channel’s “Headhunters TV.” DEPARTMENTS 1 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 1 10/6/14 9:15 PM �on campus Students in Tune With New Marching Band The Marching Colonels—Wilkes’ new marching band—stepped out for the first time at the Sept. 6 home football game. The 32 band members participated in a ten-day band camp prior to the start of classes to get them ready for their unique role as members of the region’s first collegiate marching band. In addition to learning their repertoire of classic rock and roll and practicing their marching moves, one of the highlights of the camp was trying on their uniforms for the first time. The band is directed by associate professor of music Philip Simon. Left, Marching Colonels Sarah Hankey, Lauren McClintock, and Autumn Peck show off their new uniforms during band camp. Right, freshman Lauren McClintock tries on her hat for marching band for the first time. PHOTOS BY STEVE HUSTED WILKES | Fall 2014 Wilkes Receives $3 Million in State Funding for Engineering Labs The future of engineering education at Wilkes received a boost with a transformative gift from the state of Pennsylvania. Gov. Tom Corbett announced that the University is receiving a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant for engineering labs in the College of Science and Engineering. The grant, which requires Wilkes to match the funding, will be used to make $6 million in improvements “The laboratories that we create from this funding will allow us to continue our goal of providing students with the facilities and opportunities of a much larger institution in the intimate setting of a liberal arts college,” Wilkes President Patrick Leahy said. “It also will allow us to continue our commitment to support the city of Wilkes-Barre and the region. We will do that by sharing these facilities with our industrial partners.” Because of the interdisciplinary nature of research, science students outside of the engineering major will have opportunities to use the labs, Leahy said. The money will fund renovations to the Stark Learning Center— including creation or upgrading of three new high-tech laboratories for research and development. The labs are: The Nanotechnology Laboratory will be a multi-disciplinary, state-of-the art-facility to support teaching and research in microelectronics and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology, one of the most cutting-edge areas of research, involves understanding and controlling matter at an extremely small scale. The state funding will allow Wilkes to make optimum use of $500,000 in nanotechnology equipment already donated to the University by Fairchild Semiconductor of Mountaintop, Pa. The Additive Manufacturing Laboratory will be an integral part of the Applied Manufacturing Center. Additive manufacturing includes emerging fields like 3-D printing and developing automated processes that allow precise manufacturing at high volumes. The Bioengineering Laboratory will provide for advanced work and research in the fields of microscopy, robotics and computational sciences. Wilkes offers a master’s degree in bioengineering. 2 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 2 10/6/14 9:15 PM �on campus New Director and New Direction at Allan P. Kirby Center Wilkes’ Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship has a new director and a new direction. Rodney Ridley Sr. is the new director and is also its Allan P Kirby Jr. Distinguished Professor of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. In announcing Ridley’s appointment, the University also unveiled plans for major new programs that build on the Kirby Center’s mission and expand its offerings. These include establishing a business incubator in downtown Wilkes-Barre and a technology transfer office at the University. Ridley previously served as director of the Division of Engineering and Physics. “Never satisfied with the status quo, Dr. Ridley in five years has made a significant contribution to engineering education at Wilkes.” – President Patrick F. Leahy STARTING SEASON SPORT COACH SCORECARD New coaches, new sports – you need a scorecard to keep up with all of the developments in Wilkes athletics program. HARRY IZZI METZ SARA MYERS TREY BROWN ARMSTRONG .. 4D• V' .. •& CURTIS JAQUES MARK BARNES .X.~ •~ .. .. Men’s & Women’s Basketball Field Hockey Football Women’s Golf Men’s Lacrosse Swimming 2014-2015 2014-2015 Fall 2014 Fall 2014 Fall 2015 2014-2015 WILKES | Fall 2014 ATHLETICS In announcing the appointment, President Patrick F. Leahy said that Ridley’s vision for encouraging entrepreneurial education spanning academic disciplines and his ability to build strategic partnerships with business and industry makes him uniquely suited to his new role. “In the five years that Dr. Ridley has been at Wilkes, he has become known for his ability to be an innovative and entrepreneurial thinker,” Leahy said. “Never satisfied with the status quo, Dr. Ridley in five years has made a significant contribution to engineering education at Wilkes. His vision for a new direction for the Allan P. Kirby Center promises to transform entrepreneurial education at the University and impact the development of new enterprises in the region.” The Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship was established in 1993 with a focus on teaching the principles of free enterprise and entrepreneurship. The center’s core mission is to educate and encourage young people with the vision, ambition and agility to launch and run the businesses of the future. An annual lecture series, The Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, has brought leading experts in business and politics to the campus and community. 3 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 3 10/6/14 9:15 PM �on campus Distinct School of Nursing Established Beginning With 2014-2015 Academic Year Wilkes Debuts New Web Site Wilkes has established a distinct School of Nursing, becoming the only higher education institution with a separate nursing school in northeast Pennsylvania. The move, which began with the start of the 2014-2015 academic year, allows Wilkes to better respond to a growing demand for nursing programs regionally and nationally. Anne A. Skleder, senior vice president and provost, said that the move allows for a stronger focus on nursing education and reflects Wilkes’ larger academic mission. “Creating a separate Wilkes University School of Nursing will add to the University’s unique academic footprint. Wilkes will have seven separate schools and colleges similar to a much larger university but our programs will be offered in the mentoring culture of a small liberal arts university,” Skleder said. Skleder also announced that Deborah Zbegner Deborah A. Zbegner is interim dean of the School of Nursing. Zbegner, who had served as director of Wilkes graduate nursing programs, will provide leadership and guidance over undergraduate and graduate programs. A national search for a permanent dean will be conducted in the coming year. Wilkes’ undergraduate and graduate nursing programs grew significantly over the last few years. Additional growth is expected due to an expanding job market for nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects nursing jobs to increase by 19.4 percent by 2022. A nursing student practices administering oxygen on a manikin in the nursing simulation center. WILKES | Fall 2014 PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS Get ready for a new experience when visiting Wilkes’ web site. A newly designed site with improved navigability will debut at www.wilkes.edu some time in October. A poster campaign on campus, pictured here, piqued interest in the soon-to-be unveiled site. Pharmacy Professor Eric Wright Studies Role of Community Pharmacists in Health Care Eric Wright, associate professor of pharmacy practice, has received a $600,000 research grant from the National Association of Chain Drugstores Foundation to expand the role of community pharmacists within the health care team. Wright is partnering with Geisinger Health System and participating pharmacies Eric Wright in central and northeastern Pennsylvania in conducting the study. “This research is focused on how we can expand the role of the pharmacist to reduce the rate of 30-day readmissions among high-risk patients,” says Wright, principal investigator, who holds a joint appointment as a faculty member in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy at Wilkes and research investigator at Geisinger’s Center for Health Research. “Our goal is to significantly reduce the percentage of patients readmitted with high-risk conditions, such as heart attack, pneumonia, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by June 2016.” Wright explained that some readmissions are due to medication errors, adverse reactions to medication or lack of adherence. Wright will analyze what he calls a “warm handoff,” which occurs when a hospital pharmacist forwards a discharged patient’s medical information to the patient’s preferred pharmacist. Provided with this information, the community pharmacist can better evaluate a patient’s medication needs. The pharmacist can then perform an extra consultation with the patient to ensure he or she understands prescription information, when and how to take the drug and its possible side effects. 4 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 4 10/6/14 9:15 PM �athletics PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS Colonels Defensive Back Omar Richardson Balances Responsibilities By Bill Thomas ’13 Omar Richardson is thinking about the future. Specifically, he’s thinking about his post-graduate plans to pursue a two-year residency specializing in oncology after completing his doctor of pharmacy degree in 2016. It’s a specialization that holds personal resonance for Richardson. “I got into pharmacy because I always liked chemistry, and my dad is in the medical field too, so that influenced me a lot. But my main reason for getting into the healthcare field is to give back to people who have cancer,” says Richardson, whose father commutes to a job as a CT scan technician in Brooklyn. “I’ve lost multiple family members to cancer and I still have family members winning the fight against cancer. I’ve lost my grandfather, aunt and cousins, and I have two aunts right now who are winning the battle against cancer. I don’t mind telling people about my family’s battle with cancer because it’s what motivates me to do well in school and reach my goals.” Staying motivated is key for Richardson. Not only is the East Stroudsburg native enrolled in a challenging major at Wilkes, he’s also a defensive back for the school’s football team. Many students would find maintaining the balance between such demanding priorities to be an obstacle. For Richardson, though, the level of time management required to maintain a rigid schedule of classes, labs and athletic practice is just what he needs to keep him grounded. “My first semester of college was rough. That was the only semester I didn’t play football,” Richardson says. “My lowest GPA was my first semester, but once I started playing football, I started doing way better. It actually got easier for me. “...my main reason for getting into the healthcare field is to give back to people who have cancer.” Omar Richardson is playing his final season for the Colonels. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK It gives me less time to play around and procrastinate. It helps me focus, knowing I have to do this, this and this, in this amount of time.” That focus has earned Richardson a regular spot on the dean’s list. It also earned him a place on the 2014 USA College Football Division III Pre-Season All-American Second Team – Defense. Despite all this, Richardson is quick to admit that he wasn’t always a model student, nor a star athlete. “I actually got into sports as a consequence for my behavior. I used to get into trouble here and there at school, so the principal advised my parents to put me in a sport, which changed my life as I know it,” he says. “Football has been my number-one sport since 7th grade. I chose football over all other sports because football opened many doors for me, from an athletic acknowledgement standpoint to a tool to use to better my academic standing.” He says he’ll miss the sport that’s given him so many opportunities. WILKES | Fall 2014 – Omar Richardson 5 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 5 10/6/14 9:15 PM �PROFESSIONAL Alumni and Faculty Predict Future Trends In Their Fields -------------------➔ By Helen Kaiser Ask 10 business experts to predict the future of their industries— and get 10 different answers. Ask Justin Matus, assistant professor and director of the MBA program in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, and he boils it down to one point. “We always have winners and losers in business,” Matus says. “The winners are the ones who find the way to match their strengths to the demands of the market place. This fundamental will not change.” Even as the fundamentals of business success remain constant, the means to achieve it continue to evolve. As the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership marks its 10th anniversary, Wilkes magazine takes this opportunity to reach out to business faculty and successful business alumni. We asked them what changes we can expect to see WILKES | Fall 2014 in their fields over the next decade. Their insights echo certain themes—including the continued globalization of business, rapid increases in technology and the development of products and services individually tailored to the consumer-driven market. The experts also anticipate there will be a critical need for workers to become lifelong learners and to develop skills to become sensitive leaders. Here are their insights: 6 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 6 10/6/14 9:15 PM �JEFFREY R. ALVES Dean, Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Professor of Entrepreneurship Wilkes University Expertise: Entrepreneurship JOHN CEFALY ’70 Executive Vice Chairman, Brokerage Division Cushman & Wakefield Inc.   Expertise: Commercial Real Estate The real estate industry historically has been a very local business with local customs and traditions of how business is serviced and conducted. Presently, however, it is evolving and will continue to evolve into a more global business. Practices are being standardized as international organizations gain a much greater foothold in the marketplace. We must make adjustments in how these organizations are serviced. Transactions with compensation earned as deals are completed will ultimately evolve into a model where compensation will be less risk oriented and will be based more on fees as a result of ongoing advisory business. In other words, brokers will less likely be earning commissions as opposed to earning fees based on advice and strategy. Transactions will be only part of what a real estate firm will be compensated for. In order to serve the large international firms, a global platform will be required. Major real estate firms will need to be all things to all companies—providing top-down to bottom-up services starting with advice and strategy, business consulting, benchmarking and best practices to ongoing maintenance of the client’s facilities. The need and use of technology has expedited this process. Fewer people will be needed to service these accounts as technology will connect the various far-flung offices of these international mega firms. DAN CARDELL ’79 Chairman Chicago Quantitative Alliance Expertise: Investment Management In the past 20 years, there has been a movement toward the use of more quantitative methods in the investment management process. This “quantification” has been driven primarily by rapid changes in the computing power available to professional investors. This trend toward the use of more quantitative techniques will not only continue, but also will accelerate in the upcoming years. As a result of these changes, investment firms will require exceptional skills in the fields of mathematics, statistics and computer science. The days of subjective decision making based on a “gut feeling” are long gone. Today’s markets are driven by hard data and algorithms written by Ph.D.s with advanced programming and data management skills. Portfolio decisions are likely to be driven by probability-based, multi-factored models, and trading strategies are now measured in micro-seconds. The investment business has also become increasingly global, requiring around the clock trading strategies and an understanding of international business relationships, currencies and worldwide economic trends.  WILKES | Fall 2014 I have had the good fortune of serving on the executive committees and as president of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) and more recently the International Council for Small Business (ICSB).  Since my early involvement with entrepreneurship education in 1978, we have seen entrepreneurship evolve from a concept focused on creating value through the launch and growth of businesses to the recognition that entrepreneurial thinking and attitudes are important and pervasive in many areas of our lives, both here and around the world.   We are seeing this in the United States as public and private support for entrepreneurial activities expands, both for micro and high-potential ventures.  Indeed, public policy has moved in the direction of advocating entrepreneurship as the generator of economic development. Globally we are seeing the same thing.  What is fascinating and encouraging is the fact that this “entrepreneurial revolution” is occurring in countries with the full range of political philosophies and systems—from democratic to dictator to socialist and communist and from developed to developing countries.  Entrepreneurship is helping to level the playing field between the classes, ethnic groups and sexes.   7 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 7 10/6/14 9:15 PM �DENISE CESARE ’77 President & CEO, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Expertise: Health Care ANTHONY J. DaRe ’00 WILKES | Fall 2014 Agency Principal Within the last several years, we have seen a definitive movement to consumerism and a retail market within the health care sector. This shift to a more consumer driven market will continue to have an impact on all sectors of the health care industry: patients/consumers, employers, providers, health insurers, drug manufacturers and government. Coupled with the move to a consumer-centric focus will be the continued aging of the population (in particular, the baby-boomer generation), resulting in an increased demand for health care. Over the next decade, we can expect to see changes designed to improve both the value and convenience of the patient experience. As consumers are becoming increasingly responsible for larger portions of their health care costs, we’ll definitely see investments in technology aimed at assisting the consumer in comparison shopping for both providers and health plans, and decreasing the hassle involved with both financing and delivery. Consumers can expect improvements in transparency tools to assist in choice of provider, showing cost and outcome information; as well as advances in telemedicine, allowing the patient to receive care in lower cost settings, including at home, without sacrificing quality. More employers will increase offerings of their own private insurance exchanges, or participate in regional or national exchanges, to have greater control over benefit offerings and provider networks to appeal to their employees. Payers (i.e. insurers) and providers are already dealing with a significant increase in the amount of regulation and oversight as a result of the recently implemented Affordable Care Act. We can expect to see continued consolidation as well as integration, both within and among these sectors. With the increased attention to cost to consumers, both payers and providers need to achieve efficiency and scale to compete for consumer choice. This means not only administrative efficiency within all of the health care sectors, but also efficiency in managing the patient. There will be a push toward leveraging clinical data for patient management and improved experiences. “We’ll definitely see investments in technology aimed at assisting the consumer in comparison shopping for both providers and health plans.” BSI Corporate Benefits LLC. Expertise: Employee benefits/health care Over the next decade, the courts will decide what health care reform ultimately looks like. It will still be around in 10 years, but it will change quite a bit based on changing Washington, D.C., administrations and various court decisions. There are certain fundamentals that every company looking to remain competitive and control the bottom line should follow in regards to employee benefits and health care over the next decade. “Skin in the game:” For employees, deductibles and co-pays will continue to rise; and the popularity of Health Savings Accounts will continue to explode and most likely take over the majority of the market. The concept is simple: does an employee care what an MRI costs if the cost out of their pocket is zero or minimal? Absolutely not. Will an employee care about the cost of an MRI if it’s his money? Absolutely. For employers, self-funding will continue to rise in popularity. Self-funding allows an employer to take control of medical spending with protection via stop-loss insurance. We will see employers taking the lead in controlling health care costs by negotiating directly with hospitals. Large employers will do it directly; smaller companies will do it collectively through various consortiums. Insurance companies currently handle this responsibility, and they do not do it well. The employers who ultimately pay the claims are not just going to sit at that table, they are going to own the table. Transparency: Not many people know that the cost of an MRI in the same machine varies greatly from place to place. In the next 10 years, everyone will know. Employees will care about cost (see above), and technology will be available for not just price comparison, but also quality comparison at the click of a button. Need a prescription drug? Type it into your smartphone and find out which pharmacies carry the medicine, how much it costs, and how far away from you it is. The power of the consumer is coming to health care in a major way. Ten years and 10,000 per day: That is the number of baby boomers who will turn 65 every day for the next decade. They are living longer; they are working longer, and their health care costs are going to skyrocket. How does our current health care system accommodate them and who is going to subsidize the cost of their care are major questions to resolve. 8 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 8 10/6/14 9:15 PM �KATHLEEN HOULIHAN ’95, MBA ’01 Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems and Marketing  Jay S. Sidhu School of Business Expertise: Social Media and Business Senior Vice President, General Mills President, General Mills Canada Expertise: Global Food Manufacturing At General Mills, our product offerings and business model are constantly evolving to meet consumer demand around the globe. No longer is packaged food “one size fits all.” Consumers today want differentiated products that are tailored to meet their individual needs, ranging from taste to convenience to nutritional value to sustainability to social responsibility and more. As a company, our key strategy to counter these changes is focusing tightly on our consumers—what they like to eat, where they like to shop and how they approach cooking today. As consumer preferences and shopper habits evolve, I believe the most successful companies will possess deep consumer empathy and be characterized by their high level of integrity, transparency, agility and nimbleness and best-in-class speed to market. In order to achieve these measures of success, food manufacturers and retailers will need to place increased pressure on attracting and retaining talented employees across the business who are capable of dealing with a higher level of complexity. In the end, the ability to accurately assess unmet consumer needs proves you have a right to win and executing with brilliance will separate the winners from the also-rans. THE NEW SIDHU The opening of the 2014-2015 academic year saw the opening of a new home for the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. The University Center on Main was transformed via a $3 million renovation into the school’s new headquarters. The building boasts a room that simulates a stock exchange trading floor complete with stock ticker, high-tech classrooms, faculty offices and meeting rooms for students. Pictured below is the new videoconferencing classroom. For more photos of the new Sidhu home, visit www.wilkes.edu/newSidhu. WILKES | Fall 2014 DAVID DUDICK ’79 The word-of-mouth/social networking approach was very effective in the past (think Tupperware™ parties in the 1960s), and it will continue to generate sales for organizations in the future. New technologies in the area of social media, however, are now more focused on listening to customers and uncovering new ways of understanding consumer behavior than with creating social networks. Companies that have access to Big Data are more interested in mining existing social media channels and in comparing social media data with other types of data that exists in the company databases. Social media, meaning the use of digital social networking sites to create opportunities for educating the customer and for commerce, is only one of many tools that are emerging. Companies will also use new strategies to reach customers more effectively in the future. Two of these innovations are proximity marketing and tracking devices. Proximity marketing will allow businesses to identify the customer’s approximate age, gender and other traits. When a customer walks by a device in the store it will advertise products based on the customer’s characteristics. The computer will recognize who the best customers are for each product, and develop a database of what the purchase triggers are for each customer persona. Social media and other technologies will continue to evolve, and companies will continue to learn about their customers from listening. Organizations that are agile enough to meet customer needs will have the greatest chance of survival. 9 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 9 10/6/14 9:15 PM �JUSTIN MATUS Assistant Professor and Chair, Business Division Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Expertise: Strategy I think the biggest change in the field of business strategy will be finding new ways to survive and thrive in a more global market. Specifically, there is a trend across all industries for more consolidation—not just within the United States, but across all countries on all of the continents. We are seeing bigger and bigger companies and less and less competition. The great unknown is what governments and policy makers will do in light of these trends.  There is already some pushback against corporations growing bigger and bigger (too big to fail), the lack of competition and the formation of what are essentially oligopolies and even duopolies.Yet the regulatory environment has thus far been rather tepid in trying to slow down the pace of these mergers, acquisitions and consolidations. As I look out over the horizon of 10 years and the effect this will have on “strategy,” I think in many ways it will be just like any other force on an industry. There will always be winners and losers. What may change is the how of winning. To use a sports metaphor, think about the game of football and the evolution of the forward pass. Can anyone imagine winning an NFL game today without a lot of passing? Yet 75 years ago the game of football was dominated by teams that primarily ran the football. In the business world today, the how of winning is typically simply having low prices or high-quality products. In the future a business may need to build its strategy around something else, perhaps by building a strong emotional connection to each customer through social media, data mining and semi-customized products and services. In the field of medicine we are not that far off from diagnosing patients through DNA testing and genetics at a very specific individual level, and soon we will be custom-manufacturing drugs for a specific patient such that each patient has a much nuanced diagnosis and treatment. In that same sense of individualism, strategy for the masses may go the way of football’s ground game of the 1930s and Wal-Mart’s everyday low prices of 2014.   THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS EDUCATION Over the past several decades, the United States has evolved from the preeminent world leader to one of the group of preeminent world leaders. Concurrently, both business practitioners and academics have witnessed the evolution of business over these decades as we have progressed— willingly or unwillingly—from an ethnocentric to a global business economy. During this time, our nation, perhaps because of its ongoing dominant role in world affairs, has been the country that has been the slowest to adopt a global perspective; and, as such, its businesses have also been the slowest to adjust to the challenges of a global economy. Unfortunately, U.S. institutions WILKES | Fall 2014 of higher education have been even slower to acknowledge the DAVID RALSTON ’69 Professor and Knight Ridder Research Fellow College of Business Florida International University changing face of business in the 21st century. Consequently, our institutions of higher education have lagged far behind the better universities of Europe and Asia in regard to the internationalization of business curricula. 10 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 10 10/6/14 9:15 PM �JAY S. SIDHU MBA ’73 Chairman and CEO, Customers Bank Expertise: Banking In my view, there are three main developments that will become more prominent in business or any kind of industry over the next decade. First, the development of authentic leadership will be a key need as we move toward more technological and less human interaction. The style of a leader will be important and different than it is today. Leaders and their employees will need to develop mutual trust and responsibility for meeting clear goals. With sophisticated methods of measuring employee performance and processes being used more and more, employers can know what their employees are doing all of the time. Just as during the Industrial Revolution when company measurements of how many widgets were being produced caused anxiety for employees, these new technologies may impact employees in the same way. Whether employees are working at home or elsewhere, leaders will need to use a higher level of human skill sets, because they will not have eyeball-to-eyeball contact to interact with and develop their team. Leaders will need to be much more sensitive to keep employees motivated and meeting goals and will need to reward them for performance. Secondly, we have only scratched the surface in the effective use of technology in white collar jobs. Technology will have a major impact not only in what we do and where we work, but in how we provide the highest level of service to our customers and how technology can be of better use to the corporate team. Thirdly, in the upcoming decade the pace of change will be three to five times faster than what we have seen in the last 10 years. We will need to be extremely passionate about continuous improvement and continuous learning. Twenty-five years ago, post-college learning was mainly on-the-job. Within the past five to 10 years it has come to mean what you pursue yourself—whether to improve your current credentials or to train for new employment after a job was eliminated. The ones who can adapt to this change will have a higher level of success. I believe the vision of the Sidhu School is completely aligned with educational needs of this changing environment. Its mission is not just to educate and develop the technical skill set or the core competences expected from business managers today, but to develop the human skills of authentic leaders that can adapt to all types of challenges in this rapidly changing environment. It’s a unique business school, one of its kind at least in the northeast United States. To read more of Ralston’s assessment of international Far-sighted U.S. universities, such as the University of South business education and the reflections of Wilkes Carolina and Thunderbird School of Global Management, business faculty Anthony Liuzzo, Marianne Rexer which internationalized their curricula decades ago, have seen and others on the future of business education, a growing number of other universities follow their lead and please visit www.wilkes.edu/futureofbusiness. start to internationalize their curricula over the past decade. different course content, because teaching management, marketing, finance and accounting based on the international rules of the game is substantially different from teaching these Those universities that are now just thinking about internationalizing are behind the curve; those that haven’t yet started are going to find themselves left behind and having trouble finding students to fill their classes a decade from now. disciplines from the provincial approach that has permeated Furthermore, some business schools develop an international the discipline in the U.S. for the previous several decades. To business program in which perhaps 10 to 20 percent of the this point, we need to acknowledge that change is daunting; business students major, and they consider their work done. and casting a blind eye on the reality of change certainly may What we see in the more progressive schools is a movement be easier and more comfortable, especially for the myopic. toward internationalizing the entire business curriculum so that all students are prepared to be successful in the business world of today, not just a small percentage of them. WILKES | Fall 2014 Internationalization requires a modified curriculum and 11 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 11 10/6/14 9:15 PM �Nick Barno ’13 calls on a student in his classroom at Sri Utama School in Johor Bahrun, Malaysia. PHOTO COURTESY NICK BARNO Passport to Experience WILKES | Fall 2014 WILKES ALUMNI TEACH AT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN MALAYSIA By Geoff Gehman The Chinese boy was overwhelmed at his new school in his new country of Malaysia. His screaming disturbed his teacher, Rebecca Gallaher ’12, who was already dealing with four Korean students with no English skills and others with suspected learning disabilities. Gallaher’s gut instinct told her that he would improve with more personal attention. She enlisted an unlikely classroom ally: the boy’s nanny. The nanny made sure he followed lessons properly and promptly. She admonished him to improve his awful handwriting. She even took notes so he wouldn’t have to decipher his own notes at home. The nanny experiment exceeded expectations. Daniel became a fine student, one of the best fourth-grade scientists. Gallaher predicts her “super adorable” pupil will prosper in fifth grade, where he’ll be taught by Kaitlyn McGurk ’12, her partner in a program that has sent Wilkes undergraduates to student teach at Sri Utama International School in Kuala Lumpur. McGurk, Gallaher and Nick Barno ’13 are the first Wilkes alumni to return to teach full time in Malaysia after student teaching there. The Wilkes exchange with Sri Utama began after Gina Morrison, an associate professor in Wilkes’ Division of Global History and Languages, was on sabbatical studying the policies of Malaysian female educators in Kuala Lumpur in 2010. She needed a school for her adopted daughter, Victoria. She found Sri Utama, which opened in 1994, the year Morrison first visited Malaysia with her husband, William, a Malaysian of Indian heritage. Impressed with each others’ commitment to education, Morrison and Dato Fawziah, the school’s founding CEO, began working together. She asked Morrison to teach American 12 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 12 10/6/14 9:15 PM �methods—creative games, classroom management, inclusion—to Sri Utama teachers. In exchange, she decreased tuition for Morrison’s daughter. The arrangement worked so well, the women expanded the novel plan after Morrison returned to Wilkes. In 2011, the first group of six Wilkes undergraduates began teaching at Sri Utama, monitored by veteran teachers for seven weeks. All their costs—airfare, lodging, food, recreational trips—were paid by Dato Fawziah. One of Dato Fawziah’s beneficiaries is McGurk, who majored in elementary education and now teaches fifth- and sixth-graders at the school. Sri Utama, in turn, has benefited from McGurk’s initiatives: an art exhibit, a poetry contest involving parents, the after-school programs Reading Rally and Girl Power. She’s also introduced volleyball, her varsity sport at Wilkes, to a country mad about badminton. Teaching in another country has not been without challenges. McGurk has struggled with Malaysian educational norms: poor technology; lecture-based teaching; frustratingly slow, frustratingly polite decisions made by committee. For Barno, the biggest challenge is teaching English for the first time to students who don’t know English. A history major at Wilkes, he’s made learning a new language easier for seventh- to ninth-graders at the Sri Utama branch in Johor Bahru, a city near Singapore. He’s added classes for struggling students and a friendlier textbook, the lavishly cartooned “Cool Ways to Improve Your English.” Gallaher, who also has a degree in elementary education, was asked to teach lessons about peer pressure, forgiveness and fears—subjects much trickier to teach than English. She encouraged a native Korean to discuss his fear of not returning to his homeland, and a Sudan native to discuss his fear of returning to the country where his father was murdered. Both Dato Fawziah and Morrison have helped make the Americans more Malaysian. McGurk now loves Nasi Lemak, coconut rice with toasted peanuts, fried anchovies and sambal, a chili sauce. Barno digs Chinese New Year, which has more fireworks than eight New Year’s eves. Gallaher follows the Malaysian practice of walking shoeless in homes, which delights her mother. The Wilkes graduates admire the extraordinary tolerance of Malaysians, a celebration of races and religions that Morrison calls “a national treasure.” Muslims attend Christmas parties. Christians eat in Muslim homes during Eid al-Fitr, the three-day feast after Ramadan’s fast, and everyone celebrates Chinese New Year. “On the whole, the people of Malaysia know how to look past the qualities that divide us,” says Barno, “and focus on the things that bring us together.” Indeed, Gallaher couldn’t teach the American civil rights movement because her Malaysian students couldn’t fathom whites oppressing blacks. The Malaysian alliance keeps growing. Last year Wilkes hosted two scholarship students from the Sri Utama branch in Johor Bahru. “On the whole, the people of Malaysia know how to look past the qualities that divide us...” Top, Barno and his students enjoy a relaxed moment. Center, Kaitlyn McGurk ’12 and some of her fifth- and sixth-graders pose in her colorful classroom. Bottom, Rebecca Gallaher ’12’s students show off medals they won. PHOTOS COURTESY NICK BARNO, KAITLYN MCGURK Gallaher has learned lessons in Malaysia that she can use in any classroom anywhere. “I’ve learned that if you’re ever in doubt, don’t run to a book and look it up,” she says. “Follow your basic instincts; go with your gut... I’ve also learned that you can’t always go with your first impression, your first judgment. The problem might not be that a student is stubborn; it might be that he simply doesn’t speak your language.” WILKES | Fall 2014 AND REBECCA GALLAHER 13 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 13 10/6/14 9:15 PM �WILKES | Fall 2014 Jason Evans ’00 dons attire that reflects the laid-back nature of doing business on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Opposite, Evans takes a break from a busy schedule. PHOTOS BY ANTHONY MARTINEZ 14 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 14 10/6/14 9:15 PM �JASON EVANS ’00 BUILDS VIDEO BUSINESS ON MAUI By Bill Thomas ’13 Moving to Maui might just be the best decision Jason Evans ’00 ever made. It might also be his most spontaneous. “My dad did a lot of traveling for work, so I was able to go to Hawaii a few times when I was younger, at about 13 or 14. Then I went there again when I was about 24, around 2005. I remember I was telling the people I was with how I always wanted to live there. I love the water, I love the weather and the food, I love scuba diving, wakeboarding and surfing – but there was no TV in Hawaii that I could be involved in,” Evans recalls. Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 15 At the time, the communication studies graduate was working as a producer for Philadelphia-based Banyan Productions, on the top-rated TLC show “Trading Spaces.” “When we got back to the hotel, The Maui Visitor Channel was on. I joked that I could work for those guys. On a whim, I cold-called them to see how often their turnover was and it turned out they were looking for a producer right then and there.” For two years, Evans produced television commercials, programming segments and long-format productions for the Maui Visitors Bureau and the Four Seasons resort at Manele Bay on the island of Lana’i. Then he decided to take another chance. Hoping to provide Hawaii, a small market with few options for media production, with a fresh, forward-thinking alternative, Evans started his own company based in Maui, SilverShark Media. “The way media is going now, if you’re not creating for more than one platform, you’re really limiting your scope,” Evans said. “Television is an industry, like a lot of creative arts industries, whether it be music or art or whatever, where changes in technology have made things more accessible. You don’t have to have a million-dollar bankroll to run a company; you need creativity and talent.” 10/6/14 9:15 PM �That philosophy has already landed SilverShark several noteworthy projects. In addition to commercials and company marketing videos, SilverShark produces “Making Over Maui,” a weekly web-based series for Maui Na Ko Oi, a regional magazine. “Making Over Maui” features local businesses performing positive makeovers within their communities. One notable episode featured “House M.D.” and “Tron: Legacy” actress Olivia Wilde. The company has also worked on such national programs as the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern” and the Golf Channel’s “The Haney Project.” Evans worked with professional boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, Food Network star Mario Batali, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Angie Everhart and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine during one three-month period for the Golf Channel program. In 2010, SilverShark was nominated for the Maui Mayor’s Small Business Award. Evans attributes his success to his proactive nature—it was he who approached Maui Na Ka Oi with the “Making Over Maui” idea—and the head start he got on the technical side of television production from Wilkes University. “I always knew I was going to be in television... I wanted to go somewhere that I could actually get hands-on experience early.” “Making Over Maui” host Lia Krieg laughs with employees of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. working for Habitat for Humanity, while Evans, in foreground, and his crew film an episode of the long-running web series. Above, Evans poses with “Awesome Planet” host Philippe Cousteau Jr., center, and camera operator Mark Gambol, right, at Yellowstone National Park. WILKES | Fall 2014 PHOTO BY JOHN HARA. 16 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 16 10/6/14 9:15 PM �Evans celebrates the success he’s found in Hawaii. Jason Evans ’00, Maui, Hawaii B.A., Communication Studies, Wilkes Career: Owns and operates production company SilverShark Media, nominated for the Maui Mayor’s Small Business Award, 2010. Notable: As freelance produce for “Awesome Adventures” was nominated for a 2014 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Travel Program and also was nominated as producer. Favorite Wilkes Memories: Working on the Wilkes Left, Evans oversees shooting of an episode of his Emmy-nominated syndicated educational travel show “Awesome Adventures” in Maya Bay, Thailand, with host Nicole Dabeau and two local teens. show “The Colonel’s Edge” for three years with close friends January Johnson ’00, Matt Reitnour ’01 and Dave DiMartino ’01. Calling Wilkes football and basketball games for radio and television. WILKES | Fall 2014 -- I “I always knew I was going to be in television, and knowing that I wanted to be in that industry, I wanted to go somewhere that I could actually get hands-on experience early. I didn’t want to wait until my senior year for my first chance to produce something,” Evans says. “I went into that Wilkes television studio and I helped create a sports show in my sophomore year that continued for three more years. I got to edit. I got to host. I got to shoot. I got to work in front of the camera and behind it. During my junior year, when I was doing my internship at ABC in Philadelphia for their sports department, I felt advanced. Just having access to the technology put me a few steps ahead of everybody else.” Not one to be idle, Evans also keeps busy as a freelance producer for Bryn Mawr, Pa.,-based Steve Rotfeld Productions, working on three nationally syndicated educational children’s shows, including “Awesome Planet” hosted by Philipe Cousteau Jr., grandson of famed undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau. Another freelance project, “Awesome Adventures,” was nominated for a 2014 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Travel Program. “My very first shoot day with Nicole (Debeau), the host for ‘Awesome Adventures,’ was on the big island of Hawaii,” Evans recalls. “We had a boat trip set at sunset to see lava flowing into the ocean. When we got there, a heavy swell had rolled in and it was a 45-minute boat ride blasting over high seas, but it was one of the more incredible things I’ve seen: lava dropping off the cliff into the water like a waterfall. You could hear it sizzle.” Though Evans’ work keeps him on the move with little downtime, don’t expect him to slow down and settle for soaking up the Hawaiian scenery any time soon. For Evans, who once felt like “a small fish in a small pond,” the growth of SilverShark is a never-ending process. “Right now, one project I’m most proud of are the videos for the Fairmont resort brand, a very respected, very well-known brand around the world. We were able to do marketing videos for the Fairmont resort on Maui, which led to us doing work for the Fairmont in Sonoma, Calif.,” he says. “That’s nice to be able to show that, yes, we’re located on a small island in the middle of the ocean, but we can still bring quality to northern California, where San Francisco is an hour away and full of production companies that would chomp at the bit for the same project. To have people in a company who don’t even know you decide to pick you over a local company, that’s a great feeling. It shows the potential SilverShark has for growth beyond its geographic center.” 17 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 17 10/6/14 9:16 PM �S S A 8 -CL E 0 ’ LD A T E R ND A I NHOSA WOER ABE i nt Hu 9 ’7 T s u IS UN LD AN lock H OU ICI bert B W US y Ro M ar By G ng r fo WILKES | Fall 2014 s es cc Su Nate Hosie is at home hunting in his native Pennsylvania woods, above, and on stage playing guitar in Nashville, right. PHOTOS COURTESY “HEADHUNTERS TV.” 18 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 18 10/6/14 9:16 PM �Nate Hosie ’08, Montdale, Pa. Career: Host and producer for “Headhunters TV” on the Outdoor Channel. Notable: Guitarist who has been the opening act for country music superstars Luke Bryan, Brantley Gilbert and Travis Tritt. Favorite Wilkes Place: The Student Center and the Rifkin Café. It always had such a great atmosphere. launched the idea for “Headhunters TV.” Hosie is one of the Outdoor Channel show’s hosts. It’s allowed him to hunt with some of the legends of Nashville music, paving the way for another kind of career, one actually spawned during his time at Wilkes. During his recovery from the broken neck, Hosie had a lot of free time. “I got bored with video games after a month and started to teach myself to play guitar,” he says. “My sister Marla knew how to play a few things and the things she showed me amazed me.” The keen ear he developed from calling turkeys for almost 15 years—imitating their clucks, purrs, putts, cackles and yelps—paved the way for perfecting the sound he made from finger picks, bending, hammering, plucking and strumming on a six-string guitar. When he got back to Wilkes, he and some friends formed the band Maybe Someday, which played quite a few gigs at Murray’s Inn on Penn Avenue. Just 10 months after Marla helped him learn to play the guitar, she was killed by a drunken driver. Hosie dedicated himself to becoming a better guitar player in her honor. Some of the country music celebrities Hosie hunted with for “Headhunters TV” were impressed with his music. Earlier this year, he opened for Luke Bryan at the Archery Trade Association Show and for Brantley Gilbert at the Great American Outdoors Show in Harrisburg. Hosie worked on preproduction and composition of songs in Scranton with Jimmy Reynolds. In August, he opened for Travis Tritt at the Buckmaster Show in Montgomery, Ala. “I’ve written some songs and am working on others, doing them in the studio to find a unique kind of sound that is fitting for me musically,” Hosie says. Once he gets the sound to where he wants it, he’ll be heading to Nashville for the actual recording sessions of music that is a blend of country and rock. While Hosie’s no longer in Maybe Someday, maybe is becoming more definite for him, and someday is on his horizon like the red-yellow sunrise over the canopied forest. WILKES | Fall 2014 c ountry music superstars like Luke Bryan and Travis Tritt call him “The Turkey Slayer.” It’s a nickname friends—famous and not-sofamous—have given Nate Hosie, 2008 Wilkes graduate, budding Nashville recording artist, and one of the hosts of the “Headhunters TV” hunting show on the Outdoor Channel. Hosie is a Montdale, Lackawanna County, native and resident, born and bred in the outdoors world of hunting and fishing in northeastern Pennsylvania. An All-State cornerback for Lakeland High School in 2003, he enrolled at Wilkes to major in elementary education and play football for the Colonels. Hosie had a decent freshman year under Coach Frank Sheptock, but three days into his first winter break, his life changed dramatically. “My buddy got into an accident and wrecked his truck when we were going deer hunting, and I broke my neck,” he says. “The doctors told me I’d never be able to play football again.” Despite nearly being paralyzed from the injury, Hosie moved forward with hope rather than dwelling on the loss of his promising athletic career. He had already become a prizewinning turkey caller by the time he entered Wilkes, and that gave him something to hold onto as he worked his way through a three-month period of rehabilitation while missing a semester of college. Hunting eastern turkeys and white-tail deer in Pennsylvania was a passion since grandfather Josh and father Marty started getting him used to Penn’s Woods as a 5-year-old. Hosie followed his dad and granddad into the woods with a cap gun as a youngster, just spending some quality family time while learning the ins and outs of hunting. He liked deer hunting, but turkey hunting absolutely intoxicated him. “When I started turkey hunting, the interaction with them by calling, and them gobbling back, that conversation back and forth is something I took to,” Hosie says. Neighbors Bob Casella and Butch Maiolatsi taught their young Jedi about the cadence and volume of calling, the intricate details that separate good callers from great callers. Those skills launched him into turkey calling contests. Friends started called him “The Turkey Slayer” because of his turkey hunting prowess, an activity he honed by imitating the calls turkeys make, calling them in ever closer before lowering the boom, so to speak. After graduating from Wilkes, Hosie began working with Top Calls, a turkey call company based in Potter County, Pa. Hunter’s Specialties, another calling company, began using him as a videographer and producer with Harrisburg, Pa., native Matt Morrett’s hunting show. During some hunting industry trade shows, Hosie became friends with outdoors personality Randy Birdsong, who Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education 19 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 19 10/6/14 9:16 PM �alumni news The Colonel’s Summer Vacation If you thought you saw the Colonel frolicking in the sand this summer or taking in the sites in Italy, you might be right. This summer, the Colonel has been traveling with alumni, faculty and staff all over the nation and even internationally. The Office of Alumni Relations distributed cardstock colonels for people to take on their many summer adventures. We encouraged everyone to participate by snapping a photo with the Colonel showing the location, and send it to the Alumni Office. We added all of the photos to our Facebook photo album, which you can find by searching Wilkes University Alumni Association. A map of his travels was displayed during Homecoming 2014. Everyone kept the Colonel very busy this summer, and he’ll continue his travels throughout the year. For your own cardstock Colonel, contact alumni@wilkes.edu. Alumni Association board members helping at summer orientation were, from left, Matt Berger ’02, Cindy Charnetski ’97, Cheryl Jaworski MBA ’09, Ellen Hall ’71, Ian Foley ’14 and John Sweeney ’13. ALUMNI RELATIONS PHOTO Members of the Alumni Association Board Participate in Campus Events The many locations visited by the Colonel during his summer travels included the coast of Maine, a salt water taffy store at the New Jersey shore and the Roosevelt home in Hyde Park, N.Y. WILKES | Fall 2014 Alumni Discount Available for Legacy Students Do you have a college-age child or grandchild interested in Wilkes University? Wilkes is now offering an alumni discount for undergraduate students of $500 per year of attendance (up to four years), which amounts to $2,000. We value our alumni and hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to pass on the Wilkes legacy to one of your family members! To begin the process, contact the Office of Admissions to schedule a personal visit by calling (570)408-4400 or emailing admissions@wilkes.edu. Members of the Alumni Association board of directors welcomed more than 500 first-year students and their families to Wilkes during both sessions of First Year Orientation this summer. Several board members participated including Matt Berger ’02, president Cindy Charnetski ’97, Ian Foley ’14, vice-president Ellen Stamer Hall ’71, secretary Kathy Heltzel ’82 MBA ’85, Cheryl Jaworski MBA ’09, Kristin Klemish ’04 and John Sweeney ’13.  Alumni board members took this opportunity to welcome everyone to campus and make first-year students feel like Wilkes will be a home away from home. The board members were able to mingle and engage with incoming students during a continental breakfast hosted by student affairs.  “I had a wonderful time welcoming our first-time students at orientation. The topic of conversation among board members was how we wished we could relive our school days all over again!” says Cheryl Jaworski MBA ’09. Look for members of the Alumni Association board of directors at other campus events such as Welcome Weekend, admissions open houses and Family Day. 20 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 20 10/6/14 9:16 PM �giving back Celebrating Colonel Connections During their trip to Wilkes-Barre, Weinkle also took Kennedy to meet a rabbi in the area. Kennedy’s interaction with the rabbi’s three children provided her with the opportunity of a job teaching Sunday school at the congregation. “Getting a job in the area definitely affected my decision to attend Wilkes,” recounts Kennedy. “It gave me some security and more of a sense of belonging in Wilkes-Barre. This job also pushed me in the direction of making my decision to be an education major.” Kennedy is involved in many different clubs and activities. She is involved in Programming Board, Inter-Residence Hall Council, the Homecoming Student Team and the Dance Team. She also serves as the president of her class in Student Government. “I’m thrilled with how well she’s done,” Weinkle says. “There’s no question that she is really in her own element at Wilkes, doing everything that she wants to do.” Kennedy entered her second year at Wilkes this fall. “My first year at Wilkes University went really well. I could not have asked for a better experience and I cannot wait to come back for more. I made a ton of great friends and I learned a lot, not just through school, but about myself as well,” Kennedy says. Although Weinkle has recommended Wilkes many times, Kennedy is the first student to take him up on his recommen- Sophomore student Sarah Kennedy and Joseph Weinkle ’63 celebrate their shared Wilkes experience outside the Henry Student Center. Weinkle encouraged Kennedy to apply to his alma mater. dation. But he says that any alumni can help young students make decisions on where they choose to go to college, simply by having a meaningful conversation. He recommends just starting with a few questions regarding the student’s wants and needs from a school. “Remember what it was like to think about choosing a college for yourself; you talked to people who cared enough to ask you those questions or someone who had knowledge and insight about different college opportunities.” Weinkle says that his time at Wilkes is truly what influences him to recommend it to others. REFER A FRIEND! Introduce a young person to Wilkes University Have a relative, neighbor or friend starting the college search process? Introduce him or her to Wilkes University! Open houses are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Jan. 31. Or schedule a personal tour with a prospective student by calling the Office of Admissions at (800) WILKES-U Ext. 4400 or registering online at www.wilkes.edu/visitwilkes. Make sure to mention that you’re an alum! WILKES | Fall 2014 After graduation, the memories you made in college stay with you on your journey throughout life. Joseph Weinkle ’63 passed those memories to a prospective student, who became a current student once she received Weinkle’s guidance. Weinkle introduced Sarah Kennedy, class of 2017, to Wilkes University and she hasn’t looked back since her tour at Wilkes. Weinkle, who has lived in Pittsburgh for 41 years, has known Kennedy since she was an infant because they are members of the same synagogue. Children from the congregation affectionately refer to him as “Uncle Joe.” In this role, he has helped Kennedy and other young people to navigate through their day-to-day challenges in life as well as the college selection process. “I had no idea where I wanted to go to college, but I had an idea of what size and type of school I wanted to attend,” says Kennedy. “I was considering eight schools and had been accepted into most.” Through multiple conversations with Kennedy, Weinkle realized that she could fit in at Wilkes, a place he regards as a second home. “I suggested that Sarah try looking at my alma mater,” says Weinkle, who majored in business administration at Wilkes. “I told her, ‘I think you’ll find what you’re looking for.’” And Weinkle was correct; she found it. “Honestly, I do not think I would have found Wilkes if it wasn’t for Joe,” says Kennedy. “It might have come across on College Board in my school searches, but I do not think I would have clicked the link if he did not suggest it.” One of the things that really sealed the deal was when Weinkle gave Kennedy a personal tour. He brought her to campus after she was accepted; her parents were unable to take her that day. 21 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 21 10/6/14 9:16 PM �class notes Tara Kojsza ’99 MBA ’03 Sees Small Business as Bigger Enterprise Tara Kojsza ’99 MBA ’03 lowers a batch of fresh-cut boardwalk real products: real cream, real Oreos, real Chips Ahoy cookies. fries into the deep fryer. “Consistency, quality and customer That makes a difference.” service, those are our top three priorities,” she says. She’s just But Jessee’s Place is more than hoagies and soft serve treats. opened her concession stand at Scranton’s Nay Aug Park and For Kojsza, the business is about the relationship between the already she’s filling orders, rushing from fryer to fridge to front proprietors, clerks and customers. “We watch our kids grow counter to serve a young customer. This is the second year in a up,” Kojsza explains, referring to her young customers. “We five-year contract Kojsza has with the city to operate the stand teach the kids how to tie their shoes and count money.” She beside the city pool and her sixth year as the proprietor of asserts that small businesses like Jessee’s Place are about the Jessee’s Place, a mom-and-pop ice cream stand located across relationships that develop. These relationships include those from the Scranton Farmers Market. between Kojsza and the high school and college students who Kojsza graduated from Wilkes in 1999 with a bachelor’s she employs, calling them “my girls.” degree in business administration. She worked for Tri-State Health, gaining experience in sales before returning to Wilkes as a full-time graduate student. She earned her MBA in 2003 and took a sales manager position at PepsiCo, where she oversaw Tara Kojsza ’99 MBA ’03 shows off a soft serve creation. Opposite, the store’s signature t-shirt. PHOTO BY FRANCISCO TUTELLA. operations in nine Pennsylvania counties, putting 5,000 miles on her truck per month. Aiming for what she calls the “gold standard in sales,” she left Pepsi and pursued a position at Sanofi-Aventis, a multinational company that develops, manufactures and markets prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Fourteen interviews later, Kojsza beat 1,700 candidates for the job. She excelled and worked for the company for two and a half years. Then she realized, “It was everything I thought it wasn’t.” After re-evaluating her priorities, she returned to her roots and bought an ice cream stand. “Small business is in my blood,” she states, referring to the Sterling General Store, a bar, restaurant and general store operated by her grandparents. “I learned to make change at the age of five. Thirty years later, we’re selling the same Italian hoagie for $3.” In addition to the Italian hoagie, she sells soft pretzels, burgers and ice cream at her two locations. “We’re the flurry headquarters,” she says. “You name it, we create it.” Among the shop’s signature flurry creations—a blend of soft-serve ice cream and premium mix-ins—are Rice Crispy Treat, Fruity Pebble WILKES | Fall 2014 and Chocolate Crunch flurries. Kojsza stresses the quality of the product she offers. “My ice cream is top-notch. We use all “I learned to make change at the age of five. Thirty years later, we’re selling the same Italian hoagie for $3.” 22 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 22 10/6/14 9:16 PM �class notes Undergraduate Degrees 1960 Gordon Roberts was appointed artistic director and conductor of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. --<'e-.s.seE'' ""~ .s ~ ,..~ f'L-AC..E~ SCMN 570- ~ Kojsza’s father, brother Ryan MBA ’14, and mother Lori ’92 MBA ’97, help her run both establishments and sell food at festivals and events in which the business participates. “My family is huge into what I do,” Kojsza states. “My mom is awesome. She’s my best free asset.” That family atmosphere followed Kojsza at Wilkes. 1961 Richard “Dick” Cobb selfpublished Ambrose: Civil War Journey, which recounts his great-grandfather’s call from his Iowa farm to service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The idea for the book came to Cobb while on location to film the movie Gettysburg, in which he appeared as one of the six “Hot Heads of the 2nd Maine.” The book has been added to the Jefferson Library at West Point; the archival collection of the United States Army Military history; U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, Pa.; and Iowa’s Historical Society. 1974 Barry H. Williams MBA ’81 received the Volunteer Service Award from the Northeastern Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants at the chapter’s annual meeting on May 22. He was recognized for his participation in the organization’s volunteer leadership and financial literacy programs. Williams is dean of the McGowan School of Business at King’s College. 1978 Cynthia Mailloux received the 2014 Pauly and Sidney Friedman Excellence in Service Award from Misericordia University, where she is professor and chair of the department of 1969 Raymond Downey was married to Donna Wisnieski on April 19, 2013. Andy Matviak ’70, the groom’s college roommate, performed the ceremony in Sidney, N.Y., where Matviak serves as mayor. Pictured at the wedding, left to right, are Wisnieski, Downey and Matviak. nursing. The award is given to a faculty member in recognition of service for the university and greater community. “The cool thing about Wilkes is that my mom, brother and I all had the same teachers. They know my family. Besides being mentors, the faculty are friends.” Kojsza still remains in touch with business school faculty members, including Larry Cohen, left, pictured with his wife, Sally, Wilkes President Patrick Leahy and Mike Wood, Wilkes vice president for external affairs, at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry annual awards luncheon. Wilkes was presented with the chamber’s Pride of Place Award in the community enhancement category for the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center. The $35 million building, which opened in fall 2013, is named for the Cohens, who gave the largest single gift from an alumnus in University history in support of the project. 1957 professors Anne Batory and Wagiha Taylor. When asked what she considers the best aspect of her job, Kojsza says without hesitation: “It’s a lot of fun. There’s nothing more cream cone to someone and putting a smile on her face.” – By Francisco Tutella WILKES | Fall 2014 gratifying than handing an ice 23 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 23 10/6/14 9:16 PM �class notes 1982 Christine Lain-Sarno was chosen as the Frankford Township School Teacher of the Year 2013-2014. She is a third-grade teacher at the school in Branchville, N.J. Lain-Sarno resides in Wantage, N.J. with her husband Chuck and two children, Skyler and Nikki. 1986 Michael Yencha was appointed president of the Northeastern Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants for the 2014-15 year. 1989 Bill Evanina was appointed director of the office of the National Counterintelligence Executive after 25 years of working for the United States government and 18 years for the FBI. 1990 John Serafin began a new position as vice president/ Luzerne county commercial marketing manager of Fidelity Bank in Kingston, Pa. Keith Silligman earned an additional bachelor of science degree in accounting from Bellevue University after retiring from a 20-year career in the health care management field. He lives in Omaha, Neb., with his wife, Nancy, and children, Ashley and Christopher. 1994 James Bruck MBA was promoted to the rank of major in the Civil Air Patrol. He currently serves as the public affairs officer with Scranton Composite Squadron 201. Matthew McCaffrey is the new director of admission and institutional advancement at Canton Country Day School in Canton, Ohio. He resides in north Canton with his wife, Andrea, and three children, Matthew, 11, Katy, 9, and Abby, 3. McCaffrey purchased his home from fellow Wilkes alumnus William Downey ’69, who built it in 1977. 1995 Sharon L. Brittingham earned a doctor of divinity from the American Institute for Holistic Theology in May 2013 and was ordained an interfaith clergyperson in May 2014. Timothy Williams was among 28 teachers nationwide selected to participate in the American Geological Institute’s K-5 Earth Science Teacher Leadership Academy in Houston, Texas. He is 1979 WILKES | Fall 2014 1976 Philip Besler, right, was joined by Anthony Shipula ’78, left, during spring 2014 in bringing Besler’s 58-foot 2008 Sea Ray Sedan Bridge from his home in Charleston, S.C., where he lives with wife Carol Gusgekofski Besler ’76, to Long Beach Island, N.J. Gary Blockus received the 2014 Professional Keystone Press Award for top Sports Beat Reporting in Division I from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association for his coverage of the outdoors. The competition included sports writers covering professional and major college teams at large-circulation newspapers. Blockus, a reporter at The Morning Call in Allentown, Pa., also received an honorable mention in the sports story category. a national board-certified teacher, teaches third grade at Gilbert Magnet School for Creative Arts in Las Vegas, Nev., and instructs professional development classes throughout the Clark County School District in science, literacy and teacher leadership. 1998 Michael T. Beachem IV was chosen to attend the selective NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education’s Mid Manager Institute in Albany, N.Y. The intensive, five-day program provides an opportunity for advanced student affairs professionals to interact with and learn from experienced senior administrators. Beachem is associate director of resident life at International House Philadelphia. 1999 Ronald S. Honick Jr. was promoted to senior vice president, audit manager at First National Community Bank, Dunmore, Pa. 2000 Donna Talarico-Beerman MFA ’10 earned the master of business administration degree from Elizabethtown College, Pa. She also completed the regional leadership and professional development program Leadership Lancaster, where she was selected as class speaker at the program’s graduation festivities. She is director of integrated marketing at Elizabethtown College and lives in Lancaster with her husband, Kevin Beerman ’01. 24 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 24 10/6/14 9:16 PM �class notes Jonathan Perloff ’94 Designs Award-Winning Medical Devices Jonathan Perloff ’94 never thought he’d be working with cadavers when he earned his mechanical engineering degree from Wilkes. But that’s exactly what he does to test the devices he designs for Globus Medical, a company specializing in innovative technologies for patients with spinal disorders. Working with design team doctors who serve as consultants to Globus, Perloff designs devices that improve the quality of life for patients while streamlining surgery techniques. Becker’s Spine Review, an industry trade publication, recently recognized Perloff and his team for LATIS, a lumbar interbody spacer that is inserted in patients with degenerative disc disease. It provides stability for individuals who have had discs removed. The publication recognized it as the outstanding spine device for 2014. The device is designed to allow surgeons to use minimally invasive surgical techniques to insert it—a significant step forward. Perloff, who was the lead engineer on the project, has applied for two patents for the LATIS device and already holds never dreamed of doing when he came to Wilkes. “I’m a motorhead guy,” Perloff jokes. “I was always tinkering Jonathan Perloff ’94 stands in a showroom displaying the many medical devices designed by engineers at Globus Medical. PHOTO BY SAMUEL SUNDERSINGH, GLOBUS MEDICAL with cars. Most people who go into mechanical engineering devices to market. Because medical devices must meet Food want to design cars and airplanes.” and Drug Administration requirements, some new products His first job after graduation was with CFM technologies in West Chester, Pa., a firm that makes wet processing equipment for etching also must go through clinical trials before they can be used. Sometimes Perloff finds himself in the operating room with and a surgeon trying his device. cleaning silicon wafers for the “They don’t want someone semi-conductor industry. He also worked at Lutron Electronics in Coopersburg, Pa., and Knoll Furniture in East Greenville, Pa., before joining Globus in January 2008. Perloff says it takes three “I was always tinkering with cars. Most people who go into mechanical engineering want to design cars and airplanes.” from sales,” he says. “They want the guy who designed it who can answer his questions and who he can give feedback.” Perloff says his current work gives him the greatest years to bring a new device to satisfaction of anything he’s market, with two years from the done in his career. initial sketch or concept to full production. “We have a lab with “It’s nice to be able to do something to make someone’s life doctors on the design team,” Perloff says. Cadavers are used better,” he says. “It’s very rewarding to know that something to help design devices that will be used in the human body. you do will help them to sit up in a wheelchair, get rid of An in-house machine shop allows prototypes to be produced chronic back pain, correct scoliosis, or even walk again.” quickly, cutting down the time that it takes to bring new – By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 WILKES | Fall 2014 another for an earlier medical device he designed. It’s work he 25 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 25 10/6/14 9:16 PM �class notes 2001 Adam VanWert Pharm. D. (See Graduate Degrees 2003). 2001 Edward Kollar has been appointed principal at ParenteBeard. Kollar has over 30 years of professional accounting experience, including 14 years in public accounting. He is a certified public accountant in Pennsylvania, an IRS enrolled agent and certified specialist in estate planning. He is treasurer of the Estate Planning Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 2002 Joseph Casey and Brooke Anne Polachek were married on Aug. 10, 2013, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Swoyersville, Pa. The groom teaches at Wyoming Valley West Middle School. The bride is a physician assistant at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. The couple honeymooned at the Riu Palace in Aruba. They reside in Kingston, Pa. 2006 Benjamin Damick and Jeannine Koneski were married on Oct. 12, 2013, in Ithaca, N.Y. The groom is employed as a web developer and the bride is a hair stylist. The couple resides in Rochester, N.Y. Pa., on July 6, 2013. The couple honeymooned in Fiji and currently reside in Uniontown, Ohio. 2010 Jarrod M. Buzalewski received a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. 2012 John “Randy” Keiser and Stacy Kaiser were married on June 6 at the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. The groom is entering his final year at the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law. The bride is a registered nurse. The couple plan to hold a larger ceremony to mark their first anniversary on June 6, 2015. Graduate Degrees 1981 Barry H. Williams MBA (See Undergraduate Degrees 1974) 1989 Gerard Champi MBA was appointed an at-large representative on the board of directors at First National Community Bank, Dunmore, Pa. 2003 Adam VanWert Pharm.D was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Wilkes University. 2007 Shannon Curtin MBA ’09’s first poetry chapbook, File Cabinet Heart, published in June, won the 2014 Mini Collection Competition. 2010 WILKES | Fall 2014 Katie Nealon passed the Pennsylvania Bar exam. She is an associate at Munley Law, a personal injury law firm in Pennsylvania. 2008 Rex Harris participated in Pennsylvania Cage Fight 18 at the Kingston Armory on May 23. The event marked his return after a two-year hiatus to competitive mixed martial arts. 2009 Peter Dombroski and Melinda Gentilesco were married at St. Martin of Tours Church in Susquehanna, 2006 John A. Bednarz Jr. MA has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in the field of workers’ compensation for the seventh straight year. Only 5 percent of Pennsylvania lawyers obtain the status, and Bednarz is the only attorney practicing in the workers’ compensation field in Wilkes-Barre to have earned the designation. 26 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 26 10/6/14 9:16 PM �class notes In Memoriam 2009 Shannon Curtin (see Undergraduate Degrees 2007) Janell Marie Stapert MS and James Barna MS were married Aug. 5, 2013, on a beach in Maryland. The bride teaches first grade and the groom teaches physical education in the Greater Nanticoke Area School District. 2010 Donna Talarico-Beerman MFA ’10 (See Undergraduate Degrees 2000) 2011 Alison Carr MS and Ryan Arcangeli ’14 MS were married on June 15, 2013, in St. Jude Parish in Mountain Top, Pa. The bride teaches health and physical education and the groom teaches history in the Crestwood School District. 2012 Jessica Hritzko was featured in the Reading Eagle “In Our Schools” feature. She teaches fifth grade at Bethel Elementary School, Bethel, Pa. Courtney L. Kuklentz MS joined the Parkland School District’s administration team as coordinator of special education. 2014 Suzanne Murray-Galella EdD was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor of education at Wilkes University. 1942 Katherine P. Freund, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died May 21, 2014. She was a teacher for 30 years with the Wilkes-Barre Area School District at GAR Memorial High School. Joseph C. Kelly, Jenkintown, Pa., died on March 2, 2011. He was a veteran of World War II. After graduating from Bucknell University and Brooklyn Law School, he was an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board in Philadelphia. 1948 Claire F. Beissinger, Baltimore, Md., died May 23, 2013. She was an elementary school music teacher for 32 years in White Plains, N.Y.,Verona, N.J., and Greenlawn, N.Y. 1949 Retired Col. Edward F. Corcoran, Ph.D., U.S. Army, Columbia, S.C., died April 8, 2014. He was a decorated war veteran. Howard J. Dinstel Sr., Palm Harbor, Fla. died May 20, 2014. He started his career at Pfizer, then worked at Greenstein’s Pharmacy and Dinstel’s Pharmacy, until the mid 1970s. Later he worked at Cook’s Pharmacy, Shavertown, and Nesbitt Memorial Hospital, Kingston. 1951 Michael D. Kotch, M.D., Nanticoke, Pa., died June 12, 2014. He graduated Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, stationed in Fulda, Germany, as the commanding officer for the 501st Armored Medical Company, attached to the 14th Armored Cavalry. He worked as private practice general practitioner in Nanticoke for almost 40 years. 1954 Michael J. Lewis Jr., Kingston, Pa., died June 12, 2013. During his first year at Wilkes, he led a student revolt against the custom of hazing freshmen, which received national press recognition. He negotiated a truce between freshmen and upperclassmen. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Lewis graduated Columbia University Law School and was later appointed to the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s office, where he oversaw the awarding of pensions of coal miners stricken with black lung disease. 1955 George Saunders, Walnutport, Pa., died June 28, 2014. He was a general adjuster for Saunders Associates and a general adjuster for General Adjustment Bureau. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. 1956 Sylvia I. Bator, Tilbury Terrace and Edwardsville, Pa., died on May 16, 2014. She was a guidance counselor for the LakeLeham School District and a receptionist for the Russin Funeral Homes. Patricia Stout Williams, Clemmons, N.C., died March 6, 2014. 1957 William DeMayo, Corona del Mar, Calif., died July 11, 2012. He served the U.S. Army in Korea and later started his own export business in California. WILKES | Fall 2014 2008 Joshua Swantek PharmD was promoted to major. He is an Air Force reservist at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. 27 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 27 10/6/14 9:16 PM �class notes 1959 Michael Goobic died April 15, 2014. He served in the military in Korea. He later worked in marketing, most notably with Johnson & Johnson for 15 years. He also coached baseball and served as a volunteer at the Westfield Memorial Library. Scott Threthaway, Palm City, Fla., died Jan. 23, 2014. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Following retirement from Carter Wallace, where he worked as a national sales manager, Threthaway taught mathematics in the Martin County School System. 1960 Joseph F. Andrejko, Woodbridge,Va., died June 11, 2014. 1961 Judith Lamar, Harbeson, Del., died on Nov. 7, 2013. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Maryland and northern Virginia area, and was a Loudoun County master gardener instrumental in establishing a teaching demonstration garden in Leesburg,Va. 1967 Jane Pesavento Grogan, Kingston, Pa., died June 3, 2014. 1969 Paul W. “Pepper” Merrill II, Kingston, Pa., died July 7, 2014. While at Wilkes he played football as a defensive end, earning all MAC honors as a member of “The Fearsome Foursome” Golden Horde. Merrill started his career as an insurance adjuster for General Adjustment Bureau before he established Merrill Associates, which he operated for more than 20 years. 1972 Richard Otto Sarmonis, Trucksville, Pa., died June 27, 2014. He was employed by General Foods, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council of the Boy Scouts of America and retired in 2008 from Leeward Construction. 1975 Rita M. Mercuri, Yatesville, Pa., died June 20, 2014. She worked as an elementary and intermediate music teacher for the Pittston Area School District for 35 years and was the organist for the First Presbyterian Church in Pittston for 40 years. 1988 Albert Timko, Harveys Lake, Pa., died May 25, 2014. He was a biology teacher at Luzerne County Community College and was known as “the crab man” in Luzerne County, selling crabs roadside on weekends. 1991 Keith Kohut of Scott Township, Pa., died Feb. 27, 2014. He was controller at Olympia Chimney, Scranton, and earlier worked for Lockheed Martin. Michael W. Kuchera, Chambersburg, Pa., died January 12, 2012. He was employed by JLG Industries. 2000 Cheryl Ann (Spudis) Manchester, New Milford, Pa., died March 23, 2012. She taught mathematics and technology for 32 years in the Blue Ridge School District. Friends of Wilkes Dorothea W. “Dottie” Henry, Dallas, Pa., died July 29, 2014. The University’s student center and gymnasium are named for Mrs. Henry and her husband, Frank M. Henry. Mr. Henry served on the University’s Board of Trustees from 1977 through 2006. The Henrys have been generous benefactors of Wilkes University, with significant gifts made in support of the student center, the Henry Gymnasium and the Cohen Science Center. Before moving to the Wyoming Valley in 1960, Mrs. Henry worked as a social worker in the Lutheran Welfare Service, Milwaukee. She was a former Sunday school teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and a board member of the Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries. She was a member and past president of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Auxiliary as well as a member of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Auxiliary and chaired the Geisinger Gala. Faculty Stanley B. Kay, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died July 4, 2014. He was a professor of philosophy at Wilkes College. As a philanthropist, he gave many donations to Wilkes College and others. WILKES | Fall 2014 Raymond N. Sordoni, Kingsville, Md., died on May 21, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army. 1965 James R. Ward, Jacksonville, Fla., died March 10, 2012. He was a certified public accountant and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. 28 Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 28 10/6/14 9:16 PM �■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ S • A •V• E T• H • E D • A •T• E MAY 30 , 20 1 5 • 6 P .M . W ESTMORELAND CLU B , WILKES -BARRE 2015 PRESIDENT’S MEDAL RECIPIENT JOHN REESE former Wilkes University athletic director and wrestling coach WE SOLD OUT! The Inaugural Founders Gala, held on June 7, 2014, raised over $250,000 for the newly established First Generation Fund. Don’t miss the opportunity to support first-generation college students at Wilkes University. Mark your calendar now to join us! For more information, cont act Lisa Everitt-Ensley at lisa.everittensley@wilkes.edu or 570-408- 4137. Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 3 10/6/14 9:16 PM �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events October 1-31 Faculty Exhibition 2014, Sordoni Art Gallery 9-13 Fall Recess 21 Gardner Lecture Series: Strategies for Teaching Special Needs Students at Graham Academy, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Marts 214 25 “Passport to Science,” Community Open House, 10 a.m – 1 p.m., Cohen Science Center November 1-30 Faculty Exhibition 2014, Sordoni Art Gallery 1 Family Day 2014 4 Gardner Lecture Series: Northeast Innovation Alliance, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Marts 214 7-9 Wilkes University Theatre Presents: Carrie – The Musical, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., Darte Center 11 Gardner Lecture Series: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Luzerne County, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Marts 214 12 “Navigating the Landmines of Conflict in the Landscape of a Family Business,” Family Business Alliance, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Henry Student Center Ballroom 14-16 Wilkes University Theatre Presents: Carrie – The Musical, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., Darte Center 15 Instant Decision Open House 16 Empty Bowls benefiting local food banks, Ballroom, Henry Student Center 21 Chorus/Chamber Singers Concert, 7:30 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre 22 Civic Band Concert, 7 p.m., Darte Center 23 University Orchestra Concert, 3 p.m., Darte Center December 1-14 Faculty Exhibition 2014, Sordoni Art Gallery 4 Jazz Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., Darte Center 6 Chambers Singers Performance with the Arcadia Chorale, 8 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, Scranton 7 Chambers Singers Performance with the Arcadia Chorale, 3 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre 7 Flute Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., Darte Center 8 Fall 2014 Classes End 10 “Texas Patriarch, The Rise and Fall of Family Dallas Dynasty,” Family Business Allance, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Henry Student Center Ballroom For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. Wilkes_Fall2014_FINAL.indb 4 10/6/14 9:16 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2014 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2014 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2014 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2014 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/29eba0a1ac1e578d22eca47d149584df.pdf 29ede27cc8289470e5f64b7b455138a9 PDF Text Text FALL 2013 Out of This World Stelios Patsiokas ’75 INSIDE: PHOTOS OF THE NEW LAWRENCE AND SALLY COHEN SCIENCE CENTER �president’s letter VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 3 The Unique College Experience That Defines Wilkes T he start of the 2013-2014 academic year—my second year as Wilkes president—began with an occasion to honor the past while moving forward into an exciting future. We named the University archives in honor of Harold Cox, professor emeritus of history and Wilkes’ archivist. It was appropriate to start the year recognizing an individual who has been part of Wilkes for a half century and who has preserved precious artifacts from our history. It was Dr. Cox who first shared with me the idea that Wilkes is an institution truly unique in American higher education. It was formed to answer an educational need in the city of Wilkes-Barre and, through many challenges, has grown and prospered, even when circumstances might have suggested it would not survive. Wilkes continues to occupy a unique place today, a University with an academic and co-curricular program mix of a larger research institution in the intimate setting of a smaller liberal arts college. That mix makes for the one-of-a-kind college experience that we know as a Wilkes education. Understanding our past provides us with the context for mapping the future. As we move forward to develop a strategic plan for the coming years, six themes have emerged. We will continue to focus on building high-quality curricular and co-curricular programs. In order to do that, we will invest in our people—the faculty and staff who provide a stellar college experience for Wilkes students. Recruiting and retaining talented students will continue to be a priority, as will building the financial strength of the University. Finally, we will develop our campus infrastructure, improving existing facilities and adding new ones. And we’ll continue our commitment to improve downtown Wilkes-Barre, because its success and the success of Wilkes are inextricably linked. Achieving these goals will require us to tap the spirit of innovation that has always been part of our campus culture. Students will remain at the center of our decision-making. We’ll solicit your input, welcome your ideas and keep you informed about our plans for your alma mater. In all that we do, I want to remember the words of the English poet John Masefield, who wrote, “There are few earthly things more beautiful John Stachacz, left, dean of the Farley than a university, a Library, and President Patrick Leahy place where those unveil the Harold Cox Archives Room at a ceremony this fall. PHOTO BY VICKI MAYK who hate ignorance may strive to know, where those who perceive truth may strive to make others see.” Maintaining and growing the beauty—of community, education and spirit—that defines Wilkes is my highest priority in the years ahead. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Thank you for your continued support. Wilkes University President FALL 2013 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood Executive Editor Jack Chielli M.A.’08 Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner Graduate Assistant Bill Schneider, M.A.’13 Francisco Tutella Intern Christine Lee Layout/Design Quest Fore Inc. Printing Pemcor Inc. EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Anne Batory ’68 Brandie Meng M’08 Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 M.S.’76 Donna Sedor ’85 ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Interim Director Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Coordinator Mary Balavage Simmons ’10 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Tom Ralston ’80 Vice President Cindy Charnetski ’97 Secretary Ellen Hall ’71 Historian Laura Cardinale ’72 Wilkes magazine is published three times a year by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications and Government Relations, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4779. Please send change of address to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual respect within the entire university. �16 10 18 6 contents 6 Out of This World As chief innovation officer for Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Stelios Patsiokas ’75 led the team that launched satellite radio. 10 Game Changer Stelios Patsiokas ’75 stands in the lobby of Sirius XM Satellite Radio, the company he helped launch. PHOTO BY JOHN RICKSEN The Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center launches a new era for science at Wilkes. 16 Advocating Understanding Lynn Rosencrance Elko ’95 promotes understanding for the intellectually challenged with products created by her company, Emma’s Friends. 18 Into the Wild Joshua Martin DNP ’13 teaches health-care providers and the military how to deliver care in challenging environments. DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 5 Athletics 20 Alumni News 22 Class Notes Have a story idea to share? Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline F,;S FPO FSC WILKES | Fall 2013 FEATURES 1 �on campus New Nursing Simulation Center Provides Real-World Environment Visitors walking into the School of Nursing’s new Clinical Nursing Simulation Center might do a double take. Rooms look more like hospital rooms than a simulated environment. Joyce Chmil, director of the center now in Stark Learning Center, says, “The new Clinical Nursing Simulation Center was designed based on years of research and tours of simulation laboratories across the country, as well as on student and faculty input. The new CNSC provides opportunities for our students to fully engage in the experiential learning processes needed to develop clinical nursing judgment and enhance clinical performance.” The patient rooms in the simulation center stress medical-surgical care since that is the primary focus for undergraduate nursing students. One of the patient rooms is set up as a critical care suite.This room offers opportunities for the students to learn and practice Nursing student Gemena Williams checks the heartbeat of Cathy Hauze, skills for basic and advanced cardiac support. simulation specialist, in a hospital Another is set up as a high-fidelity pediatric room in the new simulation center. PHOTO BY VICKI MAYK and obstetric suite. Since critical care, pediatrics and obstetrics are considered high-risk areas in hospitals, students sometimes cannot get hands-on experience with real patients.The simulation rooms give students hands-on experiences in a safe, risk-free environment. All the rooms employ life-like manikins that can be programmed with changes to pulse and breathing and to simulate a variety of conditions. In the center, instructors can observe students interacting with patients via one-way glass. Exam rooms are outfitted with cameras and microphones that allow the demonstrations in the hospital room and pediatric room to be broadcast to the center’s classroom. The center also includes a computer lab and an apartment to simulate home-health visits. -------------------------------------------------1 WILKES | Fall 2013 Wilkes Named A “High ROI College” by Affordable Colleges Online 2 Wilkes has been named one of the top 20 Pennsylvania colleges with the greatest lifetime return on investment by the website AffordableCollegesOnline.org. Wilkes is ranked 16th on the list of 81 colleges and universities in the state that offer a good return on a student’s investment in higher education. Only 81 of more than 400 schools in Pennsylvania made the list. Graduates from these schools enjoy the largest earnings gap between non-degree holders over 30 years, and earn more on average than graduates from other Pennsylvania schools. Wilkes outranks all of its peer institutions in the northeast Pennsylvania region. “It is heartening to receive this endorsement from Affordable Colleges Online because we have long emphasized the value of a Wilkes education,” says Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy. “We may not be the low-cost provider in our recruiting market; nor are we the premium price option. But at Wilkes we strive to be the highest-value option.” Wilkes new freshmen bring diversity to campus in a variety of ways—including in the number of native languages spoken by members of the class of 2017. In addition to English, members of the freshmen class are fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Hindi, Gujarati and Farsi. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I / I �on campus Creative Writing Program Co-Founder and Professor Emeritus J. Michael Lennon Publishes Norman Mailer Biography J. Michael Lennon, vice president emeritus for academic affairs, professor emeritus of English and co-founder of the graduate creative writing program at Wilkes, has written a comprehensive biography of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Norman Mailer. Norman Mailer: A Double Life reflects Mailer’s dual identities: journalist and activist, devoted family man and notorious philanderer, intellectual and fighter, writer and public figure. It will be released this month by Simon and Schuster. “I wrote him a letter of support and also passed on some of my theories about his recent nonfiction books…” – J. Michael Lennon PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK Mike Lennon and I were as designed for each other as some species of American Yin and Yang, as hot dogs, perhaps, and mustard. His talents, his discipline, and his ambition form a complement to all the slacks, voids, and indolences of my nature,” Mailer wrote. Integrating the streams of material became the most difficult part of the biography project for Lennon. Included in the plethora of papers were over 45,000 letters written, unpublished journals and interviews with Mailer, his friends and family. Norman Mailer: A Double Life, Mailer won Pulitzer Prizes for written by Wilkes professor emeritus J. Michael Lennon, The Armies of the Night and The Executioner’s was released this month by Song. His first book, The Naked and the Dead, Simon & Schuster. was an enormous bestseller, and Mailer would have 10 more bestsellers from the 44 books he published. He also was co-founder of The Village Voice. Mailer, who died in 2007 at 84, was the founding chair of the Wilkes Graduate Creative Writing Program advisory board. He was the keynote speaker at the June 2004 writing conference that kicked off the program. His wife, Norris Church Mailer, succeeded him on the advisory board and remained involved with the program until her death in November 2010. The Mailer family established a scholarship in her name. – By Bill Schneider M.A.’13 Integrative Media Chair Eric Ruggiero Receives Sony Pictures Fellowship Eric Ruggiero, associate professor and chair of the integrative media and art department, was one of three individuals nationally awarded a fellowship from Sony Pictures Imageworks. Ruggiero was selected for the Faculty Fellowship Program known as IPAX, and spent six weeks this summer at the Sony Pictures motion picture lot in Culver City, Calif., shadowing production team members working on current animated feature films. Ruggiero observed and worked with special effects professionals and animation experts on such current and upcoming releases as The Amazing Spiderman 2, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, Smurfs 2 and Hotel Transylvania. He was present for the production of the trailer for The Amazing Spiderman 2 that was shown at this year’s Comic Con. Ruggiero was able to learn how the experts use 3-D modeling, computer graphics and other tools to create the worlds seen on the screen. WILKES | Fall 2013 Lennon will read from the book and sign books on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Henry Student Center. Lennon describes how he got to know Mailer. “In 1971, right after he got into a tussle with Gore Vidal on the Dick Cavett Show, I wrote him a letter of support and also passed on some of my theories about his recent nonfiction books, which were changing the way major events were reported.” Mailer was one of the leading voices of the New Journalism during the 1960s. This literary genre is a writing technique that combines fictional story telling with reportage. After corresponding, they met in fall 1972 at Western Illinois University. “We talked late into the night at a local bar,” recalls Lennon, who chairs the Mailer Review board. “And every summer after that, my family and I visited him in Maine or Provincetown, Mass.” Over time, they grew closer as Lennon began editing books by and about Mailer. In 1986, after reading Lennon’s book Critical Essays on Norman Mailer, Mailer asked him to serve as one of his literary executors. Mailer described his relationship with Lennon in the preface of a bio-bibliography, Norman Mailer: Works and Days, written by Lennon and his wife, Donna Pedro Lennon. “Sometimes I think 3 �on campus Cancer Researcher Samuel Danishefsky to deliver Catherine H. Bone Lecture WILKES | Fall 2013 Renowned cancer researcher Samuel J. Danishefsky, centennial professor of chemistry at Columbia University, will deliver the 2013 Catherine H. Bone Lecture. Danishefsky also serves as the Kettering Chair of Bioorganic Chemistry at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He will present his lecture, “Biologics By Chemical Synthesis,” at 7 p.m., Oct. 16 in Stark Learning Center 101. The event is free, but registration is required. Regarded as one of the world’s leading chemists in cancer research, Danishefsky is a leader in the field of organic synthesis, with particular emphasis in carbohydrate chemistry. Nominated multiple times for the Nobel Prize, Danishefsky is the recipient of numerous awards, including prizes from the American Chemical Society and the French Pharmaceutical Society. He earned his doctorate at Harvard University. For more information about the Catherine H. Bone Lecture, call (570)408-4306. To register for the lecture online visit: http://community. wilkes.edu/bonelecture. 4 Cancer researcher Samuel J. Danishefsky will deliver the Catherine H. Bone Lecture. PHOTO COURTESY COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY. Sordoni Art Gallery Features Work by Chad Stanley and James Lennox Chad Stanley and James Lennox work in very different academic disciplines at Wilkes. But the two share something in common: creating visual art. Stanley teaches composition and literature as associate professor of English. Lennox advises senior engineering students as director of instrumentation in the College of Science and Engineering. Their artwork is being exhibited through December 2013 at the Sordoni Art Gallery. Stanley began studying painting at Pratt Institute before transferring to Syracuse University for a broader liberal arts education. After switching his major several times, he found English the best fit. Yet his interest in painting never waned. Stanley prefers painting oil on canvas, culling literature for subject matter. He incorporates art and his artwork into the English courses he teaches. Students write analytical papers focusing on paintings or photographs. He also presents his paintings—which have literary themes—to his classes as visual commentaries about the reading list. Stanley says, “These options do not ever replace writing as our fundamental medium of analyzing and responding to literature; they simply broaden the range of ways of engaging with written texts.” Lennox has sculpted 3-D work in wood and metal for more than 25 years. His interest in art and drawing began in childhood. During a stint in the U.S. Air Force in the 1980s, he realized that he wanted to pursue an artistic career. After his military service, Lennox took a 3-D design class at Wilkes with Herb Simon and has been sculpting ever since. The majority of his work uses hollow-form sheet metal, but he incorporates other elements when he finds that insufficient to complete a project. Lennox says, “For me, being an artist is a way of life; I really do not have a choice. I have always been creative and “Coleridge and the it has helped me throughout all of my Albatross,” top, is a painting by Chad Stanley, associate various careers and experiences.” – By Francisco Tutella professor of English. Left, the 3-D sculpture “Pink Shoes” is the work of James Lennox, director of instrumentation. Both artists are featured in a Sordoni Art Gallery show. �OUT TO WIN athletics Wrestler Kris Krawchuk Finds Athletic and Academic Success at Wilkes By Bill Schneider M.A. ’13 Whether looking at genes through a microscope or wrestling on the mat, senior Kris Krawchuk is out to win. The hard-working biology major is as passionate about his goal of becoming a physician assistant as he is about becoming a finalist in the NCAA Championship. His commitment has earned him recognition academically and athletically. He is a member of the Colonels Elite, a program for Wilkes student athletes who have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. Krawchuk also finished his junior year with a 29-4 overall mark on the wrestling team. The NCAA ranked him in the top five in the country throughout the 2013 season, marking the fifth straight year that Wilkes produced an All-American and its second consecutive national finalist. Krawchuk came to Wilkes three years ago from Slatington, Pa. He was attracted to the college town atmosphere at Wilkes, which was a departure from living in rural northern Lehigh County on an acre of land. Krawchuk also discovered the significant focus on community service at Wilkes was perfect for him. “I was introduced to Women Empowered by Science during my freshman foundations course,” he says. Krawchuk enjoyed working with the program’s summer camp, which provides girls entering seventh or eighth grade the opportunity to explore science through hands-on laboratories and activities. Jon Laudenslager, Wilkes head wrestling coach, looks forward to watching Krawchuk become a national champion this year and continue his strong leadership skills. “Kris has a great combination of work ethic and desire to be very successful,” says Laudenslager. “When you have goals and are willing to pay the overall price and sacrifice to accomplish them, you give yourself a great chance to do what Kris has done.” He is applying to several graduate programs to become a physician assistant after graduating from Wilkes in May 2014. Through his Wilkes experience, Krawchuk has found the perfect way to strike a balance in life. Senior Kris Krawchuk is an All-American wrestler and brings his dedication into the biology lab. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK WILKES | Fall 2013 Krawchuk continues to place a priority on his work in the sciences. He spent summer 2013 at Wilkes performing genetics research on fruit flies, applying different techniques to study the epidermal growth factor receptor, which exhibits behavior characteristic to many forms of cancer. Under the direction of Lisa Kadlec, associate professor of biology, Krawchuk and his cohort worked with characterizing genes, comparing them with genes of known function in humans. 5 �Stelios Patsiokas ’75 helped develop the technology that made satellite radio fly WILKES | Fall 2013 By Geoff Gehman 6 Stelios Patsiokas ’75, chief innovation officer and corporate vice president for Sirius XM Radio, displays the compact technology designed by his team to bring satellite radio to consumers. Behind him, older, more traditional circuitry provides the backdrop. PHOTO BY JOHN RICKSEN �For the next six weeks he ran a technological boot camp that could have been nicknamed “Stell’s Hell.” Patsiokas fed his troops gourmet cuisine to boost their efficiency and enthusiasm while they worked around the clock. He kept their passports so they wouldn’t leave before finishing their jobs to his satisfaction. After 40 days they had become a lean, mean fighting machine. After 40 nights they had roughed out a system that would allow satellite radio to fly. Thirteen years and many patents later, Patsiokas remains a leader of a revolution in audio entertainment. He is the chief innovation officer and corporate vice president of Sirius XM Radio, the nexus of satellite radio. He’s largely responsible for the devices—microchips, radios, receivers, antennae--that enable nearly 25 million subscribers to tune into everything from the Metropolitan Opera to the Grateful Dead, The Catholic Channel to Cosmo Radio. You can thank him for crystal-clear, constant reception of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race while you’re barreling through a small tunnel. Patsiokas has guided satellite radio through a costly competition, a market-saving merger and a boom in wireless links to smarter phones and cars. “It’s one of those rewarding experiences whereby you take a white sheet and turn it into an industrychanging, life-changing concept,” says the expert in radio-waves propagation. “It’s been a tremendous journey, a beautiful trip.” WILKES | Fall 2013 Stelios Patsiokas ’75 was tired of his engineers arguing at cross-purposes across the globe. Hoping to improve productivity through unity, he summoned them from Canada, Germany and Italy to his command center in Florida. 7 �/.. . ·.... . ,... . •.. •• ,,:·). . . . . . .. .·.• . .. . .: . Patsiokas grew up in Serres, Greece, where he listened to Top 40 tunes on a leather-covered transistor radio under the bed covers. The salutatorian of his high-school class, he entered Wilkes on a tuition scholarship awarded to top international students to attend American colleges and universities. He arrived in Wilkes-Barre with a “dismal” knowledge of English, a disadvantage he soon turned into an advantage. Patsiokas knew he was in deep trouble when he opened the first page of a health textbook and jotted 150 words he didn’t know. Unable to understand his Physics I professor, he skipped classes and took exams with the help of a Greek-English dictionary. He received a B-plus, a testament to his superior science background and translating skills. After six months Patsiokas spoke passable English. He starred as a forward-center on the soccer team, receiving an automatic “A” in health given to exceptional athletes. He dated “nice” girls attracted by his “sexy” accent. And he partied hardy. “Let’s just say,” he says, that Wilkes dorms in the early ’70s had “a great celebratory environment.” The celebration dimmed when Patsiokas learned he owed $620 for a semester’s worth of room and food. The bill shocked him largely because it equaled three months of salary for his father, a construction truck driver for the Greek government and a fan of radio shows featuring violins. The bill was eventually forgiven by then-Dean George Ralston. Patsiokas decided to knuckle down and buckle up. He worked for the Wilkes foreignstudent program. He pumped gas, earning the “heavenly” sum of $3.20 an hour. He switched majors from pre-med to electrical engineering, which had fewer English words and more universal technical terms. He became a devoted student, inspired by “holy mackerel” courses in electronic circuits, electromagnetic fields and early software. “I looked at myself in the mirror and said: ‘Are you going to be a bum or are you going to become someone?’ I had a total transformation. I went from a party guy to a monk.” After “the four best years of my life,” Patsiokas entered the doctoral program in electrical engineering at Virginia Tech University. After receiving his doctorate in 1979, he began working at Motorola, . ·. • ... . •· .: . . .. • .. •••• •. .. . . . . • ••• ...•• • • .. . •• • •• • • ,~ . • .• •• •• • • attracted by the Florida climate and the chance to develop groundbreaking communication devices for an electronics giant. For Patsiokas and Motorola, the next 20 years were a golden age. He supervised the system performance of the first digital telephone, a “poor man’s cell” activated at public wireless booths. He helped launch the first two-way pager with an operating system, an embryonic Blackberry that “was very, very slow but nevertheless way before its time.” Patsiokas says he was assigned to rescue the pager after a year of stagnation caused by conflict. He fired troublemakers, united software and hardware specialists, made partners of enemies. “You’ve got to have tremendous engineering talent under you,” he says. “You have to make decisions quickly. You have to have thick skin. Sometimes you get it right, and sometimes you get it wrong. Sometimes it’s one step forward, and sometimes it’s two steps backwards.” By 1998 the golden age at Motorola had been tarnished by low morale. A headhunter convinced Patsiokas to interview with Hugh Panero, the CEO of a fledgling company later called XM Satellite Radio. The year before the company had received a license for satelliteradio frequencies along with Sirius Satellite Radio, its future rival. Patsiokas met with Panero at XM headquarters in Washington, D.C. He told the CEO that he doubted that satellites 22,000 miles above the earth could prevent obstructions—trees, tunnels, towers—from muting or silencing radio signals. “I said: ‘No way it’s going to fly.’ Hugh asked me: ‘So why the hell are you here?’ I told him:‘Well, I wanted to visit the Smithsonian...’ ” Patsiokas leavened the joke by requesting a month to make his decision. In September 1998 he asked XM technicians a blunt question: How could satellite radio work effectively among skyscrapers in Manhattan? Their answer: a terrestrial network, set up specifically for dense downtowns, with radio receivers that blocked bad signals and combined good signals, constructing constantly clear channels. “Right there and then I said ‘Thank you very much,’ ” says Patsiokas. “And I walked out to tell Hugh: ‘I’m your man.’ ” “I looked at myself in the mirror and said: ‘Are you going to be a bum or are you going to become someone?’” ■ 8 • • . .· • . . Doctorate from Virginia Tech • ' ·. • Joined XM to make satellite radio fly “Golden Years” at Motorola • .··•. • . 1999 1979 Graduated from Wilkes 1998 1975 WILKES | Fall 2013 •···· --:.-·. • .. . . . =.-: •.. •• . • . ; • • •. ' ' . • Set standards for microchips, terrestrial networks and signaling for the entire system ·.·.~·· . .. . ... . .. ·_ • ....·:· •••• ••.•• ••. • . . • . • • • •. �• •. . * • . . • . • . . Stelios Patsiokas ’75, Deerfield Beach, Fla. . Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering, Wilkes • • . . • -~ • . • . ~ . . . . .· . . .· . . ..·· . Master of Science and doctorate, electrical engineering, Virginia Tech. Career: Chief Innovation Officer, XM Satellite Radio On Sept. 25 XM broadcast for the first time to San Diego and Dallas/Ft. Worth. On Nov. 12 the company premiered a Favorite Wilkes memory: Playing soccer and partying with nationwide network. In July 2002 it was joined by Sirius, which a United Nations of Greek, Turk and Portuguese students. immediately became its bitter competitor. “That was the beauty of Wilkes: it had tremendous diversity.” Led by Patsiokas, XM produced many innovations. He helped Campus mentor: The late George Ralston, the first Wilkes develop a car system linking an antenna with a cassette and a radio athletic director and dean of students. “He’d just look you in receiver operated by a cigarette lighter. Installed as after-market the eyes and understand you,” says Patsiokas. “The warmth equipment in cars, SKYFi dramatically increased subscriptions for came out of his eyes, the way he treated you with respect. XM, a breakthrough that Patsiokas calls “crossing the chasm.” He was definitely a father figure.” Ralston forgave Patsiokas XM was less successful in its programming war with Sirius.The a $620 bill for food and lodging at the end of his first companies battled fiercely for exclusive deals with carmakers, semester. Patsiokas repaid the favor with interest, donating entertainment networks and stars. XM spent millions to hire money to his alma mater “tenfold.” Oprah Winfrey, the communications queen. Sirius spent millions to hire Howard Stern, the shock jock. After eight years the rivals had lost nearly $7 billion. “It was a content bloodbath,” says Patsiokas. “The mentality was ‘Win this at all costs.’ We forgot we were in the business to When Patsiokas joined XM, the company had only a few weeks make money.” of salary in the bank. He dramatically increased brain capital by The rivals merged to avoid certain death. In February 2007 recruiting members of his Motorola team, starting an exodus that Sirius bought XM for over $4 billion in stock, even though would create the quip that “XM stands for Ex-Motorola.” XM had 40 more channels and 1.6 million more subscribers. By early 1999 the Patsiokas team had set standards for Renamed Sirius XM Radio, the new organization became microchips, terrestrial networks and signaling for the entire system. far more profitable than its predecessors. By 2009 it was $400 By late 1999 Patsiokas was tired of bickering emails from his million in the black. Boosted by subscriptions from new-car engineers around the world. Weary of feeling like “a punching buyers, as well as the recovery of the auto industry, the company bag,” he turned his Florida lab into a United Nations boot camp. this summer projected revenue of $3.7 billion in fiscal 2012. What followed were 40 days and nights of tough work and Today Sirius XM offers more than 160 channels for music, sports, tough love. For Patsiokas and his teammates, the eureka moment news-traffic, comedy and talk. Among the 70-plus commercialcame when they passed a complete song through the system free music stations is “The Blend,” an adult-contemporary mix simulator flawlessly. He recalls “everybody went berserk” at the recommended by Patsiokas, who has an around-the-dial fondness successful conclusion of a remarkable 40-day experience. The for classical, jazz, country and Top 40 from the ’50s to the ’80s.“I’m test tune was doubly symbolic: Money for Nothing, a Dire Straits a strange cat who basically likes all genres except rap,” he says. “In hit that helped make MTV a hit. a way, I’m an ideal radio consumer.” XM launched its radio satellites, appropriately nicknamed Thirteen years and many patents later, Patsiokas remains driven. Rock and Roll, in March and May 2001. On Sept. 11 that year The success of satellite radio is “the ultimate story of what happens Patsiokas was at XM’s headquarters in Washington, meeting with when you have a great, great engineering team, supplemented by officials from General Motors, a major XM investor.The meeting great, great partners, and being led with a positive attitude,” he says. was adjourned early after the news that airplanes hijacked by “We more or less willed this thing to work. It’s like that Star Wars terrorists had struck the World Trade Center and the nearby scene where Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi are riding on Pentagon. Also postponed was the next-day announcement that a motorcycle and a guard asks them for their papers. Obi uses [a XM was ready to begin broadcasting. Jedi mind trick] and the guard suddenly says ‘Pass.’ Luke asks ‘How did you do this, master?’ and Obi says, ‘Never underestimate the ...................................... -~ Launched radio power of The Force.’” . •• • .. . • •• • • .• .... :·. . . .. ... • • . • .• • • • • .-.. : . . . . .. . • . . . ... • . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ' ' .. more than 160 channels for music, sports, news-traffic, comedy and talk . . . . . .. . .. WILKES | Fall 2013 . . . .. . $400 million in the black TODAY 2009 XM broadcast for first time to San Diego and Dallas/Ft. Worth Sirius XM offers ~-·----···----·····--··"• $ 2007 SEPTEMBER . Developed many innovations, including a car system linking an antenna with a cassette ~--·····································• and a radio receiver Sirius bought XM operated by a cigarette lighter satellites “Rock” and “Roll” 2001 MARCH & MAY 2001 Notable: Led the team that enabled satellite radio to fly. .9 �The lobby of the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center offers a dramatic welcome, with a natural stone wall, large flat video screen and seating areas for students and visitors. PHOTOS BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC GAME CHANGER Cohen Science Center Shapes The Future of Science at Wilkes WILKES | Fall 2013 A new building can be a work of art and a presence that transforms the landscape surrounding it. A building on a university campus has a more profound influence. Designed with the educational needs of students and faculty in mind, it helps to define and inspire the work happening within its walls. The new Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center at Wilkes is such a transformational and inspiring space. Designed by SaylorGregg architects, the state-of-the-art facility puts the focus on student research— the cornerstone of science education at 10 the University—by providing teaching laboratories rather than typical classroom space. The building also features meeting spaces promoting collaboration among students and faculty and across disciplines. A spectacular view of the Susquehanna River from the River Street side of the facility serves as a reminder of the environment that Wilkes scientists have sought to preserve for decades. The photos on these pages reveal a combination of beauty and utility in a building that is becoming the architectural anchor of campus. �– WINSTON CHURCHILL WILKES | Fall 2013 “WE SHAPE OUR BUILDINGS: THEREAFTER THEY SHAPE US.” 11 �Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center At A Glance • 72,500-square-foot building • $35 million project • The center houses the biology, chemistry and biochemistry and environmental engineering and earth science departments. In addition, any Wilkes student studying a laboratory science will have class in the center. Physics labs continue to be held in Stark. • The lobby is graced by a 2- by 3-foot video screen, which will feature Wilkes science and engineering news and readouts of energy use in the building. • The third floor features labs arranged to promote interdisciplinary work among the sciences housed in the building. • Up-to-date technology includes “Smart” classrooms with interactive whiteboards and wireless Internet. WILKES | Fall 2013 • The roof features a greenhouse and terrace. 12 The physiology labs feature stainless steel tops for dissection. Above, a student lounge and meeting space is featured at the end of each floor of the building. �The central staircase is a dramatic focal point in the science center’s lobby. WILKES | Fall 2013 Left, signage on the quadrangle and South River Street identifies the building. 13 �Hallways feature dramatic lighting and polished concrete floors. WILKES | Fall 2013 Bottom right, a videoconference room offers the latest technology for distance learning and meetings with scientists at other institutions. 14 �A meeting space looks out over the Fenner Quadrangle. Below, state-of-the-art fume hoods are among improvements in chemistry labs. • The building was designed to qualify for silver certification for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) presented by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is achieved via a green building design that conserves energy, materials and water. Green features include natural lighting; partial green roof; water storage outside the building to prevent stormwater runoff to urban sewers; sustainable polished concrete floors, Forest Stewardship Council-rated wood that is harvested responsibly; energy-efficient lighting and windows dedicated on Friday, Oct. 4. But the true kick-off for the new MORE building happened in late August, when students began attending WEB before students returned to campus. For photos capturing the ON THE classes in the center. Photos for this photo essay were taken dedication festivities and a slide show of students at work in the Cohen Science Center, please visit www.wilkes.edu/cohen. glazed with low-emittance coatings that save energy. WILKES | Fall 2013 The new Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center was to be 15 �.... .....- ~-;;..-.- .......---- --~·~-- ;:"W" r:; • r.- ---=- :-. r:.; ,,,.. ~ -=~ .,,-r- ii:"111' .-.:- .-.. ........ :-.-...... - ... ...-- . ~ ,......-.; --=~---- Advocating Understanding LYNN ELKO ’95 FINDS NEW CAREER WITH EMMA’S FRIENDS By Bill Thomas ’13 WILKES | Fall 2013 W 16 hen LynnMarie (Rosencrance) Elko’s daughter, Emma, was born with multiple disabilities, it opened her eyes to misconceptions that she—and many others—have about people with special needs. Before Emma’s birth, Elko ’95 recalls seeing people with disabilities with their families. “I would think, ‘That’s so tragic,’ ” she says. Her perceptions changed after becoming Emma’s mother. Her daughter is affected physically and cognitively due to neurological disorders impairing vision, speech and motor skills, but Elko has learned that family life still can be happy. “I didn’t realize that, even though people have disabilities and their lives are different, there is still a tremendous amount of joy,” she says. Nonetheless, helping Emma overcome her daily challenges proved to be a full-time job, one that necessitated Elko leaving her position as vice president of production at Educational Impact, an online provider of professional development programs ,...'P...: • 1 �LynnMarie (Rosencrance) Elko, Tamaqua, Pa. B.A., Communication Studies and Political Science, Wilkes, 1995 M.A., Business Communications, Jones International University, 2005 Career: Owner and founder, Emma’s Friends Soaps & Lotions Notable: Elko started her own handcrafted toiletry business called Emma’s Friends Soaps & Lotions, which employs individuals with disabilities. Favorite Wilkes memory: Working late into the night (and often into the early morning) in The Beacon office where, as editor, she and her staff assembled Wilkes University’s student newspaper on a steady diet of delivery pizza. Opposite page, Lynn (Rosencrance) Elko ’95 poses in her store, which is the retail outlet for Emma’s Friends Lotions and Soaps, on Broad Street in Tamaqua, Pa. Above, Elko and her daughter Emma, 11, who is the inspiration for her mother’s thriving business. PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON “I didn’t realize that, even though people have disabilities and their lives are different, there is still a tremendous amount of joy” As a member of the board of directors for Avenues—a Pottsville, Pa.,-based organization that helps disabled individuals improve their work skills and their quality of life—Elko was aware that job opportunities for such individuals are limited. Emma’s Friends was founded to creatively and purposefully employ individuals with special needs. Part of Emma’s Friends mission, Elko says, is advocating greater understanding of such individuals. Elko believes every person she can touch now “will be someone who will be more accepting of our friends today and Emma tomorrow.” Being a mother is still her top priority. “Emma is nonverbal, meaning she is not able to speak, but she lets me know when I’m working too much. Two years ago, around Christmas, our busiest time of the year, I wasn’t spending enough time with her. She made sure to let me know by just ignoring me. That hurt and was a big wake-up call,” Elko says. “I make sure to put her to bed every night. I cuddle with her every night. She wants that quality time every day. I play with her and tickle her and make her laugh, and if I don’t, she lets me know. Which is good. I think a lot of kids whose parents have businesses don’t express that. They have all these filters that keep them from expressing what they really feel, telling them, ‘You’re supposed to be a good kid. You’re supposed to behave.’ Emma doesn’t have that. In a way, we’re very fortunate that she’s so transparent, because it can be hard to balance things. Regardless, she is and will always be my first priority.” WILKES | Fall 2013 for teachers based in Warminster, Pa. She left the company in 2004 to dedicate more time to Emma, now 11 years old. Therapists and teachers were an integral part of Emma’s life and they, indirectly, provided Elko with a surprising new career path. “I started making gifts for her therapists. I spent a lot of time baking treats and eventually started thinking there had to be something better. Then one day I was in the grocery store and I saw an issue of Martha Stewart’s magazine about soaps and I picked it up thinking I’d give it a try,” Elko says. She began making soap as thank-you gifts. Before long, Elko found the demand for her creations growing—so much so that, in 2008, her newfound hobby turned into a full-fledged business called Emma’s Friends Soaps & Lotions. Since then, Elko’s handcrafted, all-natural product line has expanded to lotions, scented sprays and even pet shampoos. Her items can be found in stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, California, including Elko’s own shops in Tamaqua, Pa., and West Hazleton, Pa. She also sells at juried craft shows and online at www.emmasfriends.com. Looking back, Elko admits she never expected her gift-giving endeavor to evolve the way it has. “I spent about two to three years experimenting with different oils and their properties, learning about the oils and how they combine to create different types of soap, developing my own special formulas,” Elko explains, pointing out that her prior background as a communication studies and political science major at Wilkes didn’t quite prepare her for the business of making soaps. “I love research, though. I love to read. And thankfully my husband was a wonderful critic,” she adds with a laugh. While the name “Emma’s Friends” initially referred to the teachers and therapists receiving Elko’s creations, the name now has a double meaning, referring also to the people Emma’s Friends employs, all of whom have intellectual disabilities. These friends wrap and package all the soaps and also make, bottle and label all the dry bath products. 17 �I Wilkes doctor of nursing practice grad Josh Martin applies his education in remote regions WILKES | Fall 2013 by Helen Kaiser 18 Top, military personnel practice evacuations required in the field. Bottom, Josh Martin DNP ’13 draws on training as an Air Force pararescueman to train others in wilderness medicine practices. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSH MARTIN. �J osh Martin DNP ’13 teaches health care providers how to After his military discharge, Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in make good decisions in bad environments. As a specialist business studies from Davenport University. He became president in wilderness medicine, he trains paramedics, nurses and and CEO of Northern Cairn in 2003, allowing him to spend more others to deliver care in hostile situations—from remote time in his native region of northern Michigan with his wife, Elsa, military bases in Afghanistan to the open seas. and their three sons. In 2009 he was awarded a fellowship in the As president and CEO of Northern Cairn LLC in Petoskey, Academy of Wilderness Medicine from the Wilderness Medical Mich., Martin coordinates and teaches challenging courses Society, Salt Lake City. He became a family nurse practitioner in in wilderness medicine. The school prepares students for 2010 and in May 2013 received his doctorate from Wilkes. emergency situations that involve prolonged patient care, severe For one doctoral project, Martin drew on experiences environments and improvised equipment. Students range from providing contract wilderness medicine training to 118 Army summer camp counselors and outdoor enthusiasts to the military medics in Afghanistan in 2011. The training addressed the and FBI hostage rescuers. problem of 19-year-old Army medics being shipped off to “We instruct students how to keep out of trouble in extreme war with just basic “street EMT” training. “There’s a huge situations by recognizing potential problems before they occur,” difference in what’s covered in regular EMT textbooks—where says Martin, a member of Wilkes’ first graduating class in its the focus is on being able to access a fully stocked ambulance online doctor of nursing practice program. and arrive at a hospital in 10 or 20 minutes—and the realities Martin credits his eight years in the U.S. Special Operations of people being shot at or blown up in the midst of an austere, Command with galvanizing his eventual career choice of unforgiving environment,” Martin explains. wilderness medicine. The 39-year-old served as a U.S. Air Force pararescueman from 1993 to 2001, with multiple deployments in “You’re caring for a patient who may or may Southwest Asia and North Africa. “My primary role as a pararescueman was not have good mental capabilities, who was to save lives and aid the injured in hostile, non-permissive and austere environments,” likely in bad shape before being wounded.” he says. Translated, that would mean tasks like parachuting from a C-130 aircraft into the middle of the ocean, with limited medical capabilities. “You’re trying to provide good wound care, feeding, hydrating and keeping him warm until he can be rescued,” he explains. To qualify for pararescue, Martin spent more than 30 months in rigorous military training—first to become an emergency medical technician. That training was supplemented with crucial instruction that included helicopter-parachute rescue, advanced land navigation, small arms weapons handling, survival techniques, chemical warfare survival, advanced trauma life support, land and water parachute landings and scuba diving. Joshua Martin DNP ’13, Petoskey, Mich. B.S., Business Studies, Davenport University The wilderness training helped medics to assess whether medical evacuations—dangerous to both flight crews and soldiers—were actually needed. Martin cited the outcomes from the training in his research project, which compared outcomes in traditional emergency medical training programs with those in a hybrid program such as the one he offers for wilderness training. Wilkes Assistant Professor of Nursing Kathleen Hirthler taught three of Martin’s doctoral courses and served as his scholarly project chairperson. “Josh is accomplished in a unique way,” she says. “I expect he will be a leader in finding new ways of providing safe, quality care for populations requiring wilderness medicine. The doctorate will help him to influence his field through sound application of evidence-based research.” Martin agrees, saying, “These days there is a drive to keep patients out of the hospital,” he says, “so we need to teach them self-care and how to recognize when they are starting to fail before their conditions get too serious. The same holds true for healthy people who might be mountaineering in cold or desert-like conditions. They need to recognize their limits.” 19 WILKES | Fall 2013 M.S., Nursing, Grand Valley State University Doctor of Nursing Practice, Wilkes wilderness medicine training company Career: President and CEO of Northern Cairn, LLC, a Notable: Served eight years as a U.S. Air Force pararescueman, giving him expertise in wilderness medicine. 0 �alumni news Alumni Association Board Welcomes Five New Members JESSICA SHORT ’13 The Wilkes University Alumni Association welcomed five new alumni members in June to its Board of Directors. In the following question-and-answer profiles, the new members share their motivations for getting involved with the Alumni Association. Their class years and occupations may vary, but they all have one thing in common: a love of Wilkes University and the desire to give back to their alma mater. Clifford Township, Pa. GABE LEDONNE ’05 News desk manager, SNL Financial, Blakely, Pa. Student development graduate assistant, Wilkes University, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education Certification, Reading Minor Being on the Homecoming student team all four years of college had a major influence on my desire to be involved with the Alumni Association after graduation. I am thankful for my Wilkes education and have great pride in my school, making me want to give back and make it a better place for incoming students. Because I was so involved, I could not leave the University without having some kind of tie to the school. Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies, English I’ve always wanted to continue to be a part of Wilkes after graduating. During my time at the University, I received a lot of great support and guidance from faculty, administrators, staff and others. Wilkes has a great sense of community, and I feel that serving as an alumni board member gives me an opportunity to be a bigger part of that community and to contribute to it. P. CHRISTOPHER SOMMER ’94 Entrepreneur, Wilmington, Del. Bachelor of Science, Accounting When President Leahy came on board with Wilkes, I saw this as a catalyst for change and an opportunity to develop the leadership of the University. I wanted to be involved with the momentum to advance the institution. ROB BURNS ’64 Trial attorney, Piermont, N.Y. JOHN SWEENEY ’13 Bachelor of Science, Business Assurance associate, PwC (the U.S. Administration firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers WILKES | Fall 2013 While at Wilkes, I was president of Student Government, on the wrestling team and a proud member of Ashley Hall. I became active in the Alumni Association because I still have a special place in my heart for my time at Wilkes, even after almost 50 years. Wilkes, with its small student body; teachers who were not only devoted in the classroom but who also came to social events; and my participation in wrestling and student government really helped to shape my life. 20 LLC), Parsippany, N.J. Bachelor of Science, Accounting; Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Management As a student at Wilkes, I was extremely involved in campus life. I decided to join the Alumni Board so that I could keep a strong connection to campus and the events that affect Wilkes. As a member of the Alumni Association Board, I look forward to having the opportunity to foster relationships with alumni and help keep recent alumni engaged. The board does important work with advancement and mentoring and I hope to contribute to its goals in any way possible. �giving back Investing in the Future Louise Hazeltine ’44 and Ray Dombroski ’78 honor faculty, benefit students with gifts to Cohen Science Center “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin 0 Louise Hazeltine ’44 Retired nurse in the New York Hospital and associate dean and director of the division of education at Cornell School of Nursing Trucksville, Pa. Bachelor of Arts, Nursing, Cornell University Master of Science, New York University 0 Ray Dombroski ’78 Senior Vice President, Product Development 0 0 and Deployment Comcast Corp., Malvern, Pa. Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Wilkes University We decided to make a gift because I believe in the mission of Wilkes University and its strong commitment to the region and excellence in its programs. It was a way to show gratitude for my experience at Wilkes and to ‘pay it forward’ to future students.” Like Dombroski, Louise Hazeltine ’44 is providing opportunities for current science students at Wilkes while honoring the faculty members who helped her achieve success. Her gift recognizes biology teachers Charles B. Reif and Lenore Ward, who, Hazeltine says, were invaluable in her pursuit of a science education at Bucknell Junior College in the early 1940s. “Dr. Reif had a good sense of humor and got us all interested in science. I remember his great attention to detail when he prepared slides to view under a microscope. Dr. Ward made even the most reluctant students enjoy the courses she taught, even when they required us to dissect a cat... They challenged us to become excellent students.” Hazeltine says that the greatest impact that these two individuals had on her was “instilling the need to be meticulous.” Mastering this skill served Hazeltine well; she went on to work as a registered nurse at the New York Hospital, earn a master’s degree at New York University and serve as associate dean and director of the division of education at Cornell School of Nursing. “I am pleased to support a space for the next generation as they study to become the best students possible,” she says. WILKES | Fall 2013 A plaque on the third floor of the Cohen Science Center that displays Franklin’s quote reminds students, faculty and staff of the long-term benefits of education. The message becomes even more meaningful when you read the words that accompany it – “In Memory of Umid R. Nejib, Ph.D., Professor, 1965-2002.” The plaque represents a gift by Ray Dombroski ’78 and his wife, Colleen DeMorat, to Wilkes to honor Nejib, Dombroski’s former engineering professor. “The influence of Professor Nejib was important while I was a student, but the real value of my interactions with him only became obvious over time, well after graduation.” Dombroski, a senior vice president of product development and deployment for Comcast Corp., believes that education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is critical to the economy and global competitiveness. “Having up-to-date lab facilities is an important facet of such an education. As a Wilkes student in the mid-1970s, when Stark Learning Center was built, I recognized that it was time to update the facilities.” 21 �class notes Tom Ralston ’80 Survives Boston Marathon Bombing Tom Ralston ’80 moved to Boston shortly after graduating from Wilkes. It’s a city he’s grown to love. “Everything about Boston is historical, in one way or another—and I love history,” says Ralston, president of the Wilkes University Alumni Association and a fundraiser for Bentley University. Ralston’s personal history merged with his adopted city’s when he was an eyewitness and victim at the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombing. Taking part in the merrymaking at the marathon has long been a tradition for Ralston. “I think I’ve only missed getting to the marathon twice in the 33 years that I’ve lived there,” says Ralston. This year’s event found him strolling by himself on Boylston Street among celebrants near the finish line; Tom Ralston ’80 kneels at the temporary memorial at Copley Square for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The memorial has been moved to the Boston Historical Society. Ralston, who was injured in the bombing, is serving on a committee to determine how the city will mark the anniversary of the event in the future. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM RALSTON. his usual companions were traveling that day. At the hospital, doctors removed “I was enjoying the whole atmosphere when I heard the first explosion to my left, about a block and a half away,” he recalls. Thinking that perhaps the large jumbotron televising the race had exploded, he moved in that direction. Ten to 12 seconds later, the second bomb exploded. “I couldn’t have been more than 12 to 15 feet from it,” Ralston says. The impact knocked him to the ground. “Five, “I think I’ve only missed getting to the marathon twice in the 33 years that I’ve lived there.” him. It was only after he returned home that he realized the black specks on his jeans were small holes burned by bomb debris. He discovered that his leg was burned and had bled. Although his hearing is still impaired nicely” from his other injuries. The that I was on the ground and I was bleeding WILKES | Fall 2013 Boston police detectives questioned in one ear, Ralston says he’s “healing six, maybe seven seconds later, I realized 22 shrapnel from his arm. FBI agents and pretty profusely.” He clambered to his feet and began walking emotional fallout continues, and he still has some flashbacks. He’s from the scene, knowing, even in his confusion, that moving been helped by attending events sponsored by the city of Boston, away from what was obviously an explosion was a good idea. where he’s traded stories with others who were at the scene. Two bystanders who were not injured came to his aid. One, a “I was talking one day to two guys and realized that they were Marine trained in first aid on the battlefield, applied pressure to standing within a couple of feet of where I was. Each of them had stop the heavy bleeding on his arm. He could not hear anything a leg amputated, and I knew God was with me that day.” because the blast had ruptured his eardrums. – By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 �class notes 1947 Dolores (Seitchek) Price retired after a 64-year career in physical therapy, most recently working at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pa. Her sister, Rita Seitchek Dicker ’42, and brother, Jacob Seitchek ’49, also attended Wilkes, all when it was Bucknell University Junior College. Price resides in Elizabethtown, Pa. 1954 Elaine (Bogan) Law – see 1952. 1961 Joe Cardone is a humor consultant and inspirational speaker. He presents a variety of seminars, programs and workshops on the value of humor for wellness, stress reduction and positive living. His clients include Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruise lines and St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. 1965 G. Joseph Rogers was awarded the IBM President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement for volunteer service in December 2012. His volunteer service includes serving as chairman of the board of the Cambridge Historical Society and secretary/ treasurer of Cambridge Regional Health Center. Both organizations are in Cambridge, Vt., where he lives. Rogers retired from IBM in 1992 after 27 years with the company. 1966 Edward McGinley was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2013. At Wilkes, McGinley was an All-American wrestler in 1963, a Wilkes Open finalist in 1962 and a MidAmerican Conference finalist in 1965. McGinley founded the wrestling program at King’s College and has coached there for the past 44 years. 1970 Edward Burke was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2013. Burke played offensive tackle on Wilkes University’s legendary Golden Horde football team, was a part of a 32-game winning streak and helped Wilkes win three MidAmerican Conference titles and the 1968 Lambert Bowl. From 1972-1977 he coached football at Wyoming Valley West High School. He retired in 2005 after 35 years teaching at the school. 1952 Dianne Charsha is in the second year of Drexel University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She is studying in the executive leadership track. 1972 Bill Hanbury joined the executive search firm Boyden’s Washington, D.C., office as a principal and will recruit candidates to fill board, senior executive and functional leader roles. 1987 Carmen Mazzatta was appointed president of the health care division at Modern Marketing Concepts, Inc. Prior to his appointment, Mazzatta led technology-based health care sales and marketing business processing for inVentiv Health and Express Scripts. Ronald Rittenmeyer received an honorary master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College on June 8, 2013. The degree was presented by Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo and U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. Rittenmeyer was recognized for his leadership of the U.S. Army War College Board of Visitors, including his involvement in the strategic direction of the institution. 1993 Melanie O’Donnell Mickelson and Christopher Wade were married on June 23, 2012, at Weckesser Hall on the Wilkes campus. The bride is the vice president of enrollment services at Wilkes. The groom teaches social studies in Forest City Regional School District and is supervisor at the Edward A. Wade Funeral Home in Carbondale, Pa. 1980 Edward White is director of corporate communications at the National Basketball Association’s Indiana Pacers organization where his job responsibilities include conducting the post-game show. Donald Law and wife Elaine Law ’54 celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 11, 2013. They met at Wilkes. Center in the thermal fluid sciences department. She, her husband, Bruce, and children Nathan, 21, and Abigail, 19, live in West Hartford, Conn. 1985 Naomi Cohen has joined United Technologies Research 1995 William F. Noone was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2013. At Wilkes, Noone was a member of a Mid-American Conference championship baseball team and was named All-MAC Freedom League first team. He was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. He works for Prudential Financial. WILKES | Fall 2013 Undergraduate Degrees 23 �class notes of integrated communications at Elizabethtown College. She joined the university in August 2010, previously serving as integrated marketing manager. In her new role, she serves as editor of Elizabethtown, the official college magazine, and managing editor of E-town Now, the college’s online news publication. 2009 Kathy Dalton married Matt Wagner on Oct. 27, 2012. Kathy works as a residence area coordinator for York College of Pennsylvania. Matt is a mechanical engineer for the U.S. Army at the Aberdeen Test Center. They reside in York, Pa. Pictured at their wedding, from left, are Amanda Heyl, Christine Heyl. Lindsay Behrenshausen ‘11, Trudy Dalton, Debbie Welch, Kathy (Wagner) Dalton ‘09, Matt Wagner ‘09, Josh Potts, Joe Wagner, Chris Wagner, Jamie Montville ‘09, Eric Skoglund ‘09 and Pete Wassel ‘09. 1997 Margaret Manley was appointed director of performance measurement and reporting at TMG Health. She also was elected president of the Northeastern Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants for the 2013-2014 year. WILKES | Fall 2013 Heather (Howell) Johnson and her husband, John, announce the birth of their son Koda Anthony Krys Johnson. He joins John Nelson-Ray, Karl Aidan and Justus Xavier to complete the Johnson clan. 24 1998 Aldith Campbell received her MBA and pursued a doctor of education degree in counseling psychology. She works in the mental health field and serves as an adjunct instructor. 1999 Corinna Sowers-Adler has been asked to sing at Lincoln Center as part of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s New York City Cabaret Convention on Oct. 10, 2013. James Warner MFA ’09 is managing editor of Quiddity International Literary Journal and Public Radio program in Springfield, Ill. 2000 Donna Talarico-Beerman MFA ’10 was named director 2006 Jeffrey Bartman was appointed assistant principal at Springhouse Middle School in Allentown, Pa. 2008 Janelle Weiand Caruano Pharm. D. see Graduate Students 2008. 2009 Farrah Munir graduated from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg,Va. Her father, Dr. Muhammad Munir, presented her diploma. Jamie Gywnn graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. He is assistant to the manager of Northampton Township in Richboro, Pa. 2011 Anthony Dorunda is the producer for the 10 p.m. weekday and 11 p.m. weekend newscasts at WKRC, the CBS-affiliate station in Cincinnati, Ohio. He previously served as a news producer at WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre. 2012 Sara Cosgrove is assistant director in the annual giving office at Princeton University. She manages Princeton’s student-organized phonathon and the alumni phonathon. Liza Prokop was hired as Wilkes-Barre City’s community relations coordinator. 2013 Kirstin Cook is a producer at WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre. She received the Society of Professional Journalists Region 1 Mark of Excellence secondplace award in general news reporting for a small college newspaper for her story “Gilmour’s paid sabbatical amid proposal of cuts disturbs faculty” at the society’s Region 1 Spring Conference at Rutgers University.The article appeared while Cook was editor of The Beacon at Wilkes. William Thomas received the Society of Professional Journalists Region 1 Mark of Excellence third-place award in feature writing for a small college newspaper for his Beacon story about Professor Bradford Kinney’s retirement. It was presented at the society’s Region 1 Spring Conference at Rutgers University. �class notes Annual Baseball Trip a Home Run for Grissom Hall Alumni For some members of the classes of 1970 and 1971, baseball has become more than America’s pastime. It’s a way to maintain their Wilkes friendships. Bart Hauser ’70, John Squeri ’70, Jack Mulligan ’70, Ken Ganser ’70, Len Surdi ’70, Jim Darlington ’70, Bob Tarone ’71 and David Silberman ’70, residents of the Grissom Hall section of Pickering Hall, get together once a year to see a major league baseball game. The group has visited 13 cities with hopes of visiting all 30 major league baseball teams during their lifetimes. Graduate Degrees 2007 Jennifer Freed MFA recently published her young adult historical fiction novel The Last Encampment with Northampton Press. The idea surfaced in the mid-90s when a few of them decided to go to Chicago and catch a Cubs game. A trip to see the Baltimore Orioles followed the next year. The group came back to Wilkes for their 30th class reunion in 2000. That same year, after a trip to a Boston Red Sox game, they decided to make it a yearly tradition to visit a major league baseball stadium together. The group has visited St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston and a minor league game in Memphis. This year, the men went to Toronto to see the Toronto Blue Jays, and next year they plan to visit New York to see the new Yankees Stadium. “It’s just a group decision that we sit around and talk and usually one guy says, ‘Well, let’s go to this place,’ and we basically all agree to it,” Silberman says, adding that the desire to get together is as important as the location. Planning the trip also involves working around each 2008 Erin Delaney MA was featured at Misericordia University’s Speaker Series “From Mouth to Mic: Waxing Poetic II.” She teaches literature at Misericordia and also teaches the sophomore seminar at Southern New Hampshire University. person’s schedule and travel; some years one or two members can’t make the trip. Because most of them live in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, they usually travel together, with Silberman flying in from Memphis, Tenn., and Surdi coming from Bellingham, Wash. In addition to visiting baseball stadiums, the group has also visited Mount Rushmore; the Field 2009 Chad Mullen MFA’s book The Mirror of Aberrantine is scheduled to be published by Northampton House Press. of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa; Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis; and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Squeri and Silberman agree that these trips are something each of them look forward to and a chance Lori Myers MA had her short story “Dante’s Window” published in the inaugural issue of Rock Bottom Journal. She also recently interviewed singer Helen Reddy for an article in B Magazine. for them to get together. meet and just become Wilkes College kids every year,” Silberman says. – By Christine Lee Top photo: Grissom Hall alumni traveled to Toronto this year on their annual baseball park pilgrimage to see the Blue Jays play at the Rogers Centre. Pictured from left are David Silberman ’70, John Squeri ’70, Bart Hauser ’70, Bob Tarone ’71, Ken Ganser ’70 and Jack Mulligan ’70. Bottom photo: In 2012, the self-described “Wilkes College kids” traveled to Washington, D.C., to see the Washington Nationals play. Pictured from left to right are Mulligan, Ganser, Silberman. Hauser, Jim Darlington ’70 and Squeri – and a very whimsical “Teddy Roosevelt.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID SILBERMAN ’70. Kevin Voglino MA’s second book, Tea Time Boys, is now available from Rogue Phoenix Press. James Warner MFA – see Undergraduate Students 1999. 2010 Donna Talarico-Beerman MFA – see Undergraduate Students 2000. WILKES | Fall 2013 “The baseball theme is what has gotten us to stay together and to 25 �class notes Martin Strayer ’93: Hounds and Chicks Play Well Together company Clair Brothers, where he provided audio and sound Martin Strayer ’93 has found his true love in music. In 2006, “I was brought in to help with their sound engineering,” he after he joined the road crew of the popular country music recalls. “They were in rehearsals when I flew to Austin to meet band the Dixie Chicks, he began collaborating with two of its the crew.” three members, producing new material and forming a spin-off mixes for large concert venues around the world. But he missed playing with a band on stage. His biggest musical influences have been Mozart, The Beatles, Eddie Van Halen, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, but it was meeting the Dixie Chicks that got him back on stage. The rest, he says, is history. “I started writing songs under the radar. The idea to start a new band came to mind. My time at group, The Court Yard Hounds. He remembers quite well his first-day orientation at Wilkes in fall 1988, especially the encouraging remarks made by Dean Wilkes helped me become a smart business man, right down to finding a band name.” Jane Lampe-Groh, which promised new students that the The name Court Yard Hounds evolved from a novel mentioned friends they made during their time at Wilkes would become in David Benioff’s book City of Thieves. “We brainstormed their best friends throughout life. “What Dean Lampe-Groh about stuff we had read,” Strayer says. “It came down to a said is true,” he says. “My book within a book about a character who never gives up on Wilkes experience helped form his dreams.” life-long friends, including the The group released its self-titled debut album in 2010, guys that became part of the securing a spot in Billboard’s Top 10. Strayer continued to write band.” songs, along with Martie Maguire, who, along with her sister, After graduating, he segued into sound engineering, Emily Robison, also are two thirds of the group known as the Dixie Chicks. Lead vocalist Natalie Maines went on to record a working for the concert audio solo album, which was released earlier this year. Martin Strayer ’93, center, flanked by Court Yard Hounds—and former Dixie Chicks, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison—have released a second album, featuring tunes written by Strayer. on Columbia Records. “Amelita” is the title track, about a young On July 16, Court Yard Hounds released their second album girl from Mexico who needs direction in her life. The album features a dozen tracks, 10 of which Strayer co-wrote. PHOTO COURTESY MARTIN STRAYER WILKES | Fall 2013 – By Bill Schneider MA ’13 26 Sarah Pugh MFA’s original series Killjoy made the Top 25 Semi-Final round of the Austin Television Festival’s Pitch Competition. William Lowenburg MFA’s monograph “Crash Burn Love” was featured with a 14-picture spread on Slate.com’s photo blog “Behold.” Gale Martin MA was featured at the annual book and author luncheon of the Willingboro, Pa., chapter of the American Association of University Women on April 26, 2013, where she gave an author talk followed by a book signing. She appeared at the fourth annual BookFest PA, part of the 2013 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, on July 13, 2013. Tara Caimi MFA’s memoir excerpt “Without Words” was published in Outside In Literary & Travel Magazine. 2011 Carol MacAllister MFA was accepted into the Horror Writers Association. Patricia Florio MFA’s short story “Golden Boy” was published in the summer issue of Newtown Literary. 2009 Jennifer Cerra, Pharm.D. and James Sharp were married June 22, 2013, at the Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes, Del. Pictured in the back row, from left, standing are: Amy Lynn Antos Pharm. D. ’08, Tony Scerbo ’08, Neil Bavitz Pharm. D. ’07, Andrew Eckert ’07, Sarina Kapoor ’07, Tina Guraya-Davies Pharm. D. ’09, Stephen Davies Pharm. D. ’11, Lindsay Klish Pharm. D. ’09, Bill Barbester Pharm. D. ’06 and Jonathan McClave ’07. Pictured in the front row from left are: Brenton Shaffer Pharm. D. ’15, Paola Pardo-Bavitz ’06, Jenna Strzelecki ’09, Cerra, Joellen Cerra-Morgan ’08, Alysha Nicholls ’08 and Kate McClave ’08. �class notes Janelle Weiand Caruano Pharm. D. was named Pharmacist of the Year by the Delaware Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists. She works as a clinical pharmacist at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital in Dover, Del. She is pictured with pharmacy technician Dottie Collison at the awards ceremony. Brian Fanelli MFA began a full-time position teaching English at Lackawanna College in August 2013. His poem “Writing the Last Word” appeared in the June 2013 issue of Spillway and his poem “Temp Worker” was accepted by The Oklahoma Review. A third poem, “Goodbyes in a Blackout,” was accepted by North Chicago Review. Fanelli is studying for his doctorate in English at SUNY Binghamton. In Memoriam 1938 Marion Dunstan Karsten, Kingston, Pa., died April 25. She was a teacher at Wyoming Seminary, Crestwood High School, Wyoming Area Senior High School, and also taught in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. 1941 Kenneth Kressler, Manchester Township, N.J., died Jan. 12. 1945 Dr. Robert E. Karns, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, died Dec. 27, 2011. 1947 James Patrick Flynn, Midland, Mich., died April 14. Flynn Christopher Bullard MFA had his chapbook Dear Leatherface accepted for publication by Kattywompus Press. His full-length collection Back is also scheduled for publication this year with WordTech Communications. 2012 Ginger Marcinkowski MFA is now a regular column contributor to Book Fun Magazine. worked for 33 years for Dow Chemical as a research scientist and project leader. 1949 Arthur D. Dalessandro, Yatesville, Pa., died May 22. Dalessandro served in the U.S. Air Force and was a World War II veteran. He was a trial lawyer for 17 years and served for two decades as state trial judge. James Morrash, Media, Pa., died May 26. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Morrash worked for Westinghouse Corp. 1950 Mary Porter Evans, Lexington, Ky., died March 3. She was a charter member of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass. Sandee Gertz Umbach MFA’s book of poetry, The Pattern Maker’s Daughter, received 2nd place in the national Tillie Olsen Award competition for creative writing given by the Working Class Studies Association. Amye Archer MFA became writing center coordinator at the University of Scranton in fall 2013. Kevin McCormick MBA was promoted to assistant vice president at Fidelity Bank. He lives in Dunmore, Pa. Edward V. Gill, WilkesBarre, Pa., died May 17. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He retired from the Tobyhanna Army Depot in 1989. Edward A. Godek, Tappan, N.Y., died March 13, 2012. Godek was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Before retiring in 1992, he was a teacher at Tappan Grammar School. Walter F. Haczewski, Plains Township, Pa., died April 8. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II. Haczewski worked at Roth Novelty Co. of Wilkes-Barre. 2013 Todd McClimans MFA’s alternate-history middle grade manuscript Time Traitor was one of five finalists in the 2013 National Association of Elementary School Principals Children’s Book Award competition. Lori A. May MA was featured in an interview at r.kv.ry Quarterly Literary Journal, where her poetry also was featured. She also had an essay published in Northern Cardinal Review. Jason Carney MFA has signed a contract to have his memoir Starve the Vulture published by Kaylie Jones Books, an imprint of Akashic Books. Storefront Pictures has optioned the book for film rights. Paul E. Huff, Vienna, Va., died Oct. 11, 2012. He worked for the CIA for 47 years and, after his retirement, recruited for the agency at colleges and universities. He was a member of the Wilkes board of trustees under former President Christopher Breiseth and received the Wilkes Excellence Award for Public Service in 2000. Editor’s Note: Incorrect information about Mr. Huff was printed in the spring/summer issue of Wilkes. We apologize for the error. Richard “Dick” E. Martin, Cherry Hill, N.J., died March 23. Martin was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. For 36 years, Martin worked for GMAC. WILKES | Fall 2013 2008 Rachel Strayer MFA’s play, Drowning Ophelia, will be produced by Repurposed Theatre in San Francisco, Calif. Performances are scheduled for fall 2013. 27 �class notes Robert Lee Williams, Jr., Gillette, N.J., died April 5. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. 1951 Donald E. Blankenbush, Pennington, N.J., died May 16. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. For 37 years, Blankenbush taught at the Princeton Regional Schools. Henry F. Heineman, Corning, N.Y., died Sept. 14, 2012. Heineman was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He owned and operated Credit Adjustment Bureau of Corning. Richard J. Rappaport, Columbia, Md., died Nov. 23, 2010. He served in the U. S. Army. 1953 Theodore “Ted” Lazarus Krohn, Myrtle Beach, S.C., died March 25. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. Krohn was a professor of accounting at Wilkes and for many years worked as an attorney and solicitor, serving the Municipality of Kingston, Borough of Dallas, and Back Mountain Police Association. WILKES | Fall 2013 1954 William J. Lendener, Lacey Township, N.J., died Jan. 11. Lendener served in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a chemist with Citgo Petroleum. 28 1955 William “Bill” W. Walp, Lancaster, Pa., died May 7, 2013. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.Walp retired from the banking industry, where he worked for National Bank and Fulton Bank. 1957 Frank Lutinski, Hampton, Pa., died June 1, 2012. He was a senior research chemist at Gulf Oil. 1958 William “Bill” A. Littleton, Sr., Devon, Pa., died April 6. Littleton was employed at General Electric Aerospace Division in Philadelphia until opening his own construction business. 1959 Ernest “Ernie” Ashbridge, Jr., Shaverton, Pa., died April 9. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. For 41 years, Ashbridge worked at Hanover Bank of Pennsylvania. 1960 William J. Woll, Harrisburg, Pa., died March 22. Woll served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association. 1965 Keith P. Ackerman, Noank, Conn., died Nov. 18, 2012. He taught art at Fitch Junior High School and Fitch Middle School. 1966 Carol Cowell, Apache Junction, Ariz., died Feb. 21. 1967 Jan Thomas Kubicki, Philadelphia, Pa., died March 6. He worked at Marple Newtown High School, where he won state championships for directing drama club productions. He was self-employed at Truefire, a photography business. 1968 Wayne Bloomberg, Northampton, Pa., died Jan. 8. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam War veteran. Until his retirement in 2003, Bloomberg worked at AT&T. Barbara Mary Salus, Freedom, Pa., died May 2. Salus was a social worker at the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Western Center. 1969 Dayle Hemingway Swisher, Clarks Summit, Pa., died April 27. She was a nurse at the Georgetown University Hospital and Arlington Hospital in Virginia as well as in her husband’s private practice. 1972 Dr. D. Keith Ferrell, WilkesBarre, Pa., died May 1, 2013. Ferrell was the founder and director of the Forensic Assessment and Counseling Unit at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. He also served as the program director for Pennsylvania Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy and associate professor at the Albert Ellis Institute in New York. 1973 Anthony “Tony” Karuzie, Avoca, Pa., died March 23. Karuzie served in the U.S. Army Special Forces and was part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He worked as an operations manager at Ingersoll Rand Company. David G. Lieb, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died May 7. 1975 Donald Smith,White Haven, Pa., died April 6. Smith served in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War and chairman of the NATO working party in Brussels, Belgium. For 36 years, he worked at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. 1982 Dr. Beverly A. Rothery, Kingston, Pa., died Feb. 23. Rothery practiced medicine at Marietta Medical Care in Marietta, Ohio, and also worked at the Stepby-Step Program in Wilkes-Barre. 1985 Jacqueline A. Vandeberg, Fairview Township, Pa., died May 22. She was employed by Nabisco Inc. 1986 Jane D. Lashock, Hazleton, Pa., died Oct. 13, 2012. She worked in nursing at Geisinger Medical Center, Pocono Medical Center, Palmerton Hospital, St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Hazleton General Hospital. 1987 Evan M. Chumard, Scranton, Pa., died July 24, 2011. Chumard worked as a veterinary technician. 2005 Beth Ann Wenner, Freeland, Pa., died Nov. 21, 2011. She was employed by the Keystone Job Corps Center in Drums, Pa., and was studying for her doctorate at Marywood University. Friends of Wilkes Dr. David Walter Kistler, WilkesBarre, Pa., died March 24, 2013. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Kistler dedicated his life to service in his community where he had a medical practice for 52 years. �Thank You to Our Donors Thank you to the 2,691 alumni who gave a gift to Wilkes in the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Your gift enables Wilkes to provide current and future students with excellent academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, life-changing cocurricular experiences and scholarship aid. Without your generosity, these programs would not be possible. We’re pleased to announce that, for the first time,Wilkes University’s annual report of gifts will be published online. You will receive a postcard in the mail directing you to the new report when it is available. There you will be able to view the following: • John Wilkes Society members—annual donors who contribute at least $1,000 each year • Marts Society members—contributors participating in gift-planning programs • Giving by class year • Giving by constituency Much progress was made across campus in the 2012-2013 fiscal year because of the generosity of our donors, University family, business partners and friends. Highlights include: • more than $5,000 raised by the class of 2013, which furnished a student lounge in the Cohen Science Center; • three new annual endowed and five new endowed scholarships established to benefit students from a variety of disciplines; • the renovation and expansion of the Munson Field House at Ralston Athletic Complex; • and the completion of the $35 million state-of-the-art Cohen Science Center. �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events October November 1-20 Sordoni Art Gallery exhibit, The Art of Balliet 3 Allen P. Kirby Center Lecture featuring political columnist Jonah Goldberg, Darte Center, 7:30 p.m. 4-6 Homecoming Weekend 4 Dedication, Cohen Science Center, 4 p.m. 17 Wilkes University & King’s College Alumni Networking Night, 6 p.m., Rodano’s 19 Passport to Science, community open house, Cohen Science Center 29-Dec. 15 Sordoni Art Gallery exhibit, nine-O-one: Jim Lennox, Sculpture and Paintings 29-Dec. 15 Sordoni Art Gallery exhibit, Visual Literacy: Paintings by Chad W. Stanley 5 J. Michael Lennon, reading and book signing, 7 p.m., Henry Student Center 6 Connecting the Dots, alumni networking event with current Wilkes students, Henry Student Center, 6 p.m. 8, 9, 15, 16 Theater Performance, Seussical, The Musical, Darte Center, 8 p.m. 9 Admissions Open House 10, 17 Theater Performance, Seussical, The Musical, Darte Center, 2 p.m. 17 Empty Bowls, benefiting local food banks, Henry Student Center,11:30 a.m. 22 Choral Ensembles Concert, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre, 7:30 p.m. 24 Civic Band Concert, guest narrator Patrick Leahy, President of Wilkes University, Darte Center, 7:30 p.m. December 2 Graduate Studies Information Session, Henry Student Center Ballroom, 6-8 p.m. 5 Jazz Orchestra Concert, Darte Center, 8 p.m. 7 Flute Ensemble Concert, Darte Center, 7 p.m. 8 Chamber Orchestra Concert, Darte Center, 3 p.m. January 25 Athletic Hall of Fame Celebration, Marts Center For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni or phone (800) WILKES-U. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Alumni Magazine, 1947-present Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Description An account of the resource <p>An archive of Wilkes University Magazine, from 1947-present. The magazine went through various names including <em>Wilkes Alumnus</em>, <em>Wilkes Quarterly,</em> <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, and the current title, <em>Wilkes Magazine</em>. Some editions for the <em>Wilkes Universe</em>, will have multiple issues within the file record. Our holdings may be missing editions for certain years due to having no physical copy within the collection. </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Wilkes University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Wilkes University Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Wilkes University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947-present Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wilkes Magazine, Fall 2013 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2013 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Magazine magazine Wilkes Magazine