13 15 193 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/9b938a7e1b50432b08d5396f417a972e.pdf 7e7f77be0f4aea67d7076bc63df78073 PDF Text Text WINTER 2015 Beyond Print DIGITAL HUMANITIES CURRICULUM TRANSFORMS STUDY OF LITERATURE �president’s letter VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 1 Campus Projects Launch New Era At Wilkes A beautiful campus and exceptional facilities help the University recruit the best students, attract excellent faculty and staff and provide an outstanding educational experience. Because a quality education requires first-class academic buildings and infrastructure, the University has identified “Strengthening Our Campus Infrastructure” as one of the six goals outlined in its new strategic plan, Gateway to the Future. In the next few years, significant improvements to campus will help us become one of the finest small universities in the country. Wilkes has a long history of preserving historic properties near campus and adapting them from their original residential purposes to academic and administrative use or for student residences. Wilkes also has strategically constructed stateof-the-art buildings designed with a specific educational intent. This blending of old with the new has created a wonderful campus that enriches our students’ educational experiences. The Stark Learning Center, the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, the Arnaud C. Marts Sports and Conference Center, Breiseth Hall, the Henry Student Center and the Cohen Science Center have been visionary projects that enhanced the quality of student life and learning. Projects in our new Gateway to the Future Plan are of strategic importance to the University. This spring and summer, we’ll create the South Campus Gateway that will create an iconic entrance to campus and will completely transform our presence on South Main Street. This gateway will extend from South Main Street through campus into the Fenner Quadrangle, connecting the heart of our President Patrick F. Leahy thanks former campus with downtown Wilkes-Barre. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett at the event announcing the award of a $3 million grant The South Campus Gateway project is only the for Wilkes engineering labs. Corbett is on beginning. Wilkes received $1 million in federal the right. PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program to pay for enhanced street lighting and improved pedestrian crossings on South Franklin and West South streets. The work will complement the campus gateway and improve pedestrian safety. A second grant—a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant—will allow Wilkes to upgrade engineering labs in the College of Science and Engineering. Wilkes will match the grant to support $6 million in improvements. New labs will be created, including a nanotechnology lab, an additive manufacturing lab and a bioengineering lab. These state-of-the-art facilities—the only ones of their kind in the region—will enhance our relationships with community business partners. Just as campus projects in the past transformed this University, these projects promise to help launch a new era of excellence at Wilkes. I hope you will share my enthusiasm for the future of Wilkes and support the work to which we are committed to make our Dr. Patrick F. Leahy University the best it can be. Wilkes University President WINTER 2015 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 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.A.’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 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 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 14 16 contents W I NT ER 2 0 1 5 6 Beyond Print Wilkes new digital humanities concentration takes the study of literature into the digital age. Beyond Print DIGITAL HUMANITIES CURRICULUM TRANSFORMS STUDY OF LITERATURE Wilkes’ digital humanities classes use new tools to explore literature. ILLUSTRATION BY KARA REID 10 �Ardent Activist Jane Stapleton ’86 is a national expert on ways to combat sexual assault on college campuses. 14 �Low-key Litigator Leonard Koerner ’64 has argued in front of the Supreme Court and helped to save Grand Central Station during a 40-year career as a New York City lawyer. 16 Most Valuable Players 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 Athletes from six sports are represented among the newest inductees to Wilkes’ Athletics Hall of Fame. f,;S FPO FSC WILKES | Winter 2015 FEATURES 1 �on campus ... w Wilkes Joins Coalition Launching SHINE Program For Schoolchildren Wilkes University is the educational host for Luzerne County SHINE, an afterschool program aimed at improving educational opportunities for schoolchildren in the county. The program is a joint project brought to Luzerne County by Congressman Lou Barletta and state Sen. John Yudichak. SHINE is an evidence-based educational program that has been successfully used in Carbon and Schuylkill county schools for more than a decade. The program’s outcomes—increasing student retention, parent participation and improved grades—have been lauded by the United States Department of Education. The College of Education at Wilkes University will provide critical administrative as well as research support to position Luzerne County SHINE as an evidence-based, educationdriven afterschool program. Wilkes students across academic disciplines also will have opportunities to work with the program. The program offices will be housed at the University. “A commitment to our community is part of Wilkes University’s mission. SHINE offers us the opportunity to continue that commitment in a way that will impact Luzerne County for years to come,” President Patrick F. Leahy says. “At the same time, our students are also the beneficiaries, engaging with the community and providing service as tutors and teachers while gaining valuable experience working with youth.” Luzerne County SHINE will be phased in over a three-year period beginning in fall 2015. The program, geared to grades K-8, focuses on a project-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum. Relying heavily on a STEAM core, SHINE links schools to homes to help children build a stronger academic and social foundation. Above: Students from State Street Elementary School in the Wyoming Valley West School District celebrate the launch of the Luzerne County SHINE Program, an afterschool program aimed at improving children’s educational opportunities. Pictured with the youngsters, center from left, are Anthony Grieco, executive director of the Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18, Congressman Lou Barletta, state Sen. John Yudichak and President Patrick F. Leahy. WILKES | Winter 2015 Wilkes Launches Undergraduate Business Programs, Scholarships at Mesa, Ariz., Site 2 Wilkes launched its undergraduate business degree program in January 2015 at its site in Mesa, Ariz. The University also is awarding Founders Scholarships to the first 30 qualified students in the program. The University is offering undergraduate degrees in business with majors in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing, and sports and event management. The undergraduate business degrees are the first bachelor’s degrees that Wilkes will offer in Arizona since it became part of Mesa’s H.E.A.T. (Healthcare, Education, Aerospace, Technology/Tourism) Initiative for Economic Development, designed to increase college opportunities and spur economic growth. Wilkes already offers its master of business administration program in Mesa, as well as degrees in creative writing, engineering and education. Wilkes University will award $5,000 scholarships to the first 30 qualified transfer students to enroll in its business bachelor’s degree programs. The Founders Scholarships, good for two years, will provide access to quality education at an affordable price. �on campus New Honors Program Targets Talented Students An honors program offering enhanced academic experiences and grants and scholarships totaling more than $35,000 over four years will be offered to Wilkes students for the first time in fall 2015. The Wilkes University Honors Program will be available for freshmen admitted for the 2015-2016 academic year. Targeting talented and highly motivated students, the program offers a living and learning environment that includes dedicated housing to enhance students’ academic, social and cultural growth. Honors students will receive a $7,800 housing scholarship for each of their four years that covers all room costs except meals. Honors students also will receive an academic enrichment grant of $1,000 in the first two years and $2,000 in the second two that can be used to fund studyrelated expenses, such as travel abroad or technology. Other program benefits include first-priority access to course registration and no charge for academic course overload. COMMUNITY SERVICE BY THE NUMBERS Part of Wilkes University’s mission is a commitment to serve the community. The number of people involved and the hours volunteered in 2013 confirm that commitment. ...........•..... 2,370 Total students engaged in community service of any kind 950 Wilkes Scientist Leads Research Team Awarded $1 Million National Science Foundation Grant Number of students annually engaged in academic service-learning or community engaged research 478 Number of students engaged in more than \ I / / I \ ' /" - 20+ - 20 hours of any kind of community service per academic term 65,285 The total number of community service hours engaged in by Wilkes students, faculty and staff 1,472,176 Estimated value of time contributed by Wilkes students, faculty and staff to non-profit and community agencies* Ned Fetcher, coordinator of the Institute for Environmental Science and Sustainability, is shown on a research trip to Alaska, where he began studying the effects of climate change on plant life. PHOTO COURTESY OF NED FETCHER *Based on the estimated hourly value of volunteer time for 2013 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics as $22.55. WILKES | Winter 2015 Ned Fetcher, scientist and coordinator of the Institute for Environmental Science and Sustainability, is the principal investigator on a research team that has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study the effects of climate change on plants. The team will study the effect of a changing climate on tussock cottongrass, a plant indigenous to tundra ecosystems in Alaska. The grant funds research titled “Collaborative research: Local adaptation in a dominant arctic tundra sedge (Eriophorum vaginatum) and its effects on ecosystem response in a changing climate.” Fetcher, whose share of the three-year grant is $285,737, will conduct research with co-investigators Jianwu (Jim) Tang of the Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biology Laboratory at Woods Hole, Mass., and Michael Moody of the University of Texas at El Paso. Wilkes undergraduates will participate in the project as field assistants, spending up to 10 weeks during the summer at the Toolik Lake Field Station, 170 miles north of the Arctic Circle. 3 �on campus Public History Class Brings Past Alive The past became part of the present in fall 2014 for students in Professor Diane Wenger’s public history class. The class is a required course in a public history concentration introduced for students this year in the global history and languages department. Public history is the presentation of history outside of academic classes and the academic environment. The public history field includes museum work, historical sites such as Eckley Miners Village and Colonial Williamsburg, historical societies, historical reenactments and other public venues. Projects in the class included work at the Luzerne Historical Society, where students donned gloves to handle artifacts in exhibits, and creating historical displays about University history for the Farley Library. The community can view the displays, which include exhibits about the Colonels football team, women’s soccer team and University theatre productions. Revolutionary war reenactor Gene Kearney, garbed in period attire, speaks to students in Professor Diane Wenger’s public history class. His daughter, Katie Kearney ’09, majored in history at Wilkes and joins her father at historical reenactments. WILKES | Winter 2015 May I Have Your Autograph? Rare Collection is Little-Known Wilkes Treasure 4 Step inside the Farley Library and you’re in the presence of royalty. In a manner of speaking. “Our autograph collection includes documents signed by Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles V of France,” public services librarian Elizabeth A. Sullivan says. “The collection goes back hundreds of years. We also have a number of major literary figures and almost every U.S. president from George Washington to Dwight D. Eisenhower.” Containing an estimated 300 plus items, including documents recording the early history of the Wyoming Valley and the Revolutionary War, the collection was originally the property of the McClintock family. The McClintocks started the collection in the 19th century and passed it down as a family heirloom through the generations, finally ending with attorney Gilbert McClintock, who donated it to Wilkes in 1959. McClintock was a member of Wilkes’ board of trustees and a community leader. Often overlooked, the McClintock autograph collection is another of the Farley Library’s little-known treasures, along with those items in the library’s Norman Mailer Room, which includes several of Mailer’s books, awards and even his dining room table, and the Polish Room, which includes antique wooden dolls in native Polish attire and “pisanki,” beautifully painted ornamental eggs, as well as another collection of autographs given to the school by Harold Stark, for whom the Stark Learning Center is named. Some of the autograph collection focuses on events and people in Wilkes-Barre history. “We have a number of important documents from the Wyoming Valley controversy, when Connecticut and New York and Pennsylvania and the Native Americans in the area were fighting about who would own the land,” Sullivan says. “There’s great educational value there for students to be able to see documents that speaks to that history in their original form, in the flesh.” – By Bill Thomas ’13 -~~ ~ /7.,,.:- - - 1/~ ~/;,,fr~ �athletics GOAL ORIENTED Lisa Semetti Balances Three Academic Majors With Success in Soccer By Bill Thomas ’13 Lisa Semetti is goalie for the women’s soccer team. PHOTO BY CURTIS SALONICK pressure because, if you make a mistake, a goal is going to happen. If you’re crazy like I am, it’s the best position for you.” Semetti admits she’d be a whole lot crazier without a rock-solid support system. In high school, Semetti had heard horror stories about how difficult college would be: professors and coaches unwilling to give students the time of day and classmates too wrapped up in their own problems to lend a helping hand. When Semetti came to Wilkes, she found the opposite to be true. Her professors, she says, are supportive. Her coach, John Sumoski, always puts academics first. “That’s one of the reasons I came to Wilkes: My coach said I could do the two majors.” And her peers? Semetti can’t imagine life without them. “I probably wouldn’t have made it through any school year at all without my team. My best friends are on that soccer team. If any of us ever have an issue, we know we can go to one another,” she says. “I came in with 20-odd automatic friends, including upperclassmen who helped show me the ropes and helped me pick professors. That made all the difference. We’re like family. I like being able to say I have a home away from home. I call Wilkes my home.” WILKES | Winter 2015 Ask Wilkes junior Lisa Semetti what drives her to balance three majors and two minors while also acting as goalie for the women’s soccer team, and you may be surprised by the answer. Her unusual inspiration is the animated Disney movie Mulan. Based on a 6th-century Chinese legend, the film features a young woman who must masquerade as a man to fight in the army during a period of political tension. Semetti’s three majors? Political science, international studies and history coupled with a self-described obsession for studying China. Her two minors are aerospace studies and women’s and gender studies. The latter is the one Semetti admits to being most passionate about. “Yeah, I blame Mulan. I think it’s the best movie ever. I’m pretty sure that’s when my whole feminism rant started,” the Limerick, Pa., native says. “I’ve passed the point of being a feminist, and I’m just a complete women’s rights advocate. I think everyone should be a feminist. It’s only logical.” Like Mulan, she’s also a leader, acting as president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, an organization made up of student athletes hand-picked by coaches, who help provide the school with insight into the student-athlete experience. She also tutors for the history department. In spring 2015, she’ll spend the semester studying abroad in Wales before returning to Wilkes for her senior soccer season and a future that will include graduate school. Semetti relishes competition academically and on the soccer field. “I love being put under pressure and pushing myself,” Semetti says. “It’s one of the reasons I love being a goalkeeper. As a goalkeeper, you’re the last line of defense. You have huge amounts of 5 �Digital Humanities Curriculum Transforms Study of Literature I I I By Geoff Gehman WILKES | Winter 2015 ~ ~-i,, 6 '"~ ~ ~~ -sJ 0.-••tUAe '7~1,14.,/ ,~ ~ M;.f· ,4~ �As the future of print is debated, scholars are embracing digital resources in their studies. Typically aligned with English programs, digital humanities is an emerging field engaging students in the long-term challenges that digital technologies pose for the future of human literary, linguistic and scholarly work. It challenges students to use emerging technologies to research and to present their work. Archival resources from around the world can be accessed online, while final projects might be a website instead of a research paper. “INSTEAD OF FOLLOWING MAPS, THEY HAD TO MAKE THEIR OWN MAPS. THEY DIDN’T JUST INTERFACE; THEY INTERACTED.” – Thomas A. Hamill, Associate Professor Wilkes’ English department is the first among regional colleges to introduce a digital humanities curriculum. Launched last year, it is designed to turn students already adept as social-media users into more scholarly digital stewards while giving them more marketable skills. It’s also designed to make a relatively solitary discipline—the academic study of literature— more collaborative while marketing the department as more progressive and practical. “No one in the room is a digital humanities specialist right now, but that affords us an opportunity to define the brand,” says Lawrence Kuhar, who chairs the English department and who has taught at Wilkes for 27 years. “Digital humanities engages us in a broader negotiation with knowledge and reality. It moves us into new ways of making meaning. It’s exceptionally postmodern. We’re in a different world altogether.” Left: Lawrence Kuhar, English department chair, teaches the Introduction to Digital Humanities class in the new concentration. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC Above: Thomas A. Hamill, associate professor of English, examines a facsimile of the Hengwrt manuscript of The Canterbury Tales with students Nicole Kutos and Tara Giarratano, center. The students’ transcription of the manuscript page is on the right of the screen. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY PHOTOGRAPHY WILKES | Winter 2015 An assignment for their Studies in Chaucer Class became an academic pilgrimage for Wilkes sophomores Tara Giarratano and Nicole Kutos. They visited archives in two states and two countries without leaving Kirby Hall. They debuted as handwriting analysts, editors and archivists. They were digital detectives, searching for how words open worlds. The two students spent fall 2014 transcribing the work of medieval scribes with a Mac computer. Sitting side by side in the English department’s digital studio, the pair dissected 100 lines in four different manuscripts of The Miller’s Tale, a pivotal part of The Canterbury Tales. They used collation software to log variations in spelling and syntax; they footnoted definitions and comparisons with the help of the online Middle English Dictionary. After scores of hours, they had created their own scholarly edition of Chaucer’s colorful introductions of key characters, including a carpenter’s wife prettier than a blooming pear tree. Thomas A. Hamill, associate professor of English and their teacher, praises Giarratano and Kutos for plodding along the electronic pike to interact with literature in a new way. “Struggling to decipher 14th- and 15th-century scribal hands, grinding out lines of transcription, put them in unfamiliar spaces and gave them a set of uncommon experiences,” says Hamill, an authority on medieval manuscripts. “Instead of following maps, they had to make their own maps. They didn’t just interface; they interacted.” Kutos and Giarratano are pioneer partners in the English program’s new digital humanities concentration, where students have created a video featuring World War I poems and examined Victorian society by tracking a single word in Wuthering Heights. 7 �Kuhar explored this brave new world in his class Introduction to Digital Humanities. For one project, he asked students to demonstrate the value of digital technology as a humanities tool. Sophomore Victoria Rendina chose a letter by Vincent Van Gogh, her favorite artist, from an online collection run by his namesake museum in his native Amsterdam. She had access to the original letter in Dutch, the English translation, footnotes and image. She found inspiration in Van Gogh’s exquisitely sharp descriptions of rising from his sick bed to paint The Bedroom, the star of countless postcards and posters. What emerged for her was a 3-D portrait of “how someone so tragic could make something so beautiful,” she says. Art and artifact were bound together in the other new digital humanities course, Technologies of the Book. In the seminar, Hamill traced books as agents of technological revolution, whether printed by Gutenberg or digitized by Google. Again, his main agent was Chaucer. Hamill instructed his Technologies of the Book students to create their own Chaucerian edition from 10 of the 50-odd manuscripts available in digital facsimile online. Decoding and coding 14th-century words from so many hands evolved from a miserable exercise to a pleasurable experience. “They were not happy campers at first,” says Hamill. “But they were so committed to slogging along together; they really took that part to heart. They got to argue for one manuscript reading over another. They got to unpack a lot of the nuances that get covered up or are reduced to esoterics in footnotes and textual notes. It ended up being an illuminating and empowering experience.” For the first time he assigned the creation of a web page as a final project. His students basically created Internet guides to the course’s three areas of focus: medieval manuscripts, early printed books and the transformation of the book in the digital age. Associate Professor Helen Davis also uses electronic resources in her classes. Understanding what technology makes possible, she did something last year she had never done: She asked every student in her Victorian Literature class to track a single word in a novel of their choice. Tara Giarratano picked Wuthering Heights, which she downloaded free in Farley Library because its copyright had expired. She charted the 41 appearances of the word “dream,” noting its geographic location, symbolic “IT TEACHES STUDENTS THAT ... TECHNOLOGY CAN BE YOUR FRIEND WHETHER YOU’RE WORKING FROM A SINGLE WORK, A WHOLE BODY OF WORK OR A WHOLE CENTURY.” WILKES | Winter 2015 – Helen Davis, Associate Professor 8 Left: Associate Professor Helen Davis, standing, discusses the use of iPads to research literature. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC Above: Student Victoria Rendina studies Van Gogh’s letters. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY PHOTOGRAPHY �Below: Tara Giarratano and Nicole Kutos work in the English department’s digital laboratory. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY PHOTOGRAPHY Right: Students in a literature class use iPads alongside traditional texts. placement and importance to two kinds of characters: romantics and skeptics. Using the Oxford English Dictionary, she mapped the meaning of “dream” across centuries and cultures. A workshop exercise became a 12-page paper. Electronics played a more dynamic role in Davis’ romantic literature class. Her students used iPads to trace the relationship of poems and prints in William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience. The iPads enabled them to better detect how the meaning of a line can be changed by a semi-colon, and how the intensity of a poem can depend on the intensity of an etching of a tiger. Davis believes in the power of digital technology to explore illustrations and give context to text. “It’s an incredibly useful approach for teaching,” she says. “It teaches students that they can do traditional research more efficiently, that technology can be your friend whether you’re working from a single work, a whole body of work or a whole century. It gives them more insight into our field; it helps them work like scholars. It gets them excited about research in new ways, and anything that gets them excited about research is a fun thing.” Images and words are natural partners for Associate Professor Chad Stanley, who plays music, paints and directs the Wilkes Writing Center. An expert on visualizing and analyzing trauma, he has his English 101 students present a paper and a PowerPoint on a traumatic picture. Freshman Jessica Reynoso used online images and reviews to dissect a 1963 photograph of a young black civil-rights demonstrator confronted by two white policemen, one of them leashed to a lunging dog. In her classroom presentation she asked peers to evaluate the photo, which helped her examine how personal beliefs can change the perception of a radical image. She deepened the debate by comparing a photo of soldiers returning from war with a reenactment of the picture in LEGOs. Words and images are more potent partners in Visual Literacy, a new digital humanities course that Stanley is teaching in spring 2015. His students are analyzing paintings and movies, video games and memes, and both printed and electronic texts. Kuhar expects that a critical component of the digital humanities curriculum will be a critique of digital technology as a humanities tool. Will visits to online archives discourage or encourage students to visit real archives? Will studying electronic books encourage or discourage them from reading printed books for fun? Transcribing medieval scribes with a Mac can improve their understanding of The Canterbury Tales, but can it improve their chances of getting a job as an editor? Hamill capped the Chaucer course by taking students to the Morgan Library and Museum in Manhattan. There they saw one of the manuscripts of The Canterbury Tales that they had struggled to edit, as well as other medieval manuscripts, such as the Wycliffite Bible. The trip extended Hamill’s mission to have students engage with Chaucer “not only in the textbook but in terms of how that textbook was made. I want them to see medieval manuscripts as cutting edge and as significant as their iPads.” Giarratano considers herself one of Hamill’s pilgrims on the electronic pike. Indeed, she traveled beyond the online Middle English Dictionary while she was creating her own mini-Miller’s Tale. She walked over to Farley Library, where she thumbed through a real copy of the book. Turning the pages was a touching experience for the true-blue bookworm. “I think I’ll still be a total sucker for the Barnes & Noble leather-bound classics at the end of the day,” says Giarratano. “At home I’ll still read a book on my lap. I’ll still pay attention to the pretty pages in my four versions of Pride and Prejudice. And I will always pay attention to the editor of whatever I read for the rest of my life.” � WILKES | Winter 2015 PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC 9 �I I Jane Stapleton ’86 Works to End Sexual Violence on Campus WILKES | Winter 2015 By Andrew M. Seder 10 Jane Stapleton ’86 credits her Catholic school education as contributing to her innate desire to rally against social injustices. Her time at Wilkes as an undergraduate student only strengthened that sense of activism and empowerment. �WILKES | Winter 2015 Jane Stapleton ‘86 co-directs the Prevention Innovations program at the University of New Hampshire, where she is pictured in her office. PHOTO BY PERRY SMITH 11 �“I Jane Stapleton ’86, Durham, N.H. Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Psychology, Wilkes Master of Arts, Sociology, University of New Hampshire was inspired by my professors to really make a difference in the world,” Stapleton says from her office at the University of New Hampshire where she’s co-director of the Prevention Innovations program that develops, implements and evaluates programs, policies and initiatives that seek to end violence against women. In 2006, Stapleton and her colleague Sharyn Potter created the Know Your Power Bystander Intervention social marketing campaign. The campaign consists of a series of images portraying realistic scenarios that highlight the important role all members of the community have in ending sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. The program models active bystander behaviors that audience members can use to prevent or respond to violence. Such behaviors may include checking on a friend who is drunk and left alone with a member of the opposite sex or stepping in when witnessing partner abuse. The campaign and related instructional materials created by the Prevention Innovations team have garnered national and international recognition and have helped to shine a spotlight on the problem of sexual assaults and ways to prevent them. The White House identified Prevention Innovations’ work in its report “Not Alone: The First Report of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assaults.” The acknowledgement was a great honor, Stapleton says, adding that it’s nice to have that level of recognition and proves the program is being noticed. “This is not just a college problem or a woman’s problem. WILKES | Winter 2015 It’s all of our problem.” 12 Stapleton also appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on June 26, 2014, to testify about sexual assaults on college campuses. She also has been featured in interviews in The New York Times and MSNBC. The issue—now almost constantly in the news— actually led Stapleton to her career path. A sexual assault on the University of New Hampshire campus on Feb. 17, 1987, was a watershed moment in the New England school’s history and in Stapleton’s life. As a first-year sociology graduate student, Stapleton’s social injustice alarm sounded as she joined a group of women and men on campus—“activists,” Stapleton calls them—to protest the rape and what they felt was the university’s inadequate response. Though she didn’t know the victim, a freshman who was assaulted by three male students while she was under Career: Co-director of Prevention Innovations: Research and Practices for Ending Violence Against Women, a research center at the University of New Hampshire Notable: Part of a growing movement to prevent the perpetration of sexual and relationship violence and stalking and make a difference in the lives of survivors. Her work has been cited by the White House and she has testified before a U.S. Senate committee hearing. Favorite Wilkes memories: “I don’t have one. What I mostly remember and miss is spending time with my Wilkes friends, many of whom really shaped my life in the transition from high school to college and then beyond.” the influence of alcohol, Stapleton was deeply affected by the incident and the facts surrounding it. Especially troubling, she says, was that several students, including a dormitory resident assistant, could have interceded at various times and ended the assault but remained bystanders. “It really changed my life,” Stapleton says. “I was 22 and I’ve always been a pretty strong feminist and pretty vocal. It seemed like an incredible injustice.” Stapleton graduated from Wilkes with a degree in sociology and psychology but wasn’t sure what she would do with her life. She was very interested in studying violence and why it occurred. The incident on that winter’s night nearly three decades ago changed her career trajectory and sent her down a new and narrower path focused on violence toward women. “Ultimately that case really showed me my interest in violence in general needed to be paired with my activism,” Stapleton says. “More than just researching it, I wanted to have my work have an impact on those who had been victimized.” She also wants to help others avoid becoming new victims. While most career-minded people hope the need for their profession and their chosen field never ceases to exist, Stapleton is not among them. She says she would love to see the day she isn’t needed. “I’d ultimately love to be out of business,” she says, adding that, while she’s seen great advances in sexual violence awareness and prevention, the reality is it’s been around for millennia and it’s not going to disappear overnight or within a decade. “I do think we’re making strides, figuring out how to prevent it. Hopefully it will be in my lifetime,” she says. “The work I’m doing is contributing to that.” Born and raised in Bethlehem Township, Pa., between Easton and Bethlehem in the Lehigh Valley, Stapleton attended Notre Dame-Green Pond High School. When she was nearing her 1982 graduation date she chose to head northwest to Wilkes-Barre to further her education. As a first-generation college student, her yearning to continue to learn pushed her to attend college. �She was familiar with Wilkes thanks to her older brother Michael Stapleton ’80, who graduated with an environmental science degree. She appreciated the small campus and small enrollment, which mirrored her high school, where she was one of 82 in her graduating class. “It was very homelike and small,” she recalls. She was on the school’s cross country team and recalls runs through Kirby Park “on the other side of the Susquehanna River.” She also remembers working at what was then dubbed “the SUB” or Student Union Building. She was employed at The Grill and was able to run, work and learn while at Wilkes. She chose to major in sociology and psychology, she says, “because I always wanted to be in a helping profession.” But for a person whose education had always been attained within a 70-mile drive from her childhood home, the decision to pursue her graduate degree more than 350 miles from both the Lehigh and Wyoming valleys seemed out of character. The university, located in Durham, N.H., ended up on her radar thanks to Bruce Brown, one of Stapleton’s sociology professors at Wilkes. Brown, who worked at Wilkes from 1979-1989 before moving to Washington state, earned his doctorate from the 149-year-old New England school. Stapleton credits Brown for guiding her at Wilkes and always being available to discuss educational and professional topics. And she credits the feeling of being part of the Wilkes family for having a positive impact on her life ever since. In addition to her fond memories of running around the city and the campus and working at the SUB, Stapleton recalls living in McClintock Hall along South River Street all four years she was at Wilkes. “I had a third-floor room with a great river view,” she says. Her Wilkes degree hangs proudly on her office wall and she looks at it often. “I really had a great experience at Wilkes.” Another memory she has of Wilkes played a vital role in her life, though she didn’t realize it at the time. “I had a very close friend of mine at Wilkes who was sexually abused as a kid by a neighbor. … I was struck by the impact it had on her life, even all those years later. It spurred me to look into making a difference in the lives of those who had been victimized.” At the time, she viewed it as a sad experience for her friend and she sought to get her the help and resources she needed. “But ultimately for a number of reasons, she dropped out,” Stapleton recalls. At the time, she didn’t know how much that incident impacted her. But, she acknowledges, “it probably did.” “It was significant,” Stapleton says. “I don’t think I knew how much at the time” but when she thinks about it all these years later, she realizes that it almost certainly influenced her decisions, even if they were at a subconscious level. While Stapleton’s career has been filled with official recognition, she says she’s most proud when she meets with students who seem genuinely interested in what she has to say. And while a lot of attention has been paid to cases of rape and sexual assaults on college campuses or by athletes, she notes this idea shortchanges the problem. “This is not just a college problem or a woman’s problem. It’s all of our problem,” Stapleton says. Stapleton spends much of her time traveling the country visiting college campuses and speaking to classes and groups about the issue and showing them ways to identify potential problems and prevent them from occurring. But it’s the individual conversations she has with victims or those who know victims that move her the most. “At that very individual level it’s at its most powerful,” Stapleton says. “It shows me how very important my work is.” While there are hundreds of victims she’s counseled, offering solace and empowerment, that University of New Hampshire freshman that was assaulted so many winters ago is often on the periphery of her mind. When Stapleton offered testimony before the Senate committee on June 26, that teenage girl, now likely a grown woman in her 40s, weighed heavily on her mind. “All I could think about was all the people I worked with all of these years; all of the survivors. I thought about that (1987) survivor. I looked back at that and I wanted her to know what happened to her was wrong. And since that time there are men and women committed to making sure it doesn’t happen again,” Stapleton says. “Together we can prevent this,” she adds. “That’s what motivates me.”� Wilkes Bystander Intervention Training Engages Students to Stop Assaults Wilkes University’s Bystander Intervention Program empowers students to take on leadership roles in preventing sexual violence in the campus community. Started in fall 2014, the program is presented by 20 students who act as peer trainers. These students education and advocacy services related to domestic violence and sexual assault. 

Peer trainers, accompanied by a member of the student affairs staff, visited the First-Year Foundation classes attended by all freshmen. The primary tool used to spark dialogue in the sessions was a video filmed on campus using Wilkes students as actors. The video, “Colonels Don’t Stand By,” portrays the story of a freshman at a party who is at risk of assault. Peer trainers lead classes in a discussion about how to identify signs that someone may be at risk and how different characters in the film could intervene safely to alter the ending. WILKES | Winter 2015 received a comprehensive six-hour training provided by the Victim’s Resource Center, a Wilkes-Barre-based agency that provides 13 �N LOW-KEY WILKES | Winter 2015 Leonard J. Koerner ’64 Built a Career as a Lawyer for New York City Litigator By Francisco Tutella Leonard Koerner ’64 in New York’s Grand Central Station—a landmark building he saved from demolition as a lawyer for the city. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 14 �Koerner remembers the night his friends “relocated” an expensive marble and ivory inlaid pool table from the future Weckesser Hall. “That’s cute,” he recalls saying upon discovering the caper. Dean George Ralston did not share his sentiments. In a move foreshadowing his future career, he argued on behalf of his friends and saved them from an academic suspension. He played basketball for three years at Wilkes. A mandatory 10-week accounting internship in New York City ended his sports career, and also his interest in accounting. His wife, Suzanne Stica Koerner ’65, recalls how he returned from the internship dissatisfied. “When I asked him what happened,” she says, “he said that they told him he had to wear a hat and how to dress for work.” “Some people liked performing audits,” Koerner says. “I didn’t. I was interested in public policy.” He entered New York University School of Law. When he graduated, Norman Redlich, one of Koerner’s law school professors, encouraged him to apply to the New York City Law Department. When he was in the appeals division, he held several positions including assistant attorney, deputy chief and chief of appeals. He has held his current position as chief assistant since 1985. He has also received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Sloan Public Service Award in 1998 and the 2004 New York State Bar Association’s Award of Excellence in Public Service, the state’s highest legal public service award. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Committee also recognized him on the 25th anniversary of the Penn Central Transport Co. v. New York City decision. Today Koerner supervises the thousands of cases the city litigates each year. Asked when he plans to retire, he responds that eventually his energy level will fall but, “not yet.”� Leonard J. Koerner ’64, Chatham, N.J. Career: Forty-year law career with the City of New York, where he now serves as chief assistant of corporation counsel. Notable: Has argued seven times in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, including winning the case that saved Grand Central Station from demolition and preserved it as an historic landmark. Favorite Wilkes memories: Living in Hollenback Hall, playing varsity basketball, and successfully convincing Dean George Ralston not to suspend his friends after they stole an expensive pool table. WILKES | Winter 2015 N New York City’s Grand Central Terminal is an engineering and architectural marvel that conveys 82 million passengers annually throughout the city. The station, which hosts restaurants, stores, markets and special events, celebrated its centennial in February 2013. Yet if it weren’t for Leonard J. Koerner ’64, the beaux arts terminal would be gone, replaced by an office building. Today, Koerner is chief assistant corporation counsel in the New York City Law Department. In 1975, the Penn Central Transportation Co. announced plans to demolish Grand Central and build a skyscraper. The public backlash, led by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, pushed the issue to the courts. In 1978 the case landed before the U.S. Supreme Court, where the soft-spoken and unpretentious Koerner headed New York City’s litigation team. “There was a lot of pressure on the case,” Koerner recounts. “If we lost, the building would be lost. I didn’t want to be responsible for its demolition.” He argued that New York’s Landmarks Law and real estate development rights, the railroad company’s poor management and its need for an operational terminal in the city prevented Penn Central from razing the station. The Supreme Court sided with the city in a 6-3 decision. The Grand Central case—one of seven he’s argued before the Supreme Court, winning six—remains Koerner’s most memorable and exemplifies his unpretentious litigative style and demeanor. While the railroad company’s legal team spread binders full of notes across their tables, Koerner’s table remained uncluttered. When Allen G. Schwartz, then New York City corporation counsel, approached Koerner and asked to see his notes, the young lawyer took a notepad and wrote, “Mr. Chief Justice and members of the Court.” Koerner laughs about it now but recognizes that his gesture was then not so appropriate. “My first year I used notes but found that I paid too much attention to the notes and not to the questions and themes the judges raised,” he says. Koerner prefers to prepare well beforehand, develop his arguments in his mind, and deliver a fluid litigation. Another notable Supreme Court case was Ward v. Rock Against Racism, in which the Supreme Court ruled that the city has the right to regulate noise volume while upholding artists’ First Amendment rights. A significant New York State Court of Appeals case won by Koerner, Hernandez v. Robles, confirmed that the New York State Legislature has the sole right to set the state’s same-sex marriage policy. He chose Wilkes because a high school classmate, Mike Landesman, was attending and going to study accounting. Koerner chose the same major. One of 4,500 students at his Queens, N.Y., high school, Koerner’s class at Wilkes boasted 202 students, his accounting cohort eight. He lived in Hollenback Hall with dorm mates who did everything together. 15 �MOST VALUABLE Wilkes University Inducts 22nd Class to Athletics Hall of Fame The latest group of alumni inducted into the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame are being recognized at the Feb. 7 Colonels men’s basketball game during a special half-time ceremony. Dave Macedo ’96 MEN’S BASKETBALL David Kaschak ’94 Ron Fritts ’72 WRESTLING WILKES | Winter 2015 Fritts was a two-time MAC Champion wrestler at 190 pounds for the Colonels in 1970 and 1971. His career dual-match record stands at 36-6-2, the best winning percentage of any wrestlers in his weigh class in the history of Wilkes wrestling. Fritts was also a member of the silver anniversary team. 16 BASEBALL Kaschak was a two-time All-MAC and 1993 All-ECAC baseball player for the Colonels. He also was a member of the 1994 MAC Championship team. Kaschak ranks fourth all-time in home runs with 25 long balls and fifth all-time in RBIs with 119. As a player, Macedo was a four-year starting point guard for Wilkes, winning two league championships and making two NCAA Elite 8 appearances in 1995 and 1996. Following graduation, he was an assistant coach at Wilkes for two years, helping guide the teams to two NCAA Tournament appearances and one Final Four. Macedo just finished his 14th season as head coach of Division III Virginia Wesleyan College where he has guided the Marlins to a 314-100 overall record in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Macedo’s teams have won five ODAC championships and reached the NCAA Tournament in 10 straight years. �PLAYERS Members of the 22nd class of inductees to the Athletics Hall of Fame reflect on the importance of athletics in their lives at www.wilkes.edu/halloffame. Pam Snyder ’81 SWIMMING Richard Marchant was a four-year letter winner serving as a co-captain in 1975 and 1976 for the men’s swimming team. At the MAC Championships he placed fifth in the 50 freestyle and in the 100 freestyle and sixth in the 100 butterfly. During his junior year at the MAC Championships he finished third in the 100 butterfly and sixth in the 50 freestyle. G Pam Snyder was a four-year letter winner for the Lady Colonels field hockey team. In 1977, she was an All-MAC second team all-star, followed by two All-Mac first team all-star honors in 1979 and 1980. Snyder scored 29 career goals with 13 career assists. She received Second Team Mideast Sectional Honor Roll awards from 1978-1980. Holly (Shiber) Sowcik ’03 WOMEN’S SOCCER One of the best women’s soccer players to ever play for the Lady Colonels, Sowcik was a three-time First Team All-Freedom Conference midfielder. She was named to the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region third team in 2002. She is tied for first with 15 goals in a single season, and ranks second all-time in career goals with 37, third in career assists with 23 and third all-time in career points with 97. A w WILKES | Winter 2015 Richard Marchant ’76 FIELD HOCKEY 17 �alumni news The Alumni Website Has A New Look Next time you type in wilkes.edu/alumni to register for a Wilkes alumni event, update your contact information or find out the latest news from campus, you may be surprised to see the redesign of our alumni website. The new site, pictured here, features a more modern look and streamlined navigation, making it easier to find your favorite content. If you have any questions or if you want to tell us what you think of the new website, be sure to email us at alumni@wilkes.edu. \W-~·behHtnMy,,.,.,1.0pti.wilh~flllllMlnl'llA..'20ll.Jaift1Alft'~~ The alumni website, left, has been redesigned for a modern look and better navigation. Alumni Association Open Board Meeting Interested in learning more about the Alumni Association? Participate in our open meeting on Saturday, May 30, 2015. 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 its campus partners to provide programs for the alumni community. At the meeting, we’ll review our goals and discuss future opportunities. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wilkes.edu or (570)408-7787. 2014 REPORT OF GIFTS AVAILABLE ONLINE Each year Wilkes shares its annual Report of Gifts so that donors can see the impact of their support to the University. The 2014 report is now available on our website. You will be able to view members of the John Wilkes Society (annual donors who contribute at least $1,000 each year), members of the Marts Society (contributors who participate in gift-planning WILKES | Winter 2015 programs), as well as search donors by class year and 18 constituency. View it at: www.wilkes.edu/RG2014. If you'd like a printed copy of the report, please call Lauren Pluskey, director of the annual fund, at (570) 408-4331. SAVE THE DATE HOMECOMING 2015: OCTOBER 2-4! Class years ending in 0s and 5s, get ready for your class reunion! �giving back Alumni Board President Cynthia Charnetski ’97 Has Sights Set on Success Cynthia Charnetski ’97 has a long history with Wilkes. She grew up on campus. Her father, Carl Charnetski ’70, has been a professor of psychology here for decades. Now an optometrist at Northeastern Eye Institute and the new president of the Alumni Association board of directors, “When I support Cindy discusses her goals for Wilkes and the association, and her ideas on engaging alumni. attend University of Wilkes from childhood? events, I’m also supporting the community in which I live.” I remember when my dad’s office was in Stark Learning Center. Sometimes he would take me in with him on a weekend or holiday and I would use his classroom to pretend I was teaching my own class. Then he’d take me to his experimental lab and let me feed the rats. I loved going there; it was so much fun! involved with current or incoming students, staff or board members, networking and meeting people, community service or attending a sporting event—there is truly something for everyone. What do you enjoy doing outside of your work with Wilkes? What are your goals as president of the Alumni Association? I start every day with a workout and love being outdoors. My husband and I love to travel and hike. We also have three rescue dogs who keep us busy. I want Wilkes alumni to feel proud of their institution and to be part of this extraordinary group which continues to build it. I believe this starts by just getting back on campus and seeing the changes. I want all alumni to get excited about what Wilkes has done and where it’s going. How did Wilkes prepare you for your career as an optometrist? Wilkes prepared me most importantly by opening the door to go to optometry school. When I went for my interview at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the dean said, “Wilkes students always do well here.” What is the best part about being an alumna of Wilkes University? I currently live in Kingston, so Wilkes is in my backyard. Being an alumna allows me to stay involved in an institution that is part of the community I live in. When I support Wilkes and attend University events, I’m also supporting the community in which I live. How did you become involved with the Wilkes Alumni Association? A friend of mine, Rosemary LaFratte’93, MBA ’97, sought me out to become involved and I am very grateful she did! What has been your favorite project or responsibility as the How would you encourage other alumni to stay involved? As a younger alumna, I didn’t realize the full importance of giving financially. As I have become more involved, I now understand that tuition pays only a part of your overall expenses. Our institution counts heavily on donations, so I encourage everyone to remember what Wilkes provided for you and to consider helping make that a reality for students. Also, as I mentioned, stop by campus and check out all of the amazing changes. Try just one of our events or volunteer opportunities and I guarantee—you’ll want to keep coming back! Cindy Charnetski ’97, Kingston, Pa. B.A., Psychology, Wilkes B.S., Salus University Doctor of Optometry, Salus University Alumni Association board president? Career: Optometrist, Northeastern Eye Institute I take my role very seriously and feel my biggest responsibility is to engage more alumni. Whether you are looking to be Notable: New president of Wilkes University Alumni Association WILKES | Winter 2015 Do you have a favorite memory 19 �class notes Sara Wolman ’11 Finds Calling as Park Ranger in Alaskan Wilderness “Katmai is unique because it’s so remote....You have to have a real passion to come out this far.” for the lunar landing. The ground is covered in brightly colored purple and orange and white rocks. It has a very prehistoric feeling and no one is out there. It’s one of the most surreal, pristine and amazing sights I’ve ever seen.” As an interpretive park As an interpretive park ranger, Sara Wolman ’11 introduces visitors to the beauty of remote Alaska. PHOTO BY LIZ JULIAN ranger at Katmai National Park, Wolman has the opportunity to take in such sights regularly. Though she was always passionate about When Sara Wolman ’11 moved to Alaska in 2013, she knew the nature and environmental policy, it was Wolman’s time at transition would be almost like traveling to another country. Wilkes that sparked her desire to see more of the world. What she didn’t realize was how close it would be to traveling WILKES | Winter 2015 to another planet. 20 “I did the alternative spring break trip to Costa Rica in 2010. I went with (Andrew Miller, associate professor of political “There’s this spot in Katmai National Park and Reserve called science) to San Marcos, and it was an incredible experience,” the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. It was the result of the 1912 says Wolman, who majored in political science. “It inspired eruption of Novarupta, which is the largest volcano eruption me to start getting out and hiking more, getting more into of the 20th Century. It created this huge pyroclastic flow (a the outdoors. That’s when it occurred to me that this was fast-moving current of hot gas and rock) which completely something I could do for a career.” covered this valley. It looks like Mars now, and I believe in the Following graduation, Wolman completed three terms of ’60s, the government actually used the area to train astronauts service with the federally funded AmeriCorps program. First, �class notes then moved on to work with the California Conservation Corps. Her third AmeriCorps assignment led her to Alaska, where she found her calling as an interpretive park ranger. In summer, she works in Katmai. In winter, she works on the Alaska Peninsula and the Becharof Wildlife Refuges. She also teaches native elementary and secondary students about the environment. “I’m in charge of essentially educating the public. It’s interesting because you meet people from all over the world,” Wolman says. “Katmai is unique because it’s so remote; you can’t really get to the park unless you take a boat or a floatplane, so you have to have a real passion to come out this far, and to see that passion in someone else is wonderful. The majority of my job is really about connecting people with nature.” It’s a long way from her home in Shavertown, Pa. But she’s grown to love her new location—even relishing the fact that bears outnumber people roughly 15 to one. “I believe it’s about 2,200 to 3,000 brown bears in this area, whereas people-wise we’re at about 200,” Wolman says. “They’re incredibly human-habituated, so they’re used to having people around. You give them their respective space and they just do their thing, but they are massive, weighing upwards of a thousand pounds. I’ve developed quite the affinity for the Alaska brown bear. They’re amazing creatures.” – By Bill Thomas ’13 Brown bears, pictured at Brooks Falls, are among the most plentiful inhabitants of Katmai, Alaska, where more than 2,000 of them outnumber humans. Bottom, the Alaskan wilderness is the colorful backdrop for Sara Wolman’s work. Pictured is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. PHOTOS BY SARA WOLMAN 1964 Alan Gubanich is an emeritus faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he was a member of the biology department for 35 years. An ornithologist, he is vice president of the local Lahontan Audubon Society and chair of its education committee. He also is a board member of the Great Basin Institute. He is co-editor with Karen Kish of A Birding Guide to Reno and Beyond. He has led outdoor weekend trips and one-day excursions for the continuing education program of Truckee Meadows Community College. Gubanich and his wife also spend time babysitting their 2-year-old twin grandchildren, Rita and Jackson. 1969 Martin Naparsteck published his eighth book, The Trial of Susan B. Anthony: An Illegal Vote, a Courtroom Conviction and a Step Toward Women’s Suffrage. The book tells the story of the landmark trial that made Anthony the iconic leader of the women’s rights movement. 1973 Shirley Newhart was appointed international music representative for Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, an organization for key women educators. John Ormando recently retired from Intel Corp. after 23 years. He resides in Prescott, Ariz. 1975 REUNION: OCT. 2–4 Robert Dwyer became president of the Chancellor Financial Group’s investment advisers business line. He lives in Kingston, Pa. Mark A. Van Loon was elected to a three-year term on the board of trustees at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa.Van Loon is a partner at the law firm Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald LLP in Wilkes-Barre. 1977 Richard A. Russo was selected by his peers at Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald LLP for inclusion in the 21st Edition of the Best Lawyers in America in the area of personal injury litigation – plaintiffs. He is a resident of Dallas, Pa. 1978 James Siberski presented “Brain Rehabilitation and Alzheimer’s Disease” at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Fall Education and Research Conference, on Nov. 5, 2014, in Grantville, Pa. Siberski is assistant professor and coordinator of the Gerontology Education Center for Professional Development at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. WILKES | Winter 2015 she worked on a backcountry trail crew in Washington state, Undergraduate Degrees 21 �class notes 1982 Ruth McDermott-Levy was named director of the Villanova University College of Nursing’s Center for Global and Public Health. Launched in 2010, the center extends the nursing college’s engagement in global and public health. McDermott-Levy, who is an associate professor at Villanova, has extensive international public health research experience, including working with community health workers in Nicaragua, international nursing students in Oman and Arab immigrants in Pennsylvania. Since 2009, she has worked on the Nicaragua telehealth program, a collaborative effort of Villanova’s colleges of nursing and engineering and its school of business and the National Autonomous University Nicaragua School of Nursing. 1980 REUNION: OCT. 2–4 George Kavulich joined Lackawanna Insurance Group as vice president of underwriting. He resides in Archbald, Pa. WILKES | Winter 2015 1984 22 Dr. David Talenti, a gastroenterologist from Sayre, Pa., was elected to the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He continues in his role as the society’s 12th district trustee, representing physicians in Bradford, Luzerne, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. 1986 Sandy Long was selected as Shenandoah National Park’s first artist-in-residence. An accomplished nature photographer, Long spent from Sept. 22 to Oct. 3, 2014, in residence at the park, capturing its natural beauty in photographs. She is co-founder, with fellow Wilkes alumna Krista Gromalski ’91, of Heron’s Eye Communications, a marketing, communications and project-management firm specializing in projects that foster community partnerships that promote the environment and a sustainable local economy. The firm is based in Greeley, Pa. Meaning Of Life.” Part of the book was written while he was an undergraduate at Wilkes, and he finished it 14 years later as an assistant professor at the University. It is available through Tate Publishing. 1999 Christopher Thompson completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine from Mercer University School of Medicine. He has joined Columbus Hospice as associate medical director and is a clinical assistant professor at Mercer University School of Medicine. 2003 Henry Albert Turchanik III and Tanja Marie Plessl were married June 14, 2014, at Notre Dame Church in Bethlehem, Pa. The groom is employed as an electrician by I.B.E.W. Local 163, Wilkes-Barre. The bride is an English as a second language (ESL) teacher at Washington Elementary School, Allentown. The couple honeymooned in Aruba and reside in Schnecksville, Pa. 1990 REUNION: OCT. 2–4 Patty Maloney became assistant professor of nursing at Misericordia University. She resides in Hanover Township, Pa. 1992 Michael J. Mellody was promoted to chief financial officer at Jack Williams Tire Company Inc. He resides in Tafton, Pa. 1993 John J. Keeler joined Penn East Federal Credit Union as manager and business development officer at its Clarks Summit, Pa., office. 2001 Edward Bednarz III published a fiction story, “The Journey To Discover The 2007 Shannon Curtin MBA ’09 was nominated for a 2014 Pushcart Prize by ELJ Publications for her poem “To The Boy I Couldn’t Make Myself Love.” Her second poetry chapbook, Motherland, will be published by Anchor and Plume Press. Curtin and her husband, Zachary Mazur, welcomed their first child, Quinn Steelyn, on Aug. 8, 2014. Curtin is a communications and engagement analyst for Northrup Grumman in Suffolk,Va. She lives with her family in Portsmouth,Va. �class notes Ann Marie Kopec ’79 Tastes Success With Winterland Winery In a small rural area in Sullivan County, said be the coldest spot in Pennsylvania, sits Winterland Winery, an avocation of Ann Marie Kopec ’79. “Growing up in Luzerne County, wine was a part of growing up—a lot of people made homemade wine,” Kopec says. After she moved to Sullivan County, it became more about the process of wine and its importance on the commercial level. “It was a bucket list thing, kind of like a hobby that turned into a second career,” she says. The winery, which opened five years ago on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, isn’t her only forte. Since graduating with a sociology major, Kopec held several positions in her field, including teaching as an “It was a bucket list thing, kind of like a hobby that turned into a second career.” adjunct faculty member in the Wilkes sociology department. She is now a Ann Marie Kopec ’79 greets customers at Winterland Winery, where she makes wines in Sullivan County, Pa. graduate fellow and supervisor of the Albert Ellis Institute in New York City, and the owner and executive director of Abington Counseling Center, which serves high-risk families in Bradford and Sullivan counties. to attract people from across the United States and around the world. It is a place where personal and social interaction thrive and has allowed her to make several good friends. People even come to see the winery’s Olde English Bulldog, FiFi. She says coming to a winery like Winterland offers a much different experience than a trip to the liquor store. “The good thing is that you taste your wine,” Kopec says. Winterland Winery is also home to several other sweet and Minnesota varieties, including traditional concord, Niagara, The winery’s location adds to the value of the experience. drier reds and whites, a port-like wine, and a holiday spice for Kopec says it gives people something to do after hiking and the holiday season. In fact, some of the winery’s bestsellers biking and is also a plausible alternative when rain hits on include Frost and Winter’s Night. Kopec says these varieties camping trips. are made with cold, hardy grape varieties developed by the She says there is more involved than what meets the eye. University of Minnesota so the vines could withstand frigid Acquiring a license to own and run a winery is a lengthy one. climates like those found at Winterland, which reached a However, she was in luck thanks to her previous experience at negative 32 degrees last year. another winery in Sullivan County known as Bird Song Winery. The quality of Kopec’s blueberry wine—made from 100 “A lot of people think it’s just tasting wine and nice talk,” percent organic blueberries and no artificial flavoring—even Kopec says. “I worked in a winery, so I knew the ins and outs.” won her a bronze medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Pennsylvania ranks seventh in the United States in the competition. The grapes used to make the Minnesota varieties number of wineries, and Kopec says the traffic at Winterland at Winterland are grown locally in that cold climate of Sullivan Winery speaks to that number. County, hence the phrase “earth to bottle.” “People are realizing the quality of Pennsylvania wine,” Kopec says. – By Alyssa Stencavage Alyssa Stencavage is a senior communication studies major. WILKES | Winter 2015 Kopec says one of the best aspects of the winery is its ability 23 �class notes Judy Shandler MA ’08 had her first short story, “There but for Fortune,” published in The Boardwalk, a collection of stories by local writers published by Cat & Mouse Press in November 2014. Shandler writes a column in the weekly Delaware Coast Press and teaches noncredit creative writing classes in Rehoboth Beach, Del. 2008 Christopher Dallas welcomed his new son, Tanner Christopher, who was born June 30, 2013. Lisa Ann Dreier and her husband, Jared Clossen, welcomed their daughter, Teddie Marie Clossen, born Dec. 21, 2013. Koryn Gallagher joined Belle Reve Senior Living as director of resident care. She resides in Olyphant, Pa. Kristin Marie Wempa (See Graduate Degrees 2010) 2009 Bethany Toczek Gerdy (See Graduate Degrees 2011) Kathy Dalton Wagner is an analyst for a small business in Havre de Grace, Md., that specializes in software development and consulting. Melanie Thomas ’11 Honored for Envisioning Life Beyond Disability For some, seeing is believing. For Melanie Thomas ’11, it’s been the other way around. “I begged and pleaded with God. I said ‘God, if you fix my eyes I will do whatever you want me to do with my life,’ ” says Thomas, who majored in communication studies at Wilkes. “I was always told my whole life that I would never drive a car. I would never be able to participate in sports. I’d never be able to do normal activities.” Thomas, who was recently honored with the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind’s Arline Phillips Achievement Award, was legally blind from birth. She was born with cataracts, a clouding of the lenses inside her eyes, and nystagmus, a condition causing involuntary eye movement. At age 8, she developed acute angle glaucoma, a condition that increases pressure build-up of the fluids of the eye. Her doctor told her lens implant surgery could help with her vision problems, but the glaucoma made such an operation needlessly risky. Undeterred, Thomas sought a second opinion. Today, she is categorized as “partially sighted” and she’s earned her driver’s license. Sara Peperno, president and CEO of the Association for the Blind, says, “The Arline Phillips Achievement Award is awarded to someone who is blind or visually impaired but who reflects an independence that sets an example for others in similar situations. “Melanie and her family have been involved with the association for many years. She’s “You’ve got to get up and advocate for yourself, and you’ve got to serve and help others.” volunteered for us many times. She’s an amazing, uplifting person. She has such a positive attitude, and she’s worked very hard Melanie Thomas ’11 receives the Arline Phillips Award from opthalmologist Dr. Erik Kruger. PHOTO COURTESY GREATER WILKES-BARRE ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND to get where she is. Seeing her as an adult now, with a child of her own, it’s been so wonderful to get to know her and her family.” Determined to make the most of her blessings, Thomas is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at Wilkes while working in a paid position as a voluntary service assistant at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. She says her job working with veterans helps her to honor her late grandfather who served in the Korean War. “I’m succeeding in living the best life I possibly can live. I want to inspire other people who might have a disability or who struggle with physical limitations. You’ve got to get WILKES | Winter 2015 up and advocate for yourself, and you’ve got to serve and help others. I truly believe that 24 volunteering and serving others pulled me out of what could have been a bad depression. It helps me to focus on the bigger picture. It brings me so much joy to help feed into other people’s lives,” Thomas says. – By Bill Thomas ’13 �class notes REUNION: OCT. 2–4 Christopher Gulla joined the law firm of Zeller & Weilicsko in Cherry Hill, N.J. He also is assistant men’s basketball coach at Rutgers University-Camden in New Jersey. Michael McAndrew married Kate Murtaugh ’11 on July 26, 2014. Andrew Seaman was named chair of the ethics committee of The Society of Professional Journalists at the organization’s national conference on Sept. 6, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The society is the world’s largest broad-based group for journalists. Seaman lives in New York City, where he works for Reuters. Mary (Balavage) Simmons and her husband, Catlin, welcomed their first child, Michael Christopher, on Feb. 27, 2014. Simmons is associate director of alumni relations at Wilkes. 2011 Kate Murtaugh (See Undergraduate Degrees 2010) Graduate Degrees 1974 Bernard Healey MS co-authored a new textbook with Tina Marie Evans titled Introduction to Health Care Services: Foundations and Challenges. The book provides a comprehensive guide to the structure, synergy and challenges in U.S. health care delivery. Healey is professor of health care administration at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. 1975 Robert Edgerton, Jr. MBA was promoted to the position of executive vice president of Luzerne Bank. 1992 Charles Makar MBA has been named an instructor of business at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. 1994 Patricia Staskiel MS became coordinator of student support services at Penn State University Wilkes-Barre. 2007 Craig Czury MFA received a faculty development grant from Albright College to travel to Iquique, Chile, to speak and read poems at the launch of So Far…So Close, an anthology of contemporary writers of Tarapacá and Pennsylvania, for which he was selected among Pennsylvania poets. His poetry chapbook Because Although Despite, originating from a Marcellus Shale hitchhiking project, was published by FootHills Publishing. He was also a featured poet at the international Södermalms Poesifestival in Sweden. 2008 Judy Shandler MA ’08 (See Undergraduate Degrees 2007) 2009 Shannon Curtin MBA (See Undergraduate Degrees 2007) 2010 Brian Fanelli MFA’s poem “Trying to Catch the Culprits” received an honorable mention for the Allan Ginsberg poetry prize. The poem will appear in a future issue of Paterson Literary Review, along with another poem titled “For Jimmy, Who Bruised My Ribs and Busted My Nose.” In addition, his essay “He Too Sings America: Jazz, Laughter, and Sound as Protest in Langston Hughes’s Harlem” was published by TheThePoetry.com. Salena Fehnel MA’s novel Nesting Dolls was published July 1, 2014, by Northampton House Press. The novel was nominated for the American Library Association’s Stonewall Book Award and for the 2014 GLCA New Writers Award. 2004 Stephanie Smith Cooney Pharm.D. received “The 10 Under 10” award from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. The award recognizes the top 10 Pennsylvania pharmacists practicing for fewer than 10 years. She owns Gatti Pharmacy in Indiana, Pa. 2007 Kimberly Metka Welch Pharm.D. received “The 10 Under 10” award from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. The award recognizes the top 10 Pennsylvania pharmacists practicing for fewer than 10 years. She resides in Mountain Top, Pa. She is assistant professor of internal medicine at Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. WILKES | Winter 2015 2010 25 �class notes Kristin Marie Wempa Pharm.D. and Matthew Ryan O’Rear were married Aug. 23, 2014, at St. Faustina Kowalska Church in Nanticoke, Pa. The bride is a clinical research associate with Renaissance RX in Virginia. The groom is worship and music director at a community church in Virginia. They reside in Charlottesville,Va. 2011 Desiree Marie Boris MS and Jeffrey Brayton Kreidler were married Oct. 26, 2013, at St. Nicholas Church in WilkesBarre. The bride is employed by the Northwest Area School District as a special education teacher. The groom is a Pennsylvania state trooper. The couple reside in Mountain Top, Pa. Bethany Toczek Gerdy Pharm.D. married Matt Gerdy on Aug. 9, 2014. WILKES | Winter 2015 Morowa Yejide MFA’s debut novel, The Time of the Locust, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of literary work by a debut author. She resides in Washington, D.C. 26 2012 Catherine Arne MA’s feature-length sci-fi script The Decimation was optioned by Voyage Media, where she has also begun assignment work as an independent contractor, doing script treatments, action plans and book-to-screen projects. Danielle Poupore MFA was hired as communication and marketing specialist for student affairs at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. 2013 Michael E. Batyko MS was named head mechanical engineer at Finch Technology LLC. Chris Campion MA is a guest columnist for Giuporshutup.com. Laurie Elizabeth Powers MFA’s The Importance of Sex Education placed in the top six in the DC Shorts Screenplay Competition. In addition, the short screenplay was recognized with her feature-length screenplay Related as quarter-finalists in the Screencraft Comedy Screenplay Competition. 2014 Nisha Sharma MFA sold her master’s thesis project, My So-Called Bollywood Life, and an additional untitled young adult romance to Crown Books for limited world rights. My So-Called Bollywood Life is slated for publication in spring 2016 and has been optioned by producer Susan Cartsonis for filmmakers Gurinder Chadha and Paul MayedaBerges to adapt. Cartsonis, Chadha and Mayeda-Berges will produce the film through their companies, Storefront Pictures and Bend it Films. Heather Ann Taylor MFA was named assistant professor of English at Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va. Autumn Whiltshire MA placed first in the science fiction feature category of the Indie Gathering for her screenplay Gaia. 2015 April Line MFA was hired as a part-time lecturer in the English department at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. She also teaches a literature class at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. �class notes In Memoriam 1944 Arthur Williams, died April 13, 2014. He served as a U.S. Army Paratrooper during World War II. He worked for The McClatchy Company for 35 years, retiring as vice president. He also worked in public relations for the Sacramento Bee newspaper. 1946 Calvin Kanyuck, Newport Township, Pa., died Sept. 7, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a teacher for the Freeland and Lake Lehman school districts. Doris Mary Raub, Clarks Summit, Pa., died July 23, 2014. She was the first woman to be awarded a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bucknell University. In addition to working as a civil engineer for Pennsylvania, she also was a licensed real estate associate broker. 1947 Joseph Edward Elick, East Alton, Ill., died Sept. 2, 2014. He served the U.S. Air Force in World War II and later worked for Hoover Inc. in Massilon, Oh., before moving to Godfrey, Ill., where he worked as a design engineer for Olin-Winchester Western. Herbert Levy, Westerville, Ohio, died Aug. 26, 2014. He owned and operated the Copy Cat Fast Print Shop and ran Tall Timber, a boy’s camp in Casco, Maine. He also worked at Blue Ribbon Baker, his family’s business. 1948 George Frear Fry Jr., Wilson, Wyo., died Jan. 11, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later went to work for Hughes Aircraft as an industrial engineer before starting his own machine tool tracing valve manufacturing company, True-Trace Corp., in California. 1949 Dr. James Matthews Hofford, Wilmington, Del., died Aug. 26, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy and, after graduating from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, maintained a private practice in pulmonary medicine until 1988. He founded and served as director of the pulmonary function lab at Wilmington Hospital and served as chief of pulmonary medicine at St. Francis Hospital. 1950 John Wardzel, Larksville, Pa., died July 8, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in Saipan. 1952 Joseph Rogan, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died July 22, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and, with his brother Edward, established E.J. Rogan and Sons Inc., a mechanical contracting business. 1959 Richard E. Edwards, Springfield, Pa., died Aug. 27, 2014. He had been vice president of the Philadelphia National Bank, retiring as a special corporate lending officer in 1992 after 33 years of service. 1953 Thomas E. Boyle, Hanover Township, Pa., died Oct. 3, 2014. He was employed by the Muncy School District and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. 1960 Janet L. Cristello, Winthrop, Maine, died July 11, 2014. She was employed for many years at Macy’s Department Store in New York and was later employed at Kennedy’s Department Store in Hyannis, Mass., as store manager. In retirement, she became a real estate executive and worked for the Niles Company at the Village Condominiums in Watertown, Maine. 1955 Hardol A. Groff, Hunlock Creek, Pa., died Oct. 26, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was later awarded a fellowship in telecommunications by Bell Atlantic and was a licensed NARTE senior engineer. John S. Novitski, Shavertown, Pa., died Aug. 27, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Prior to retirement, he was the controller at Penn State Belt and Buckle in WilkesBarre Township. 1958 David H. Weber, Silver Spring, Md., died April 4, 2014. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Margaret J. Franklin, Danville, Pa., died Aug. 21, 2014. She was a registered nurse and she served on the faculty of Geisinger Medical Center Nursing School for 36 years. Thomas Paul Korshalla, Larksville, Pa., died Sept. 3, 2014. He was employed as a teacher and principal by the Old Bridge Township School District in New Jersey until his retirement. He served in the U.S. Air Force. WILKES | Winter 2015 1943 John P. Heim, Lawrence, Kan., died Nov. 20, 2013. He was a chemical engineer and retired from Hercules Inc. in the 1980s. 27 �class notes Robert V. Stevens, Guilford, Conn., died Oct. 12, 2014. He worked as transportation director for Sarah Inc. from 1997 to 2010. He received a law degree from Penn State University, Dickinson School of Law, and practiced law for two years in WilkesBarre before moving to the Trust Department of Miner’s National Bank, then to Union Trust Bank and Shawmut National in Guilford. 1961 Edward C. Bedner, Boston, Mass., died Aug. 6, 2014. He completed bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in music at Boston University with additional piano study at the New England Conservatory of Music. He was a professor of music at Berklee College of Music at the time of his passing. Robert “Red” Marr, Dallas, Pa., died Sept. 12, 2014. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict, and was employed as a math teacher at Dallas High School for 30 years. WILKES | Winter 2015 1963 Patricia A. Pisano, Drums, Pa., died Oct. 4, 2014. 28 1964 Marsha Edlich, New York, N.Y., died on Jan. 31, 2014. She taught French at the Professional Children’s School in Manhattan for 35 years, and had previously been chief of operations for Club Med USA. She was also a member of the board of the New York Women’s Foundation. 1968 Paul P. Fosko, Dallas, Pa., died Aug. 30, 2014. He was a chemical engineer with the state Department of Environmental Protection, and, with his wife, owned and operated Fosko Accounting Services. Daniel P. Kenia Sr., German Hill, Pa., died July 24, 2014. He had an accounting practice in Tunkhannock for 40 years and was a partner/owner of Stonehedge Golf Course. Richard H. Seidel, West Pittson, Pa., died Sept. 25, 2014. He served in the U.S. National Guard and was employed by W.H. Conyngham & Co. Inc. until 2012. 1969 Joyce Carr, Larksville, Pa., died Oct. 9, 2014. She was an elementary school teacher with Wyoming Valley West School District at the State Street School Elementary Center for most of her career. Barbara DeGenevieve, Chicago, Ill., died Aug. 9, 2014. She received her master’s degree in photography at the University of New Mexico. She taught at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and the School of Art Institute of Chicago, where she also served as chair of the photography department. Her work is featured in museums around the world. Larry R. Volkel, Wescosville, Pa., died April 25, 2014. He served as a U.S. Army Specialist in the Vietnam War. He worked for 10 years in medical records and human resources at the former Allentown Hospital, and for 20 years was human resource manager for ABB, a power and automation technologies company in Allentown, Pa., until his retirement in 2003. 1972 James J. Loftus, Ellicot City, Md., died Sept. 13, 2014. He was a retired attorney and former Pan-Am in-flight purser. 1989 Lynn M. Wargo, Glen Lyon, Pa., died Sept. 22, 2014. She was employed as a notary public. 2000 Jeffrey Barrouk, Wilkes-Barre, died Nov. 1, 2014. He was a senior product specialist for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 2006 Melissa Joye Karis Fox Zarlengo, West Palm Beach, Fla., died July 30, 2014. She started her nursing career at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital as a licensed practical nurse and, following her graduation from Wilkes as a registered nurse, returned to WilkesBarre General Hospital as a critical care nurse. After moving to Palm Beach, she worked as a home health nurse and later a school nurse. She earned many pageant titles, including Mrs. Luzerne County, Mrs. Palm Beach and Mrs. Florida. Graduate Degrees 1997 Robert Aulisio, Old Forge, Pa., died Sept. 19, 2014. He was a science teacher for the Lakeland School District for more than 40 years, and also taught and coached football in Eldred, N.Y., and was a ski instructor for the Special Olympics. 1999 Daniel W. Doughton, Pennsdale, Pa., died Oct. 14, 2014. He taught for 25 years in the Sullivan County School District, retiring in 2000, before becoming a UniServe representative for Pennsylvania State Education Association in the Wilkes-Barre office. �■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ S • A •V• E T• H • E D • A •T• E MAY 30 , 20 1 5 • 6 P .M . WESTMORELAND 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, contact Lisa Everitt-Ensley at lisa.everittensley@wilkes.edu or (570) 408-4137. ■ ■ ■ ■ �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events February 10 Phil Klay, National Book Award winner, Reading and book signing Ballroom, Henry Student Center, 7 p.m. 13–15, 20–22 The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Darte Center, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays 26 MBA “Flights & Bites” – University Center on Main, 5 – 7 p.m. 28–March 2 Spring Break March 14 Wrestling Alumni Event, Troegs Brewing Co., Hershey, Pa., 4– 5:30 p.m. 14 Hershey Area Alumni Event, Troegs Brewing Co., Hershey, Pa., 5:30 – 7 p.m. 16 Lynn Emanuel, Poet, Reading, Kirby Salon, 7 p.m. 21 VIP Day for accepted students April 9 Business Networking Mixer, Rodano’s, Wilkes-Barre, 6 p.m 9 Henry Veggian, Literary Critic and Essayist, Reading, Kirby Salon, 7 p.m. 9-12 Alice In Wonderland, Darte Center, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m Sundays 16 Allan P. Kirby Lecture, Cynthia Montgomery, Timken Professor of Business and Director of Research at Harvard Business School, “The Strategist: Be The Leader Your Business Needs.” Darte Center, 7 p.m. 18 Spring Dance Concerts, Darte Center, 8 p.m. 19 Civic Band Concert, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 South Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, 3 p.m. 23 Jazz Orchestra Concert, Darte Center, 8 p.m. 26 Choral Concert, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 South Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, 3 p.m. 26 Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities, Brian Greene, Physicist, Darte Center, 7 p.m. 29 University Orchestra Concert, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center May 16 Spring Commencement, Marts Center 30 Founders Gala 2015, Westmoreland Club, 6 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, Winter 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 Winter 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, Winter 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 Winter 2015 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/d457d4bbad59580783582e9ea331503a.pdf 716b49667ad07e01dfe4128fe0548184 PDF Text Text S P R I N G/ S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 Viva Panamá, Go Wilkes! UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP �president’s letter VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 2 Founders Gala Ensures Wilkes’ Sacred Mission Continues T he Founders Gala—started just three years ago—is becoming an important new tradition at Wilkes University. I say it’s important, but not just because it’s a great party. It is important because of two goals that the Founders Gala accomplishes. The first goal of this gathering is to remember and honor people who have advanced this institution from its beginnings as Bucknell University Junior College to the University we know today. This year’s President's Medal recipients, Clayton and Theresa Karambelas, clearly are among those whose contributions have advanced this institution—not the least of which is the gift they have made to create the Karambelas Media Center, which you will read about on page 2. Just as importantly, the Founders Gala’s second goal—to raise money for the First Generation Scholarship Fund—continues to be of vital importance. Since its inception, this event has raised $1 million for the fund. To understand why that is important, let me give you a few numbers to consider: $74,000, 41 percent, and 50 percent. The average annual income of our freshman families is $74,000, well below other private schools across the nation. The number of first-year students who are Pell eligible—that is, eligible for the federal aid program for the neediest students—is 41 percent, well above other private schools across the nation. And, 50 percent of our first-year students—even today in 2016—are the first in their Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy addresses families to pursue a four-year college attendees at Founders Gala 2016, held June 4 degree, again well above other private at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY schools across the country. We have a sacred mission here at Wilkes: to find individuals with promise—who need that extra mentoring—and offer it to them, no matter their socio-economic situation. Because after all of our efforts to keep the cost of a Wilkes education affordable, after all of the institutional aid that we can offer, after all of the federal and state aid programs that we can tap, sometimes gaps remain that prevent firstgeneration students from affording a Wilkes education. The First Generation Fund bridges these gaps. In just three years, we’ve been able to start an event that will ensure that Wilkes will be able to continue its sacred mission of educating first-generation college students. And that is something that we can celebrate year-round as we see those students on campus, taking advantage of all that Wilkes University offers. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President SPRING/SUMMER 2016 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Vice President for Advancement Thomas McKinnon 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 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. �10 6 16 contents 6 Viva Panamá, Go Wilkes! The University is forging a historic partnership with the Republic of Panamá. 10 A Passion for Place Panamanian teacher Kelsie Gutierrez takes a photo to post on social media at Panamanian Cultural Day at Wilkes. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Sandy Long ’86’s nature photography made her Shenandoah National Park’s artist-in-residence. 16 Control-Room Quarterback Brian Nalesnik ’90 is the man calling the shots as director of CBS’ “Face The Nation.” 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 | Spring/Summer 2016 FEATURES 1 �on campus Wilkes Students Launch Political Careers in Their Hometowns The Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media Center will bring communication studies programs under one roof on South Main Street, adjacent to the new campus Gateway. RENDERING BY BORTON-LAWSON When they write about political newcomers in this election year, two Wilkes University students could make the list. Dominic Steiner-Butchko became Pennsylvania’s youngest elected official when he joined the Forty Fort Borough Council in January. His classmate Beth Gilbert was sworn in to Wilkes-Barre City Council the same month. The two students won the seats in fall 2015 and took office in 2016. Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media Center Will Be New Home for Communication Studies Wilkes unveiled plans for a new home for the communication studies program with the announcement of the planned Clayton ’40 and Theresa Karambelas Media Center. The new facility, to be housed at 141 S. Main St. (formerly Bartikowsky Jewelers) at the entrance of the new campus Gateway, is being named in honor of the Karambelases, long-time benefactors of the University. The couple have given Wilkes one of the largest gifts in its history. The media center plans were announced at the annual Founders Gala on June 4, where the Karambelases were presented with the President’s Medal. The new 17,726-square-foot center will bring the communications studies department’s cocurricular activities under one roof. These include WCLH Radio, the television studios, The Beacon student newspaper, student-run public relations agency Zebra Communications and the speech and debate team. The facility will include separate offices and work rooms for student organizations, as well as new television and radio studios, audio room, video editing room, faculty offices and classrooms. The University previously had announced that one wing of the building will be the new home of the Sordoni Art Gallery. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Wilkes ENACTUS Team Wins Regional Competition 2 Students on Wilkes’ Enactus team took top honors at the organization’s regional competition this spring in Washington, D.C. The team, made up of students in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, beat teams from 47 other American northeast region universities. Enactus is an international nonprofit organization that encourages college students to become entrepreneurs through collaboration to create innovative, sustainable community development projects. Wilkes’ Enactus students presented their projects from the 2015-16 academic year at the competition. Projects included the Wilkes University Entrepreneurial Experience, a business plan competition for local high school students. The students also designed a veterans empowerment project offering development on personal and professional skills to veterans. Dominic Steiner-Butchko Beth Gilbert ’16 A sophomore political science major, Steiner-Butchko also is the youngest person to ever hold office in his hometown. He decided to run because he believed it was time for someone from his generation to make a difference. “Our future can be shaped and people’s lives can be positively affected from any level of government, especially the local level,” he says. Beth Gilbert ’16, who graduated with a political science degree in May, also ran for office to make a positive impact on her home city. She spent summer 2015 completing an internship at the United Nations before returning to campaign for her council seat in fall. “As a councilwoman, I try to make constituent outreach my priority. I realize how important it is to hear the opinions of our residents, and I want them to know that I value their voices and their input,” Gilbert says. �on campus Christine Walsh, whose video job application earned over 20,000 views on YouTube, shows off her two Wilkes class rings – her own and one that she inherited from her mother, Kathleen (Hyde) Walsh ’85. PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS Wilkes University freshman Christine Walsh applied to be a resident assistant—and became a bit of an Internet sensation in the process. As part of her application, Walsh, a Lebanon Township, N.J., native, created a video to the tune of the Grammy Award-winning “Uptown Funk.” It has garnered more than 20,700 views—and counting. Walsh eventually was hired to be a resident assistant for the 2016-17 academic year. When Elizabeth (Roveda) Swantek ’05, MBA ’07, Wilkes director of residence life, shared the video on Facebook, it went viral, racking up thousands of views from all over the country. Walsh wrote the song parody, acted in the video, sang the song and edited the video. A management and digital design and media art double major, Walsh also is in Wilkes’ honors program. She works as an ambassador for the admissions office, where she gives tours and answers questions for prospective students. Walsh is carrying on the Wilkes tradition in her family: Her mother, Kathleen (Hyde) Walsh ’85, and aunt, Mary (Hyde) Pfister, also graduated from the University. Her legacy as a Colonel is a point of pride: Walsh wears her mother’s Wilkes class ring on one hand and her own on the other. I • Catch Christine Walsh’s “RA Funk” video that helped her to snag a job with the University’s residence life staff. Visit www.wilkes.edu/RAFunk NPR’s Maureen Corrigan, Scranton Native Jay Parini to Present at Pennsylvania Writers Conference Wilkes University’s graduate creative writing program is sponsoring the Pennsylvania Writers Conference, celebrating all genres of writing and featuring workshops and panels with authors, editors, literary agents and film producers. Guest speakers include Maureen Corrigan, book critic on NPR’s Fresh Air, and Scranton native, poet, novelist and biographer Jay Parini. The conference will take place at Wilkes on Aug. 5-6. The conference opens on Friday, Aug. 5, with an open mic and a poetry slam. Writing panels and workshops begin on Sat., Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. with an opening session featuring Corrigan. Throughout the day, conference attendees will have a choice of workshops focusing on poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting and screenwriting. The keynote address will be delivered by Parini at 7 p.m., preceded by a dinner for attendees in the Henry Student Center. Conference registration is $130; college students with a valid school ID are $40. Learn more and register online at www.wilkes.edu/PWC. Barista Sheila Tavella puts the finishing touches on a specialty drink. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Make It a Latte, No Foam College students and coffee have had a love affair since the first late-night study session. This year, Wilkes students had more reasons to be enthusiastic about their cup of Joe as Starbucks made its debut on campus in spring semester. Housed in the University Center on Main, Starbucks at Gambini’s Café offers the campus community all of the company’s signature caffeinated beverages. Open to the downtown Wilkes-Barre business community as well, Starbucks’ primary focus is on Wilkes students. It even offered extended hours during finals week. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Student’s Video Application for Campus Job Garners 20,000 Reasons to Hire Her 3 �on campus Veterans Center of Excellence Dedicated Military veterans attending Wilkes have a new gathering place on campus with the opening of the Veterans Center of Excellence The new center on the lower level of Conyngham Hall offers one-stop access to a variety of services for veterans. Wilkes’ Veterans Council was awarded a $10,000 grant to create the center from the VetCenter Initiative grant program, a partnership between Student Veterans of America and The Home Depot Foundation. The Veterans Center of Excellence will provide a single point of contact to coordinate support services for students who are military veterans. The services offered in the center include private computer room, lounge, kitchen and peer mentoring/ professional room. Tutoring for mathematics and academic writing is also offered. A meeting room and lounge are two of the amenities in the new Veterans Center of Excellence in Conyngham Hall. PHOTO BY ANNIE STAUFFER Pharmacy faculty celebrate student Sarah Fillman’s U.S. Public Health Service Award. Pictured from left are Associate Professor Scott Bolesta PharmD ’00, Professor Ed Foote, Fillman, Associate Professor Jon Ference PharmD ’03, Eric Wright of Geisinger Health System, Associate Professor Jennifer Malinowski and Assistant Professor Thomas Franko. PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH CRISPELL Pharmacy Student Wins U.S. Public Health Service Award Third-year pharmacy student Sarah Fillman, of Limerick, Pa., was the recipient of a United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award. Fillman was recognized for her work during a summer internship at Geisinger Health System, where she piloted a program to establish public awareness efforts to promote proper drug disposal. It is the third consecutive year that a student from the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy has won the award. Fillman’s other campus activities include serving as vice president of the Health and Wellness Club, outreach to elementary students at an after-school program and work as a by-stander intervention trainer at the University and a Victims Resource Center advocate. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Biology Professor Michael Steele Receives National Science Foundation OPUS Award 4 Michael Steele, professor of biology and Hilder Fenner Chair of Research Biology, has received an OPUS Award of $134,204 from the National Science Foundation to complete a book synthesizing more than 25 years of research. The grant is one of the foundation’s most prestigious grants and Steele is the first faculty member at a small liberal arts university to receive the honor. Steele’s research examines how acorns are dispersed in the ecosystem—principally by rodents and jays—and why dispersal is important for regeneration of forests worldwide. The OPUS Award, which stands for Opportunities for Promoting Understanding through Synthesis, is presented by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Environmental Biology. Often awarded to mid- to late-career researchers, the awards are given to help integrate work that will produce significant insights for the scientific community. Steele is one the world’s foremost authorities on oak seed dispersal and on tree squirrels—which play a significant role in the dispersal process. His synthesis will support and promote improvements in oak forest management and conservation, especially in the context of climate change. �SCORING SUCCESS Madeleine Brownsey ’16 Wins Academic and Sports Accolades By Sarah Bedford Madeleine Brownsey ’16 displays the form that helped her score 270 career goals in lacrosse. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Lacrosse player Madeleine Brownsey ’16 started her college athletics story on a different field. Recruited for the Wilkes field hockey team as a freshman, Brownsey was encouraged by her father to try out for lacrosse. Balancing two sports and academics became quite the task for the Glenside, Pa., native. “Playing two sports was a lot,” Brownsey explains. “Once one sport ended the other was starting, so balancing that with academics was a little tough. I had to choose one or the other and it ended up being lacrosse.” This proved to be a perfect fit for Brownsey as she went on to become a record-breaking, multi-award-winning scholar-athlete for the women’s lacrosse team. Named Wilkes Female Athlete of the Year, Brownsey broke the University record in career goals, scoring 270. She was also named the Middle Atlantic Conference women’s lacrosse offensive Player of the Week and the conference’s Women’s Lacrosse Senior Scholar-Athlete. Brownsey also was the Eastern College Athletics Conference, Division III South Offensive Women’s Player of the Week. “The most rewarding was the scholar-athlete because it not only recognized the athletics part of my four years but also the academic part. So that was a huge accomplishment,” she says. The athlete was also a member of the Student Athletics Association Committee her junior and senior years, and chaired the Colonel Charity Challenge. Brownsey, a double major in marketing and sports management, values proper study habits and explained that the structure of her athletic season helped her maintain a 3.68 GPA. Brownsey received two honors at Wilkes’ 2016 Academic Awards Ceremony: the Academic Achievement Award in Sports Management and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Sports Management. “Playing a sport almost forces you to study,” she says. “Your time limits when you can work, so when you have that time to do those academics, it’s all spent doing academics.” She attributes her success in her final season to her teammates. “I was given all these awards and recognitions and statistics and records, but none of it would have been possible without every girl on my team,” Brownsey says. Looking forward to the future, Brownsey is interviewing for positions in the Philadelphia area hoping to score a position in marketing and advertising with a sports focus. Sarah Bedford is a senior communication studies and political science major and serves as editor of The Beacon. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 athletics 5 �VIVA Panamá, GO WILKES! HISTORIC AGREEMENTS BEGIN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND PANAMÁ WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 By Francisco Tutella MFA ’16 6 he dance is called Congo. A woman and a man step close then twirl apart. She wears a multi-colored dress sewn in different patterns, he a colorful, tattered costume. Panamanian high school teacher Ana Aizpurua explains that his outfit, stitched from discarded strips of fabric, mocks the former Panamanian slave owners. The dance itself is a continual exchange of seduction and rejection accompanied by clapping and the occasional cheer. Spectators watching the dance in the Henry Student Center cannot resist Congo’s allure. The dancers are joined by Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, Panamanian Minister of Education Marcela Paredes de Vásquez, and Laura Flores, permanent representative of Panamá to the United Nations. University faculty, staff and administrators join the Panamanian teachers to form a giant conga line, kicking their feet and waving their arms as they circle the floor. It was Panamanian Cultural Day at Wilkes, celebrating that country’s history, dance and food. The event gave the Wilkes community an opportunity to meet the 19 Panamanian teachers studying on campus. It also celebrated the historic agreements forged by Wilkes and the Republic of Panamá. The visiting Panamanian educators came to Wilkes as part of the MEDUCA-Bilingual Panamá program—the first of several programs that will be part of a comprehensive partnership between the University and the central American country. MEDUCA is the acronym for Panamá’s education ministry. Other agreements have been signed with Panamá’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with four of the country’s universities. (See sidebar, opposite page.) An initiative of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, the MEDUCA-Bilingual Panamá program brings cohorts of teachers to colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to study English and learn education best practices. The program is part of a national commitment to develop bilingualism in the country’s public schools. Wilkes is one of only 12 universities in the United States and just two in Pennsylvania participating in the program. The University will host three cohorts of Panamanian teachers each year. The first cohort came to Wilkes for eight weeks of study starting in January 2016. The second group arrived in late May. “Panamá is undergoing the process of revamping its entire educational system starting with the public school system,” says Rosi Ponce, Wilkes’ executive director of international engagement and a native of Panamá City, Panamá. “One of the goals of President Juan Carlos Varela is to modernize the public schools and to do it in a way that meets the needs of the country for generations to come. One of the priorities that the government has identified is to provide a bilingual education.” �WILKES UNIVERSITY SIGNS AGREEMENTS WITH THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMÁ The Panamá partnership is an integral part of the University’s comprehensive Plan, to bring the world to Wilkes and Wilkes to the world. The goal is to ensure a presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Panamá work will be replicated in other countries of that region, and includes partnerships with foreign and domestic governmental agencies, universities, non-governmental organizations and civil society to ensure an effective and sustainable effort. • MEDUCA-Bilingual Panamá brings • Wilkes Provost Anne Skleder signed cohorts of teachers to colleges and agreements with four universities to universities in the United States, facilitate academic collaborations: Canada and the United Kingdom to Universidad de Panamá, Universidad study English and learn education Tecnológica de Panamá, Universidad best practices. Especializada de las Americas and • President Leahy and Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado, vice president Universidad Latina. • Wilkes is the only American university and minister of foreign affairs of to sponsor the annual Feria Del Libro Panamá, signed an agreement Panamá 2016 from Aug. 16-21 in Panamá. in January for Wilkes to provide It is the fourth-largest cultural and book professional development and other fair in Latin America, drawing more than academic programs to staff in the 100,000. Partnering with the U.S. Embassy Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, in Panamá, Wilkes will host educational the country’s equivalent to the U.S. workshops and panel discussions focusing Department of State. on educational issues. Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy and Panamá’s Minister of Education Marcela Paredes de Vásquez sign agreements for educational partnerships between the University and Panamá. PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY In Panamá, now one of the world’s fastest growing economies, business is conducted in English, Ponce explains. Panamá’s Minister of Education Marcela Paredes de Vásquez came to campus in February to sign an agreement paving the way for educational partnerships in fields that include education and the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Wilkes presented the minister with an honorary doctor of humane letters recognizing her extraordinary professional achievements as an educator, former university president, and as chair or board member of nongovernmental organizations promoting education and women’s roles in science and engineering. The minister gave an inspiring speech about the power of education, global understanding and partnership. At an event honoring Paredes de Vásquez, Leahy highlighted the benefits that Wilkes brings to the partnership. “We are a full-scale university that can offer all of the programs and opportunities that Panamanian students need across bachelor’s, master’s and even doctoral programs,” Leahy says. “Yet we offer all of this in a relatively small, caring, mentoring environment that larger universities simply cannot offer.” Leahy cites other American partners in the program, including the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown, Northwestern and American universities and Georgia Tech. SHARED VALUES AND COMMUNITY “Wilkes University and the country of Panamá share the same values,” Leahy says. “Both believe that the path to prosperity winds through education. We both believe that in an increasingly global community, we are all interconnected. And we both believe in the power of relationships.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 internationalization efforts, flowing from the Gateway to the Future Strategic 7 �Paredes de Vásquez discussed these shared values at a breakfast with 10 Wilkes student ambassadors. A kind, easygoing and humble woman, the minister asked the students to describe their Wilkes experiences. Several students commented on their relationships with professors. Bella Jang, a political science and criminology major from Guam, shared how her professors helped her overcome her fear of participating in class discussions. Kaitlyn Sitch, an electrical engineering major from Weatherly, Pa., explained the research she has done with professors in their laboratories. The minister noted the diversity of the Wilkes student body—native Pennsylvanians studying alongside students from Guam, the Bahamas and China, among other countries—and appreciated that 50 percent of Wilkes undergraduates are first-generation college students. She said, “We are looking for great partners. Wilkes is one of these partners. It is a small community, and there is a strong bond between faculty and students here. This kind of community makes students successful.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE 8 Many of the Panamanian educators left their spouses and children to study at Wilkes, with many leaving their country for the first time. Here they found a new family. Eddie Serrano, who teaches kindergarten and second grade, says, “We really love the people here. We feel so comfortable, and feel like the people are family.” Serrano, who played baseball for six years on the San Diego Padres farm team, would return home just 12 days before his wife was expected to deliver their first child. One member of the teachers’ Wilkes family was Mildred Urban, associate director of advancement. Urban, who is Hispanic and bilingual, planned the cohort’s extracurricular activities and accompanied them on cultural trips to New York City, Philadelphia and Jim Thorpe and on adventures like snow tubing. She says, “I bonded with them because I felt their kindred spirit.” Their spirit continually manifested itself in laughter, dancing and smiles. Many on campus commented on the group’s enthusiasm and joie de vivre. Domicella and Vito Balice encountered this enthusiasm and joy daily in the classroom. The mother and son, working under the supervision of Kimberly Niezgoda, director of Wilkes’ Intensive English Program, designed and taught courses on teaching pedagogy and technology in the classroom for the Panamanians. The two teachers and their students formed warm relationships. The Panamanians surprised Domicella with a large bouquet of flowers on her birthday. They also persuaded Vito to do something he had never done before. “They got me to dance—twice,” he says with a smile. Anne Skleder, Wilkes’ senior vice president and provost, recalls hosting a dinner for the group. “When I was planning the dinner, I asked Rosi Ponce, who of course knows the culture, ‘Should I get board games? Should I get cards? Should we do movies after dinner?’ And she said, ‘Anne, I think they will dance.’ ” The visitors proved Ponce right. They danced to salsa music then played their own, authentic Panamanian music. FIELD TRIPS AND SELFIE STICKS Not all of their study was in the classroom. In addition to field trips to cultural centers such as Philadelphia and New York City, they observed American education in action. The group visited Coughlin, G.A.R. and Meyers high schools and Heights Murray and Macklin elementary schools, all in the �Far left, teachers studying at Wilkes under the MEDUCA-Bilingual Panamá program celebrate seeing snow for the first time. Second from left, Liriola Smith and Alexis Anderson share one of their country’s dances at Panamanian Cultural Day. Third from left, Panamanian teachers work on group projects during class. Fourth from left, Celebrating Panamanian culture with Wilkes friends are, from left, Henry Barrera, Raquel Cardenas, Wilkes intensive English teacher Dee Balice, Abdel Arauz, Keisy Gonzalez, Wilkes President Patrick Leahy, Panamá Education Minister Marcela Paredes de Vásquez, Wilkes intensive English teacher Vito Balice, Alexis Anderson and Carmen Rodriguez. Kneeling in front are, left, Liriola Smith and Mariela Benitez. Selfies and social media were key to recording their American experience for the Panamanians. The educators used their smartphones and the Internet to share their experiences with their families and friends in Panamá. By the end of the eight weeks, they had collectively taken more than 2,000 photographs. NOT “ADIÓS” BUT “HASTA LUEGO” During an emotional and teary-eyed completion ceremony on March 2, Skleder told the Panamanians, “Please know that you are and continue to be trailblazers, the first of many groups to come to Wilkes, but you will always be the first to come.” Rhonda Rabbitt, dean of Wilkes School of Education, noted, “You came to change Panamanian society, but you also changed society here.” At the conclusion of the ceremony, Carmen Rodriguez spoke on behalf of the MEDUCA cohort. “We want to say thanks to the government of Panamá for giving us the opportunity to come to this wonderful country. We say thanks to Wilkes University for opening its door to us not only to learn about methodologies but also to be successful in our life.” On behalf of the group, Rodriguez thanked the Wilkes community, citing many by name. She forgot no one, down to the facilities team and the cafeteria staff. She gave special thanks to the Balices, saying, “We can say we are now better teachers because of you.You are the best…. Once again, thanks, Wilkes University.You are now part of us. We will go to Panamá full of many anecdotes and experiences. We know we have a commitment to Panamanian education and our students and will try to do our best.” The educators concluded the ceremony by chanting the motto they had developed with Wilkes faculty, staff and administrators that captures the shared vision of the University and its Panamanian partners: “Viva Panamá, Go Wilkes!” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Wilkes-Barre Area School District, and two private schools: Graham Academy and Wyoming Seminary. Second-grade teacher Maribel Ríos observes, “The behavior is different. American students respect their teachers and pay attention in class. This makes it easier to teach the lesson.” The special education classes at Heights Murray impressed elementary school teachers Andrellys Torres and Abdel Araúz. “It was so different for me because in Panamá I don’t have students with those conditions. It was special to see that,” says Torres. Araúz praised the special education teacher’s interactions with the students, the extra attention they received, and the practical skills they were learning. The visitors observed classes at Wyoming Seminary’s upper school. In Nate Fisher’s sophomore theater class, the students introduced themselves and described in Spanish the scene they were about to perform, the conclusion to Shakespeare’s Othello. They also participated in a question-and-answer session with the Panamanian teachers. The students learned that the average class size in Panamá is 25 to 30 students, with some classes reaching 40 to 45 pupils, a far cry from the 10 students in the sophomore theater class. They also learned that for the Panamanian educators, this trip to Pennsylvania afforded them their first experience with snow. Situated near the equator, Panamá has two seasons: wet and dry. When it began to snow during one of Vito Balice’s classes, the educators could not contain their excitement and asked to go outside. “My dream came true when the snow fell. I was very excited and started to jump and have fun in the snow,” says high school teacher Alex Anderson. Second-grade teacher Janeth Torrero built a miniature snowman, snapped a picture with her cell phone, and sent the image to her family back home. 9 �A Passion For Place SANDY LONG ’86 CAPTURES NATURE WITH LENS AND PEN WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 By Kelly Clisham MFA ’16 10 Browsing the work of photographer Sandy Long ’86 is like taking a nature walk with the best possible tour guide, one who not only knows the area, but has a deep knowledge built on love. When Long visits a location, she doesn’t merely take pictures. Instead, she engages the area in conversation, using camera and pen, to learn about what she calls the particularities of place. Someone viewing her work is just as likely to see the wonder of mushrooms growing on a mossy log as the majesty of a vast landscape. In 2014, Long’s talents earned her the first-ever artist-in-residence position at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Long and her family camped at the park when she was a child, so when the artist-in-residency program was announced, she jumped at the chance to apply. “The early connection to the park is one of the reasons I was so interested in the residency there,” says Long. As Shenandoah National Park’s artist-in-residence, Long was awarded two weeks to live and work in the park, with the goal that any works produced during the stay would help increase the public’s awareness and understanding of the area’s natural beauty. As a condition of her residency, Long was required to donate a work to Shenandoah National Park and conduct a public presentation. She chose to invite the public to join her on a nature walk and bring their cameras. A crowd ranging in age from 12 to 90 showed up. “We just prowled around with our cameras and had a conversation with the meadow.” An exhibition of the photographs Long produced during her stay at Shenandoah National Park caught the eye of folks from the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, who invited her to participate in their artist-in-residence program at Lemons Brook Farm. Long spent four weeks focusing on the natural beauty of 119 acres of protected farm and forest land in Bethel, N.Y. She wrapped the residency in late November 2015 and shared her work during the digital and spoken-word event “Lemons Brook Farm: Lens, Pen and Place” on May 21. Long often merges her photo skills and her love of writing. “The two have always remained intertwined for me. Ultimately the joy is in combining them,” she says. “I think of myself sometimes as a poetographer.” While at Lemons Brook, she also delved into a collection of her images and poetry titled “Impermanence.” The work “explores both the desolation and ragged beauty of the temporal nature of existence.” Sandy Long ’86 at work outdoors. PHOTO ON THIS PAGE BY DAN Z. JOHNSON �memories of the English department as a whole. There were some wonderful souls there.” Long is particularly grateful to the late Patricia Heaman, who named her editor of Manuscript, the student creative writing and visual art magazine. “That was a terrific opportunity for me,” says Long. “I cherish it to this day.” When Long thinks of her days at Wilkes, she also remembers the positive influence of Jane Elmes-Crahall, communication studies professor. She talks about time spent in the darkroom during an elective photography class and free time spent on the banks of the Susquehanna River. The variety of experiences on campus seem like fitting preparation for Long’s wandering career path from college administration to freelance writing and photography to newspaper reporting and to co-founding (with fellow Wilkes alumna Krista Gromalski ’91) the marketing and public relations firm Heron’s Eye Communications in Greeley, Pa. After the Lemons Brook Farm residency, Long is not sure yet what her next project will be, though it will likely involve the type of heartfelt exploration she undertook during her residencies. “The more I do this kind of work, it’s coming into focus for me. My best work is as a photographer of place. What I really do is immerse myself in a place. That’s definitely a process that I use and continue to want to deepen,” says Long. “When people have these conversations and begin to love a place, it sets the stage for advocacy.” On these pages, Sandy Long shares her thoughts about creating each of these photos. 7 This artwork was produced under the artist-in-residence program at Shenandoah National Park. America’s national parks play an essential role in protecting the wild lands and precious waters that sustain the heart of the nation and the spirit of its people. “The image raises a visual question about choices—those we make as individuals, and those made as part of the larger systems that affect our lives. It invites deeper consideration of the complexities associated with all public lands, as competing interests of habitat protection, public access, wilderness preservation and private property issues must be weighed. The photo’s mist-laden character suggests that these challenges are not clear matters easily resolved.” PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS BY SANDY LONG WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Though Long has yet to finalize plans, she may deliver “Impermanence” as a piece of performance art rather than an exhibit. Long credits her parents for her love of nature and photography. She grew up camping and hiking, reveling in and respecting the natural world. When she was a child, they gave her a little plastic camera that became her near-constant companion on these jaunts. “From that point on, I’ve never been without a camera,” says Long. Long’s love of words also started early. “Probably from when I was little I had an interest in language and words,” she says. Long honed her writing talent as an English major at Wilkes, and she remembers her time as a student fondly. “I have good 11 �WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 “I am fascinated by the conversations that go on in the natural world. The visual elements explored in this image hint at layers of possibility in the ethereal landscape. Beyond what I am seeing, there is the realm of feeling. As I bring my attention to this sensory experience, I am invited into the conversation. This is at the heart of my creative process. To what extent is that lone tree me? Or those wavering grasses, buffeted by wind and blanketed in fog? At what point does separation of self and other occur, if at all?” 12 “Skyline Drive is a chief feature of Shenandoah National Park, winding for 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and delivering stunning views of the valleys below. Its 35-mph speed limit invites a contemplative drive, which takes about three hours to complete. I found the slow pace refreshing and conducive to enjoying the jaw-dropping views offered at 75 overlooks featuring the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the Piedmont to the east.” �“The particularities of a place—its notitia—are at the core of what is compelling about it. But they are often its most underappreciated aspect. Tuning in to the notitia of place leads to a much richer exchange and a relationship that is both nourishing and illuminating. Deepening such relationships can impel us to work on behalf of the places we love.” 7 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 “The myriad expressions of beauty in the natural world are endlessly enriching. Capturing images of this artful nature and sharing them with others is one of the most satisfying aspects of this work. ‘Let the beauty we love be what we do,’ wrote 13th century mystic and poet, Rumi. In my work as a reporter, much of my focus was placed on the opposite. In contrast, this is my heart work. I shoot with the eye of a photographer, the attention of a naturalist and the soul of a poet.” 13 �“Wilderness funds something deep within us that is easily depleted in today’s fast-paced world—and necessary to our survival. We may even make better choices as a result of the restorative experiences made possible through connection with the natural world and its wild beauty. I hope these photos raise awareness of the need for such beauty to flourish beyond our lifetimes, to nourish and sustain all life forms and to inspire the vigilance of the artist in each of us.” L Sandy Long ’86, Greeley, Pa. Bachelor of Arts, English, Wilkes Career: Accomplished nature photog- WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 rapher and co-owner of Heron’s Eye 14 “Photographers are always chasing light. On any given day in Shenandoah National Park, one will encounter plenty of people toting tripods and long lenses, scurrying from overlook to rock outcropping to capture the first or last light of day. In the race against time, I found that my fellow photo enthusiasts rarely spoke to one another during those windows of opportunity.” Communications, a marketing and public relations firm, with fellow Wilkes alumna Krista Gromalski ’91. Notable: Was chosen Shenandoah National Park’s first artist-in-residence. Favorite Wilkes Memory: Serving as editor of Manuscript and classes with Jane Elmes-Crahall and the late Patricia Heaman. To view more of Sandy’s photos and read about her creative philosophy, go to www.SandyLongPhotos.com �Discussion at Dusk We wander out at dusk for a final prowl before the light fully fades. I am looking, listening, opening my senses to what this place is saying. Buddhawg settles on a nearby knoll, silhouetted against the darkening sky. The patience of a senior dog is one of their greatest gifts. At 14, his sense of hearing nearly gone, Bu sniffs the air for answers, scenting unseen molecules for clues. I aim the lens, ply this portal to deeper awareness of how it goes here. A crescent moon begins conversing with the poet-tree that’s flung its form in a forward flump, drama and torment comingled. Each holds the other in its thrall; I crawl on belly to observe what’s being said. The darkness deepens, tree becomes jagged line, dog is shadowed shape protruding from the grass. Moon mounts her stage. We are audience, partners, participants in something happening beyond what we see, when suddenly, the silence is knifed with sound. Highlands Conservancy, Sandy completed a second artist’s residency at Lemons Brook Farm in Bethel, N.Y., through the month of November 2015. At right is an excerpt of her exploration there. Rippling cackles of coyote enter the conversation, filtering from the fringe of forest that begins where the clearing concludes. They are on the run, coming closer, clearer, when a pack across the road declares its presence. Yodels ricochet around us as I lie there with lens, gathering in, growing colder, taking up what’s offered, imagining how it will go when they emerge in a rush from the dense brush, flow across the open land, past a woman and a dog, entwined with tree and moon in a twilight embrace, engaged in a deepening conversation with place. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 At the invitation of the Delaware 15 �WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 16 Brian Nalesnik ’90 confers with a member of his crew before the airing of “Face the Nation,” the weekly public affairs show he directs. PHOTOS BY STEVE BARRETT �CONTROL-ROOM QUARTERBACK Brian Nalesnik ’90 Directs “Face the Nation” with Efficiency, Savvy and Humor By Geoff Gehman It was Nelson who introduced Nalesnik to a TV career during the course “Introduction to Television.” A student who was admittedly more passionate about sports than academics, Nalesnik was inspired by Nelson’s blunt, bold personality and his honest portrait of TV news as a fast-paced, high-pressure team game. Impressed by Nalesnik’s intelligence and tenacity, Nelson steered him to an internship at a small station in North Dakota, a state where Nelson once worked. Only Nalesnik, he figured, could thrive in faraway, frozen Fargo. Nalesnik rewarded Nelson’s faith, enjoying everything from preparing shot sheets for the sports anchor to driving 90 minutes in a whiteout to shoot video of a high-school hockey game. Back at Wilkes, he tried to simulate the unbelievable camaraderie of his Fargo crew. He helped set up a TV studio and a TV news show, “Wilkes Today” (now “Wilkes Now”). According to his adviser, Jane Elmes-Crahall, he grew remarkably as a theorist, an interviewer and a critic. He was “poised, respectful, a very solid writer, a very logical and visual Last winter Nalesnik began directing “Face the Nation,” the long-running, top-rated public-affairs program airing Sundays on CBS. Supervising everything from cameras to graphics, he’s had a ringside seat for debates about everything from transgender bathrooms to the presidential-campaign circus. He aims “to make everything easier for everyone,” especially host John Dickerson, who last June succeeded iconic moderator Bob Schieffer. Tom Nelson, his first TV mentor at Wilkes, says Nalesnik’s success is not surprising. “Brian has the stuff that TV directors are made of,” says Nelson, now associate professor of communications at Elon University. “He never rattles. He’s the kind of person you’d like to follow into a battle.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 BRIAN NALESNIK ’90 WAS A LITTLE LEAGUER WHEN HE EARNED THE BIG-LEAGUE NICKNAME “NAILS,” A SIMPLIFICATION OF HIS LAST NAME AND A DESCRIPTION OF HIS HAMMER-TOUGH CHARACTER. STEELY NERVES HAVE SERVED HIM WELL DURING A 20-YEAR CAREER AS A DIRECTOR OF LIVE TELEVISION SHOWS ABOUT SPORTS, FINANCES AND POLITICS. HIS LATEST JOB IS PERFECT FOR A CONTROL-ROOM QUARTERBACK WHO LOVES HARD NEWS. 17 �“One of the most difficult jobs is to simulate a vision for a producer or an anchor, to get into their head.” Right, Nalesnik confers with staff member Sharman Boyle on the week’s lineup for “Face The Nation,” which is broadcast from CBS’s Washington, D.C., studio. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Opposite page, Nalesnik, center, orchestrates the show from the control room, which he also calls the “front row.” 18 thinker, a natural leader,” says Elmes-Crahall, a professor of communication studies who remains one of Nalesnik’s mentors. After graduation, Nalesnik began practicing Elmes-Crahall’s tips: “Work as much as you can. Network yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be up front.” He spent five years at WBRE, the NBC affiliate in Wilkes-Barre. He moved to CNBC, where he directed daytime financial shows and helped launch “Squawk Box,” the popular morning news/talk program. At MSNBC, he supervised “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” hosted by the fast-talking, take-no-prisoners politico. Along the way Nalesnik learned to get along with difficult anchors and producers. The experiences prepared him for a 2003-08 run on the MSNBC show “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” starring the often cantankerous, sometimes controversial commentator. Nalesnik says he worked well with Olbermann, who appreciated the director’s efficiency and levity. The two bonded over sports statistics, trivia and hockey games pitting Olbermann’s favorite team, the New York Rangers, against Nalesnik’s Pittsburgh Penguins. “We have a nice little friendship,” says Nalesnik. “I know Keith is an eccentric who has a reputation for not being the most pleasant person. I think it helps that I’m part of his sports world and not part of his political world.” Nalesnik followed “Countdown” with stints for the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball and Bloomberg. Freelancing with the “CBS Evening News” brought him to the attention of “Face the Nation” officials, who hired him last December to help cover the unusually contentious and colorful race to the White House. Nalesnik serves “Face the Nation” as a sort of on-air traffic controller. In New York he sets up the CBS graphics studio for the show’s statistics expert, commuting from the Poconos home he shares with his wife, Tina, and their two children. Every week he travels to Washington, D.C., the program’s headquarters, where he choreographs camera operators as they track panel discussions and live and recorded interviews. In the control room, also known as “the front row,” he’s watched moderator John Dickerson grill former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about her private emails about federal business and Donald Trump about his weathervaning views on abortion. One of Nalesnik’s primary duties is to make life easier for first-time TV host Dickerson, a longtime political reporter and CBS’s political director. “John is well versed and well respected in the political realm,” says Nalesnik. “He gets along with everyone—even Trump. What I love is that he’s fairly green to this medium, which means I can play a part in his progression. My job is to give him security and confidence when I throw changes his way…..You have to gain the trust of any anchor— or any producer, for that matter. One of the most difficult jobs is to simulate a vision for a producer or an anchor, to get into their head.” �Brian Nalesnik ’90 Henryville, Pa. Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies, Wilkes Career: Director of CBS’s “Face the Nation,” one of television’s longest-running programs. Notable: Has worked on some of television’s most popular news and public affairs programs, launching CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and directing MSNBC’s “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” and “Hardball with Chris Matthews.” Favorite Wilkes Memory: Pulling all nighters during final exams. “The sense of accomplishment after acing finals was exhilarating.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Mary Hager, executive producer of “Face the Nation,” calls Nalesnik a first-rate teammate. “Brian is very quick on his feet,” says the 25-year veteran of CBS News. “He’s creative; he has lots of great ideas about graphics that don’t involve spending a terrible amount of money. He doesn’t yell about problems. He’s fabulous about following up. He’s fabulous.” The director, she adds, is also a fellow fan of Bruce Springsteen, who grew up near Nalesnik’s hometown of Marlboro, N.J. Nalesnik’s short-term goals include building a snappier “Face the Nation” set that matches Dickerson’s youthful Beltway savvy. His long-term goals include teaching. In March he was a guest in Elmes-Crahall’s “Controlling Spin” class, where he described media manipulation as art, craft and war. After a quarter-century in TV, Nalesnik still relishes the adrenaline rush, the long hours, the break-neck complexities of breaking news. “In this field you’re going to fail a lot,” he says. “You’ve always got to prove yourself; it’s like a constant trial. It’s a bit of a grind, but I love it. It’s fascinating, it’s fun, you meet a lot of great people. I don’t consider it work; it’s television.” 19 �alumni news Alumni Association Welcomes New Board Members The Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomes four new directors elected to the board during the February 2015 meeting. They began their three-year terms in June. EMILIE GINO ’60 LISA HARTMAN NINOTTI ’02, I believe the most memorable and meaningful thing about Wilkes for me is the caring, helpful, knowledgeable and understanding staff and faculty. In the fall semester of my sophomore year, I missed many weeks of class while ill. I went on to graduate on time because of my two professors Dr. Eugene Hammer and Catherine Bone, who helped ensure that I was able to complete my coursework. I have not forgotten the extra effort of those two individuals. I look forward to an expanded involvement with the University through the Alumni Association. Although I have been able to contribute to the school financially for a fair number of years, that is only one way to pay it forward. Time, effort and active involvement are equally as important as financial support. Although I live 3,000 miles away from campus, technology today has effectively erased that distance, at least most of the time. We all need to give back, to pay it forward and leave the campus better than we found it. KRISTIN HAKE KLEMISH ’04 My favorite part of my Wilkes experience is becoming part of the Wilkes family. My connection to Wilkes has extended beyond just attending and graduating from Wilkes. As an alumna, I love coming back to campus for Homecoming, to mentor current students or just catch up with friends I have met and stayed connected with over the years. Wilkes is home for me! As a member of the board of directors, I love getting to hear firsthand about the exciting programs and projects that Wilkes is planning. One thing that I believed helped me to succeed academically and grow as a student at Wilkes was the personal connection with faculty and small classes. The small-class environment made me feel comfortable to participate during class discussions and made me feel valued as a student. I am still in contact with many of my professors and feel that is a true testament to the success of the small-class environment offered at Wilkes. Wilkes has had a very special place in my heart since the day I stepped on campus for freshman orientation. I am looking forward to the opportunity to give back while serving on the board by reaching out to prospective and new students. The school has impacted my life tremendously both academically and personally, so to have the opportunity to be part of that process for new students is very exciting and something I am very much looking forward to. MICHAEL NOONE ’97 Wilkes is the best of both worlds. It is small enough to allow students to participate in a wide variety of experiences but large enough to give students access to first-class educational opportunities. Interning on Capitol Hill and covering sports for WCLH and The Beacon were opportunities that shaped my Wilkes experience and helped prepare me for my career. We are alumni of Wilkes much longer than we are Wilkes students, and we are all part of the Wilkes family. The Alumni Association serves a vital role in supporting alumni and the University. I am grateful for all that Wilkes has done for me, and I am looking forward to giving back to Wilkes as a board member. Meet the 2016 Alumni Scholarship Recipient Alyssa Mursch WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 20 MBA ’08 Alyssa Mursch ’17, daughter of Judy Morgan McDonough ’87, is the 2016 Alumni Association Scholarship recipient. Alyssa is a communication studies major with a concentration in journalism and minors in political science and women’s and gender studies. She is from Scranton, Pa., and her dream is to work for National Geographic. In addition to her studies, Alyssa spends time speaking with alumni as a member of our phonathon staff. Learn more about Mursch at www.wilkes.edu/AlumniScholarship Alyssa Mursch with her mother, Judy Morgan McDonough ’87. �giving back Michael DeVincentis ’75 Helps Connect Classmates Via the A-List The group of Wilkes alumni from the 1970s known as The A-List celebrate their camaraderie at Homecoming. The group was created by Michael DeVincentis ’75. actively engaged. The Flickr and Shutterfly accounts help DeVincentis to store and archive all of the photos from the yearbooks of 1971-1979. There are between 12,000 and 15,000 photos housed on the photo sharing websites. These accounts also help Michael reach out to those alumni who aren’t on Facebook, but would still like to be involved and connected to the group. He also gives special birthday shout-outs on Facebook and through emails during each A-List member’s birthday week. “The birthday shout-outs take a while,” he says. “I’m also a member of the American Greeting Cards website so that I can send personalized emails with birthday wishes.” He spends at least 5 hours per week working on organizing photos, sharing information, sending birthday wishes and posting updates on Facebook. “The friends I’ve made at Wilkes are so special to me,” says DeVincentis. “So, updating the Facebook page is not work because I love to do it and everyone appreciates it.” Each year, he makes an effort to have everyone join in the Homecoming festivities by posting updates and encouraging everyone to stay in the same hotel. “I always tell people, ‘Give us one chance. Come to Wilkes for Homecoming one time—we’ll have you hooked and you’ll be kicking yourself for all those years that you didn’t come,’” says DeVincentis. “I haven’t had one person tell me that they didn’t have a great time when they joined us for Homecoming.” Michael DeVincentis ’75 Pequannock, N.J. Majors: history, sociology Career: Electrical contractor Favorite Wilkes memory: “I have so many Wilkes memories. Now, I just love getting together with all of my college friends.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 It can be difficult to stay in touch with former classmates after leaving college. Because of the efforts of Michael DeVincentis ’75, many Wilkes alumni from the classes of 1971 through 1979 have maintained strong relationships despite time and distance, reuniting at Homecoming and sharing updates on social media sites. “Wilkes is a really special place because everyone hung out together,” says DeVincentis. “Your college friends are just the best.” His efforts started more than 10 years ago, when he looked through the alumni directory to see where his classmates ended up after graduation. The group of alumni, which has come to be known as the ‘A-List’ (short for the ‘Alumni List’), would gather at weddings and house parties, but DeVincentis realized there was a need to stay in touch on a more regular basis than just special occasions. DeVincentis thought it would be fun to get everyone together for Homecoming 2005 and the group has been gathering each year since. He connected various alumni who graduated between 1971 and 1979 because both he and his brother, Tony DeVincentis ’79, graduated from Wilkes and many of the friendships overlapped between the class years. Social media has played a vital communication role for the A-List. DeVincentis manages a Facebook page, a Flickr account and a Shutterfly account. There are currently about 150 members of the Facebook page, with about 35 of those members being 21 �class notes Tony Vlahovic ’82 Coaches New Jersey Special Olympics Team to Baseball Hall of Fame When Tony Vlahovic ’82 was pitching for the Boston Red Sox, he had dreams of making it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. In January his wish came true, but not in the way he had imagined. The two-sport athlete at Wilkes was honored as the coach for the gold-medal Special Olympics baseball team. Team New Jersey and Vlahovic were recognized at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., as the winners of the 2014 Special Olympics USA games gold-medal baseball game. The Hall of Fame will display a gold medal, a game jersey, a hat, 15 photos of the team and the gold-medal game line-up card. Erik Strohl, vice president of exhibitions and collections, was the team’s personal guide during its visit and surprised members by giving them a private viewing of bats from Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Derek Jeter. Special Olympics provides sports training Tony Vlahovic ’82, center in red jacket, with members of Team New Jersey, who he coached to a gold medal in the Special Olympics, standing in front of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. PHOTO BY GERRY MONIGAN and a variety of athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing them Special Olympics never had baseball as a sport until 2013, with opportunities for physical fitness, boosting self-esteem and when Vlahovic helped form the New Jersey team. Alabama, experiencing team sports in an Olympic setting. Rhode Island and Delaware then followed and all four competed in the USA games. In 2014, New Jersey defeated Rhode Island “My fondest memories of the past few years coaching Special Olympics baseball are watching the joy of our team after winning the gold.” 6-2 for the first-ever gold medal in the U.S. games. After bringing home the gold, Vlahovic, who coaches high school baseball for the New Hope-Solebury Lions in New Hope, Pa., was nominated as the Special Olympics North American Coach of the Year. Vlahovic says, “My fondest memories of the past few years coaching Special Olympics baseball are watching the joy of WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 our team after winning the gold. There were a lot of tears 22 Tony Vlahovic ’82 displays his cap that will become part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame for his work coaching Team New Jersey in the Special Olympics. Erik Strohl, right, vice president of the Hall of Fame, stands with other baseball artifacts from the museum’s collection. and hugs along with singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ with the fans.” Though injury shortened his professional playing career, Vlahovic is proud to be displayed with the rest of baseball’s greats with his Team New Jersey hat instead of the Boston “B.” He wouldn’t have it any other way. “These athletes have provided me with more love and passion than I could ever imagine for the game of baseball.” – By Jennifer Jenkins �class notes 1958 Peter Gale practices law in New York City. After going to graduate school in mathematics, he became a lawyer. In his spare time, Gale helps with the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. 1964 Richard Owen Burns was sworn in as a trustee for the Village of Piermont, N.Y., and is on the board of directors of Meals on Wheels. Burns and his wife of 48 years, Lynda, live in Piermont, and they have three children and six grandchildren. He practices law in Chestnut Ridge, N.Y. Gary Einhorn has expanded his business consulting practice to full time in Ashland, Ore., with a new name, The Entrepreneurial Ear. 1966 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Philip Cheifetz retired from Nassau Community College in New York after a 49-year career. In 2008, he received the State University of New York’s prestigious Distinguished Service Professorship. A writer of materials for the Harvard Consortium and a spokesperson for Harvard Calculus, he helped to systematically change calculus instruction in the United States. He played a seminal role in the creation of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, serving as its president in 1978 and its executive director from 1979-83. 1972 Hedy (Wrightson) Rittenmeyer was named a board member of KERA Public Television in DallasFort Worth and chairs the development committee. Ronald Rittenmeyer was named chairman of Millennium Health Corp. in San Diego, Calif. He continues to serve on the boards of AIG, Avaya, IMS Health and Tenet Health Care. He also is on the board of the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He also was named to the foundation board at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas. extended care at the VA Medical Center in WilkesBarre. She has a certification in gerontological nursing and case management and a nursing home license. She resides in Edwardsville, Pa., with her husband, Stan ’90, and their children, Rebecca and Stanley. 1992 Karen (Schiavo) Ayers of Redlands, Calif., is executive director of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce. She previously served as the marketing manager for Visterra Credit Union in Moreno Valley, Calif. Ayers also serves on the board of directors for March Field Air Museum in Riverside, Calif. Catherine (Heaman) Weaver was elected to the board of directors of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Weaver is chief executive officer of CSG Global, a regional provider of next-generation business collaboration and communication solutions. 1995 Cara (Smigiel) Reed MS ’04 has joined Allied Services Integrated Health System as a clinical nurse specialist at Allied Services Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center. Reed also is helping to launch the nonprofit health system’s on-site certified nurse aide training. 1976 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Marie Stolarick is manager of donor relations in the division of university advancement at Misericordia University. She lives in Nanticoke, Pa. 1978 Doreen Wickiser Dzoba retired from teaching after 34 years. The first 28 years were at St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pa., and the last six years were in Orange County, Fla. She resides in Orlando, Fla., with her husband, Tom Dzoba. 1991 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Linda (O’Boyle) Zaneski MHA ’02 was promoted to associate chief of nursing services for geriatrics and 2006 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Lauren Pluskey McLain MBA ’10 married Scott McLain on Dec. 20, 2014. The bride says that her bridesmaids were her “something blue,” each wearing a different shade of blue symbolizing the lasting friendships she made at Coughlin High School and at Wilkes. Both schools have school colors that include blue. Wilkes friends wearing blue included Janell (Chwalek) Starlin ’06, Tiffany Duda ’06, Megan Mance ’06, Kathy (Moran) Houlihan ’95 and Kristin (Pissano) Koulik ’07. Wilkes was evident at the wedding in other ways: The bride’s mother is Wilkes alumna Lois (Enama) Pluskey ’79. Photos were taken by Laura Gleason-Ancherani ’09, and entertainment at the reception was provided by comedian Terry Granihan ’94. The couple currently reside in Plains, Pa. McLain is director of development for the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre and Scott is employed at MTI as an inspector in Clarks Summit, Pa. The wedding party, pictured here in Weckesser Hall, from left, are Stacie Malenovitch, Nicole Grimm, Lisa McLain, Sara Moore EdD ’15, Lauren Pluskey McLain MBA ’10, Scott McLain, Matt Pisko, Jason Pluskey and Ryan McLain. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Undergraduate Degrees 23 �class notes licensed professional engineer at PPL in Wilkes-Barre. They reside in Hunlock Creek, Pa. 2009 Alicia Mattioli accepted a position as an elementary school psychologist for the Parkland School District in Allentown, Pa. Alison Woody of Old Forge, Pa., was appointed to the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter. She serves as the director of competitive grants for Geisinger Health System Foundation. Woody also volunteers with Leadership Lackawanna, Friendship House and the Arts on Fire Festival. 2011 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 2008 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Lurena Gimble MS ’10 MS ’12 teaches special education in Northwest Area School District. In September 2015, she and five students—all of whom have cognitive or physical disabilities— took a dream trip to Walt Disney World. Through bake sales and fundraising, they collected enough donations to send each student with a guardian on the trip. The goal was not only to expose the students to opportunities to learn and generalize life skills, but to provide them with an opportunity to experience a trip of a lifetime that otherwise would not be feasible. 24 2007 Joy Anne Kurlandski and Matthew David Check were married June 20, 2015, at Holy Family Parish in Luzerne, Pa. The bride is a nurse at WilkesBarre General Hospital. The groom works for Tobyhanna Army Depot. They live in Pittston, Pa. 2008 Megan Broski married Lee Comstock on Aug. 8, 2015. The wedding was held at St. Faustina Church in Nanticoke, Pa. She is employed as a licensed professional engineer at Susquehanna Nuclear in Berwick, Pa. The groom is a Bonnie Kerin Bawiec published a self-help workbook intended to help patients reflect on coping skills and create a plan for stressful situations through a sevenday program utilizing stressmanagement techniques. Brittany Dougherty became owner of Magic World Child Care Center in Newport Township, Pa. Her twin sister, Brianne, is her partner in the business. The sisters have managed the center since 2011. 2014 Nick Rosati purchased a historic seven-acre Miller Street property known as “the repository” in Wilkes-Barre. It once housed a bustling premier grain processing mill, and Rosati plans to open a distillery to make craft spirits. He is a resident of Moosic, Pa. 2015 Jacob Parrick of Duryea, Pa., was one of the first recipients of a scholarship to The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton through a Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation scholars program. He was recognized recently at a luncheon and awards ceremony at the Westmoreland Club in WilkesBarre. Parrick is finishing his first year of the four-year scholarship and plans to practice emergency medicine. Graduate Degrees 1989 William Jones MBA is the president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Wyoming Valley. He appeared on WBRE-TV as part of a panel about programs designed to help lift children from the cycle of poverty through early education and reading. 1993 Janelle Kaczmarek MBA was named the chief financial officer at NET Credit Union. She fundraises for local charities such as Leadership Lackawanna and Make-A-Wish. She is a certified bank auditor and certified financial services auditor. She lives in Exeter, Pa. 2000 Doreen Wickiser Dzoba - See Undergraduate Degrees 1978. �class notes 2002 Linda (O’Boyle) Zaneski MHA – See Undergraduate Degrees 1991. 2004 Cara (Smigiel) Reed MS – See Undergraduate Degrees 1995. 2009 Dawn Leas MFA’s poetry book, Take Something When You Go, was published in April 2016 by Winter Goose Publishing. 2010 Lurena Gimble MS ’10 MS ’12 – See Undergraduate Degrees 2008 Lauren Pluskey McLain MBA – See Undergraduate Degrees 2006 2011 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Karen Kuklewicz MBA was named vice president at Benco Dental, where she also serves as chief financial officer. She joined Benco in 1999 as a staff accountant and became interim chief financial officer in 2015. Rachel Strayer MFA recently had her play, “Drowning Ophelia,” produced at the Gaslight Theatre in Scranton. The play had its world premiere at the Repurposed Theatre in San Francisco in 2013, and it was her thesis for her master’s degree in creative writing at Wilkes. Strayer teaches at Keystone College, where she will serve as head of theatre for the 2016-17 school year. 2014 Dawn Zera MFA, FortyFort, Pa., was one of 10 finalists for the prestigious PEN/Bellwether Prize for socially engaged fiction. Zera was recognized for her manuscript Earth Teach Me. The award, founded by novelist Barbara Kingsolver, is presented biennially to the author of a previously unpublished novel of high literary caliber that promotes fiction that addresses issues of social justice and the impact of culture and politics on human relationships. Zera is an adjunct professor of writing at the University of Scranton, Marywood University and King’s College. 2015 Nichole Priestman Kanney MFA, a resident of Richmond, Ind., took first place in the family/animation short script category in the screenwriting competition at the 2016 Nashville Film Festival. Her original work “Fridge Mates” is a story about condiments coming to life behind closed refrigerator doors, embarking on a quest to save a friend from spoiling. chairperson of the Franklin Township Historical Society and chaired the Franklin Township Bicentennial Committee. the Colonels in a contest held during his student years. Michael Nixon MA of Washington, D.C., earned a fellowship with The Norman Mailer Center for summer 2016. The Norman Mailer Center and Writers Colony offers fellowships for writers at Pepperdine University and the Ucross Foundation. Three applicants each from fiction and nonfiction and five from poetry were chosen based on merit for these residential programs. 1937 Harriet (Thalenfeld) Gray, Kingston, Pa., died Jan. 26. Gray co-owned and operated The Fashion Youth Center and was a member of Temple Israel and its sisterhood, the Jewish Council of Women, Hadassah and Jewish Community Center. 1945 Gifford S. Cappellini, Dallas, Pa., died Jan. 14. He was judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Luzerne County from 1985 to 2005. Cappellini was senior partner at Cappellini, Reinert, Cardone Law Firm. He served as Wilkes-Barre city solicitor, prothonotary for Luzerne County, and was a lifetime member of the Pennsylvania and Luzerne County bar associations. Cappellini served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in the Judge Advocates Department. Gretchen Troback McLain, Franklinville, N.J., died Jan. 23, 2015. McLain taught English at Delsea Regional High School for 27 years until her retirement in 1989. She was 1947 Joseph V. Pringle, Kingston, Pa., died Dec. 28, 2015. He worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as an employment counselor and supervisor. Pringle served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II on Iwo Jima. He is credited with naming Wilkes’ athletics teams 1950 John Joseph Rostock Sr., Mountain Top, Pa., died Dec. 17, 2015. He was employed for 25 years by Foster Wheeler Energy Corp. as plant accountant, several years with the Luzerne County Housing Authority as project manager, and later was self-employed as a tax accountant. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 In Memoriam 25 �class notes 1951 M. Thomas Robbins, Ottsville, Pa., died April 28, 2015. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Japan and the Philippines. Thomas worked in sales for a local engineering firm. Leonard Stanley Anthony, Homestead, Fla., died Feb. 8. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel after a 20-year career. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Air Force in hospital administration. After his retirement from the Air Force, he held positions as a hospital administrator and in public health care insurance. 1954 Dr. John Albert “Jack” Lupas, Pottstown, Pa., died Dec. 26, 2015. He assisted Dr. Jonas Salk in the development of the polio vaccine. Lupas was the chief of pediatric and general medicine at the Oklahoma Indian Hospital until 1962. He maintained a large family practice in Pottstown. Andrew Sofranko, Hanover Township, Pa., died Feb. 26. Sofranko served as a high school guidance counselor and as a biology teacher in New Jersey. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Edward A. Laux, WilkesBarre, died Feb. 16. 26 1957 William Marker Farish, Williams, S.C., died Nov., 20, 2015. Farish worked in the textile and rubber industries and was also a poultry farmer. 1958 Paul J. Tracy, Perryman, Md., died Feb. 27, 2015. Tracy began teaching in the Harford County, Md., public schools in 1958 at Havre de Grace High School as a social studies teacher. He later was assistant principal at Bel Air and Aberdeen high schools before being named social studies supervisor for county schools. Tracy was inducted into the Harford County Public Schools Educator Hall of Fame. 1959 Cromwell Wayne Griffith, Weston, Mass., died Feb. 1. He served overseas in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Griffith spent over 40 years as a successful senior operating executive and was an entrepreneurial chief executive officer in several startups and turnarounds. 1961 Robert L. “Bob” Dickerson, Towanda, Pa., died Aug. 2, 2015. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He began his career in banking with the Public Loan Company in Owego, N.Y., and eventually worked for Citizens & Northern Bank and First Bank of Troy, where he served as assistant vice president of business development and loan officer of the Towanda office until 1988. 1965 Jane M. Morris, Dallas, Pa., died Jan. 4. She was a music teacher and later a school counselor at Lake-Lehman High School. She was the Lake-Lehman field hockey coach for 16 years. 1968 Jack Miller of New Rochelle, N.Y., died April 25. He was a member of the Wilkes University Board of Trustees since 1999. Miller served two terms as board chair, from 2005 to 2008 and from 2011 to 2013. He also served as vice chair of the board and chair of the governance committee. As chair, Miller’s leadership helped to accomplish a series of strategic initiatives, including providing the board support necessary to complete the Cohen Science Center. He was a great friend of the University and generous with his time, talent and philanthropic support. His generosity to Wilkes included naming a geology lab and an office suite in the Cohen Science Center, sponsorship of the Miller Conference Room in the Henry Student Center and the KPMG/John R. Miller Scholarship, which is awarded to an accounting major. A native of Wilkes-Barre, Miller graduated with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and finance from Wilkes and entered the accounting profession. He retired in 2005 as a partner and vice chairman of KPMG LLP. His extensive public service included serving as chairman of the board of trustees of the Osborn Retirement Community in Rye, N.Y., serving as a trustee and regent of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York, and as a vestryman of Trinity Wall Street, as well as Christ’s Church in Rye, N.Y. Frederick “Rick” E. Hackett, Brodheadsville, Pa., died Jan. 10. He served as a professor of education and supervisor of student teachers at East Stroudsburg University and as the superintendent of schools and assistant superintendent for personnel for the Stroudsburg Area School District from 1997 to 2006. �class notes 1967 Robert Stefanko, Luzerne, Pa., died Dec. 20, 2015. He was employed at Wilkes University in the bookstore. 1968 James T. Kozemchak Jr., Harveys Lake, Pa., died Feb. 26. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. He worked for Exxon as a dealer salesman. In 1969 he purchased Paramount Photography Studio and later he purchased Ace Hoffman Studio, which he ran successfully for 35 years. He was a well-known photographer. 1970 Nancy (Schmidt) Orcutt, Ashley, Pa., died Jan. 18. She was a bookkeeper at Union Petroleum, Luzerne. William D. Kuss, Milwaukee, Wisc., died Jan. 2. He was employed by Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee. 1971 Charles Lawrence Cappa, of Springfield,Va., died on Sept. 28, 2015. Cappa retired after 41 years at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in Washington, D.C., as an information technology specialist. 1973 Thomas S. Lasky, Dallas, Pa., died Dec. 31, 2015. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. Lasky worked for Wellington Pump, and then worked as a chemist for Rohm and Haas in Philadelphia and for IBM Corp. He returned to the Wyoming Valley and worked at his family company, Life-Kleen Oil Filters. He retired as vice president of operations with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 1977 Robert T. Komnath, WilkesBarre, died Feb. 14. He was employed for 35 years at Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke. He was a former Wilkes-Barre Township councilman and served on the zoning board. 1978 Matthew B. Donahue, Camp Hill, Pa., died Feb. 2. He was the owner and operator of Matthew Donahue Courier Service. 1979 Ruth Rico, Wilkes-Barre, died Feb. 19. 1983 Rev. Edward Krewson Furman, Pittston, Pa., died Jan. 5. Furman served in the U.S. Army. He also served as an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church in the Wyoming Conference. 1984 Eunice Mae Bebb, WilkesBarre, died Jan. 27. She worked at various nursing homes in the area. 1989 John Michael Ford, Nanticoke, Pa., died Feb. 3. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked in the banking industry. 1990 Alexandria (Sandy) Soletski, Plymouth, Pa., died Dec. 30, 2015. She was an elementary school teacher at Hunlock Elementary School from 1966 to 1969 and then by Greater Nanticoke Area Schools from 1969 to 1997. 1993 Jill M. King, Scott Township, Pa., died Jan. 26. She was an administrative clerk for Verizon Corp. in Scranton, Pa. 1999 Maria E. (Camiola) Scalleat, Schnecksville, Pa., died Nov. 22, 2013. She was a middle school teacher and literacy coach in the Hazleton Area School District for 18 years. 2002 Bernadine I. (Barchik) Pierontoni, died Feb. 9. She started teaching at Northwest Area School District in 1975. She retired after 31 years. The estate of the late D. Keith Ferrell ’72 donated educational Ferrell, a resident of Wilkes-Barre, died in May 2013 and was materials to the Wilkes University Psychology Department. one of Pennsylvania’s first certified drug and alcohol counselors. More than 1,000 books, journals and articles were contributed, He worked in private practice in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton including some rare books by Dr. Albert Ellis, who pioneered and was founder and director of the Forensic Assessment the development of rational emotive behavior therapy. Other and Counseling Unit at the Luzerne County Correctional donated materials include issues of the Journal of Rational- Facility. Ferrell was a certified substance abuse professional. Emotive Therapy and the Journal of Cognitive Behavioral He was the program director for the Pennsylvania Institute for Therapy, psychological testing materials and educational Rational-Emotive Therapy and a Fellow and certified supervisor materials amassed over Ferrell’s 40 years of practice as associated with the Albert Ellis Institute in New York. a psychologist. The donation was made by Ferrell’s wife, MaryLee Brennan Ferrell. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Psychology Department Receives Bequest From D. Keith Ferrell ’72 27 �class notes ROTC Dedication Honors Memory of Maj. Candice Adams Ismirle ’03 In the hallway housing Wilkes University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 752, the image of a young woman, head tilted inquisitively toward the camera, peers from an acrylic plaque. Words on the sign announce this is the Maj. Above left, Candice Adams Ismirle gives her best friend Kyla Campbell a ride on their Wilkes 2003 graduation day. Right, Ismirle and her husband, Ryan, hold their twin boys, Rafe and Ryder, after their birth through a surrogate. PHOTOS COURTESY KYLA CAMPBELL Candice Adams Ismirle Leadership Lounge and below it is a statement: “Choose to celebrate life rather achieve. She is a shining example of leadership, and her legacy will than simply survive it.” live on through every cadet that passes through our halls.” The words reflect the late Candice Adams Ismirle’s dauntless fight against an aggressive form of cancer. At the time of her medical retirement in July 2015, Ismirle worked at the press desk at Headquarters Air Force, the Pentagon. Ismirle, a 2003 Wilkes graduate in communication studies, As a media operations officer for the People Team, she provided lost her battle to breast cancer in February 2016. A native of public affairs guidance to 11 commands worldwide, recommended Brodheadsville, Pa., the late major was a member of the Air media strategy to senior Air Force leadership and formulated media Force ROTC detachment. She received her commission as a relations policy and guidance. In that role, she was responsible for second lieutenant at the time of her graduation from Wilkes. covering some of the Air Force’s most sensitive issues, such as After her graduation, she enjoyed a distinguished career in the sexual assault prevention and suicide awareness. military as a public affairs officer. Prior to her work at the Pentagon, beginning in June The ROTC detachment honored her memory when it 2009 Ismirle taught at the Department of Defense’s Defense dedicated the lounge, located in the University Center on Information School, where she trained more than 1,470 students Main, on April 30. The event was held in conjunction with from all U.S. military branches, select foreign nations, and the detachment’s annual Dining Out event, which includes a Department of Defense agencies. banquet and special recognitions for cadets. Ismirle’s husband, Lt. Col. Ismirle was first diagnosed with breast cancer while teaching Ryan at the school. She shared her story by L. Ismirle, who is a pilot, spoke at the co-producing an award-winning multimedia program, and her parents, Sgt. Maj. documentary, (retired) Michael Adams and Sandra awareness, all while undergoing treatment Adams attended. The Ismirles have twin for her cancer and continuing to provide 18-month-old boys, Rafe and Ryder. public affairs instruction. Following her to raise Lt. Col. John Baum, the detachment’s diagnosis and treatment, she participated in a half-marathon. She and her husband honor Ismirle’s memory. chose to become parents to their twin boys by having Ismirle’s cousin serve as a proud of Candice and her unwavering WILKES | Spring/Summer 2016 Kisses, commanding officer, says it’s fitting to “Detachment 752 is tremendously 28 Pink gestational surrogate. courage in the face of adversity. She Fellow 2003 Wilkes graduate Kyla personifies the Air Force core values of Campbell says such choices reflected her integrity, service and excellence while best friend’s dauntless spirit. “That was her gracefully representing herself, Wilkes to a T,” Campbell said. “Going forward and University and the officer corps during her fight against cancer,” Baum says. “Candice raised the bar and set the standard that all cadets should strive to starting a family and doing things like that One of the pink head scarves worn by Ismirle during cancer treatment and her fatigues are displayed in a shadow box at Air Force Detachment 752’s lounge at Wilkes. PHOTO BY VICKI MAYK in the face of cancer was her way of saying, ‘I’m going to live my life and move forward.’ She never threw in the towel, ever.” �,e ,ed nd 1 tihe H• !I ,,,..6 ved 10 be on of ents of the year the 1r3 d1tiooal eer, the Wilkes iigh en rgy perford broke mto a fren· et985Homew need. The Cou ,, Seth Cortel, S ,, oave Hudak, a WILKES UNIVERSITY �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events July 13-Aug. 13 “Upstream & Down: The Susquehanna,” Sordoni Art Gallery 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15 The Craft of Comedy, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., online 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16 Writing from the Other Sex (Fiction Workshop), 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Kirby Hall 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17 Nonfiction Places and Spaces Workshop, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m., Kirby Hall 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18 Essential Elements of Creative Nonfiction Workshop, 6 - 8 p.m., Kirby Hall 15 Instant Decision Open House, various campus locations 24-30 Women Empowered by Science (WEBS) Summer Camp, various campus locations August 5-6 Pennsylvania Writers Conference, featuring novelist and poet Jay Parini and NPR’s Maureen Corrigan 26 Move-in Day for First-Year and Transfer Students 26 Transfer Orientation 26-28 Welcome Weekend Orientation 29 Fall Semester 2016 classes Begin 30-Oct. 12 “Persistence: The Continuing Influence of Classical Myths,” Sordoni Art Gallery September 3-5 Labor Day Recess 3 Veterans Council 10K, 8 a.m. 6 Classes resume 11 Summer Commencement, Marts Center 15 Welcome to Our Neighborhood Social, 5-7 p.m., Ballroom, Henry Student Center 17 Instant Decision Open House, various campus locations 21 Latin Café, 2-4 p.m., Savitz Lounge, Henry Student Center 26 Congress to Campus, 7- 8 p.m., Henry Student Center 27 LGBTQA Awareness Training 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Savitz Lounge, Henry Student Center 30-Oct. 2 Homecoming PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC 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 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 Spring 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, Spring 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 Spring 2016 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/4db191170ac9e54089f271e0a07e57df.pdf 6af7d5fe9d9c3df432c4e19f2fe322b7 PDF Text Text W I N T E R 2 01 6 A Brief History of Marlon James Wilkes Creative Writing Professor Kaylie Jones Talks with the Man Booker Prize Winner �president’s letter VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 1 The Arts Are Integral to a Great University W ilkes University wants to be one of our country’s finest small universities. We will be unique by offering the programs, activities, and opportunities of a large university, in the caring, mentoring culture of a small college. Recognizing that we cannot be a comprehensive university without a commitment to the arts, and that we can’t provide an effective liberal education without students experiencing the arts in all forms, today we are committed to investing in the literary, performing, new media and visual arts. The arts have always been integral to a Wilkes education, occupying a special space on campus. We celebrated that enduring commitment during the fall semester when we marked the 50th anniversary of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. That evening we celebrated some of the special moments created at the Darte Center since it opened in 1965, while we enjoyed performances of today’s students in their vocal, instrumental, dance and theater ensembles. Nowhere is our arts commitment more evident than in our plans for the Sordoni Art Gallery. The University is creating a new home for the gallery at our newly acquired property at 141 South Main Street. We are transitioning the Sordoni from a model in which we curate and collect artwork to become a high-end exhibition gallery curating and showcasing traveling shows that will provide a much wider variety of exhibits for our students and Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy community members to enjoy. The plan aims to shares his vision for the University with visiting alumni at Homecoming 2015. make the Sordoni Art Gallery the leading destination PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY. for showcasing the visual arts in the region. The literary arts are celebrated year-round at Wilkes. On the graduate level, faculty, literary agents, alumni, and students of our low-residency creative writing program travel to campus from across the country twice a year for workshops, lectures, craft classes and readings. The English department’s Allan Hamilton Dickson series brings some of today’s best writers to campus. Our undergraduates can interact with those writers in workshops and informal conversation. Never wanting to miss an interdisciplinary approach to the arts experience— this spring we’ll observe the 400th anniversary of the passing of William Shakespeare. Performances of his comedy Twelfth Night, and musical performances of works from the period will mark more than four centuries of the Bard’s influence. At a time when the arts are under siege at many educational institutions, I am proud to share with you that the commitment to the arts continues to be a priority at Wilkes. We shall never lose sight of its importance in educating our students and enriching Dr. Patrick F. Leahy the community. Wilkes University President WINTER 2016 WILKES MAGAZINE 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 Director of Graduate Marketing Gabrielle D’Amico MA’15 Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MA’15 Graduate Assistant Jennifer Jenkins 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. �6 14 8 16 contents 6 Memorable Moments Athletic Hall of Fame inductees reflect on their most memorable moments on Wilkes playing fields, mats and courts. 8 A Brief History Marlon James MA ‘06 contemplates the fame that has accompanied the award of the Man Booker Prize for his novel. PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC of Marlon James Man Booker Prize Winner Marlon James MA ’06 discusses the challenges of being a novelist with creative writing faculty member Kaylie Jones. 14 Emergency Maestra Vilma Schifano Milmoe ’76’s public service career earned her a spot in the International Network of Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Hall of Fame. 16 Environmental Protector Greg Turner ’94 is one of the world’s foremost authorities on white-nose syndrome affecting the survival of bats. DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 19 Giving Back 20 Alumni News 21 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 | Winter 2016 FEATURES 1 �on campus Darte Center Marks 50th Anniversary The Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts may be 50 years old, but the anniversary celebration on Oct. 24, 2015, showed its role is just as vital as when it opened its doors a half-century ago. Performances by students in choral and instrumental ensembles, numbers highlighting dance and scenes presented by Wilkes University Theatre showcased the continued vitality of the performing arts on campus. Reminiscences about the building’s history were provided by alumni that included state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski ’67 and Elizabeth Slaughter ’68, a member of the Wilkes board of trustees. One alumnus—Bruce Phair ’73—took a final bow as he ended 36 years as manager of the Darte. (See story on page 23.) Wilt.ES w l '\ \IK,.11\ Top left: The Civic Band, directed by Philip Simon, associate professor of music, was one of the instrumental ensembles performing at the anniversary event. Top right: Alumna and Wilkes trustee Elizabeth Slaughter ’68 reminisced about her days working with legendary theatre director Al Groh. Bottom: Students in the Wilkes chorus gave a rollicking performance at the 50th anniversary celebration. PHOTOS BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY WILKES | Winter 2016 Dedication of Michelini Hall Honors Former President 2 Wilkes celebrated the legacy of its second president, Francis J. Michelini, when it dedicated a building in his honor. At a ceremony on Nov. 10, Barre Hall, a Wilkes student residence hall, was renamed in his honor. The hall is home to students in the honors program. Michelini was the first Wilkes president to ascend from the academic ranks. He joined Wilkes in 1955 as the third full-time faculty member in the biology department. In 1963, he became dean of academic affairs. After becoming president, Michelini—known to many as “Dr. Mike”— helped to ensure the University’s survival after the devastating Agnes flood in 1972, leading campus recovery efforts and ensuring Wilkes was ready for classes in the fall. Francis J. Michelini, second president of Wilkes, savors the moment as Barre Hall was dedicated in his honor. PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS �on campus Wilkes Ranked 25th In The Nation For Economic Value By The Economist Wilkes University is ranked 25th in the nation for economic value by The Economist. The ranking was announced in the international publication’s first-ever college rankings. The ranking determines a college’s economic value by comparing what a school’s undergraduate alumni earn and how much they might have earned had they studied somewhere else. In Wilkes’ case, that amounts to $8,250 more in annual earnings. The Economist’s analysis included a median salary for graduates predicted in its model for each of the 1,275 colleges included in its rankings. The salaries are predicted as what graduates would earn 10 years after entering college. Each college received an “over/under” score—showing if earnings ranked above or below expected earnings if they attended another school. In Wilkes’ case, expected earnings are $41,650. The median earnings projected by The Economist are $49,900, showing that attending Wilkes boosts the earnings power of its graduates at $8,250 above expectations. The Economist’s rankings use the U.S. Department of Education’s new College Scorecard data. To arrive at the over/under comparison, the newspaper used a variety of variables, including average SAT scores, sex ratio, race breakdown, college size and socioeconomic data. The result is a ranking that recognizes value above reputation, listing Wilkes above institutions such as MIT and Penn State. Spring Lectures Offer Diverse Perspectives Topics as varied as international politics and entrepreneurism with a social conscience highlight spring lectures at Wilkes. Max Rosenn Lecture Features Israeli Diplomat Ron Prosor Mary Fisher, activist, author and artist, will speak on “Freeing the Entrepreneur for the Global Good” at the Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship on March 16. The lecture will be in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Fisher is a global leader in the arena of social change. Diagnosed with HIV in 1991 and with breast cancer in 2012, Fisher is an outspoken advocate. She delivered a keynote address at the 1992 Republican National Convention that is ranked among “the best 100 American speeches of the 20th century” by Oxford University Press. Her early experience, first in public and commercial broadcast media, then in high-profile positions, equipped her to urge transformation in health care, revise perceptions and responses to AIDS, and enable women’s global empowerment. She is the author of six books, including her best-selling memoir, Messenger, and is launching the latest expression of her creative philosophy, The 100 Good Deeds Bracelet, sold in partnership with Macy’s. Ron Prosor, former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, will speak about “Israel and the Evolving Frontline of a Disintegrating Middle East: A Guided Tour” for the Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities on May 1. The lecture is at 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. Admission to the lecture is free and open to the public. Prosor served as Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations from 2011 to 2015. He previously served as Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, and director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry. He holds a master’s degree in political science from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. With almost three decades of experience at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prosor earned an international reputation as a distinguished diplomat. While serving as director-general, he oversaw the work of the foreign ministry during the disengagement from Gaza in 2005. Mary Fisher Ron Prosor WILKES | Winter 2016 Mary Fisher, Activist, Author and Artist, Delivers Allan P. Kirby Lecture 3 �on campus New NeuroTraining and Research Center Opens WILKES | Winter 2016 Enter the NeuroTraining and Research Center and you step into an oasis of calm in busy Breiseth Hall. Soft lights, comfortable furniture in muted tones and tasteful wall art reflect an environment that is no ordinary research laboratory. Here students majoring in neuroscience and psychology train members of the campus community in techniques to enhance performance, beat stress and improve concentration. In establishing the center, Wilkes is on the cutting edge of a scientific concept that has grown in the last decade. While the idea of biofeedback—training bodily processes such as heart rate and muscle tension to improve physical well-being—is well established, neurofeedback is a newer technique being used by psychologists and in the medical field. “Neurofeedback has really taken off in the last decade,” explains Ed Schicatano, associate professor of psychology who co-directs the center with Robert Bohlander, professor of psychology. “What we’re talking about is training the brain.” “It’s use is coming into its own,” Bohlander adds. “For example, The American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed it as a treatment for attention deficit disorder.” Although Wilkes’ center doesn’t offer treatment for diagnosed conditions, its training techniques can benefit anyone. Athletes, performing artists and students suffering from test anxiety are among those who can benefit from techniques taught at the center. Faculty and staff can learn ways to reduce stress and improve their focus. The center is unique among colleges and universities, Schicatano says. While the techniques used at the center may be employed at some other institutions in research or to help athletes perform better, Wilkes offers a dedicated center with services available for free to faculty, staff and students. The center offers internships for psychology and neuroscience majors. The neuroscience major, introduced in 2015, is interdisciplinary and includes study in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, psychology, physics and pharmacy. Schicatano points to the concept called neuroplasticity to explain how the center helps. “Neuroplasticity has become a buzzword. It refers to the ability to change the brain.” 4 Above: Robert Bohlander, professor of psychology, adjusts the devices used for a process that uses lights and audio tones as student Karly Mason prepares to place the glasses on student Alex Rodino. Right: NeuroTraining and Research Center intern Katherine Marianacci adjusts the electrodes on the head of fellow intern Melanie Rivera. PHOTOS BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC Thomas MacKinnon is New Vice President for University Advancement Thomas MacKinnon has joined Wilkes as its new vice president for University Advancement. He will oversee fundraising initiatives at the University, directing staff and overseeing efforts related to the annual fund, major donor solicitation, planned giving and alumni relations. Prior to joining Wilkes, MacKinnon was a philanthropy and capital campaign consultant. He previously served as chief of staff to the president of Marquette University, where he also served as interim vice president for university advancement. Prior to his time at Marquette, he served in several leadership roles at the University of Scranton, including chief of staff and executive assistant to the president, as well as executive director of Scranton’s $125 million Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign. In addition, he served as vice president at CCS, an international fundraising consulting firm headquartered in New York City. During MacKinnon’s career at CCS, he was responsible for planning and directing multimillion dollar fundraising programs for several universities and other not-for-profit institutions across the country. MacKinnon received his bachelor of arts degree in English literature from Fordham University. �on campus Sidhu School Senior Wins Regional Business Competition Sidhu School senior Edward Powell took first place in the TecBridge Competition. Political Science Faculty Edit Book on Minority Voting in the United States Ray Dombroski ’78 is Member of Wilkes University Board of Trustees Minority voters—an increasing part of the electorate—will play a significant role in the 2016 presidential election. Two Wilkes political science professors are the editors of a two-volume reference that examines voting patterns of minorities in America. Thomas Baldino, professor of political science, and Kyle Kreider, associate professor of political science, co-edited Minority Voting in the United States, published in December 2015 by Praeger. In the books’ introduction, Baldino points to the prediction that white Americans will be the minority by 2042. “While this does not necessarily mean white Americans will be a minority among voters,” Baldino writes, “It does demonstrate that the American electorate will fundamentally change in the coming decades, likely causing significant changes in presidential and congressional elections.” Acknowledging that a number of minorities have played significant roles in recent elections, the 33 chapters examine the voting history and evolving politics of eight groups, including African Americans, Latinos, women, Jewish voters and Asian Americans. Chapters are written by political scientists who are experts in studying the particular minority. appointment of Ray Dombroski Editor’s Note: In announcing the ’78’s appointment to the University board of trustees in the spring/ summer 2015 issue of the magazine, his biography contained errors. The following biography corrects the errors. Our sincere apologies to Mr. Dombroski. Ray Dombroski ’78 has been with Comcast Corporation since 1999 and is currently senior vice president of product development and deployment for Comcast Business, a national provider of advanced, flexible communications solutions for small- and mid-sized businesses. After receiving his electrical engineering degree from Wilkes in 1978, he began his career at RCA Laboratories in Princeton, N.J. Always entrepreneurial by nature, Dombroski was part of a start-up long distance telephone and data communications company called Argo Communications in the early 1980s. In 1987, he joined an early-stage cellular telephone company, Metrophone/Metromedia, as vice president of engineering and operations. After several successful years, the company was acquired by Comcast. He still has roots in the Wyoming Valley area and returns to Wilkes-Barre to visit his parents. He and his wife, Colleen DeMorat, live in Malvern, Pa., and are the parents of two grown children, Allison and Ian. WILKES | Winter 2016 Edward Powell has oil in his veins. A self-described “car nut,” the senior in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership recently turned his passion into a professional pursuit and took first place in the TecBridge Pitch Competition. The TecBridge organization encourages entrepreneurship in northeast Pennsylvania. Students from 10 regional colleges presented entrepreneurial start-up business ideas to a board of professionals to compete. His start-up business idea, Gear Head Garage, embodies his love of cars and auto mechanics by providing the curious with an avenue to develop skills and knowledge of auto maintenance. “It’s a do-it-yourself car garage where you can learn to work on a car while a mechanic supervises you,” says Powell, an entrepreneurship and marketing double major from Schnecksville, Pa. “It’s something that I’m very passionate about that has done so much for me, and I want to be able to share that with other people.” He attributes his win to skills attained from the Sidhu School. “The hands-on and experiential-style learning we do teaches the basis of how to be a professional...that can make you so much more successful.” 5 �Memorable Moments The last time an athlete walks off Wilkes’ athletic fields or exits the gym, he or she takes a host of memories and lessons. It’s true for the six alumni inducted this year into the Athletics Hall of Fame. Honored during a January ceremony following a Freedom Conference basketball double header, the 23rd class of inductees represents six sports. Here they share memories and talk about the lessons they have carried forward into their lives after Wilkes. Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees Recall Their Favorite Memories Brian Gryboski ’99 MEN’S BASKETBALL Where he is now: Gryboski is a territory manager for Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, a medical device company. Colonels sports career: Gryboski was an integral part of three Middle Atlantic Conference Championships and four straight NCAA tournament teams, including a Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final 4 run. An All-ECAC selection, he stands as the all-time leader in games played with 116 and career wins. He ranked seventh in field goal percentage WILKES | Winter 2016 Tracy Engle McDonald ’97 FIELD HOCKEY 6 Where she is now: McDonald is a 10th-grade English teacher in the Florida Keys, where she also coaches cheerleading and advises the yearbook staff. Her family has an online sales business. Colonels sports career: A three-time All-Freedom First Team selection, McDonald anchored the cage for Wilkes for four years. She holds the career record in shutouts, with 16, as well as consecutive shutouts, with five in 1994. Her eight shutouts in 1994 also rank tops in school history in a single season as well as her 0.83 goals against average in 1995. She (50.1), sixth in free throws with 313 made and 11th in rebounds with 623. He finished his career with 1,120 points, good for 25th on the school’s all-time scoring list. Most memorable Wilkes moment: “My most memorable moment as an athlete was during my junior year basketball season when we defeated Rowan and Hunter on consecutive days at the Marts Center to earn a spot in the Division 3 Final Four for the first time in school history.” started in 67 of 68 games in goal for Wilkes registering 574 saves during her career with a 1.15 career goals against average. She led Wilkes to Freedom League titles all four years while in net as well as the ECAC Mid Atlantic championship in 1993, 1994 and 1996 and the NCAA Playoffs in 1995. Most memorable Wilkes moment: “The most memorable moment I recall at Wilkes as an athlete was any time Colonel Bob (Wachowski) came to an away game. We didn’t get many fans on the road, so it really meant a lot to us to have him there.” �Where he is now: An engineer, Trichilo is a product specialist in Region Americas for Sandvik Process Systems in Wayne, N.J. Colonels sports career: Trichilo earned the Melberger Award as the best player in Division III college football in 2003 and 2004. A three-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection, including twice being named MAC Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004, Trichilo also was a two-time All-ECAC and Division III All-American selection. He Gerry Willets ’71 WRESTLING Justine Nemshick-Yeager ’94 FIELD HOCKEY Where he is now: Willets works as an engineer at a health-care facility and also works as a supply salesman near his home in Byram Township, N.J. Where she is now: NemshickYeager is a teacher in the Crestwood School District in Mountain Top, Pa., where she’s also assistant varsity field hockey coach. Colonels sports career: Willets starred on the undefeated 1971 Wilkes wrestling squad during his four-year career. He claimed the Middle Atlantic Conference title at 167 pounds before finishing as the national runner-up at the same weight class. He finished his career with a 38-9-2 career record and .796 win percentage on the mat. Colonels sports career: A four-year starter on defense for Wilkes, she played a crucial role in two championship seasons for the Lady Colonels including a 1993 ECAC title and 1994 ECAC Mid-Atlantic championship. She was named a Freedom League First Team All-Star in her junior season serving as team captain. Although primarily a defender, Nemshick tallied career marks of 18 points on six goals and six assists on the offensive end of the field. Most memorable Wilkes moment: “My most memorable moment as an athlete at Wilkes was the day I won my semi-final match at nationals in Fargo, N.D. I defeated the number-two seed to make it into the finals.” Most memorable Wilkes moment: “My most memorable moment as an athlete at Wilkes was my senior year when we won the ECAC Mid-Atlantic title.” holds the all-time career records in scoring, with 384 points, and rushing, with 5,837 yards. He has a season record in rushing with 2,185 yards in 2003. He finished his Wilkes career with individual game records in points (30), touchdowns (5) and yards rushing (316). Most memorable Wilkes moment: “Like most college experiences, there are too many to count. It was a fantastic four years. I consider myself extremely lucky.... If I had to single out one particular thing, I would say the people.” Michelle Zawoiski ’87 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL/SOFTBALL Where she is now: After a long career with PPL, Zawoiski started her own dog-grooming business, Pretty Paws, Too!, which she continues to operate successfully in Mountain Top, Pa. Colonels sports career: Zawoiski, a four-year member of the letterwomen’s club, starred on the basketball court and softball field during her career at Wilkes. She finished her career on the court with 952 points while earning All-Middle Atlantic Conference honors on the softball field in 1983 and 1985 as an infielder. She was also awarded the Wilkes Woman Athlete of the Year during the 1983-84 season. Most memorable Wilkes moment: Zawoiski commented it was too hard to choose just one out of so many during her Wilkes years. WILKES | Winter 2016 Brett Trichilo ’05 FOOTBALL 7 �WILKES | Winter 2016 A BRIEF HISTORY OF 8 �MARLON JAMES WILKES CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSOR KAYLIE JONES TALKS WITH THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE WINNER By Kaylie Jones WHEN MARLON JAMES MA ’06’s novel A Brief History of Seven Killings was selected in October 2015 as the Man Booker Prize winner, it catapulted the Wilkes creative writing alumnus to literary stardom. As the first Jamaican to win the international prize, James now is in the company of such notable authors as Salman Rushdie, Hilary Mantel, Philip Roth and Alice Munro. James’ prize-winning novel is an epic 686 pages with 75 characters and voices. Set in Kingston, Jamaica, where James was born, the book is a fictional history of the attempted murder of reggae artist Bob Marley in 1976. In this conversation with novelist Kaylie Jones, the Wilkes creative writing faculty member who discovered him and brought him to study at the University, James, who teaches at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minn., discusses the biases in publishing, his Marlon James MA ‘06 and Wilkes graduate creative writing program faculty member Kaylie Jones met to discuss his success since coming to Wilkes from Jamaica. PHOTOS BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC WILKES | Winter 2016 writing process and handling rejection. 9 �KAYLIE JONES: I’ll never forget the day I met you. In March 2004 I arrived in Kingston, Jamaica, to teach a fiction workshop and was driven to a house that was still under construction, bare concrete and wood beams. I found myself at the head of a long table with eight Jamaicans staring at me with expectant looks. You were the only male in the group, and the only one who looked miserable. Within the first hour I realized that you had read almost every book I mentioned, and you had an almost encyclopedic memory for character names and imagery. When you submitted the first chapter of your novel to the workshop, I took the pages back to the house where I was staying and was up late reading. I was absolutely stunned by the quality of your work. The next day, after the workshop, I asked you if you had more pages. You were kind of evasive. At the time I didn’t know why. I said something like, “Listen, I don’t lie and I don’t fool around, I don’t have time. I’m telling you this is really good.” You then told me that you’d sent that very novel (John Crow’s Devil) out to 40, 50, 60 agents, editors, and publishers, and every single one had turned it down. What you told me years later, when we became friends, was that you had destroyed every copy of that book in existence and had nothing to give me. I believe you said that finally, in desperation, you emailed a friend in London and asked him if he still had the book as an attachment in his in-box— the last copy in existence. All I can say is, thank God he still had the copy. If you had not pursued writing, the loss to the world of literature would have been staggering and incomprehensible. MARLON JAMES: I remember. The last place I wanted to be was that workshop. I had learned so much from the previous teacher, Elizabeth Nunez (novelist and American Book Award winner), but between that class and yours, my novel had been rejected around 50 times, and another 28 or so from even before that. The manuscript made it as far as an editor at Houghton Mifflin, who then went to work for Playboy, which, of course, killed the book. One could argue that I was simply sending work to the wrong agents and publishers, but it astounded me just how narrow-minded they were, even the indie presses. ABRl!F HI I Y EN KIi. NGS ... »O,,EL ,$t 7/larloncfameJ 11/THOIII lllf-l/llli/lTWU£1 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::■ Above: The cover of James’ novel, which is a fictional history of the attempted murder of reggae singer Bob Marley. Below: Jones and James share stories—and a few laughs—about the challenges of writing and publishing. ... ~ ". ··~ ~ .·~... ., -:: WILKES | Winter 2016 - 10 �“THERE ARE THINGS A NOVELIST CAN DO THAT MJ: Mainstream publishing misses great writers all the time, but to a huge extent it’s because mainstream agents don’t care about these writers as well. There were as many agents who turned down the book as there were publishers. Nobody wanted to publish it, and nobody wanted to rep it either. And that didn’t change much the second time around, by the way. Riverhead published my second novel, The Book of Night Women, but they were also the only publisher that wanted it. Indie successes like Akashic Press, whom you gave my first novel to, and Graywolf have made mainstream publishers reconsider what’s a sellable novel, but too many still err on the side of a very outdated idea of sellable or even successful. And it’s not just publishers or agents. What about MFA programs that pass on great writers because of a very narrow idea of what makes good fiction, or more specifically, a very narrow idea of the kind of writer they want to teach? NOBODY ELSE CAN. WE CAN FLIP HISTORY INSIDE OUT AND TELL IT FROM THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE WHO HAD TO CARRY THE BURDEN OF IT.” Two of my finest students have yet to find a program to accept them, one of whom wrote the first book to make me cry in years. KJ: Well, please send those students to us at Wilkes. As a teacher, what I find distressing is how students often think it’s easy. They’re going to write a novel and become rich and famous, like Stephen King. I feel it’s my dirty job to inform them that this is not the case. But writing a great novel takes work. You worked very, very hard on all three of your novels. As a writer, you’re driven, ambitious, and totally original. You don’t shy away from terrible, dark subjects. In fact, you have taken some flak for showing the bleaker and more gruesome side of human nature. But I love your courage. It is one of the things I love most about you and your work. When you write about human weakness and deprivation, do you ever fear your readership’s reaction? MJ: I do fear reader reaction sometimes, and with A Brief History of Seven Killings, it wasn’t just content, it was also form. I knew the assassination scene in my book had to hew closer to lyrics than prose, something like blank verse, but stayed away from it for months because I feared readers would either not get it, or think it was pretentious. The same thing with that seven-page sentence, or throwing narration to a ghost, or having characters whose accounts of the same story simply didn’t add up. I had to convince my French translator...that these were not mistakes in the novel but slightly unreliable narration. But I do worry about content also. I knew the sex and violence had to be explicit when they were onstage but I worried about reader reaction. The whole time I was writing scenes of gay intimacy I wondered if I was writing an invitation to be attacked in Jamaica. I felt the same way about unmasking these secrets of Jamaican political history that we would rather not talk about. I worried about everything from critical scorn to censorship to death threats. And yet I wrote those scenes anyway, because it was either that or not write the book at all. I think these are essential aspects of the human experience, and capturing them is the reason we are here. There are things a novelist can do that nobody else can. We can flip history inside out and tell it from the forgotten people who had to carry the burden of it. Because so much of what we do is invention, we can skirt closer to the truth than anybody else, even with sex. For example, there’s a scene in my book where Weeper, the second most dangerous character in the novel, is WILKES | Winter 2016 KJ: As a writing teacher yourself, how often do you think mainstream publishing misses a truly great writer completely? 11 �r1ze having sex with a white man. The scene simply had to be explicit because it was only in the raw demonstration of his own sexuality—having sex with this man and learning to enjoy it step by step—that he also by extension finally learned to accept and even enjoy himself as a person, step by step. When I realized this is why the explicitness was important, I stopped worrying about what other people think. KJ: Does it get easier to be so virulently criticized when you become as famous as you are right now? MJ: I think the criticism gets easier when you realize that it’s not a discussion that you need to be a part of. J. Robert Lennon (novelist and Cornell University professor) has a wonderful article on this, on how a review is a conversation with the reader, not author, and the author really doesn’t have to take part. Nowadays I don’t even read the good reviews. KJ: But what you have accomplished for human rights has staggering consequences for the many LGBT people of the Caribbean. If your op-ed piece about coming out as gay had not been published by The New York Times (“From Jamaica to Minnesota to Myself,” March 10, 2015)— we might even say if you had not won the Man Booker Prize—Gabrielle Bellot’s New York Times op-ed piece of Sunday, Oct. 31, examining what it means to be queer in the Caribbean, might not have been published at all. She mentions you specifically as a beacon for people such as her.You are now in a leadership position, a brave man who has taken a stand against injustice and you are, therefore, hugely important. This is a kind of pressure that novelists rarely have. WILKES | Winter 2016 ■::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 12 Above left: James accepts the Man Booker Prize at the Oct. 15, 2015, awards ceremony in London. Below left: James and two of the Man Booker judges are interviewed by news media after the prize is announced. �been great. My friends have made sure I know they’ve got my back. My favorite response to the piece was my friend Maxine talking to another friend, saying, “Did you see the piece where Marlon came out? When was he ever in?” KJ: What are your plans for the future, Marlon? Do you have a project in mind? MJ: As for the future, I’m leaving the 20th century for a while. Maybe Wolf Hall is rubbing off on me, but I’m going back to Africa in the Middle Ages! KJ: You are a very disciplined writer, and I’m sure many aspiring writers would like to know what your process is like. Could you share that with us? MJ: Now process is tricky, because it was thinking that I had a process that nearly killed the new novel. I learned from Colin Channer that what we often think of as process is really just habit. And “IT SAYS SOMETHING THOUGH, DOESN’T IT, THAT JUST LIVING THE LIFE THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY TURNS OUT TO BE A STAND?” But here’s the other thing that happened: dozens, hundreds, now thousands of Caribbean men and women thanking me for the piece. The reason why the negative responses don’t bother me is that it means I’m complicating the narrative of Jamaica. I’m not an activist and have very little patience for activist writers, but I couldn’t live a false life either. It says something though, doesn’t it, that just living the life that makes you happy turns out to be a stand? Recently I have become more and and more n11.,. comfortable with it, even speaking for Africa’s Out, speaking at at aa reception rec1.,r aa LGBT ghting for rights LGBT organization organization fifighl,,."-' and and protections protections on on the the continent. continent. ItIt doesn’t mean I’ll feel doesn't mean I'll feel safe safe in in Jamaica Jamaica again. But I will feel loved. My again. But I will feel loved. My family family has has sometimes that habit is exactly what’s preventing new and fresh writing. It’s the work that shapes the process, not the author, and I learned this the hard way. My last novel, The Book of Night Women, was essentially one voice establishing authority and communication with the reader, in much the same way a Bronte novel would. And it worked for that novel. But thinking that I now had a process, I applied that approach to A Brief History of Seven Killings and it was a disaster. I thought my process was finding that special voice to carry me through the entire novel, like a guide, but I couldn’t find that perfect voice. I remember having dinner with my good gc friend Rachel and the first thing II said sa1cwas, “I don’t know whose story this is.” She said, “Why do you think it’s one voice’s story? When was the last time you read As I Lay Dying?” That simple question changed everything. It was the breakthrough I was looking for, and my breakthroughs sometimes happen 50-100 pages into a novel. But it also made me think about process, how I was standing in the way of my own book because I was trying to recreate a process that worked for the previous one. That said, while I chafe against the idea of process, I do love the idea of routine. Nancy McKinley (a professor in the Wilkes MFA program) said this years ago, that if you are serious about writing and about a routine, then the muses will show up. Inspiration serves you instead of the other way around. KJ: So many aspiring literary novelists are struggling with finding a publisher, let alone an audience. How did you keep your spirits up when you were feeling discouraged, and now that you’ve achieved what few young writers ever achieve, how do you stay on task? MJ: It might sound kinda hokey, but I never thought about rejection before writing John Crow’s Devil, and 78 rejections afterwards I still didn’t think about it much. Riverhead published my second novel, of course, but what few people know is that they were the only publisher that wanted it. Everybody else turned it down. So with rejection being an ever-present reality in my life, the least I could do was not allow it into my writing. I don’t think about the fate of my work when I’m writing it—otherwise I would start pandering to an audience. Acceptance and rejection can both wait. There will be enough time for quite a bit of both, so right now, while I’m writing, why not focus on just doing my very best work? I find that works even now that I no longer worry about rejection and finding a publisher. All that other stuff will happen anyway, so why not, when it’s just you and the work, focus on the work? WILKES | Winter 2016 MJ: It’s funny, because I’m seized by fear all the time. The whole time I was writing this book I wondered, are all the people I’m basing the story on really dead? Will there be reprisals? Can I go back to Jamaica? And that was before I even came out in The New York Times. I remember, the day after the article (was published), the novelist Colin Channer (author of Waiting In Vain) called and the first thing he said was, “Do you do anything small?” To think all I was doing was responding to a prompt from the editor, saying “voyage of the will.” Next thing I know, I’m coming out to millions. That was what came out. I knew there would be consequences and there are, both bad and good. On one hand, Jamaica celebrated the success— the Booker win made the front cover of all the papers. On the other hand, The New York Times piece went viral— inspiring bigotry on one hand, and accusations of shaming the country on the other. 13 �' ·.·.~ •' . .. ' ,' .. : ·.... . .. ......... .• ..'· .. •• ,.-, •• I • • - •••I• • Vilma Schifano Milmoe ’76 plays a key role in education and training for the Federal Emergency Management Administration, working at the Emergency Management Institute at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md. PHOTO BY STEPHEN BARRETT Vilma Schifano Milmoe ’76 Found Inspiration at Wilkes for Public Service Career WILKES | Winter 2016 W//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 14 Ask Vilma Schifano Milmoe ’76 what inspired her to seek a career in public service and emergency management and she traces it to events in June 1972. It was the summer before she was to join her two older sisters, Josephine Schifano Finlayson ’73 and Ann Schifano Nista ’74, at Wilkes College. A native of nearby Pittston, she was excited to be an incoming freshman majoring in political science. The forces of nature intruded in the form of Tropical Storm Agnes, giving the young woman a real-world education about disaster management and recovery before she even entered a classroom. Described then as the nation’s worst natural disaster, more than a hundred people were killed and at least 387,000 people were evacuated. Wilkes-Barre was the hardest-hit community in Pennsylvania. “It was traumatic,” Milmoe recalls. “My father’s restaurant was destroyed by water which had risen 8 feet over the roof.” By Helen Kaiser Wilkes suffered flood damage to all but one of its 59 buildings, and losses totaled more than $10 million ($57 million in today’s dollars). Witnessing Wilkes President Francis J. Michelini rally the campus community to pitch in with an all-out recovery effort had a striking effect on Milmoe. “ ‘Dr. Mike’ emulated the best in public service during that time,” she says. “It was empowering for us students in helping to build our own public service and leadership skills during those challenging times on campus.” Four decades later, Milmoe has an accomplished career in emergency management. She is senior policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Emergency Management Institute, the nation’s flagship education and training site for all-hazards emergency management and disaster response. The institute offers training to the public and private sectors in disaster prevention, response and recovery. �Vilma Schifano Milmoe, Gettysburg, Pa. Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Wilkes; Master of Arts, Public Administration, Marywood University Career: Senior Policy Advisor, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute Notable: 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee, International Network of Women in Emergency Management; 2003 DHS Secretary, Team Award; 1995 Vice Presidential Award for Northridge Earthquake; Four Federal Administrator’s Awards. Favorite Wilkes Place: The Commons, a two-story Tudor building at the center of campus (now marked by the clock tower) which served as a meeting place for day-students to connect between classes and work obligations. Favorite Memory: Meeting and dating her husband to-be, Robert Bruce Milmoe ’75. “It was very difficult to muster myself to perform to the best of my abilities for the nation, while we were all dealing with the most catastrophic event of our time.” for Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. In the last position, she was involved in operations supporting local responders in the 1986 earthquake in Whittier, Calif., and 1994 earthquake in Northridge, Calif., and for fires in Redondo Beach, Los Angeles and Santa Monica. She was a member of the presidential task force following the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Next came work as director of both Preparedness Training and Exercise Division and the Regional Response Coordination Center for FEMA’s Region II. Based in lower Manhattan, it encompasses New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. That assignment made her work in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the most challenging of her career. “It was very difficult to muster myself to perform to the best of my abilities for the nation, while we were all dealing with the most catastrophic event of our time,” recalls Milmoe, who was part of a team in the nation’s capitol coordinating recovery activities. “While I was needed to provide reporting support to national coordination, my former colleagues in the FEMA Region II Office were affected and working at the site. My heart went out to them every day.” Other challenging assignments were still ahead. Milmoe was planning chief at FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, handling situation reports from the field during the massive national responses. She also served as the recovery center’s planning chief during FEMA’s support to the Department of State for relief to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Now a key player in FEMA’s education and training, Milmoe was deputy superintendent from 2007 until 2015 and served multiple appointments as acting superintendent of the Emergency Management Institute, located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md. The institute provides training for more than two million students annually on site or online. The institute also partners with colleges and universities to support advanced degrees in the field. Milmoe has written some of the training curricula, supervised its development, served as instructor, and coordinator and presenter at international symposia. She’s clear about what gives her satisfaction in her job. “I can truly make an impact on people’s lives by supporting FEMA’s coordination of assistance to states for disaster survivors,” Milmoe says. “Every day I get satisfaction from helping to build competent and confident emergency managers to support our citizens through training and exercises.”� WILKES | Winter 2016 In November 2015, she was one of six women inducted into the International Network of Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Hall of Fame for her lifetime achievements in emergency management. The Hall of Fame honors women who are pioneers and leaders in the field of homeland security and emergency management in local, state, tribal and federal government. Retired Wilkes history professor James Rodechko was director of the cooperative education program while Milmoe was a student. He noted her passion for public service and recruited her to become a volunteer for VISTA, where she completed a long-term assignment in the Wilkes-Barre area helping flood victims recover from the disaster. According to Rodechko, she was “a dedicated student and a good leader who had a concern for people.” As a student, she also found a role model in Jean Driscoll, chair of the political science department. “In the ’70s it was unique to have a woman chair of a political science department; she was living the career path I hoped to achieve. She challenged us to strive for excellence in public policy and public service,” Milmoe says. After graduation, Milmoe worked for the Hazleton Nanticoke Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center and for United Cerebral Palsy in Wilkes-Barre. She received a full fellowship to earn her master’s degree in public administration at Marywood University and also served as a Presidential Management Intern. In 1979, she launched her 37-year career in federal service when she joined the Veterans Administration. Other government positions have included work with the Department of Justice, Department of Energy and time as director of the Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board 15 �Above, Turner shows off his favorite bat species— the Virginia big-eared bat—in the Hellhole Cave in West Virginia. The cave houses 50 percent of the known species population. PHOTO BY CARL BUTCHKOSKI, PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION Right, Turner checks an escape- and predatorproof cage to house bats for an experiment. WILKES | Winter 2016 PHOTO BY TRACY GRAZIANO, 16 PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION �ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTOR G R E G T U R N E R ’ 9 4 C H A M P I O N S B AT S A N D O T H E R E N D A N G E R E D S P E C I E S By Krista Weidner G “Along with these massive declines are survivors in each species, and that’s where our focus is,” Turner says. He and his team monitor bats living in caves and underground mines throughout the state, using ultraviolet light to screen the bats for levels of infection. This noninvasive technique was pioneered by Turner and requires taking a small biopsy from the bat’s wing where the fungus first appears. It is now being used internationally by dozens of researchers and was recently featured in a National Geographic story about white-nose syndrome. Over the past six to seven years, as they have observed colonies, the researchers have seen fungus levels taper off from about 50 percent of the bats’ wings to about 10 percent—a hopeful sign for bat populations. Another positive sign is that bats seem to be adapting to white-nose syndrome by putting on more body fat during hibernation. The extra fat seems to help the bats cope with the energy drain the fungus puts on their bodies. “Looking at the survivors, we’re seeing they are putting on 30 to 40 percent more body fat than they used to,” Turner says. “We’re working to prove that these survivors have adapted behaviorally to deal with white-nose syndrome.” Above, Bats are housed in a cage where Turner is testing a new treatment. The bats are wearing temperature-sensitive data loggers to monitor arousal during hibernation caused by white-nose syndrome. Left, an ultraviolet image of a bat’s wing. Each yellow dot represents a point of fungal infection. Turner has pioneered an ultraviolet treatment for white nose syndrome. PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY GREG TURNER, PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION WILKES | Winter 2016 Greg Turner ’94, a wildlife biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, isn’t easy to track down. If he’s not monitoring the state’s population of rare small mammals such as water shrews or spotted skunks, he might be rappelling down a cliff to band peregrine falcons or into a cave to count and identify hibernating bats. As leader of the endangered nongame mammal section of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Management, Turner’s primary focus is to survey, monitor, and manage Pennsylvania’s protected mammals. “That includes everything you don’t trap and shoot—chipmunks, squirrels, wood rats, shrews, bats,” he says. “Yeah, I’m the bats and rats guy. It’s a good place to be: Of the world’s 5,000-some species, a third are rodents and a quarter are bats. That’s where all the diversity is. Only so many people can specialize in lions and tigers.” Within the past several years, Turner, who lives in State College, Pa., has come to be known as one of the nation’s foremost authorities on white-nose syndrome—a fungal disease that has destroyed large segments of the bat population in the Northeast and has spread to the central United States. In Pennsylvania, the bat population has suffered a 99 percent decline, with the once-common little brown bat declining 99.9 percent. 17 �Turner holds a little brown bat for a treatment study. PHOTO BY TRACY GRAZIANO, PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION Greg Turner State College, Pa. Bachelor of Science, Biology, Wilkes Master of Science, Biology, Frostburg State University Career: Wildlife Biologist, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management Notable: One of the world’s foremost authorities on white-nose syndrome, which is threatening bat populations in the Northeast Favorite Wilkes Memory: “Helping Dr. Mike Steele’s students trap gray WILKES | Winter 2016 squirrels and perform behavioral 18 Turner readily acknowledges many people’s aversion toward bats. “Why should we care about them?” he says. “Lots of reasons. Bats perform many vital roles: They eat insects, they pollinate, they spread seeds around. If you like margaritas, you can thank bats—they are the sole pollinator of the agave plant, where tequila comes from. If you like bananas, avocados, and almonds, thank bats. Those foods, among many others, are pollinated solely by bats. They also do wonders for us when it comes to insect control.” The average bat eats about a million insects each year, saving U.S. farmers about $74 billion annually. Turner views his education at Wilkes as an important career stepping stone. Although his early interest in ecology and nature led him to pursue a degree in biology, he wasn’t sure how he would parlay that degree into a profession. Meeting Michael Steele, professor of biology and H. Fenner Chair of Research Biology at Wilkes, set him on his path. “I remember going to a job fair, and there was a dentist and a doctor and I don’t know what else, and I was feeling clueless as to what I was going to do with this degree in biology,” Turner says. “I met Mike, and he told me about a research project he was working on, looking at how mice and chipmunks manipulate acorns and how that affects oak regeneration. He offered me the opportunity to work with him, and I knew instantly that I wanted to be in the field and do research. I was fortunate to find him. We ended up working together on several research projects.” Teaming up with Turner was an advantage for Steele as well. “After joining my research team, Greg quickly distinguished himself as a truly talented field ecologist,” says Steele. “He is passionate about working in the bush, putting in long hours under harsh conditions. What sets him apart is that he is fiercely independent, yet adept at working closely with others experiments, and the plethora of of all ages and skill interesting encounters we had in levels. Today, I’m proud dealing with the other indigenous locals to call Greg a lifelong inhabiting the park.” colleague and friend.” When Turner decided to enter a graduate program at Maryland’s Frostburg State University, Steele pointed him toward mammalogist John Hoogland, who would become Turner’s advisor. Turner was researching the recovery of prairie dogs following the bubonic plague, studying the populations that had survived. “John was the king of prairie dogs,” Turner says. “He did a lot of great behavioral work, which not many people do very well. It was a great fit for me because I wanted to study behavioral ecology in mammals.” A bonus was the opportunity to spend time in Utah’s Bryce Canyon and the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, where Turner and Hoogland conducted research. Even in his free time, when Turner isn’t home with his wife and two children (his wife, Melinda, is a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), you’ll find him outdoors. He enjoys exploring Pennsylvania’s streams and woods year-round, through fly fishing, archery hunting, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. One of Turner’s Game Commission duties, banding peregrine falcons, keeps him in touch with Wilkes. “There are a few nests in the Wilkes-Barre area, and I get called to rappel off the cliff and get the chicks off the ledge and bring them up so they can be banded. I always get some Wilkes biology students to come out and join me. They see me in action, sometimes they get to hold the chicks, and it gives them a taste for what they can do with their biology degree.” �giving back Little Things Make the Difference for Alumni Volunteer Jason Marie ’00 When Wilkes graduates truly find joy in volunteering, mentoring and guiding others at their alma mater, their enthusiasm shows. That’s the case with dedicated volunteer Jason Marie ’00. He works with the Wilkes alumni-student mentoring program, speaks in classes on campus and attends events with his family. “Being involved is not about making huge changes. Just try it, take it one semester at a time, and you’ll get some individual victories for yourself and for Wilkes students. If everyone gets involved and could do something small, that would be a huge change,” says Marie. “The little things do make a difference.” He does all of this to enhance students’ educational careers in the environmental engineering program without expecting anything in return. “A big reason I do what I do is because of my mentors. All throughout my life, my true mentors have not asked for much in return. I don’t want recognition; I am just looking forward to seeing what my mentees do in the future and how they pay it forward to others.” Marie’s Wilkes experience not only gave him a great education and mentorship, but it also was the place where he met his wife, Jill Ronkowski Marie ’00. The couple now have two children, Ben and Courtney. Read about Jason’s involvement with Wilkes in the following Q&A. WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER PATH AFTER GRADUATION? From an academic standpoint, I chose Wilkes because of the small classroom sizes and how the professors were very involved with students. It was a great fit for me and my learning style. I also got really lucky with my group of friends. We developed lifelong friendships that still stand to this day. I went to Drexel University for my master’s degree. I was the fourth or fifth environmental engineering Wilkes graduate to work with the same Drexel professor on a research assistantship. The alumni who came before me paved the way to make that happen. After Drexel, that connection helped me to get my first job in Phoenix, Ariz. After seven years in Arizona, Jill and I wanted to start our family in Pennsylvania, so I took a job with Hatch Mott MacDonald in Philadelphia, Pa., where I work now. WAS THERE A FACULTY MEMBER, STAFF MEMBER OR ALUMNUS WHO WAS VERY INFLUENTIAL DURING YOUR TIME AT WILKES? Dr. Thomas Walski was the person who convinced me that Wilkes would be a good fit. He stopped being a full-time faculty member shortly after I came to Wilkes, but he is still involved with the program in different ways. Dr. Prahlad Murthy was my advisor and he took so much extra time with his students and advisees. He always made the time to go above and beyond what was expected…. He had such a big influence on my life, and now we stay in touch on a regular basis, even regarding family things, not just Wilkes. WHEN DID YOU BEGIN TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH CURRENT STUDENTS AS AN ALUMNUS? I stayed active with the (Wilkes) faculty when I was at Drexel and working in Arizona to provide them with professional updates. I would try to do whatever they asked of me, whether it was reviewing senior projects and student reports or assisting with recruitment efforts. After moving back to Bachelor of Science, environmental engineering, Wilkes Master of Science, Drexel University Career: Associate, Hatch Mott MacDonald in Philadelphia Above: Jason Marie ’00 and his wife, Jill Ronkowski Marie ’00, and their children Ben and Courtney visit campus together each year. Pennsylvania, I wanted to become more involved….In the fall of 2012, Jill and I were senior project advisors. I became involved with mentoring in 2013 and I’ve been a mentor since then. WHAT KINDS OF PROGRAMS ARE YOU CURRENTLY INVOLVED WITH? I’m involved with the student-alumni mentoring program. Anytime a professor asks me to speak with classes, I try to make the time to give students professional career tips. This year, I was on campus to attend a luncheon and help with the ABET accreditation process. I’ve also assisted with planning engineering alumni events and planning (Continued on next page) WILKES | Winter 2016 DESCRIBE YOUR WILKES EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT. Jason Marie ’00, Maple Glen, Pa. Married to Jill Ronkowski Marie ’00 19 �giving back for students to take tours in different facilities. Whenever Wilkes engineering students are presenting at a conference near me, I do my best to try to seek them out to introduce myself. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO INTERACT WITH STUDENTS? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ALUMNI TO GIVE BACK IN WHATEVER WAY POSSIBLE? I love having a personal interaction with students. One-on-one or a small group is a great way to engage students because you can connect with them to begin to build a personal and professional relationship. If Wilkes was important to you for your career and helped to shape who you are, why wouldn’t you want to have that same influence to touch someone else’s life? Staying involved with your alma mater can help in so many ways.You can help the next generation learn and grow from your experiences, but you can also connect with some of your fellow classmates or even other alumni who can become part of your network. Alumni can do as much or as little as they like.Your role can be as small as making a phone call to a student or you can take on a slightly bigger role of talking to professors to see how you can help current students…. One volunteer opportunity during a semester or during a school year can make all the difference in someone’s life. WHY DO YOU RETURN TO CAMPUS AS A FAMILY FOR EVENTS LIKE HOMECOMING? Because Wilkes is so important to Jill and me, we feel that our children should understand where their parents met and that college is a fun place. Coming to Wilkes becomes an annual trip that our children look forward to. Jason Marie ’00, center left, shares career advice at the annual Connecting the Dots event sponsored by the Alumni Relations office. GET INVOLVED WITH WILKES Are you interested in volunteering at Wilkes? We have a number of volunteer opportunities that include interacting with students in a variety of capacities. To learn more and get started, call the alumni office at (570)408-7787 or email at alumni@wilkes.edu. alumni news Alumni Association Open Board Meeting Interested in learning more about the Alumni Association? Participate in our open meeting at 3 p.m. on June 3, 2016. 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 its campus partners to provide programs for the alumni community. At the meeting, we’ll review our goals and discuss future opportunities.  If you are interested in participating, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@wilkes.edu or (570)408-7787. WILKES | Winter 2016 2015 Report of Gifts Available Online 20 Each year, Wilkes shares its annual Report of Gifts for donors to see the impact of their support to the University. The 2015 report is now available on our website. You will be able to view members of the John Wilkes Society, who are donors who contribute at least $1,000 each year, members of the Marts Society, who are contributors who participate in gift-planning programs, as well as search donors by class year and constituency. View it at: wilkes.edu/ROG. If you have any questions, please call Lauren Pluskey ’06 MBA ’10, director of annual giving, at (570) 408-4331. SAVE THE DATE HOMECOMING 2016 SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Get ready for your reunion! Class years ending in 1s and 6s Reunions for business, education, communication studies, political science and psychology �class notes Jim Ferris ’56 Honored for HalfCentury in Education students as an athletic coach. While at Kingston High School, Jim Ferris ’56 recently celebrated more than half a century as the varsity soccer coach. an educator in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania, where he taught, supervised and mentored generations of students. Ferris also influenced generations of high school and college he served as the assistant basketball coach for 10 years, and the varsity baseball coach for nine. At Wilkes, Ferris spent 15 years coaching soccer, basketball and baseball in multiple positions, including a nine-year stint as “Jim Ferris has served as a leader in educating our youth for decades,” Robert Gardner ’67 MS ’72, associate professor of “What always inspired me was the idea that we never realize education, says. “In addition, he has been a celebrated athlete how much impact we might have on our students,” Ferris says. who has influenced generations of youth by sharing his love “We can affect our students in such a positive way...sometimes of athletics and encouraging young athletes to live healthy we find out, but sometimes we don’t.” lives and use their skills to understand the power of pursuing Ferris began his education career at Kingston High School, excellence in all that they do.” where he taught mathematics for 10 years. In 1966, after a Always faithful to his alma mater, Ferris has volunteered school merger created Wyoming Valley West School District, at Wilkes, including on the search committee for the Wilkes Ferris became assistant high school principal for four years. Athletics Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 1993. He subsequently served as junior high principal, eventually “On a personal level, Jim is a dear friend,” vice president becoming high school principal in 1975, where he served until of student affairs Paul Adams ’77 MS ’82, says. “He is unique his retirement in 1993. among Wilkes alumni in the way he has served his alma mater throughout the years—as a gifted student–athlete, coach, “What always inspired me was the idea that we never realize how much impact we might have on our students.” alumni association president, trustee, member of the Athletics Hall of Fame, adjunct faculty member and generous supporter.” – By James Jaskolka James Jaskolka is a senior communication studies major. Barely a month after his retirement, he began supervising Wilkes student teachers, going into schools where they taught to evaluate their work. Ferris continued in that role until 2011, giving him a total of 56 years in education. His extensive career was recognized in November 2015, Educator of the Year, paying tribute to his long-standing contributions to the University and the greater community. From left, Pennsylvania state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski ’67, Jim Ferris ’56, and Robert Gardner ’67, MS ’72, Wilkes associate professor of education, celebrate at the event sponsored by the School of Education honoring Ferris as educator of the year. PHOTO COURTESY EDDIE DAY PASHINSKI WILKES | Winter 2016 when Wilkes honored him as 21 �class notes Undergraduate Degrees 1962 Royal Wetzel was inducted into the Milton Hershey School Hall of Fame on September 25, 2015, in the field of performing arts. 1966 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Andrea Templar Ackerman retired from Groton Public Schools, Groton, Conn., 10 years ago and is now a mentor in the writing center at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Her community service includes membership in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund Board of Trustees. Her message is that you don’t have to fold up and wither away at 72 and you can still pass on what Wilkes gave you. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta’s Community, a center for the elderly and adults with terminal illnesses, and the Catholic University of San Pedro Sula. After returning, he was assigned as pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Palmetto, Fla. Caleb McKenzie has joined US Lighting Consultants, an international lighting consultancy based in New York City, as principal of the firm. He was recently elected vice president of the New York City section of the Illuminating Engineering Society, and co-chair of The Richard Kelly Grant. A resident of Hoboken, N.J., he is a commissioner on the Hoboken City Planning Board. 1960 Connie (Yahara) Lewis, Barbara (Bachman) Edwards, Marcia (Senderovitz) Dalmas, Lynne (Boyle) Austin, Mary Ellen (Zwiebel) Mills and Betty (George) Polanowski have been meeting for lunch for 55 years—since their graduation in 1960. This picture that was taken in June 2015 when they got together at Agolinos in West Pittston, Pa. All of the ladies were education majors, although their careers took them in different directions. Five of the ladies married Wilkes men and Edwards is the first of the group to become a great-grandmother. 1970 Rabbi Elliot Rosenbaum was named a staff favorite by Forward.com for being one of the new voices in Jewish music. WILKES | Winter 2016 Marcia Brinker-Dye will retire at the end of this school year after 44 years of teaching in New Jersey, Louisiana and Texas. 22 The Rev. Bernard Evanofski recently returned to the United States after two years of missionary work in Honduras. He worked as a missionary priest in the Diocese of San Pedro Sula, serving in a number of parishes and missions, as well as working with the Missionaries of Charity 1969 George Pawlush MS ’76 received the 2015 Ancestral Colonel Award from Wilkes University. The award recognizes accomplished athletic alumni and friends of the University who have achieved personal and professional excellence. The award was presented on Oct. 3 during halftime of the University’s homecoming football game. Pawlush retired in 2013 as vice president of public relations and community relations at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Conn. He serves on the University board of trustees and was president of the Wilkes University Alumni Association from 2007-2009. Pictured after the awards ceremony are, from left, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, Pawlush and Jim Ferris ’56. �class notes 1973 John Margo retired from Oneida Healthcare in Oneida, N.Y., as the vice president of human resources in January 2014 after 23 years with the company. 1978 Diane Krolikowski Ljungquist is chief executive officer at Berwick Hospital Center. Ljungquist previously was assistant chief executive officer at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and chief operating officer at Tyler Memorial in Tunkhannock. Bruce Phair ’73 Takes Final Bow After 36 Years at Darte Center Bruce Phair ’73 always loved the excitement of opening night. 1981 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Louis Zack Jr. MBA’86, was promoted to chief operating officer at Clarks Summit State Hospital. His previous position at the hospital was chief financial officer. Robert Wallace is celebrating his 25th year as a biology professor and also spending this academic year serving as president of Iowa State University’s faculty senate, representing more than 1,800 faculty. He teaches courses in evolutionary biology, plant evolution, plant classification, and economic botany. student as a catalyst for his own coming-of-age. He said performing stripped him of his shyness and instilled confidence. “It’s the whole idea of going on stage and becoming another character,” he says. “At first you get to hide behind that, and as you get more comfortable, you use it as a means of expressing yourself.” When he attended Wilkes as a music performance major, Phair returned to Wilkes to work in 1980 after a few years he liked the thought of the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center of vegetable farming. He received a call from former managing for the Performing Arts being packed with concertgoers and director and mentor Al Groh ’41, who offered him the job as theatre supporters. technical director. He was excited to return to a place he loved. After graduating, he returned to his alma mater as the Darte He’s enjoyed his work behind the scenes, including opportunities Center’s technical and managing director—positions he held for to greet each new class of first-year students for three decades. 36 years until his retirement in January. He still loves opening nights, and over the years, he’s grown even fonder of the Darte Center itself. “It’s the simple things I’m going to miss the most—just unlocking that front door to spend the whole day in a truly remarkable building,” As managing director, Phair was responsible for the “It’s the simple things I’m going to miss the most—just unlocking that front door to spend the whole day in a truly remarkable building.” scheduling of the production along with Phair the was recognized of during the Darte Center’s the facility and its resources. 50th anniversary celebration As technical director he was in October 2015. He says he is responsible for the construction looking forward to retirement and technical oversight of the and spending time with his sound, lighting and set design wife, Karen, a 1974 graduate— for countless plays, musicals, but recitals, concerts and lectures. tremendously. day-to-day management he will miss Wilkes He says his work was a way to “I get to say hello to a new express his identity and talent chapter of my life, but I’ll also as opportunities to be an actor say goodbye to a big part of were fewer. who I am,” he says. He credits Wilkes and his involvement with theatre as a Bruce Phair ’73 retired in January 2015 after 36 years working behind the scenes in the Darte Center. PHOTO BY VICKI MAYK – By James Jaskolka James Jaskolka is a senior communication studies major. WILKES | Winter 2016 calendar 23 �class notes Stephanie Smith Cooney PharmD ’04 Earns Honors as Community Pharmacist Family and pharmacy were synonymous for Stephanie Smith Cooney also has earned plaudits for her support of pharmacy Cooney PharmD ’04 during her years growing up in Indiana, Pa. education. She is a preceptor for pharmacy students from Her father is a pharmacist. Accompanying him to work led her Wilkes, Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh, to develop an affinity for the profession that has become her with students spending time at Gatti for their advanced life’s work. practice rotations. In addition, Gatti is a site for the University “I always thought it was cool to go to work with my Dad,” Cooney recalls. “I have three siblings, but none became a pharmacist. I have a similar personality to my Dad’s.” of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy’s community practice residency program. Cooney recently relocated to Danville, Pa., with her husband She says the similarities include an entrepreneurial bent Dr. Rob Cooney ’01, and their three children, Adelay, 6, Foster, and an appreciation for the role that a pharmacist can play in 4 and Maven, 2. Rob, who earned a degree in biology from people’s lives. Now, little more than a decade after earning her Wilkes and his medical degree at Jefferson Medical School, doctor of pharmacy degree from Wilkes, she’s been lauded as recently accepted the job of assistant program director of the one of the state’s top pharmacists, earning two honors from emergency medicine resident program at Geisinger Medical the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. In 2014, she was Center. Cooney now is managing Gatti remotely and is also named one of the Ten Under Ten, recognizing top pharmacists involved in a tech start-up, Rx Health Connect, which develops with a decade or less of experience. In 2015, the association software solutions for pharmacists’ clinical documentation. presented her with the Pauline Montgomery Leadership Award “It’s very much changed the role that I have in the pharmacy,” for her service to the profession and innovations introduced as Cooney says of the move. “I’m a really big believer in an owner the owner of Gatti Pharmacy in her hometown. not being indispensable. It sets you up for advancing your career.” The second award is especially meaningful to Cooney, who was mentored by Pauline Montgomery during her student years. – By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 “In pharmacy school, it was important to have mentors who were women. I remember interacting with her as a pharmacy student. I loved hearing about her being an independent pharmacy owner, having children and balancing a career. She was a pioneer.” In many ways, she’s followed in Montgomery’s footsteps. Cooney’s full-time job since graduating from Wilkes has been at Gatti, where she first was her father’s junior partner. In 2010, she became the sole owner. In an era when large chain pharmacies are the norm, running a community pharmacy is a role she has relished. “We have that ability to “We have that ability to really connect with people in the independent setting.... If we see a need for patients, we can implement it.” really connect with people in the independent setting,” Cooney says. “We can be flexible. If Si£pha.-.1A. ~ WILKES | Winter 2016 we see a need for patients, we can implement it.” Introducing innovations has been a priority. These have included starting a synchronization program that allows patients to pick up all of their refilled prescriptions on the same day each month. Other innovations have included providing vaccinations. Cooney says an independent pharmacy can offer such services more quickly than the chain stores. Stephanie Smith Cooney PharmD ’04 has been honored with two awards from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association for her work as owner of Gatti Pharmacy in Indiana, Pa. PHOTO COURTESY GATTI PHARMACY. 24 �class notes 1986 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 David D. Reynolds joined the board of directors at Dime Bank. He is president and CEO of Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates as well as the medical director, president and CEO of Mountain Laurel Surgery Center and Maple City Anesthesia, all in Honesdale, Pa. 1990 Sandra J. (Sackrison) Breznitsky is the radiology system service line administrator for Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, N.C. In June 2015 she graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a doctorate in health sciences. She lives in Edenton, N.C., with her husband, Jeffrey, and has two children, Corey and Abbey. 1981 Peter ’81 and Judy Barnick Steve ’81 relocated their company, Ideaworks Marketing, to a new home in a Victorian building in Wyoming, Pa. It is the first time since the company was founded in 1998 that it has not shared space with another company. Peter and Judy are the owners of the firm, with Peter serving as CEO. The couple and their team celebrated with a Nov. 12 ribbon cutting and open house. They marked the occasion by making a charitable donation to Blue Chip Animal Refuge of Dallas, Pa. 1992 Lisa Lesko joined the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania as project manager of quality initiatives. Bonnee Breese Bentum married Samuel Bentum of Ghana. The couple enjoyed two wedding ceremonies: one in Ghana on Aug. 30, 2014, and a second one in Pennsylvania on Dec. 21, 2014. 1995 Ann Marie KochubaMantione MBA ’98 and her husband, Sal, opened the Alpine Deli on West Northampton Street in downtown Wilkes-Barre. LynnMarie (Rosencrance) Elko was named Businessperson of the Year by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce. She is the founder of Emma’s Friends Soaps and Lotions Inc. Henry Bisco and his wife Tammy Cyprich ’97 recently started their own business, MadGirl Designs LLC, after nearly two decades in the commercial furniture business. The business focuses on custom millwork and shelving applications with an emphasis on medical and education applications. Helen Chandoha joined the Lakeside Vision eye care practice. She is an optometrist and a member of the American Optometric Association, Pennsylvania Optometric Association and Northeastern Pennsylvania Optometric Society. 1998 Michael T. Beachem, IV received a certificate in student affairs law and policy in June 2015. The training was held in Tampa, Fla., and sponsored by NASPA— Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and Stetson University College of Law. Beachem serves as the associate director of resident life at International House Philadelphia. WILKES | Winter 2016 1988 Gus Panagakos and Lissa Lee were married on July 11 in a backyard ceremony on their property in Dallas, Pa. The groom is a computer science graduate and works as a database administrator. The bride makes skin care products for her company, Back Mountain Soap Company, and is employed in home health care as a certified nurses aide. 25 �class notes WILKES | Winter 2016 1999 Christopher Thompson, M.D., earned the hospice medical director certified credential from the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board. Thompson was recognized for his commitment to improving the quality of life by displaying professional competency in the hospice industry. He is hospice medical director for Transitions LifeCare: Kids, providing hospice and palliative care for terminally ill children in Raleigh, N.C. 26 2000 Donna Talarico MFA ’10 presented an intensive workshop called “Words, Words, Words” at the Higher Education Web Professionals annual conference in October in Milwaukee, Wis. This was her fifth consecutive year presenting at this event. Talarico also served on the conference committee. She presented a shorter version of the workshop at the 2015 Northeast Pennsylvania Blog Conference in September. She also was part of a nonfiction panel and editor speeddating session at Philadelphia Stories’ 2015 Push to Publish Conference Oct. 10, and presented a session on personal branding at Moore College of Art and Design’s Leadership Conference for Women in the Arts Oct. 17. In May, she launched a freelance writing and storytelling/marketing consulting company, Donna Talarico: Stories and Such. 2002 Matthew Berger and his wife, Michelle, welcomed a son to their family on Aug. 3, 2015. Luke Matthew Berger joins brother Jackson Lee Berger, age 3. Berger is director of operations for EDM Americas Inc. and a member of the Wilkes University Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Bergers reside in Exeter, Pa. 2004 Tom Voglino joined the engineering consulting firm Reuther+Bowen as a civil engineer. His responsibilities include land development design, planning and municipal engineering. 2005 Jennifer Bonita accepted a new position at The Orchard as a member of their client relations team in product management, social media, artist relations and retail and event management. Previously she ran marketing and retail campaigns for Savoy Jazz and 429 Records. 2007 Kristin Ann Pisano and Charles Edward Koulik Jr. were married in an outdoor ceremony at the bride’s childhood home in Hudson, Pa. The bride works at Pride Mobility Products in Exeter, Pa. The groom is employed by Koulik Oil Service in Hudson. The couple reside in Wilkes-Barre. Sabrina Garnett and her husband, Daniel, welcomed their son, Chase, on Nov. 13, 2015. 2009 Grayson Izard-Dann married Ryan Dann on Sept. 12 in Watch Hill, R.I. 2013 Angelo Trento received his master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security from Monmouth University. He was hired by the Philadelphia Police Department, the fourth largest police department in the country. Graduate Degrees 1976 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 George Pawlush – See Undergraduate Degrees 1969. 1991 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Lisa Rufo MS is a retired English as a second language and Spanish teacher from Allentown, Pa. She returned to live in Spain last February. 1998 Ann Marie KochubaMantione MBA – See Undergraduate Degrees 1995. 2010 Donna Talarico MFA – See Undergraduate Degrees 2000. 2011 REUNION: SEPT. 30 – OCT. 2 Jillian Dwyer PharmD earned her certification in geriatric pharmacy. She works at Allied Services Integrated Health System in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, Pa. Brian Fanelli MFA successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, “Waiting for the Dead to Speak,” at Binghamton University. Michael O’Brien MS was named principal of Washington Park School in Totowa, N.J. 2012 Chris Barrows MS has been named chairperson of the Edu Web Digital Summit. He was an advisory board member for the conference for the last two years. 2015 Julie Cote MBA joined the Kingston office of the Classic Properties real estate agency. She belongs to the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association of Realtors. �class notes In Memoriam 1953 Elaine (Bogan) Law, Augusta, Ga., died Aug. 12, 2015. She worked as a supervisory medical social worker with the Veterans Administration in Augusta. 1944 Helen M. (Janoski) Parker, Dallas, Pa., died Sept. 12, 2015. After working as a lab technician post-graduation, her children became her main focus. She served terms as president of the Dallas Women’s Club and the Scranton Canoe Club’s Women’s Association. Stephen Thorpe, Dallas, Pa., died Aug. 23, 2015. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and taught elementary and middle school in Old Bridge, N.J. 1949 Joseph S. Olesky, Wyoming, Pa., died Sept. 21, 2015. He served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II and later taught at Wyoming Area schools before becoming district superintendent. 1951 George Paul Heffernan, Kingston, Pa., died Oct. 30, 2015. He taught social studies at Toms River High School North in Toms River, N.J., where he retired in 1990. He was a member of both the Ocean County and Luzerne County historical societies. 1952 Robert D. Morris, Bryn Mawr, Pa., died Sept. 9, 2015. He was the chief financial officer of the space systems division at General Electric. 1954 Carl Karassik, Wilkes-Barre, died on Sept. 8, 2015. 1956 Elizabeth “Betsy” (Bretz) Lloyd, Birmingham, Ala., died Sept. 25, 2015. Carl J. Potoski, Plymouth, Pa., died Oct. 31, 2015. He was a salesman for Golden Quality Ice Cream and Del Merchandising for 25 years. 1959 David W. Gower Sr., Athens, Pa., died Aug. 22, 2014. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. Gower was a teacher and principal at Athens Area Schools. Joseph J. Martin, Naples, Fla., died Aug. 3, 2015. He was a self-employed computer consultant and a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. 1960 Nicholas N. Chirico, Richland Township, Pa., died Oct. 19, 2013. He served with the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War, and worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Ciba-Geigy until 1990. 1968 Anthony A. Angeli, Old Forge, Pa., died May 23, 2015. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a music teacher at the Mid Valley School District, and a lifelong musician. Albert Robert Swithers, Newburg, N.Y., died Oct. 27, 2015. He was a U.S. Navy veteran during the Korean War and a retired guidance counselor at the Monroe Woodbury School District in Orange County, N.Y. John “Tom” Engle, Surry, Maine, died on July 8, 2015. 1961 Walter H. Buzby, Elkton, Md., died Jan. 17, 2015. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Buzby worked for DuPont Co. as a purchasing agent and fleet manager in Delaware. Alfred J. Pello, Pittston, Pa., died Nov. 3, 2015. He was a member of the U.S. Army and worked as a certified public accountant in private practice for more than 35 years. 1963 Nicholas L. Alesandro, Albany, N.Y., died Aug. 3, 2015. He was a career stockbroker and member of the U.S. National Guard. 1966 Richard Hain Klick, Dallas, Pa., died Aug. 16, 2015. He was a member of the National Guard military police and worked as an insurance agent for Wilson H. Flock Insurance Inc., Wyoming, since 1991. Myrna L. (Brodbeck) Schaefer, Hughestown, Pa., died July 31, 2015. She taught English at Elmer L. Meyers High School, and served as supervisor of English for the Wilkes-Barre School District for 11 years before retiring in 2004. Victor J. Nardone, Plains Township, Pa., died Aug. 4, 2015. Nardone worked as an aerospace engineer for RCA Aerospace in Mountain Top, Pa., for over 40 years. After retiring, he worked for the Mohegan Sun Arena. He was a founder of the Plains Township Volunteer Ambulance Association and also helped establish the Luzerne County EMT Paramedic Training Program. 1969 Roland D. Sampiero, Wilkes-Barre, died Oct. 9, 2015. He was a food and beverage executive in the hotel industry in Miami, Fla. WILKES | Winter 2016 1940 George W. Bierly, of Sweet Valley, Pa., died July 6, 2015. He was an instructor and a director at Penn State WilkesBarre. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. 27 �class notes 1973 Paul Edward Niezgoda, Shavertown, Pa., died Sept. 13, 2015. He was a doctor at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and also served as chairman of the Jackson Township Planning Commission. 1977 Peggy A. (O’Brien) Burke, Mountain Top, Pa., died Sept. 4, 2015. She was a teacher in the Crestwood School District for 21 years and taught at Rice and Fairview elementary schools. Thomas A. Cebula, Roland Park, Md., died Aug. 19, 2015. He was a microbiologist and the chief science officer for research company CosmosID, and also worked as a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland’s Institute for Genome Sciences. 1979 Diane M. (Zavislak) Adanosky, Trucksville, Pa., died April 19, 2014. 1975 Anne Caroline (Tracy) Patsiokas, Coral Springs, Fla., died on Aug. 28, 2015. 1976 Marilyn Mitros, of Arlington, Va., died July 9, 2015. She was a teacher at Corpus Christi School in Falls Church,Va. 1982 Penny (Schafer) Kaminski, White Haven, Pa., died Aug. 8, 2015. She was a kindergarten teacher for the Weatherly Area School District. 1985 John Louis Kachurick, Dallas, Pa., died Oct. 17, 2015. He was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army and was one of the founders of the Citizens’ Voice. He was an associate professor of business and organizational management at Misericordia University. 1991 Daniel Josh Reposh, Bear Creek, Pa., died Oct. 21, 2015. He was a consultant for Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. 2013 Allison Jeanette Schenke, Tannersville, Pa., died Nov. 1, 2015. She worked as a fiscal assistant at Fitzmaurice Community Services. 1992 Anne E. Grober, Wyoming, Pa., died July 21, 2015. She worked as a bookkeeper at Montrose Auto Parts, was secretary of the Wyoming Area Softball Parents Association and volunteered with several community organizations. Friends of Wilkes 1997 David Ferree Jenkins, Scranton, Pa., died Nov. 5, 2015. He was the musical director of theater and an assistant professor at the Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. A classically trained pianist, he played in 49 states and several foreign countries. Margaret “Marge” (Dombroski) Schmidt, Dallas, Pa., died July 6, 2015. She had a 39-year career in banking, working for Second National Bank, First Eastern Bank and PNC, retiring in 1990. She was the wife of the late Rollie Schmidt, who coached the Wilkes University football team from 1961 to 1982. She referred to the members of her husband’s teams as “her boys.” WILKES | Winter 2016 Psychology Department Receives Bequest From D. Keith Farrell '72 28 The estate of the late D. Keith Farrell ’72 donated educational Farrell, a resident of Wilkes-Barre, died in May 2013, and was materials to the Wilkes University psychology department. one of Pennsylvania’s first certified drug and alcohol counselors. More than 1,000 books, journals and articles were contributed, He worked in private practice in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton including some rare books by Dr. Ellis Raub, who pioneered and was founder and director of the Forensic Assessment the development of rational emotive behavioral therapy. Other and Counseling Unit at the Luzerne County Correctional donated materials include issues of the Journal of Rational- Facility. Farrell was a certified substance abuse professional. Emotive Therapy and the Journal of Cognitive Behavioral He was the program director for the Pennsylvania Institute for Therapy, psychological testing materials and educational Rational Emotive Therapy and a Fellow and certified supervisor materials amassed over Farrell’s 40 years of practice as a associate with the Albert Ellis Institute in New York. psychologist. The donation was made by Farrell’s wife, MaryLee Brennan Farrell. �- S AV E T H E DAT E - 6 p.m. • Saturday, June 4, 2016 Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre 2016 PRESIDENT’S MEDAL RECIPIENTS Clayton ’49 and Theresa Karambelas For sponsorships, advertisements, or ticket information, please contact Lisa Everitt-Ensley at lisa.everittensley@wilkes.edu or (570) 408-4137 or visit www.wilkes.edu/foundersgala �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events February 1–March 16 “Backstage Pass: Baron Wolman and the Early Years of Rolling Stone,” Sordoni Art Gallery 10 “Strategic Planning,” Family Business Alliance Monthly Breakfast Series, 8:30 a.m., ballroom, Henry Student Center 19-27 Dogfight, the Musical, Wilkes University Theatre, 8 p.m., Feb. 19, 20, 26 and 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28, Darte Center 20 Creative Writing Workshop, “Strong and Independent Women Protagonists,” 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Kirby Hall 23 Non-fiction writer Maggie Messitt, Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, 7 p.m., Kirby Hall March 5 Spring Break Begins 9 “Getting Extraordinary Results from Ordinary People,” Family Business Alliance Monthly Breakfast Series, 8:30 a.m., ballroom, Henry Student Center 14 Classes resume 16 Mary Fisher, “Free the Entrepreneur for the Global Good,” Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, 7:30 p.m., Darte Center 19 VIP Day for admitted students, various campus locations, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 22 Novelist Andrew Krivak, Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, 7 p.m., Kirby Hall April 13 “Leadership and Legacy in the Family Firm,” Family Business Alliance Monthly Breakfast Series, 8:30 a.m., ballroom, Henry Student Center 13 Poet Shelley Puhak, Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, 7 p.m., Kirby Hall 14 Policies Related to Marcellus Shale, panel discussion, 4 p.m., Ballroom, Henry Student Center 14-17 Twelfth Night, Wilkes University Theatre, 8 p.m., April 14, 15, 16; 2 p.m., April 17 May 1 Ron Prosor, “Israel and the Evolving Frontline of a Disintegrating Middle East: A Guided Tour,” Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities, 7:30 p.m., Darte Center 4 Challenger Sales Mini Workshop, Family Business Alliance Monthly Breakfast Series, 8:30 a.m., ballroom, Henry Student Center 21 Spring Commencement, Marts Center PHOTO BY EARL AND SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHIC 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 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 Spring 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, Winter 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 Winter 2016 magazine Wilkes Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/0ed718ce87eee4543421e289f409aef1.pdf 714088c06d7d5f7faa61ea6bf3efd0a3 PDF Text Text SPRING 2017 Bird Watcher DANIEL KLEM ’68 HAS DEVOTED A CAREER TO STUDYING AND SAVING BIRDS �president’s letter VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 1 A Unique Course on Leadership at Wilkes SPRING 2017 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy D uring my freshman year at Georgetown University, I received a tip from a friend. The president of the University, Timothy Healy, would be teaching a freshman poetry class, should I be interested in enrolling in it. Of course, I was interested. I have often shared how that experience changed the course of my academic career, prompting me to major in English Literature and ultimately to pursue a career in higher education administration. Each spring I think of President Healy. Since becoming president of Wilkes, I’ve considered it one of the privileges of my position to teach a course for undergraduate students in our Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. The time with students reminds me that the essential work of a university—the heart of the matter—is what happens in the classroom. This spring finds me once again at the heart of the matter, teaching the President’s Seminar in Leadership. I’m no authority on leadership, so I call on some of Wilkes’ most successful alumni and corporate friends to pass on their wisdom to our students. This course is designed to be very conversational. I begin each discussion by asking our guest a series of questions. They discuss their experiences as leaders, managers, and strategists in a broad range of industries, from child care and insurance to engineering and finance. Students are President Patrick F. Leahy, right, introduces invited to ask our guests their own questions. The Frank Joanlanne of Borton-Lawson at the course fosters dialogue, leading to introspection President’s Seminar in Leadership. PHOTO BY BRIAN LEEMOON. and self-discovery. This semester my guests will include: Frank Joanlanne, President of Borton-Lawson; Dan Cardell ’79, chairman of the Chicago Quantitative Alliance; Bill Miller ’81, president of Galison/Mudpuppy; Bob Bruggeworth ’83, CEO of Qorvo; Tara Mugford Wilson, CEO of Power Engineering Corporation; Carl Witkowski, COO of Guard Insurance; Bill Grant MBA ’86, founder of Hildebrandt Learning Centers; and Jay Sidhu MBA ’73, founder and CEO of Customers Bank. These distinguished individuals have much to share with our students about leadership and success. The alumni bring the unique perspective of discussing how their Wilkes experiences prepared them for the roles they now fill. Interacting with our visitors is proving to be both educational and inspiring for our students. Students will write papers comparing the different leadership styles, reflecting on how their perspectives about leadership have changed as a result of the class. Please watch for an article in the summer issue of Wilkes magazine for highlights from this seminar. President Healy once wrote: “The old teach, and the young dream, and in this mystery comes a tomorrow that we, who are older, may never know, but will have helped to shape in the minds and hearts of our students.” It is a joy to collaborate with these successful alumni and friends in helping to shape the minds and hearts of our students here at Wilkes. Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Wilkes University President Vice President for Advancement Thomas MacKinnon Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Lisa Reynolds Director of Graduate Marketing Gabrielle D’Amico MFA’16 Web Services Craig Thomas MBA’11 Electronic Communications Joshua Bonner MS’16 Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Graduate Assistant Jennifer Jenkins MA’16 Samantha Stanich 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. �16 6 10 18 contents FEATURES 6 Bird Watcher Dan Klem ’68 advocates for building designs that promote avian safety. 10 Australian Adventure PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 2 On Campus 20 Alumni News 21 Giving Back 22 Class Notes 16 A Fine Madness Henry Bisco ’95 and Tammy Cyprich Bisco ’97 own a company specializing in custom workspaces. 18 Winners Circle Members of the 24th Athletics Hall of Fame class reflect on their experiences. 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 | Spring 2017 Dan Klem ’68 is an authority on preventing bird collisions with glass windows. Allison Roth ’11 spent a year down under, working her way across the continent. DEPARTMENTS 1 �on campus Panama Partnership Grows With Arrival of First Undergraduate Students The newest chapter in Wilkes’ historic partnership with the Republic of Panama began in January with the arrival on campus of 16 undergraduate students. The students were selected from education centers throughout Panama to come to the University to complete bachelor’s degrees. The centers provide educational access for students from some of that country’s most remote areas. The eight men and eight women who are continuing their educational journeys at Wilkes were selected based on academic merit and an interview process. They will spend their first year in a university preparatory program that includes the Intensive English Program, Wilkes’ nationally accredited program that teaches language skills to non-English speakers. They also will take other academic courses deemed necessary to prepare the students for their undergraduate field of study. After that, they will enter a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree. The students’ study in the United States is funded by the Panamanian agency IFARHU. In many cases, the students are the first in their families to attend college—a fact in keeping with Wilkes’ commitment to educating first-generation college students. “This program aligns with our mission and our strategic goals,” says Rosi Ponce Sanabria, executive director of international engagement. The 2016-2017 academic year also has seen the continuation of Wilkes’ participation in the MEDUCA-Bilingual Panama program. MEDUCA is the acronym for Panama’s education ministry. The program brings cohorts of teachers to colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to learn English and education best practices. The program is part of a national commitment to bring bilingualism to the country’s public schools. The fourth cohort of teachers came to Wilkes in spring semester 2017 with a fifth group Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, left, welcomes Panamanian Teachers of the Year who were honored with the Manuel Jose Hurtado Award. The contingent is pictured on their January visit to Wilkes. They include Onelia Guerra, Berta Llorente, Leticia Nunez, Zoila Castillero, Elizabeth Garcia, Xiomara Cortes, Jose Garcia, Ricardo Concepcion, Eulalia Rodriguez, Martina Marin and Nieves Bonilla. Also pictured are chaperones Marelisa Tribaldos, senior advisor to the minister of education, Miguel Bazan, director general of education, MEDUCA, and Melissa Wong, director general of the Organization of Ibero-American States. PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH CRISPELL expected to arrive in March 2017, bringing the total number of participants to nearly 100 since the program’s inception in January 2016. Marcela Paredes de Vasquez, Panama’s minister of education, honored Wilkes by selecting the University to be one of the institutions visited by teachers in the Order Manuel José Hurtado. The 11 teachers are recognized as the “teacher of the year” for their respective regions. Other partnerships between Wilkes and Panama include a pilot program to train math teachers to deliver instruction in English and the delivery of language instruction to members of the diplomatic corps in Panama. In addition, exchanges for Wilkes faculty and students are expected to launch in the 2017-2018 academic year. These include joint exchange programs in special education, criminology and nursing with Universidad Especializada de las Américas and a faculty and student exchange program between the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership at Wilkes and Universidad Latina. A grant application also has been made under the “100,000 Strong in the Americas” program, a public/private partnership supported by the U.S. State Department to encourage study abroad. It would fund exchanges between Wilkes’ College of Science and Engineering and the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá. WILKES | Spring 2017 “This program aligns with our mission and our strategic goals.” 2 –R � osi Ponce Sanabria, Executive Director of International Engagement Panamanian undergraduate students starting their higher education journey at Wilkes display their national pride on a trip to New York City. �on campus Alumni and staff gathered in February 2017 to mark 45 years of broadcasting at campus radio station WCLH. The day included a specially produced show that highlighted four decades of student-produced programming. Alumni who returned celebrated not only the broadcasting experience at the station, but also the rich friendships formed working there. The day also celebrated new developments at WCLH. They include online streaming of station programming and the introduction of the Spanish-language program “Receso Comunitario.” During its history, the station has been ranked one of the Top 50 College Radio Stations by bestcolleges.com. It also has received awards of excellence in broadcast journalism from the Professional News Media Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Wilkes Offers Accelerated Path to Law Degree With Penn State Law, University Park The path to law school will be shorter for some Wilkes students thanks to a new agreement. Wilkes has signed a memorandum of understanding with Penn State University—Penn State Law at University Park allowing exceptional students in their third year of study to apply for early acceptance into law school. The agreement allows students to complete both the bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in six years. Students traditionally complete three years of law school after four years spent earning a bachelor’s degree. “This agreement provides a great opportunity for our most capable and motivated students,” says Kyle Kreider, pre-law advisor and associate professor of political science. “It offers a head start for those committed to a law career with the added incentive of cost savings by reducing the number of years of study needed on the path to an advanced degree.” To be eligible for the program, called a 3+3 accelerated bachelor’s/juris doctor degree program, students must complete all of Wilkes’ graduation, distribution, major and certification requirements by the time of application. Applicants must PENN STATE LAW have completed 75 percent of the credits AT UNIVERSITY PARK required to earn their Wilkes degree WILKES UNIVERSITY with a 3.5 or higher grade-point average. Students also must score in the top 30 percent nationally on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). It’s On Us Week at Wilkes Focuses on Combating Sexual Violence Wilkes University was to have hosted noted speaker Jackson Katz as part of It’s On Us Week, a campus-wide initiative designed to combat sexual violence. Katz’s appearance, as well as a week of training sessions and activities, was made possible by a grant from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and his It’s On Us PA campaign. Katz, an educator, author, filmmaker and cultural theorist, holds a doctorate in cultural studies and education from UCLA. He is recognized internationally for his pioneering scholarship and activism on issues of gender, race and violence. He founded the Mentors in Violence Prevention program at Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society. Since its inception in 1993, Katz’s program has been implemented by high schools, colleges, and professional sports organizations like the NFL, NBA, MLB and NASCAR. His TED talk, “Violence Against Women Is a Men’s Issue,” has been viewed more than three million times. Katz’s evening presentation kicked off It’s On Us Week, held March 27 to 31. He also conducted a meeting and training session for student leaders and athletes. The week also featured a showing of The Hunting Ground, a documentary about sexual assault on college campuses. The University invited local high schools for bystander intervention training conducted by Wilkes students. Samantha Hart, the University’s Title IX coordinator, conducted One Love Escalation Training for Wilkes students to help them recognize and stop relationship violence. Hart’s goal is to bring greater awareness to issues surrounding sexual violence and prevention and to let students know they have trained peers and staff to help. “It’s okay to talk about these issues, and we’re here to listen.” WILKES | Spring 2017 WCLH CELEBRATES  YEARS 3 �on campus Luzerne County SHINE at Wilkes University Marks First Anniversary WILKES | Spring 2017 It might have looked like a pizza party, but the middle school students in the SHINE Program center at Wilkes-Barre Career and Technical Center knew it was all business. The middle-school students in the after-school program had completed a unit on entrepreneurship, learning the ins and outs of what it takes to operate a small business. Family Pizza Night showcased their efforts. The event included menus featuring pricing developed by the students. There were commercials for the restaurant, and family members tasted the pizza, salad and cookies prepared by the students. And those cookies? They were made with cookie cutters produced on a 3-D printer. Such events reflect the successful experiences of students attending Luzerne County SHINE at Wilkes University in its first year. The program celebrated its first anniversary in December 2016. SHINE, which stands for Schools and Homes In Education, serves students in seven centers. The program, offered four days a week after school, uses a project-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum to kindle excitement about learning. School districts served by the program are Hanover Area, Hazleton Area, Greater Nanticoke Area, Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley West. The program opened its eighth center at Lee Park Elementary in the Hanover Area district in January 2017. Nearly 400 students participate. Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy says serving as SHINE’s higher education host continues Wilkes’ commitment to providing academic opportunities for the community. “Our partnership with SHINE underscores our tradition of being a private university with a public purpose. One day, we will count SHINE graduates among our student body. It is gratifying to know we will have helped them start on their path to higher education,” Leahy says. According to SHINE director Carol Nicholas, students in the program reflect its impact. “They are excited, happy and engaged in active learning,” Nicholas says. “They are becoming critical thinkers, preparing to face the challenges of our future. If these children are a snapshot of our future, we will be in great hands.” 4 Wilkes Political Scientist Thomas Baldino Draws National Media Attention for Presidential Campaign Analysis Media from around the globe focused on Luzerne County, Pa., as a key area for Donald Trump in the presidential election. When reporters got there, Wilkes University was one of their stops, thanks to the expertise provided by political science Professor Thomas Baldino. Long recognized across the state for his insightful analysis of politics and elections, he soon became a go-to expert during the fall presidential campaign. Baldino completed more than 60 interviews with local, regional, state and national media. National media outlets featuring him included The New York Times, Newsweek, C-Span, NPR and CNN. International media crews and journalists from Finland, France, the Middle East and more also interviewed him. Check out some of the stories featuring Thomas Baldino, Wilkes political science professor. Go to www.wilkes.edu/baldino to read his comments in The New York Families of SHINE students sample the offerings at Family Pizza Night. PHOTO BY GREG BOWSER Times, Newsweek and to listen to his NPR interview �on campus WILKES RECEIVES GRANT TO Nursing Professor Eugene Lucas Awarded American Association of Nurse Practitioners State Award Eugene Lucas, an assistant professor in the Passan School of Nursing ’89, DNP ’13, has been recognized with the 2017 American Association of Nurse Practitioners State Award for Excellence as Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania. The award recognizes Lucas for his demonstrated excellence in nurse practitioner clinical practice. He will receive the award in June at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners national conference in Philadelphia. Lucas is coordinator of the psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner program. In that role, he mentors students to clinical excellence, confirmed by their 100 percent pass rate on national board certification examinations. He was recently awarded a grant for over $250,000 from the AllOne Foundation to start an integrated behavioral health and wellness center at Volunteers in Medicine, Luzerne County. IMPROVE SOUTH MAIN STREET Members of the campus community and their Wilkes-Barre neighbors will enjoy a more attractive walk on South Main Street thanks to a $1 million grant awarded to the University. The grant from the Transportation Alternative Program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation funds new sidewalks, street lighting and other infrastructure improvements along South Main Street between South and Northampton streets. Wilkes will contribute $300,000 to the project. The project also includes curb ramps, planting trees and other improvements that will not only enhance the University’s campus but encourage future business development on South Safeguarding Biological Diversity is Focus of New Role for Klemow Kenneth Klemow, a professor of biology and environmental science, was recently named president-elect of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey. Klemow hopes to improve public understanding of the importance of Pennsylvania’s rich biological diversity. “That diversity is one of Pennsylvania’s treasures, and helps to provide breathable air, clean water and recreational opportunities for all of its citizens,” he says. Main Street. The project extends work promoting pedestrian safety already undertaken by Wilkes on West South and South Franklin streets. Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy says, “This project makes visible Wilkes’ ongoing commitment to the community surrounding our campus. We are pleased to be in a position to pay the match required for a TAP grant, allowing Wilkes to make investments in our city and county where we can make the most impact.” Playwright, actor and professor Anna Deavere Smith will deliver the Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities on April 30. The event will be at 7 p.m. in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Arts. Her presentation, “Snapshots: Portraits of a World in Transition,” will explore the school to prison pipeline, our complex identities in America and the human capacity for compassion and resilience in the face of adversity. Smith was honored by the MacArthur Foundation with its “Genius” Fellowship for creating a new form of theatre that blends theatrical art, social commentary, journalism and intimate reverie. She is best known for crafting one-woman shows based on conversations with real people from all walks of life. She turns her interviews into scripts, transforming herself into an astonishing number of characters. Smith’s plays include Fires in the Mirror and the Tony Award-nominated Twilight: Los Angeles, which dramatized the Los Angeles riots in the wake of the Rodney King trial. Issues of race and social inequality are frequent subjects. Her acting credits include The West Wing, Nurse Jackie, Black-ish and Madame Secretary. A professor in New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Smith has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Humanities Medal and the 2013 Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. Smith delivered the National Endowment for the Humanities Jefferson Lecture in 2015. WILKES | Spring 2017 MacArthur Genius Grant Winner Anna Deavere Smith to Deliver Rosenn Lecture on April 30 5 �•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Bird Watcher Daniel Klem ’68 Has Devoted a Career to Studying and Saving Birds By Krista Weidner If Daniel Klem ’68 had a mantra, it might very well be “I’m not giving up.” Klem, who is the Sarkis Acopian Professor of Ornithology and Conservation Biology at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the problem of bird deaths and injuries caused by collisions with building glass. Since earning a doctorate in zoology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Klem has been researching the bird/window issue and working tirelessly to raise awareness, both within the scientific community WILKES | Spring 2017 and among the general public. 6 An Invisible Threat W henever birds and glass are in the same vicinity, Klem explains, birds become crash victims. “Clear and reflective sheet glass, as window panes in homes or entire walls of multistory commercial buildings, is a passive invisible killer of wild birds worldwide,” he says. “The results are often invisible to us as well.” Birds that are killed or injured striking glass often go unnoticed because landscaping around residential and commercial buildings can hide them. And usually, victims disappear quickly because of predators and scavengers or, in urban areas, street cleaning crews. Bird-window collisions, though an everyday occurrence, don’t tend to make the news. Klem points out, “When you hear about an environmental disaster in the media, it’s an oil spill, a poisoning, a pesticide.” But evidence shows that, when it comes to human-related factors, windows, along with domestic cats and habitat destruction, rank among the world’s biggest bird killers. “Glass is an indiscriminate killer that takes the fit as well as the unfit of a species population,” Klem says. What can be done to protect wild bird populations? Klem emphasizes that preventing bird fatalities requires education about preventive techniques, regulations for preventive measures in remodeled or new buildings, and enforcing existing legislation to protect wild birds. He says that, although many solutions can help reduce or eliminate bird strikes, as yet there’s no universally applicable or easy, one-sizefits-all solution. Short-term prevention techniques include soaping windows, covering windows with one-way external film, hanging strings or decals, and placing bird feeders within a meter of windows. One promising possibility for a long-term solution is the manufacture of new varieties of sheet glass: panes that have external patterns that alert birds to the windows’ presence but may or may not retain an unobstructed view from inside. These solutions include patterned glass that birds and humans see, and glass with ultraviolet patterns that birds see and humans do not. Through working with a company that creates window films, he has secured patents that document the effectiveness of ultraviolet patterning in preventing bird-window collisions. Though prototypes have been successful, no manufacturer has yet agreed to take on the product. “I’m still on the case,” Klem says. “It’s a viable option.” Although Klem continues to struggle to raise awareness of the bird-window issue, he is encouraged that younger researchers are attracted to the topic. “We need to create a critical mass so the public will take this seriously,” he says, noting that about 25 percent of all birds have been documented striking windows. That includes 225 species of birds in the United States and Canada. One of his goals is to compile a complete world list of all the avian species documented �WILKES | Spring 2017 Opposite, A cedar waxwing is pictured from the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College. This page, Dan Klem ’68 holds a merlin, a bird of prey, that is a smaller version of the peregrine falcon. It was killed crashing into a glass window. Klem also holds a sample of glass with a dotted pattern applied as ceramic bonded to glass. It has been used successfully to decrease bird deaths from glass collisions at Swarthmore and Muhlenberg colleges. PHOTOS BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 7 �•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• to strike sheet glass. “When I did these studies in the 1970s,” he says, “I started in North America, tracking down any records that existed of birds being killed by glass. That’s what we have continued to do but on a worldwide basis. It’s an ongoing and growing search.” From Fish to Birds A fter earning his bachelor’s degree in biology at Wilkes, Klem was headed for graduate school. But just as his plans firmed up to study marine science at Boston’s Northeastern University, President Lyndon B. Johnson cut all draft deferments for graduate studies. Klem served in Vietnam and returned with several combat medals, including the Bronze Star. Marriage brought him to New York, where he earned a master’s degree at Hofstra University. “I was set on studying marine science, but there was a young ornithologist on the faculty at Hofstra who asked me if I’d be interested in working with him. If that hadn’t happened I probably would have spent my life studying fish. But he introduced me to birds and I was spellbound. I soaked up everything I could.” Klem’s research interests were further defined at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where a professor in his doctoral program introduced him to the issue of birds and glass. “One morning I sat outside the chemistry building that had an all-glass façade, and a bird came flying through the trees and crashed into the windows right in front of me. I was hooked.” WILKES | Spring 2017 “One morning I sat outside the chemistry building that had an all-glass façade, and a bird came flying through the trees and crashed into the windows right in front of me. I was hooked.” 8 Klem examines specimens in the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College, where he teaches. The birds in the trays are a mix of window-killed specimens. The bright blue one on the right is an indigo bunting. The bright red one is a male northern cardinal. The yellow birds near Klem’s left hand in this tray are a mix of wood warbler, small insectivorous birds. The tray near Klem’s right hand contains sparrows. Overdue Recognition T hroughout his career, Klem has struggled with his research gaining “only meager attention.” Sometimes, poor timing is to blame: “In 2010,” he says, “I was interviewed about my research on NPR’s Morning Edition. I thought, ‘Wow, now we’re going to gain some traction and get people’s interest.’ The very same day the story aired was the day that news broke about the West Virginia coal mine disaster. Well, who is going to care about birds amidst such a tragedy?” Speaking of timing, Klem has experienced delayed recognition of his work. For example, the State Parks of New York have recently acknowledged and highlighted Klem’s design of the observation tower at Niagara Falls. The American falls are in our nation’s oldest state park and within the region internationally designated as an Important Bird Area. Klem was asked by the Department of New York State Parks and Recreation to consult and help design the tower in 2000, and the structure, incorporating his bird-safe designs, was completed in 2001. New signage at the base of the tower now credits Klem’s research, explaining the bird-window collision issue and why the tower’s windows feature a striped glass design that helps minimize bird collisions and resulting deaths. While Klem acknowledges that it’s gratifying to receive credit for his design, he is more encouraged that the tower and signage will continue to raise awareness. “Niagara Falls is an iconic landmark that sees eight to nine million visitors annually,” he says. “The opportunity to teach and raise awareness at this geologic wonder is great.” Klem’s research findings have also been published internationally and most recently were featured in an article that examines the topic of bird-window collisions in the German magazine Der Spiegel. Other publications that have featured his research include Audubon magazine, Maclean’s (Canada’s equivalent of Time in the United States) and Bioscience. �Professional Consulting T Klem holds a house finch killed by flying into a window. The red finch is male and the two gray-streaked birds on the right are females. and he contributes to environmental education programs such as those run by the National Audubon Society. Currently, Klem advises a doctoral candidate at the University of Costa Rica who is studying bird mortality caused by windows, and other consulting opportunities have led to saving birds’ lives in Austria, Australia, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Singapore. He has also served as a principal adviser and consultant to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in its efforts to enforce bird protection laws in the United States. Daniel Klem ’68, Allentown, Pa. Bachelor of Science, Biology, Wilkes Master of Science, Biology, Hofstra University Doctor of Philosophy, Zoology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Career: Sarkis Acopian Professor of Ornithology and Conservation Biology at Muhlenberg College Notable: Internationally recognized expert on the subject of bird deaths from collisions with glass and the birds of the Republic of Armenia. Consultant to architects, businesses and other organizations about how to design buildings that reduce avian deaths. Favorite Wilkes memory: Klem cites Dr. Charles B. Reif, professor of biology. “My relationship with this iconic mentor began with my awe and trepidation during my freshman year, 1964, and evolved into mutual admiration and friendship over a lifetime. He uniquely encouraged an interest for field work in me and my classmates when we mapped the bottom of lakes together.” The Wilkes Connection K lem, who is a member of the Wilkes board of trustees and holds an honorary doctorate from Wilkes, came to what was then Wilkes College as an undergraduate to study field biology. “I was the first in my family to get a college education,” he says, “and I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be outside in the field. My undergraduate years were my foundation.” From the very beginning of his research into saving wild bird populations, Klem also found unfailing support from his wife, Renee A. (Mucci) Klem ’70. “My wife of 45 years has been integral in all my work on behalf of birds,” he says. “She was involved from my earliest days of collecting the first systematic data on this topic to preparing the materials for my first controlled experiments to test fundamental hypotheses. I would not have completed my doctoral degree if it were not for her constant encouragement.” Of his alma mater, Klem says, “Wilkes gave me a chance. It’s there that I learned to be persistent and use my abilities. I’ll never give up on a student—because Wilkes didn’t give up on me.” WILKES | Spring 2017 hroughout his career, Klem has been sought out by industry as well as the scientific and academic communities as an adviser and consultant. He has worked with architecture firms interested in making their buildings bird safe by including window designs or bird-safe sheet glass. Glass manufacturers that offer bird-safe products consult him about transforming windows as retrofits to existing structures and evaluating new sheet-glass products for remodeling and new construction. He has consulted with the handful of manufacturers in the world that make sheet glass from scratch, as well as several secondary manufacturers that buy from them, including Walker Glass Company of Montreal—which offers a product line of bird-safe glass and features Klem’s research on its website. Klem recommended bird-safe designs to Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., as part of initiatives to create a more environmentally sustainable campus. He also works with educators and administrators interested in environmentally friendly design in elementary and secondary schools, 9 �Australian Adventure Allison Roth ’11 Left Her Job to Spend A Year Exploring The Land Down Under WILKES | Spring 2017 By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 10 �IT STARTED WITH A CASUAL CONVERSATION WITH a family friend at a party. Allison Roth ’11 was chatting with an Australian woman who had backpacked across the United States in her 20s. “She asked me why I didn’t do the same thing—in Australia,” Roth recalls. “I remember saying, ‘I can’t because I’m saving for retirement.’ As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realized how ridiculous that sounded. And I couldn’t stop thinking about what she’d said.” There was nothing dull about Roth’s life after she graduated from Wilkes. She was living the life 20-somethings dream of: A communication studies major, she had a job in her field working for Citibank in New York City. She lived in an apartment in nearby Hoboken, N.J., and had a lively social life with a great circle of friends. All of that changed on Aug. 3, 2015, when Roth left her job, gave up her apartment, and took off to spend a year traveling across Australia, taking only a backpack and a large sense of adventure. For the next year, Roth and her friend Marrah Fry traversed the land down under in a red Toyota Corolla purchased for $1,400 after finding it on Gumtree, Australia’s version of Craig’s List. “Our plan was not to have a plan,” Roth says. The women lived in a different location every three or four months, staying in hostels, couch surfing (today’s parlance for sleeping on someone’s couch), or answering ads for roommates. Along the way, they picked up jobs—13 in all—including selling cowboy hats at a rodeo, picking blueberries and cleaning houses. “I told myself, ‘You only have a year to do this, so make this the best year of your life,’ ” Roth says. Before they ended their trip on Aug. 3, 2016—when their travel visas expired—they had visited Perth, Melbourne and everywhere in between, including the Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s Gold Coast. Toward the end of their travels, they took side trips to Thailand and Bali. Roth’s favorite place was Byron Bay, where she worked for the hostel Accommodation and attended sunset parties on the beach almost every night. “Australia,” she says, “has the most beautiful sunsets in the world.” After returning to the States, she landed a new job as an event planner at Hunter College in New York City. Now living in East Harlem, she looks back on a year that taught her life lessons. “The whole year was a compilation of experiences pushing boundaries. I jumped off cliffs and learned to ride a skateboard,” Roth says. “I became less of an introvert. I’d go to places by myself and talk to people I didn’t know. And I learned that minimalism is the key to a happy life. I lived simply and I was the happiest I’ve ever been.”� 1 2 3 Great Barrier Reef airlie beach the red Toyota Corolla they purchased for traveling.  3 Young people gather to watch the sunset at Byron Bay, Roth’s favorite spot on her Australian travels. Opposite page, A spectacular view in Noosa, Queensland, Australia, which was one of the many coastal areas visited by Allison Roth ’11 on her year-long adventure. Inset, Roth snorkels to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. ALL PHOTOS BY ALLISON ROTH ’11 gold coast Byron Bay WILKES | Spring 2017 1 Picking blueberries was one of 13 jobs that Roth took to earn her way across Australia. It was also the tastiest—despite long days in the heat doing repetitive work.  2 Roth and friend, Canadian Ayan Salad, map out the next leg of their trip sitting on 11 �4 6 5 7 WILKES | Spring 2017 8 12 4 Roth learned that kangaroos—a critter synonymous with the land down ■ under—are the Aussie equivalent of deer. They’re just as plentiful and pose 5 Skateboarding was a skill Roth acquired on her journey. hazards after dark. ■ She calls it “the ultimate in Aussie living.” It took a lot of practice to master it, she recalls, but she eventually used it to travel to and from work. ------------- 6 Roth takes in the view of the ocean at Noosa, a popular coastal destination ■ and the site of one of her weekend jaunts.  7 Roth climbs a ladder up a tree in Lamington National Park to access a treetop walk providing a wonderful view 8 A waterfall was part of the lush beauty of Springbrook above the branches. ■ National Park, which encompasses the Gondwana Rainforests. �' ',..,,'' ,I , ', '-. .. .., -...____________ “I told myself, ‘You only have a year to do this, so make this the best year of your life.’ ” 10 9 12 11 .._.._....... ,,_::: Great Barrier Reef airlie beach gold coast Byron Bay Marrah Fry give a tongue-in-cheek demonstration of couch surfing, the term for the practice of sleeping on the sofas of friends and acquaintances while traveling. It was 11 Roth pauses on the 16-hour drive up the a frequent practice for the adventurers. ■ east coast. “There are so many roads where you are the only one traveling on them for 12 Beautiful Whitsunday Island hours. They don’t wind or turn. They just go straight.” ■ off the central coast of Queensland was part of another weekend trip. ......... Bondi Beach, Sydney WILKES | Spring 2017 9 As an employee at the Byron Bay Beach Resort, Roth and other staff received a ■ 10 Roth and friend balloon ride as a Christmas gift. It provided this unforgettable view. ■ 13 �13 15 14 16 17 WILKES | Spring 2017 18 14 “The whole year was a compilation of experiences pushing boundaries.” �21 19 20 ROTH AND HER FRIENDS TOOK a side trip to Thailand. Getting up close to elephants at a sanctuary near Chiang Mai was “the best day of my life,” Roth says. She took the 10-day trip in May 2016. The women also visited Bali for four days at the end of their Australian sojourn. 22 Map of australian Destinations 13 A stop in Melbourne brought the travelers ■ to Flinders Street Station, one '' of the city’s train '' koalas were routine 14 Encounters with stations. ■ Great Barrier Reef ' 15 Driving and welcome. ■•, on the Great Ocean the 12 Apostles, the ' > name " for 12 rock formations 16 No, it’s not water. It’s jutting out of the sea.  '\■ Wave Rock in Hyden, a'famous formation passed en route to Perth on the west coast.  17 Hiking airlie beach exmouth ningaloo reef Bluff Knoll in Stirling Range National Park was part of a two-day, 15-hour hiking adventure.  18 Roth, front, and Fry answered an ad to sell hats 19 The travelers celebrate reaching at a rodeo. ■ the halfway point on their journey across the Nullarbor Plain, a flat, treeless, semiarid area of southern Australia, located on the Great Australian 20 Nullarbor Plain is the world’s Bight coast. ■ largest piece of limestone. Part of the drive has the “90-Mile Straight,” which is the longest 21 A boat straight stretch of road in Australia. ■ shed in Perth was a favorite image during the 22 Roth and Fry ponder the course of Roth’s trip. ■ end of their adventure seated on the trunk of their faithful red Toyota. When they left, they sold the car for parts. gold coast Byron Bay lancelin rottnest island nullarbor plain HYDEN PERTH Stirling Range National Park cocklebiddy esperance Bondi Beach, Sydney great australiaN bight DENMARK ALBANY Mount Gambier ------------- twelve apostles (Great Ocean Road) Melbourne WILKES | Spring 2017 ' ,, to Adelaide, Roth passed Road from Melbourne 15 �A FINE MADNESS ALUMNI COUPLE HENRY AND TAMMY BISCO FIND SUCCESS WITH MADGIRL DESIGNS WILKES | Spring 2017 By Geoff Gehman 16 TEACHERS AT A NEW YORK university pluck books from aluminum shelves framed by a wall of glass. Bartenders in a North Carolina restaurant pull bottles of liquor from illuminated acrylic shelves resembling glowing cocktails. Workers at a New Jersey company use lockers with wavy doors painted eye-popping green and orange. These work stations were developed by Henry Bisco ’95 and Tammy Cyprich Bisco ’97, the passionate proprietors of MadGirl Designs, a firm specializing in designing and outfitting commercial interiors. They launched it two years ago after working a dozen years for a custom shelving-and-storing firm. The couple specializes in providing educational and medical institutions with sleek, snappy space solutions featuring everything from reception desks to coffee nooks, sage-tinted acoustical panels to espressohued countertops. “Everyone deserves to be inspired in their work place,” says Tammy from the couple’s home in Madison, N.J. “Everyone deserves to feel more at home on the job, especially when they spend more time on the job than at home.” Tammy and Henry met, romantically enough, during a Wilkes class in Romantic literature. Both were English majors who grew up in river places: she’s from Forty Fort, Pa., he’s from Phillipsburg, N.J. Both came from business-oriented families; their parents worked in printing, excavating and selling business machines. Both enjoyed attending classes in Kirby Hall, and a picture of the building is featured on their website. On campus, Henry relished conversations about pop culture and politics with the late Bob Stefanko, the longtime warehouse manager of the Wilkes bookstore, where he worked for four years. Tammy remembers Professor Helen Scott’s course in socialist literature and Professor Lawrence Kuhar’s seminar on Thomas Pynchon, the wildly experimental novelist. “They gave me more confidence to question the status quo,” she says, “to make plenty of mistakes and learn and be true to who I am, even if I was laughed at a bunch of times.” Henry’s first job was at Geisinger Health System in Wilkes-Barre, where he eventually became marketing coordinator. Tammy first worked at Deemer’s, a lively, funny office-supply company in Kingston she likens to the paper company of “The Office,” the hit sitcom set in Scranton. In 2000 she began selling custom storage/shelving units for a firm in Manhattan. Henry joined her in 2003 after staying home to tend their daughter, Nina, now 14. In 2008 the Biscos found the key to their business future in an unusually flexible system of durable aluminum shelves. Attending a trade show in Chicago, they met designer M.M. (Peggy) Reynolds, owner of 21C Systems. The three quickly became partners. �Above, Tammy Cyprich Bisco ’97 and husband Henry Bisco ’95 are seen in the Madison, N.J. office of their business, MadGirl Designs. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON Left, colorful acoustical wall panels and shelving in offices in New York University’s Kimball Hall were supplied by MadGirl Designs. PHOTO BY GRAF AND LEWENT ARCHITECTS LLP. The Biscos’ firm provided library and office shelving and the lab work table for New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. PHOTO BY Their success convinced the Biscos to launch their business. The couple took a leap of faith by giving their company a rather radical name, one perhaps better suited to a hip advertising firm run by turbocharged women. MadGirl refers to their New Jersey town of Madison; it also refers to Tammy’s high-wattage intensity. “I’ve been told I can be a little insane sometimes,” she says. “We refer to that as passion in our house.” Team Bisco opened their shop in 2015 with a bumper-sticker invitation: “What can MadGirl do for you?” During the renovation of the eight floors of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, the answer to that question included library bookshelves adjusted for adult and child heights and bookshelves placed floor to ceiling by a wall in a glass-box office. The dramatic interior/exterior effect was made possible by Reynolds’ new off-wall-mounted system. The Biscos admit they’re not flashy designers. They favor crisp, cool, gently industrial combinations of white laminate desks and burnt-orange acoustical panels, stainless-steel table legs and butcher-block tops. “We tend to be minimalist,” says Henry. “We’re of the less-is-more school.” Adds Tammy: “The spaces are small, so you have to be practical and concise. Concise and pragmatic—that’s me.” Still, they can be splashy. They spiced up the headquarters of a body-care products company with rows of strikingly colored, slightly sculptural lockers that elevate storage from mundane to fun. They jazzed up a bar with Plexiglas shelves that, lit from behind by colored lamps, appear to be long, rectangular bottles filled with frosty, fizzy drinks. Reynolds insists the Biscos have the right blend of right brain and left brain. “Henry is a tremendous manager; he makes sure the products work and jobs are finished on time. Tammy is extremely creative; she also has a great business mind. They have worked their tails off for us; they’re the reason, quite honestly, that my company exists. They’ve taken us a long way, and I expect they’ll take us to the next level.” For the Biscos, the next level means outfitting fitness centers and hotels. In the meantime, they’re proud that their ambition has rubbed off on their daughter, who last year began commuting three hours a day from Madison to a private high school in Manhattan. They’re happy that Nina wants to be an entrepreneur; perhaps one day she’ll be a MadGirl too.� WILKES | Spring 2017 INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE 17 �WILKES | Spring 2017 18 CIR E CL Class Reflect on Lessons Learned in Sports During their years at Wilkes, these Colonels playing fields. When they graduated, what did they take with them besides their degrees and memories? This year’s inductees to the Athletics Hall of Fame reflect on the lessons from the playing fields that they have applied in life. •••••••••••• t 24th Athletics Hall of Fame represented the University on the mats, courts and S WI NNE S R Members of the MEGHAN HADDAD CONWAY ’98 JAY REIMEL ’71 WOMEN’S SOCCER MEN’S BASKETBALL Colonels sports career: She was a four-year letter winner on the Wilkes women’s soccer team, becoming one of the most decorated players in the program’s history. Conway was named first team All-Freedom Conference in 1996 as a striker and stands fourth all-time in career goals (32) and sixth all-time in career points (73). She also holds several single-season records, including most goals in a season with 15 in 1994 and fourth with 33 points scored the same year. Colonels sports career: Reimel was the men’s basketball team’s engine and led the Wilkes offense as the point guard. He remains the program’s all-time assist leader with 628—a hundred more than the Colonel behind him on the list. He set a singleseason record with 216 assists in the 1969-70 season and led Wilkes to four straight winning seasons. Where she is now: Conway has been a teacher for 18 years and now teaches kindergarten for the Sharon Public Schools in Sharon, Mass. Lessons learned: “Most sports experts will tell you in athletic endeavors, the game is 75 percent desire and 25 percent talent. As one of the smallest, if not the smallest, college basketball teams in the country at the time, our teams had to overcome great odds of being successful. We were referred to as “Rainey Raiders” (our head coach was Ron Rainey), and we out-hustled, out-worked, out-thought and out-willed our opponents. Those attributes that made you successful in athletics also make you successful in life.” Lessons learned: “As captain for three years, and in the sweeper position, I gained leadership skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively. When faced with challenges in games, my perseverance was also tested. In adulthood, I was able to rely on these lessons and skills.” Where he is now: Reimel works in his family’s business, Lee’s Furniture, Montrose, Pa. He is a third-generation owner, working for the business for 46 years and serving as a partner for the last 38. •• �MARGO SERAFINI ’92 WRESTLING WOMEN’S BASKETBALL/SOFTBALL/FIELD HOCKEY Colonels sports career: He was a four-year letter winner on the wrestling team, serving as co-captain during the 1989 season and a quad-captain for his senior season the next year. Schannauer wrestled at heavyweight, finishing fourth at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association in 1988, fifth in 1989 and second in 1990. Legendary Wilkes wrestling coach John Reese also selected Schannauer to the Super Sixteen team. Colonels sports career: A three-sport star for Wilkes, Serafini was a goalie for the field hockey team and her eight career shutouts stand third of all-time in the program’s history. She also holds the single season record for saves in a game with 38 stops against Bloomsburg University in 1985. Serafini also played softball for two years and basketball for one year for the Lady Colonels. She was named the Wilkes Female Athlete of the Year in 1986 and 1987. Where he is now: Schannauer is a regional sales director for Rexnord Industries and resides in Whitehall, Pa. Where she is now: After graduating with a physics degree, Serafini got her master’s degree in educational leadership from Bloomsburg University. She is the principal of Dr. David W. Kistler Elementary School, Wilkes-Barre. Lessons learned: “The importance of teamwork. Wrestling is often thought of as an individual sport, but success cannot come without the support of your teammates working together to develop each other and overcome daily obstacles and challenges. Teamwork is applicable in everyday life, business and personal. Without understanding the importance of teamwork, the opportunity to achieve success is limited.” Lessons learned: “My Wilkes experience has taught me that being part of a family or a team, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. I strive to create the same environment at my workplace. I could not do everything I do without the support of my family/team at both home and work.” • • • • • • • • t 1970-71 WRESTLING TEAM Colonels sports career: The 1970 wrestling team is one of five undefeated teams in Wilkes wrestling history. The squad finished a perfect 13-0 in dual-match play, including three shutouts and an average margin of victory of 23 points. The men won the Middle Atlantic Conference team championship with a tournament record of 116 points, and six wrestlers won individual titles. The team featured nine wrestlers with one MAC championship, two two-time MAC champions and four three-time MAC champions. They also boast six All-Americans, including two two-time winners. Wilkes finished second overall at the Wilkes Open and fifth at the NCAA College Division National Championship. Team members include: Jay McGinley, Bob Roberts, Art Trovei, Dennis Verzera, Bob Matley, Jerry Alexander, Alan Zellner, Gerry Willetts, Rich Ceccoli, Ron Fritts, Alain Arnould, Mac Ahmad, Bob Darling, Dennis Gillespie, Bob Yanku, Al Brackleman, Jim DeSombre, Bill Kenney, John Martellucci, Tom Chabalko, Al Favata, Mike Lee, Tom Morris, Len Cholish, Ed Garabedian, Dick Mandigo and Jeff Walk. Team co-captains: Dennis Verzera ’72 and Gerry Willetts ’72 Where they are now: Verzera is a decorated lieutenant colonel after serving 25 years in the United States Marine Corps. He lives in Pensacola, Fla. and is the president of KelTam Inc., a company that owns, manages and restores properties. Co-captain Willetts works as an engineer in health care and as a supply salesman in Byram Township, N.J. WILKES | Spring 2017 •• STEVE SCHANNAUER ’90 19 �alumni news SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING 2017: OCT. 6-8! Class years ending in 2s and 7s, get ready for your class reunion! Participate in Alumni Association Open Board Meeting on June 2 Save the Date for Jane Elmes-Crahall’s Retirement Party Are you interested in learning more about the alumni association? Participate in the open meeting on Friday, June 2, 2017, at 3 p.m. Join on campus or call in to the meeting to get a firsthand look at how the board of directors works with its campus partners to provide programs for the alumni community. At the meeting, we’ll review goals and discuss 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. Professor of communication studies Jane Elmes-Crahall, known simply as Jane to generations of Wilkes students, has inspired many to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. In May, she will retire after more than 30 years of teaching at Wilkes. Save the date for her farewell gathering on Saturday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in the Henry Student Center Ballroom. To contribute to an alumni video or share photos or memories of Jane, please email alumni@wilkes.edu. To register for the event, visit www.community.wilkes.edu/jane. WILKES | Spring 2017 Philanthropy: Another Way to Raise Wilkes’ Profile 20 By contributing financially to Wilkes, alumni can do more good than they may realize. The number of contributions made to the University are one of the variables considered in awarding national rankings, such as U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges. The percentage of alumni giving financial support—not the size of their gifts—can make a big difference in Wilkes’ ranking. For more information about the many ways contributions can be put to use, contact Margaret Steele, director of major gifts and college development at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or (570)408-4302. Jane Elmes-Crahall, professor of communication studies, meets with communication studies alumni during a 2015 Wilkes gathering in Philadelphia. Pictured from left are Michael Beachem ’98, Jane Elmes-Crahall, Stacy (Heck) Smulowitz ’93 and Vaughn Shinkus ’91. �giving back Frank M. Henry’s Philanthropy Transformed Wilkes’ Campus Over Decades “He has been a steady, encouraging presence, to the University administration and to the Wilkes presidents for 40 years. That’s why he’s deserving of our President’s Medal.” – President Patrick F. Leahy “My allegiance is to Wilkes because it’s local,” says Henry. “I just hope I can do some good for Wilkes.” Leahy says Henry’s loyalty to Wilkes underscores his community commitment. “I think Mr. Henry appreciates what Wilkes University means to Wilkes-Barre, to northeastern Pennsylvania and, increasingly, to the country. He is not himself an alumnus, but because his business is here, he’s appreciated what Wilkes means to its various communities,” says Leahy. “He understands the community impact Wilkes has, and he has made Wilkes one of his top philanthropic priorities as a result.” Henry’s dedication to Wilkes is reflected in both his leadership and his philanthropic contributions. He is a member of the board of trustees and served as its chair for multiple years. The Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Gymnasium was named in May 1990 to honor Frank and his late wife. The Henry Student Center was dedicated in November 2001. Henry takes pride in improving student life through his generous donations and looks forward to continuing to work with University leadership to meet future needs. “I’ve known each president well. I take great faith in what they tell me they need and what they’re planning on doing,” says Henry. “I have a very close affinity to the administration and the direction that they’re heading.” WILKES | Spring 2017 Frank M. Henry’s generosity impacts every Wilkes student every day. Student-athletes and alumni feel pride when stepping into the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Gymnasium. Each day, hundreds of students, community members, and faculty and staff members visit the Henry Student Center. This June, Henry will join the ranks of some of Wilkes’ most distinguished and influential supporters when he becomes the fourth recipient of the President’s Medal, the University’s highest honor. Henry will be formally thanked and honored at the Founders Gala 2017 on Saturday, June 3. President Patrick F. Leahy counts it a personal privilege to present the President’s Medal to Henry. “There are few people in our history that have been more loyal to Wilkes than Frank. This goes back decades. His interest in Wilkes and his backing of Wilkes have been sustained over many years, which is very powerful given that he is not himself an alumnus,” says Leahy. “This speaks to the fact that he sees in Wilkes a really important mission and one that he wants to support. He has been a steady, encouraging presence, to the University administration and to the Wilkes presidents for 40 years. That’s why he’s deserving of our President’s Medal.” Henry appreciates that Wilkes was founded to provide a quality education to students who couldn’t afford college or were the first in their families to pursue a bachelor’s degree—a fact reflected in the University’s mission. “Wilkes [meets] a great need for local people and for people who are from out of the area who are looking for a small school that has a very personal interest in their students,” says Henry. “I think that’s very hard to find in today’s world.” As a local businessman and philanthropist, Henry focuses on the greater Wilkes-Barre community. Since 1964 he has owned and operated the Martz Group, a Wilkes-Barre bus transportation company started by his grandfather in 1908. 21 �class notes Brittany Dougherty ’11 Combines Education and Entrepreneurship as Owner of Magic World Child Care At 1 p.m. at Magic World Child Care in Nanticoke, Pa., they started, the center had “eight kids, a few cubbies and a it’s naptime. cart filled with toys.” They have since grown the business signifi- Serene music plays from a stereo speaker while children cantly, buying sections of the building to convert into classrooms curl up in their blankets on mats in the main room, resting and taking in more than 40 kids, whose ages range from several with their stuffed animals. weeks to 10 years old. Co-owner Brittany Dougherty ’11, has been here since When Brittany and her sister officially purchased the center 6 a.m., and has been teaching the pre-K kids since 8. Now in June 2015, nobody was surprised; it was clear that they that they’re sleeping, she shifts her focus to the behind-the- were both passionate about the business and dedicated to the scenes work that occupies the rest of her day; paperwork well-being of the children. must be completed, schedules made and plans for the future “It’s so rewarding to see the kids grow up in our program,” must be discussed. Brittany says. “To see somebody For her, the work rarely stops, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “We don’t just sit here and keep stagnant,” she says. “We’re always implementing new things and trying new approaches, trying to better ourselves...for our staff, for our grow up in this kind of setting “To see somebody grow up in this kind of setting and to know how much they’ve gained from our facility... you know your quality then.” children and for ourselves.” know your quality then.” While Brittany admits she enjoys being a business owner, teaching the kids is what she enjoys the most. She credits Wilkes’ education program for observations and student Wilkes in January 2011 with teaching, and the education faculty—specifically, Suzanne Galella a degree in elementary and and Robert and Judith Gardner—for inspiring her passion. special education. She had a job substitute teaching when “They’re wonderful,” she says. “They’re all so kind and you can tell their hearts are in what they’re doing.” she learned that a new child Brittany’s heart is in her job, too. Although she still works 55 care center opening in August hours a week, it’s not the most challenging part of the job. That needed a director. When she nod goes to something else: watching children graduate from accepted the job and realized the program. she would need a partner, she WILKES | Spring 2017 gained from our facility...you developing her skills via classroom Dougherty graduated from 22 and to know how much they’ve knew just who to call—her twin sister, Brianne. The two quickly got to work, putting in 65-hour weeks to give the new job the attention they knew it deserved. When “When they leave, it takes everything not to tear up,” she says. “These kids are our success story.” – By James Jaskolka ’16 Above right, Brittany Dougherty ’11 learns a story about a giraffe from a student. Left, twins Brianne and Brittany ’11 Dougherty are co-owners of Magic World Child Care. PHOTOS BY CURTIS SALONICK �class notes Undergraduate Degrees 1954 Robert Bhaerman is an educational consultant to the American Humanist Association, a position he’s held for the past several years. 1981 Joseph Mina was recently hired as head coach for the Genesee Rapids baseball team in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. 1984 William Dodge received his doctorate in biology from Wayne State University in May 2016, and earlier earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University. His dissertation was “Ecology of Coyotes (Canis latrens) in Greater Detroit Area of Southeastern Michigan.” 1986 Paul Cummings presented the talk “Annular Semigroup Conjugacy Diagrams” at a special session of the meeting of the American Mathematical Society hosted by the University of Denver in October 2016. The talk was based on an article he co-authored that appeared in the October issue of Semigroup Forum. 1984 1976 Garry Taroli received a citation in January 2017 from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives thanking him for his pro bono work as an attorney on behalf of animals, children and various community organizations. Taroli also received the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Pro Bono Award for the hundreds of hours he donates to organizations. He is a pro bono assistant district attorney in Luzerne County where he handles most of the animal cruelty cases on behalf of non-profit animal rescue organizations. He is a member of the board of the Luzerne County SPCA and acts as the organization’s pro bono solicitor. Other animal organizations receiving his assistance include Blue Chip Farms Animal Refuge, a no-kill shelter in Dallas, Pa., and Modified K-9, a non-profit that specializes in rehabilitating pit bulls and other powerful breeds. 1988 Helen Brannon was promoted to vice president at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Earlier in her career, she served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an electrical engineer. After retiring from the Marines, she graduated 1977 Richard A. Russo, a partner in the firm Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017. Russo was selected in the area of personal injury litigation—plaintiffs. from nursing school and went on to earn an MBA with distinction in health care administration. She is completing a master’s degree in nursing education. Brannon gratefully recalls Dean Jane Lampe Groh, who gave her a second chance after she failed during her first year at Wilkes, providing the basis for all she’s achieved since. Brannon says, “I loved Wilkes and will never forget my time there.” 1994 Jonathan Perloff has received his fourth patent with Globus Medical. It is a patent on an expandable interbody spacer implant to treat one or more damaged, diseased or traumatized portions of the spine. Sharon Michener Gross was given the 2016 Penn State Friend of Extension Award in Montgomery County. She was recognized for her service as a master gardener volunteer since 2005, a 4-H Club leader since 2009, and for 10 years serving on the 4-H development board, including four years as board president. 1999 Maggie (Redmond) 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. Lucia (Peregrim) Piccolino of Scranton, Pa., is the owner of Wilkes-Barre Scranton Night Out. The parent company was based in Michigan since 2009 and was established in Wilkes-Barre in 2010. She is also the co-owner of Ricochets Rapid Detail LLC, also in Scranton. Corinna Sowers-Adler was joined by Broadway arranger Lawrence Yurman on piano for the premier of a new show titled “Something Beautiful” at the Appel Room in Lincoln Center in November 2016. WILKES | Spring 2017 1969 Nancy (Wanczyk) Stinger was recently accepted into the Charleston Artist Guild. Her work has been juried into the Charleston Artists Gallery. 23 �class notes 2002 2011 Stefanie Henninger Taylor and her husband Andrew Taylor welcomed a daughter, Ellyson Jo, on Aug. 21, 2016. Ellyson Jo weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long. 2006 WILKES | Spring 2017 2006 24 Amanda Lewis Rollins married Andrew Rollins on August 16, 2015. The couple was married in Point Pleasant, N.J., and the reception was held at Clark’s Landing Yacht Club. Three bridesmaids were friends from Wilkes Natasha Suszko Schmeltz, Lara Judson Macumber ’08 and Rachel Moskal Gold ’06. In October 2016, Amanda and Andrew welcomed their daughter, Natalie Daniella. The couple resides in South Brunswick, N.J. Gary Steich Jr. and wife Michelle Steich are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Novaleigh Reagan. Novaleigh was born on Nov, 27, 2016, and weighed 4 pounds, 10 ounces. 2002 REUNION: OCT. 6–8 Justin D. Lewis was recently promoted to principal quality assurance auditor for the airports operations and customer service division at Alaska Airlines. Chris Horn and Theresa Scaramastro Horn PharmD ’14 welcomed a baby boy, Neil, on Oct. 5, 2016, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. 2011 Kathleen Edwards married Dr. Paul Link on Oct, 28, 2016, in Apopka, Fla. Many Wilkes alumni were in attendance, including Nicole Cairns ’11, Lindsay Rowland Wise ’12, Chelsea Horst Reppert ’11, Samantha Zatsko Stack ’11, Richelle Shertzer ’11, bridesmaid Analicia Jost Roberts ’11, Jake Roberts ’11, Evan Soda ’10, bridesmaid Shannon McDonald ’11, and maid of honor Jennifer Powell ’11. 2004 Stephen Robert Cheskiewicz EdD ’13’s doctoral dissertation, “Megabit Learning in a GigabitWorld: Student Perceptions of Computer Science and Information and Technology Programs,” was presented at the Tenth Annual Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society in Madrid, Spain. The presentation led to a collaboration with Miguel Colobran, a doctoral student at the Universitat de Barcelona. The pair worked together on a large-scale, multinational study of student perceptions of internet security. Their findings �class notes have been presented at the University of California at Berkley, the 2015 EDUCAUSE Conference and most recently at the Ninth Annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation held in November 2016 in Madrid, Spain. Cheskiewicz and Colobran have collaborated on a book, Making An Expert Report Of A Computer Crime, which has been published in Spain with publication in the United States slated for 2017. Cheskiewicz is an assistant professor of information technology at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y., and teaches as an adjunct professor in graduate teacher education and computer science at Wilkes and at King’s College. 2010 Christopher Gulla, of Berlin, N.J., accepted a new position as an associate attorney at Mintzer Sarawitz Zeis Ledva & Meyers L.L.P. in Cherry Hill, N.J. Christine Lee ’14 Testifies to Keep New Jersey Public Records Open When New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie proposed legislation that would limit public access to government notices, Christine Lee ’14 was one of the journalists lobbying against the change. Lee edits the weekly newspaper, the Florham Park Eagle, and reports for another weekly, The Madison Eagle. She joined approximately 20 newspaper editors and staff from throughout New Jersey to testify in the state capital in December 2016. The journalists argued against a bill that would abolish the requirement that municipal governments must advertise public meetings, ordinances and other proceedings in the legal notices of local newspapers. The bill was dubbed the governor’s “Revenge Bill” because news media accused Christie of introducing it as a punitive measure against papers who published articles about “Bridgegate,” the incident in which two former Christie allies were said to have conspired to cause a traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge in 2013 to punish a Democratic mayor who didn’t endorse the governor for re-election. The bill was subsequently stalled. “It was almost overwhelming,” Lee says of the experience. “I was a reporter and editor from two small weeklies and I was sitting next to publishers and editors from some of the biggest newspapers in the state.” Lee’s testimony highlighted not only the potentially large impact on the workforce of newspapers across her state, but also the issue of public transparency and how it is enhanced by publishing legal notices. Lee testified in December 2016 before the New Jersey State Assembly Appropriations Committee and the New Jersey State Senate Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic rdville~ews evHills.com Preservation Committee. Lee was the youngest journalist to testify at the hearing, joining her co-publishers and other editors from New Jersey Hills Media, the company that owns the Madison and Florham Park newspapers, as well as 13 other weekly Christine Lee ’14 edits and reports for two weekly newspapers in New Jersey. PHOTO BY DEBBIE WEISMAN papers and two lifestyle publications. Writing about her testimony in a commentary, Lee recalled, “With my heart pounding, I told the chairs of both committees that people in Florham Park and Madison want to know what their borough councils are doing. I added that there were people in Florham Park and Madison who get their news from the Madison Eagle and the Florham Park Eagle, and who can’t figure out the internet. Public notices are what keep government transparent.” Lee has been working for New Jersey Hills Media since August 2015 after a reporting stint at the Hunterdon (County) Democrat, also in New Jersey. She says the variety of stories covered by community newspapers like the ones she works for is what she enjoys most about Robert Sebia has joined the firm Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin in Lansdale, Pa., as an associate in the firm’s real estate, business and trusts and estates departments. the job. “You never know what’s going to happen.” Her beat includes covering two borough councils and three boards of education. But her most memorable stories are the human interest pieces she’s been called upon to write. “One of my most powerful stories was one about a long-time Madison police captain’s battle with cancer,” she says. – By Vicki Mayk WILKES | Spring 2017 2013 25 �class notes 2007 Jennifer Hameza Payne ’07 and Matthew Payne were married on June 17, 2016, at the Inne of the Abingtons in North Abington Township, Pa. The bride is a case manager at Lackawanna Susquehanna Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The groom is a corrections officer at State Corrections Institute in Waymart, Pa. They reside in South Abington Township, Pa. The bridal party pictured from left to right are Janette Weister, Andrew Taylor, Courtney Kvaka, Brian Saam, Jennifer Hameza Payne, Matthew Payne, Emily Taylor, Keith Payne, Katie Seaman and Brian Seaman. 2012 REUNION: OCT. 6–8 Kristen Stanchak was promoted to senior manager at accounting and advisory firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP. Stanchak, a certified regulatory compliance manager, works at Baker Tilly’s Wilkes-Barre, Pa., office. 2013 Stephen Robert Cheskiewicz ’04 EdD ’13 – see undergraduate degrees 2004. 2014 Theresa Scaramastro Horn PharmD ’14 – See undergraduate degrees 2011. 1985 Margaret Bart MBA was recognized by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf for her work as chief executive officer of Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. The letter of recognition was presented by state representatives Karen Boback and Aaron Kaufer. Jenny S. Collins EdD hosted a book signing for her book, Rock of Ages: On Being My Mother’s Keeper, at the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, Pa. The book highlights her experience serving as caregiver for her mother, a World War II Navy Wave. Proceeds from the sales went to Valor Clinic, a public charity that supports a shelter for veterans in Jonas, Pa. 2014 Christopher J. Kemple of Glen Rock, Pa., accepted a position as an environmental engineer with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. WILKES | Spring 2017 Graduate Degrees 26 2008 Amanda Sharry-Rogers PharmD recently earned her board certified pharmacotherapy specialist accreditation. She works for Geisinger Health System as a clinical pharmacist in neurology concentrating on multiple sclerosis patients. 2011 2011 Erin Walter-Panko PharmD and Michael Panko PharmD were married on Sept. 17, 2016, at St. Paul’s Church in Bullville, N.Y. The bride is a district pharmacy supervisor at CVS. The groom is a pharmacy manager at CVS. They reside in Montgomery, N.Y. Michelle Schmude EdD will present her project “Portfolio for Professional Development Competency Assessment of Medical Students” to the Harvard Macy Institute’s Program for Educators in Health Professions in May 2017. Schmude also presented “A Case Study in Appreciative Advising for Student Success” at the University of New Mexico’s Ninth Annual Mentoring Conference in October 2016 and “Assessing and Implementing Change to a Third-Year Curriculum: Half LIC and Half Block Format” as a tabletop session at the AAMC National General Meeting in November 2016. �class notes In Memoriam 1948 Vincent D. Roman of Kingston, Pa., died Nov. 17, 2016. Roman served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was an electrical engineer at E.I. DuPont De Nemours. He later was the chief of the electrical engineering division of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services Bureau of Engineering and Architects. Some of the projects he worked on included Beaver Stadium at Penn State University, the Avoca Airport and the Dorothy Dixon Darte Center for the Performing Arts at Wilkes. 1952 Daniel S. Dzury of Macungie, Pa., died Aug. 17, 2016. Dzury worked as a chemist at Boyle Midway in Cranford, N.J., where he developed products such as Wizard Air Fresheners and Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. Walter Edward Elston of Salt Lake City, Utah, died Aug. 11, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army in counterintelligence from 1954 to 1956. Elston worked in the explosives industry, with positions at Hercules Powder Co. in Kenvil, N.J., Bessemer, Ala., and Carthage, Mo., and at IRECO Inc., and Dyno-Nobel in Salt Lake City, Utah. John Carl Kirchman of Media, Pa., died Dec. 10, 2015. Kirchman served in the U.S. Air Force in India and China during World War II. Kirchman worked in the clothing industry as a business analyst. 1954 Robert T. Croucher of New Milford, Pa., passed away on Jan. 29, 2016. Croucher worked at the Rosen Agency in Linden, N.J., before founding Linden Liquors in 1963 and then operating Croucher Realty. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. 1955 Russell R. Picton died Jan. 6, 2016. Picton enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1947 and attained the rank of staff sergeant. Picton served as director of development at Wilkes College, Randolph Macon Women’s College in Virginia, Wofford College in South Carolina and the University of Oregon in Eugene. He finished his career as a consultant for Marts and Lundy. 1956 Glenn Carey of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Nov. 11, 2016. Carey earned a master’s degree in operations research in engineering from Syracuse University. He worked in the aerospace industry as a manager of the GE Spacetrack Colorado Springs analysis office and later was manager of the Spacetrack Program. Richard Steinhauer of Kingston, Pa., died Nov. 26, 2016. Steinhauer was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He worked in the insurance industry and spent 42 years at Galland, Steinhauer and Repa Inc. He owned Steinhauer Real Estate. 1957 Norma Davis Ball of Jaffrey, N.H., died Nov. 8, 2015. Ball started her career as an English teacher but later entered the field of computer programming. She was part of a team that converted administrative and academic records from mainframe to minicomputer at Franklin Pierce University. Later she worked for Digital Equipment Corp. as a programmer and co-owned Computer Directions, a software company working with dental offices. She is survived by her siblings who are all Wilkes alumni: Robert E. Davis ’59, Marylin Davis ’65 and Patricia (Davis) Gaboric ’67. Max B. Greenwald died Sept. 24, 2016. Greenwald worked as a social worker for the Wilkes-Barre Jewish Community Center, the California Youth Authority and Department of Corrections and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also served 38 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard, retiring as a colonel. 1959 Jean L. Campbell McCreery of Williamsport, died Oct. 14, 2015. McCreery worked at the Williamsport Hospital and at Danville State Hospital. She later worked at ManorCare South in Williamsport and volunteered for the Red Cross Bloodmobile and Community Arts Center. 1960 Larry Chase of the Bronx, N.Y., died Nov. 25, 2016. Chase was an actor, singer and business owner. He was also an avid stamp, coin and memorabilia collector. Doris Gademan Stephens of Barrington, R.I., died June 20, 2016. Stephens served as a public health service nurse in Alaska, and a pediatric nursing instructor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Massachusetts General Hospital. She was a civilian nurse in Thailand during the Vietnam War and returned to Thailand to help Cambodian refugees come to America. 1961 John L. Lehet of Lambertville, N.J., died Oct. 22, 2016. Lehet earned a law degree from Seton Hall Law School. A naval aviator, Lehet was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He later practiced law in Trenton, N.J., until becoming owner and manager of John L. Lehet Properties for the last 44 years. WILKES | Spring 2017 1947 Dr. Joseph A. Schectman of Scranton, Pa., died Oct. 18, 2016. Schectman was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He practiced medicine in Lackawanna County and at Montrose General Hospital until his retirement in 1998. 27 �class notes Christopher Loesch of Arlington, Va., died Aug. 25, 2016. Loesch earned an MBA from George Washington University. He was in the Army National Guard. Loesch worked as a certified public accountant for the U.S. General Accounting Office. 1964 Lee Carl Wasilewski of Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., formerly of Duryea and Mountain Lake, Pa., died Oct. 13, 2016. 1967 Ellen Gallagher Zimich of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died Dec. 11, 2016. Zimich worked in Boston for Arthur D. Little before returning to Wilkes-Barre in 1975. She retired from Pennsylvania Bureau of the Aging in 2005. 1969 Rev. John A. Hamilton of Leesburg, Fla., died Nov. 5, 2016. Hamilton was a Methodist pastor in several churches in Pennsylvania and New York. He served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. WILKES | Spring 2017 1970 John Guida MS ’99 of Old Forge, Pa., died Jan. 1, 2015. He taught special education for 32 years and was employed by NEIU #19. Guida was a past member of the Old Forge School Board. 28 Nancy (Baird) Moretta of Preston, Pa., died Oct. 27, 2016. Moretta taught in Groton, Conn., at Claude Chester Elementary School and in Yonkers, N.Y., at the Halstedt Private Elementary School. Clyde R. Oster of Swoyersville, Pa., died Dec. 2, 2016. Oster worked for Baron’s Seafood and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Kingston Rotary and a former director of the Irem Temple Clowns Unit. Deborah Baran Walk of Glenwood, Md., died Sept. 15, 2016. She taught at Newton High School before moving to Maryland, where most recently she taught French at River Hill High School in Clarksville, Md. 1971 Harold E. Van Hise of Milltown, Pa., died Jan. 28, 2015. Van Hise served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was an assessment director of arts and languages at Educational Testing Services in Princeton, N.J. 1972 Shirley Shannon of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Dec. 1, 2016. 1975 Cynthia A. Bradbury of Boise, Idaho, died Oct. 22, 2016. She taught science in Norfolk, Va., San Jose, Calif., and several Department of Defense high schools. She worked with the U.S. Navy and at Micron before completing a master’s degree in biological anthropology at Boise State University. 1984 Andrew B. Ulichney of Mount Pocono, Pa., died Dec. 12, 2016. Ulichney is a World War II veteran with the U.S. Navy, where he served in the Asia Pacific Theater, the Philippine Theater and was part of the Navy occupation of Japan. He retired in 1983 after more than 40 years in government services. 1985 Richard J. Jenkins of Chandler, Ariz., died Oct. 13, 2016. He was employed by NXP Semiconductors as the director of test engineering. 1986 Dr. Susan J. Silfee of Jasper, Ala., died Feb. 14, 2016. Silfee was a board-certified internist, with practices in Atlanta Ga., Jasper, Ala., and Oakman, Ala. A talented artist, she also enjoyed painting and was awarded several prizes for her work. 1987 Donald Joseph Shaw Jr. died Oct. 27, 2016. Shaw worked for Whiteman Tower as vice president of packaging, then for Lindenmeyr Munroe as general manager of packaging. He served as assistant coach for Wilkes University’s men’s soccer for 12 years. Shaw was a member of the Wilkes University Athletics Hall of Fame. Graduate Degrees John Guida MS ’99 – Please see undergraduate memoriams 1970. Faculty James (Jim) E. Harrington Jr., of Wilkes-Barre, died Oct. 1, 2016. His long and distinguished career as professor of music at Wilkes began in 1985. He served as the interim chair of the department of music, theater and dance, as well as assistant to the dean and academic service coordinator. Harrington studied music, specializing in the organ, at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and received his master’s degree at Yale University School of Music. Harrington’s students remember him as a role model and friend, encouraging them to work hard, to pursue their dreams and to stand up for their beliefs. He was actively involved in the local LGBT community and paved the way for the LGBT Reach Group, Pride of NEPA Social Group, Michael Pierson Memorial Project, NEPA Rainbow Alliance and the LGBT Center of NEPA. He hosted countless safe-space groups at Wilkes and founded the “Safe Zones” on campus program in the 1990s. Friends of Wilkes Dr. Stephen Wartella Jr. of Bear Lake, Pa., and Cape Canaveral, Fla., died Dec. 16, 2016. A graduate of Bucknell University Junior College, Wartella attended Georgetown Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania. He was a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force. He was on the staff at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and served as chief of radiology for 28 years. �- S AV E T H E DAT E - 6 p.m. • Saturday, June 3, 2017 Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre 2017 PRESIDENT’S MEDAL RECIPIENT Mr. Frank M. Henry, Chairman Emeritus of Martz Group 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 March 28 Law Day 23-May 21 Lyndon Barrios Jr.: “Of Color,” Sordoni Art Gallery 27 “Men, Women, Sex and Violence,” lecture, Jackson Katz, Henry Student Center Ballroom, 7 p.m., Keynote address for It’s On Us Week 31 “Homegrown Music,” Civic Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. Henry Student Center lounge April 6-9 “We Shot JFK,” theatre event, Thursday – Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 7 Engineering Olympics, Competition for high schools, Arnaud C. Marts Sports and Conference Center 11 Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, featuring Valeria Luiselli, 3 p.m., Kirby Hall 13-18 Holiday Recess 22 Admissions Open House for prospective students 25 Family Business Alliance Personal and Professional Event, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Henry Student Center, Ballroom 2nd Floor 29 Softball Alumni Day 29 “Carmina Burana,” Civic Band Concert, 3:30 p.m., Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wyoming Seminary 30 Max Rosenn Lecture Series in Law and Humanities, featuring Anna Deavere Smith, “Snapshots: Portraits of a World in Transition,” 7 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center May 6-7 Wrestling Reunion & Coach John Reese’s 90th Birthday Celebration 20 Commencement June 3 Founders Gala 16-23 Maslow Faculty Reading Series, 7 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center PHOTO BY JONATHAN MCBRIDE 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 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 Spring 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, Spring 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 Spring 2017 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/945e084b85761038ab077baeacaf9b03.pdf 7bd0233f848bffe75aa2961d84caf087 PDF Text Text SPRING/SUMMER 2018 Global Innovator BOB BRUGGEWORTH ’83 FINDS SUCCESS MANAGING AND MOTIVATING IN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY INSIDE: PREVIEW OF TRANSFORMATIONAL CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS �president’s letter VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 1 Ambitious Enhancement Plan Transforms Campus W hen I became president of Wilkes, I started a tradition of celebrating major campus developments with the Wilkes community during Homecoming Weekend. These historic events included: the grand opening of the Cohen Science Center in 2013, the dedication of the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership in the University Center on Main in 2014, the groundbreaking of the Karambelas East Campus Gateway in 2015, and the unveiling of the Campus Gateway project in 2016. At Homecoming 2017, I was proud to introduce the new Karambelas Media and Communication Center and to rededicate our expanded Sordoni Art Gallery. This Homecoming, Oct. 5-7, there will be no shortage of exciting things to celebrate. Wilkes University is in the midst of an ambitious $100 million campus enhancement plan that will help us achieve our decades-long dream of creating a first-class, residential campus, fully integrated into our host city of Wilkes-Barre. In the relatively short time until your return to campus for Homecoming, the Wilkes campus will be improved in immeasurable ways. Here is a preview of the projects being completed this summer. You can see renderings of some of them on page 6 of this issue: • Engineering Innovation Center at Stark Learning Center: An $8 million renovation to our largest academic building has dramatically enhanced our engineering capabilities. We have created state-of-the-art bioengineering, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, and high-speed computing labs that will prepare students to meet the changing needs of engineering in the 21st century. • Campus Gateway Project: This system of walkways will seamlessly connect the southern section of campus behind the Henry Student Center to the Fenner Quadrangle in much the same way that the Karambelas East Campus Gateway connects the center of campus to South Main Street. Focal points along the Gateway highlight our beautiful campus and provide comfortable gathering areas and additional event space. • Campus Enhancement Plan: A master landscaping plan will replace overgrown greenery with colorful flowers and bushes, showcasing the beauty of our historic mansions. This plan will also include new and improved lighting, sidewalks, and signage, all in an effort to beautify our campus and enhance its functionality. In addition to these projects, work will begin on other transformative initiatives: the creation of a Pharmacy Collaboration Corridor in Stark Learning Center and the total renovation of the Ralston Athletic Complex. People often tell me that campus has never looked better. While I’m extremely grateful for those remarks, I often Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy announces campus improvements at a fall 2017 news respond by saying: “If conference. PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS you think the campus looks good now, just wait until later this year!” There has never been a better time at Wilkes. Won’t Dr. Patrick F. Leahy you join me at Homecoming 2018 and experience this progress for yourself? Wilkes University President SPRING/SUMMER 2018 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Dr. Patrick F. Leahy 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, 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 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. �16 6 28 10 20 contents SPRING/SUMMER 2018 Global Innovator BOB BRUGGEWORTH ’83 FINDS SUCCESS MANAGING AND MOTIVATING IN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY 6 Coming Attractions A $100 million campus enhancement plan will transform Wilkes. 10 Global Innovator Bob Bruggeworth ’83 leads high-tech firm Qorvo to cutting-edge solutions. INSIDE: PREVIEW OF TRANSFORMATIONAL CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS Bob Bruggeworth ’83 is president and CEO of Qorvo, a chip manufacturer in Greensboro, N.C. 16 Wild Card Wilkes political science professors Thomas Baldino and Kyle Kreider examine the unpredictable midterm elections. PHOTO BY TODD BOWMAN 20 Crisis Intervention LEADING THE CHARGE: Wilkes students, faculty and alumni are working in classrooms and the community to stem the opioid epidemic in the United States. CHANGING THE STANDARD: Dr. Asif Ilyas ’97 tackles the opioid crisis from a surgeon’s perspective. 28 Mind Game Megan Cannon ’08 is a sport psychologist who helps athletes improve their mental games. DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 32 Alumni News 33 Giving Back 34 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 1/J 3 FSC wwwfscorg MIX Paper from responsiblesources FSC® C022085 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 FEATURES 1 �on campus Alumnus Lawrence E. Cohen ’57 to be Honored With President’s Medal at Founders Gala 2018 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Wilkes University alumnus Lawrence E. Cohen ’57 will be awarded the President’s Medal at the 2018 Founders Gala on June 2. The President’s Medal is bestowed annually on an individual whose personal and professional life reflect the highest aspirations of Wilkes University. Cohen enjoyed a successful career at Benco Dental, a company started by his father in the 1930s. Cohen joined Benco in 1959, when the organization served a handful of dentists in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. Over the next three decades, Benco grew into one of the largest dental distributors in the United States, with sales of more than $100 million. Since the ’90s, Cohen has worked closely with his sons to build Benco into the nation’s largest family-owned dental distributor, serving dentists from coast to coast. Cohen currently serves as Benco’s chairman and chief customer advocate. Cohen graduated from Wilkes University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He went on to earn a master’s degree in management and finance from Columbia University. Cohen served on the University’s board of trustees for 14 years and was granted trustee emeritus status in 2008. 2 In announcing Cohen as the 2018 President’s Medal honoree, Wilkes president Patrick F. Leahy praised his personal commitment to the University. “The Cohens’ support of Wilkes University has been paramount to the success of our students. Because of Larry and Sally’s generosity, our students learn in a first-class, integrative facility bearing the Cohen name. Collaboration across disciplines is the future of science. The Cohen Science Center puts Wilkes at the forefront of research and study.” The Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center, a $35 million, 72,500-square-foot interdisciplinary science facility, was built in 2013. The science center was named in recognition of the couple’s $2.5 million gift in support of the project—one of the largest gifts in Wilkes history. It brings four floors of state-of-the-art laboratories together to encourage collaborative research and study. The Founders Gala, established in 2014, has raised more than $1.5 million. Proceeds from the event support the First Generation Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship funds to students who are the first in their family to pursue a four-year degree. For more information about sponsorships and attending the Founders Gala, please visit www.wilkes.edu/foundersgala or contact Margaret Steele, executive director of advancement and alumni relations, at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or (570)408-4302. “The Cohens’ support of Wilkes University has been paramount to the success of our students. Because of Larry and Sally’s generosity, our students learn in a first-class, integrative facility bearing the Cohen name.” – Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy PHOTO COURTESY BENCO DENTAL �on campus Selections From the Sordoni Collection of American Illustration & Comic Art Featured in the Sordoni Art Gallery Among the works featured in Selections from the Sordoni Collection of American Illustration and Comic Art is Maxfield Parrish’s A Dark Futurist, above, which graced the cover of Life magazine. Also featured in the exhibition is N.C. Wyeth’s I am Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban’s son of Benwick, and knight of the Round Table, right, which illustrated a book about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Illustrations and comic strip art from the late 19th century to the present provide a glimpse into popular culture in the spring exhibition in the Sordoni Art Gallery. Selections from the Sordoni Collection of American Illustration & Comic Art is featured through May 20. The exhibition, drawn from the private collection of Andrew J. Sordoni, III, features 135 original artworks by more than 100 artists, including “Golden Age” illustrators N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish and Frank Schoonover. Norman Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker, both known for their mass-market magazine covers, are also represented. The exhibition includes paintings and drawings that appeared on magazine covers, interior story illustrations, advertisements, book jackets, album covers, daily and Sunday comic strips, cartoons and movie cels. Notable comic strip artists on view include George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Harold Foster (Prince Valiant) and Charles Schulz (Peanuts) along with Wilkes-Barre native Ham Fisher (Joe Palooka). Cartoons that appeared in periodicals such as The New Yorker, Playboy and The National Lampoon by Buck Brown, John Caldwell and Charles Rodrigues are also represented. The exhibition was curated by Stanley Grand. WILKES INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM EARNS MEMBERSHIP IN PRESTIGIOUS CONSORTIUM Wilkes University’s intensive English program was The program uses project-based learning to get the students granted membership to University and College Intensive active in the Wilkes community and help them develop an English Programs (UCIEP), an independent consortium in-depth cultural awareness. Wilkes continues to provide the opportunities of a large, English programs in the United States due to professors’ research institution in the mentoring environment of a small, commitment to ensuring their students receive the highest private college with this exclusive membership. Only 10 quality intensive English instruction. percent of the nation’s intensive English programs are UCIEP The University is one of four Pennsylvania schools, including the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and the University of Pittsburgh, to receive this honor. It is also one of just 80 universities and colleges worldwide. “This recognition reflects what we already know: Wilkes members and Wilkes is one of the smallest schools to earn a membership. For two years, the University was assessed on setting and achieving high-academic standards, providing a comprehensive process for language teaching and learning, actively continues to evolve to a university of national prominence,” promoting the highest professional standards, and adequately University President Patrick F. Leahy says. preparing students for success at the university or college The intensive English program was established in 2006 and is a 13-week program that immerses international students in the English language as well as American culture. Students level, both in terms of English proficiency, and academic and cultural orientation. “Our goal is to provide the highest quality English are prepared to continue their academics at Wilkes or other instruction, which shows in our student success rates and the American Universities by focusing on writing, listening, way they perform during and after the program,” Kimberly speaking, grammar, vocabulary and academic conversation. Niezgoda, director of the Intensive English Program, says. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 representing the highest professional standards for intensive 3 �on campus Wilkes Nursing Students Honored by Red Cross Wilkes University nursing students Peter Sidari and Amber Ankudovich were awarded the Medical Emergency Services Award by the American Red Cross of Northeast Pennsylvania for aiding a bicyclist hit by a car last year. The two students were honored at the 2018 Celebration of Heroes event in March 2018. The event recognizes trained heroes and good Samaritans who were nominated by their peers and the community. Sidari and Ankudovich were driving to a local hospital for clinical assignments in April 2017 when they came upon a bicyclist who was struck by a car near the Market Street Bridge in Wilkes-Barre. They began chest compressions until a registered nurse and the Wilkes-Barre paramedics arrived. The Medical Emergency Services Award recognizes their efforts in representing the values of the American Red Cross. Nursing students Peter Sidari, left, and Amber Ankudovich were honored by the American Red Cross of Northeast Pennsylvania for aiding a bicyclist struck by car. PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN RED CROSS Professor Andrew Wilczak Begins Partnership With High School WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Andrew Wilczak, associate professor of sociology, goes beyond the textbook, involving his students in real-world experiences that enhance their education. During the spring 2018 semester, Wilczak partnered with Michelle Zapotoski, a guidance counselor at Hanover Area Junior/Senior High School in Wilkes-Barre, on a mentoring project to prepare high school students for the realities of college life. Wilczak and a team of his students visited the high school to offer advice about the transition to college. Although they covered some traditional topics—like how to choose a major— the program addressed issues that are sometimes overlooked. They included managing time, dealing with homesickness, anxiety and depression, and staying healthy. The program is the first of its kind for the school. “Over the years, I have heard about some students switching colleges or dropping out of college,” Zapotoski says. “I can’t help but wonder if there is more we can be doing to help prepare our youngsters for what lies ahead. The transition from high school to college and what that first year is really like is the focus of the program.” 4 Andrew Wilczak, associate professor of sociology, has brought his students to Hanover Area High School to help prepare students for college. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY SHORT-FORM DOCUMENTARIES HIGHLIGHT WILKES STUDENTS “Some people tell me I’m an overachiever.” That statement launches a short-form documentary about Wilkes University senior Gabrielle Spanuolo. The 60-second video goes on to chronicle Spanuolo’s Wilkes experience that includes three majors (biology, neuroscience and history), two minors and travel abroad. The documentary is the first of six planned short videos capturing the journeys of Wilkes students. Catch Spanuolo’s piece and several others at www.wilkes.edu/6in60 �on campus Research, Travel and Service Highlight Spring Break Experiences Legendary Athlete, Author and Activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Delivers Rosenn Lecture on Sept. 30 Basketball Hall of Fame center, New York Times-bestselling author and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will deliver the Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities on Sunday, Sept. 30. He will speak at 2 p.m. in the McHale Athletic Center in the University Center on Main. The lecture, “Becoming Kareem,” will be a moderated discussion between Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy and Abdul-Jabbar. Their conversation will explore issues such as political activism in sports, race relations, and facing life’s struggles with positivity. The event will end with a book signing. Admission is free but advance registration is recommended. Registration will open June 1. To register, go to www.wilkes.edu/kareem. Students in Professor Sid Halsor’s Geology of Hawaii class and members of the GeoExplorer Club spent spring break exploring the volcanic features at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. PHOTO COURTESY SID HALSOR WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 PHOTO BY DAN WINTERS Spring break offers students more than a vacation from classes. Colonels roll up their sleeves or put on their hiking boots and experience international and stateside community service trips, research opportunities and outdoor adventures. These experiences give students the opportunity to develop Students examine coffee beans on an Alternative Spring Break trip to Costa Rica. their leadership, teamwork and critical thinking skills. Students enrolled in geology Professor Sid Halsor’s Geology of Hawaii class spent several days in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park exploring the spectacular volcanic features associated with Kilauea volcano, the most active volcano on earth and in continuous eruption since 1983. The trip was coordinated with the GeoExplorer Club and Bobby Karimi, assistant professor of geology. Highlights included a tour and presentation by U.S. Geological Survey geoscientist at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, close-up observations of active lava flow on the volcanic field, and night-time view of the vivid red glow over the Kilauea summit crater where lava fountaining was occurring. Other spring break opportunities included community service Alternative Spring Break trips to Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic and a Wilkes Adventure Education trip to San Francisco that also included coastal stops in California and Oregon. 5 �Coming Attractions WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Campus Projects are Transforming Wilkes 6 THE CAMPUS GATEWAY PROJECT An expanded gateway will link the southern part of campus to the heart of campus in the same way that the Karambelas East Campus Gateway links Main Street to the Fenner Quadrangle. The project includes generous pedestrian walkways, gathering areas and event spaces. �Wilkes is in the midst of a $100 million campus enhancement plan that will help the University achieve a decades-long dream of building a traditional, residential campus fully integrated into the City of Wilkes-Barre. These unprecedented investments will create a cohesive look and feel on campus, while improving safety and alleviating traffic congestion. Here is a WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 look at some of the projects that will take place over the next two years. 7 �CAMPUS ENHANCEMENT PROJECT The creation of new green space and a companion gateway at the south entrance to the Henry Student Center will transform a utilitarian area into a gathering space for students and all members of the campus community. Redesigned parking areas and landscaping will enhance both attractiveness and safety. ENGINEERING INNOVATION CENTER More than 15,000 square feet of space in Stark Learning Center is being renovated into a state-of-the-art engineering facility that will meet the changing needs of the engineering field through a flexible design, emphasis on collaboration and equipment that supports industry. Highlights include additive manufacturing and high-performance computing labs, a 3-D visualization space, two large flex labs, industry collaboration space and WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 lounge areas. 8 �RALSTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX An extensive renovation of the Ralston Athletic Complex will include a first-class baseball stadium, an additional multitennis center and spectator conveniences. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 purpose turf field, a dedicated 9 �• Global Innovator BOB BRUGGEWORTH ’83 FINDS SUCCESS MANAGING AND MOTIVATING IN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY By Kelly Clisham ’12 MFA ’16 If you’ve sent a text from your phone, read a book on your tablet, used Wi-Fi on your laptop or even turned on the TV with a remote control, Bob Bruggeworth ’83 has had an impact on your life. He’s president and WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 chief executive officer of 10 Qorvo, a communications chipmaker headquartered in Greensboro, N.C. �WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Qorvo’s headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., is home base for Bob Bruggeworth ’83, who travels the globe as the firm’s president and chief executive officer. ALL PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES BY TODD BOWMAN 11 �WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 12 While Qorvo may not be a household name, it specializes in RF, or radio frequency, solutions, manufacturing amplifiers, switches and filters that connect individuals, households and businesses all over the globe. “We’re in a great market that’s growing by double digits, being fueled by the consumers’ insatiable demand for data, which means you need more of the parts we make,” says Bruggeworth. “If you name a phone, we’re probably in it—or any of your access points.” Bruggeworth’s access to technological know-how began in the engineering labs at Wilkes. “I would put my Wilkes education up against any other school,” says Bruggeworth. “The hands-on experience that I got, when I went out and started doing some of the engineering work, I had every bit of the fundamentals, maybe more.” His road to Wilkes started in western Pennsylvania. Bruggeworth grew up in Pittsburgh, a devout fan of the city’s sports teams. “I love the Steelers, I love the Penguins and I love the Pirates. I bleed black and gold.” When he was a senior in high school, his family moved to Dallas, Pa., for his father’s job. “My dad promised us all this great skiing,” Bruggeworth jokes. The move to northeastern Pennsylvania was quite a transition. “Back in the 70s, I wore platform shoes, silk pants, silk shirts. I came here and switched to Dunham boots, blue jeans and flannel shirts to fit in.” Fashion choices aside, the relocation gave Bruggeworth a reason to examine his support group for the first time. “I moved my senior year. That’s a pretty tough time to move,” he says. “It’s when I realized I’ve got this network to support me at home: my family, my brothers, my parents. It’s pretty good.” BECOMING A COLONEL The oldest of three children, Bruggeworth graduated from Dallas Junior-Senior High School, where he played golf and basketball. When he began looking at colleges, Wilkes stood out for two reasons. First, the engineering department had both small class sizes and a great reputation, with a placement rate of close to 100 percent. Second, the Division III school would give him a chance to continue being a student-athlete. “I wanted to play sports,” he says. He landed a spot on the Colonels soccer team as the goalkeeper. As a Wilkes senior, he played under then-rookie head coach Phil Wingert, who now serves as associate athletic director. “He had a great work ethic. To have a senior like Bob in the goal with his maturity and leadership helped my transition to college coaching,” says Wingert. The two men have stayed in touch over the years, trading notes after family accomplishments or a big win. Soccer, and Wilkes in general, helped Bruggeworth adjust when his parents geared up for another move. While he was getting ready for soccer practice freshman year, his family was packing up to relocate to Harrisburg, Pa. “The day I left for Wilkes, the moving van was leaving our house. I had no one, and I remember being very lonely.” Then he remembered his previous move to northeastern Pennsylvania, and the fact that he would be surrounded by other students who were feeling the same way. “That was a life lesson, that first year here.” Bruggeworth made himself at home on campus. As an electrical engineering major and physics minor, he could often be found in the lab. He remembers with special fondness the materials science lab taught by Gary Dolny on Thursday nights. The lab used equipment donated by RCA in Mountain Top, Pa. “That’s where we actually made transistors. That’s what really got me fired up about semiconductors.” Dolny was not the only member of the Wilkes community who had an impact on the young engineering student. Bruggeworth’s mentor was the late Umid Nejib, chair of the engineering department. “He challenged us, but he also cared about us. He was pretty cool about that.” He also remembers physics professor Richard Aston and calculus teacher Richard Sours. Bruggeworth also stayed busy outside of class. During his senior year, he was a resident advisor. “I needed a lot of attention outside the classroom, let’s put it that way. They probably figured it was better for me to be the RA than always stretching the rules,” Bruggeworth jokes. “This is the secret. I get really smart people to play well together. I really do mean it. That’s my job.” �Bruggeworth Gift a Lasting Legacy for Athletics When Bob Bruggeworth ’83 talks about his most formative will bear testimony to that commitment for years to come. It experiences at Wilkes, playing soccer is always among will aid us in our goal of creating one of the finest Division III them. Over the years, he’s continued his commitment to the athletic complexes in the northeast.” sport—and to Wilkes—by making sure the team has jackets, backpacks or anything else they need. The new multipurpose field will be located adjacent to Schmidt Stadium and will be complemented by bleachers, “Since he’s been out, he’s been an annual benefactor,” says lighting and a scoreboard. This additional surface will dramat- Associate Director of Athletics Phil Wingert, who coached ically improve playing and practice conditions for not only Bruggeworth in his senior year on the Colonels soccer team. Wilkes soccer teams, but also for football, men’s and women’s “He’s never forgotten where he came from.” lacrosse, field hockey, and the marching band. The construction Now Bruggeworth is making a gift that will touch the lives of generations of Wilkes students and make a lasting of this new field is a key component of Wilkes’ multi-million dollar renovation of the Ralston Athletic Complex. impact on the University athletic program: a $1 million gift will establish a new field at the Ralston Athletic Complex. He says he is establishing Bruggeworth Field in honor of his mother. “Whether speaking to Wilkes students as a guest in my leadership seminar or providing his on-going support for our athletic programs, Bob Bruggeworth clearly conveys an enduring commitment to Wilkes Patrick F. Leahy. “We are grateful for his leadership gift—a gift that Paul Adams ’77, MS ’82, now Wilkes vice president of student affairs, was the director of residence life at the time. “Bob probably knew what everyone was going to try to get away with,” says Adams. “All kidding aside, Bob has a dynamic and engaging personality. As he grew through his years at Wilkes, it was clear that his leadership would be an asset to the residence life program.” One of Bruggeworth’s most memorable moments at Wilkes came from his time as an RA. The first night the freshmen were on campus, flames broke out in Sullivan Hall. The resident assistants had just been through fire training and they made sure the residents were safe before the fire department even An artist’s rendering of the proposed field made possible by a $1 million gift from Bob Bruggeworth ’83 shows its position at the Ralston Athletic Complex. arrived on scene. “We got everybody out successfully,” says Bruggeworth. “I had a lot of smoke inhalation. I couldn’t play soccer for a while.” His other memories of campus life are more light-hearted. In his freshman year dorm room, he and his roommates built a three-stool bar that doubled as a great study spot. “We built it from scratch for about 30 bucks. That was all we could afford,” says Bruggeworth. “We actually did a lot of study work there for engineering labs. That’s where we’d go to work.” Always the planner, Bruggeworth and some pals organized a pig roast near Harveys Lake, about 15 miles from campus. They rented buses to transport guests and hired bands. Local businesses—even the campus cafeteria— donated food and beverages. Attendance grew to more than 500 people, including faculty and administrators, and the event was immortalized in a two-page spread in the 1983 Amnicola. “That’s something I’ll never forget,” says Bruggeworth. Even then, he showed a passion for innovative thinking, making sure his dorm residents had a range of beverage choices. The vending machine in his hall featured root beer and birch beer, but a touch of those buttons also dispensed cans of Genessee and Pabst Blue Ribbon. “I’d leave an extra $10 in the machine for the soda guy and he never said a word,” Bruggeworth says with a laugh. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 University,” says Wilkes President 13 �Bruggeworth held jobs both on and off campus. He was known as the Wilkes DJ, playing tunes for events in the gym, student union and campus dorms. He worked in the admissions office, giving tours to prospective students, often athletes like himself. He sold stereo equipment, and took shifts at a downtown store and hotel. “I learned I was no good at sales when I worked at the gourmet cheese shop on the Square. I was a decent bellhop though.” His years at Wilkes were a lesson in time management and priorities, teaching him to focus on the task at hand. The lessons have served the CEO well throughout his career. “I worked the whole time. Between sports, studying and work, I didn’t sleep much,” he says. “When I was studying, I was all in. When I played, I played hard. I made the most of every minute.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 EXPERT IN ‘THE PEOPLE BUSINESS’ 14 Bruggeworth gained professional experience while still a student through internships and summer work with AMP Inc., a connector company in Harrisburg, Pa. He started working second shift on the factory assembly line, then moved into the engineering department. After graduation, AMP offered him a job in North Carolina. “I’ve pretty much been in North Carolina ever since.” At first, Bruggeworth thought he wanted to be a design engineer, but his employer had plans for him in manufacturing. His previous experience helped him to relate to the workers on the factory floor and develop mechanical improvements for production methods. When he was only 26 years old, his boss offered him the position of plant manager. Bruggeworth considers that the big break in his career. “I was an individual engineer, never led anybody, and he wanted me to be responsible for 350 people who worked 24/7, 365 days a year. I remember saying to him, clear as day, ‘I can’t lead myself. Ask my wife. She’ll tell you that’s true.’ ” He remembers his boss telling him, “When I get done with you, you’re gonna forget everything you knew about engineering and you’re gonna understand the people business.” To this day, when Bruggeworth talks about what he does, it’s not chips and circuits that dominate the conversation, but people. “This is the secret. I get really smart people to play well together. I really do mean it. That’s my job. Secondary to that, I hire really smart people. I don’t design it, I don’t make it, I don’t sell it. I do get to decide who does.” Bruggeworth worked with AMP from 1983 to 1999. A highlight was the time he spent as the vice president of global consumer electronics, based in Hong Kong. When he and his wife Michelle were still dating, he told her one of his goals was to live in Asia, where technology was experiencing rapid growth in the early 80s. “The industry I was in, even semiconductors, was moving big into Asia.” The family spent four years in Hong Kong. “You move over there and you go to work, and no one else there has your experience. You do find little networks of ex-pats over there,” says Bruggeworth. “That was tough, but it was really tough on my wife.” During that time, they grew to a family of four when their youngest son was born. “We joke that he was made in China.” A new baby was not the only change. A layoff left him and his family with only weeks to pack and move back to the States. “My friends called me keyless at that time in my life,” Bruggeworth says. “I had no office key, no house key, no car key, nothing because I was living in Asia and had to regroup.” At his wife’s request, they returned to North Carolina, where Bruggeworth accepted a position as vice president of the wireless products group for RFMD, a small, public company. For the first time in years, he wasn’t responsible for a 24/7 workforce spread out around the world. “I told my wife, ‘I have this great, small job. It’s gonna be fun.’ ” He spent 15 years with the company, serving in leadership positions including president of the wireless products group and president and chief executive officer of RFMD. Although his firm focuses on high-tech innovations, Bob Bruggeworth ’83 says his success as Qorvo’s president is managing people. �“Part of innovation is failing. What I mean by that is, A NEW CHAPTER I’m okay with failure. Just fail faster.” '••······························ ·••' “We try to expand and grow outside of what we’re doing today. We’re a very innovative company.” Innovation is not synonymous with success. “Part of innovation is failing,” says Bruggeworth. “What I mean by that is, I’m okay with failure. Just fail faster. I define innovation as having an idea, creating something and making money with it sooner than your competition.” Bruggeworth relishes the competition, staying on top of the game in a rapidlyevolving and aggressive industry. “Every day someone’s trying to put you out of business with something new. The fear is very motivational.” Perhaps even more than the challenge, Bruggeworth enjoys the people around him. “I’ve never been surrounded by such a bright group of people with such a great attitude. There aren’t many companies in the world that do what we do. There’s only a handful. So being one of the best in the world at what we do and working with all these bright people is a blast. That’s what makes it fun.” When Bruggeworth’s not having fun at work, he catches Pittsburgh sports on TV or goes to the games, plays some golf, indulges in good red wine or reads books on business and leadership. He vows to finish his M.B.A., which he put on hold when he and Michelle started a family. “It’s the only thing in my life I can remember quitting, and it’s the one thing I know I’m going to finish. I was one of those guys who took my business law and organizational development book on my honeymoon. My wife has not let me forget that.” The CEO is a firm believer in learning, whether it’s in the classroom or on the job. “Your education doesn’t stop when you graduate. You should continue to invest in yourself. 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 party.” Bruggeworth is grateful his investment started at Wilkes, resulting in a successful career full of innovation and global connection. “I really appreciate what Wilkes did for me. I get emotional about it. The faculty, the professors, they were fantastic to me. I think of the administration. I think of my fellow students. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go to college. This place got me excited. It taught me a lot of life lessons. It means a lot to me.”� WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 In 2014, RFMD merged with the Oregon-based semiconductor company TriQuint to form Qorvo. Bruggeworth counts this successful merger of equals among the proudest—and most challenging—moments of his career. “Mergers are hugely distracting. People are worried about their jobs, who’s going to be the boss. You’re working on getting to know each other and the industry’s still moving. You need to be making decisions.” Bruggeworth turned to his expertise in the people business as he brought two different corporate cultures together. He held staff meetings around the country to help them get to know each other, and he made sure the Qorvo name was on everything from shirts to memos from day one, so everyone could see they were on the same team. As a result, employee turnover has been incredibly low. “This is what an engineer I am. I keep our employee turnover on a control chart just like you do for a manufacturing process, so I can see if it’s out of control or in control. But I think everybody believed in the vision, and you know, we put together a really good team.” Becoming CEO of Qorvo has meant he’s gone back to managing a global company. Though his typical day is hard to define, a typical week involves time at the airport. “I travel almost every week. I travel a lot. When you run a global business, when 80 percent is outside of the U.S., you have a lot of customers there. More than half of our employees are outside the United States.” Part executive, part entrepreneur, Bruggeworth looks toward the future and advances in 5G technology, bioengineering, nanotechnologies, additive manufacturing and biosensors. 15 �WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 K 16 �WILKES POLITICAL SCIENTISTS EXAMINE ROLE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP AND OTHER FACTORS INFLUENCING MIDTERM ELECTIONS Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot in November, but how much he gets involved in the midterm elections could be a key factor in determining the outcome, according to Wilkes University political science professors Thomas J. Baldino and Kyle L. Kreider. The stakes are high: control of Congress. Republicans will attempt to hold on to their majorities in the House and Senate, while Democrats hope to ride a wave of opposition to Trump and his policies to take control of one or both houses. “The critical unknown is, what role will Trump play in this election,” Baldino says. “How much he intrudes in this election by actually campaigning for or against candidates—how much his tweets affect public perception of him and the candidates running for the House and Senate—will probably vary by district and by state.” ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHAD HUNTER Baldino and Kreider, who have co-written and edited books on voting rights and the history of political campaigns, say the party of the president typically loses seats in midterm elections, in part because those elections are interpreted as barometers of the popularity of the president and the president’s agenda. Both say they expect that pattern to hold true in 2018. “The question is not so much, will the Republicans lose seats, but when the Republicans lose seats, how many will they lose and will they lose enough to cost them the majority,” Baldino says. Democratic candidates are happy to make the election about Trump, whose approval ratings are historically low, while the Republicans, for the most part, would prefer to shift voters’ focus away from the president. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 By Hilary Appelman 17 �''DE Sand WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 l ction thisspeciaele stuq}'ing areclosely issueswill:motivate forcluesonwhat . ersintheirbasetowinintheFall.'' thevot 18 The Republican party needs Trump to “shut up and stop tweeting,” Kreider says. Baldino says that even if a president stays on the sidelines, which he believes Trump is unlikely to do, voters may turn out to register their disapproval anyway, as Republican voters did in 2010 following passage of the Affordable Care Act. “If they’re that unpopular or if their policies are that unpopular, voters will look beyond their district boundaries to national issues and vote on the basis of a national issue,” he says. Baldino and Kreider agree that Democrat Conor Lamb’s recent victory in the special House election in southwest Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district is a concrete example of why the 2018 midterm elections are distressing Republicans. Lamb won by the narrowest of margins—627 votes— over Republican Rick Saccone in a district considered “Trump Country.” “President Trump won the district by over 20 percent in 2016, and it was considered safely Republican. Mr. Lamb’s very narrow victory was achieved by appealing to union members, gun enthusiasts and pro-life voters and by not specifically making Trump an issue,” Kreider says. “Mr. Saccone, his opponent, tied himself to the president. Trump and members of his administration visited the district frequently, specifically appealing to voters to cast their ballots for Saccone as a way to support the president, obviously to no avail. Democrats and Republicans are closely studying this special election for clues on what issues will motivate the voters in their base to win in the fall.” Democrats will have to be careful, however, about where and when they invoke the president in areas where support for Trump remains strong, Baldino says. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, for example, who is running for a third term from Pennsylvania, will have to temper his message in rural Pennsylvania, he says. “In a city like Philadelphia he can go in there and say, ‘You’ve got to return me to the Senate so I can keep a check on Trump,’” Baldino says. “But if he goes out to rural Pennsylvania, he doesn’t want to raise Trump.” Democrats would seem to have a good chance of taking control of the Senate, where Republicans hold only a two-seat voting majority—but only nine Republican incumbents are up for reelection, compared to more than 20 Democrats, Baldino and Kreider note. Almost half of those Democrats are facing tough battles in states that went for Trump in 2016 and where he still holds higher-than-average approval ratings, including Jon Tester of Montana, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. In the House, the Democrats need to pick up 24 seats to take control and will focus on unseating Republicans in districts where Hillary Clinton won or performed well in 2016, Kreider says. Structural advantages favor the Republicans, who control the vast majority of state legislatures and thus have drawn the electoral maps to their advantage, he says. But those advantages have been weakened this year because of courtordered redistricting in states such as Pennsylvania, which is likely to produce some additional seats for the Democrats. �Thomas J. Baldino is professor of political science at Wilkes University. He was the 2017 winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and he is a past recipient of the Carpenter Award for Teaching Excellence. His research interests include legislative politics, political parties and elections and Pennsylvania government and politics. Since the start of the 2016 presidential election cycle, his expertise has been featured in stories appearing in nearly 100 regional, national and international news outlets, including The New York Times, Newsweek and CNN. His research has appeared in political science and history journals, political encyclopedias, and in many conference papers during his career. He served as a faculty associate to the Legislative Office of Research Liaison of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and as the associate editor of Commonwealth, the journal of the Pennsylvania Political Science Association. Baldino earned his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from The University of Illinois – Urbana, and his bachelor’s degree from LaSalle College, all in political science. Kyle L. Kreider is professor of political science and chair of the division of behavioral and social sciences in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Wilkes. He also serves as the University’s pre-law advisor. During his tenure at Wilkes, he has been the recipient of the Carpenter Award for Teaching Excellence. His research interests include the interactions of law and social science, the Supreme Court’s treatment of political parties, and election law. His research has been featured in journals and in encyclopedias of civil rights and civil liberties, First Amendment, and law and criminal justice scholarship. Kreider holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Millersville University and a master’s degree and doctorate in political science from Temple University. Together Baldino and Kreider have co-authored three books: Of the People, By the People, For the People: A Documentary History of Voting Rights in the United States (Greenwood Press 2010); U.S. Election Campaigns: A Documentary and Reference Guide (Greenwood Press 2011); and Minority Voting in the United States (Praeger 2015). WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Turnout will be a major factor in the midterm elections, as it was in 2016 when Trump drew many voters who had not voted in recent elections. But those voters were attracted by Trump personally, and they may not show up in November when he isn’t on the ballot, Kreider says. Kreider says Trump’s frequent attacks on Congress may make it hard to translate his support into enthusiasm for congressional candidates. If Trump decides to campaign for Republican candidates, his presence could increase opposition turnout as much as or more than Republican turnout. “In many respects he’s pretty toxic,” Kreider says. “I just can’t imagine that Republican candidates are going to be requesting Trump to come to their states. His approval rating is just so low.” Many other factors are also at play in the November elections, Baldino and Kreider say, including higher than usual retirements of Republican incumbents, and heated national debates on issues such as immigration, sexual assault and gun control. Democrats hope the outpouring of enthusiasm and Trump opposition that they have seen in the Women’s March and #metoo and #neveragain movements translates into votes at the ballot box. “Trump has woken a lot of people up,” Kreider says. If the Democrats do win control of the House or the Senate—or both—Baldino and Kreider say the country can expect to see expanded investigations of the president. If the House changes hands, “Trump’s legislative agenda is gone,” Baldino says. “You can expect what the Republicans did to Obama and Clinton from 2010 to 2016 to happen to Trump—which means investigations, investigations, investigations.” Kreider predicts Democrats would retake the House and probably also the Senate, although he anticipated tight races. “I think it’s going to be a pretty substantial national win for them,” he says. But the Democrats face the challenge of making the election more than just about Trump, by formulating a clear economic message that resonates with middle- and working-class voters, Kreider says. “I don’t think the Democrats have done a good job coalescing around what they are about,” he says. “It’s one thing to run against Trump, but you’ve got to stand for something.” Baldino put the chances of the House flipping at about 50-50 and the Senate at a little less than that, though he noted many factors that could affect voting could still emerge before the election. “Between now and November is a lifetime,” he says.� ABOUT POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSORS THOMAS J. BALDINO AND KYLE L. KREIDER 19 �INTERVENTION WILKES FACULTY, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI LEAD THE CHARGE AGAINST THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 When Tom Franko talks about the impact of addiction in the United States’ opioid epidemic, he likens it to an image from a popular 1980s film. “It’s like the picture of the family from the film Back to the Future,” says Franko, as assistant professor of pharmacy practice in Wilkes Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. “As people look at the WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 picture, one person’s image fades until it disappears. That is what 20 addiction is like. It is a disease of isolation, separating people from their families, their jobs, everything that is important to them.” Franko says he and his colleagues in pharmacy are uniquely positioned to play a key role in the deadliest drug crisis in American history. �“Our main goal is to change the education of pharmacists for the future so that they can be successful and better handle the condition,” Franko states. “I believe that the profession that is going to have the 100 percent greatest impact in dealing with this is the pharmacists. We’re the ones who are going to take charge.” He cites two reasons for that claim: pharmacists’ accessibility in most communities and the profession’s emphasis on patient education. “In every single town across the country, there are probably five things: a church, a McDonald’s, some Erika Zarfoss, a third-year student pharmacist, practices administering type of Chinese restaurant or pizza place, a funeral a questionnaire used to assess a patient’s use and dependence on home and a pharmacy,” Franko says. Educating prescription medication. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY patients about prescription drugs is an important part of the pharmacists’ role, so involving them makes sense, he adds. Schools of pharmacy, like the one at Preparing students to deal with Wilkes, can help make that happen. the issue makes sense. According In the last two years, Franko led efforts addressing pharmacists’ to an October 2017 story role in an epidemic that was declared a public health emergency in The New York Times, in October 2017 by President Donald J. Trump. Franko co-chairs overdoses—which have the education committee for the pain, palliative care and risen dramatically in addiction special interest group of the American Pharmacists recent years due to Association. In that position, he is involved in recommending opioids—are the leading certification programs and education that could impact the cause of death for profession nationwide. Americans under 50, In the past two years, he and his students have presented outpacing deaths caused continuing education events about the opioid crisis in by guns or car accidents. northeastern Pennsylvania, initiated research projects related to A report for The National improving pharmacists’ training to administer the anti-overdose Institute on Drug Abuse, drug naloxone, and joined with faculty colleagues to involve part of the National Institutes of student pharmacists in drug take-back programs, education and Health, states that 115 Americans die training efforts. each day after overdosing on opioids. Wilkes Pharmacy isn’t the only Wilkes academic program preparing graduates entering health-care, law-enforcement and humanstudents to deal with the opioid issue after graduation. The services careers in the next decade will deal with the epidemic Passan School of Nursing in April 2016 was among 191 nursing and its related health and social issues. programs in the nation recognized by the White House for its Associate Professor Andrew Wilczak cites additional reasons early commitment to requiring advanced-practice registered for discussing the issue with students in his criminology classes. nursing students to take some form of prescriber education “I think it’s important for students in my major to study this by the time they graduate. Undergraduate nursing students because, not only is it something they’re going to encounter in learn about opiates and the use of naloxone in the junior-level their careers, it’s also something they’re likely to encounter in Pharmacology course and as seniors in the Advanced Care their personal lives, if they haven’t already,” Wilczak says. “It helps Concepts class. Nurses in graduate-level courses also cover the provide more context to what they’ve experienced, it helps them material, and those earning master’s degrees to become nurse recognize that they aren’t the only people in their situation, and practitioners who can prescribe medications must complete a it helps them see that there are ways for people to get better. It minimum number of state-mandated education hours covering shows them that healing and redemption are possible.” pain management, addiction and prescribing or dispensing opioids. Addiction and related issues also are examined in criminology, psychology and neuroscience classes. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 According to the Centers for Disease Control, 18 out of 100 Americans have used illicit drugs or misused prescription drugs. 21 �ANATOMY OF AN EPIDEMIC Franko’s interest in the opioid epidemic grew out of his work as Geisinger Health System’s first pain management pharmacist. He experienced firsthand the delicate balance involved in managing chronic pain—from prescribing appropriate medications to using treatments such as physical therapy. He acknowledges that chronic pain is difficult to manage while still ensuring a patient has a good quality of life. Too often in the past, the goal was most easily achieved by prescribing opioids. Several factors that Franko calls “a perfect storm” led to the opioid crisis of today. It included drug company marketing of opioids—particularly the medication OxyContin—as safe and non-addictive. It was compounded by dramatic increases in prescribing opioids and the designation of pain as “the fifth vital sign” in evaluating patients’ conditions by the Veterans Administration and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. (See opioid crisis timeline below.) “The Joint Commission tied hospitals’ financial reimbursement to pain control,” Franko explains. When patients evaluated the care they received, one measurement was how effectively they felt their pain was managed. Hospitals felt the pressure to get a good score. The United States uses the largest share of the world’s opioids. More people received more opioid pain medication for longer periods. Opioids act on the nervous system to relieve pain and they can lead to physical dependency. Physical dependency—different than addiction—can cause patients to continue the drug long after the need for it has passed. People who have become dependent experience severe, unpleasant symptoms if they abruptly stop taking it. Pharmacists trained in pain management understand that there are appropriate ways to wean people off the drugs. Every person is different. “It’s the worst flu that you’ve had plus the worst panic attack that you’ve had, combined at the same time,” Franko says, describing the symptoms of an opioid-dependent person suddenly stopping the drug. “It won’t kill you, it’s totally safe, but you will want to die. They will feel like garbage if you do not appropriately wean people.” Heroin, cheap and obtainable without a prescription, becomes a next step for some severely dependent people. Eighty percent of the people using heroin got their start using a prescription medication, Franko says. They may be addicted or dependent on opioids. More recently, the introduction of the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, has further complicated an already critical situation. The drug, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, is said to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 OPIOID EPIDEMIC TIMELINE 22 Late 1990s 1991–2009 Pharmaceutical companies Number of prescriptions written for opioids in the United States assure health-care increases 300 percent. providers that opioid medications are nonaddictive, leading to prescribing them at a greater rate. 1996 2000 Introduction of the drug Joint Commission of Healthcare OxyContin. Its maker, Purdue Organizations designates pain as “the Pharmaceuticals, markets it fifth vital sign.” Control of patient pain heavily as non-addictive. is tied to hospitals’ reimbursement. �WHEN DEPENDENCY BECOMES ADDICTION At the most basic level, addiction is when a person uses a drug, alcohol or even an activity—such as gambling—to excess, regardless of consequences. The American Society of Addiction Medicine states that “addiction is a chronic relapsing disease of the brain which affects multiple aspects of a person’s life.” Edward Schicatano, professor of psychology and director of Wilkes’ neuroscience program, covers addiction in two neuroscience classes: Psychopharmacology and Behavioral Neuroscience. His students learn that when someone becomes addicted to opioids, or any other drug, the brain literally undergoes a neurological change. “And once it changes, it’s hard to change it back,” Schicatano says. “The changed brain is what triggers the uncontrollable craving that tells an addicted person that they must have a drug.” Research suggests that severe stressors early in life— sexual abuse, a trauma experienced in utero—may trigger a genetic pattern predisposing some to addiction. The result is the same. “In addiction, the brain is saying, ‘Without this—the drug, the act of gambling, whatever—you die.’ That’s what the brain says to the addict. They can’t give it up,” Franko says. Franko and Schicatano agree that addiction isn’t restricted to a particular socio-economic group. People of all ages, races, occupations and backgrounds are part of the opioid crisis. Thomas Franko, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, is taking a national role in combating the opioid epidemic as co-chair of the education committee for the pain, palliative care and addiction special interest group of the American Pharmacists Association. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY WILKES BECOMES A REGIONAL LEADER In March 2017, President Trump established The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The commission’s report included 56 recommendations, ranging from screening and treatment programs to research. Recommendations include: • promoting programs aimed at opioid addiction prevention, Deaths from opioid overdoses are five times higher than in 1999. 2017 President Donald J. Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency. • training health-care professionals to screen for substance use, • training pharmacists on best practices to evaluate legitimacy of opioid prescriptions, • establishing more medication take-back initiatives to collect prescription drugs when no longer needed, and • broader use of the overdose reversal drug naloxone by emergency medicine and other health-care providers. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 2016 • better prescribing guidelines for opiates, 23 �In 2016, the five states with the highest rates of death due to drug overdose were West Virginia, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 By the time the recommendations were issued, faculty and students in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, joined by colleagues in nursing, had already worked for more than a year, implementing projects to combat the problem. Students involved in the student chapter of the American Pharmacists Association embraced its Generation Rx initiative to combat the problem. A key part of that work included medication take-back programs and community education. Learning to screen for possible addiction is part of courses for students in pharmacy and nursing. (See sidebar on student involvement on page 25.) One key community education effort happened in February 2017. A class focusing on addiction and substance abuse was offered by Wilkes Continuing Education. Aimed at health-care professionals, first responders and social workers, it was taught by Franko and Eugene Lucas, an assistant professor who teaches in the Passan School of Nursing’s graduate nursing program. It drew more than 60 attendees, leading the University to offer the Pain and Addiction Summit in spring 2018. (See box on page 27.) At the continuing education program, Lucas, who is a nationally board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health, covered new Pennsylvania requirements for monitoring narcotic prescriptions, including prescriber guidelines. Franko’s portion of the program focused on opioid overdose and on administering naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of overdose. 24 1 As part of a simulation to teach administration of anti-overdose drug naloxone, student pharmacist Michael DiMaggio finds a patent unconscious. 2 Franko’s community presentation mirrored training that he is piloting with Wilkes student pharmacists as part of their Care Lab. Pennsylvania, like a number of other states, has issued a standing order for naloxone as part of combatting the opioid crisis. A standing order means that the prescription drug, known by the brand names Narcan and Evzio, is available to anyone. It is administered primarily by inhalation. Franko says that in Pennsylvania the only required training for pharmacists for administering naloxone is an online program. Noting that pharmacists are required to complete hands-on clinical training to administer flu shots and other immunizations, Franko believes similar training is in order for naloxone. Working with students Lauren Lewis and Danielle DiStefano, a hands-on simulation was developed for the pharmacy Care Lab. In the training, the student pharmacists enter an “apartment” in the nursing simulation center to find a “patient” who has overdosed lying on the floor. While another student plays the role of an hysterical “friend,” the pharmacist must locate the naloxone and administer it while following the required steps. To maintain legal immunity, those steps include calling 911, administering naloxone “in good faith” staying with the patient until help arrives, and having completed the required training. In their Wilkes simulation, students check a patient’s breathing and, after administering the drug, place the patient on his or her side. (See photos below.) He prepares a device to administer naloxone as a nasal spray. 3 After checking the patient’s pulse and respiration, he administers the drug to senior nursing student Jenna Skrinak posing as a patient. PHOTOS BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY �STUDENT PHARMACISTS BECOME EDUCATORS AND ACTIVISTS Student pharmacists raised money to provide naloxone to first responders. Pictured here at Wilkes-Barre Fire Department are, from left, Harrison Ferro, Kayla Hart, Alexandra Grudeski, Mia Lussier, Rachael Velehoski, Erika Zarfoss, Cody Morcom, Abby Stevens, Dr. Thomas Franko, Shane Daugherty, Kayla Bardzel, Danielle DiStefano, Jarret LeBeau, Alex Ponce, and Dylan Fox. Although Ponce was a bit surprised by the level of interest from his peers, he’s clear about why students should be involved. “It’s a growing epidemic, but we still don’t have many solutions,” Ponce says. “Because we’re pharmacists dispensing medication, our obligation—as well as doctors’—is to see people use opioid medications as prescribed.” The following are examples of student initiatives: • Fourth-year student pharmacist Danielle DiStefano co-chaired the Generation Rx initiatives with Ponce. She also partnered with Lauren Lewis, another fourth-year student, to create the naloxone training program being piloted in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. The training was first presented to health-care professionals at a February 2017 event presented by Wilkes continuing education. • Second-year pharmacy students Jenny Lee, Brittany Atherholt, Sarah Ahearn, Austin Paisley, Lauren Albright and Quan Nham developed a training for the Wilkes Public Safety Department to teach officers how to administer the anti-overdose drug naloxone. • Mia Lussier, a second-year student pharmacist, is starting the “Luzerne County Faces of Addiction” campaign to raise awareness of the effects of addiction—all through the power of story. The project will include videos, voice memos and written stories. • Fourth-year pharmacy students working with faculty member Jennifer Malinowski developed medication protocols for substance abuse disorders at the Wright Center for Primary Care. Students working on the project included Dana Achenbach, Shane Daugherty, Keri Diehl, Michael DiMaggio and Mark Gryskevicz. The project helped to earn Malinowski the 2017 Innovations in Teaching award sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. • Through the CVS Health Foundation Scholars Program, Wilkes students Cody Morcom and Allie Grudeski completed research projects related to opioids. Morcom studied “The Effect of Topical Pain Creams: An Alternative to Prescription Opioids” while Grudeski’s project was “Combating the Opioid Epidemic: The Power of Naloxone Within Pharmacies.” WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Third-year Wilkes pharmacy student Alex Ponce became active in activities related to the opioid crisis through the Generation Rx initiative of the American Pharmacists Association. The program focuses on educating people about the potential dangers of misusing prescription medications. In 2016, Wilkes pharmacy professor and assistant pharmacy dean Jennifer Malinowski received a grant in partnership with Geisinger Health System to develop community education and medication take-back events. Ponce became the student lead on the project, eventually earning Wilkes’ student chapter of the association regional chapter of the year honors for its outreach. The award-winning work carried out by Ponce and other student pharmacists included community medication take-back events. Ponce and his peers also tried novel approaches such as partnering with funeral homes to collect medications from families of the recently deceased and staffing a drive-through medication take-back day. Wilkes student pharmacists also worked with the art department at Pittston Intermediate School near Wilkes-Barre, helping students design posters illustrating proper medication disposal. Recently Ponce has served as the student coordinator for the Universitysponsored pain and addiction summit. In March, he joined Thomas Franko, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, in presenting a poster highlighting research they conducted on pharmacists’ attitudes about dispensing the anti-overdose drug naloxone at the American Pharmacists Association conference. Not content with what he was already doing, Ponce founded a committee in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy in fall 2017. The Opioid Epidemic and Addiction Committee drew more than 30 students. 25 �Franko is in the second year of piloting the hands-on training, which he hopes eventually will be adopted by other schools of pharmacy. He has done one presentation about it at a national conference. He also is engaged in other research to assess a more challenging issue: pharmacists’ knowledge about administering naloxone and their attitudes toward using the overdose reversing drug. He acknowledges that some pharmacists have mixed feelings about the degree to which they want to become involved with addicted individuals. By arming Wilkes student pharmacists with talking points about the issue while they are completing their community pharmacy rotation, he is hoping to change some attitudes. It’s important, he says, because pharmacists are needed to combat the epidemic. “We are the ones to take the lead.”� CHANGING THE STANDARD SURGEON ASIF ILYAS ’97 SAYS OPIOID PRESCRIPTION GUIDELINES ARE RIPE FOR REFORM WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 By Koren Wetmore 26 A disturbing revelation struck Asif Ilyas, M.D. ’97 as he read a recent study about potential addiction among surgical patients. Published in JAMA Surgery, it showed that about 6 percent of those prescribed opioids for post-surgical pain were still taking the pills six months later. An accomplished surgeon, Ilyas had pursued a medical career because he wanted to help people. Yet the study suggested his profession was contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis. “Six percent—that’s a remarkable number,” says Ilyas, who specializes in hand, wrist, elbow and orthopaedic trauma surgery at The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. “It’s what made me look critically at patient opioid consumption for various procedures and sparked my search for ways to safely decrease their use post-operatively.” Research conducted by Ilyas and his colleagues revealed that patients only take about a third of the up to 90 opioid pills surgeons routinely prescribe. The rest lands in home medicine cabinets where family members might take them simply because they are available. Dr. Asif Ilyas ’97, a hand surgeon with The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, is working to reduce the number of opioids prescribed after surgery. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON �WILKES SPONSORS PAIN AND ADDICTION SUMMIT Wilkes University took a leadership role in northeast Pennsylvania in educating about the opioid crisis when it presented the 2018 Pain and Addiction Summit in April. New York Mets All-Star pitcher and keynote speaker Dwight “Doc” Gooden was one of baseball’s brightest stars of the 1980s until his career was sidetracked by addiction. The continuing education event brought together nearly 200 medical, legal, and law enforcement professionals to discuss the current state of the opioid crisis, share methodology and interprofessional approaches to deal with critical “Multiply that by the number of surgeries we do individually, then by a community, a city, a state and quickly you get into a huge number of opioids that we are inadvertently distributing into society for potential abuse or diversion,” he says. TACKLING THE PROBLEM His findings inspired him to experiment with pre-surgical counseling to educate patients about the issue. At first he spoke directly with them about the pain they might experience after surgery, along with the pros and cons of using opioids to manage it. Later he created a five-minute video, which patients now view instead. Ilyas also reduced the number of opioid pills he prescribes and encourages patients to use an alternative such as the over-the-counter medication ibuprofen. Occasionally patients ask for more pills, he says, but such requests have been the exception, not the rule. In a pilot study Ilyas did last year of 40 patients who underwent carpal tunnel release surgery, those who received pre-surgical counseling used two-thirds less opioid medication than their uncounseled peers. “That’s a huge improvement that came from just having a five-minute conversation with patients.” His next goal is to find effective alternatives to opioids, which, surprisingly, might be found at your local market. In a blind study finished this year, Ilyas and his colleagues gave patients post-surgical pain medication without revealing whether it was the opioid oxycodone or an alternative such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. They found only a slight difference—both in pain relief and the number of pills used— between those who took the opioid versus those who took an alternative. AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Ilyas never envisioned being on the front line of the opioid crisis when he graduated from Wilkes with a degree in biology. His plan was to become an internist until his experience as a medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine introduced him to the intricacies of surgery. He went on to complete his orthopaedic surgical training at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, followed by a fellowship in hand, upper extremity and microsurgery at Harvard Medical School. By 2013, he became a pioneer in wide-awake hand surgery, which uses local anesthesia, lowers patients’ costs, and also happens to reduce the need for post-operative opioids. “The effects of the local anesthetic we use help to reduce pain after surgery,” he explains. “The patient is also awake during the procedure, so that allows me to talk with them about their next steps, including strategies to manage pain.” Ilyas was featured in a March 2017 New York Times story about the awake surgical technique. To date he has done more than 2,000 hand surgeries in this manner. He has also taught surgical techniques abroad and has participated in medical mission trips to countries such as Pakistan, Haiti and India. While abroad, he rarely saw the use of opioids following surgery. Most patients outside the United States receive a drug such as Tylenol for pain relief, he says. “Only in America do you see the expectation that you need 40 opioid pills post surgery. There’s no basis for that beyond cultural standard,” Ilyas says. “It’s our standard, but not necessarily the right one.” Moving forward, he hopes to study opioid use in a wide array of surgical procedures to develop prescription guidelines for other medical specialties. As the newly elected president of the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, he also aims to provide evidence-based opioid prescribing strategies for physicians and surgeons throughout the state. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 issues, and identify opportunities for the treatment of pain and substance abuse. 27 �MIND GAME SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST MEGAN CANNON ’08 HELPS ATHLETES DEVELOP COMPETITIVE EDGE By Gary R. Blockus ’79 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 28 Sport psychologist Megan Cannon ’08 has a private practice working with athletes in a variety of settings, such as Syr CrossFit pictured here in Allentown, Pa. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON �WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 W Professors Robert Bohlander and Debbie Tindell inspired hen Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors missed her to pursue a doctorate. Her favorite class was Behavioral four straight three-pointers and walked off the court Psychology with Associate Professor Ed Schicatano, the before halftime of Game Two in the 2016 NBA Neuroscience Program coordinator and Psychology Department Finals, sports fans across the country sounded off about coordinator. another athlete losing his cool. “Megan was a bright, energetic and focused student,” Megan Cannon ’08 set them straight on ESPN’s SportsCenter. Schicatano says. “None of our faculty are surprised to see how Cannon holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Nova successful she has become. She has a commanding style of Southeastern University and is a practicing sport psychologist presenting that captures the athlete’s attention every time.” with Mind of the Athlete in Bethlehem, Pa. After graduating summa cum laude with a psychology major “I explained that a lot of athletes feel significantly more and a minor in dance, Cannon earned a doctoral degree in pressure in the playoffs than during the regular season,” Cannon clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University. remembers telling SportsCenter viewers. “It turns out he does it “Lisa Mulvey and Carol Bosack at Career Services had a lot of during the regular season, but it became more magnified by the insight into graduate school application. Had I gone to another press in the playoffs.” college, there’s no way I would have gotten that personal care,” Her advice for Lowry and other athletes experiencing Cannon says. frustration is direct and practical. When Cannon was a fourth-year doctoral student, she “Slow down. Focus on your breathing,” she says. “When competed for and received an elective in sport psychology. anxiety occurs, our sympathetic nervous system goes out of “Half of what we did was concussion management and control and our body goes into fight or flight. Emotionally baseline concussion testing,” she says. “We helped physicians with we can be panicked, but nothing in that first half has any return-to-play protocol, the if-and-when an athlete can return. correspondence to what you can produce in the second half.” Additionally, we were the psychologists for the student athletes SportsCenter found “Dr. Megan” after one of its producers at the university. Through that I got immersed into the specialthought that a sport psychologist’s interpretation would be ization. It was a really good fit.” interesting. The show’s producers have since asked her back She matched with her first choice program at Pacific Clinics, to comment on several issues, including the emotional toll a community mental health center in Pasadena, Calif., for basketball star Kevin Durant felt returning to Oklahoma City her pre-doctoral internship. When she began looking for a for the first time after being traded to Golden State. post-doctoral position, she found Mind of the Athlete. Cannon has presented sport psychology seminars to a variety Cannon’s next big role will happen Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at the 2018 of high school and college teams, including the Wilkes Student LEAD Sports Summit when she will serve as a clinician Athlete Council in 2016, Old Dominion University and along with five-time Olympian Missy Franklin Bucknell University. and three-time Olympians Kara Lynn Joyce “As a sport psychologist, I try to connect the dots between what and Elizabeth Beisel, among others. an athlete is feeling internally and develop strategies to manage Unless you see her their stressors,” Cannon explains. “We’re not going to remove those on SportsCenter first.  stressors, but we can control our perspectives on them.” Athletes at all levels are subject to pressures from family, relationships, school work, practices, competitions, even nutrition and sleep. Cannon began her love affair with sports at Allentown Central Catholic High School, where Megan Cannon ’08, Allentown, Pa. she swam and played softball. She looked at several Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Wilkes colleges, but Wilkes stood out. Master of Science, Clinical Psychology, “When I stepped foot on campus—and I Nova Southeastern University know this sounds cliché—it felt right,” she says. Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology, Nova Southeastern University “I went to a smaller high school, and the size Career: Sport Psychologist, Mind of the Athlete, Bethlehem, Pa. of Wilkes really appealed to me.” Notable: Nationally recognized expert in sport psychology with Cannon initially didn’t decide on a major but appearances on ESPN SportsCenter to discuss issues regarding NBA and found out she had an affinity for psychology. NFL player performance. Featured clinician and speaker working with She credits Wilkes with playing an enormous athletes, coaches and sports officials on the high-school and college level. role in becoming the professional she is today. She found the professors in the department easy Favorite Wilkes memory: “My memories ultimately boil down to the to speak with, helpful and caring. people at Wilkes. It’s a great community, and that’s what really stands out.” 29 �RECORD SETTERS ALUMNI ATHLETES’ WINNING WAYS EARN THEM SPOT IN ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME Five men and women who left their mark on Wilkes athletic teams were honored with induction in the 25th Athletics Hall of Fame class. From setting scoring records to earning plaudits in post-season play, these athletes were among the best to hit the mats, take to the court or enter a playing field wearing the blue and gold. The inductees were recognized at half-time of the Jan. 20, 2018, basketball game. A formal induction ceremony followed the game. This year’s inductees reflect on what they learned as Colonels. DENISE CARSON ’92  Women’s Basketball/Soccer/Softball /////// COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: A three-sport standout for WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Wilkes, Carson starred for the basketball, softball and soccer teams during her four years. She quarterbacked the basketball team from her point guard position, ranking in the top 12 in several statistical categories. Carson ranks 12th all-time in scoring with 978 points, 12th in field goals made with 390 and third in free throw percentage at 78.2 percent. Carson, a pass-first lead guard, held the school record for assists with 282 before relinquishing her rank in 2013 to become second. 30 WHERE SHE IS NOW: Carson has been a teacher for 20 years in the Clark County School District and currently is teaching second grade at Bonner Elementary School. She resides in Las Vegas, Nev. LESSONS LEARNED: “I learned many lessons during my time playing sports at Wilkes such as being a team player, discipline, respect, passion, strength, determination and being a leader. All of which I took with me into my profession and my life. Hopefully I will instill the same qualities in my classroom… One of the most important lessons I learned is never quitting when things get difficult!” BARRY GOLD ’68  Wrestling ///////////////////// COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: Gold continued the fine legacy of Wilkes wrestlers as a two-time college All-American and two-time MAC finalist. He finished his career with a 23-5 dual match record with four of the losses coming against Division I All-Americans. He finished fourth at the NCAA College Division Championships in 1966 and sixth in 1967 to earn All-American status. Gold also won the Binghamton Open championship as a senior. During his time at Wilkes, Gold’s teams went 49-5 overall including being ranked the No. 1 college team during the 1966-67 season. WHERE HE IS NOW: Gold is retired, living in Boulder City, Nev., after a 21-year career with the Air Force. Gold completed more than 200 combat missions in tactical fighter aircraft and has over 40 years of experience directing, leading and interacting with top government and corporate officials regarding information technology, training, aviation and protocol among many others. LESSONS LEARNED: “In addition to learning to pronounce “r,” organizational skills, goal orientation, persistence, and self-reliance in stand-alone situations, inter alia, were strengthened as a result of my participation in the Wilkes wrestling program. All of these helped keep me alive while flying fighters in war and peace and contributed to successfully meeting future life challenges.” LAURIE AGRESTI MIRRA ’07  Softball ////////////////////// IIIIIIJ COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: Mirra finished her career as one of the greatest strikeout pitchers in the country in NCAA Division III. She ranks sixth in the entire NCAA and second in Division III in strikeouts per seven innings at 12.40. Her 1,040 career strikeouts remain in the top 15 in Division III. Mirra was a four-time First Team All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection and earned Pitcher of the Year honors all four years. She also was named All-Region and All-American every year. Mirra led the nation in strikeouts in 2004 and 2005 and was second in 2006 and 2007. WHERE SHE IS NOW: Mirra is a certified public accountant employed by the Internal Audit Manager at the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund. She resides in Mechanicsburg, Pa. LESSONS LEARNED: “Positive mentoring, persistent individual effort and dedication to team concept equals success.” �WI JASON TURNER ’96  Men’s Basketball ///////////////// COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: After transferring to Wilkes from ANTHONY SERAFIN ’07  Football ////////////////////// COLONELS SPORTS CAREER: Serafin was one of the best defensive linemen in the football program’s rich history, helping lead the team to a 33-11 record over his four-year career. He was a member of the 2006 team that finished undefeated in regular season play, capturing the MAC Championship and a win in the NCAA Tournament. Serafin was named First Team All-MAC and First Team d3football.com All-East Region as a junior in 2005, leading the conference in tackles-for-loss with 18.0. As a senior, Serafin was tabbed a pre-season All-American and led the conference in sacks with 11. As a senior he was again named First Team All-MAC, First Team All-ECAC, First Team All-Region and First Team Don Hansen Football Gazette All-American. Division I Northeastern University, Turner wasted little time making an impact. He was a key contributor in the middle of back-to-back berths in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as well as a MAC Championship in 1996. In just two years with the program, Turner totaled 987 points, 593 rebounds, 84 assists, 102 steals and 89 blocked shots. He was a two-time All-Freedom Conference selection as well as a two-time NABC Regional All-American. Turner was named ECAC Player of the Year in 1996 after averaging 16.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game as a senior. Turner remains ranked in the top ten in several season statistical categories including rebounds, blocked shots and free throws made. WHERE HE IS NOW: Serafin is a New Jersey State Trooper residing in Bedminster, N.J. WHERE HE IS NOW: Turner has been a licensed practical nurse LESSONS LEARNED: “It would have to be what my head coach for seven years and resides in Baltimore, Md. LESSONS LEARNED: Paraphrasing hockey great Wayne Gretzky, Turner says, “I learned from playing basketball that you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Frank Sheptock instilled in us. Faith and family amongst all else first. Also, no matter what, nothing can beat hard work. My class came together my junior season and with hard work and determination we became the most all-time winning class in school history.”� WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Members of the 25th Athletics Hall of Fame class were inducted during a ceremony on Jan. 20. They posed at the reception after the ceremony holding the photos of themselves as student athletes that will hang in the Marts Center. Pictured from left are Anthony Serafin ’07, Denise Carson ’92, Laurie Agresti Mirra ’07, Jason Turner ’96 and Barry Gold ’68. 31 �alumni news SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING 2018: OCT. 5-7! Class years ending in 3s and 8s, get ready for your class reunion! WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Save the Date for the Ralston Memorial Tournament 32 The Ralston Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit athletics at Wilkes University will be held on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, at the Wyoming Valley Country Club in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. This college-wide event will combine other golf events such as the Chwalek Tournament, Homecoming Tournament and the Football Golf Outing. For more information, contact Margaret Steele, executive director of advancement and alumni relations at margaret.steele@ wilkes.edu or (570)408-4302. See ad on inside back cover for more details. Alumni Association Open Board Meeting Are you interested in learning more about the Alumni Association? Participate in the open meeting on Friday, June 1, 2018, at 3 p.m. Whether you join on campus or call in to the meeting, you’ll get a first-hand look at how the board of directors works with its campus partners to provide programs for the alumni community. At the meeting, we’ll review 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. SUPPORT WILKES: MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN NATIONAL RANKINGS By contributing to Wilkes University as an alumna/us, you can do more good than you may realize. The number of contributions that are made to Wilkes are a variable 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 ranking. For more information about the many ways your contributions can be put to use at Wilkes, contact Margaret Steele, executive director of advancement and alumni relations, at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or (570) 408-4302. �giving back From Mentor to Colleague: Chad Lojewski ’95 Opens Career Doors for George Sidiropolous ’17 Lojewski knows the value of the internship experience in his own career. He had an internship with FAO Schwartz as a student, and it helped him to realize that he did not want to work in retail. However, he learned that he enjoyed working with people. That internship, too, came from an alumni connection: Bill Miller ’81, who is still an executive in New York City and now a Wilkes trustee, provided the opportunity at FAO Schwartz. When it was time for Sidiropolous’ internship to end, Lojewski lobbied for a full-time position for him at Stifel. “George has motivation; he wants to get registered and he wants to learn. I wanted to take on the responsibility as the mentor/teacher, if George wanted to learn the business. He did, so we needed to work something out for him. My branch manager and Stifel were supportive,” recalls Lojewski. “I had to get through some barriers, but when you love what you want to do, the experience you get from an internship will help you in the long-term,” says Sidiropolous, who was the first in his family to graduate from college. He started with Stifel on Jan. 1, 2018, and looks forward to a great career with Lojewski as his mentor. Lojewski is also looking forward to watching his protégé move up through the ranks. The two agree that so much of being a financial analyst is talking with and getting to know your client. When Lojewski speaks with business students at the high school or college level, they will sometimes ask very specific, finance-related questions. Lojewski notes that the job is really about life and not investing. “So often, in school, we get caught up with the technical side of things, like PE ratios, and earnings per share,” says Sidiropolous, now a client service associate with Stifel. “When I speak with some of my former classmates, I explain to them that those things are only a portion of what we do.” The two men agree that the opportunities that Wilkes University provides are unmatched. “The opportunity to connect Chad Lojewski ’95, left, with alumni as students through has mentored George Sidiropolous ’17, right, first mentoring events is so important,” as an intern and now as a says Sidiropolous. colleague at the investment “Where there’s an opportunity to help mold someone or pay it forward, that’s what I look forward to doing.” – Chad Lojewski ’95 firm Stifel. PHOTO BY JACQUELINE LUKAS WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 George Sidiropolous ’17 needed someone to believe in him. Sidiropolous was having little luck looking for an internship in finance until he met Chad Lojewski ’95. It led to Sidiropolous having an internship with Stifel, a full-service brokerage and investment banking firm with an office in Wilkes-Barre. Lojewski is first vice president of investments at the firm. Now Sidiropolous is Lojewski’s first intern to transition to a full-time position with Stifel. Lojewski thinks of himself as Sidiropolous’ ‘coach,’ and provides him with advice and next steps in navigating the financial industry. The pair first met at a mock interviewing event hosted by the personal and professional development program for juniors in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. It was fate when the two met again at a student-alumni mentoring evening called Connecting the Dots. Looking back to the early days in their professional relationship, Sidiropolous showed initiative and interest in Lojewski’s career in finance. That interest is what led Lojewski to offer him an internship. “Where there’s an opportunity to help mold someone or pay it forward, that’s what I look forward to doing,” Lojewski says. He has hosted many interns over his 22-year career and a primary goal is for them to gain real-life experience by talking with clients and becoming more personable. “Talking with someone might be a simple thing, but I think in this world of social media and technology, it’s hard for students to talk to people,” says Lojewski. 33 �class notes Three Alumni Return to Their Roots With Jack Black in The Polka King Three Wilkes University alumni enjoyed a moment in the spotlight when they performed with actor Jack Black on national television to promote his movie, The Polka King. Bob Lugiano ’92, Ron Stabinsky ’92 and Steve Bitto ’95 appeared with the comedian in segments on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and The Today Show playing a number from the movie, which premiered on Netflix in January. Black portrays Pennsylvania polka legend Jan Lewan, who took the world by storm until a ponzi scheme landed him in prison. All three alumni played in Lewan’s band during its peak. Performing on national television is another credit in the long musical careers of all three men, who have been playing and teaching professionally since graduating from Wilkes with degrees in music. Lugiano has run the band Souled Out since 1999, primarily playing weddings and private events and once even opening for Aretha Franklin. He also runs Music Solutions, a music business that does everything from composition and judging to instrument repair and lessons. Freelance trombone player Bitto has played in various jazz clubs, concert halls and with wedding bands, including time in Lugiano’s band. He also has been a band instructor for more than two decades in the Pleasant Valley School District. Stabinsky is a full-time professional pianist, specializing in WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 jazz and avant-garde. In addition to accompanying university and community choirs, he plays regularly with the New York City-based bands Mostly Other People Do The Killing and the Peter Evans Ensemble, as well as alternative legends the Meat Puppets. 34 Working on promotional appearances in New York for Netflix’s The Polka King brought together alumni musicians, from left, Ron Stabinsky ’92, Steve Bitto ’95 and Bob Lugiano ’92, seen in a New York restaurant. PHOTOS COURTESY BOB LUGIANO ’92 Actor Jack Black, left, and alumnus Ron Stabinsky ’92 take a break from rehearsals for an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to promote the film The Polka King. While the three men have vastly different career arcs, the common thread—in addition to Wilkes—had always been playing in Lewan’s band. Playing with Black was a way to re-live that chapter. “It was scary to hear him sing and sound so much like Jan...it brought back memories,” Lugiano says. “All the sound checks and rehearsals were Jack, but once he showed up in costume, none of the personal interactions were. It was all Jan,” Stabinsky says. “It was just a little surreal, when you know you’re not talking to that person, but someone’s doing a really accurate portrayal of them.” “To be playing with Jan’s actual music stands, with [Black] dressed in an exact replica of one of Jan’s suits, as he’s basically channeling Jan….surreal is definitely the word,” Bitto adds. The alumni said Black has a genuine personality and a great work ethic. “Jack and Jason [Swartzman] are so down to earth and very much into their roles...they didn’t come with a big entourage. Jack actually showed up in a taxi cab,” Lugiano says. He was the only one of the three alumni to play on the film’s soundtrack. “Over the course of three days, we probably played the song 50 times because of soundchecks for the shows...but he never mailed it in,” Bitto explains. “He did the moves, he did the voice... he gave it 100 percent every time.” While playing on national television was a great experience, the trio also expressed how good it was to be in each other’s company again. “Steve, Ronny and I all stayed together, and it was like 20 years ago, like in college,” Lugiano says. – James Jaskolka ’16 “It was scary to hear him sing and sound so much like Jan... it brought back memories.” – Bob Lugiano ’92 �class notes Undergraduate 1960 Donald Murray of Dallas, Pa., is writing a book on the effort to draft Adlai Stevenson as a presidential candidate at the 1960 Democratic National Convention. Richard Probert of Sackets Harbor, N.Y., wrote a new novel, That Good Night, published by Beaufort Books. He taught music at Wilkes from 1968 to 1973. 1966 Marie Shutlock Drinko of Acworth, Ga., a military and family life counselor, received a coin of excellence for her work in Italy and a certificate of appreciation for her work in Germany. She is working in Guam until June 2018. 1968 REUNION: OCT. 5 –7 Daniel Klem of Allentown, Pa., professor of ornithology and conservation biology at Muhlenberg College, discussed creating bird-friendly glass with Hari Sreenivasan of Scitech Now, a science program on PBS. Klem is an internationally recognized expert on bird deaths from Leslie (Tobias) Jenkins and James Jenkins of Aurora, Colo., recently visited Tacoma, Wash., to see their great grandson, James, on the occasion of his first birthday. flying into glass windows and structures. His interview can be seen at http://www. scitechnow.org/videos/ 1972 Michael Gallagher of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., retired after 36 years with the Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville, Pa. He began working at the theatre in 1981 when it was established. He served in various capacities with the theatre over three decades and most recently has designed sets as the artistic director emeritus of the playhouse. Gallagher, who majored in education and minored in theatre at Wilkes, learned about set design from the late Klaus Holm while he was a student. Gallagher established a theater program and taught school in Pennsburg, Pa., and honed his skills at the Colorado Springs Opera Festival. He also designed sets for Scranton Public Theater, Theater Under the Tent on Montage Mountain and the Masonic Temple. 1986 William V. Lewis Jr. of Jenkins Twp., Pa., was elected to the national board of directors of the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers. He is a vice president, wealth management advisor and portfolio manager with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Wilkes-Barre. 1977 Joseph Sekusky retired in December 2016. He was a caseworker for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Department of Public Welfare in Scranton, Pa. 1979 Gary Robert Blockus of Laurys Station, Pa., was named executive director of the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League. He also writes for TeamUSA.org, covering elite U.S. athletes and teams in international and Olympic competitions. Blockus retired from The Morning Call newspaper after 35-plus years as a sports writer. Linda Kelnock of West Chester, Pa., completed her fifth Philadelphia Marathon and her 17th all-time marathon on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. Kathleen Herpich of Bensalem, Pa., was named principal of the St. Elizabeth School in Paincourtville, La. 1980 Shepard Willner of Arlington, Va., is expected to retire in September 2018 after a 35-year career in federal service. Willner plans to enjoy life with his friends and family and is writing a memoir titled Marching to a Different Drummer. 1985 Donna (O’Toole) Sedor was named director of development for the Women’s Resource Center in Scranton, Pa. She previously was director of development for the Wyoming Valley Children’s Center. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 1964 Rob (Richard) Burns of Piermont, N.Y., and his wife, Lynda, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 24, 2017. Burns is a village trustee and vice president of the Paradise Homeowner’s Association. 1989 1965 35 �class notes 1991 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Shelley (Umbra) Pearce is an integrative psychotherapist in private practice in Los Angeles, Calif. She serves as president of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Los Angeles Chapter, and also serves on the board of directors of the Global Bridge Foundation. In 2007, she was honored as a community leader of the year by NEIU-19, a Pennsylvania organization servicing three counties and 20 school districts. Her direction of the site Humanistic Spirituality led to receiving the 2014 Culture Unplugged International Film Festival Award for a compassionate theme. Pearce is a nonsectarian minister and student of contemplative and wisdom traditions. She served as director of the Wilkes University Conservatory from 1998 to 2009. 36 1995 Kevin Gryboski of Venetia, Pa., participated in the Atlanta Braves Alumni Weekend in August 2017. He was a standout pitcher for Wilkes University from 1992 to 1995. He played for the Braves from 2002 to 2005 where he was a relief pitcher who earned the nickname “Groundball Gryboski” due to his success in getting batters to hit grounders, often ending in double plays. 1995 David Allen Hines of Kingston, Pa., was appointed to the Government Finance Officers Association national committee on governmental budgeting and fiscal policy. He is the director of operations for the City of Pittson, Pa. 2009 Christopher Noll of Danville, Pa., and Danielle (Vindigni) Noll ’10 of Lewisburg, Pa., married on Oct. 28, 2017. 1996 Christopher Parker of Wilkes-Barre is an 18-year veteran of the Luzerne County Department of Probation Services, and was named the state Juvenile Probation Officer of the Year in November 2017. 1998 REUNION: OCT. 5–7 2006 Jamie (Babbit) Stewart of Parisppany, N.J., married Russell Stewart on Aug. 12, 2017, at Zugibe Vineyards in Geneva, N.Y., on Seneca Lake. Alexandria Zuranski of Salt Lake City, Utah, transferred to the Social Security field office in Provo, Utah, where she works as a service representative. Kerri Fasulo of Pleasant Valley, N.Y., was promoted to marketing director at Anthem Inc. where she oversees marketing strategy for specialty pharmacy. 2004 Ryan Klemish of Duryea, Pa., and his wife, Kristin (Hake) Klemish, welcomed a daughter, McKenna Dee Klemish, on May 5, 2017. 2009 Marc Wyandt of Old Forge, Pa., is the principal of Abington Heights Middle School and was appointed assistant superintendent of the school district in January 2018. During his time at Abington Heights, Wyandt has served as an elementary and middle school principal and assistant high school principal. He received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilkes. �class notes Randa Fahmy ’86 Tackles National Debt With Makeup America! Randa Fahmy ’86 has always focused on politics in her work as a lawyer and owner of a consulting firm. Now her passion project also puts America in the spotlight and addresses one of the biggest numbers in Washington: the national debt. Fahmy is the founder of Makeup America!, promoted as “the first American branded premium cosmetic line that reflects the American Spirit.” The line is made in America and gives one Randa Fahmy ’86 sports red, white and blue to promote her company, Makeup America! PHOTO COURTESY RANDA FAHMY dollar of every product sold to the U.S. Treasury in hopes of paying down the national debt of $20 trillion. Makeup America! sells lipsticks and nail polish at patriotic Fahmy is also a Wilkes University trustee and her father is prices that play off the year of America’s independence, 1776. Mahmoud Fahmy, a Wilkes emeritus professor of education. With names such as Gold Standard and Independence Red, the Her work to improve America has been a long time coming lipsticks cost $17.76 and the nail polish is $13.76. Fahmy wants as her mother and father always taught her to be a good to expand into all beauty products and hopes to continue her global citizen. “No one is addressing the national debt, and people ask me if A daughter of immigrants, Fahmy says she has always had it can really be that easy to pay,” she says. a “heightened sense of appreciation for all things American.” The mechanism by which Fahmy pays down the debt was She explains she saw an incredible movement of America formally approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Every and patriotism in 2016 during year, she tallies up the amount the of product she sold, multiplies presidential election, and something clicked in her mind. “It made me ask, ‘What do I think America is?’” Fahmy says. “I remember how much I loved America’s bicentennial, and I wanted to feel like that again. And I wanted to bring “I remember how much I loved America’s bicentennial, and I wanted to feel like that again. And I wanted to bring people and women together.” that by one dollar and writes a check from Makeup America! to the U.S. Department of Treasury Bureau of Fiscal Services with a note in the memo line that states “contribution to pay down the U.S. national debt.” The company celebrated people and women together.” its Fahmy had been interested one-year anniversary in cosmetics years prior to her entrepreneurial journey, having in February 2018 and has been featured in articles in read the statistic that Americans are the number-one users of Cosmopolitan, Allure and product placement on ABC’s Dancing beauty products. She continued her research and found that with the Stars. She is also in discussions with the Home the national debt affects women of every generation. Shopping Network and most recently provided gift baskets at “Women benefit the most from programs that will get cut if we don’t pay the debt down,” she says. “They always tell us to an event for the U.S. Olympic Committee. The products are available online and in boutiques in Michigan and Virginia. not to get into debt personally, but who is looking out for the country’s debt? No one. My rallying cry became, ‘It’s time for women to take control of our nation’s checkbook.’” – By Samantha Stanich WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 pricing scheme. 37 �class notes 2010 Brian Switay ’10, MBA ’12 of Port Monmouth, N.J., and Courtney Malast ’13 of Belford, N.J. got married on July 21, 2017. Many Wilkes alumni celebrated with them at the wedding. Colonels who attended the ceremony are pictured, from left to right: Samantha Mulvihill Caiola ’10, Genelle Gunderson ’12, Benjamin Caiola ’12, Michael Olerta ’12, Yasmine Solomon ’12, Danielle Capone Hanson ’12, Gerbeys Roa Harris ’12, Kristina Spauldin Grandinetti ’11, Courtney Malast Switay ’13 (bride), Zak Grandinetti ’10, Brian Switay ’10, MBA ’12 (groom), Anthony Dorunda ’11, Lorelay Coronoa Benedict ’11, Jonathon Bowman ’12, Karissa Henderson ’10, Ray Dungee ’13, Michal Ogar ’16 and Renee Loftus (retired faculty). 2010 Danielle (Vindigni) Noll ’10 – See photo in Undergraduate 2009 2013 REUNION: OCT. 5–7 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 2010 38 Andrew M. Seaman of New York, N.Y., was named the digital editor for Reuters. com, an international news agency. Previously, he was the agency’s senior medical journalist covering the Affordable Care Act and other health and medical news. Seaman was awarded a President’s Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for his work as Reuters.com’s ethics committee chairperson. He is also on the alumni board of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. 2012 Jessica DiBernardo ’12 MS ’15 of Dallas, Pa., was chosen as a top 20 Under 40 for the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal 2017 edition. DiBernardo is an associate director of graduate admissions at Wilkes University, focusing on recruiting and enrolling students for the nurse practitioner programs. Justin Franiak is hosting the afternoon drive slot on air on WHMK, 98.1 The Hawk, with Townsquare Media in Binghamton, N.Y. Previously, he worked at WPIG/WHDL in Olean, N.Y., where he hosted nights and afternoons. Courtney Malast Switay ’13 – See photo in Undergraduate 2010 2017 Matt Kaster of Washington, Pa., was signed by the Washington Wild Things as their second pitcher. Kaster played four seasons of collegiate baseball at Wilkes, spent summer 2016 playing for the Purcellville Cannons in the Valley Baseball League and had a brief stint in his first taste of pro ball with the Florence Freedom in 2017. At Wilkes, Kaster logged 92 innings in 61 appearances. All but two of those outings were in relief. Kaster was a two-time all-conference selection, and had a career ERA of 3.82. In 2016, he enjoyed his best year at Wilkes, earning him a first-team selection that year. Graduate 1991 Terrence J. Purcell MBA of Barnesville, Pa., was appointed president of the former Blue Mountain Health System hospitals after their acquisition by the Bethlehem, Pa.-based St. Luke’s University Health System. The hospitals have been renamed St. Luke’s Palmerton Campus in Palmerton, Pa., and St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten Campus in Lehighton, Pa. Purcell has been employed by Blue Mountain Health System for more than two decades, most recently serving as the senior vice president of operations. 2015 Jessica DiBernardo ’12 MS ’15 – See undergraduate 2012 �class notes Lauren Stahl MFA ’12 Solves the Mystery of Writing a Successful Thriller “I think it is fair to say as writers, we take what we know and then expand on it,” she says. “That expansion is where our characters truly come to life.” The twists and turns of The Devil’s Song grab the reader’s attention not only because of Stahl’s suspenseful writing but also because she has lived parts of the life of her main character. Magda is a prosecutor in Pennsylvania who is the lead counsel on a series of murders in the community. The character is also the daughter of a powerful local judge. “There are admittedly a few things Kate and I have in common,” Stahl says. “Like Kate, my father was the county’s president judge when I was in the DA’s Office, her choice in music is similar to mine, and the fact she is somewhat obsessed—okay, really After beginning her professional career as a prosecutor, Lauren obsessed—with her giant dog, all mirror my own life, but the Stahl MFA ’12 took a page from her own life when she wrote her similarities mostly end there. In the end, she is very much her first novel. The result is The Devil’s Song, published in January own character,” she says. by Kaylie Jones Books, an imprint of Akashic Books. “I was able to draw on my experiences as a former prosecutor,” All the success of the book seems surreal to Stahl, but she isn’t through with trying to win the case. she says. “I’ve been in the throes of a criminal trial, worked with “It was a true ‘pinch me’ moment,” she says. “Kate Magda detectives, I’ve attended autopsies—I’ve worked cases where isn’t through telling us her story. I am about halfway through the facts were stranger than fiction.” writing the second book.” Stahl’s experiences jumped off the pages as her writing Stahl may not have started out as a writer, but according to successfully took readers into her days as a prosecutor, in the her, she has “been a writer my entire life,” and she credits Wilkes persona of her protagonist, assistant district attorney Kate University’s Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Magda. On the day of publication, Jan. 2, 2018, the book broke Writing for taking her writing to the next level. the top 50 in Amazon’s Kindle/Mystery, Thriller and Suspense “Whether it was a short story, a journal entry, or really bad bestsellers category and broke poetry, I was always writing,” the top 100 in paperback Stahl says. “But it wasn’t until book sales. Within two days of publication, the book sold out on the online bookseller. The thriller then headed into a second printing, just one month after its first publication, all because Stahl wrote what she knew best: the law. “I’ve been in the throes of a criminal trial, worked with detectives, I’ve attended autopsies—I’ve worked cases where the facts were stranger than fiction.” I entered the Wilkes University Maslow Family Graduate Creative Writing Program that I began to take my writing seriously or thought I could actually pull off writing a novel.” – By Samantha Stanich WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Lauren Stahl MFA ’12 signs copies of her novel at her New York City book launch. PHOTO COURTESY KAYLIE JONES BOOKS 39 �class notes 2011 2007 WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 Bryan Zellmer MBA of Shohola, Pa., has been named director of KU Presents!, a performing artists series at Kutztown University that brings professional performing artists to the school and the surrounding communities. He previously worked in leadership roles at a 10,000-seat amphitheater in Pennsylvania, a casino entertainment lounge in New York, a state-of-theart performing arts center in New Jersey and an historic theater in Colorado. Zellmer has a long career as a performer, which has included performing the National Anthem for the Philadelphia Phillies and singing with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. He’s performed with a marching band in numerous parades, from Disney World to New York City. He also spent several years as a lighting designer working with a professional regional theater company and a high school theater program, working with professional Broadway directors. 40 Kaitlyn Martin Fitzgerald MS ’11 of Forty Fort, Pa., coached her inaugural field hockey game in September 2017 with Bryn Athyn College in Montgomery County, Pa. She helped start the program from the ground up. Before taking the job at Bryn Athyn, she was an assistant for three years at Arcadia University. 2012 2012 Sarah Lloyd MS ’12 earned a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from East Stroudsburg University in May 2017. She recently completed her fourth year as an adjunct instructor in the Englishas-a-second-language program at Northampton Community College. She is currently a speech language pathologist in southern California. Lloyd is pictured with Frank T. Brogan, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Lloyd received the Fitz Dixon Memorial Scholarship from the state system in April 2017. Amy (Hetro) Washo MBA ’12 of West Pittston, Pa., and Jason Washo married on Jan. 14, 2017. The ceremony was held at Immaculate Conception Church, West Pittston, and the reception was held at the Mary Stegmaier Mansion, WilkesBarre. The bridal party included several Wilkes alumni. Pictured in the first row, from left to right, are: Jim Cooney, Delaney Washo, Jason Washo, Amy Hetro Washo MBA’12, Leah Scholtis; second row, left to right: Jon Besko, Jessica Vensky, Matthew Washo; and third row, left to right: Jon Krieger, Ashley Popovich ’07, and Bridget Giunta Husted ’05. PICTURE PERFECT: GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING PHOTOS FOR CLASS NOTES 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: 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. 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 Thomas E. Wahl, of Wilkes-Barre, died on Oct. 23, 2017. He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II. He worked for the National Weather Service for 38 years, assisting in the establishment and instrumentation of the weather station at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. Leo Wojcikiewicz, of New Cumberland, Pa., died on July 19, 2017. He was a decorated World War II veteran serving in France in F. Company, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, under General Patton. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 40 years of service. 1949 Shirley Fleet of Coudersport, Pa., died on Nov. 22, 2017. She was a biology and chemistry teacher in Matawan, N.J., and in Sayre, Pa. She was also a real estate broker in Flemington, N.J. An accomplished writer, she published poetry and family cookbooks. Clemence A. Scott of Sheatown, Pa., died on July 14, 2017. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was a tail gunner on a B17, the Flying Fortress. He was an Internal Revenue Service agent for more than 36 years. 1951 William Perlmuth, of New York, N.Y., died on Nov. 24, 2017. He attended Columbia Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review and a Harlan Fiske Stone scholar. He served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 1st Division, the Big Red One. He was a partner at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, focusing on corporate financing law. He served on the firm’s executive committee for nearly 20 years, including two terms as chairman. He served as chairman of the board of the Hospital for Joint Diseases from 1996-2007. He also established the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries there and served as president and trustee of the Harkness Foundation for Dance. Perlmuth also was a trustee emeritus at Wilkes University. Wilkes awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in September 2017. Daniel Ungvarsky of Lansdale, Pa., died on Oct. 30, 2017. He retired from General Electric Co.’s Space Systems Division in 1992 after a 35-year career as an aerospace engineer. 1952 Donald Kistler, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., died on Aug. 5, 2017. He retired as the general sales manager for Bucyrus Erie. 1953 Florence (Kistler) Reynolds of Portland, Ore., died on Nov. 13, 2017. She was an elementary school teacher in Wilmington, Del., for 35 years. 1954 Phyllis Prater of Thomaston, Maine, died on July 30, 2016. She earned her master’s of arts degree in English literature from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, in 1982. She served as an adjunct professor at Franklin University and Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio. 1955 John Morris of Dallas, Pa., died on Dec. 11, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960. He was the business manager of Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School beginning in 1967. After retiring from Wyoming Seminary in 2010, he continued to work for the school as a special projects manager. 1956 Edward “Ed” Ralph Dubin of Lillian, Ala., died on May 1, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After a post-doctoral fellowship at Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, he practiced medicine for 35 years in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Pa., and the Pocono Mountains. Richard Jones of Easton, Pa., died on Jan. 30, 2014. He served in the U.S. Air Force for five years. He taught English at North Hunterdon High School in New Jersey for 34 years. Jones also served as the director of adult education for North Hunterdon High School for 30 years, assisting in the development of the Hunterdon County Adult Education program. Nancy E. (Batcheler) Juris of Swatara Township, Pa., died on Aug. 29, 2017. She taught in the business education department at Central Dauphin East High School beginning in 1980. In 1981, she also joined the faculty of Harrisburg Area Community College, where she taught until 1991. Raymond Michael Sillup of Murrells Inlet, S.C., died on Oct. 20, 2017. He graduated from the Mount Vernon School of Law. He worked for the University of Pittsburgh as the director of contract and reimbursement services at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. He also was the chairman of the Council of Psychiatric Service Providers at The Hospital Association of Pennsylvania. 1957 John L. Coates of Berwick, Pa., died on Nov. 30, 2017. He served in the Naval Reserve from 1953 until 1962. He worked for Okanite Cable Company as a financial controller and later for Bercon Plastics. He was president of LaBar Trucking and ended his career as owner of Tri-County Hardware and Tri-County Lumber. Robert Drexinger of Orefield, Pa., died on Nov. 19, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 1947 Helen Matalonis of Hanover Twp., Pa., died on Feb. 1, 2018. 41 �class notes Conflict. He retired as a senior engineer after 28 years at Western Electric/Lucent. Vincent Herron of Lancaster, Pa., died on Nov. 15, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He worked for Armstrong World Industries from 1966 until his retirement in 1999 as a project engineer. Max Salsburg of Kingston, Pa., died on Feb. 16, 2018. He owned and operated Goldstein’s Deli in Kingston, Pa., prior to retiring. 1962 Joseph “Joe” Simoson Jr. of Northampton, Pa., died on Aug. 22, 2017. 1963 Philip Johnson of Lebanon, Pa., died on June 15, 2017. He was a chemical engineer for the Henkel Corp. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 1964 LeRoy “Gene” James Sult of Harveys Lake, Pa., died on Aug. 22, 2017. He owned and operated VIP Coffee Shop, located in the Sterling Hotel, Wilkes-Barre, and worked in his family’s Mark II Restaurants. 42 Gregory H. Szeyko of El Paso, Texas, died on Sept. 11, 2012. He earned his medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine. In 1976 he took a position as an assistant professor of medicine at Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He entered into private practice in 1978. He became the medical director of the Providence Wound Institute. In 2011 he was appointed adjunct professor for the biomedical research department at University of Texas at El Paso, where he continued to advance research into novel wound therapies. Joseph Douglas Yeager of Forty Fort, Pa., died Oct. 11, 2017. 1966 Theresa Ann Mond of Drexel Hill, Pa., died on Aug. 22, 2017. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from Hunter College, New York City, and worked in the nursing field for several hospitals and educational institutions until her retirement. Peter Stchur of Hanover Twp., Pa., died on Feb. 27, 2018. Stchur retired as a chemistry teacher in the Hanover Area School District after serving more than 35 years. He was the director of the Science in Motion program at Wilkes University. 1967 Robert Cardillo of Swoyersville, Pa., died on Feb. 6, 2018. He worked in advertising before starting his photo finishing business, Custom Color Lab. Prior to retiring, he worked in radio advertising and as a salesman for Certified Laboratories. John Kleynowski of Dayton, Ohio, died on May 2, 2016. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was a sales and marketing manager with Exxon Oil Company. Neil Millar of Landenberg, Pa., died on Aug. 15, 2017. After high school he joined the Army Tank Corps. He was employed by General Motors Assembly Plant in Wilmington, Del., as an accountant and retired in 1998. He worked in the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center following retirement. 1968 Roger Beatty of Exeter, Pa., died Jan. 31, 2018. He was a member of the legendary Wilkes Golden Horde football team. He taught at SolomonPlains Junior High School in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, where he coached football and baseball. His baseball teams won eight Wyoming Valley Conference championships and two District II championships over 13 years. He was a PIAA referee and was inducted into the Plains Township Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Alicia (Ramsey) Burton of Philadelphia, Pa., died on Jan. 20, 2017. She was a teacher at the Overbrook School for the Blind. Keith Russin of Plains, Pa., died on Oct. 26, 2017. He earned a master of library science degree from Pratt Institute. He also attended St.Vladimir’s Seminary and earned the master of divinity degree. He was the librarian at the Meriden Public Library in Meriden, Conn. He owned and operated the Simon S. Russin Funeral Home in Plains, and Edwards and Russin Funeral Home in Edwardsville, Pa., for nearly three decades. 1969 Robert Jay Holliday of Lake Grove, N.Y., died on Jan. 3, 2018. A football player at Wilkes, he later became the assistant football coach at East Islip High School in New York from 1969-1979. He was the head football coach at Kings Park High School from 1981-1984 and returned to East Islip to coach in the 1985 and 1986 seasons. He retired in 2002 as the Islip Schools athletic director. Holliday is survived by his wife Sharon (Going) Holliday ’69. 1970 Joel Fierman of Exeter, Pa., died on Feb. 4, 2018. He was employed as an ironworker. David Kutz of Sicklerville, N.J., died on Aug. 7, 2017. He spent many years as an Eagle’s Scout assistant and master. Frances (Salgado) Cavanaugh, of Edgewood, Ky., died on Feb. 10, 2016. She was a teacher for 40 years and she spent the last 18 years at St. Pius X School, in Edgewood. 1972 Thomas J. Morris of Hanover Township, Pa., died on Sept. 15, 2017. He founded and served as president of Professional Developmental Services Inc., one of the largest mental and behavioral health service companies for geriatrics in northeast Pennsylvania. He practiced as a psychologist and social worker �class notes 1974 Leonardia (Marusak) Karpowicz of Nanticoke, Pa., died on Dec. 1, 2017. She was employed as a chemist in the food industry and served in several other positions prior to her retirement, including as office coordinator for Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere, Inc. 1975 George C. Comerosky of Shavertown, Pa., died on Sept. 18, 2017. He was an insurance claims adjuster with CNA and Traveler’s Insurance companies. Prior to working in the Insurance industry, he was employed by Air Products in Hanover Township and worked as a wedding photographer in the 1990s. Comerosky was very active and held a strong commitment to Fidelity Lodge 655 Free and Accepted Masons, Wilkes-Barre. Raymond Gustave of West Wyoming, Pa., died on Jan. 23, 2018. He served in the U.S. Air Force, receiving the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam. He became chief of the financial management branch of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research. He served as West Wyoming Borough manager for two years. Harold Hoover of Dallas, Pa., died on Feb. 14, 2018. He earned his master’s degree from Marywood University and taught music at Dallas Elementary School for 35 years. He was a former member of the AGO Oratorio Society. Baron Strassman Zneimer and Co. CPA, Wilkes-Barre, and in the audit and finance departments of the Geisinger Healthcare System in Danville, Pa., and Wilkes-Barre. Gary Sitkowski, of Jonestown, Pa., died on Oct. 28, 2017. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Bob Jones University and served as an evangelist with the Baptist Church. Prior to his death, he was employed by D.B. Fisher. 2001 Wayne Brokenshire of Mount Carmel, Pa., died on Sept. 26, 2017. He was a math teacher at Shamokin Area High School for 34 years and earlier taught at Cardinal Brennan High School. He was the voice of WKMC Red Tornado football for 33 years. He was a football coach for Cardinal Brennan, track and field coach for Shamokin, basketball coach for Holy Spirit and for the Mount Carmel Junior Baseball League. 1976 Oliver James Behm, of Wilkes-Barre died on Jan. 21, 2018. He was named “Patriot of the Year” in 2001 and 2002 from the Hospitalized Veterans Organization and was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Disabled Veterans Association. 1983 Susan (Harrison) Jenkins of Colorado Springs, Colo., died on Nov. 17, 2015. She was a physician recruiter for Centura Health Physician Group. Also a talented musician, she was a member of the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble and the Colorado Springs Chorale. 1993 Suzanne O’Hara Leseber, of Plains, Pa., died on Nov. 12, 2017. She was a U.S. Navy veteran. She was employed by the Social Security Administration in Plains Twp. as a record specialist. 1995 Barbara A. Negvesky of Dallas, Pa., died on Sept. 1, 2017. She was employed by 2003 James Hanson of Yulan, N.Y., died on Dec. 30, 2017. He served in the United States Marines, achieving the rank of captain. Later he worked at the New York State Governor’s Office under governors Elliot Spitzer and David Paterson. He later joined the administration of Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein. In 2013, he joined Avesta Communities, a property management and investment company, as a project director and operations manager. After becoming ill, he became president of the Patients’ Rights Action Fund in September 2015, where he worked for compassionate, life-affirming care, for patients facing disease and disability. Eric Zuber of Lansford, Pa., died on Jan. 15, 2018. He was employed by Amazon. Friends of Wilkes Virginia “Jennie” (Pittman) Sikes of Lexington, Va., died on Jan. 13, 2018. A member of the Wilkes University Board of Trustees since 2006, Sikes earned her bachelor’s degree Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She also earned a master of education degree there. She attended Columbia University School of Law where she was a Stone Scholar, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Law and Social Problems and winner of the E.B. Convers Prize for the best original essay on a legal subject. After graduating from law school, she clerked for the Hon. Max Rosenn, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She became a partner in the law firm of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker, & Rhoads in Philadelphia, where she served many years on the management committee. She was the first woman ever to be named managing partner of the law firm. She taught law courses at Philadelphia area colleges. Active in charitable and arts organizations, she was a past president of The Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers of the Arts and the Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. WILKES | Spring/Summer 2018 for 44 years. He is survived by his wife, Felicia Z. Morris ’72. 43 �S U C C E S S S TA RT S H E R E Learning continues near you. Online and on-campus graduate programs at Wilkes University There’s never been a better time at Wilkes University. Why? Because we continue to grow in size, opportunity and reputation while offering the mentoring, personal attention and small classes that graduate students desire, whether in person or online. Learn ADVANCE YOUR CAREER IN: • Business (M.B.A.) • Creative Writing (M.A. and M.F.A.) • Education (M.S. and Ed.D.) about our more than two-dozen graduate degrees and certificate • Engineering (M.S.) programs for educators, business leaders, nurses, writers and • Nursing (M.S., D.N.P, Ph.D.) engineers. Programs are offered in online, face-to-face and convenient blended formats. • Mathematics (M.S.) APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.WILKES.EDU/GRADUATESTUDIES Questions? Contact graduate admissions at (570) 408-4235. �Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 Wyoming Valley Country Club, Wilkes-Barre ANNOUNCING THE Featuring a Chwalek Putting Contest Honor the memory of George Ralston, the father of Wilkes athletics, by supporting the inaugural Ralston Memorial Tournament. From coaching to leading his trademark cheer, George Ralston embodied the spirit of Wilkes athletics. His legacy lives on in the University’s 23 varsity sports fielding teams today. benefiting Wilkes University Athletics Join us in supporting student-athletes at a tournament benefiting all athletic programs. For more information, contact Margaret Steele, executive director of advancement and alumni relations, at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu or 570-408-4302. �w WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 WILKES UNIVERSITY calendar of events May August 1– 20 “Sordoni Collection of American Illustration & Comic Art,” Sordoni Art Gallery 19 Commencement 30– July 1 Ben Woodeson: “Solid Gone,” Sordoni Art Gallery 3 –4 4 –10 17 24–26 27 June 2 Founders Gala 2 Ben Woodeson and Jane Cook, Corning Museum of Glass: “Approaches to Metal and Glass (in) Compatibility.” 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sordoni Art Gallery 10 –14 Maslow Faculty Reading Series, 7 p.m. Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 11 Summer Session 1 Begins 23 Damian Roden: “Periodisation in Soccer,” 9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. Schmidt Stadium July 13 Summer Session 1 Ends 16 Summer Session 2 Begins 17– 20 “Tape Art Muralists,” Sordoni Art Gallery 20 Admissions Open House 22–28 Women Empowered By Science Camp 29 –Aug. 3 Norman Mailer Writers Colony Workshops Pennsylvania Writers Conference Norman Mailer Writers Colony Workshops Summer Session 2 Ends Welcome Weekend Start of Fall Semester September 9 10 15 30 Summer Commencement Ralston Memorial Golf Tournament Admissions Open House Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Rosenn Lecture, 2 p.m., McHale Athletic Center, University Center on Main October 5–7 Wilkes Homecoming 2018 11 Fall Recess Begins 15 Classes Resume 16– Dec. 16 Heather Sincavage: “Loud Silence: Expressions of Activism,” Sordoni Art Gallery PHOTO BY JAMES MUSTO 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 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 Spring 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, Spring 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 Spring 2018 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/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/98c26c9c74c3ac48da6c8acd7c42092e.pdf 12fe9250611d79b0c813a758f40a516c PDF Text Text » s c * - *• K, Ri �president’s WILKES VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 1 Reflecting on a Year as President in a Time Like no Other * Interim University President Paul S. Adams '77 MS ’82 Executive Director of Marketing Communications Kim Bower-Spence to Wilkes as interim president. As I reflect upon the last year, y/Lj \ many moments come to mind: welcoming the newest class of 7C Colonels along the Karambelas Gateway during Welcome J V Weekend, handing diplomas to our students on behalf of my colleagues at our September and January commencements, watching our student-athletes celebrate by ringing the victory bell at Bruggeworth Field and receiving the presidential chain of office from Dan Cardell ’79, my longtime friend and our current chair of the Wilkes Board ofTrustees, during my installation. These are among the most memorable; however, my interactions with students and colleagues across campus and at our events always remain the highlight of my days. In the last issue of Wilkes, I wrote about having the opportunity to remember the life of Dr. Francis J. Michelini — known affectionately as “Dr. Mike”— who we lost in September 2019. Dr. Mike was president of _- Wilkes during 1972 when floodwaters that followed Hurricane Agnes ravaged our awFI campus and countless communities in our region. Through his Operation Snapback, Dr. Mike led recovery efforts after the flood, ensuring that Wilkes was able to ar I reopen for the fall semester. ty I | ■■ 1 with colleagues in the Weckesser Hall board room, photo by steve husted/ KNOT JUST ANY DAY As I write this, we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought Senior Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Ashleigh Crispell ’15 Executive Director of Communications and Graduate Marketing Gabrielle D’Amico '04, MFA'17 Web Services Brittany Terpstra Cory Burrell Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Intern Cabrini Rudnicki Layout/Design Kara Reid Printing Lane Press contents OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS FEATURES Chief Development Officer Margaret Steele 8 #Forever Colonel Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE us with more questions than answers. Now, more than ever, I am moved by the patience includes maintaining a sense of community. Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations Mary Balavage Simmons ’10, MBA ’16 22 All Stars and resolve displayed by Dr. Mike and his colleagues.They confronted seemingly insurmountable challenges head-on, and worked tirelessly to rebuild our campus so that the mission ofWilkes could continue. During this pandemic, when we are once again challenged as an institution, I am inspired by our sense of community, and die strength Vice President Matt Berger '02 Secretary John Sweeney ’13 Historian Cindy Charnetski ’97 2 On Campus 31 Alumni News 32 Giving Back Individuals, coaches and teams inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame reflect on the experience ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 DEPARTMENTS Wilkes University’s response to a global pandemic unthinkable changes to our lives and left , Interim President Paul Adams confers SPRING/SUMMER 2020 WILKES MAGAZINE s the 2020 spring semester comes to a close, so too will my service /\ -JL. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hopeful faces of Wilkes University students and faculty in the online grid of classes held on Zoom and other online platforms are the new normal, photo 34 Class Notes of being Colonels on playing fields and courts. 26 Past Preserved Have a story idea to share? Gail Wallen ‘68 shares the stories of Holocaust Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.« survivors among members of the military. or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., ILLUSTRATION BY KARA REID Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. 28 Global Perspective and die determination shown by Wilkes students, faculty, staff and alumni Mamin Michaels ’92 is an internationally Wilkes magazine is available online at throughout these trying times. And, I am confident that this interminable recognized wealth management attorney. www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonlim spirit and resilience ofWilkes and its people will raise us from the challenges Wilkes magazine^ is published two times a year by the Wilkes u"'vc's'*y Office of the pandemic and have us emerge as a of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St. Wilkes Barre, pa iB7w. wilkesmagazinesr wilke5.edu. (570)408-4779. Please send change of aua - stronger and more effective university. I hope you all continue to stay well, stay healthy and be Colonel. Paul S. Adams ’77 MS ’82 Interim President to the above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution ol higher education aeaderme and intellectual excellence in the hlmr.il arts. sciences and pro < . programs. The university provides Ils students with the experience .1 1 oW||,( necessary for career and intellectual development as well .is or per ,...’at.nts engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages-< to welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse an con 1 changing world The university enhances the tradition of strong intcr.it lions in all its programs, attracts and retains outstanr mg, pc ' n|ly every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of roopcra o . involvement and individual respect within the entire uinvcrtlly to ESC MIX Paper from responsible sources FSC* C022085 �jnt’s letter WILKES VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 1 ing on a Year ident in a ke no Other -JL SPRING/SUMMER 2020 WILKES MAGAZINE Interim University President Paul S. Adams '77 MS '82 Executive Director of Marketing Communications Kim Bower-Spence )20 spring semester comes to a close, so too will my service Ikes as interim president. As I reflect upon the last year, 7 moments come co mind: welcoming the newest class of lonels along the Karambelas Gateway during Welcome Weekend, handing diplomas to our students on behalf of □ur September and January commencements, watching :es celebrate by ringing the victory bell at Bruggeworth g the presidential chain of office from Dan Cardell ’79, id and our current chair of the Wilkes Board ofTrustees, tion. These are among the most memorable: however, my students and colleagues across campus and at our events highlight of my days. of Wilkes, I wrote about having the opportunity’ to of Dr. Francis J. Michelini — known affectionately as 10 we lost in September 2019. Dr. Mike was president of Wilkes during 1972 when floodwaters that followed Hurricane Agnes ravaged our campus and countless communities in our region. Through his Operation Snapback, Dr. Mike led recovery’ efforts after the flood, ensuring that Wilkes was able to reopen for the fall semester. As I write this, we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought Senior Editor Vicki Mayk MFA’13 Creative Services Ashleigh Crispell ’15 Executive Director of Communications and Graduate Marketing Gabrielle D'Amico ’04, MFA’17 Web Services Brittany Terpstra Cory Burrell Communications Specialist Kelly Clisham MFA’16 Intern Cabrini Rudnicki Layout/Design Kara Reid contents Printing Lane Press OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS FEATURES Chief Development Officer Margaret Steele 8 #Forever Colonel Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE us with more questions than answers. Now, lams confers rckesser Hall and resolve displayed by Dr. Mike and his Vc HUSTED/ colleagues. They confronted seemingly insurmountable challenges head-on, and rebuild our campus so that the mission ofWilkes could is pandemic, when we are once again challenged as nspired by our sense of community, and the strength 2 On Campus Wilkes University’s response to a global pandemic includes maintaining a sense of community. Associate Director, Office of Alumni Relations Mary Balavage Simmons ’10, MBA ’16 22 All Stars 31 Alumni News 32 Giving Back Individuals, coaches and teams inducted into the unthinkable changes to our lives and left more than ever, I am moved by the patience DEPARTMENTS Athletics Hall of Fame reflect on the experience ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hopeful faces of Wilkes University students and faculty in the online grid of classes held on Zoom and other online platforms are the new normal, photo President Ellen Stamer Hall '71 Vice President Matt Berger '02 Secretary John Sweeney ’13 34 Class Notes of being Colonels on playing fields and courts. 26 Past Preserved Have a story idea to share? Gail Wallen ’68 shares the stories of Holocaust Contact us at wilkesmagazine@wilkes.edu survivors among members of the military. or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., ILLUSTRATION BY KARA REID Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. 28 Global Perspective Historian Cindy Charnetski ’97 >n shown by Wilkes students, faculty, staff and alumni ing times. And, I am confident that this interminable >fWilkes and its Marnin Michaels ’92 is an internationally Wilkes magazine is available online at recognized wealth management attorney. www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline Paper from responsible sources I FSC* C022085 3 om the challenges have us emerge as a ective university, inue to stay well, olonel. Paul S. Adams ’77 MS ’82 Interim President Office s magazine < published two times a year■ by the th Wilkes University O...— 31_, Will ,/ilkes-Barre, PA 18766. of Marketing Communications. 84 W. South St, Please send change of address wilkesmagazin^^vvilkesedu. (570)408 4779to the above address. Ur.rzerpity 10 an independent institution of higher education de.li . : ,.rj u.’OctuJ excellence m the liberal arts sc-cnces and profrMJO engenders a '.*rr.e of values and civic, responsibility, and c ncoura^- -1 to w- i'ome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse ,m' con changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong !. u inter,K.lions m til its programs. attracts and retains outst.iridm;’ p'-op ' every segment of the ur vc-rsrty, arid fosters a spirit of cooperatio , involvement, and individual respec* within tlx- entire univcrsiiy. [( MIX FSC mb I PC I ' 1 �or on campus culture at Wilkes, Getting in the Wilkes spirit at a Colonels basketball g at Fairleigh Dickinson University are, second row beh players, from left, Neal McHugh '86, Greg Cant, Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 and Bill LePore '94 and third row, Wil chief development officer Margaret Steele and Chris Pavalkis D’Angelo '97. one that is entirely prepared to transition to his new role durii dedicated to the time like no other on campus.The Wilkes health and success of for joining the University in what will be ; “There is an incredible Greg Cant Becomes Wilkes' Seventh President in June — With a Head Start Thanks to Campus Visits Greg Cant was introduced as Wilkes’ seventh president event in the Sordoni Art Gallery in December 2019. Since that during the quarantine has fueled his enthu: our students.” pivotal time in its history7. - Greg Cant I was keenly observing our response to tht “While we were still living in New Jers* announcement, Cant has made getting to know the University pandemic and it has only reinforced my pi community’ a priority’. Although his official start date is June 15, and passion for our amazing university7,” he 2020, he’s visited Wilkes several times in the last few months, attending some events and meeting with faculty7, staff, students and friends of the University7. He attended board of trustees and alumni association board students. Strong academic offerings, an emphasis on small classes “There is an incredible culture at Wilkes, one that is entire and hands-on learning and a commitment to first-generation dedicated to the health and success of our students. I am h students are things I care about deeply.” to become part of a University that cares as deeply as Will­ Cant frequently has spoken with interim President Paul Adams meetings on March 6, and also met with faculty7 and was ’77 MS ’82 after campus closed due to the pandemic. He -will be introduced to community7 leaders at a reception. On other occasions, he saw a play in the Dane Center and attended Wilkes womens and a men’s basketball game at Fairleigh does. These are uncertain times and many7 difficulties lie al That “Be Colonel” spirit is so important as we move into reality in higher education. One that will challenge all of 1 Greg Cant, dean of the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University in New Jersey, will join Wilkes University as its seventh president in June. Dickinson University in New Jersey. The game was a short drive eager to get to campus and get to work.” PRESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION PLANNED FOR OCTOBER As Wilkes magazine went to press, the installation of Greg on the Garden State Parkway from where Cant is completing important as I continue to explore the environment and culture his time as dean of the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair that makes Wilkes so special. I was especially honored to meet State University. He even made a quiet visit to the Wilkes campus our alumni, both on our board of trustees and in our greater — dressed in jeans and remaining incognito among other parents community. Their success is the best endorsement for a Wilkes — when he accompanied his daughter Eliza to Scholars Day in education. And their continued dedication to our University February7 She will be part of Wilkes’ first-year class in the fall. His speaks volumes for the experience they had here.” wife, Angela, came with him for some of the visits, enjoying her Cants appointment follows a national search that began own introduction to the campus community, including meeting in February 2019. A native ofAustralia, he has 30 years of with students. Their son Jackson, a high school student, will be experience as an educator and administrator in the United States living on campus with them when they move to campus. and abroad. He has served as the dean of the Feliciano School Cant as the University's seventh president is planned for the weekend of Oct. i6-t8, 2020 to coincide with the Founders Gala. More details will be announced during the summer. Editor’s Note: The story about the University’s presidentia search which appeared in the fall 2019 issue omitted the r Erica Acosta, associate director of diversity affairs, from t of people serving on the presidential search committee. We apologize for the omission. “My trips to campus were primarily designed to meet as many since July 2015. As dean, Cant provided strategic leadership for a Biology Professor William Terzaghi to Deliver O’Hop Lecture people as possible,” Cant explains. “Because it was a closed search, business school of more than 3,700 students and 300 faculty and William Terzaghi, professor of biology, in bioengineering. A plant biologist, he also has been recognized for innc these opportunities with faculty, staff and students have been staff members. Under his leadership, the school developed and will deliver the 2020 O’Hop Final is a member of the American Society and interdisciplinary teaching. implemented over two dozen programs that enhanced enrollment Word Lecmre. His topic -will be “Gene of Plant Biologists and the American The late Paul O’Hop establish* and academic quality, leveraged interdisciplinary expertise and Editing: How It Might Improve Human Association for the Advancement of the Final Word Lecture to foster 1 addressed critical market needs. During his tenure, the Feliciano Health and Food Security.” Gene editing, Science. Terzaghi earned his doctorate exchange of ideas and dialogue ai School of Business experienced overall enrollment growth of while sometimes controversial, offers from the University of Utah. He was Wilkes faculty, staff and administr nearly 50 percent, including a graduate population that grew the potential for improving treatment of the recipient of both a National Science and to showcase the talents and s by 115 percent. Prior to his role at Montclair State University, health conditions and improving crops Foundation Predoctoral and Postdoctoral abilities at the University. O’Hop Cant was the dean of the Offutt School of Business at Concordia to make them more resistant to disease Fellowship and completed post-doctoral from Wilkes in 2001 after serving College in Minnesota. To learn more about Cant, please visit and pests. Terzaghi’s lecture will describe work at the University www.wilkes.edu/incomingpresident. His encounters with members of the Wilkes family since technologies used for gene editing and will of Pennsylvania and the of business affairs a examine the pros and cons of gene editing Carnegie Institution of auxiliary enterprise accepting the job have confirmed his earliest impressions about the University. Discussing the reasons for his interest in coming for humans and in agriculture. He also will Washington. Terzaghi Recently the lectui discuss how gene-editing technologies are is widely published in concluded the Uni t° Wilkes, he says, "I was attracted to Wilkes not only because used at Wilkes, and ways that they may be research journals and is research symposiun used in the future. Ethical dilemmas and the recipient of numerous date for the 2020 1 the potential repercussions in the general grants in support of his has yet to be deter population also will be addressed. research, including funding tellar reputation, but also because of the way it serves its ectors. photo by iibidget husteo Terzaghi joined the Wilkes biology from the National Science Found department in 1995. He also co-directs and the U.S. Department ofAgri* the synthetic biology track in the He is a six-time wanner of the University’s master’s degree program outstanding faculty award at Wilk years as vice presidi �on campus imp us culture at Wilkes, Getting in the Wilkes spirit at a Colonels basketball game at Fairleigh Dickinson University are, second row behind players, from left, Neal McHugh *86, Greg Cant, Ellen Stamer Hall 71 and Bill LePore ’94 and third row, Wilkes chief development officer Margaret Steele and Christine Pavalkis D'Angelo ’97. one that is entirely prepared to transition to his new role during a “There is an incredible time like no other on campus. The Wilkes spirit dedicated to the health and success of r our students.” . Sccdoni.-JT Griisrv m December 2019. Since that ■f—Cam —arif a r—~~—•• ---.trz 'me MIKES, 9F during the quarantine has fueled his enthusiasm Ip? for joining the University in what will be a pivotal time in its history. “While we were still living in New Jersey, - Greg Cant I was keenly observing our response to the 10 know the University pandemic and it has only reinforced my pride LL c-mrial start date is June 15, and passion for our amazing university,” he says. severs] rimes ~~ the last few months, —v —vrim faculty". staff, students ■of the Umvzrrity 1 March b. and also met with faculty* and was :□ 1—-."-re leaders at 2 reception. On other e sew a yw —. me D~—~r- Center and attended ten's and a men's basketball game at Fairleigh students. Strong academic offerings, an emphasis on small classes “There is an incredible culture at Wilkes, one that is entirely and hands-on learning and a commitment to first-generation dedicated to die health and success of our students. I am honored students are things I care about deeply.” Cant frequendy has spoken with interim President Paul Adams to become part of a University that cares as deeply as Wilkes 77 MS ’82 after campus closed due to the pandemic. He will be That “Be Colonel” spirit is so important as we move into a new does. These are uncertain times and many difficulties lie ahead. reality in higher education. One that will challenge all of us. I am Greg Cant, dean of the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University in New Jersey, will join Wilkes University as its seventh president in June. J-dvertirr in New Jersey. The game was a short drive eager to get to campus and get to work.” PRESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION PLANNED FOR OCTOBER As Wilkes magazine went to press, the installation of Greg en Smre Parkway from where Cant is completing important as I continue to explore the environment and culture Cant as the University’s seventh president is planned for the lean of me Feliciano School of Business at Montclair that makes Wilkes so special. I was especially honored to meet weekend of Oct. 16-18, 2020 to coincide with the Founders ■siry. He even made a order visit to the Wilkes campus our alumni, both on our board of trustees and in our greater Gala More details will be announced during the summer. jeans and -em.-.jning incognito among other parents community. Their success is the best endorsement for a Wilkes fctompaztied his daughter Eliza to Scholars Day in education. And their continued dedication to our University e wff be part of WEkes' frrst-year class in the fall. His speaks volumes for the experience they had here.” , came with him for some of the visits, enjoying her Cant’s appointment follows a national search that began ction to rhe campus community, including meeting in February 2019. A native ofAustralia, he has 30 years of s.Their son Jackson, 2 high school student, will be experience as an educator and administrator in the United States npus with mem when the}' move to campus. and abroad. He has served as the dean of the Feliciano School to campus were primarily designed to meet as many Editor’s Note: The story about the University’s presidential search which appeared in the fall 2019 issue omitted the name of Erica Acosta, associate director of diversity affairs, from the list of people serving on the presidential search committee. We apologize for the omission. department in 1995. He also co-directs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. the synthetic biology track in the He is a six-time winner of the since July 2015. As dean, Cant provided strategic leadership for a Biology Professor William Terzaghi to Deliver O’Hop Lecture University’s masters degree program outstanding faculty award at Wilkes and sable." Cant explains. “Because it was a closed search, business school of more than 3,700 students and 300 faculty and William Terzaghi, professor of biology, in bioengineering. A plant biologist, he also has been recognized for innovative unities with faculty; staff and students have been staff members. Under his leadership, the school developed and will deliver the 2020 O’Hop Final is a member of the American Society and interdisciplinary teaching. implemented over two dozen programs that enhanced enrollment Word Lecture. His topic will be “Gene of Plant Biologists and the American The late Paul O’Hop established and academic qualiry, leveraged interdisciplinary expertise and Editing: How It Might Improve Human Association for the Advancement of the Final Word Lecture to foster the Terzaghi joined the Wilkes biology from the National Science Foundation addressed critical market needs. During his tenure, the Feliciano Health and Food Security.” Gene editing, Science. Terzaghi earned his doctorate exchange of ideas and dialogue among Scnool of Bus.neva '.-zperienccd overall enrollment growth of while sometimes controversial, offers from the University of Utah. He was Wilkes faculty, staff and administrators 7j p .vvmt, including a graduate population that grew by 115 perccr... Prior to hit role at Montclair State University, the potential for improving treatment of the recipient of both a National Science and to showcase the talents and scholarly health conditions and improving crops Foundation Predoctoral and Postdoctoral abilities at the University. O’Hop retired <.w. »>. to make them more resistant to disease Fellowship and completed post-doctoral from Wilkes in 2001 after serving 16 and pests. Terzaghi’s lecture will describe work at the University years as vice president technologies used for gene editing and will of Pennsylvania and the of business affairs and examine the pros and cons of gene editing Carnegie Institution of auxiliary’ enterprises. for humans and in agriculture. He also will Washington. Terzaghi Recently the lecture has discuss how gene-editing technologies are is widely published in concluded the University’s used at Wilkes, and ways that they may be research journals and is research symposium. The used in the future. Ethical dilemmas and the recipient of numerous date for the 2020 lecture the potential repercussions in the general grants in support of his has yet to be determined. population also will be addressed. research, including funding . f til,. fjlfuu Sc|)oo] ofBusiness at Concordia m0K ;,|,out cant, please visit ■■■ '.................... ’ members of the Wilkes family since his earliest impressions about >>/'■ ’h' r'se.oir, fin his interest in coming ' ' f -!■ f w*-, Ln/ lt.(l It, Wilkes not only because liecitunr of the way it serves its 1 I!'/ ,II I, 1 IJ Hl bi I 3 �on campus Rosenn Lecture With National Public Radio’s Terry Gross Scheduled for April 25, 2021 The Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities with National Public Radio’s Terry Gross wall now be held on April 25, 2021. The lecture was Gross is National Public Radio’s award-winning host and co-execunve producer ofL zim Gross, who has been host of fW Air s.nce 1975, when .t was broadcast only in greater Philadelphia, is not afraid to ask tough questions. Bur she sets an atmosphere in which her guests volunteer rhe answers rather t ar> --ndermg them. The San Francisco Chronicle calls the unique approach, a remarkable blend of empathy and warmth, genuine curiosity and sharp intelligence.” Fresh Air is broadcast on nearly Esther B. Davidowitz to Receive President’s Medal at Founders Gala, Rescheduled on Oct. 17, 2020 Esther B. Davidowitz will be honored with the President’s Medal at the Founders Gala on Oct. 17, 2020. Now in its 600 stations and became the first non-drive-time show in pubhc rad.o history to reach seventh year, the Founders Gala celebrates the University’s more than five million listeners a week. The broadcast went on to win The Peabody legacy of educating first-generation college students. The Award in 1994 for its “probing questions, revelatory interviews and unusual insight.” gala will be held at 6 p.m. at the Westmoreland Club, 59 S. previously scheduled for April 19,2020. Franklin St. in Wilkes-Barre. The University announced in April The 2021 event will be held at 2:30 2020 that the gala, previously scheduled for June 6, would be p.m. in the Dorothy Dickson Darte postponed until fall. Center for the Performing Arts. Details about registering for the 2021 event will be released at a later date. The lecture is free and open to the public. The lecture, “All I Did Was Ask: An Afternoon With Tern7 Gross,” will offer a behind-the-mic glimpse of her innovative and hugely popular public radio show, Fresh Air. “Few people have preserved the history of Wilkes University in the detail and eloquence of Essy Davidowitz.” - Interim President Paul S. Adams '77 MS ’82 Recounting stories of extremely successful interviews as well as relating entertaining tales of particularly The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the disastrous interviews, Gross will share a President’s Medal to Davidowitz, who is a resident of Kingston, side of herself that her listeners rarely Pa. The President’s Medal is bestowed annually on an individual get to see. whose personal and professional life reflect the highest aspirations of Wilkes University. It’s an appropriate recognition Esther B. Davidowitz's nearly half-century of contri celebrated when she receives the President's Meds PHOTO BY STEVE HUSTED/KNOT JUST ANY DAY for a woman who has been a dedicated leader and supporter of Wilkes for nearly 50 years. Davidowitz was a member of the University board of trustees WILKES INTRODUCES EMERGING LEADER AWARDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS I ’77 MS ’82. “As former chair of our acad from 1973 through 2006 when she received emerita status. of the board of trustees. Essy had a guidii During her tenure on the board, she served as treasurer and development of the University. She has al secretary, and was the chair of the academic program committee for the educational advancement of our s and executive board. Davidowitz has been a close advtisor and who are the first in their family to earn z friend to each of the University’s presidents and co-edited the to award her with the President’s Medal? writings of Wilkes’ founding president, Eugene S. Farley, in “Essays of an Educator.” Her decision to contribute her time and leadership to Wilkes § Wilkes University in 1990,” said interim A prominent figure in the Wyoming V received numerous accolades for her pro community efforts. She was awarded the wakes Un.vers.ty has launched rhe Colonel Emerging Leader Award, a new pre-scholarship granted grew out of her earliest experiences with the institution. “I to high school juniors who demonstrate high academic and leadership potential. Selected students made a meaningful choice. When I reflect on life it is important Anti-Defamation League ofB’nai B’rith will be guaranteed a minimum merit award of $10,000 per year at Wilkes if they enroll at the University after high school graduation. to have goals and I believe those goals must be meaningful,” ot the Hannah G. Solomon Award from Davidowitz says. “I had the opportunity to work with Dr. ot Jewish Women. Davidowitz and her £ High school counselors may nominate up to four students from their schools to receive th awards.To qualify, students must have a minimum 3.25 grade-point average on a 4 0 sea'll ' U' Farley and wanted to carry on his legacy and dreams for Wilkes recognized by the borough of Kingston, and our students.” 85 percent grade average and at least a 1000 SAT, 21 ACT or 900 PSAT scor • If . ' L °' not yet taken the PSAT, SAT or ACT, they must demonstrate continual, actZe pardci in the detail and eloquence of Essy Davidowitz. She has been two extracurricular programs, two community service projects, or a combination of botl'°" a force in our evolution, seeing us through one of the most “Few people have preserved the history of Wilkes University formative moments in our history when Wilkes College became Community Sendee Award by the Great Generation2Generation for their work ii Davidowitz is a graduate of Wyoming S> and Simmons College. Boston. Mass. To become a sponsor of the Founders tickets, please visit www.wilkes.edu/fo �on campus 2 With Radio’s neduled 21 Gross is National Public Radios award-winning host and co-execudve producer of Fresh Air. Gross, who has been host of Fresh Air since 1975, when it was broadcast only in greater Philadelphia, is not afraid to ask tough questions. But she sets an atmosphere in which her guests volunteer the answers rather than surrendering them. The San Francisco Chronicle calls the unique approach, “a remarkable blend of empathy and warmth, genuine curiosity and sharp intelligence.” Fresh Air is broadcast on nearly e in Law 600 stations and became the first non-drive-time show in public radio history to reach donal Public more than five million listeners a week. The broadcast went on to win The Peabody now be held Award in 1994 for its “probing questions, revelatory interviews and unusual insight.” cture was \pril 19,2020. Esther B. Davidowitz to Receive President's Medal at Founders Gala, Rescheduled on Oct. 17, 2020 Esther B. Davidowitz will be honored with the President’s Medal at the Founders Gala on Oct. 17, 2020. Now in its seventh year, the Founders Gala celebrates the University’s legacy of educating first-generation college students. The gala will be held at 6 p.m. at the Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St. in Wilkes-Barre. The University announced in April 2020 that the gala, previously scheduled for June 6, would be eld at 2:30 postponed until fall. son Darte g Arts. Details 2021 event date. The ) the public. Was Ask: Illi... Gross,” c glimpse fly Fresh Air. “Few people have preserved the history of Wilkes University in the detail and eloquence of Essy Davidowitz.” - Interim President Paul S. Adams '77 MS '82 emely II as relating jlarly ; will share a mers rarely The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the President’s Medal to Davidowitz, who is a resident of Kingston, Pa. The President’s Medal is bestowed annually on an individual whose personal and professional life reflect the highest aspirations of Wilkes University. It’s an appropriate recognition Esther B. Davidowitz’s nearly half-century of contributions to Wilkes will be celebrated when she receives the President's Medal at the Founders Gala. PHOTO BY STEVE HUSTED/KNOT JUST ANY DAY for a woman who has been a dedicated leader and supporter of Wilkes for nearly 50 years. of National Public will talk about her )t so successful — on April 25,2021. JESSICA KOURKOUNIS Davidowitz was a member of the University board of trustees of the board of trustees, Essy had a guiding hand in the academic During her tenure on the board, she served as treasurer and development of the University. She has always been an advocate secretary, and was the chair of the academic program committee for the educational advancement of our students, especially those and executive board. Davidowitz has been a close advisor and who are the first in their family to earn a degree. It is our honor friend to each of the University’s presidents and co-edited the to award her with the Presidents Medal.” “Essays of an Educator.” Her decision to contribute her time and leadership to Wilkes hed rhe Colonel Emerging Leader Award, a new ppre-scholarship granted demonstrate high academic and leadership potential. Selected students uni merit award of $10,000 per year at Wilkes if they enroll at the graduation. tay nominate up to four students from their schools to receive the nust have a minimum 3.25 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or an d at least a 1000 SAT, 21 ACT or 900 PSAT score. If students have " or ACT, they must demonstrate continual, active participation in s, two community service proje ’77 MS ’82. “As former chair of our academic affairs committee from 1973 through 2006 when she received emerita status. writings of Wilkes’ founding president, Eugene S. Farley, in 5 EMERGING LEADER AWARDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS Wilkes University in 1990,” said interim President Paul S. Adams A prominent figure in the Wyoming Valley, Davidowitz received numerous accolades for her professional, civic and community efforts. She was awarded the Distinguished grew out of her earliest experiences with the institution. “I Community Service Award by the Greater Wilkes-Barre made a meaningful choice. When I reflect on Efe it is important Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith and was the recipient to have goals and I believe those goals must be meaningful,” of the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council Davidowitz says. “I had the opportunity to work with Dr. ofJewish Women. Davidowitz and her family have also been Farley and wanted to carry on his legacy and dreams for Wilkes recognized by the borough of Kingston, Temple Israel and and our students.” Generation2Generation for their work in the community. “Few people have preserved the history of Wilkes University in the detail and eloquence of Essy Davidowitz. She has been a force in our evolution, seeing us through one of the most formative moments in our history when Wilkes College became Davidowitz is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa., and Simmons College, Boston, Mass. To become a sponsor of the Founders Gala or to reserve tickets, please visit WAVw.wilkcs.edu/foundersgala. 1 I I (/!W * 5 �on campus Emily Russavage ’20 has received a prestigious National Science Foundation Wilkes Earns Grant, Takes Lead With It's On Us Initiative Graduate Research Fellowship. Russavage, of Dunmore, Pa., earned a bachelor Wilkes University received a §30,000 “It’s of science degree in biology' in December 2019. The fellowship, which is Biology Major Emily Russavage Receives NSF Research Fellowship of events called “Year of the Vote: Gender, Politics & Power.” Upcoming themes will include art, education, The year-long celebration includes thematic lectures delivered and universities to receive funding, which by Wilkes professors, discussion groups called “EqualiTEAs,” of every month and is available for streaming podcasts and open mic nights. yearofthevote.The podcast is produced by Kri the graduate institution. Russavage will use the fellowship to enter a doctoral will be used to raise awareness about sexual program in entomology' at Texas A&M University in fall 2020. While there, she and intimate-partner violence. This is the will study' pests, their predators and their effect on crops. The Graduate Research third time Wilkes has received the award. orated on the project i On Us PA” is a statewide campaign that Sincavage, assistant pro: of the Sordoni Art Gal notes that the program “has a long sexual assault. The grant will be used associate professor of c history of selecting recipients who to establish and continue programs that studies; Helen Davis, a< achieve high levels of success in educate and train students, faculty and staff of English; Maria Gran their future academic and profes­ on identifying, responding to and reporting professor of nursing; A: sional careers.” sexual violence. assistant professor of p< Jennifer Thomas and E The University also took a leadership Wilkes student to apply and role teaming up with the national It’s associate professors of ] receive the research fellowship On Us organization to host the first stop Lisa Reynolds, assistant while she was an undergraduate. on the organizations first-ever national Biology alumna Leila training tour. It’s On Us started as a federal Hadj-Chikh’97 also was awarded initiative created in 2014 dedicated to the the fellowship as an undergraduate. prevention of college sexual assault through Two other Wilkes biology alumni, consent education, bystander intervention, Andrew Bartlow TO and Rachel and survivor support. It’s On Us is now in their doctoral programs. Bartlow PHOTO COURTESY JEFF STRATFORD Wilkes faculty who An initiative of Gov. Tom Wolf, “It’s invites everyone to play a role in ending when they were already enrolled Emily Russavage '20 is seen showing off a discovery made while doing field research with Jeff Stratford, associate professor of biology. Communication Studit fellowships of their kind. The the graduate research fellowship ________ A podcast titled “In the Kisser” is also relea: National Science Foundation Curtis-Robles TO, each received received his doctorate from the University of Utah and is now a Directors Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Curtis-Robles earned her doctorate at Texas A&M and is now an epidemiologist in San Mateo, Calif. Russavage’s selection for the fellowship reflects the significant research 6 the pandemic, it is expected to continue some On Us” grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Wilkes was one of 36 colleges Russavage is only the second I a series was interrupted by the closing of the Ui of women receiving the right to vote in 2020 through a series awarded to early-career scientists, includes a three-year annual stipend of • I January, and Black History Month in February The Sordoni Art Gallery is marking the 100-year anniversary themes include an Introduction to the Year of §34,000 and an annual §12,000 allowance for tuition and fees that is paid to Fellowships are the oldest graduate s Each month is centered around a specific th "Year of the Vote” Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Women’s Voting Rights integrative media. For a complete listir wilkes.edu/yearofthevc PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES [■ — Z housed at Civic Nation, a 501 c3 nonprofit organization. The organization encourages universities to create student chapters. Wilkes Appoints Fulbright Program Advisor According to the It’s On Us website, there Gina Zanolini Morrison, professor of and recent graduates apply to the U.S. are 250 registered campus chapters in the global cultures, has been appointed Student Program. Two types of grants 2019-2020 school year. Fulbright Program advisor for Wilkes are available under the student program: University. The advisor serves as the formal the English Teaching Assistance awards, February focused on college students link between Wilkes and Fulbright. Run which pairs U.S. students with classroom training their peers in sexual assault by the U.S. Department of State Bureau teachers in another country, and research of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the and study awards for those seeking to Fulbright Program is the flagship interna­ do specific research or study in other tional educational exchange program countries. The program expects to sponsored by the U.S. government and award about 2,100 student grants in is designed to build lasting connections 2021-2022. The one-day event held at Wilkes in prevention, utilizing It’s On Us’s three core education pillars: sexual assault awareness experience she accrued while she was a Wilkes student. Such opportunities and consent, bystander intervention, and are a hallmark of a Wilkes education. Her senior research project with Ned survivor support. About 120 students from Fetcher, coordinator of Wilkes Institute for the Environment, studied the colleges and universities in the region effects of climate change on arctic plants. As a member of the research team attended. The national organization worked ofJeff Stratford, associate professor of biology, she studied the reproductive with Wilkes’ new student chapter of It’s success of the wood thrush, which is one of the most rapidly declining bird On Us to coordinate the training tour species in Pennsylvania. She and Stratford also have co-authored a paper event. Wilkes’ student chapter was created examining differences in the predatory habits of birds in rural, suburban and urban environments using clay caterpillars. The paper has been submitted^ in spring 2019 by students Lindsay Becker publication to the journal Urban Ecosystems. Andrew Wilczak, assistant professor of and Ashley Baker, both criminology majors. criminology, serves as faculty advisor. between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has given more than tional concerns. Fulbri 380,000 students, scholars, teachers, achieved distinction in recalled its grantees due to the pandemic, artists, professionals, and scientists the including 59 who havi the organization is proceeding with opportunity to study, teach and conduct the Nobel Prize, 82 w reviewing applications for the 2021-2022 research, exchange ideas, and contribute Pulitzer Prizes, and 37 academic year. Undergraduate students to finding solutions to shared interna­ as a head of state or g< Although the Fulbright Program �on campus lajor Envy Russavage Receives NSF FeL-v.j-;' ? '20 frss re-ce.ved c. vh FtCowship. .- in hc'.op Nitioml Science Foundation of Dunmore. Pa., earned a bachelor December 2.' S.The fellowship, which is -career screr.tiscs. mdhrdes a rnee-year annual stipend of amvU S -2- U.'.varce x-r Etition and fees that is paid to miticn. Rjssarzge ••• use fhe fellowship to enter a doctoral University in fall 2020.While there, she r.cSogy heir p.redaxrs and their ehect on crops. The Graduate Research Fellowships are the oldest graduate I Wilkes University received a $30,000 “It’s On Us” grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Wilkes was one of 36 colleges the pandemic, it is expected to continue some time this year. of events called “Year of the Vote: Gender, Politics & Power.” Upcoming themes will include art, education, sports and politics. The year-long celebration includes thematic lectures delivered A podcast titled “In the Kisser” is also released at the end and universities co receive funding, which by Wilkes professors, discussion groups called “EqualiTEAs,” of every month and is available for streaming on wilkes.edu/ vdll be used to raise awareness about sexual podcasts and open mic nights. yearofthevote. The podcast is produced by Kristen Rock of the and intimate-partner violence. This is the Communication Studies Department. third time Wilkes has received the award. Wilkes faculty who have collab­ An initiative of Gov. Tom Wolf, “It’s orated on the project include Heather Sincavage, assistant professor and director On Us PA” is a statewide campaign that of the Sordoni Art Gallery; Mia Briceno, notes that the program “has a long sexual assault. The grant will be used associate professor of communication history of selecting recipients who to establish and continue programs that studies; Helen Davis, associate professor achieve high levels of success in educate and train students, faculty and staff of English; Maria Grandinetti, associate their future academic and profes­ on identifying, responding to and reporting professor of nursing; Andreea Maierean, sional careers.” sexual violence. assistant professor of political science; Jennifer Thomas and Ellen Newell, both The University also took a leadership Wilkes student to apply and role teaming up with the national It’s associate professors of psychology; and receive the research fellowship On Us organization to host the first stop Lisa Reynolds, assistant professor of on the organization’s first-ever national integrative media. the fellowship as an undergraduate, iwo other Wilkes biolog)' alumni. Andrew Bartlow ’10 and Rachel Curtis-Robles ’10, each received the graduate research fellowship when they were already enrolled in their doctoral programs. Bartlow received his doctorate from the university of Utah and is now a Directors Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. :d her doctorate at Texas A&.M and is now an epidemiologist prevention of college sexual assault through housed at Civic Nation, a 501 c3 nonprofit organization. The organization encourages universities to create student chapters. Gina Zanolini Morrison, professor of and recent graduates apply to the U.S. are 250 registered campus chapters m the global cultures, has been appointed Student Program. Two types of grants 2019-2020 school year. Fulbright Program advisor for Wilkes are available under the student program: University. The advisor serves as the formal the English Teaching Assistance awards, February focused on college students link between Wilkes and Fulbright. Run which pairs U.S. students with classroom training their peers in sexual assault by the U.S. Department of State Bureau teachers in another country, and research of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the and study awards for those seeking to Fulbright Program is the flagship interna­ do specific research or study in other tional educational exchange program countries. The program expects to sponsored by the U.S. government and award about 2,100 student grants in is designed to build lasting connections 2021-2022. The one-day event held at Wilkes in ued while she was a Wilkes student.Such and consent, bystander intervention, and of Wilkes Institute for tl;e Environment, studied the survivor support. About 120 students from colleges and universities in the region ange on arctic planu As a member of r.he ....search ream •ittended.The national organization worked date professor of biology, -.;.e with ’7/ilkes’new student chapter of It’s d foe rep.vzic’ >a. She and Stratford also ha-,<- oo-s.h:w s. r , ,f z>n U$ fo coordinate the training tour ' /enu 7/jJkes’ student chapter was created Wty 2019 by students Lindsay Becker ■:.■■■„ ■ h ..... . Wilkes Appoints Fulbright Program Advisor According to the It’s On Us website, there education pillars: sexual assault awareness Vilkes education. Her senior research project with ffcd PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES consent education, bystander intervention, and survivor support. It’s On Us is now prevention, utilizing Its On Us’s three core . wilkes. edu/yearofthevote. initiative created in 2014 dedicated to the ion for the fellowship reflects the significant research ta;.-.-:;. For a complete listing of events, visit training tour. It’s On Us started as a federal Hadj-Chikh’97 also was awarded ..... r. i,. urnal ihban ft'ot/tirtaf. series was interrupted by the closing of the University for of women receiving the right to vote in 2020 through a series invites everyone to play a role in ending Biology alumna Leila -■ in rhe January, and Black History Month in February. Although the The Sordoni Art Gallery is marking the 100-year anniversary themes include an Introduction to the Year of the Vote in fellowships of their kind. The while she was an undergraduate. thrush, which is one of foe Each month is centered around a specific theme. Previous "Year of the Vote" Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Women’s Voting Rights National Science Foundation Russavage is only the second ■ rg field research th professor of b-otogy. Wilkes Earns Grant, Takes Lead With It’s On Us Initiative Ashley JO/nnoJogy, -.i both criujjnoJogy majors, sor of faculty advisor, between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Although the Fulbright Program 1 Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has given more than tional concerns. Fulbright alumni have 380,000 students, scholars, teachers, achieved distinction in many fields, recalled its grantees due to the pandemic, artists, professionals, and scientists the including 59 who have been awarded the organization is proceeding with opportunity to study, teach and conduct the Nobel Prize, 82 who have received reviewing applications for the 2021-2022 research, exchange ideas, and contribute Pulitzer Prizes, and 37 who have served academic year. Undergraduate students to finding solutions to shared interna­ as a head of state or government. I a 2 & 7 �J I CAMPUS PHOTO BY STEVE HUSTED/ KNOT JUST ANY OAT INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILK^ UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND FACUL WILKES DEALS WITH GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND MAINTAINS A SENSE 0F COMMUNITY Senior communication studies major Sarah Matarella's tap shoes were still sitting in her room in University Towers at the end of April, awaiting her return. When Wilkes University first transitioned to remote learning on March 13 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Matarella and other students had expected to return on April 6. It was not to be. Interim President Paul Adams ’77 MS '82 continued to travel from McCole House on South River Street to his office in Weckesser Hall, on many days the only figure walking on Fenner Quadrangle. Like the rest of America, the family of Colonels was dealing with an unprecedented situation in spring 2020. Wilkes had endured floods and threats of floods from the nearby Susquehanna River, but never before had stopped holding classes on campus in the middle of a semester because of a health threat. On these pages, members of the University community talk about how Wilkes continued holding classes remotely, recruited a first-year class and maintained the family feeling that is the basis of the University's culture. They share their own stories of life in quarantine. Through it all, Colonels Within days, the number of Americans falling ill from the remained connected. In Zoom classes and meetings, on social virus ballooned. The Wilkes campus closed, remote classes media and in music videos and text messages. They reminded were held for the rest of the semester to ensure health and one another what it means to be part of the Wilkes family. safety and most University employees worked from home. Faculty, staff, students and alumni took to heart a message Facilities staff, some food service workers and campus police from interim president Adams: "Please remember that none of remained on campus to carry out some essential functions. us has left Wilkes, we are just circling in a larger orbit around it." 5 CM I 3 5 9 �LEADING WILKES DURING THE PANDEMIC: A CONVERSATION WITH INTERIM PRESIDENT PAUL ADAMS 77 MS ’82 1 In this quesnon-and-answer story, interim President Paul Adams ’77 MS ’82 talks was on Feb. 26. The travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control 1 15 parents that we had travelers returning were scheduled in the weeks after ours breaks — pending more information the pandemic and considers the future of Wilkes in a post-COVID-19 world. Hong Kong, Italy. break, from Feb. 28 to March 8, turned out to be advantageous for our spring When did you begin to convene a At what point did you realize that athletes because it gave them an team to deal with the pandemic this was a situation unlike any opportunity to play some contests that and how often did you meet? other that Wilkes has faced? were early on their schedules. What a The emerging pandemic came on the As we grew closer to our spring break, blessing that timing turned out to be as sports seasons were eventually canceled! radar when Justin Kraynack, assistant given the travel advisories at the time, vice president and chief of operations we were able to allow our students to tor risk and compliance management, travel. I think we had only one student March 11,1 realized we needed to finally and Mark Allen, interim vice president decide not to go on any of our spring make the decision to go to remote ot student afrairs, put together a team break trips because of the virus. learning. We announced to the campus By late afternoon on Wednesday, on Thursday morning, March 12. cases began to surge worldwide and I have always been struck by how make more and more restrictive decisions same time keep our mission and goals health emergency. to protect our campus community. front of mind. I am so grateful to all of my Early on I suppose we were all naive colleagues for the support and counsel about the impact and extent of the break trips. The first task force meeting community member and students and decisions based on the best information Wilkes-Barre with their daughter Shahad and son Abdullah. First, I hope that whoever reading this is staying safe and healthy. My name is Fatimah, a student at Wilkes University, and I am from Saudi Arabia. I live with my spouse who 10 and Human Services declares a public we could. I think we were also sensitive engineering student They are from Saudi Arabia and live in I who have already chosen us. And, at the that we would get through this faster than is also a student of Wilkes, daughter, and son. None of our relatives are nearby us...which is something that vie were used to. At the beginning of this pandemic, we as an international family and as students are struggling Coronavirus web page published on wilkes.edu. The page provides resources and early information about the virus. 5-2 26 admiration for and gratitude to them. to keep everyone safe, but to do so in an we won’t forget. We have come to incremental way so as not to discourage appreciate each others gifts and the everyone before they had an opportunity Force held to assess the situation and efforts all have made to support each to come to terms with the depth of the coordinate the University's response. other and our students and colleagues. crisis on their own. Can you describe the process Communications have been that you and other senior vitally important as the campus K campus with travel leadership have used to arrive community has worked remotely. fl recommendations related ■ to spring break. CDC had Can you talk about the variety of ways you have chosen to at home when you are having homework that's due decision-making: communicate? tomorrow or even an exam that's due at midnight. 1. First, we must do all we can to protect I would emphasize how important it 5-2 28 Communication to I ■ recommended avoiding nonessential S travel to China and South Korea. was to have a vehicle to communicate at the mirror and tell myself that everything is going faculty and staff and their families by with the campus. Establishing the Wilkes 3-2 29 to be okay! That you will pass this semester with great sharing resources and information. coronavirus web page proved invaluable for ■ S es, not good grades! That your family in-country will o okay and none of them will get infected! It's tough in k 0 y°U kn°W that your family (in Saudi Arabia)is also - danger but you are not able to reach them. Although didrnt /ernrnent 1135 given us permission to go back, we super helpful. In addition, this pandemic, as all of us know is transferred easily and therefore quarantine is required ' of be' t0 becaiJSe this wil1 increase the probability staffX !Cted'Fina,ly-1 WOuld 'ike to thank all of the However, toddlers will never get that and that is the most departm 't eS,Uni'/ersity- especially the international Apartment, who is taking care of us. 2. We need to be certain that we are getting our messages out. The page had a First coronavirus death confirmed in the United States. responsive and proactive in our feature tint allowed us to answer questions 2-3 3 responses to the changing and from students, faculty, staff and families. I urgent needs of the members of our community. 3. We need to support our faculty and The first meeting of an expanded Wilkes Coronavirus Task the health and safety of students, As a mother, wife, and a student, every morning I look especially that there is no daycare open, which had been difficult part: how to control your child while going outside? S-2 17 We have a bond through this experience at key decisions? FATIMAH ALTAHER U.S. Secretary of Health to make decisions that needed to be made We used four criteria to guide our At the same time, how to make them busy g-1 31 incoming class and retain those students continuously disappointed to have to experience has only served to raise my FATIMAH ALTAHER is a senior biology major and emergency of international concern. decided was already outdated. We were by the day, but by the hour.We made her husband, Hassan Alhodar, is a senior mechanical World Health Organization out shortly thereafter that everything we pandemic and wanted to be optimistic a 30 of Wilkes by continuing to recruit our they have provided me. As impressed — coronavirus task force. ■ 4. We need to act to preserve the future as I have always been with them, this - 2 we had at the time, and then would find quickly the landscape changed — not To read full versions of Wilkes Voices of the Pandemic, go to www.wilkes.edu/voices. White House forms 29 (WHO) labels the virus a public health pressures began to build. We received Here and throughout the rest of these pages, members of the University I r some concerns (just a couple) from a community share their personal reflections of life in a global pandemic. I PHOTO COURTESY SCOTT HEFFELFINGER ’20 J] anticipating some of the challenges that — I Environmental engineering students Jill Weston and Scott Heffelfinger take advantage of the free Wifi that Wilkes made available in the parking lot behind the University Center on Main for students without internet access. The pair are roommates who chose to remain living near campus after remote classes began. could come with the upcoming spring VOICES OF THE PANDEMIC The United States confirms its first case of COVID-19 in Seattle, Wash. made the decision to extend their spring becoming available. Our early spring latter days of February. They were 1-1 21 none were in any (CDC) level one or and Prevention involved just a few Our students were on break as actively monitoring the emerging virus. two countries. Schools whose breaks countries at that point to anticipate a Wilkes response in the operations and compliance, begins from Europe from spring break, although about how the University responded to China, Iran, Justin Kraynack, Wilkes assistant vice president for The U.S. surpasses too cases of the virus. In addition to that page, it has been important for me and other members of the senior administrative team to provide staff to deliver high-quality remote clear and candid communications about education and services to enable our new developments and changing policies students to make progress toward impacting our Universin’ community. their degrees. And These have taken the form of email -3 6 I Following CDC guidelines. Wilkes suspends travel to China. South I Korea, Japan, Italy or Iran. New policies I require students to have appointments I | to visit the health center. Plan developed to deliver classes remotely. t 1 & 11 �theater performances, or coniiference trips — all the experiences that are missed. messages from me, our Interim Provost, Terese Wignot, and others. Finally I have and Instagram — are great ways to share as faculty, staff and students not to send our 90-plus students from I hope we all appreciate the downside of too much reliance on the computer. I have dealt with this unprec­ Panama home. We chose to keep them have found myself using my phone more for conversation as opposed to Zoom or email. I think that conversation with our colleagues and our students is what they were feeling and not being and universities begin to send ■ students home. -3 11 HO redefines the outbreak as a pandemic. Wilkes Interim President Paul Adams announces we miss most. We can ‘get by' with Zoom but it is not the same as a regular cancellation of the career and be living on campus in the McCole conversation with time for updates on what is going on in our lives and the internship fair, saying that all House — being able to go to the office decisions being made about jobs and just the observations about everyday life. large-group gatherings 1 have felt so blessed at this time to every day and ’’hold down the fort” at The most challenging part of this ‘stay at home' order is the removal from Weckesser Hall. With each passing day, social events and personal interactions. We miss a lot of regular life events that Plans for remote commencement ceremony to recognize fewer and fewer visits to campus were particular group of students? their achievements. (Note: At press being made by our colleagues. I am we look forward to: my daughter’s high school graduation, prom, senior events, my son's wedding, our (Wilkes) graduation, senior to work remotely are I think nothing was as heartbreaking time, the commencement ceremony always so grateful to see our facilities, for us than to think about the impact was rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. public safety, mailroom and dining on seniors and their families in their last 12,2020.) Certainly there have been service surfs who are deemed “essential” semester. Our graduating students had other difficult moments: learning that and keep all things running. It is, perhaps, worked so hard and achieved so much. students have been exposed through the most beautiful time of the year And, now these life-altering events their families after returning home and on campus — first the cherry trees, took away something that was uniquely then contracting the virus themselves; forsythia and daffodils bloomed. Next theirs — a final semester on campus learning that a student lost his father came the azaleas and tulips — eventually make decisions impacting that with their friends, classmates and faculty’ due to complications of the virus; and the dogwoods! The campus looks so — celebrating all the milestones and hearing that one of our undergraduates, wonderful and I feel privileged to still traditions that are attendant to their final who while home was seriously injured be able to enjoy it. There are still some semester and graduation. And we lament in an ATV accident, could not have her students in the neighborhood apartments. the loss of all the last athletic contests, family with her because of COVID-19 WILKES UNIVERSITY CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE Mark Allen, interim vice president for student affairs Charles Cary, executive director of facilities While few people are wandering the HOLLY FREDERICK'92 MS '93 are being reviewed. learning and for staff projects presentations, Order of the Engineer progressing. banquet. We can tell ourselves that we are staying healthy and keeping others healthy and this will be the benefit, but you really can't get -312 The U.S. has more than that time back. That is why it is important to g 1,200 coronavirus cases. MAC cancels appreciate what you can about the time now. ■ all athletic contests through March 30 Hope to be back to ‘normal’ soon. That is, if there is a normal. -3 13 President Donald Trump declares a national emergency. At Wilkes, face-to-face classes are sidewalks, it is good to see our students us, will be transformed by this moment from time to time and be able to check in history. I try and tell everyone with in with them. I’ve always felt connected whom I speak, that the Wilkes they to campus, but perhaps never more than left on March 13, won’t be the Wilkes suspended. A return-to-campus date is 1-3 15 set for April 6. B First COVID-,9 case confirmed in Luzerne County. now. We feel such responsibility for the they return to when all is safe for the well-being of all — campus, students, campus to reopen. The uncertainty of Day shift custodian Dave Pickett disinfects common areas in the Henry Student Center after students left campus due to the pandemic. Facilities staff received training on disinfecting procedures and continued to work in the first days after campus was vacated, photo bv staff, faculty, alums, neighborhood. It when and how this will end makes this can feel daunting at this unprecedented challenge so much more confounding moment in time, but we never lose sight of the privilege it is! You have a decades-long We have to plan for the short-, medium- STEVE HUSTED/KNOT JUST ANY DA association with Wilkes. Can you and long-term. We are scenario-planning S-3 18 reflect on what this time is like in for several different outcomes. B Wilkes staff begin to work remotely. All residence halls close B except those housing international 2-3 16 Pennsylvania Gov. and daunting than what we have ■ B Tom Wolf closes all nonessential businesses in the state. Order includes experienced before. At this point, we B all colleges and universities. have no idea for what we are preparing. Gabrielle D'Amico ’04 MFA ’17, executive director of communications contrast to the many other times Juli Ann Killian, coordinator of health and wellness servic you have known? Much of the decision-making In all my decades at Wilkes, I’ve been has involved dealing with through some challenging moments immediate concerns. What — three “near-flood” scares (one of are some long-term issues Diane O'Brien, director, health and wellness servic which resulted in us evacuating the that you foresee for Wilkes as Rocco DiPietro, CSP, Safety, Health and Environmental campus), student deaths, fires, serious a result of the pandemic? Professional, Cocciardi & Associates injuries —■ but none, of course, that The COVID-19 pandemic and touched so many in what will be associated economic disruptions arrive at In addition to the task force, the President’s Cabinet such a long-lasting and profound way. a time that was already challenging for was consulted and involved in decision-making and None of us, yet, can begin to imagine U.S. higher education. Flat or shrinking communications. Members include vice presidents the academic deans and representatives of Faculty Ad' • 6 how Wilkes will be impacted for the enrollments, intense competition over non-life-sustaining businesses. U.S. long-term by the pandemic. I have to students, increased tuition discounting, Council and University Staff Advisory Council surpasses 10,000 cases. believe that the University, just like all of rising costs and shifting demand Justin Kraynack, assistant vice president for operations and compliance 12 on campus. Pennsylvania colleges ■ able to provide any assurance as to when we will be able to have a of 2020. How difficult has it I& entirety, visit www.wilkes.edu/voices informal messages, often with videos, to help maintain our sense of community. been for you as president to y. environmental engineering. To read this reflection in its Technology does allow us to be productive academically during this time, but edented time? I think one moment was having to console seniors for the sense of loss 1© HOLLY FREDERICK '92 MS '93 is an associate professor of decision for me to date was whether or hard for seniors in the Class I Probably the most agonizing VOICES What moments stand out for you required have been especially I trauma in emergency and the ICU found using social media — Facebook The decisions that have been § restrictions, while being treated for t]le Q&A continued on page 16 __ students. Less than too interna­ tional students remain. Buildings »| accessible by swipe access only. Health center and dining hall continue to offer service. All i athletic competitions cease for remainder of spring semester. 3 19 Pennsylvania governor lists stricter guidelines closing all § I t 13 �E-3 20 U Campus building access available only for urgent needs with M ■ service available for takeout only. Health services and library close. access provided by public safety. Food Editor’s Note: The campus community received the following letter from Interim President Dear Students, Colleagues and Families, In the past few days I’ve written to you with -3 25 Paul Adams on March 18,2020 i____ __ __ __________ - rest of spring semester 2020. Prorated operational details of how we will move forward with delivery of our curriculum. Today, however, I informed of the latest news from campus and sharing in this unprecedented moment. Every' day at noon, the carillon in the Burns Bell that forthrighdy and candidly. that with you in a timely way. And, we pledge to do credits and refunds on housing, parking and meal plans to be offered. Staff continue to work remotely. 3 26 - by the responses we’ve received all across campus courage, truth and loyalty. These have always been from every one of our constituencies who have guiding words for our experience at Wilkes. At pulled together to provide support for one another. -3 27 this time of uncertainty, as we plan our short- and The loyalty that you demonstrate is the spirit of I long-term response to COVID-19, these seven Wilkes that will carry us through this temporary words have resonance for us as we continue to interruption and dislocation. First, I want you to know that we honor the in two days. is that things evolve quickly and that decisions we have at Wilkes. We are doing everything we can the next based on new guidance from local, state to assure the continuity of your experience, but and federal authorities. While you are away from we will do so in a way that places your health and campus, please continue to check your Wilkes email safety foremost in our concern. and Wilkes’ social media accounts for the latest U.S. surpasses 100,000 cases, F3 28 One of the truths of this COVID-19 pandemic have made on one day may have to be changed United States reports its first 1,000 deaths. The number doubles And lastly — loyally.We have been so touched Tower has played our Alma Mater. In the first verse of our Alma Mater are these words: honor, faith and experience you, our students, colleagues and alumni ■. 1 Wireless access made I available for students from the parking I lot behind the University Center on Main. -4/1 The May 2020 commencement ceremony is postponed. I Second, we have faith that this is a temporary' updates.You can also find the latest information at 4 2 situation and we will find our way through this — our Wilkes COVID-19 web page at www.wilkes. University’s premier fundraising event, is with patience, resolve and care for one another. edu/coronavirus. That page also has a resource rescheduled to October 17, 2020. Third, we all need to have the courage to face this adversity head-on. While we are unclear how long we will all be away from campus, we won’t lose our bearings and we will continue to remember those values that make Wilkes unique and special for all of us. A hallmark of a Wilkes education that allows you to submit your questions to us. We’ll our answers on the website. Until we are with you again, please stay well and stay informed. And, through all of this — Be Colonel! We will capitalize on our past experiences in this moment of challenge, and we will call upon all we know about our students and their families, our colleagues, our alumni and our community to restore the experience at Wilkes that we have come to value. Interim President Paul Adams '77 MS '82 has made communication with the campus community a priority during the pandemic. Here he is seen in the Weckesser boardroom waiting to confer with members of the senior team on the last day before campus was closed, photo by STEVE HUSTED.'KNOT JUST ANY DAY Paul S. Adams ’77 MS ’82 The Founders Gala, the g-4 3 work every day to address those questions and post is that we extract wisdom from our experience i LriFiWh.jaj are committed to keeping you wanted to write with a more personal message to convey the University’s commitment to all of you reach out to you with the latest news from campus. k 1 Fourth _ Wilkes announces classes will continue remotely for the H The CDC recommends 3 that all Americans wear face coverings ■ in public. | 4 | I that students will be able to choose a Satisfactory/Pass/Withdrawal option in 9 University announces addition to a 4.0 grading scale for the I spring 2020 semester. I t CM Interim President -4 20 I I Wilkes announces commencement ceremonies for the •, Class of 2020 will be on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020. Timeline sources: The New York Times. Pennsylvania Department of Health, Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center. USA Today I -c i 15 �Q&A contnued from page 73 ANU GHAI, faculty of practice, f-.nance, VOICES preferences were among the challenges future, how will the colleges and universities were already pandemic change how managing. Those challenges have been exacsbated by COVID-19 and we do students and their families choose tlieir ink know what the college or university: long-term rimndal 5. How will the experience of remote hnnhearions will be tor Wilkes and other Panamanian student Jennifer Yanez enjoys a solitary meal in the Henry Student Center cafeteria. She was at Wilkes on a study abroad experience from Universidad Tecnoldgica de Panama and returned home soon after this photo was taken. Another Sa students from Panama stayed at Wilkes, unable to return heme, during the lockdown. Not long after this photo was taken, food was available only as takeout due to i-i-re^sed social distancing recommendations. learning this semester influence student and faculty perceptions of online learning? OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS TURNS TO ONLINE EXPERIENCES TO RECRUIT INCOMING CLASS accounting, and management, S sr.a I ANU GHA1 School of Business and Leadership To read this reflection in its entirety, visit www.wilkes.edu/voices ....I am amazed by and immensely grateful for the empathy and caring shown by fellow students as they work hard, and continue to finish assignments, as< questions, and support each other through l cs.5g friends and family members. By Kimberly Bower-Spence PHOTO BY STEVS HUSTEQ/KNOT JUST ANY DAY 6. Where are we most ar risk? Where cun we The COVID-19 pandemic required a What would you want future —r~<e~ve< ar this moment in rime generations of Colonels to know Besides canceling spring events about what happened at Wilkes designed to help high school seniors to SI50: • extending the deadline for conrirming during this time? That this was a difficult moment for decide if Wilkes was the right fit for their goals, the closures and economic enrollment to June 1: • temporarily waiving the SA1 or even-one. We all had to adjust our lives freefall resulted in many students and our plans to safeguard public health rethinking not only where they would (excluding pharmacy and nursing attend college but if they would applicants) due to rest cancdhuom —r.~ have been out of our reach and the well-being of all those around us. That everyone worked together to do what was right even though it meant we had to give up those things that we cherished the most. quick pivot by the Office of Admissions. attend at all. Wilkes University responded by chance to hang «X3t Ristas protest tn Hsrrisburg 'wa can be lost r jy yty '<%. oy ■. ersjy yy 'J-.-' or ; - - 5 oovr - ■. o*&o -re 's-s s I miss ‘.tee things -os y "fits ’V' oo coo.■- so | y -fyo/yfc r^.n Vl.r i ys»j V -<r < - 0 -' OOOtO O'y'-'S O’y ' tf-^r harcuts or eating o"'y"ss- 0 - ' rcH Kcnzmj. Qeciusz 3 <toe»rt belie/e in '--z •! <// / ft c;jr,. of ■/, much, I■'I'm '' •' .A ' /f, t/S‘ ■'.'r ’ '■' / ' contingent upon receipt of official documents when available. t ’ that introduces admitted smdents ro lire disruption to the lives of our admitted at Wilkes. New Colonels nomully meoi students and the economic impact on classmates, talk ro current students, got to many families,” says Kishan Zuber, vice know potential roommates, and a^end president for enrollment management mini classes with professors *.n then .r .yo;x and marketing. “We were able to ease “That experience is crucial to b.ob.nng the financial burden somewhat, partic­ these students make an intv.rm<\5 do.>\o.c ularly for students who may wish to stay about w here the\ want to inwst the closer to home.” Economic relief awards of Si,000 to next font \wu\ of then hvcs."vA>. .'cbc . $3,0(10 help local students transferring expevieuce. om staff e^noUv ewe-.co to Wilkes from anothet institution for online experiences to ettgage sce.de?o fall 2020 who weie impacted financially ami stait to build commn.noi incrii awards ofS’AOOO to $ln,000, Amy I’aiioii, associate director of Injuu two wwkx the .Vatxe-x launr hoi the \\ f.kes I mw s ,\ \ ,. alibi led by < t A II1 l‘h And ihvvhv blue and gold b\ ce. \. *• . .. \.... • ,v. niuuetvm \mdem v.deos il'.y h, i-.up t‘-til llmillh bi • ii very applet iaiitc ol the vtononut ii'llrl awanls?' t hie lost a snmntci |ob, 7'.'.I.;, . //fih fhl'if f.llniljM; I'll hell ''I / ”'i "‘-'I- ‘Jill < /pw Ifil hi Mllililll and iillu. is siiih n d llnaiii lai losses thio admitted smdems to w'.nxa .e \ ... Io lamlh biiMih ssi s being slim dm\n l l\C IO I A\O m\X ■ '.^1'1, imi ' I 1,1)1/ h'ih>- /Illi Ilni|n|t;l>il|il. C. X < - WILKES ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT and Maikeuug Common . mo w e ecs I xpovtenw' I b.e wCop\vx\ o. c. . w kex . ,'''''' ■'''''• i-i iti iii'j>?‘. ’ "\\ hile you ea»\ veglnv tc..n \ person cdu e\peuen<\\nnmeise\ c. c\ .x ' ‘ I'hf-t Ir/n on ,i pill.mi <• --------------- ------------------- ........ - i"-e- been a number oi nansiev students .17'7 .f. innoir-nl |ll-opl« z// *' , ', ’ The pandemic canceled Accepted Students Day. a signature spring evem iraiislvr admissions, says,” fhetv haw 'l»i 'hi', counlry .ip. i,ii I'/ ''Viy ‘ " ;,r«-«ff |Ji<- unofficial transcripts and test scores re-r requirements, and creating virtual by ( t )V1I ) I‘’.These aiv in addition to ih',- ffi Amefficz or mzycr • allowing applicants to submit evaluation, with an admission decision “We acknowledged the major tesm s ACT score application requirement temporarily adapting application life at Wilkes. *r4.~HEZ : : • cutting the tuition deposit in halt, offering additional financial assistance, experiences to give students a feel for rsrrrz. Other responses to the crisis included: be most reafient? Whir unique opportunities present mcsstgvx horn iv,. •. 'W .\w ,o ' e n n \ . ,ow\ " sx o a •. �the technology.-For the past several weeks I have been VOICES MARK ALLEN is interim vice president of extremely impressed with the ability and resolve of our student affairs. To read this reflection in its students, staff, and faculty to move into an online world. entirety, visit www.wilkes.edu/voices Having taught online courses in the past, I am aware of the unique differences for both the teachers and students to I have enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in higher education, having spent over 30 years of it at Wilkes.... Nothing has compared to this most recent challenge.... Unlike those past student and institutional challenges, where I could work face-to-face with members of the community, I am confronted with highly relational situations that need to be nuanced and resolved from afar, through a computer screen. On a personal level, there Share knowledge in this virtual setting. I am also impressed with the level of creativity and involvement of so many at the University to offer programs and activities to keep us Making real-time classes optional was academic assignments. Meeting clinical done for practical reasons. Mia Briceno, requirements for pharmacy and nursing associate professor of communications posed special challenges. For fourth-year studies, says not all of her students have pharmacy students, it means they will not consistent internet access. “My biggest complete requirements until late May, themselves doing lab demonstrations concern was being as fair and humane as more than two weeks after their original and required students to make possible,” says Briceno. planned graduation. calculations based on results. Others University Provost Terese Wignot used software packages that included The University’s more than 2,000 all bonded together. The COVID-19 crisis has brought new agrees, saying a sensitivity to student full- and part-time graduate students are challenges to my professional world but I face them being needs was at the forefront of many already familiar with remote learning, surrounded by people who have adapted to the worst of decisions. “On the academic side, since nearly all of the University’s masters circumstances to preserve our special Wilkes community. students are going to remember how and doctoral programs are offered There is no doubt that as we come out of this crisis the University treated them at this time. partly or completely online. Those that the world will be different — so too will the University. None of us knows what each student is include face-to-face residencies, such as the Maslow Family Graduate Program laboratory simulations. . A portfolio review of the work of digital design and media arts students conducted by design industry profes­ sionals, was moved to the virtual space. • Education students completed student is something inherently lost in However, I have to believe, based on my observations and interactions...over the past several weeks, Wilkes will be a in Creative Writing, adapted, planning teaching requirements via online access to technology varied. The virtual residencies. However, graduate platforms. They also created activities to deal with deeply sensitive issues; stronger institution, better positioned to educate students however, I am so grateful for in this ever-changing 21st Century world. University loaned laptops, but other students faced new pressures as they students struggled with internet access worked to complete spring classes. Most escalating number of COVID-19 cases faculty. They've done an incredible job.” and the announcement on March 16 that The teaching and learning team provided Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf was closing experiencing during the pandemic.” Wilkes administration knew student at home. With social distancing, using are employed and faced the challenges of projects by presenting the work done to going to school while working at home date and outlining next steps needed to viable. By mid-April, Ference states, “We and juggling childcare and schooling complete projects face-to-face. had deployed upwards of 50 computers. children at home. I’ve shipped over 20 hotspots to students. An awareness that students might be feeling economic stresses, dealing one-on-one tutorials, webinars and shipping hotspots.” Wilkes made wifi with serious illness in their families and all nonessential businesses — including workshops to ensure that faculty had tools available in the parking lot behind the working jobs led Wilkes to institute an colleges and universities — it was to teach in the virtual space. University Center on Main and nearby optional satisfactory/pass/withdrawal students parked in cars to access it. grading policy, which students can necessary to finish the semester online. When classes transitioned to remote Resources include the University’s multi-faceted online learning platform, Classes in all academic disciplines were By Vicki Mayk MFA '13 Desire2Learn, a video platform called tasked with finding creative solutions The policy was developed with input Technology’ for Teaching and Learning Panopto, Zoom and many other resources. for remote learning and fulfilling from faculty. Thomas Franko, associate professor significant undertaking for a small staff. Associate provost Jonathan Ference present class material in a way that PharmD ’03 praised their work, saying, is both entertaining and engaging. “Consider they are a staff of five who Maintaining that philosophy was put to the test when classes moved to a remote learning format because of COVID-19. support 5,000 online (undergraduate and graduate) students and 200 full-time ie and popular culture references to superheroes and villains from the Marvel film universe. But it’s not the same as teaching face-to-face. “It’s delivering a performance without an audience,” Franko says. Many Wilkes faculty shared his i experience while teaching online. An S 5 learning was made on March 13 with initial decision to move to remote plans to return on April 6. With an Objective Structured Clinical Exam using the Zoom video conferencing platform. The exam for students entering their final pharmacy year includes interacting with 12 different people who role play patients with different health care issues. Some faculty met with students in synchronous sessions, holding virtual classes in real time on the hours and days they would have met on campus. Others VOICES took an asynchronous approach, recording lectures and providing course materials to be accessed whenever students choose. CAROLINE RICKARD, senior, communication studies, Orwigsburg, Pa. I think Wilkes has made this difficult transition...and has created a new memory. The cohesiveness and the togeth­ erness I’ve felt through the last two weeks from the As Franko delivered video lectures, he still included amusing stories • Pharmacy faculty delivered the choose on a course-by-course basis. formats, the staff in the Office of of pharmacy practice, says he tries to post online or send home in hard copy. • Engineering students completed senior public places for available Wifi was not Some days I’m in UPS twice a day moved quickly to assist faculty. It was a j • Science and engineering faculty filmed emails and Zoom meetings that WILKES FACULTY AND STUDENTS PERSEVERE VIA REMOTE LEARNING I CREATIVE SOLUTIONS HELPED TRANSITION CLASSES TO REMOTE FORMATS saaaas Wuhens. dining r00ms anther spaces b m"y One of the main things that went through my mind, University through social media, the Web site, just online starting from when I heard that campus was closed for in general, has been so empowering. This is a fight that the rest of the semester, was that it was hard not to you shouldn’t be in alone....And 1 think Wilkes has done make it personal. Why is this happening during my senior a great job of reminding year? I only had two months left and those memories the community that we’re that you're supposed to make in your last months are Colonel and forever Colonel gone. This would be the last Spring Fling, the last block we’ll be. I’ve come to accept party, the last moments I’m going to spend with my it and I’m moving forward friends that I made in college.... Students all over the because I have this great country who are graduating had those memories taken community at my alma from them....l’ve come to accept that this is serious and mater, wishing me the best that Wilkes is acting in students' best interest. If anything, and moving me forward." CAROLINE RICKARD 1 I S 5 & 19 18 �VOICES PANDEMICS AND HISTORY: WILKES DEAN OFFERS PERSPECTIVE By Paul Riggs, dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences What can the history of pandemics ^NCEPHARMD '03, associate professor, pharmacy ^Ze has been teaching from her home where she lives practice. 5 research touch on the history' of Ference PharmD '03. who is Wilkes' day. It made me long for the usual student foot traffic in For me the most difficult aspect has been working at home while taking care movies. Friday, March 13, 2020, will stay with me for a of my children. Most of the time the kids are good about recognizing we’re °X we’re in meetings or class all day and sometimes they need us. different reason. It's the last day of 2020 that seemed virus. Our students still face big life issues while trying to kind of "normal." It’s the last day we had a full office of do schoolwork. Their loved ones have died because of Another challenge was spotty internet access with everyone us,ng the people in Student Affairs and the last day my son, Ethan, the virus and for reasons other than the virus and they internet We had to switch providers to avoid interruption in connectivity. spent with his fifth-grade class. The following Monday, I have experienced the stress that comes with suffering. I’ve moved offices three times since this started for ease of connectivity packed up my laptop, a handful of folders and notebooks They have lost jobs that help them pay for school—or and went home. conversely, they have been scheduled for so many hours and comfort We both started off working in the basement but the kids also wanted ranted to use that space making it difficult to work. Next, I moved to the main floor and now I’m upstairs in our KIMBERLY FERENCE PHARMD'03 spare bedroom. As a clinical pharmacist, I’ve cared for patients for 16 years. I am proud of the work being done observations about previous pandemics by my pharmacy colleagues on the front lines. before offering some personal thoughts. It has been difficult for me to not be helping patients during this challenging time. In order to virgin soil pandemics can be catastrophic. overcome the feeling of not being able to help, The great plague of the 14th century Jon and I sent close friends and family quarantine killed about 40% of western Europe’s packages as well as donated supplies. Ethan and I set up the dining room table, his classroom on one side and my office on the other. He worked on (like at a grocery store) it’s impossible to focus on class work. Part of our responsibility in student affairs and packets until his school moved online, I worked to keep our partnering offices is to email, call and text students track of our students who were adjusting to a virtual to ensure they know we're still available to help them semester and coordinated efforts with administration. succeed. I've been a liaison between students and their That first week my husband, Jim, who also works in the faculty to help them finish the semester. University mailroom, still had to go to work in person. His normal schedule changed the following week. Ethan popped into most of my Zoom meetings that Just over too students, mostly from Panama, have continued to live on campus during this closure. I’m proud to say that my family was able to help keep them safe. first week. For My mom and sister sewed fabric masks for everybody in him, the novelty of seeing everyone just 24 hours! I’ve created a new routine of emails, walks, fifth-grade population between 1348 and 1350. on screen wore fractions, Zoom meetings, basketball breaks with Ethan Worse still was rhe impact after 1492 of off, but I liked and Zoom yoga. I’ll be happy to keep some parts of this Old World diseases on the native people seeing other routine, like the delicious new recipes I’ve tried, but I of the Americas, whose population kids (two-legged can't wait to go back to living my life in person instead declined by about 90% within two or and four-legged) of virtually. devastation of these crises explains why I JONATHAN KUIKEN is associate professor of global cultures. To read this reflection in its entirety, visit www.wilkes.edu/voices has revealed, through analysis of the I grieve along with those who have The Wilkes campus was uncharacteristically quiet after students left due to the pandemic. The closure of campus and the switch to online health records of millions of veterans, experienced losses. PHOTO BY STEVE HUSTED/KNOT JUST ANY DAY learning has been, to put it mildly, a challenge... While the lasting costs of influenza. Men public health officials have been so concerned. In our current crisis, the influenza pandemic of 1918-1920 has attracted we have been able to continue having a rigorous a lot of attention. One interesting fact intellectual experience through recorded lectures, about the “Spanish flu’’ is that, despite online reading discussions and the like, nothing can its name, researchers have not reached a consensus on its origin. In recent days (as I write these lines on April 22), the long duration of the 1918-1920 flu has JONATHAN KUIKEN y eplace the classroom setting where students and professors can feed ° n 1 “?mher’S energy and Where an “"expected comment or a question direction 6l dlSCU5Slon in an unplanned but deeply rewarding been noted by experts along with the History also tells us that the road to But much like a Phone call °r a digital W^°3 grea*'d'S’’anCe aWa^'’’deSe “face-to-face" ch ? ' meetings Conly^accentu As an educator, I wonder what born during the pandemic struggled Wilkes University will look like when for the rest of their lives with various this is over. Our immediate future is negative impacts, including higher uncertain, but we all look forward rates of incarceration, heart disease, and to resuming our work on campus. mental illness. Similar impacts have even Imparting knowledge and wisdom been detected from a far less serious flu students is a face-to-face business. It pandemic in the 1890s. takes place in the classroom and lab, My personal reflections on the fact that the second and third peaks were much worse than the first. GRETCHEN YENINAS MA '07 VOICES with little or no immunity, and the at clinical sites, in residence halls, on pandemic are probably similar to most practice fields, in the TV studio and people. Amid concern for workers in in the art gallery — in lots of ways other circumstances, I feel fortunate to that remote instruction (as useful as full understanding is long. We are still together in person. So in 61 6 r'Chness that is lo5t by not being able to meet be working remotely and thankful for it has been in meeting this crisis and discovering important facts about the my students, my colleagues'^0 as important as it is in normal times) Black Death, mostly through DNA evidence and the study of medieval from which we derive th °f the University-The term universitas Ages to describe a body of st^ Un'VGrsity"was used first in the Middle my own good health so far. 1 worry about elderly members of my family as well as other family and friends in a future that includes a place for birth and death records. Recent mutual aid and support it is who are still reporting for work. And residential university education. research on the 1918-1920 pandemic scholarship, learning ancj „ 'mUSt admit that 1 deeply m'SS dents and scholars who joined together for 'dea of fathering together in the pursuit of that technology can never replicate. o the extrovert in me was bored sitting at a computer all my office and conversations with colleagues. This online the pathogens attacked populations s make appearances during meetings. I quickly noticed dean of student affairs. Her husband, Jim, world isn't for me. I realized that life still goes on despite this COVID disease, I thought I would share some three generations. In both these cases, i GRETCHEN YENINAS MA ’07 is associate Friday the 13th is a scary date if you're a fan of horror History demonstrates quite clearly that I VOICES supervises the University mailroom. teach us about our present crisis? As someone whose teaching and h struggles to replicate. We have faith �AU !TA ~□ abados was an integral part of the first three teams to win a Freedom Conference Championship in the program’s : current 13-year run of titles. Sabados ranks sixth all-rime in both singles wins with 62 and singles winning percentage at Wv .861 (62-10). She went 32-4 at No. 2 singles in her career for an .889 winning percentage. She was a four-rime First Team All-Freedom Conference selection, including being named the Rookie of the Year in 2005-2006. In addition, Sabados secured one MAC singles title and two doubles championships. WHERE SHE IS NOW: Sabados is a clinical pharmacist at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pa., specializing in critical care. She lives in Duncannon, Pa, MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “My most memorable moment was winning the conference championship for the first rime and advancing to the NCAA playoffs. That season sparked many years of 2019 ATHLETICS HALL OF Fa^ championships to follow!” 'n HOW ATHLETICS INFLUENCED HER LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “There are so many lessons from athletics that translate into life skills. Tennis in particular requires teamwork but also independence and self-assessment since there is an individual component. I learned the most from my losses and became mentally tougher as a result. Being a captain also helped me gain leadership skills and I continue to use those skills in my role as a pharmacy preceptor. Also, being a student THE INDUCTEES TO THE 2019 ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME WERE athlete in pharmacy school helped establish my rime management skills which got RECOGNIZED AT A CAMPUS CEREMONY ON FEB. 1, 2020. IN THIS STORY, THEY TALK ABOUT FAVORITE me through residency and helped me stay on top of projects, meetings, etc.” MOMENTS COMPETING AS COLONELS AND CONTEMPLATE THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF AN ATHLETIC CAREER. CHRIS MAYERSKI '08 MBA'IO Baseball £r~ne of the most feared hitters ever to step into the batter’s box for Wilkes, Bl l|| Mayerski played six different positions over his career while managing a .336 career batting average. He ranks in the top five in multiple offensive categories, including ranking at the top in career home runs with 36 and most RBI’s with 167. Mayerski ranks second in games played with 146, second in at-bats with 518, and second in total bases with 344 while ranking fourth in hits with 173, doubles with 41, triples with 11, and fifth in runs scored with 132. A four-time All-Freedom Conference selection, he also for eleventh for most steals in a single game with seven against Kings in January 1989. A 1989 All-MAC Of the Week in April 2006 and was named the conference Player of the Week four times. named the 1987-1988 Wilkes Woman Athlete of the Year captain his junior and senior seasons. WHERE HE IS NOW: ALL PHOTOS BY STEVE HUSTED/KNOT JUST ANY DAY 1 I i S & !2 court and the softball diamond for four ' years at Wilkes. On the court, Shaffer tied was a 2006 American Baseball Coaches Association Mid-Atlantic All-Region selection. Mayerski was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association National Hitter ayerski was named Rookie of the Year in 2005, Team MVP in 2006, and was a team most Jaffer appeared on both the basketball y the execunve director of undergraduate admissions at Wilkes University. MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: ‘•My most memorable moments were a series st.... of ,,ai> events in in me the 21)07 2007 playoffs. playotts 1I hit hit t I semifinal game and then we went on to beat DeSales DeSales the the next to \wi... '°me rU”S3 W'n a®a'nSt ^‘nSs *n went on to beat next game game to run in our regional playoff game againstTCNJ (The College ofNcw IoscVtI C°ntCrcnCC ^ropionship. I also hit a home ie College of New Jersey).This run earned a date with my future wife, Kelly.” V • is was significant because that home Northwest selection at catcher in softball, Shaffer was and the 1989 Letterwomen president. WHERE SHE IS NOW: Shaffer works as a human resources coordinator and payroll specialist for Little League International in South Williamsport, Pa., where she resides. MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: “Receiving the Female Athlete of the Year Award in 1989.” HOW ATHLETICS INFLUENCED HER LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: “The lessons during my four years at Wilkes as an athlete/student had taught me self-discipline in setting and achieving goals both personally and professionally; HOW ATHLETICS INFLUENCED HIS LIFE AFTEI ;R COLLEGE: "Being a student-athlete at Wilkes helped prepare me in m— "y■ ways for the role I mentorship, collaboration and teamwork are all important■“ a— 1 Ml in today. Leadership, of my jobhcrea to be both an athlete and coach at Wilkes was instrumental in J‘ Wilkes and having the opportunity - “,my progression ’ "g 'Cr eduMtion professional.” helped in developing a strong work ethic, collaboration and teamwork and. most importantly, developing and maintaining meaningful relationships.” �« ne of the nio national champion in as a leader on the ream t decorated wrestlers ever to hit the mat for the Colo, mels, of most accompllshed wrestling teams . NCAA Division III National | he 1998-99 Wilkes men’s basketball team captured ■ the program’s third MAC Championship in four seasons while making the seventh straight appearance in at ecatm the MAC tournament. After capturing the and 1974,Trovei also captured Middle Atlantic Conference Championships in 1972 and 1974. He won an tndivtdual SCOTT CLEVELAND '99 Co-Captain and small forward WHERE HE IS NOW: Cleveland lives in McDonald, Pa., near Pittsburgh, and is director of environmental, health, safety and regulatory at Olympus Energy. conference crown, the team advanced to MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen. Winning the MAC Championship against Lebanon Valley The team finished the season 25-4 HOW ATHLETICS INFLUENCED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: championship at 134 pounds at the 19/1 Wtlkes Open, was also named to the “Silver Anniversary Team. Trovei has the under head coach Jerry Rickrode and assistant coaches Mike Barrouk,Jay 19th-best dual-match winning percentage lit program history with a the smartest in your field. If an opportunity is presented to you, give it everything Williams, and Dave Clancy. All-Conference you have and you have a chance to be successful. It also taught me you need a team 41-6-3 overall record for an .850 win percentage. players included first team selection and of people all working together for each other in order to achieve success.” “Athletics taught me that you don’t have to be the most talented on the court or conference most valuable player Dave WHERE HE IS NOW: Travel lives in Port Jervis, N.Y., he is still actively involved running the family business Jannuzzi along with second team selection BRIAN GRYBOSKI '99 Arthur Trovei and Sons, Inc., which specializes in truck, trailer and machinery sales and Chad Fabian. In addition, Jannuzzi was Co-Captain and power forward scrap metal recycling.Trovei enjoys family rime with his wife Sue, their four children named First Team All-ECAC, First Team and their spouses and his five grandchildren. NABC Mid-Adantic All-Region, and WHERE HE IS NOW: Gryboski lives in Mountain Top, Pa., and is regional business director at Boston Second Team NABC All-American. Scientific Neuromodulation. Jannuzzi also was named to the MAC Executive Director’s All- Academic Team. Team members include Greg Barrouk, uring his time as head basketball coach at Wilkes, Rickrode led the Bernie Brown, Scott Cleveland, Chad ; ■ Colonels to a 382-191 record, accumulating a winning percentage of .667, |__J among the best all-time in NCAA Division III history’ for coaches with at least Fabian, Mike Ferkler, Bill Gallagher, Artie Gotzmer, Brian Gryboski, Damon Heller, 10 years of experience. Under the guidance of Rickrode, the Colonels posted winning Dave Jannuzzi, Wes Kovach, Brad Sechler, seasons in 20 of his 22 years as head coach, including seven campaigns in which thev registered at least 20 wins. He also holds the Division III record for being the coach to reach the 200-win mark most quickly, achieving it in his first 249 games. “I have two memorable moments as a member of the 1998-1999 team. First was beating Lebanon Valley on their court for the MAC championship, our third in four years. The second was defeating Franklin and Marshall at home in the second round of the NCAA tournament to win our 31st consecutive home game, a streak that spanned two entire seasons where we didn’t lose a single game at the Marts Center.” Jason Sheakoski, Kevin Walsh, and TJ. HOW ATHLETICS INFLUENCED HIS LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: Ziolkowski. “As a three-year starter for Coach Rickrode, I had the opportunity to play for not The team’s co-captains, Scott Cleveland and Brian Gryboski, represent the team in this story. Arriving at Wilkes in 1992, Rickrode led the Colonels to 17 MAC and Freedom MOST MEMORABLE WILKES MOMENT: only the best D3 coach of all time, but also the toughest coach. Coach Rickrode helped instill in me a mental and physical toughness that allowed success on the basketball court which I have successfully transferred into the business world as a regional director at Boston Scientific Neuromodulation.” © Conference playoff appearances, including a run of 10 straight from 1992-2002. He also led the Colonels to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet Sixteens, three Elite Eights and one Final Four appearance during the most successful run in Wilkes men’s basketball history; During the 2000-01 season, Rickrode led Wilkes to a 23-3 record, the Freedom Conference championship, and the school’s sixth berth in the NCAA Tournament in seven years. During the 1997-98 campaign, the Colonels posted a 26-5 overall record won the MAC tide, and advanced to the Division III Final Four for the first time in ' school history. Both the 1995-96 team, which fashioned a 28-2 record, and the 1994 95 team advanced to the Division III Elite Eight. During Rickrode’s tenure, the Colonels i I I r. 2 4 were ranked number one in Division III twice. WHERE HE IS NOW: While at Wilkes, Rickrode coached 38 All-Conference performers 11 All ECAC performers, 11 All-ECAC players and six conference Rookies of the Year. Among his most accomplished nl s most accomplished players was three-time conference Most Valuable Player and the 2000-01 I ■? I P III National Player of the Year, Dave Jannuzzi. Six p|ayen'and three°“a“ ’T" Rickrode is senior gifts officer in the advancement division at Wilkes University. He has returned to coaching i sional team in the American Basketball Rickrode was honored by the National Association of I Association. It reunites him Basketball Coaches as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of th. Year after the 2000-01,1998-99,1997-98 and 1995-96 seasons Previously, he was named the Freedom Coach of the Year T" >' occasions, including 2000-01. 1 basketball as the head coach of the Wyoming Valley Clutch, a men’s profes­ Rickrode’s gutdance have been inducted into the University’s Athl u Fame, including the 1998-99 team inducted this year * * °f t ree W II 1 S ’ Il' T'l I I I ll with former player Dave Jannuzzi, one of the team S founders. The team finished the 2019-2020 season undefeated. 20-0. Some members of the 1998-1999 men's basketball team returned to Wilkes for the team's induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame. Pictured from left at the induction ceremony in February are head coach Jerry Rickrode, Damon Heller '00, assistant coach Jay Williams. Chad Fabian 'oo. Brad Sechler '03. Greg Barrouk '02, Brian Gryboski ‘99, Scott Cleveland ‘99 and T.J. Ziolkowski. i 25 �the first time that the survivors got to see themselves through THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE SURVIVORS GOT TO SEE THEMSELVES THROUGH THE EYES OF MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM AND WERE ADMIRED. the eyes of men and women in uniform and were admired,” she -GailWallen '6« In 2001 when she was director of Holocaust services at Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Tucson, a survivor reminded her that the military was responsible for holding Holocaust days of remembrance. Eager to help share the survivors’ life experiences, Wallen contacted Fort Huachuca in southeast Arizona to set up a presentation. It was the beginning of an enduring friendship and partnership. “I think in many ways, the survivors felt validated....This was says. “This is a generation that grew up surrounded and being hated by people in uniform in Europe.” Wallen was approached by a commander at Fort Huachuca who requested that she and the survivors speak with his troops stationed at other military bases. This led to presentations in them, my promise that I would continue to work “t" in this way.” The most incredible moment iozWaZen c?~e in 2Tire, other states, including Florida, Texas and New Mexico. She says she encountered German liaison ofScers at Fb-ir Hnachnza. Sze the survivors see the education as vital, allowing them to both says she “took a gamble” and asked if they wcmlb like to spesk teach and to say thank you. with the survivors. What followed was a long-term rarmersinr “The survivors are bound and determined to go out and speak as much as they can because it’s a message they’re determined to get out,” says Wallen. “This is their way of with German military liaison personnel smnonen mere- “Both sides have moral injuries/ ssys Wrerere v.hz hreds bred: a masters degree in Latin American History and 2 dac-orate saying thank you to the American military for liberating them in history from the University ofArizona. “The Hremrere as well as honoring their family and friends who died during survivors have a great deal of guilt abonr sperizmg re the the Holocaust. Some of the survivors still have nightmares and German military: are they betraying their — rebeced flashbacks. But they feel it’s important for teaching purposes, and friends by doing this: The Gem:its have the rerei ~ of the and also to say thank you for what you’re doing today.” army that they are part of. and they have the kgazy oz men Although Wallen’s job with Jewish parents or grandparents <in World War II. who ~zy have been Family and Children’s Sendees ended, silent, complacent or played an arrive pare re. rite Nrez regime?' her work with Holocaust sundvors Wallen stresses that die German srdliziry oonrinzes is continues. She dedicates her free time commitment. She and the survivors have spoken re roses re. to working with the survivors as an Texas. New Mexico and at the b.ezdcremzers of rhe Gem*zn unpaid volunteer. “This is my gift to Armed Forces Command United States retd Creredrere: Restore. \a. She says the work reflects a shared cctrereztreretre to i?_creg that nothing like the Holocaust ever happens zgrere Wallen displays two of the commemorative coins that have been given to her in appreciation for the Holocaust programming and the historical presentations she gives to complement the survivors’ stories. She says sharing the lire experiences of snrr.vozs coco res paramount in a rime when sv.nrecre rev d ‘ reg .v?d'\?.e reres of hate are growing louder and louder?' She ezres rerec or ’res. such as the 20IS synagogue skoererg -re. rere're g* red s..ggo>re that we are on au"ug?\ slope dexxre.wreb?' re re ret; ore oe conxx'uxi with rins hand cd'ucar.ore Wallen, who had fanrio ruredcood .. . *g . re': -re .re" .<. < •' now is the rime to eome tegyre.e. ag: res; rec d rec "< x side of society?' • ... ,o . • ; re "Weave a ret;'.ore. re.re\ and celebvato th.re .m.d no; see z.c reo " v'e •»o speak up.to x\\ ';>> re 0; ge. re ;e re.*. German nuhtaw .0 ' “ re e. • i Idxre .0. meaux newv agave,? " Vhe wnvwx'As .aw .a". y.re. £ lite expe. rev.ces red e re- ,e ecy xomay.e 1 hi* w rereo. expct tem V'. yd dr re »' hope and then. o. w,re. u �Mamin J. Michaels z92 was a trusts and estates lawyer with the Buffalo, N.Y., Phillips Lytle Law Firm with a view of the Buffalo River and Lake Erie and Canada in the distance. It was 1997, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was taking off with Canada/United States trade laws becoming a hot topic. His hiring by Baker McKenzie A\amin J. Michaels z92 Practices Law Internationally as a Leading Wealth Management Attorney By Andrew M. Seder Mam n Michaels ’92 works in Zone*. 5 when they were most needed. “He — ranked by The American Lawyer pumped me up a lot,” Michaels practicing law in an international arena, magazine as the top global law firm — says. Klemow remembers his former trading the New York landscape for life started Michaels down a career path student, saying, “He stood out to me as in Zurich, Switzerland, with idyllic views that would lead him to be recognized somebody who was very intelligent, was of the Albis Mountains and Lake Zurich. as one of the world’s leading wealth very diligent about his work and really Michaels, who can speak five languages management lawyers. He has been wanted to excel.” (although he would not say fluendy), ranked among this elite group by possessed attributes that would lead top Chambers & Partners, the leading law career by studying abroad at Hebrew international law firm Baker McKenzie firm ranking system. University in Jerusalem — an early to hire him in 1999. He’s been based in Switzerland for 21 years. Michaels came to Wilkes in 1989 when his family moved from New Michaels finished his Wilkes reflection of his international interests — before entering law school. After York City to Wilkes-Barre as his he graduated from Wilkes with a father became the rabbi at Temple political science degree, he earned in my favor,” Michaels recalls. “If NAFTA Israel. He entered Wilkes at just 16. It both a master’s degree in international had not gone through, I would never wasn’t an easy transition for the newly relations and his juris doctorate from have developed an interest in interna­ transplanted teen, but he remembers Syracuse University. He also earned tional estate planning, which eventually political science professor Bruce a Master of Laws degree in estate planning from the University of Miami. “My youth, my ability to speak multiple languages, my location. They all worked evolved to my representation of financial Auerbach fondly, saying he would not institutions. I was very lucky. They were allow him to coast in his classes. “He looking for someone with international pushed me,” Michaels says. experience, spoke multiple languages, who loved the idea of living overseas.” Ken Klemow, Wilkes biology professor, offered motivating words s Department ofJustice initiative 1 I to combat offshore tax evasion in 2 His career accomplishments include playing an integral role in the U.S. I 29 �alumni news which requires international institutions to report foreign assets held by U.S. account holders, and the Common SAVE THE DATE FOR Reporting Standard (CRS) which sets standard for exchanging information garding bank accounts on a global level, between tax authorities. His book, < “International Taxation: Reporting,” is ^qVIECOMING 2q^ OCTOBER 2-4! viewed as the leading text on FATCA law firm Chariton, Schwager and Malak includes estate planning among his specialties. He has known Michaels personally and professionally for decades. Chariton notes that many lawyers know Michaels through his writing. “His long "Every day I pinch and beyond. In the end, Baker McKenzie acred tor 45 banks and myself because naif the things I do, ! never i would. . 'e'e’s no ~.-.o me immure won me Armnc^n Layer’s J.EcnzKs explains that his work as pandemic. Early in April, the Office cfAmmm mi Development surveyed alumni with me goal of findhg xvays for Colonels to support and inspire each om.ez.Tbe survey collected stories of Colonels involved in hghhsg Class years ending in Os and 5s, get ready for your promoting their businesses and sought mzmi exp ems to class reunion! Other reunions include Grissom Hall, offer webinars. lacrosse, cheerleaders and the A-List. In coordination One result xvas the launch of V. fi kesWednesday T'mm with Homecoming weekend, the Third Annual Ralston to share the expertise of U dikes fizf-.L mz and aiumzL Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit athletics will be Presentations have included tacuZry such as Ed Sfzicamnz held on Monday, October 5. of the Psychology Department czerizg strategies far ★ Homecoming is currently planned for October list of publications is an indication of 2—4, 2020, and we are considering many options the extent to which he is influential including moving forward with modified reunion within his circle,” Chariton says. celebrations, and/or providing a virtual experience While his published works serve as The Family of Colonels remained strong during the the pandemic, asked if alumni would .ike zsizrnm in and CRS. Jerry B. Chariton of the Wilkes-Barre Alumni Association Connects with Colonels During Pandemic to encourage connections. beating stress. Jane Blanken-Webb of ±e Doan? of Education faculty on cybersecurity and >.£zrEznne Rasr of the Sidhu School edu taring on me urui-z of nnznzin planning. Kirby Schc_2zs mem me L’niveniz. k Ann ?. Kirry Center for Free Enterprise and Enzzeprenemshin nresenred a webinar about marketing busfnesses- references for lawyers, he also teaches Stay tuned to wxswwilkes.edu/homecoming for updates’ at multiple universities including rhe For questions, email alumni@wilkes.edu. and director for me Cerner fir GZzbm mm. Pdfmz Hemm m a we£m management lawyer requires University of Lausanne in Switzerland, Vilhnox-L Umverkry. and Chris Wzebrezrcm SC prmfisscr mm to undemand bcm me needs of the University of Freiburg in Germany, of environmental health sciences in Kent Sn.re L’mmemir- s ga-ba' Enmies and those of financial IDC International School in Israel, College cf Public Heakh. presented z ” ezmmz fzern fit mmmn'm. He mmt understand tax, and Syracuse University College of virology and public hemm hnpncrncns e£CCTLT- - nmerinnee ndes and mm rules in Law. “Teaching keeps me sharp in a Jeanie Coomber dozecs ofjtsisdScriosis to represent different way that day-to-day work about "Conununicenng xvhh hnp^cC mi£ nrrrtr. ’^ome zhtnn who have a::et: and relative- in rmddple muzmle:. He ako mw.t crz. t-e ver/ d-ever^Yo-j ,. -r; ib-z-r rnsaj azs 4-3 .-j.ve ' Veit, ':-x- tXftKv. rn '"-C Tis.merm-mw~ doesn’t,” Michaels says. “It’s also a way Lonsrein '^presented on "Seen to give back.” and Crime during COVUVPast w-bwms me -hS; c 3SUS5 &vcd fcaaojJ ooeshhan: r.i ex^emmor mzzrn spexr he only dreamt of as a Wilkes student Wilkes Ufivcisri-VYcShx zrzm.K Other pandenuc-reh.^xi i?h cr,\es 'c.-.cc me He lives an international lifestyle studying abroad. He married his establishment efe . witeTetiana in 2019 and the pair suvroriixv messages -w. •.•••• h honeymooned in Antarctica. His wife, C.w of .-. z y'c: on .A' A.Assoc an attorney for Credit Suisse, wrote about the trip for kbjjne Ukraine. g.;w. *g n bus?z. v rnm - C c\-c z .. - ■ e .w -c > •« . / • ■ tbr stories of Av.'• v- w.xCX emo •; V' •; ho Tc o H Wxs mag,;; me ■ darnin’s sister-in-law, Danielle Flock Mi'.haeJ-, '01, alto is a Wilkes alumna. “i i'S' A-ee/'tWh : 'Z/- ' i.frr’i day I pinch myself because :,a.7 the tilings I do, I never thought 1 7/ooM,’' -.ay, IAir.htch.‘"lhere’s no two '■’ay. in >hi', <;ai"‘-.r that are the ‘.auic, i '.‘--I'.-I*;;;, ph.'.nom-nal and fa-.'.ina>ing.1 bl '■••e o';,'i hand, it s • zhauuin;'. I’m always I m alv/ays on a plane. I'm x' ''ay. z/i, v.iti'1,1,1- ri,<-'* iniii mu1'* ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OPEN BOARD MEETING Are you Interested In learning more about the Alumni -W. i.it,oe' t'.U• e. e.v ■ “.v •j, aoao al I |),m, You can call In to the meeting and get a niMtwnd look at vw o. tv.-. o .■ campus partners lo provide programs for the alumni eommvMv M tee <wi •< w o ........ Im the upeomlnp tea al yeai It you are interests > >v. •• - •- v. -g ' ;’ I Mallons al alumnl®wllk#s<edu. 'day luntd tei the next i-- .no■> the ................. meinliei!) ami olIh <-i -.1 < - �giving back giving back Leilani Hall ’68 explains why she chose to be one of the Wilkes and You! It Takes Two ■ -Records for Supporting Wilkes Inaugural Giving Day Sets a new record for contributions to University programs made in a single day. The event brought the entire Wilkes community together in the virtual world and turned social media channels blue and gold. Held on 2-20-2020, the day rallied participants around the theme “It Takes Two — Wilkes and You!” A 24-hour online effort to support initiatives most important to alumni and friends of the University; Giving Day featured “We are extremely appreciative Farley Library for several reasons, but mosdy for the fond of the tremendous display of memories of spending so much time in Kirby when it was our library. The silence and accessible resources helped me focus on generosity and pride by so my studies when my dorm was full of distractions,” Hall says. many on Giving Day. Clearly we “After graduation, I found a job in my field — chemistry More than 530 members of the Wilkes University A record number of Colonels rallied to make Wilkes University's inaugural Giving Day a tremendous success, setting challenge donors. “I chose to be the challenge donor for the community, including alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends, participated raising in excess of S92.000 in — and became the one assigned to library research. I’ve since practiced science librarianship at five universities with my will look forward to the good spirited competition inherent chemistry degree from Wilkes being a door-opener. It served support of dozens of areas of campus. Gifts ranged from me well when advocating for and supporting teaching faculty in in this one day challenge as we $5 to 55,000, and each one added to the day’s momentum the sciences, making sure the necessary resources were available and success. The totals include challenge funds generously move to make Wilkes Giving Day for their own research and that of their students.Yet, when it donated by loyal alumni. The challenge funds unlocked a comes to fundraising, alumni often support their college or an annual event.” total of $2,020 in each of 10 areas when the goal of donors major, not the library. Life-long learning takes place in libraries - Dr. Paul Adams '77 MS ’82, Wilkes interim president was met. and they all deserve our support.” stories and videos from deans, coaches, and students. dominated collectively as donors, with 35% of the total Giving Day 2020 set a new record for giving partici­ pation in 24 hours. “We are extremely appreciative of the tremendous display of generosity and pride by so many on Giving Day. Clearly we will look forward to the good spirited competition inherent in this one day challenge as we move to make Wilkes Giving Day an annual event,” says Dr. Paul Giving Day donors being graduates from class years of 2000 through 2019. Wilkes thanks all of its alumni and friends for being a part of the day and embodying its theme, “It Takes Two, Wilkes & You!” Stay tuned for Giving Day 2021. © Adams ’77 MS ’82, interim president. 1 Athletics topped the leaderboards for number of donors at 217, while student scholarships led in the most dollars raised with $27,101. The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences surpassed other academic divisions with both the most donors — 51 — and dollars raised with $6,809. Graduates of the last decade WILKES DAY I < I 33 �class'notes class notes Undergraduate Christopher Kropiewnicki 15 Selected for Primary Care Scholars Program at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine When Christopher Kropiewnicki '15 graduated from Wilkes, his career path as a researcher seemed clear. He entered the University of Kansas to pursue a doctorate in computational biology. But less than a year into his doctoral program, he began to wonder if it was the right choice. That questioning eventually led Kropiewnicki to leave his doctoral program. Now a second-year medical student at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton, Fa.. he is among the first group of students admitted to the Geisinger Primary Care Scholars Program. The selected scholars receive a monthly stipend and pay no tuition or fees in exchange for agreeing to work in a primary-care area such as 1969 Army after 22 years of service Michael Stair of Mountain with the organization.The Top, Pa., was accepted as a William Booth Award is one member of the American of the highest awards that Society of Music Arrangers may be conferred by The and Composers. The organi­ Salvation Army. Nominees zation, with headquarters in are chosen on the basis of Los Angeles, Calif, primarily dedication to The Salvation has members who are active in Army’s goals of service the film industry on the West to man and outstanding Coast. Stair is putting together a humanitarian effort within staff for the purpose of creating the community. Calkins a full studio orchestra in New was recognized for many York City. The orchestra would achievements within the give arrangers, composers, organization including raising performers and others an money so that each child opportunity to try out their in the after-school program works where they otherwise could have a laptop, ensuring might not be able to do so. that they could have the 1970 Geisinger Health System after completing their degree. 1997. she has taught courses in consumer law, alternative Kropiewnicki says that working as a primary care doctor with of Plains, Pa., received the Claire Maziarczyk of Texas, was ordained as an dispute resolution, ethics and Educator of the Year Award Niskayuna, N.Y., is part of independent minister by on Nov. 13, 2019. The award, the Legacy Project at the the National Association ot domestic violence. Fox also runs the University of None Christian Ministers. Dame Economic Justice Cthtic. given by Wilkes University, Thomas J. Watson Library’ in uses computer applications to simulate biological systems recognizes a teacher who is the Metropolitan Museum of and interpret experimental data. “I'd go into the lab, work and a lifelong learner, reflective Art in New York City. Thirty’ 1984 practitioner and effective patterns of her distinctive Leo Morgan ot Woodbridge. and received guidance from Eileen Sharp, who was then the communicator who continues decorative paste papers Va., retired on Dec. 13.201S to grow academically and are part of the permanent he studied biology at Wilkes, left the doctoral program and also was sparked working on research into RNA modeling professionally. earned the master of biomedical science degree offered Investigation. with former Wilkes biology faculty member Christian Laing. collection at the museum. Her work will be part of an after more than 34 years with the Federal Bureau of for a three-year rerm to the health sciences advisor. His interest in computational biology Protection Bureau Consumer Advisory Board. She currency at Geisinger. He also worked in the office of a primary care Looking back, he realizes that even when doing research, American decorative paper GeislngSr “X°& ol,h ^eaiclne of computational biology, a branch of research biology that not really see anybody. That was my day. It was lacking that interaction with people." Kropiewnicki, who had also considered medical school while He had considered a career in medicine while at Wilkes medicine was his focus. "All the research projects I applied to 1974 Rick Masi of Delran, N.J., was he saw that the internal medicine doctor who he shadowed had close relationships with were all medical in nature." inducted into the Cinnaminson makers opening September High School Athletic Hall 13,2022. them about family members and inquiring about their ,.ves. “1 can’t tell you ail the times after appointments that people came up to me and said, 'He’s ore of the good guys. He saved . fe. deeded 1 wa-.ted — p-e re at or z' do and that “I can’t tell you all the times after appointments that people came up to me and said, ‘He’s one of the good guys. He saved my life.’ I decided I wanted those relationships and that rapport.” - Christopher Kropiewnicki '15 Now he he relishes on emphasis the communi­ cating with patients, citing a class medicine in as patient-center one of his favorites, Kropiewnicki has not yet settled on his area of specialization, but says he is considering combining a mental health focus with primary care. of Fame. Masi taught at Cinnaminson from 1975 to 2014. Masi also taught business education at Wilkes, coached football, and was the head golf coach from 1987 to 2014. 1977 Charlie Calkins ofYork, Pa., an attorney with the ('GA 1 aw l inn, received the prestigious William and Catherine Booth Her advocacy and research focus on issues ofpredatory exhibit including 25 other physician in his hometown of Nanticoke, Pa. While he was there, his patients, often asking X- 1978 Michael Heller of Marshall, its emphasis on building long-term relationships with patients “It's very much working in isolation," says Kropiewnicki i resources as other children. Anne (Aimetti) Thomas win offer what he felt was missing in research. i ■ 1988 Andrew Bossard won the Department of Defense Civilian Ambassador for the Alliance Good Neighbor award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations in the Republic of Korea for exceptional contributions to a better quality of fife for Uroted States service and family members and for enhancement of relations between the Republic of Korea and the United States. The awards ceremony was hosted by Gen. Robert V. Abrams, the commander of United States forces in Korea. same access to educational family medicine, internal medicine or medicine-pediatrics in the s Award from the Salvation 1975 David Nieman ot Dallas, Pa., had his art work displayed ar the Wyoming Valley Art League's Circle Centre for 1985 Judith (Kaska Kohl) Fox is a clinical professor oflaw at the University of Notre Dame l aw School, where she reaches lending, primarily in the housing market. In 20 lo she was named national Consumer Financial serves on the advisory boards of the Indiana Foreclosure I egal Assisrauoe lYogrum. fho predatory lending conumtree ofthe Bridges Out of Foverev and practices consumer law. Initiative and on the executive 1 ler book. “The Foreclosure board of the National Association Echo: How (he Hardest Hit I law Been I eft Out Of of Consumer 1. aw vers. i I The Economic Recovery.” 1988 the Arts. Nieman is a great admirer of the Impressionists co -authored \x uh I inda Helen Brannon of \Vv.Nro. Fisher, wax published b\ the NX was and often paints seettes from northeast and central Cambridge Umwixuv Tvcxx president of the W".S * Pennsylvania. m July Since joining ihe Notve Dame faculty m to vice Health Sereins Co v.v.'.ar.d Center and three I �class notes class notes Kindness (BARK) Club 1997 Operations and to senior in Heather Lynn (Howell) Johnson ofPort Richey, Fla- vice president for throughput at Mount Sinai Hospital in accepted a promotion and is now a registered nurse case September 2019. 2000 Andres Torres of Staten Island, N.Y, was promoted Gainesville, Fla. Gary Hoskins MBA ’07, 1999 Lucia Piccolino of Scranton, Pa., owns multiple companies of Columbus, Ohio, were married on Dec. 21,2019. including Social Victor)' Media LLC, Autobahn Title 1994 Jonny Perloff of Slatington, and Tag, Autobahn Adventure Pa., received two new patents Travel, Oneway2fiin.com and for an expandable spinal Ricochets Rapid Detail LLC. fixation system. He is a project •• for Educators in Health named editor-in-chief of the club was recognized as West Professions and the 2019 t0 captain in the New York Washington and Lee Law AAMC Health Professions City Fire Department with a Virginia’s representative in the Review at Washington and Financial Aid Administrators ceremony on Nov. 14,2019. Readers Digest Nicest Places Lee University School of Law. Conference. She is president of in America article. Due to His note on whether federal the board of directors of the her work advising the club magistrate judges may dispose Northeast Pennsylvania Area and as a Spanish teacher at of habeas corpus petitions Health Education Center. Pa., successfully defended the school, she was chosen as with party consent will be his doctoral dissertation in the 2018/2019 high school educational leadership at East teacher of the year. 2006 Peter Mayes of Bethlehem, Stroudsburg University. He is currendy the principal of 2013 Nitschmann Middle School in Aaron Nikles of Naugatuck, Bethlehem, Pa. Conn., has been a senior manage luggage in the travel industry. He credits the Newville, Pa., launched her experience he gained studying second book, “The Magician,” entrepreneurship in the Wilkes with Pittsburgh illustrator master of business adminis­ Pamela Behrend. Her first tration program with helping book was “The Cloud Artist.” him to start the business. Broomall, Pa., is technical operations manager for Salem, WVa., created the a house in Naugatuck with NBC 10 andTelemundo 62 in Bulldog Acts of Random his girlfriend, where they live with their pets. I «■ V A the American Society for 2005 Melissa Leedock PharmD, of Harrisburg, Pa., was promoted Public Administration (ASPA), to senior director of Medicare •t a 10,000 member national pharmacy operations and 2016 organization advancing profes­ sionalism in the field of Olivia Hewison and Tyler Sutton of Philadelphia, Pa., married on Oct. 19,2019. The wedding took place at Greek Peak Hope Lake Lodge in N.Y. public administration. Hines is director of operations for the City of Pittston in Luzerne compete in running races — an interest that started on the 1997 I I 1 I I Christine Pavalkis D’Angelo ’97 and Justin D’Angelo ’03 were married in December 2019. Although they attended Wilkes several I I I I years apart, they were introduced by mutual friends at Wilkes Homecoming 2016. When they were married, several Wilkes friends were in attendance, including matchmakers Kevin Beerman ’01 and Donna Talarico-Beerman '07, MFA ’10. In February 2020, they were featured as Wilkes Sweethearts on the Colonel Connection alumni web site. summer providing professional development to teachers in the Department of Defense % I schools in Germany. In addition to being an instruc­ tional coach in Las Vegas, he is a curriculum consultant with board certified teacher. clinical programs at Capital JUMMV CANAAN BlueCross in Harrisburg. 2007 Gary Hoskins MBA - See County, Pa. He continues to Delta Education and a national innovative technology to six years. He recently bought board of directors of the •2 Emirates started the company Sherri Maret M.S. of Keystone State Chapter of 1 MBA of the United Arab in Connecticut for almost Pa., was re-elected to the i Mohammed Aburiyaleh the law school’s class of 2021. 2002 Nov. 27 and May 22,2018. Vegas, Nev., spent part of the 2012 2021. Hauser is a member of engineer for FedEx Express Frank Tomaszewski of Timothy Williams of Las published in the review in Baggagement, which uses Inc. The patents were issued Philadelphia. 2011 Daniel Kautz and his wife. Taylor, were married on May 18,201g. in Indianapolis, Ind., where they now reside. Wilkes University alumni at the wedding are pictured, from left, Trevor Hirsh'n, Christopher Horn ’11, Benjamin Andrews '11, John Hawkins 'll, Daniel Kautz. Harry Zmskie '12, Justine Zmskie '12 and Jeff Koscil 'll MS '12. Graduate 2009 Jessica Berkey MS ’18 of Wilkes cross country team. the Harvard Macy Program School in West Virginia. The engineer for Globus Medical, 1995 David Hines of Kingston, -7. - Corey J. Hauser has been manager at Vitas Hospital in 1991 Kristen Piatkowski and 2018 at Doddrige County High House titled “The Middle Finger Project." In the book, she chronicles her journey from growing up in a trailer park to earning her first million dollars as a creative writer doing unconventional business and living an unconventional life Ambiiirge notes that the book names Wilkes University as a part of that journey. The book is based on advice given in her online business. The Middle Finger Project, an irreverent media company that helps other women find their voice and teaches them to use it to build their businesses. Nicholas P. Zmijewski of Lancaster, Pa., was elected to the top leadership post at ArchivesSpace. ArchivesSpace is the open source archives information management application for managing and providing web access to archives, manuscripts and digital objects. It is built and managed by archivists for archivists in a variety of organizations. Zmijewski is the archivist for the Industrial Library and Archives in Bethlehem, Pa. 2014 of Rehoboth Beach, Del. Christine Lee is now a He received the Delaware reporter at the Republican- Association of Public Herald, a Pulitzer Administration 2019Young Prize-winning daily newspaper Professional of the Year award. in Pottsville, Pa. She previously After graduating from Wilkes, served as editor of the Florham Miller earned his master Park Eagle and reporter for the of public administration Madison Eagle, which are both degree from the University weekly papers in the New Jersey Hills Media Group. of Delaware and was an ICMA Local Government Management Fellow for two 201g years. ICMA is the national Evan Miller is projects organization for professional co°rdinator for the city city and county managers. undergraduates 1991 2011 Michelle Schmude Ed.D. of, Mountain Top, Pa., was recendy promoted to associate professor of medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Schmude has published numerous scholarly works and presented at multiple conferences, including the Drexel University Fifth Annual Assessment Conference, MAVWELL BAUMAN r2O15 —------ Maxwell Bauman MA’14, MFA’s book, "The Mummy of Canaan," has been published by Clash Publishing. The book is the story of American teens visiting Israel who awaken an ancient curse, bringing a mummy who slaughters and dismembers them one by one to make himself whole again. I I 1 i 37 �class notes class notes Ann (Cotner) McHale of Women, West Pittston Library taK. Himmel of Baltimore, Cleveland, Ohio, died Oct. 31, board and Meals on Wheels of Md.,died on Feb. 4, 2020. 2019. She taught at elementary Greater Pittston. then continue their medical He was a lawyer for o5 years. schools in Wilkes-Barre and at studies at Hahnemann He worked with LifeBridge Boggs Elementary School in Paul Edward Gavel of Medical School in Health for over 30 years and State College, Pa., where she Wyomissing, Pa., died Nov. Philadelphia. He also helped also served as principal. She 8, 2019. He was a veteran of to establish numerous other served as president of what is currendy North West Hospital. is survived by her husband, the U.S. Air Force. He was an Vincent McHale ’64. entrepreneur in the computer industry for more than 40 Service in 2002. In Memoriam 1953 1946 Ruth M. Lewis of Redford, Mo., died on Sept. 12,2019. She served on many boards 1950 David Whitney of Brown Robert W. Brodbeck of Manor, Wyo., died on Jan. Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Jan. 19,2020. He was a US. 25,2020. Whitney was an She was awarded the Rose counselor and volunteered at health science partnerships He was a board member of Society, Historical Commission, a self-employed interior benefiting Wilkes students. the Baltimore Council for Boy Sister City Commission, decorator prior to retirement. the White Haven Center in White Haven, Pa. As a doctoral student at Scouts ofAmerica and served 1962 years, working for ITT, Alfred University in Alfred, as its attorney for the last 10 Frank H. Menaker Jr. Honeywell, and started his 1973 Irv Lebowitz ot Kingston, N.Y., his thesis research on years. He also was an active of Potomac, Md., died on own successful firm, Palman Pa., died on Jan. 23,2020. fuel cell electrode reactions member of the Family Tree, Feb. 18, 2020. A lawyer, Systems. Lebowitz served six years in Samuel Owens of Southfield, 1954 Anita (Gordon) Allen of Brader Award for Community Beautification Commission. Mich., died on Nov. 19,2019. Southampton, Pa., died in was sponsored by the U.S. an organization focused on Menaker served as senior 1949 spent three years in the Pacific preventing child abuse. vice president and general Mark Sanford Levey of during World War II. He was Department of Defense the Cuban Missile Crisis. He Edwin Kosik of Covington 2019. counsel for Lockheed Martin was an athletic director for Township, Pa., died on June an accountant who worked Chicago, Ill, died on Oct. Joseph John Mosier of leading to on-board power 1961 Corporation, as well as general 30,2019. Levey worked as several organizations, most 13, 2019. As a senior judge for the Ford Motor Credit Company at the time of his technologies used in the Howard W. Goeringer of counsel for Martin Marietta. a money manager in New recently serving in that role for the United States District Dallas,Texas., died on Feb. 12, Court for the Middle District retirement. 2020. He served in the U.S. Gemini and Apollo programs. Hanover Twp., Pa., died on He played a key role in the York City and Chicago, Ill, for 35 years for the Jewish of Pennsylvania, Kosik was Army during World War II Prior to joining Wilkes in Jan. 4,2020. He served in the merger of the two organi­ and published articles about Community Center in the presiding judge in the in the 99th General Hospital 1962, Rozelle co-founded United States Navy during the zations to create Lockheed politics and economics in the Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. and NASA, eventually' 2009 “kids for cash” case in 1951 Murray R. Horton of Unit, where he saw action Surface Processes, Inc. in Korean War. Goeringer worked Martin Corp. Menaker also which two Luzerne County, Lancaster, Pa., died on April during the Battle of the Back Mountain, Pa. He was as a casework supervisor for played a key role in the 1986 Pa., judges were convicted of 23,2018. He served in the Bulge. A long-time resident of an early pioneer in research the Luzerne County Public Defense Industry Initiative taking kickbacks for sentencing U.S. Navy. He was an electrical Exeter, Pa, he had a career as into abatement of acid Assistance Office. the Army Reserves during 1976 Thomas A. Shulde ot when he served as chair of the 1971 Stephen A. Kaschenbach of working group that developed Sweet Valley, Pa., died on Feb. 24,2020. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, ttom Lincoln, Neb., died on Jan. youth to for-profit detention engineer with Sylvania centers. During World War II, Electric, General Electric and chairman of the Board of Glenn Johnson of North industry standards for account­ 11,2020. Kaschenbach was Kosik served as an armored RCA Corp. He went on to Ralph B. “Bud” Rozelle Nesbitt Memorial Hospital Wales, Pa., died on Feb. 8, ability, auditing, ethics and employed as a teacher in the 1965 to 1971. He worked for infantry unit commander, serve as an auxiliary police of West Wyoming, Pa., died and vice chairman of the 2020. He was a business self-assessment. Dallas School District for 27 the Florida Department ot on Feb. 23,2020. A professor Wyoming Valley Health Care teacher at Coughlin High years. A former wresder under Corrections and Pennsylvania System. School and later became 1963 legendary Wilkes wrestling James F. Antonio ofEynon, coach John Reese, he also Pa., died on Jan. 7, 2020. coached wrestling as assistant Antonio was a computer and head coach at Dallas High science teacher at Scranton school. After retiring from an accountant. mine damage. He served as eventually retiring as a colonel. officer in Manheim Tup., Pa., After the war, Kosik received before being elected in 1976 emeritus and former chair of his bachelor’s degree at Wilkes as district justice of court of the chemistry department at business manager of the College, before earning his common pleas in Lancaster, Pa. Wilkes University, Rozelle 1957 Shikellamy School District served multiple roles during John Witinski of Hanover law degree at Dickinson School of Law in 1951. He 1952 had a private law practice, his career at Wilkes, including Twp., Pa., died on Dec. 6, Mabel-Faye Richards director of graduate and 2019. served as the chairman of the Solomon of Pompano Beach, Pennsylvania State Workmen’s Fla, died on Nov. 1,2020. Compensation Board, and She was a teacher with the as judge in the Court of Crestwood School District for Common Pleas in Lackawanna 30 years. research programs and chair of the division of natural sciences in Sunbury, Pa. In 1971, he joined the administrative staff at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., where he held several administrative 1959 and mathematics. As director William J. Bergstrasser Jr. rales’ 8OIn8 on to hold various of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on at Wilkes, he was instrumental Nov. 25, 2019. Bergstrasser Regan nominated him to the ln launching the Wilkes- federal bench in 1986 and Hahnemann Program, where e Was a board member of the Da>’viUeArea School District Kosik became a senior judge ^dencs would complete their an also served as its president. in 1996. pre-medical requirements worked as an accountant. Tech High School. Later medical group management. teaching, he went on to help he was employed as an IT establish and operate Lakeway director at several facilities, Beverage in Dallas. including Penn Security. Positions in the field of of the health sciences program County'. President Ronald ln tWo ycan at Wilkes and 38 long-term nursing homes. in World War II. He was He enlisted in the Navy and £ local SPCA, and multiple Redford Township Musical Board of Canvassers, and ■J. Company, John Heinz, the Army veteran who served Redford Union and Township t the Woodward Hill Hose educator at New Jersey schools. He also served as a and commissions such as the i organizations, including the American Red Cross, Jean Pierkowski of Lynne E. Dente of West Pittston, Pa., died on Jan. 18, 2020. She was a teacher in Frenchtown, N.J., and was an active volunteer for many community organizations, including United Methodist Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died on Dec. 1,2019. Pierkowski was a substitute teacher and was Department ofJuvenile Justice. He retired as a corrections case manager for the Nebraska Department ot Corrections. 1979 Betsy Bell Condron MS of Kingston, Pa., died Jan. 10. 2020. She was director of planned giving, development, community relations and special events at Wilkes University font 1979 until employed in the business her retirement in 1998. She served on'he selection boatd field for the majority ot tor the Hahnemann Meduvi her life. She also was active Collette-Wilkes Uniwmty as a volunteer for multiple I I 5 £ �class ■notes *' w Pre®rani-Condron received ^^es Colonel A«md 1980 Patricia (Heffers) Perna of honoring her service. Prio, Sharon Ann (Knight) “JokingWilkes,she taught Grivner ot Gouldsboro, Pa., Taylor, Pa., died on Feb. 6, died on Jan. 28,2020. Grivner ^^-^“ipton School ror Giris and at Wyoming was an insurance agent and rhe owner ofAllstate Grivner Agency in Pocono Sunmu'r. Pa lary, where she was the «2ege placement director rioml969.19?9Kr^for her volunteer work in local 1981 ’“““d national fields of herith. education and welfare Pa- died on Nov. 16,2019. ““^Distinguished D^hterofPetmsyKum-am Unirera'rem the maintenance department - - - anc later served as the °^=dons president She Countvs "““wafer Service Merit ^“d the Pennsyfemh See Ralph B. “Bud” an educator for die Scranton Rozelle - 1954 ■Marie Spinosi of Plains Twp.. ot Whpwallopen, Pa., died on Nov. 23,2019. Martino was Bear Creek Charter School, rherapeutic staff support. uhere she also started the K-Kids Program, an after1987 -'chool mentorship program. Anthony Prushinski of She Previously taught ar °“JocaL regional and s!aK ^mcludedsening^rice GirCertsv21e,Pa.>died on Ridgeview School. Jm. 25,2020. Prushinski 1988 David Dragorr^p^.^ ^■■^°n-Dec.lk2^ 2074 died on ^-^OrxAnaccompmk^ "‘“““d™«bUdo„, tO the ’“titution. Hayes earned a bachelor’s degree foniCo,by College and ^^Per and mason R "’aS,aLNati°naJ Institutes of ^alth postdoctoral feUOWat X| University. Hayes was a member of the Sociei ■ty for Integrative and Comparative S'gmaXi; the scientific research honor society for P^fc-.-e ofam ^^crean-ngjudrica ^“i^redbyherrmmy 1 J 7 “ " Bar and Bar 1150 ruwred ?rior a Staff SeeBe«yBeUCondron1979 1991 the Future Rockcreek, died on Stated ST/ sctenrisB and engineers. ^ra M^ Reider “\«»*«™ghirJfeBd£h n 10 °gy, the Microscopy Society ofAmerica, and ^'^educanonand education for the O^Barre Area School * /. --«r’s and doctoral degrees fom Lehigh University. He Ms of Dallas Pa ed onFeb 7 ,O2o ^rit - Dismct. A&on CMfflerj KoYdchik / die Colonel Award fom Bechtold was employed at the Hcrn“®y leadership roles --anmn and ^”02^3 board member fc 'hrongh 2000. He received Moriah L. Bechtold ofAvoca, on Jam 3,2020. She was employed by Step-bv-St ^•“Wilkes-Bane as ' >«P branch manager for Automotive Finance Corp • W, 2019 ^joined Wilkes Un'versity’s biology department in I%7' Wilkes-Barre. Pa. O^^dmgVoIunteerAwmd. Commission on ^Status of Women under fennsyhmiia Go-.-. William <r Wiibur Hayes profeS! ssor of biology, died Dec and taught biology, c]asses employed by the Department of Human Sen-ices in Pa., died on Nov. 30, 2019. He^* Department I - 2005 1986 -^edthePetmsy-hmtia ^Society's Benjamin Ru£hCtE^ding Service • School District. Stanley Rajza ofPhinsTwp., Rajza tras employed by Wilkes Faculty 2020. For 35 years, Perna was 1992 Christine (Stackalis) Martino L FIRST generation schol ION SCHOLARSHIP FUND ' J-P^r Wilkes Uni ^■^^derthipand ^nizationaj^X / feiwfividuaj. rr' F'jnur.e 5t/t rj ' ed"«'-"9 to. are the fi °f ('olor,els. Neari ln °Ur newest the econ St.ln their family V 1alf °f Our stU(lents al0bal Pa°nde 3nd Pers°na| co,,e9e. With n°w "lore t, m'C' °ur students Orethanever. 19eS P°Sed bV a deniSnBed your support Agifttoth r ^ntswho so."''.‘“Mwwonwlll 1,1 a cliangiiyg world. Make your gift today by visiting www.Hiikes.eikg:>?. Affirm the future of 3 Wilkes education fcr c..r$ti.oe~ts and invite them to be part of a tradition that is Fd •? .r Colonel. For more information about making a g ". contact Margaret Steele, chief development at margaret.steeleis'wilkes.edu. Wilkes University _____ _ - �im»m*»ECRL07»»C-003 *m*********' Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 Ft BIZ HOH-PROFII 0R6 US POSlfiSE Ffilfc WILKES BfiRR£,pfj 187q PERMIT HO. 35E 3 ................................................... . We honor the experience you have at Wilkes. We have faith that we will find our way. We have the courage to face this adversity. We pledge to share the truth forthrightly and candidly. We demonstrate the loyalty that is the spirit of Wilkes. - Paul Adams '77, MS ’82, Interim President, from a message to the campus community in spring 2020 To learn more about the latest news and events happening at Wilkes, please visit www.wilkes.edu and www.wilkes.edu/alumni. � 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/Summer 2020 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing and Communications Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Spring/Summer 2020 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Magazine https://omeka.wilkes.edu/omeka/files/original/90bd3e48852d9e503119cd3f3999a545.pdf 661213a8ec358aa7c0ce64ff748ed67d PDF Text Text W I N T E R 2 02 1 – 2 02 2 LIGHTING T H E WAY Innovation and Agility Prepare Wilkes for a Bright Future �president’s letter VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1 Welcome Back I am pleased to share with you the winter 2021-2022 edition of Wilkes magazine, my first as president of Wilkes University. Much has happened since our last issue and the pandemic continues to create uncertainty. Above all else, we hope that you and your families are remaining healthy and safe. On the following pages, you will see that Wilkes has slowly and safely reintroduced some normalcy to our campus. I was honored to be formally installed as Wilkes president on Oct. 1. An inauguration ceremony is much less about any one individual and much more about celebrating the greater Wilkes community. It is setting a vision for the future and reinforcing our commitment to those we ultimately serve—our students. It was a moment of pride for our University and a humbling one for me personally. Thank you to all who shared in this event and sent well wishes. We also held our first in-person Homecoming Weekend since 2019. Everyone on campus worked tirelessly to host safe, outdoor experiences. The photos on the following pages show that the weather was certainly in our favor. After a year in which many events were canceled or held online, we have an incredible lecture series this year. In April, Wilkes will welcome presidential historian and author Jon Meacham as part of the 40th anniversary of the Max Rosenn Lecture Series in Law and Humanities. Two days later, Wilkes hosts the one and only Margaret Atwood. The author of more than 50 novels, including The Handmaid’s Tale, will speak as part of the spring President Greg Cant Allan Hamilton Dickson Writers Series. Learn more at wilkes.edu/lectureseries. Finally, we want to thank you for your patience as you awaited the next issue of Wilkes magazine. For nearly two years, university personnel have been united in our mission to create a safe environment, focusing on the most pressing priorities. Though the pandemic continues to remind us of the importance of those we hold dear, it is lovely to resume many of our typical activities. It also gave us an opportunity to reflect. The format and frequency of Wilkes magazine will likely change moving forward. But our commitment to you, our valued alumni and friends, has never been stronger. Thank you for all the ways you supported us during these challenging times. Your kind and generous spirit continues to transform the lives of our students. We are forever grateful. And we are Forever Colonel. Greg Cant President WINTER 2021 –2022 WILKES MAGAZINE University President Greg Cant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Kishan Zuber Executive Director of Communications Gabrielle D’Amico ’04 MFA ’17 Editor and Associate Director of Communications Patricia DeViva Design Kara Reid Printing Lane Press MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS Executive Director of Marketing Kim Bower-Spence MFA ’21 Marketing and Creative Services Brad Barry Ashleigh Crispell ’15 Kelly Clisham MFA ’16 Director of Digital Services Mandy Pennington Digital and Web Services Brittany Terpstra MS ’20 Cory Burell Richard Ermeus ’21, graduate assistant University Events Mildred Urban PRESIDENT’S OFFICE Executive Assistant to the President Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT Chief Development Officer Margaret Steele Alumni Relations Mary Balavage Simmons ’10, MBA ’16 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President Matthew Berger ’02 First Vice President Michael Noone ’97 Second Vice President Kristin Hake Klemish ’04 Secretary Neal McHugh ’86 Past President Cynthia Charnetski ’97 Historian Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 Wilkes magazine is published by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, patricia.deviva@wilkes.edu, (570) 408-4780. 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 26 10 22 contents FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 10 Unwavering 2 On Campus 28 Alumni News 30 Giving Back 32 Class Notes 14 Lighting the Way Forward Inauguration week paid homage to Greg Cant’s Australian roots, as depicted during a stunning light show at Weckesser Hall that featured Aboriginal art and music. See story on page 20. PHOTO BY KNOT JUST ANY DAY Wilkes unites to honor the past, celebrate the future and reaffirm a campus-wide commitment to innovation. 22 A Day in the Life of the Simms Center on Main The Ron and Rhea Simms Center on Main intersects campus and community, academics and activities, social time and studying. 26 Supercomputing on Campus Meet WARLOC, one of the most powerful academic supercomputers in the region. Have a story idea to share? Contact patricia.deviva@wilkes.edu or Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. Wilkes magazine is available online at www.wilkes.edu/wilkesmagazineonline WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Greg Cant reflects on his fi rst year as president, new priorities and the hope that lies ahead. 1 �on campus Bonner Leaders Program Welcomes First Students WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Wilkes University welcomed its first eight students into the Bonner Leaders Program, a unique work-study initiative that blends community service and leadership education to inspire students to become service leaders at Wilkes and in the greater community. Wilkes is the only university in northeastern Pennsylvania and one of just eight in the state to offer the serviceleadership program to students. The Bonner Leaders Program at Wilkes was made possible by alumnus and attorney William Bush ’68, who has served on the board of the Bonner Foundation since its inception. A longtime advocate for students who are the first in their families to attend college, Bush helped connect the Bonner Foundation to the University. 2 “It is a program that perfectly aligns with the Wilkes commitment to hands-on learning, individualized attention and community engagement.” –G � reg Cant, Wilkes University President Bonner leaders, from left (seated): Alexis Nardone, Rockaway, N.J.; Ava Musloski, Avoca, Pa.; Ada Soriano, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Amelia “Mia” O’Connor, Brooklyn, N.Y. Back row: Marytere Quintana-Avila, Scranton, Pa.; Emily Blaine, Shavertown, Pa.; Brenda Arias, Hanover Township, Pa.; Bhavika “Nikki” Dawar, Sparta, N.J. “Mr. Bush’s encouragement, support and guidance were instrumental in our decision to move forward with the Bonner Leaders Program,” said University President Greg Cant. “It is a program that perfectly aligns with the Wilkes commitment to hands-on learning, individualized attention and community engagement.” The Bonner Leaders Program is a progressive four-year experience that blends direct service in the community with enrichment and training activities designed to promote leadership, self-awareness, professionalism and public service. The four-year program culminates in a senior capstone project where students conceive, build and lead their own service project and inspire campus participation. Students are compensated through work-study funding, providing financial support for their education. Bonner Leaders is a national, service-based initiative from the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation. Founded in 1990, the Bonner Leaders Program has grown to a multifaceted civic engagement and leadership program hosted by a network of more than 70 colleges and universities. In Pennsylvania, Wilkes joins schools like Widener University and Ursinus College to offer the program to incoming students. �on campus David Ward Named Senior Vice President and Provost David M. Ward was selected as the new senior vice president and provost of Wilkes University, beginning his new position in June 2021. In this role, Ward serves as the chief academic officer of Wilkes, leading the University’s scholarship, programs and initiatives, and working with the deans and faculty of its six academic schools and colleges. Ward was selected for the position following a national search. Ward comes to Wilkes from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he served as provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs from 2017 through 2020, leading an academic unit that included 36 undergraduate and 17 graduate programs serving a total 7,698 students. During this time, the university experienced significant enrollment growth and created a shared vision around new program development and retention. “With six months under my belt, I am more excited than when I first accepted the job,” said Ward. “Everyone in the Wilkes community has made me feel welcome and perhaps more importantly, has shared their ideas and energy for moving the University forward. I see a very bright future for Wilkes University and am thrilled and honored to be a part of it.” Ward received his doctorate and master’s degree in public administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Colgate University. THE YEAR IN NUMBERS   civil engineering & special education 630 STUDENTS Hometown Advantage Award for Lackawanna and Luzerne County residents 165 EW N UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 2025 & 2027 19 7 200 received $2,000 for the FROM STATES FROM COUNTRIES INCOMING CLASS YEARS 8 8 14% Bonner Leaders new faculty members 89 TH academic school year EW N STUDENTS ARE ATHLETES INCREASED ENROLLMENT 39 1 new Honors Program students new bookstore— Colonel Corner WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 2 NEW MAJORS 3 �on campus $1.1 Million Collaborative Grant From National Science Foundation Award for Climate Change Research at Wilkes Ned Fetcher Wilkes University has been awarded part of a $1.1 million collaborative grant from the National Science Foundation to study the effects of climate change on plants. Ned Fetcher, coordinator of the Institute for Environmental Science and Sustainability at Wilkes, is a co-principal investigator on a research team that will study the effect of a changing climate on tussock cottongrass, dwarf birch and tealeaf willow, all plants found in tundra ecosystems in Alaska. The grant funds research titled “Collaborative Research: Plant phenology, local adaptation, and growing season length in the changing Arctic tundra.” Fetcher, whose share of the three-year grant is $456,716, will conduct research with co-principal investigators Jianwu ( Jim) Tang and Gaius R. Shaver of the international, world-renowned Ecosystem Center of the Marine Biology Laboratory at Woods Hole, Mass., and principal investigator Michael Moody of the University of Texas at El Paso. Wilkes undergraduates will participate in the project as field assistants, spending up to 10 weeks during the summer at the Toolik Lake Field Station, 170 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The team’s research focuses on plant phenology (the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena), one of the traits most affected by climate change. In the Arctic, plant phenology can alter how ecosystems function at multiple levels. Previous research by Fetcher and associates identified a significant difference in growing season length between northern and southern populations of tussock cottongrass. This finding suggests that the phenology of this species is under genetic constraint (unable to adapt). “Changes in day length are responsible for many phenological events in the temperate zone. This research will help us to understand how phenology is controlled in a region where day length is 24 hours,” said Fetcher. A Wilkes research team in the Arctic in 2016. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 AUTHOR COLUM MCCANN HIGHLIGHTS INAUGURAL LITFEST WRITERS FESTIVAL 4 National Book Award-winning author Colum McCann (Let the Great World Spin) was the featured speaker for the inaugural LitFest literary festival, a celebration of writers and writing that was held on campus from June 20-24. LitFest was sponsored by the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing and was part of the program’s first in-person residency in two years. Held on the Fenner Quadrangle, McCann spoke to the creative writing students, read from his work and was joined by National Public Radio book critic Maureen Corrigan and memoirist Beverly Donofrio (Riding in Cars With Boys). The evening concluded with book signings by the featured authors and also the authors from the creative writing program. Wilkes offers a nationally recognized and widely reputed graduate creative writing program where students and faculty find the writing support, community and market opportunities to become lifelong, productive, professional writers in all fields. The program boasts an impressive list of faculty, advisors and friends. Colum McCann signing his book for President Greg Cant. �on campus Wilkes University and Geisinger have partnered to give future pharmacists a jump on their careers with the Geisinger Pharmacy Scholars Program. The program will reduce the cost of education while recruiting highly skilled pharmacists to work at Geisinger, one of the largest healthcare systems in northeast and central Pennsylvania. The Geisinger Pharmacy Scholars Program provides qualified students with a guaranteed job offer within the Geisinger system upon graduating from Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Geisinger also provides a $20,000 loan as students enter their fi fth year of the six-year program. Geisinger will forgive the loan for scholars who remain employed by Geisinger for two years immediately following graduation or the end of a post-graduate residency. In addition, scholars benefit from a Geisinger pharmacist mentor, as well as a Wilkes advisor, to help them navigate their studies in addition to their fi rst year of employment. “We are so pleased to partner with Geisinger on this unique program that continues to advance Wilkes pharmacists,” said Scott Stolte, dean of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. “Wilkes University boasts job placement rates that ensure our students achieve both economic and professional success. The value of retaining the talents of our graduates through the Geisinger Pharmacy Scholars Program cannot be overstated, particularly in the midst of a global health crisis.” “More than 25 percent of the more than 400 pharmacists employed within Geisinger are graduates of the Wilkes Nesbitt School of Pharmacy,” said Michael Evans, RPh, chief pharmacy officer at Geisinger. “This is a natural partnership that will help aspiring pharmacists achieve their career goals and also help Geisinger recruit and retain much-needed pharmacists within our communities.” High school seniors admitted into the Wilkes pre-pharmacy guaranteed seat program with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (or rank in the 90th percentile or higher) are qualified to apply. Students must be willing to be employed anywhere in the Geisinger system with locations throughout northeast and central Pennsylvania. Interested students can learn more about the program at wilkes.edu/geisingerscholars or about the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy at wilkes.edu/pharmacy. National Rankings Recognize Wilkes Wilkes University is once again ranked among top national universities in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges ranking of American colleges and universities. In the 2022 edition, Wilkes is ranked 213 among 391 national universities. This is the 18th consecutive year that Wilkes has been ranked and its third year as a national university. New in 2022 is the U.S. News and World Report ranking of Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Wilkes ranks 388 of 694 institutions. In 2021, Wilkes conferred 236 total nursing degrees, including 91 at the bachelor’s level. In addition: • Wilkes ranked for social mobility, which measures how well schools educate and graduate students who receive Pell grants, the federal aid program reserved for the most financially needy students. • Wilkes was recognized among “A+ Schools for B Students” which looks at schools in the top threefourths of their ranking category and their average fi rst-year student retention rate. • Wilkes ranked 166 of 239 engineering bachelor’sdegree programs when considering institutions who do not offer doctoral degrees in the engineering field. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Wilkes University Partners with Geisinger on Geisinger Pharmacy Scholars Program 5 �on campus Wilkes Celebrates In-Person Commencement for the Class of 2021 To say Wilkes University’s 74th Spring Commencement was eventful would be an understatement. In order to honor the Class of 2021 and their families while maintaining safety protocols, six separate events awarding nearly 700 degrees were held throughout the Memorial Day weekend on May 28, 29 and 30. A year after officially earning their degrees, Wilkes also honored the class of 2020 during a commencement ceremony on May 22. Approximately 130 members of the class participated. SCAN TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Erica Acosta Named Marshal of 4th Annual Multicultural Parade 6 WATCH THE VIDEO Erica Acosta MBA ’20, director of diversity initiatives in the Center for Global Education and Diversity, was named Grand Marshal of the 4th Annual Multicultural Parade and Festival by Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown. Mayor Brown also announced that Sept. 25 would be known as Erica Acosta Day in Wilkes-Barre. Acosta was accompanied by her five-year-old daughter, Elena, who received the pin of Wilkes-Barre from Mayor Brown. Acosta is a champion of diversity at Wilkes and also in the community. At Wilkes, Acosta provides support and services for undergraduate and graduate students from under-represented groups; is the co-chair for the Council on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity; developed and implemented the Diversity and Inclusion Student conference; and is the advisor to the Multicultural Student Coalition Club. In the community, Acosta serves as the executive chair of the Wilkes-Barre branch of the NAACP and vice chair of Wilkes-Barre Chamber Diversity Council. When asked why having a multicultural event in Wilkes-Barre is important to her, Acosta said, “Instead of focusing on what divides us, let’s celebrate what we have in common. Taste each others’ food, listen to music and enjoy our cultural richness. Wilkes-Barre is endorsing these types of events and we need to celebrate our cultures.” �on campus $1 Million Gift Creates Scholarships Opportunities for Native American Students Native American students wishing to study at Wilkes now have access to more scholarship opportunities, thanks to a $1 million gift from Irene Tomalis Stone, class of 1957. The newly-established Louise Federovich Tomalis and William C. Tomalis Endowed Scholarship is available for undergraduate Native American students who may not be able to attend Wilkes without additional financial support. African American students can also benefit from the scholarship, named in memory of Stone’s parents, Louise and William. “My parents were first-born Americans who worked very hard all their lives to be sure I had access to a good education,” said Stone. “They always encouraged me and were thrilled when I was given a scholarship to Wilkes—the first such award in my family's history. This new gift honors their memory by providing opportunities to students that my parents were not able to access in their youth. I hope that many young people with financial need will take advantage of this scholarship to turn their lives around for themselves, their families and for many generations to come." Four Native or African American students are expected to benefit from scholarship dollars exceeding $10,000 each year. With successful academic progress, they will receive the scholarship during each year of their studies. “The Tomalis Scholarship, inspired by the vision of Irene Stone, is a historic opportunity for Wilkes University. Irene and I have shared dozens of wonderful conversations over many years about changing the potential life path for Native American students combined with promoting Wilkes University as a beacon of opportunity which has led us to this newest endowment,” said Margaret Steele, chief development officer. Endowed scholarships offer donors the opportunity to combine their personal values and experiences with deserving students. For more information on giving opportunities, contact Steele at margaret.steele@wilkes.edu. Faculty and Staff Recognized with 2021 President’s Awards for Excellence WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Greg Cant presented the President’s Awards for Excellence at Fall Convocation on Aug. 25, 2021. Award recipients are pictured, from left: William Terzaghi, professor of biology, President’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship; Jeanne Rabel, University College advising coordinator, President’s Award for Excellence in Community; Cant; Grace Surdovel, School of Education faculty of practice, President’s Award for Excellence in Diversity; and David Biever, assistant head football coach, President’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring. 7 �on campus WATCH THE VIDEO WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 New Campus Store Contest Won by Alumna 8 The campus store returned to Wilkes from its location in downtown Wilkes-Barre. The new store is located in the Henry Student Center, conveniently near dining facilities, student services and activities. A call was put out to the community for a store name—and the winning submission was “Colonel Corner” by pharmacy alumna Julie Miller PharmD ’17. In addition to physical and virtual textbook services, the store stocks school supplies, spirit apparel and has a lounge area with computers right outside its doors. Scan the code to watch Wilkes President Greg Cant announce the winning name. �on campus World-Renowned Speakers Highlight a Blockbuster Year for Lectures at Wilkes William Phillips Terry Jones Jon Meacham THE SPRING LECTURES ARE FREE Find out more and register at www.wilkes.edu/lectureseries or scan this code: Margaret Atwood WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 As part of its 2021-22 lecture series, Wilkes University welcomed a Nobel Laureate in Physics and the founder of Travelocity in the fall, and in the spring will feature a Pulitzer-Prize winning biographer and the bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale. Below are the highlights from the fall lectures and details about the spring lectures. Nobel Prize winner in Physics William Phillips held an interactive lecture titled, “Time, Einstein and the Coolest Stuff in the Universe” on Oct. 21, as part of the Catherine H. Bone Lecture in Chemistry. An audience of over 300 fi lled room 101 in Stark Learning Center and watched in awe as Phillips used liquid nitrogen to demonstrate how the measurement of time is changed by cooling atoms to extreme low temperatures. Phillips also visited the Third Avenue Elementary School in Kingston, Pa., where he delighted more than 80 kindergarteners from the Wyoming Valley West School District. On Thursday, Oct. 22, Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity and founding chairman of kayak.com, discussed how organizations can embrace innovation as part of the Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. The nearly 400 attendees, both online and in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, heard about the need for business to continually innovate. Jones provided leaders with simple but powerful ideas they can use to create more innovative organizations. Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham will deliver the Wilkes University Max Rosenn Lecture Series in Law and Humanities, “Hope Through History,” on Sunday, April 24. Meacham won the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 2009 for American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, and his No. 1 New York Times bestseller, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, was hailed as “masterful and intimate” by Fortune magazine. His other national bestsellers include Franklin and Winston and American Gospel. His newest bestseller His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope is the intimate and revealing portrait of civil rights icon and longtime U.S. congressman John Lewis. On April 26, the Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series will present “A Conversation with Margaret Atwood,” with the award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including The Handmaid’s Tale. Renewed for a fi fth season on Hulu, the critically acclaimed adaptation of her 1985 novel has earned 54 Emmy nominations and 15 awards. The dystopian work’s follow-up novel, The Testaments, sold out its initial half-million copy run, requiring two additional printings in just over a week and breaking fi rst-day sales records for Penguin Random House titles that year. 9 �UNWAVERING The pandemic may have changed the plan for Wilkes University’s seventh president. But it didn’t change the promise. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 By Gabrielle D’Amico ’04, MFA ’17 10 �WITH OVER 30 YEARS IN HIGHER EDUCATION, GREG CANT LEARNED THAT THE COLLEGE SELECTION PROCESS IS A DEEPLY PERSONAL ONE. Cant is pictured with his parents upon earning his PhD from the University of Western Australia. Cant’s father, Alan, passed away in 1999. “His optimism, adventurous spirit, steadfast faith, enduring compassion and love of life shapes me to this day.” After working a variety of jobs that ranged from being assistant manager of a hardware store to working in road construction to being a chauffeur, Cant earned his high school diploma and, later, his bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Australia. But it was his experience as a graduate student in a 12-month intensive master’s program at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, that changed the trajectory of his career. “To that point, I never worked so hard in all my life. There were 30 people in my cohort. Just an amazing group of individuals. We started together and we graduated together,” he recalls. “I realized during that time that working in higher education isn’t just a job. It’s a life. It was a world that I could see myself in. And I wanted to be part of it.” So perhaps it’s not surprising that the one-time high school dropout soon found his calling in higher education. After a national search, Cant was named Wilkes University’s seventh president on Dec. 12, 2019. The announcement was held in a packed Sordoni Art Gallery amongst the images of Pete Souza, White House photographer during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Ronald Regan. “It was just a stunning day. There could have been a light coming down from the heavens. Everything was perfect. We had this plan about slowly getting to know the institution while I concluded my time at Montclair.” He thinks and smiles wryly. “Well. You know what they say about making plans.” “I realized during that time that working in higher education isn’t just a job. It’s a life. It was a world that I could see myself in. And I wanted to be part of it.” WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 He knows that students thrive in a variety of campus environments: large, small, urban or rural. After all, he has worked in a variety of institutions including three research-intensive universities, a regional state university and a private liberal arts college. But as a student, Cant struggled as a result of his environment. “I recognize that not all students can thrive in a large institution. Turns out, I was one of them,” he admits. A native of Australia, Cant went from primary schools so small that he shared classrooms with his sisters, Robyn and Merilyn, even though they were a year or two behind him. A tiny school in Perth had just four classes and about 100 total students. A dramatic shift occurred when Cant transitioned to Balcatta Senior High School which, at the time, was western Australia’s second-largest high school boasting over 1,400 students. It was partially the size of that institution, along with admitted immaturity and gusto, that led to a surprising decision: at 16-years old, Cant dropped out of high school. “I was chatting with Mum about this just a few days ago and she reminded me that what I actually said was, ‘education is a waste of time and I’m never going to do it again.’ Famous last words,” he says with a chuckle. Cant’s parents were educators so he remains impressed at their supportive reaction to his decision. But it was during his brief hiatus from education where he rediscovered his love for it. 11 �WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 CRISIS RESPONSE AND RECOVERY 12 Cant is quick to note that Wilkes has faced great moments of challenge throughout its history. Whether it was the collapse of the anthracite coal industry or the devastation of the 1972 Hurricane Agnes Flood, Wilkes has endured even during the most difficult of circumstances. In early 2020, the pandemic was spreading across the globe. By March, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ordered that all colleges and universities stop in-person instruction. Classes were quickly transitioned to remote modalities as most faculty and staff began working from home. “The priorities shifted almost overnight. Everything I assumed I would do in my fi rst weeks at Wilkes changed in the blink of the eye. The safety of our campus community is always paramount, but the pandemic created much more urgency for us all.” Cant remained in close contact with Paul S. Adams, interim president at the time, as he concluded the academic year at Montclair. On May 26, 2020, he arrived to a nearly empty campus and was immediately faced with what was arguably the biggest decision of his career. “Under normal circumstances, the priority of any new president is to get to know the campus and embark on long-term strategic planning,” Cant reflects. “From the moment I stepped on campus, and long before that, we were determining if we could safely reopen and if we could realistically remain open.” Cant called together the COVID-19 Task Force, comprised of faculty, administrators and colleagues, to tackle that very question. Once again, the size of the University played a critical role. “Unlike large universities who struggled to open, we found a way to do so safely while managing our 2,500 undergraduate students. We felt that if we could test, contact trace and isolate infected members of our campus community quickly, we could offer a version of the face-toface experience that is true to our history and carries forward our educational promise.” And it did. During a time when many colleges and universities taught exclusively online, Wilkes offered a residential experience that blended various learning formats. Select staff members were trained as contact tracers and residence halls were transformed into isolation and quarantine spaces. As testing became more readily available, an ambitious assurance testing program was introduced in the spring, furthering the University’s ability to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Overall, case counts remained manageable. But it was the quickto-adapt approach that he witnessed from essentially every area of the University that became the basis for his strategic vision. LOOKING FORWARD “Until the Delta variant, I think we had the false idea that the pandemic would soon be in the rear-view mirror. The reality is that we will be dealing with COVID-19 for years to come, and I’m becoming more certain that we need to learn to live with it as safely as we can while planning for the unknown.” Cant immediately committed to creating a plan that focuses the Above: In an ode to his Australian roots, Wilkes students gifted Cant with an authentic boomerang hand painted in blue and gold and inscribed with the inauguration date and theme. Opposite: Cant’s family in Australia, including his 87-year-old mother, Dorothy, center. “In classic Cant style, they’re drinking and holding the banner upside down. Perfect.” �as well as established successes in graduate nursing, education and creative writing programs. “I was attracted to Wilkes because we have all the key ingredients: programs that meet marketplace demands. Excellent faculty. Incredible research opportunities shared with students. A caring staff. A great reputation. A small environment with state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience,” he explains. But Cant admits there is no shortage of well-documented challenges facing colleges and universities. And in some cases, small, independent schools like Wilkes are considered at a greater risk than large, state-institution counterparts. In his view, the long-anticipated shortage of college-age students blended with a hypercompetitive environment only exacerbates the need for change. “Being blunt, higher education is not known for its speed or agility. In fact, a reasonable observer might conclude that higher education’s foundation has been stability, not agility. Agility creates risks, but I would argue that rigidity guarantees steady decline.” He continues. “We have an entrepreneurial fl air and we are not afraid to try new things. I simply want to embolden that. As I said in my inauguration address, the workforce of the future will have needs not yet known and will operate in a world not yet understood. We must be prepared to meet those needs. To carry forward our promise and to thrive.” Cant thinks for a moment and smiles. “And we do it as student’s lives are transformed. What’s better than that?” WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 University’s efforts on its most critical priorities in the midst of a global pandemic. The Bridge to the Future Strategic Plan is two years in duration and limited in scope. Above all else, it emphasizes institutional efficiency, agility and a culture of entrepreneurship. “Throughout this crisis, we demonstrated an amazing capacity to reimagine ourselves. We need to move beyond episodic pivots and be laser-focused on efficiency, while we promote agility and embrace the power of entrepreneurial thinking,” Cant says, a message he repeated during his inauguration address. As he points out, that creative mindset is already part of the Wilkes DNA. He cites a new program in civil engineering and a reimagined special education program as examples, 13 �Lighting the Way The theme of the inauguration of Wilkes University’s seventh president, Greg Cant, was “Carrying Forward Our Promise.” Even though the event took place almost two years after his presidential appointment was announced, the joyful weeklong celebration itself was a promise that Wilkes has a bright future ahead. Inauguration week began with a stunning light show that projected Aboriginal art onto historic Weckesser WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Hall, dancing to the beat of Australian electronic music 14 and delighting the crowd of faculty, staff, students and their parents. It concluded a week later with a happy reunion of alumni at Homecoming weekend. View the following pages for the photo highlights, and be sure to scan the QR codes to watch the accompanying videos. Above: Cant receives the Presidential Chain of Office from trustees (left) Cynthia Charnetski ’97, and (right) Elizabeth Slaughter ’68. Opposite: Cant gives the inaugural address with the theme of “Carrying Forward the Promise” to an audience of nearly 400 that included more than 30 delegates from other institutions, and 60 alumni class representatives. ALL PHOTOS BY STEVE HUSTED/KNOT JUST ANY DAY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED �15 WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 �“With the inaugural theme of Carrying Forward Our Promise, it seems to me that the essential value of a ceremony that passes authority from one president to the next is the unique opportunity to reflect on our past and the values that have guided us, consider the realities of the current state and present a bold vision for our future.” – Greg Cant Top left: Members of the Wilkes Civic Band, directed by Mark P. Johnson, assistant professor of music. The Civic Band, which includes students, community members, and advanced high school students, played works by G.F. Handel, Francis Scott Key and concluded with a rendition of “Waltzing Matilda,” an Australian folk tune. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Left: Before the inauguration ceremony, Greg Cant chats with Paul S. Adams ’77, MS ’82, vice president of Student Affairs, and who served as interim president of Wilkes from August 2019 through May 2020. 16 WATCH THE INAUGURATION WEEK HIGHLIGHT VIDEO �Left, top: The Wilkes University Presidential Chain of Office is four feet long and crafted from sterling silver. It bears a portrait of Eugene S. Farley, the first president of Wilkes, and is surrounded by gilt oak leaves commemorating his strong leadership of the emerging institution of his day. Below: Susan Cole, PhD, President Emerita of Montclair State University, was the inauguration keynote speaker and also received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, during the ceremony. “What I came to appreciate most about Greg was the courage he brought to his leadership skill set. Greg is able to formulate a clear vision of where and how an organization should be moving and he has absolutely no reticence in acting in accordance with that vision.” – �Susan A. Cole, President Emerita, Montclair State University Left, bottom: Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Professor Wagiha Taylor heads the processional serving as the faculty marshal and University mace-bearer. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Left, middle: Alexi Payne ’22, Wilkes biology major and student government president from Cedarville, N.J., shares well wishes from the student body in her inauguration speech. 17 �Due to the pandemic, Cant’s family in Australia was unable to attend his inauguration. The family gathered to watch the ceremony via live stream and sent their well wishes in a video presented to a surprised Cant during his inauguration luncheon. “It just blew us away. I can’t believe Eliza (co-conspirator in the surprise) kept it a secret.” “Greg, we would just like you to know that all your friends and family are thinking of WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 you with pride and we hope that all goes well 18 with you and your family and your academic community as you face the future together.” – Dorothy Cant, mother of Greg Cant, in a recorded message played during the inauguration luncheon �From top: The Cant family portrait was taken the day of the inauguration: Cant, son Jackson, a first-year business student at Duquesne University, wife Angela, and daughter Eliza, currently a biology and pre-med student at Wilkes University. Cant’s adult children reside in Australia: Daughter Genevieve, 28, works at the University of Western Australia. Callum, 30, is a worksite rehabilitation consultant for a mining company on Koolan Island. PHOTO COURTESY GENEVIEVE CANT Attendees were given a special “taste of Australia” as they exited the Kirby Center: a box full of Australian candies and treats, including Cherry Ripe and Violet Crumble, as well as some of Cant’s favorite American candies. The packages were topped with a keepsake medallion featuring the date and the Wilkes seal. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Cynthia Charnetski ’97, co-chair of the inauguration steering committee, and Bill Miller ’81, chairman of the board of trustees, present Cant with original artwork from Wilkes alumna, Ana Perez ’21. Perez’s digital design featured a compilation of illustrated images of the Wilkes campus, including Weckesser Hall and the gateway during Commencement. 19 �WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 20 At dusk on Sept. 24 and 25, “Light the Way Forward: Celebrating Innovation at Wilkes University” was held in recognition for the ways faculty and staff have problem-solved, thought creatively and allowed Wilkes to carry out its mission of educating students regardless of the circumstances during the pandemic. An ambitious large-scale light projection art installation, the show was hosted by the Sordoni Art Gallery and presented in partnership with the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia. Videomapped by artist Jeff Dobrow and projected onto historical Weckesser Hall, it featured 12 Australian Aboriginal artists. To the audience’s delight, the light show was synchronized with pumping electronic music by Electric Fields, Aboriginal musicians. �WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 WATCH THE “LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD” VIDEO 21 �4 5 3 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE SIMMS CENTER ON MAIN A Hub for Campus and the Greater Community By Vicki Mayk MFA ’13 WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 2 22 1 6 �shows its face, the Simms Center on Main is coming to life. On a rainy Tuesday morning, cadets from Air Force ROTC Detachment 752 are working out in the McHale Athletic Center—more commonly known as the MAC. By 5 a.m., the sound of the 50-plus members going through what they call “PT” echoes in the cavernous space. It’s their haven when workouts can’t be outdoors. The athletic center boasts an indoor track and plenty of room for team practice and special events. 1 PHOTOS BY PATTY DEVIVA, BRAD BARRY AND KNOT JUST ANY DAY Just across the lobby, Terry Groner, manager of the campus Starbucks, and her team ready the coffee shop to open at 7 a.m. Keeping Colonels caffeinated is a busy job. Groner knows when the line for cold brew, lattes and Frappucinos will be longest: “Any time a class gets out.” It’s a quick stop for students and faculty before they exit the building. At peak times, the line snakes into the lobby. While in line, students add post-it messages to a board marking Starbucks’ 50th anniversary. 2 Although the Simms Center houses the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, students from virtually every major use the building. For some, like Julia Dreyfus, a senior neuroscience major, it’s part of her daily routine. “I come here every day early in the morning, around 7:30,” Dreyfus explains from her seat by the window in Starbucks looking out on Main Street. “I like the music and I like being in here. It’s peaceful. I sit here studying until my first class—and spend a lot of money on coffee,” she says laughing as she gestures toward her Starbucks cup. 3 Study spaces throughout the building are popular with students, whether it’s in Starbucks, the lobby or spaces that are adjacent to walls that are painted to be used as erasable whiteboards. Students come and go throughout the day, parking themselves with their laptops between classes. Sophomore nursing major Gianna Picco is a fan of the whiteboards. “I rewrite my notes, draw pictures and diagrams—all kinds of things,” she says. Picco says she encounters fewer distractions studying in the Simms Center than in other campus spots. “And I live on Starbucks,” she adds. 4 H O M E SW E ET H O M E While students from across campus find their way to the Simms Center for a coffee or study break, others are there for classes. The building houses classrooms, co-curricular and extracurricular spaces for the Sidhu School and for the ROTC program. 5 The ROTC students attend classes there all day on Thursday, but every other day of the week, you can find them in a spot that’s become a home away from home. Lt. Col. Sarah Hedrick, commander of ROTC Detachment 752, says, “The heart of AFROTC’s operations, where cadets plan training sessions, develop lesson plans and relax together, is based out of the Maj. Candace Adams Ismirle Leadership Lounge. A 2003 Detachment 752 graduate, Maj. Ismirle embodied the character traits necessary in Air and Space Force Officers. It is a privilege to see her image and inspiration each day, as cadets strive for excellence of character in preparing to serve in the world’s greatest Air and Space Forces.” To ROTC students like Wilkes senior criminology major Nick Leverentz, the space is known simply as the lounge or “the Det”—short for detachment. “It’s really been the place of a lot of memories because we spend most of our time in there,” Leverentz explains. “It’s where we do all of our planning for classes and for all of our extracurricular clubs….I know the office has our cadre members in it, but the lounge is more of the actual heart and home of ROTC.” 6 Leverentz puts in late nights there working on projects. Other times, he’s been known to bring a cornhole game into the space. “We really appreciate being here and that we have all this space,” Leverentz says. Sidhu School Dean Abel Adekola also is enthusiastic about what the building has provided for his students and faculty in the seven years since the business programs moved there in 2014. “Being in one space gives faculty and staff the WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 B efore the sun even 23 �Simms Center Dedication Honors Alumni Ron and Rhea Simms The University community gathered on Aug. 11 to dedicate the Ron and Rhea Simms Center on Main. The building, previously known as the University Center on Main, was dedicated in recognition of Ron and Rhea Simms, members of the classes of 1960 and 1978, respectively, in honor of their decadeslong commitment and generous support of Wilkes University. Speaking at the dedication, Wilkes President Greg Cant said, “There is no better space on this campus to honor the Simms than this building. It is the intersection of campus WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 WATCH THE SIMMS DEDICATION CEREMONY VIDEO 24 opportunity to interact seamlessly in providing studentfocused education that enhances their personal and professional development through teaching, mentoring and advising,” Adekola states. “It also provides innovative educational culture that fosters joint creativity.” 7 That creativity is reflected everywhere—from the casual conversations between faculty and students in hallways to the student store where the products produced by first-year students in the Integrated Management Experience (IME) class are displayed and sold. There’s no mistaking that business is the focus from the moment visitors enter the lobby with its stock ticker or see the state-of-the-art Cardell Financial Center where students have access to the Bloomberg trading terminals, giving them real-time financial data and news. 8 Sidhu senior and accounting major Allen Kokilananda spends every day in the Simms Center for classes in his major or related to his senior capstone. As a member of the Sidhu Dean’s Advisory Council, he also regularly visits the dean’s suite on the second floor. “I really like being able to see what’s going on in the building throughout the day,” Kokilananda says. “I think it’s really neat seeing some faculty members running the track in the mornings, just getting ready for their day. Then I’m off to class. Later I’ll see students doing their sports in the gym.” As the lead admissions ambassador, Kokilananda sees other benefits. The building is a highlight when he gives campus tours. Prospective students also are introduced to Wilkes at open house events kicking off in the MAC. Four years later, those who enrolled receive their diplomas in commencement ceremonies held in the same place. and the Wilkes-Barre community, and one of the most popular parts of the Wilkes University campus.” 7 8 �W E LCO M I N G TH E CO M M U N IT Y 9 Kokilananda, who wrestles for the Colonels, notes that the Simms Center is valuable as a place to welcome the community. The Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) traditionally held an annual trick-or-treat event for children in the MAC. (This year it was held outdoors due to pandemic restrictions.) Guest speakers and other events in the athletic center are open to the community like this lecture with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2018. 9 Some community uses are decidedly practical. On an October Tuesday, the Wilkes-Barre Health Department offered flu shots in the MAC. Earlier in the semester, it was the site for administering Covid-19 vaccinations. ROTC Cadet Leverentz notes, “I feel like this is probably the building that represents the university the most since it’s right on Main Street.” 10 10 11 Third-year pharmacy student Allie Gundlah still remembers being surprised by what she found in the Simms Center when she came to Wilkes. The Step-Up Rock Wall and Ropes Course was a fi rst for her. “I came from a really small high school where we didn’t have things like that,” Gundlah says. “And then to fi nd out that it was such an open, easily accessible thing….You don’t have to be in any kind of club or anything. You just go and try it.” Monday evenings are open climbing hours on the wall where students like Gundlah, who have trained in the Wilkes Adventure Education program, guide students in using the equipment. Other times, the ropes course might be used by athletic teams or classes for team-building activities. 11 The rock wall and ropes course aren’t the only things bringing people into the Simms Center after 5 p.m. On any given evening in the MAC, you might see the Ultimate Frisbee Club’s members tossing discs into the air or fi nd a team holding practice. The back door to the MAC, open to the Gateway on a warm night, beckons passersby to check out the action. Meanwhile, upstairs, MBA students, fueled by that cup of coffee they snagged before Starbucks closed, are in a night class. 12 Some time after 9, the last one will make their way across the bridge connecting the Simms Center to the parking garage and the building will be quiet. Until tomorrow. 12 WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 A F TE R H O U RS 25 �MEET THE “AVENGERS” Behind Wilkes University’s Powerful New WARLOC Supercomputer By Jonathan Davies ’05, MFA ’09 Wilkes University booted up one of the most powerful statistical computation that most research universities academic supercomputers in the region this fall. The never even have the capability to approach. In many Wilkes Accelerated Research Learning and Outreach instances, students within the sciences, engineering and Cluster, or WARLOC, is the product of a nearly $500,000 computing rarely have access to a supercomputer until grant from the National Science Foundation. WARLOC is they’re well established and working in the field. With housed within a special, multi-disciplinary computer lab WARLOC, Wilkes hopes to bring a new, uniquely prepared inside the University’s Stark Learning Center. class of young research professionals to the workforce. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Several Wilkes programs have already begun utilizing working most closely with the WARLOC supercomputer aid in faculty and student research. As far as classroom (pictured, opposite page). They also happened to applications go, WARLOC allows Wilkes to offer students be the authors behind the generous and somewhat hands-on experience in data analysis, modeling and unprecedented NSF grant. A student at the workstation in the WARLOC computer center. ALL PHOTOS COURTNEY SNYDER 26 We had the opportunity to chat with the brilliant team the cluster’s incredibly advanced computing power to �This is the only supercomputer of its kind in the region. How did it end up at Wilkes University? Del Lucent, associate professor of physics: We had been trying for a long time to get an NSF (National Science Foundation) grant to fund computational research here at the university. In general, it’s very, very challenging to do this because we’re competing in basically the same pool as universities all around the country, including some very prestigious schools. So, we had been trying for a while, but we eventually achieved a critical mass of a bunch of people working together, an environment in which to house it, and a very do-able way to impact students and we got our grant. So, that was for about a half a million dollars. And that was to have the machine built and also to hire Joe (Gubbiotti, system administrator). What is the WARLOC supercomputer? What does it do? Lucent: So, basically, WARLOC allows us to do all sorts of special stuff in a lot of different fields. We can teach things that we could never teach before. We can reach out to students in ways that were previously not possible—using things like virtual reality and such. More importantly, we can all perform very advanced computational research on really important global problems and integrate our students with that as well. Was it pure coincidence that From left: Joe Gubbiotti, system administrator; Henry Castejon, professor and chair, mechanical engineering; Del Lucent, associate professor of physics; Sofya Chepushtamova, associate professor of math and computer science; and Bobak Karimi, assistant professor of environmental engineering, earth science and geology. How will access to this supercomputer directly benefit students here at Wilkes? Lucent: This is something that’s special about Wilkes. We allow our students to undertake research tasks that they normally wouldn’t do anywhere else, even at larger schools. And WARLOC is a great example of that. Someone might ask, “Why don’t you just buy some time on a cloud and do all your calculations there?” Right? Because, no matter how impressive WARLOC is, Google has something better. And Microsoft has something better. But the thing is, in those cases, it’s almost like teaching your 16-year-old kid how to drive in a rented car. Nobody wants to do that. In this case, we’re using our own car. Rather than having to wait until later in their careers to learn how to use something like this, we allow students to have an actual hands-on approach with supercomputing as early in their undergraduate careers as they want. That’s something that basically does not exist anywhere else. I went to grad school in a big university, and even in my post Doc work, someone else handled the computer. You don’t ever learn how to really do that. You’re part of the University’s Data Science Collaboration Group. Is this like the Science Avengers? Explain? Lucent: I would love if people thought of us that way (laughs). this thing ended up with such a Lucent: In a way, yeah (laughs). We had some really clever, geeky people collaborating on that. Many of them are in this room (laughter around the room). So, we had a little contest and the winning entry actually came from Joe. It stands for Wilkes Accelerated Research Learning and Outreach Cluster. SCAN TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE This article was excerpted by permission from DiscoverNEPA.com, published on Sept. 27, 2021, and written by Jonathan Davies ’05 MFA ’09, a NEPA-born-and-raised Wilkes alumnus. He earned a BA in English in 2005 and an MFA in Creative Writing in 2009. In the intervening years, he’s explored the finer minutiae of carpentry, teaching, writing, editing, marketing and so on. He is currently the senior writer at DiscoverNEPA, a popular, regional multimedia marketing initiative created by Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services. He resides in Kingston, Pa., with his wife, Shannon ShumoskiDavies ’04, and their two children. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 cool name? 27 �alumni news A Celebratory Homecoming 2021 VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2021 There were many celebrations during Homecoming Weekend, but perhaps the most meaningful was the joy of simply being together once again after a two-year hiatus from in-person events. More than 600 Colonels returned home on Oct. 1-3, and many kicked off the weekend by attending the Inauguration of Greg Cant on Friday afternoon. Sixty alumni delegates represented their classmates at the ceremony at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. They then joined the president, his family and guests at an outdoor luncheon by Weckesser Hall. The warm early fall weather could not have been better, and set the stage for alumni gatherings including the “W Club” donor recognition reception in the Melberger Courtyard, the perennial favorite “Pints with Professors” on the Karambelas East Campus Gateway, and the 50th reunion cocktail party celebrating the Classes of ’70 and ’71. Events began early on Saturday morning with breakfast with the president, an opportunity for alumni to meet and mingle with Cant, and continued at the Homecoming game at Ralston Athletic Complex. On the Monday following Homecoming, the 3rd Annual Ralston Memorial Golf Tournament began but was rescheduled WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 to October 22nd due to heavy rain. The 28 tournament raised more than $80,000 to benefit athletics at Wilkes and was sponsored by BSI Corporate Benefits. Save the date for next year’s Homecoming: Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2! Above: Beautiful weather was the backdrop for the Homecoming game vs. Stevenson University at Ralston Field, where Wilkes was victorious (21-14). A great time was had by all at the Tailgate Tent. Opposite: A special highlight was the dedication of the new Stephens Plaza, a beautiful pavilion and tables that has quickly become the gathering place right inside the entrance to the Ralston Athletic Complex. The plaza was given by Dr. Panayiotis (Panos) Kalaritis ’77 and Deborah (Debi) Stephens Kalaritis ’78 and named in honor of Dr. Joseph Donald Stephens, DDS ’51. �WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE STEPHENS PAVILION DEDICATION AT HOMECOMING 2021 WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 alumni news 29 �giving back Guesseppe Rea ’17 Realizes His Dream With a Little Help From His Friends WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Lissa and Dick Smith’s endowed scholarship made it possible for Rea to represent Ecuador on the world stage of wrestling. 30 Guesseppe Rea, a 2017 Spanish and sociology grad, is having an amazing year. In April, he was named the National Wrestling champion in his home country of Ecuador. In May, he competed in the Pan American Wrestling Championships in Guatemala City, Guatemala. And in early October, he became the first Wilkes wrestler to compete in the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Oslo, Norway. He had finally achieved his boyhood dream of representing Ecuador as a wrestler on the world stage. “It felt great to represent my country where I was born and raised,” he said. But none of it would have happened if not for the generosity of Dick Smith and Lissa Bryan-Smith, who established an Guesseppe Rea at the 2021 World Wrestling Championships in Oslo, Norway, from Oct. 2-10, 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNITED WORLD WRESTLING endowed scholarship for students like Rea and many others. Surprisingly, the Smiths have no connection to Wilkes other than the proximity of their home which is near residence halls and the athletic facilities on the Wilkes campus. “Because we lived in the neighborhood, we got to know people from Wilkes,” said Dick. The Smiths had admired the strong programs, caring faculty and coaches and dedicated students, and they wanted to help out in some way. “We found out that there were too many good minds being lost due to lack of �giving back money. So that’s how we got involved,” he said. The Smiths established both an endowed scholarship and an annual scholarship—with only one stipulation. “The student has to be in dire need,” Smith explained. “It has to be for someone who wouldn’t be at Wilkes without it.” Guesseppe Rea was one of those students. He moved to the U.S. from Ecuador with his family when he was 10. A few years later, Rea fell in love with wrestling at Stroudsburg High School, where he was a stand-out. He had big wrestling dreams beyond high school, but because of finances, college wasn’t an option. Then a high school teammate who attended Wilkes introduced him to head wrestling coach Jon Laudenslager, and as Rea remembers, “Wilkes became my only option.” Seeing Rea’s talent and determination to succeed, Laudenslager recommended him as a recipient for the Smith Endowment. The Smiths agreed—and over the next few years Rea thrived at Wilkes. “He had a strong will to succeed and strove to get better every day,” said Laudenslager. While at Wilkes, Rea was a four-year starter, earned All-American honors, was a four-time regional medalist, won the 2014 Wilkes Open Championship and still ranks as first in the record book for all-time victories. During that same time, a warm relationship grew between Rea and the Smiths. Dick Smith remembers the first time he and Lissa met Rea. “He came over to the house and we sat on the porch and G-Rea (what Lissa and Dick call Guesseppe) was so shy, he didn’t say a word. Now he talks a mile a minute!” The Smiths would often take Rea to dinner in town; and in turn, Rea invited the Smiths to family gatherings. “We met his family at his 100 wins party. His parents, aunts and grandmother came. G-Rea has a wonderful family. They are very connected,” said Lissa. Rea says of the Smiths: “I’m very fortunate and grateful to have met and built a relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They have become part of my family since I met them back in 2013. They are great people who love me and support my goals.” For the boy from Stroudsburg who once dreamed of a life as a wrestler, it’s amazing to see where those dreams, determination and hard work have taken him. After graduating from Wilkes, Rea joined the wrestling team at Muhlenberg College as an assistant coach, and now has the opportunity to coach and mentor others the way he was by Coach Laudenslager, to whom Dick Smith, Guesseppe Rea and Lissa Bryan-Smith in the Smiths’ home in Wilkes-Barre. he credits his successes. “Being at Wilkes taught me to be independent,” Rea said. “Coach Laudenslager and the wrestling program has a strong tradition of champions and has helped open doors to the wrestling community for me.” Rea has also stayed close friends with the Smiths. “I go visit them and stay at their home all the time,” he said. And the Smiths, who were never wrestling fans before, go to his matches and watch him online. Said Lissa, “We were up at 4:30 a.m. watching the World Championships in Norway and we were messaging Coach Laudenslager back and forth. It was wonderful because we were able to tell G-Rea that we saw him!” The Richard M. Smith and Lissa Bryan-Smith Endowed its recipients, like Guesseppe Rea. “Lissa and Dick Smith Scholarship was established at Wilkes in 2011, and are the most perfect example of why I am inspired in my is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates job. Their sincere wish is the success of our students. The significant financial need and who would not, without support they give not only helps financially, but they also the help of this scholarship, be able to attend college. offer counsel and comfort to students as they experience At Wilkes, endowed scholarships are monetary gifts that the challenges of college and life,” said Margaret Steele, will provide scholarships for students for many years, Chief Development Officer. because the funds come from the interest accrued every year, not the principal. The Smiths’ endowed gift keeps giving by helping many students over the years and changing the lives of If you have questions about an endowed scholarship or other giving options, contact Margaret Steele at 570-408-4302 or margaret.steele@wilkes.edu. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 WHAT IS AN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP? 31 �class notes UNDERGRADUATE 60 DONALD MURRAY of Arlington, Va., is writing a book focusing on the organizational effort to draft Adlai Stevenson at the 1960 Democratic National Convention. The book is an expansion of his master’s thesis titled, Patronage and the Draft in the Nominating Process: An Investigative Analysis of the Stevenson Organization at the 1960 Democratic National Convention. An early draft of the thesis has been cited in three biographies of Adlai E. Stevenson. In Washington D.C., Murray worked for 43 years mostly as a Senior Legislator Director at the National Association of Counties. 64 Daniel Klem ’68 Publishes New Book to Save Billions of Birds “There are billions of birds that are dying by flying into windows, and we need to address this,” says Daniel Klem, Jr. ’68, Sarkis Acopian Professor of Ornithology and director of the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College. Klem’s passion about the subject is represented in his new book, Solid Air, Invisible Killer: Saving Billions of Birds from Windows, which shares both the challenges and solutions to this preventable issue. Klem has been studying, writing and teaching about this issue for nearly half a century, and is considered by many in the field to be the leading expert on the topic. The audience for the book is “every person on the planet,” Klem said. The book is published by Hancock House. LORRAINE (DYERS) PRICE of Williamsburg, Va., and her husband Doug just returned from living abroad in Lyon, France for a year. Lorraine was a French major at Wilkes and a former high school French teacher. Lorraine believes that former Wilkes professor Sylvia Dworski would have been so happy to know all those years of French classes at Wilkes paid off in a big way. • WILLIAM (BILL) SCHMIDT and his wife, Gretchen, are celebrating her birthday in Recife, LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK Brazil. They departed from Ft. Lauderdale on a complete circumnavigation of South America. The couple has enjoyed spending four days in Antarctica, then Carnival in Rio, and soon, they will be on the Amazon River for three days. They plan to return to Florida in March 2022. 69 THOMAS G. EVANS has been teaching at Towson University, Towson, Md., and conducting workshops for aspiring leaders for the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. This year Evans received two significant awards, the Gloria A. Neubert Award (TU) and the Distinguished Service to Education (NASSP). The Gloria A. Neubert WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes faculty who have impacted academic and personal growth in an outstanding way, promoted an exemplary learning environment, and made real-life connections between academic theory and daily classroom expectations. The Distinguished Service to Education (NASSP) award is given annually by the National Association of Secondary School Principals to individuals, organizations, foundations, corporations, or publications for significantly improving or strengthening education. PHOTO BY DAN Z. JOHNSON 32 �class notes international law firm of Baker & McKenzie, LLP, based in New York, N.Y. He is also an adjunct professor in the LL.M Tax Program at NYU Law School and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. 71 CHRISTINE (HINCKEN) BLOOM of Leland, N.C., received a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council to work with mentors on painting from life, the coastal landscape and still life. 73 BERNARD CHARLES BARNICK of Wilkes-Barre, published a book about his life experiences titled, “Penn’s Woods: A Romantic View.” • JOSEPH GRILLI of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., recently joined Senior Day Services as its president and CEO. Grilli is a seasoned professional with over 15 years’ experience in home health and services to seniors as well as 10 years’ experience in higher education instruction and administration. He currently serves as vice-chair of the Luzerne County CARES Commission and several United Way of Wyoming Valley committees. He was the past chair of V.I.S.I.O.N. men’s homeless shelter and serves on the board at Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug, Inc., the Catholic Youth Center, Luzerne County Community College and Northeast Services. 74 HOLLY STULTS of Santa Fe, N.M., celebrated her 40th year in the jewelry art business as Holly Stults Design. She has sold to more than 300 galleries and 12 museums nationwide and in Japan. 75 PATRICK MORAN of Arnold, Md., has retired after 40 years as an engineering professor including the last 30 at the US Naval Academy. He also taught engineering at Wilkes during the 1977-78 academic year. He is retired with his wife, Angela, in Annapolis, Md. George Pawlush ’69, MS ’76 Chronicles the Legendary Wilkes Coach Rollie Schmidt in Zeus and the Boys Members of the Wilkes University football team were practicing at Artillery Park on an October day in 1967 when the weather turned nasty. The players clambered down the steps after practice, grumbling about having to play in a chilling mix of rain and sleet. Suddenly a man walking among them, unnoticed until then, pointed at the sky and uttered a single word. “Stop.” The rain ceased and players realized that their coach, Rollie Schmidt, was the guy who seemed to cause the weather change. Several of them said that maybe it was really Zeus, Greek god of lightning and thunder, disguised in the personage of their coach. Schmidt, already on his way to becoming a Wilkes sports legend, acquired the nickname Zeus. Years later, the story is among many chronicled by Wilkes alumnus George Pawlush ’69 MS ’76 in his book Zeus and the Boys. A book about Schmidt was a natural choice. Although a low-key personality, his career coaching teams that came to be known as the “Golden Horde” stands as the most illustrious in Wilkes history. Schmidt, coaching football from 1962 to 1981, amassed a record of 92-73, including a stretch in which the “Golden Horde” won 32 games in a row over five seasons. A key to Schmidt’s success as a coach was his exhaustive preparation, studying fi lms of opponents in a way not common in 1965. “He was totally prepared for every opponent they played,” Pawlush says. Pawlush began working on the book by combing the University archives and conducting more than 100 interviews with Schmidt’s former players and colleagues. “I went through two or three tape recorders,” he says, noting he probably transcribed more than 100,000 words from interviews. Zeus and the Boys can be ordered from Amazon. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 MARC LEVEY of Westport, Conn., is partner in the 33 �class notes 76 81 BACON ’77 of Naugatuck, Conn., are retired in the upstate senior manager of global branding and communications for of South Carolina. Karl has written award-winning novels, Bayer Environmental Science. As soon as circumstances An Eye For Glory and The Shiloh Trilogy. Giacomina retired allow, she will relocate to Lyon, France. Most recently she after 40 years as a Connecticut teacher and principal. was senior manager for Bayer, based in North Carolina. Prior 78 to joining Bayer, Morrow was in marketing roles with BASF KARL BACON and wife GIACOMINA (BUZZELLI) PAT MORROW MBA of Raleigh, N.C., has been appointed Corporation and GlaxoSmithKline. Morrow earned an MBA from Duke University. JANINE (POKRINCHAK) DUBIK MFA of Dallas, Pa., has been selected for the 2021 Poetry in Transit series. She has been selected for Poetry in Transit since 2016. Her poems have been published by Word Fountain, Back Channels, The 82 DR. RUTH MCDERMOTT-LEVY of Berwyn, Pa., was recently Pandemic Issue’s The Electric Rail, and Thirty-Third Wheel. promoted to professor at the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College 80 of Nursing at Villanova University. In addition, she is the PATRICIA KLOTZ of Seattle, Wash., recently retired from Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU), part of the the University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, national PEHSU network. where she was a nursing supervisor in Trauma Research for of New Hope, Pa., was recently named chairman of co-director of the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment which is the EPA Region 3 Pediatric 23 years. Currently she is employed as a research nurse with Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute in Seattle. • ANTHONY (TONY) VLAHOVIC baseball development for Special Olympics North America. • BRUCE WILLIAMS of Blue Springs, Mo., has been appointed associate dean of clinical education at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Osteopathic Medicine. 34 1 2 1  REVEREND BART JASEN COOK ’81 of Asbury Park, N.J., graduated from New Brunswick Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in June 2021. Cook also serves as executive director of the Neptune Township Housing Authority and operates the Law Offices of Bart J. Cook. He is also an associate minister of United Fellowship Baptist Church in Asbury Park.  2  SHARON MICHENER GROSS ’84 of Collegeville, Pa., was elected president of the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators (PSBI). PSBI exhibits annually at the Philadelphia Flower Show and at other venues in the tri-state area. In addition, Gross has an illustration in the Lehigh University Art Galleries Thinking Through Drawing Exhibition online. �class notes 1  HARRY SARKAS BSEE ’89, was part of the Apple Engineering team for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch from 2011 to 2016 as a senior RF engineer. Sarkas explains, “I enjoyed my five-plus years at Apple and it was definitely a highlight of my career to date. I was proud to represent Wilkes engineering alums while working on some of the most successful consumer electronics products in the world, at the same time achieving one of the highest engineering quality standards and breakthrough technology.”  2  JAMES (JIM) DEE ’91, of St. Louis, Mo., published a novel, Chroo, in November 2019. The novel follows Chroo, the richest dog in the world who belongs to celebrity heiress Upferra Quiquis. In this literary fantasy, the fun starts when Upferra finds out she’s inheriting vastly more than the billions expected because of her father’s involvement in the Game. And now, it’s her move. The problem is, she doesn’t care to play. So, she, Chroo, and an ensemble cast of humans and animals work to take down the Game, thus restoring freedom to the entire world. 1 2 83 87 recent retirement near the beach area of Delaware. information website, Running News Online, at runningnewsonline. 85 com. The site offers easy access to race results, upcoming events, CHERIE BURKE of Macungie, Pa., PhD, DNP, CRNA, APRN has including 18 marathons and 41 half-marathons. He is a member of been named the program director of the Nurse Anesthesia Philadelphia Masters Track and Field Association, Delaware County Program at Rush University in Chicago, Ill. Road Runners Club and United States Track and Field. He has also THERESA SMITH of Mechanicsburg, Pa., is enjoying her PAUL ISAAC of Folcroft, Pa., started an online running news and elite runners and current running news. Isaac has been a competitive long-distance runner for 34 years and has completed 750 road races COHEN of Hartford, Conn., has been with Collins Aerospace written several articles for Runner’s Gazette. In addition, he is on the since January 2019, where she supports multiple departments Long Distance Running Committee of United States Track and Field within enterprise engineering. Additionally, she and her Mid-Atlantic Association, and has competed in that association's husband, Bruce, just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Road Grand Prix Series for 21 years, winning several age group 86 SHERRI (ZIMMERMAN) GRAHAM of Mt. Holly, S.C., celebrated her 20-year anniversary as the accountant for the Clerk of Court’s Office for Berkeley County Government placing awards and four consecutive years winning the Road Grand Prix Completion Award. 90 CHRISTOPHER BUCHANAN of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., was promoted in Moncks Corner, S.C. Graham oversees the finance office from captain to assistant fire chief with the Wilkes-Barre City for the Clerk of Court and in December of 2020, the Clerk Bureau of Fire in March. A career fireman since 1992, Buchanan of Court named her employee of the year. Prior to joining will now serve as a shift command officer in his new position. Berkeley County Government, Graham was employed at He is married to his wife, Sharon, and they have two children, Georgetown County School District for four years. Brooke and David. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 • NAOMI (HARRIS) 35 �class notes 1  JOHN A. BEDNARZ, JR. ’06 of Shavertown, Pa., has been selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2020 for the 10th consecutive year. Only five percent of Pennsylvania lawyers obtain the status of Super Lawyer. Since 1991, Bednarz has been a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney as recognized by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and is one of only two claims attorneys practicing in Wilkes-Barre named a Super Lawyer in the practice area of workers compensation. 2  TARA PRIEST-RHODES ’06 of Kingston, Pa., owns Dream Vacations, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. The full-service travel agency is based in the Wilkes-Barre THINK Center at 7 S. Main St. Rhodes has participated in extensive training and certification programs so she can better serve her customers. Additionally, she won the Business Development Managers (BDM) Superstar Award during Dream Vacations™ annual National Conference. Rhodes was one of five honorees out of 1,500 franchisees and was 1 2 recognized for her engagement and sustained growth over the past year. 91 98 psychotherapist and Santa Monica College faculty member, was appointed superintendent of schools at Pottsville who was chosen to present her talk at the 2020 International Area School District in May 2021. Embodiment Summit titled “Empathic Receptivity: Generating 99 SHELLEY PEARCE, L.M.F.T., C.M.H.I.M.P. is an integrative Unity through Healing Contact.” 93 CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON of Raleigh, N.C., has earned fellow status from the American Academy of EDWARD GENEROSE of Old Forge, Pa., has opened a Hospice and Palliative Medicine. The Academy is the microbrewery in Scranton called Groove Brewing. professional organization for physicians who care for • KARIN (MCELROY) NICHOLSON was promoted to Colonel in 2018 patients with serious and life limiting illness. The Fellow and became the chief medical officer at Carl R. Darnall Army of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medical Center in Texas. Medicine (FAAHPM) status is the highest honor that can 94 be bestowed upon a physician member. Thompson has demonstrated a significant commitment to the field of hospice and palliative medicine. BRYAN ALLEN of Hatfield, Pa., was promoted to president of American Manufacturing Company, the leading American brand of drilling mud pumps and replacement parts. • JAMES BRUCK WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 MBA of Honesdale, Pa., was promoted to the rank of Major in the 36 SARAH (KOVACS) YODER MS of Schuylkill Haven, Pa., 05 HECTOR BONILLA of Macungie, Pa., was promoted to Civil Air Patrol. He currently serves as the public affairs officer the position of district K-12 supervisor of curriculum and with the Scranton Composite Squadron 201. instruction and the coordinator of Easton Cyber Academy 97 for the Easton Area School District for 2019-20 school HEATHER (HOWELL) JOHNSON of Gainesville, Fla., and her husband, John Johnson, moved from Port Richey to Gainesville, Fla., where they have started a farm called JH and Sons Family Farm. Heather is still a hospice registered nurse at Vitas Healthcare. year. • MATTHEW TREESE MS, Ed.D. of Kingston, Pa., is the vice provost for Secondary Education at Commonwealth Charter Academy. �class notes 08 09 nominated for the Outstanding Adjunct Teaching Award Adolescent Healthcare Associates. She is a board certified at the University of North Florida for the 2019-20 pediatrician and proficient in osteopathic manipulative academic year. medical treatment. LAUREN CAREY, MFA of Jacksonville, Fla., has been • MARK CONGDON JR. of Waterbury, Conn., accepted a new position as an assistant professor of communication studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. MELISSA JONES of Southbury, Conn., has joined Child and 10 KATIE NEALON of Scranton, Pa., was named to the 2021 list of Pennsylvania’s Rising Stars, which acknowledges just 2.5 percent of American lawyers who have been practicing for less than 10 years. 1  DENISE KATZ ’10 has joined the Cityview team as director of asset management. Katz will leverage her more than 12 years of experience in asset management, operations, ground-up development and value-add to maximize the operational and financial performance of Cityview’s assets while increasing the value of the company’s portfolio. Cityview is a vertically integrated real 1 2 estate investment management firm focused on multifamily and mixed-use real estate in the Western U.S.  2  JACKI (LUKAS) EOVITCH ’11 of Courtdale, Pa., and husband, Kevin Eovitch, welcomed baby girl, Madison Jane, on Oct. 18, 2020.  3  JOHN HAWKINS ’11 of Stockton, N.J., summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, on March 6, 2020. He reached the peak in five days via the Machame Route.  4  SARA WOLMAN ’11 of Fairbanks, Alaska, specialist at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where she educates the public about conservation through visual media. 3 4 WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 is currently the visual information 37 �class notes 12 15 promoted to manager at Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz International Inc. in Dubai. (BSSF). Barcheski has over eight years of experience 16 JAMES R. BARCHESKI, CPA of Camp Hill, Pa., was and specializes in providing audit and review services to nonprofit organizations, local government entities and school districts. ABDULRAHMAN SHEIKH is employed by McDermott MICHAEL CALLAGY ’17 and CHELSEA WORKMAN ’16 13 recently married in East Stroudsburg, Pa. The Wilkes ERIN GALLAGHER of Philadelphia, Pa., began is working as a physician assistant in urology and working as a researcher at Harvard University with Michael is employed as an ER nurse. the Technology and Social Change project in July of 17 2020. • JONATHAN KADJESKI of Kingston, Pa., was recently honored by the Young Professionals Awards as the Educator of the Year by the Greater Wilkes-Barre sweethearts met while both working as students in the NeuroTraining and Research Center on campus. Chelsea PATRICIA THOMAS EIT of Selinsgrove, Pa., has been Chamber of Commerce. He has also begun a new promoted to Engineer ll at Barton & Loguidice and is a position, as the Achievement Plus student success member of the firm’s Solid Waste Practice Area. counselor at King’s College, in Wilkes-Barre. 18 14 CHRISTINE LEE along with her colleagues at the MADISON SCARFARO of Whitehall Pa., is a JD candidate attending Touro Law in Central Islip, N.Y. Republican Herald in Pottsville, Pa., received an honorable mention in the 2021 Professional Keystone Media Awards in the Ongoing Coverage category on Education and COVID-19. It was awarded in the DIII, multi-day publications with circulations between 10,000 and 19,999. NICOLE (POLLOCK) KAUFMAN ’12 and husband Mark Kaufman welcomed their second child, Aubrey Colleen WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 Kaufman on Nov. 18, 2020. 38 �class notes 1 2 1  BRYAN MARCEL BILBAO ’17 of Old Forge, Pa., is currently in his rotational year of physician assistant school (PA-S2) at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa. He recently published a video on Youtube called “Does Healthcare Care? #WHYICARE,” which has accumulated over 10,000 views currently and is being used at several educational institutions for diversity training in healthcare fields. The video was for his “Medical Decision Making” course and he is currently conducting a capstone research project based on how healthcare providers can better themselves and reduce provider stigma when treating a patient and providing lackluster care due a patient's primary language, skin color, race/ethnicity, sexual preference, gender identity, or having a disability. 2  JOHN E. STONER ’17 of East Berlin, Pa., was promoted to supervisor at SEK, CPAs & Advisors. He is a member of Leadership Cumberland Class of 2021, West Shore Young Professionals, and SEKs Emerging Professionals Committee. Stoner works in the firm’s Carlisle, Pa., office and provides audit services for nonprofit and governmental clients, ensuring proper internal controls and a better understanding of their financial reports. SUBMITTING PHOTOS FOR CLASS NOTES Wilkes magazine accepts photos to announce alumni weddings and accompany class notes reporting achievements and milestones. To ensure that we can use the photos submitted, please follow these requirements: 1. Email jpeg or tif files to alumni@wilkes.edu or upload as an online class note submission on the alumni website at www.wilkes.edu/alumni. 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. GRADUATE 07 JEFF LOVE MS of Gretna, Va., purchased Leesville Lake Campground, Gretna Va., in May 2017. He has made numerous improvements to the property, and is preparing for an expansion. Business has improved annually, with a waiting list for most weekends. 12 JENICA HARSHBARGER MS had a children’s book published by Covenant Books in March 2020. Kamille’s Quest of Courage relates the adventures of a young Komodo dragon who learns that inner courage is more important than outward appearance. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 PICTURE PERFECT: GUIDELINES FOR 39 �class notes 18 19 recently approved Thiel College Bachelor of Science in of Transitions Women’s Health Consulting, LLC, whose Nursing program. Abalos is a licensed registered nurse main mission is to help decrease the maternal mortality rate and is currently a PhD candidate at Wilkes University and of women in the U.S, especially women of color. She was a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at Aspen University. a contributor in the Color of Wellness magazine with her She is projected to graduate in summer 2021 and 2022, article entitled “A Mother’s Love ... what you need to know respectively. about Maternal Health Care.” She is a doctoral prepared SARAH ABALOS MS of Sharon, Pa., is the director of the • ANTHONY FANUCCI PHARMD of Carlisle, JANET A. WILLIAMS MD, MSM, CNM is currently the CEO Pa., has accepted a full-time post-grad associate position midwife who has 18 years’ experience in a full-scope with Alston & Bird, one of the top 100 law firms in America. municipal hospital midwifery practice, and has delivered He will be serving as an associate in the firm’s FDA practice more than 800 babies. She is a sought-after speaker in group in the Washington, D.C. office. the maternal health arena, and has presented at numerous • MARY-LEE HELBING DNP and her husband, Erik, welcomed their third child, conferences and online on numerous topics during the Katerina Grace, on July 30, 2020. COVID-19 pandemic. She is the author of a journal entitled “The 4th Trimester of Pregnancy: Transformation.” 1  KERI DARBY MSN, RN, AHN-BC, SGAHN ’09 of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., was recently inducted as a distinguished scholar into the Global Academy of Holistic Nursing. The Academy, in support of the mission of The American Holistic Nurses Association and in concert with the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation, will focus on advancing the specialty of holistic nursing around the world. Darby is an RN whole health consultant with the Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation for the Department of Veterans Affairs.  2  KIMBERLY (WARRINER) WEBER MS ’13 wrote a book about healthy eating for children titled, Penny the Pup Presents: The 1 2 Power of Real Food, which is now available as a paperback on Amazon and an eBook on Kindle.  3  TREY TIETZ PHARMD ’14, of Aurora, Ohio, was honored by the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) with a 2021 UNDER 40 Recognition Award for leadership, excellence, and vision in the practice of pharmacy at its 143rd Annual Conference held April 16-18. Tietz is an ambulatory pharmacy manager WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 for the Cleveland Clinic Euclid Avenue Pharmacy, the 40 flagship outpatient pharmacy at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus.  4  CORI FREDE MS ’17 of Philadelphia, Pa., was selected as one of ten members of the United States delegation for the 2020 Education Exchange (E2) hosted in a different country each year. Cori will be traveling to Sydney, Australia, in March 2022 to spend a week working 3 4 with educators from around the world in connecting the global classrooms using digital tools. �class notes In Memoriam Like the world around us, the Wilkes community has suffered great loss since our last issue. Though we could not include each obituary on these pages, we honor all the colleagues, alumni and friends that we have lost. We send our sincere condolences and caring thoughts to all who are mourning. his undergraduate career Campus Gateway, and gift Pennsylvania Independent as a student of Bucknell the Karambelas Media and Telephone Association University Junior College, Communication Center, and the United States going on to receive his the Darte Center digital Independent Telephone bachelor’s degree in marquee, the Henry Student Association. He also served commerce and finance Center Atrium, the Cohen as chairman of several from Wilkes College in Science Center grand national committees 1949. Karambelas served staircase, Library Web of of that association. His SALLYANNE ROSENN ’42 on the Alumni Association Science project and the business associations of Kingston, Pa., died on Board of Directors for Greenway Pergola projects. included service as Aug. 28, 2021. Sallyanne many years, and was In addition to Wilkes, chairman of the board of was a member of Temple granted emeritus status in Karambelas was an ardent Wilkes Barre’s Franklin Israel Synagogue; its 2018. The Karambelases’ supporter of the Greater First Financial Corporation sisterhood, Hadassah; the lifetime commitment to Wilkes-Barre YMCA, and the Citizens Voice Jewish Community Center; Wilkes was recognized in Greater Wilkes-Barre newspaper and as a the Westmoreland Club; 2016 when they received Chamber of Business & member of the board and many other civic and the President’s Medal, Industry, the Osterhout of Pennsylvania Millers religious organizations. the University’s highest Library and numerous other Insurance Company and honor given annually community organizations. OnBanc Corporation (now at the Founders Gala. M&T Bank). Umphred Karambelas served served as a trustee of on many committees Wilkes College, president including the community of the board of the and capital campaigns. Salvation Army and as a In 1994 he served on member of the President’s the president’s council Advisory Board of College and many years on the Misericordia. He was a CLAYTON J. alumni association board KARAMBELAS ’49 of and earned their first WILLIAM UMPHRED United Way of Wyoming Kingston, Pa., died on Nov. director emeritus chair SR.’52, of Clarks Summit, Valley and chaired that 15, 2021. Karambelas was in 2017. He received the Pa., died on Sept. 10, organization’s 1978 an alumnus, supporter Eugene Farley Award, the 2020. Umphred served as fundraising campaign. He and friend to Wilkes Honor of Wilkes Colonel a naval officer during the also chaired fundraising University. Together with Award as well as the Korean War. Following his campaigns for the his beloved wife, Theresa, Wilkes Ancestral Colonel return to Wilkes-Barre, Osterhout Library and he helped to transform the and was the recipient of he joined Commonwealth the Back Mountain Wilkes campus through the coveted President’s Telephone Company as a Memorial Library. his loyalty, vision and Medal along with his wife management trainee in 1955 generosity. A native of in 2016. As part of his and was elected president Wilkes-Barre, Karambelas legacy to Wilkes, he was of the company in 1974. He graduated from Meyers proud to help fund the retired in 1989. Umphred High School and began South Main Street, East served as a director of the WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 board member of the 41 �class notes WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 EUGENE ROTH ESQ. ’57 42 Award, Wilkes University treasurer of the Bateman President of the YWCA. Ancestral Colonels Lifetime for Governor Committee. She was also active for Achievement Award in In 1981, Bill served on years with the Wilkes-Barre 2009, Wilkes University the Kean for Governor General Hospital Auxiliary. John Wilkes Society’s Committee. Following that Eugene S. Farley Memorial successful election, he Achievement Award in 2009 served on Kean’s transition and the Wilkes University team as director of the President’s Medal in 2019. treasury and budget team. of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died At the federal level, in on June 9, 2021. In 1960, 1982, Bill helped lead the Roth graduated with honors Grace Commission Defense from the Dickinson School Department audit team of Law. He was a partner for Johnson & Johnson/ FRANK MENAKER JR., in the law firm of Rosenn, Prudential under President ESQ.’62 of Potomac, Md., Jenkins & Greenwald LLP, Ronald Reagan and was died on Feb. 18, 2020. He for more than 60 years and on the board of Business graduated from William maintained a longstanding Executives for National Penn High School in 1958, Security. Wilkes University in 1962, and successful practice WILLIAM TREMAYNE ’57 in the firm’s business and of Somerset, N.J., died and American University finance department to public in May 2020. Tremayne Washington College of Law and private companies. became the first member in 1965. Menaker served Roth was a 61-year member of the President’s Council as senior vice president of the Luzerne County, at Wilkes University and general counsel Pennsylvania, and American after which he joined the for Lockheed Martin Bar Associations. Roth Board of Trustees at the Corporation, and general was a member of the Ohav invitation of then President counsel for Martin Marietta. Zedek Synagogue and board Christopher N. Breiseth. member, past president He was instrumental BEVERLY HISCOX ’58 for 36 years before retiring and chairman of numerous in recruiting the next of Shavertown, Pa., in 2006. He was a key Jewish and community president at Wilkes, Joseph died on Feb. 25, 2021. member of the 1995 merger civic organizations in “Tim” Gilmour (2001-2012). Hiscox served for years team that joined Martin Northeastern Pennsylvania. Tremayne served on the as a trustee of Wilkes Marietta with Lockheed He was a member of the Wilkes University Board of University. She served Corporation creating what board of directors of Trustees with his younger as president of the we know today as Lockheed several public companies, brother, Ron, also a Wilkes Wilkes University Alumni Martin Corporation. In received the United Hebrew alumnus (’58), and a Association, served on the 1986, Menaker was part Institute Shofar Award in retired executive with IBM Advisory Council for Wilkes’ of the Defense Industry 2000, National Society Corp. In 2016, Tremayne creative writing program Initiative, where he served of Fundraising Executives became a trustee emeritus. and established the Beverly as chairman of the working Outstanding Volunteer Tremayne was with his Hiscox Scholarship. Hiscox group that developed Fundraiser in 1993, B’nai wife, Lora Christensen, for served as president of the industry-wide standards B’rith Community Service 62 years. Tremayne was Northeastern Pennsylvania for accountability, auditing, Award in 1994, Northeast employed by Prudential Philharmonic Society, ethics, and self-assessment. Pennsylvania Council of Insurance Company for 36 working numerous He established a corporate the Boy Scouts of America years, rising to senior vice years in support of that ethics and integrity program Distinguished Citizen president overseeing the organization. She also for Lockheed Martin Award in 1998, Philadelphia tax department and later, served as an elder in the that became the defense Chamber of Commerce the public affairs division. First Presbyterian Church industry standard. He Distinguished Pennsylvanian In 1977, Bill became the of Wilkes-Barre and as also served as president He served in these roles �class notes Area Corporate Counsel Association and chair of the ABA Public Contracts Law Section. In 2008, Frank was listed as one of the Legal Time’s “Visionaries.” 1942 Elizabeth Mitchell 1943 Harry Katz 1944 Beverly Myers George Papadoplos 1947 George Trebilcox 1948 Miriam Baumann Stephen Doberstein Marie Duffy William Harvey Eugene Shaver Charlotte Terry 1949 William Beck John Evans Morris Feinstein Michael Fex Jr. Jay Rauscher Mary Romanick 1950 Julius Brand Daniel Cuscela Jean Erickson Thomas Foster James Holifield Chester Omichinski Angelo Pascucci William Plummer Gwenn Smith 1951 Olin Evans John Gresh Jr. Nicholas Heineman Betty Hibler Donald Kivler David Parsons Mary Rentschler Glenn Rheinhart Doris Stotter John Stozenski Jerome Stone Mary West 1952 George Cross Joseph Falzone Joseph Fattorini Jr. Charles Gloman III Jean Sutherland John Wolfkeil 1959 Eugene Conser James Eidam Robert Florio Jerome Gutterman Edward Kozlowski Edward McCafferty Ph.D. Lawrence Pugh Thomas Ruggiero Esq. David Shales Gustave Sundberg Robert Thomas Sr. Jean Verbarg David Wagner Carl Zoolkoski Sr. 1953 Raymond Garbor Paul Griesmer John Hilburt Philip Husband Cledwyn Rowlands 1954 Edward Lanning Joseph Mosier Ralph Rozelle Rodion Russin Esq. John Vale 1955 Madelyn Decker Naomi Jones Leona Markiewitz Doris Merrill Ellen Ondash Lawrence Roeshot 1956 Mary Croce Michael Perlmuth Paul Shiffer John Suffren Joseph Ungvarsky Joseph Zawatski 1957 Larry Amdur Rose Bellomo Samuel Dilcer Jacqueline Griffith Morgan Lewis Thomas Podolak James Speicher Carl Urbanski O.D. John Zachmann 1958 Elaine Barrett Larry Groninger Theodore Jones USN Joseph Kotch Albert Mlynarski Harry Smith Jr. 1960 Thomas Barnick Clarence Dennis Arthur Evans William James Jr. Thomas Jones Clifford Kobland Ph.D. Patricia Levandoski Edwin Matthews Jerome Pauley Agesino Primatic Judith Schall Raymond Yanchus 1961 Anne Blewitt Clement Gavenas Frederick Jacoby Gale James Hana Janjigian Heald Arlene Matus Patricia Petrasek Ronald Roski 1962 James Brunza Gerald Burkhardt John Hrencecin Andrew Kocur Dennis Kravitz David Peters Edward Yadzinski Robert Yetter 1963 Alice Bartlett Joseph Gay Sr. George Guzo Jr. Harold Harty Ph.D. Thomas Penhale Jr. Judith Spitale John Tredinnick 1964 James Bachman Robert Bednar Caroll Blank Michalene Levi Sally Levy Owen Williams Leonard Yankosky Jr. Marie Zemanick 1965 Charles Adonizio Raymond Bolek Edward Brominski Sr. Barbara Cobb John George John Hohn Jr. Mary Rosencrance Eubank Travis-Bey Jr. John Wasilewski Carolyn Weston 1966 Reina Bakish Carol Isaacs Donna Porzucek Faith Sabol William Webb 1967 Richard Bergstrasser Ronald Czajkowski Georgiann Dalon Theodore Gourley Jr., Ed.D. Andrea Lander Kenneth Maloney Walter Narcum William Perrego William Trethaway 1968 Arthur Kreinberg James O’Boyle Patricia Wanalista Samuel Wolfe III 1969 Richard Asch Thomas Evans Richard Foy Brent Jackson Joseph Kopec John Zikor WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 of the Washington Metro 43 �class notes 1970 Robert Broody Ronald Bukevicz Edward Gower Ralph Hodgson Jr. David Hoffman Charles Lengle Judith Ververs 1971 Albert Baloga Steven Brunn Mary Combellack John Hoover Stephen Kaschenbach Patricia Kramer Frances Laskofski Raymond Smith Jr. Samuel Smulyan 1972 Mary Ellen Blazejewski John Breita Freas Hess III Roy Hollabaugh Lois Hughes Deanne Lisko Jacqueline McGinley Robert Paranich Brenda Shone Anne Wasko Theodore Zelinski WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 1973 Karen Czwalina Richard Flower Frederick Gedrich Mary Grace Loncoski Sheila McLaughlin John Nesbitt Ronald Samek Thomas Steltzer 44 1974 David Edwards James Kelley Rosemary Murphy Bernard Parsons James Rodda Marguerite Sauer 1975 Edward Beoris Debra Schonfeld Michael Stambaugh 1976 Robert Jones Jr. Mary Manganiello Joseph Santini Patricia Schillaci 1977 John Kosloski Robert Warren Richard Zbysheski 1978 Scott Leeds 1979 Donald Demko 1980 Clifford Jones Jr. Thomas Needham Jr. Rodney Wyffels 1981 Mary Kay Bifano Raymond Pambianco Robert Rushworth Jr. Donna Shandra 1982 Walter Babetski Diane Maroun William Mecca Sr. Robert Stackhouse 1983 Barbara Ann Landis Hoffmann MD CMD Pamela Piskorick 1984 Joseph Leandri Cathy Prater Teresa Rudi 1985 Sandra Luongo Philip Roke Eugene Wachowski James Zaykoski 1986 Kevin Chabal Dennis Clarke Robert Meehan Jr. 1988 Suzanne Alba Lois Parry Thomas Samide Donald Strickland Carolyn Warner 1989 Patricia Hornsby Carol Raymond Harry Salavantis Jane Smith Dolores Vida Joseph Yuscavage III 1990 Shirley Butler Pamela Cooper Christian Royek Joseph Santanasto 1991 David Billet Anthony Cameron Colleen Caputo Dawn Survilla 1992 Michael Kosloski Jr. 1993 Thomas Minchin Sylvia Simmons 1994 Mark Buss 1995 David Strumsky 1996 Aaron Beyer Thomas Latimer Neil Stefanisko 1997 Tara Keegan Amy Plutino 1998 Nancy Wallis 1999 Julie Grimes Jack Kocher Frank Nutaitis Judith Shimp 2000 Kathleen Price 2001 Michael Loverdi Michael Lucsky Jeffrey Spaide 2002 Dina Palski 2005 David Holdredge 2006 Rita Darragh-Connors Silvia Diaz Rosemarie Gerstein Claire Kulp Vicki Shaffer 2007 Robert Pietrucha Milagros Santiago Anne Spindler 2008 Nancy Slowikowski 2009 Charles Bachert Elizabeth Lambert 2010 Curtis Clark David Hangen 2011 Larry Wildermuth 2014 Marjorie Whispell 2015 Alex Malon William Robinson Jr. 2017 Jesse McDermott 2018 Patrick Belusko 2020 Deanne Kalin Jessica Roxby �class notes FACULTY HAROLD E. COX, of Exeter, Pa., died on Sept. 8, 2021. Cox was an U.S. Army veteran serving in active duty from 1954-1956 and then served in the U.S. Army Reserve for an additional 30 years achieving the rank of command sergeant major. Later, Cox attended William and Mary University of Virginia and received his doctorate. He was a beloved professor at Wilkes University for 52 years in the history department. Upon leaving teaching, President Christopher N. Breiseth appointed him as the first official Wilkes University Archivist. The Farley library rooms that house the university’s archives are named in his honor. In 2005, Cox developed the library Friends of Wilkes (continued) the Division of Performing After serving his country, Arts and as professor of he returned home from the music. Thomas received his war and under the G.I. bill, undergraduate degree from earned his degree from the Anita Ambrose Harvard University before Dolan School of Mortuary Virginia Banks earning his master’s and Science in Philadelphia. Robert Barbieri doctoral degrees from Yale Returning to Wilkes-Barre, Leona Castor University. At Wilkes, he he began his life’s journey Daniel Check was the director of choral that became filled with Scott Fertal activities for more than 20 business and philanthropic Katherine Ford years. In addition to teaching accomplishments. Passan Randy Freas various classes within the was a founder of Valley Gerald Hartdagen music curriculum, he led the Distributing and Storage David Hiscox University Chorus and the Company, a family owned Lucas Homeijer Chamber Singers. Thomas and operated warehouse Benjamin Jones III sang in the Lyric Consort and and trucking business, Derek Knorr was also the music director for more than 60 years. Mary McDevitt of the Arcadia Chorale, both He was past president of Paul O’Hop Jr. based in Scranton, Pa. He the American Warehouse Frank Orloski Sr. continued the Chorale’s Association, the America Howard Price traditions of hosting a spring Chain of Warehouses, Esther Robzen Bach Festival and an annual and president of Pocono Carolyn Romanko Messiah sing-along, which Downs. With the Passan Janice Schuh could be heard on WVIA-FM Family Foundation, Passan Robert Smith during the Christmas season. transformed the education Patrick Solano Under his leadership, the of students in nursing and Robert Stetten Chorale performed at the healthcare. He established David Tressler American Choral Directors the G. Thomas Passananti Jo Ann Wolinsky Association convention and Professorship at Penn Vernon Zellner produced several recordings. State College of Medicine in honor of his late brother; FRIENDS OF WILKES the endowments of the Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing, the only research methods course named nursing school in the which would impact the northeast; John J. Passan various academic programs Hall for Health Sciences at the university. at Misericordia University; and the Penn State Open Doors Scholarship for Passan has been the JOHN PASSAN of Laflin, recipient of the Northeast Pa., died on Feb. 21, 2021. Pennsylvania Philanthropy At the age of 17, Passan Award and Wilkes enlisted in the United University’s honorary States Navy. Stationed degree of Doctor of STEVEN THOMAS of on the USS Los Angeles, Humane Letters. Kingston, Pa., died on July 12, he served in the Pacific 2020. He served as chair of Theater of World War II. WILKES | Winter 2021–2022 disadvantaged students. 45 �Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 calendar of events Spring Lectures at Wilkes Wilkes University is bringing two of the most influential authors to campus this spring. Both lectures are free and registration is strongly encouraged due to expected attendance. Get more information and the link inside on page 9. JON MEACHAM The Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities Series will present “Hope Through History” with the presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center. MARGARET ATWOOD The Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series presents “A Conversation with Margaret Atwood,” the bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre. March 22, 2022 is Giving Day Join the challenge and give to your favorite programs on the third annual Giving Day, a 24-hour, campus-wide fundraising challenge to support the Wilkes programs you love most. Watch your inbox for more details about the surprises planned for Giving Day on 3/22/22! PHOTO BY STEVE HUSTED/KNOT JUST ANY DAY To learn more about the latest news and events happening at Wilkes, please visit news.wilkes.edu and wilkes.edu/alumni. � 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, winter 2021-2022 Subject The topic of the resource Alumni Relations Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Marketing and Communications Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource winter 2021-2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Type The nature or genre of the resource Magazine