Allegheny Magazine Summer 2017 by Allegheny College

ALLEGHENY

SUMMER 2017

VOL. 35 • NO. 3

A JOURNEY OF EPIC SCALE The Chamber Choir shares music, experiences in New Zealand

NOAH SNYDER ’10 SEES PROBLEMS AS OPPORTUNITIES

GIFT ESTABLISHES INNOVATIVE PROFESSORSHIP

HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT STANDOUT COACH, ATHLETES

Scene on Campus

Environmental science major Kaye Moyer ’19 shares findings from her research project, “Evaluating Wild Bee Populations in Soybean Agriculture,” at the Allegheny College Research Seminar Series (ACRoSS) on June 27. Moyer is one of 57 students who presented at the weekly ACRoSS gatherings in summer 2017 — and one of 117 who conducted research alongside faculty with funding from the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities office in the Allegheny Gateway.

Learn more at

allegheny.edu/research

S u m m e r 2 0 1 7 • Vo l . 3 5 • N o . 3 • a l l e g h e n y. e d u /m a g a z i n e

4 A Journey

ON THE COVER Stella Goodworth ’18 looks out over Lake Tekapo in the South Island of New Zealand (photo by Emma Highland ’19).

of Epic Scale

The Chamber Choir experiences a once-in-a-lifetime performance tour of New Zealand.

10 Seeing Problems as Opportunities

Entrepreneur Noah Snyder ’10 thrives on tackling mind-bending challenges.

14 Our Third Century Quest Brett and Gwen Elliott establish an innovative professorship at the College.

18 Reunion Weekend 2017 Take a look back at the celebration through photos.

20 Literary Living

Students in the Book House live their passion for reading every day.

22 Athletics Hall of Fame Honorees include the College’s winningest coach, a multi-sport standout and the 2000 baseball team.

24 On the Hill

VICE PRESIDENT FOR COLLEGE RELATIONS Susan Salton MANAGING EDITOR Josh Tysiachney EDITOR Rick Stanley ART DIRECTOR Penny Drexel LEAD DESIGNER Brian Martone CONTRIBUTORS Jim Berger Troy Dinga ’18 Erica Erwin ’02 Heather Grubbs Emma Highland ’19 Jesse Lavery James Niblock ’97 Sean O’Connor Bernadette Wilson PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Li Ed Mailliard Brian Schneider Ryan Smith Mike Walker PRINTING Heeter, Canonsburg, PA

FSC Logo HERE

Three Alleghenians earn prestigious national honors.

allegheny.edu/magazine

26 Class Notes

instagram.com/alleghenycollege

News from around the country from fellow alumni.

36 The Last Word Reflecting on a journey of discovery and growth.

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twitter.com/alleghenycol

TRUSTEES Mark R. Campbell ’82, Chair Christian L. Allison ’83 Kevin W. Baird ’84 Edward Joseph Borkowski ’81 Willow Wilcox Brost ’74 Curt A. Cramer ’84 Jennifer Daurora ’99 Antonio F. Dias ’86 Gary M. Elliott ’72 Mary H. Feeley ’78, Ph.D. Kim Tillotson Fleming Roger A. Gurner ’63 Terrence L. Hartford ’81 Steven D. Levinsky ’78 Robert A. Marchman ’80 Robert E. McGarity ’80 Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi Isabelle Moss ’67 James H. Mullen, Jr., Ed.D. Christine Scott Nelson ’73 Jerome V. Nelson ’83 John Herbert Niles, Jr. ’59, M.D. Martin Pfinsgraff ’77 Timothy L. Reeves ’83 Yvonne Reed Seon ’59, Ph.D. James H. Spalding ’80 Sue E. Steven ’75, Ph.D. Arthur J. Stewart ’80 Hayes C. Stover ’62 John F. Sutphen ’78 Bruce R. Thompson ’86 Karen A. Ubelhart ’77 James O. Wible ’71 Nancy Yovetich ’87, Ph.D. Douglas F. Ziegler TRUSTEES EMERITI Alice S. Bierer ’59 Ann S. Degenhart ’71 J. Tomlinson Fort ’50, Esq. Thomas T. Frampton ’70, Esq. Samuel Hellman ’55, M.D. William I. Jack ’57 The Hon. Jack K. Mandel ’58 Silas R. Mountsier III ’52 John C. Phillips, Jr. ’56 James F. Pomroy ’56 Thomas St. Clair ’57 Ferd J. Sauereisen ’57 M. Peter Scibetta ’54, M.D. Henry B. Suhr, Jr. ’55 Arthur Tepper ’58 William H. Timbers ’72 Patricia Bush Tippie ’56 Robert A. Vukovich ’65, Ph.D. John D. Wheeler ’61, Esq. Robert C. Woodworth ’69

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Allegheny (ISSN 0279-6724) is issued three times a year by Allegheny College, 520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335 for the alumni, parents and friends of the College. The winter issue is digital-only, and the spring and summer issues are in print and digital versions. All material can be found at allegheny.edu/magazine. Opinions and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of the College. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Allegheny, Allegheny College, 520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA, 16335. Copyright 2017 Allegheny College

A Harmonious Adventure by President James H. Mullen, Jr.

Whether music, theater, dance or another outlet, these enriching experiences bring enjoyment and enhance the cultural life of our community. Even more, they espouse Allegheny’s commitment to developing wellrounded students who appreciate and advance the arts.

The Allegheny College Chamber Choir touched down in New Zealand on May 18, launching an incredible two-week performance tour featured in this issue of Allegheny magazine. These 19 students, led by three faculty and alumni mentors, penned a new chapter in Allegheny’s rich choral tradition. They honored the storied legacy of music professors Morten Luvaas, Wright North and Ward Jamison, along with the many other faculty, students and alumni who have shaped the Allegheny Choirs over the decades. Following 18 months of preparation and practice, the Chamber Choir performed eight concerts in five cities and also led workshops to teach students in three New Zealand schools. These Alleghenians served as remarkable ambassadors for not only the College as a whole but also the 26 different academic programs they represented — including English, music, psychology and neuroscience. Allegheny provides opportunities for students across the disciplines to express their vocal and instrumental talents through our Music Department, student organizations and other avenues. We are very proud of our music major and minor, yet we also do not require students to be enrolled in those programs to join groups such as the Chamber Choir. In fact, over their four years on campus, approximately half of our students participate in some form of musical involvement. Whether music, theater, dance or another outlet, these enriching experiences bring enjoyment and enhance the cultural life of our community. Even more, they espouse Allegheny’s commitment to developing well-rounded students who appreciate and advance the arts. These creative pursuits encourage our students

to develop their minds and souls, delve beyond the surface and harmonize perspectives from multiple disciplines. That balanced philosophy is a hallmark of a liberal arts education, and it results in graduates who lead in their careers and communities. For example, Brett ’65 and Gwendolyn ’64 Elliott credit Allegheny with inspiring a lifelong spirit of intellectual curiosity. The Elliotts have given back generously through both their professions and philanthropy. Read on page 14 why they chose to establish a professorship for interdisciplinary studies at the College to support collaboration among different academic fields. The interplay of disciplines also put Noah Snyder ’10 on the path to earning a Ph.D. in bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Noah has gone on to found an advanced materials company to improve the efficiency of cooling systems. At Allegheny, he majored in biochemistry and neuroscience and minored in physics and Chinese studies. See page 10 to learn how that combination guides his innovative approach to running a business. Eight Chamber Choir members graduated as part of the Class of 2017 this past May, joining the Elliotts, Noah Snyder and more than 24,000 others as Allegheny alumni. As the Chamber Choir shared music, experienced different cultures and made memories in New Zealand, these students gained a deeper sense of the impact they can make in the world. Their time abroad was life changing. And like so many other Alleghenians over two centuries, they have reflected great honor on their Alma Mater, Beatissima.

A JOURNEY of

EPIC SCALE Chamber Choir Shares Music, Experiences on New Zealand Tour

by Erica Erwin ’02

photos contributed by the Chamber Choir

Troy Dinga stashed his luggage and settled in for a journey to the other side of the world. When the plane’s wheels finally left the runway, Dinga’s nerves jangling with anticipation, his stomach fluttering, it was a feeling unlike any he’d ever experienced before. What would turn out to be a life-changing voyage to a place many of us only see in postcards or on television began with Dinga’s first-ever airline flight.

Later, he described the entire experience in the only way he knew how: “It was absolutely exhilarating,” said Dinga, a 22-year-old music major from Ford City, Pennsylvania. Dinga was one of 19 members of the Allegheny College Chamber Choir who traveled to New Zealand in May for an epic two-week performance tour, the first international tour for an Allegheny ensemble since 1980, and the first ever tour to the South Pacific. The itinerary was as daunting as any first plane flight: More than 30 hours of air travel, including layovers, one way. Eight performances in five cities. Twenty -seven pieces of music — sung in eight different languages.

After a stop in San Francisco, the Chamber Choir set off for New Zealand. They spent their first day in the country visiting Auckland, including a view of the city from the 60-story Sky Tower.

ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

It was absolutely exhilarating. Troy Dinga ’18

After 18 months of preparation, planning and practice, the group was ready. And it showed. “What they did musically was extraordinary,” said James Niblock, ’97, associate professor of music and director of choral activities at Allegheny College.

of silence is for someone (in the audience) to say ‘Oooooh,’ and it just kept happening,” said Niblock, who led the group along with pianist Douglas Jurs, assistant professor of music at Allegheny, and alumnus Jeffrey L. Webb ’98, a collegiate choral director and singer.

Auckland, Whitianga, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown. Small churches. A large cathedral. Public and private schools. The reception was the same everywhere they sang.

“We had some of the best performances we’ve ever done because the audience was so receptive and welcoming,” said choir member Emma Highland, a junior English major from Lakeway, Texas. “After every song you could hear sighs throughout the audience. It was such a neat feeling.”

“That moment of silence you really cherish after you finish a piece — the only allowable interruption in that moment

As the choir explored New Zealand’s natural beauty, they forged deeper friendships. Some of the students had been performing together at Allegheny for as many as four years.

18+

60+

students in the Chamber Choir

major & minor programs represented

faculty/alumni mentors

months of preparation

hours of air travel, including layovers (roundtrip)

“It’s hard to put into words how wonderful that was, how incredibly fun it was to give all the concerts,” added Dinga, who will graduate from Allegheny in the spring. “Every reaction to each of the concerts was just effusive.” Some of the most poignant moments on the tour came not during performances but when the choir was sharing unique experiences together. During one memorably overcast day, the group visited the Church of the Good Shepherd at the foot of Lake Tekapo, about three hours southwest of Christchurch. A tiny landmark

of hand-hewn stone set in the wilderness, the church is big enough to seat 20 to 25 people. Its only adornment is a small, two-foot tall cross — and a breathtaking view of the Southern Alps. Visitors aren’t usually allowed to take photographs or enter the front part of the church, but the Chamber Choir was given special permission to sing, not for an audience but for themselves. “It’s a very spiritual kind of experience to be in a place people deem to be a sacred place and to have a privilege not many people have,” Niblock said.

The choir toured and sang in several historic churches and other venues. The group also presented three joint performances with youth, community and high school choirs.

ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

performances in five cities

pieces of music

languages in performances

residencies in area schools

donors supported the trip

The choir also sang in Auckland’s striking Holy Trinity Cathedral, at Te Puia, a geothermal preserve in the middle of Rotorua that serves as an arts and culture center sharing the heritage of New Zealand’s Māori people, and in the Orua sea cave near Hahei’s famous Cathedral Cove, a giant bluff that has been carved out by the ocean slamming into the rock.

stayed with a family who took him up in their gyrocopter, just one of many once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the trip. They flew over farms and fields and marshes as the sun set, mountains off in the distance, islands dotting the horizon. “It was absolutely breathtaking. The sights from it — there’s no other way to see something that gorgeous,” Dinga said.

“Every single moment was something new, some incredible new experience,” Highland said.

Spencer Garrison, a junior psychology major from Poughkeepsie, New York, tried out for Chamber Choir as soon as he learned about the tour. After he made the cut, he signed up for extra voice lessons. “I thought, ‘If we’re going to be in a different country, singing across the country, I have to make

For much of the trip the group stayed with host families, part of a huge web of people who made the journey possible. Dinga

While exploring the seaside village of Devonport, one group found a dredging wheel, while other students had the chance to soar above Whitianga in a gyrocopter.

It’s something that will bind them together forever. James Niblock ’97,

associate professor of music and director of choral activities

sure I’m at peak possible capacity,’” said Garrison, 20. “Not only am I representing the school, I’m representing the U.S. I have to be firing on all cylinders.” He saved up all year for the trip, which was funded in part by alumni and other donors, including Virginia Taft ’84. Taft established a matching gift campaign that raised more than $52,000 with the help of three volunteers, David Hill ’69, Howard Sprout ’69 and Kristina Gulick Schaefer ’83. All three sang in the choir and toured Europe with the group as undergraduates.

Garrison remembered how it felt to stand in the Church of the Good Shepherd. “We sang a couple of songs facing the window toward the lake. That was just unbelievable. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” he said. It was a particularly poignant moment for the eight members who had just graduated from Allegheny a few days before leaving for the trip. “This was the last Allegheny thing they were doing, and there was a huge sentimentality to being a Gator,” Garrison said.

Choir members enjoyed several opportunities to experience the history, traditions and culture of the Māori, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.

8 ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

At the choir’s final concert at the Anglican Parish of Wakatipu in Queenstown, the Reverend Dr. David Wright, associate priest, made a moving confession. “When the Lord gave out gifts of music and dance and song, I was trapped behind the door,” Wright said. “So it is incredibly humbling to be in the presence of such great gifts. Fantastic! Then I look in the program and I see that you’ve been blessed with all sorts of other gifts… the gifts of language and math and science and history, contemporary studies. It’s wonderful. I pray that when you leave here you continue to use those gifts to enrich the lives of others — just as you have this afternoon.”

The entire trip was “100 Christmas mornings,” Niblock said. “It’s still a big deal to stretch their imagination a little bit and I think that happened consistently,” he said. “Student to student and day to day, it happened consistently that people were thinking, ‘Wow.’ “The amount they learned about what they might do in the world and who they might be and the difference they can make is extraordinary, and it’s bigger than music,” Niblock said. “They couldn’t have done it without each other, but it tells them something about what each of them can do on their own. It’s something that will bind them together forever.”

As part of the tour, choir members conducted three workshops for students in area schools. One group even requested autographs, insisting that the Allegheny students would soon be famous.

NOAH SNYDER SEES

PROBLEMS AS

OPPORTUN by Rick Stanley

photos Ryan Smith

Noah Snyder ’10 likes to contemplate the wonders of the modern world but not in the usual sense. Since Snyder graduated from Allegheny, here are some of the subjects he’s been thinking about: How to prevent scar tissue from forming on electrodes implanted in patients’ brains. Deterring bacteria from forming and multiplying on dental implants. Keeping barnacles from attaching to the hulls of boats. Making sure industrial heat exchangers and cooling systems don’t foul and clog. You have to admit those topics cover a lot of intellectual and creative ground. Snyder appreciates a good challenge, and one of the first ones he came upon as a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh was: How does one solve the problem of treating and maintaining electrodes so they transmit clear signals from inside a brain to the bedside monitors? That challenge led Snyder to earn his doctorate, win more than $150,000 in big idea competitions, be

included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 ranking of young innovators, and co-found a company, Interphase Materials, based in Pittsburgh. His thirst for learning and his need to take on unique, mind-bending challenges started in the classroom of Allegheny Physics Professor Doros Petasis, says Snyder, a Meadville native. “It instilled in me the desire for constant learning and constant engagement,” he says. “The engaged education at Allegheny is very powerful. It’s a dangerous combination when you are young and don’t know anything is impossible.” Snyder visited the campus in the spring 2017 semester to speak to students and to recruit interns and perhaps future full-time employees for his company, which he co-founded with fellow Pitt graduate student Kasey Catt. Snyder agreed to answer several questions about his startup and how he applied his Allegheny advantage to postgraduate studies and the working world. Excerpts of the conversation follow. (continued on page 12)

NOAH SYNDER: AT A GLANCE EDUCATION

NITIES

Ph.D. (bioengineering), University of Pittsburgh B.S. (majors: biochemistry and neuroscience, minors: physics and Chinese Studies), Allegheny College

OCCUPATION President, CEO and Co-founder, Interphase Materials

HOMETOWN Meadville

SPOUSE Lindsey McClement Snyder ’10

HONORS AND AWARDS 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 in Manufacturing and Industry 2016 Student Innovator Award, Innovation Institute of the University of Pittsburgh 2015 Randall Family Big Idea Grand Prize Winner 2015 Wells Healthcare Competition Grand Prize 2015 Pitt Innovation Challenge Grand Prize 2008 Snyder Scholar Recipient, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

HOW HE’S GIVING BACK TO ALLEGHENY: In spring 2017, Snyder visited campus to provide career advice and discuss internship opportunities with students.

Noah Snyder ’10 and Lindsey McClement Synder ’10 11

WHAT IS THE ACTUAL PRODUCT/SERVICE THAT YOU DELIVER TO CLIENTS? Interphase Materials operates as a solutionbased company to improve the efficiency of cooling systems for power plants, building facilities, data centers, refineries, etc. We create custom advanced-material systems designed to work specifically based on the customers’ needs that may be applied directly on site or onto individual com-

ponents shipped to our facility in Pittsburgh. One of the key benefits of our technology is that it can be applied at an operating facility without shutting the plant down. Our system is designed to flush in water and create a single-molecule layer on the surface of tubes, pipes or other components to improve heat transfer and prevent fouling.

IN LAYMAN’S TERMS, WHAT DOES YOUR PRODUCT DO? Staying cool is incredibly important. The overall efficiency of a power plant is directly affected by how effectively the cooling system can condense steam to feed back into the boiler system. Improvements of 1 percent to this system can save a power plant $600,000 each year and reduce the CO2 output by 40,000 tons. Likewise, almost a third of a building’s utility bill is spent on the chiller designed to provide cool air to the facility. In each of these cases, the cooling system

efficiency is decreased by biological fouling in the tubes and pipes and a decrease in heat transfer performance of the system. Our technology creates a molecularly thin layer on the surface of tubes to improve the thermal efficiency of the system and prevent buildup of fouling. With our Heat Transfer Enhancement System, we can improve the efficiency of a system by 5 to 10 percent, resulting in both economic and environmental returns.

YOU WERE THE SOLE EMPLOYEE OF YOUR COMPANY — HOW BIG IS IT NOW? Currently we have five employees and several part-time contractors. We also have a full team of advisors who we work with to continue the company. One of the most rewarding aspects of

creating a company has been the fact that we have created five paying jobs in the region and we will be hiring more soon.

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR ALLEGHENY EDUCATION HELPED YOU NAVIGATE GRADUATE SCHOOL AND THEN START A COMPANY? While at Allegheny I majored in biochemistry and neuroscience and minored in physics and Chinese studies. Being exposed to such a wide range of disciplines gave me a new perspective on my coursework and business. Whenever I come across biochemistry problems, I think like a physicist; and whenever I am trying to solve a physics or chemistry problem, I look to how biology and nature has solved the problem before. Having that diverse background helped distinguish me in grad school and ultimately led me to my career starting a company.

Doros Petasis, my thesis advisor at Allegheny, used to always talk about how breakthroughs always came from great minds that were able to connect two seemingly unconnected disciplines. Fast forward about seven years and now we are changing the way we create safe materials for power plants based on technology we had developed for brain implants … talk about unconnected!

YOU ARE AN ARTICULATE AND ENTERTAINING SPEAKER — DID YOU HONE THAT SKILL AT ALLEGHENY? Communicating is 95 percent of what I do; more specifically, sales is 95 percent of what I do. However, not just sales in the traditional sense of talking to customers. When you start a business, you are constantly selling yourself and your ideas. Recruiting is all about selling your ideas to potential new team members, raising investment money is dependent on persuading investors to believe in you and your team, and once you have a great team and money it takes a great deal of motivation to keep everything moving in the right direction.

One of the things I remember about Allegheny was the focus on presenting and writing, especially through the FS (first-year seminar) coursework. These courses are really important in starting to communicate your ideas to your peers and to learn the art of public speaking. It doesn’t matter how good your ideas are; if you can’t communicate them, they will just stay tucked away in your mind.

YOU ARE MARRIED TO AN ALLEGHENY ALUMNA. My wife, Lindsey McClement Snyder ’10 and I met at Allegheny College in FS Neuro 201! We both attended the University of Pittsburgh for graduate school, and she will be graduating with her Ph.D. in neuroscience this summer. She’s an incredibly

smart and passionate person. Starting a business is difficult, but starting a business without a supportive and understanding partner in life is impossible, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this without her.

I majored in biochemistry and neuroscience and minored in physics and Chinese studies. Being exposed to such a wide range of disciplines gave me a new perspective on my coursework and business. Noah Snyder â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10

Read the full interview at allegheny.edu/magazine 13

OUR ALLEGHENY: OUR THIRD CENTURY QUEST CAMPAIGN

THE ELLIOTTS FIND SATISFACTION HELPING OTHERS REACH THEIR GOALS by Rick Stanley

photos Brian Schneider

For Brett and Gwen Elliott, their best “giving” experiences have involved helping others as part of their professions. Brett, an ophthalmologist, says that he derives a “tremendous sense of accomplishment” when he is able to preserve or restore an individual’s eyesight. As a retired public and medical librarian, Gwen says sharing an “aha” moment with clients when she was able to assist them in finding information in libraries or medical-care resources that they needed, provided a feeling of satisfaction. The Elliotts, both Allegheny College graduates, also choose to support financially the organizations that have developed and nurtured their curiosity. Recently, they established the Brett ’65 and Gwendolyn ’64 Elliott Professorship for Interdisciplinary Studies at Allegheny. That professorship will be awarded during the 2017–18 academic year. (continued on page 16)

We both have that personal connection with the College, and so Allegheny has always held a special place in our hearts. Gwen Elliott â&#x20AC;&#x2122;64

OUR ALLEGHENY: OUR THIRD CENTURY QUEST CAMPAIGN

As Joseph Campbell said: ‘Follow your bliss.’ The Elliotts

“We both have that personal connection with the College, and so Allegheny has always held a special place in our hearts,” says Gwen. “We wanted to help Allegheny, and the College suggested this professorship. We come from library and science backgrounds so it is natural to be interested in disciplines working together.” Prior to endowing the professorship, the Delaware couple established the Brett and Gwendolyn Elliott Faculty Support Fund that has helped fill the College’s research and travel needs. For example, the fund helped pay for a professor to attend the Council of Independent Colleges Senior Leadership Conference; supported a professor’s work on a project that developed ways to help students with their mathematics skills; and paid for five Allegheny faculty members to attend the biennial conference of the Council on Undergraduate Research. “We discuss philanthropic options and support organizations even if one of us is more committed than the other,” says Brett. “Educational institutions are our main focus, specifically Allegheny and public libraries. Since both of us went to Allegheny, it was easy to agree on supporting the College.”

16 ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

In 1963, Brett and Gwen met in Brooks Dining Hall at Allegheny, had a wonderful romance, and married after Brett graduated in 1965. Gwen worked as a librarian and was involved in the planning of the Dover (Delaware) Public Library that opened in 2012. She also served on the board of Planned Parenthood of Delaware. Brett went on to medical school, interned at Bethesda Navy Hospital, and served in the Submarine Service. Then he completed his residency, started his ophthalmology practice, and served for two years as chief of staff at the local hospital. How do the Elliotts choose nonprofits to support? “As Joseph Campbell said: ‘Follow your bliss,’” they say. “Allegheny provided us with a unique exposure to the physical sciences, social sciences and humanities. All three are vital to our nation,” adds Brett. “The physicist or chemist describes how to fabricate a stronger carbon fiber. However, it is the realm of those educated in the humanities and social sciences that often determine if our society focuses on using the carbon fiber for a better wind turbine airfoil or for a stronger ICBM nose cone. To us both, an expertise in the STEM

disciplines and humanities is vital for our nation to prosper, and Allegheny provided us with a foundation in both.” The Elliotts say that Allegheny’s greatest gift to them as students was instilling in them the spirit of intellectual curiosity. “At Allegheny, I developed a curiosity about what makes the physical world tick and how society works,” says Brett. “I also had the realization of how important it is to constructively question authority and what is accepted as a ‘given.’ Harold M. State, a chemistry professor, told us that there were many ‘givens’ in science that were shown to be false, and that intelligent questioning is a trait that should be cherished.” Gwen remembers Professor Alfred Kern’s remark that he had read essays from incoming first-year students and “one word that was always missing was ‘curiosity.’ Curiosity is an important key to learning, and I applied that to a course that most impressed me at Allegheny — Julian Ross’ ‘Philosophy in Literature.’” The Elliotts say they look forward to their continued support of Allegheny and to seeing the College prosper as it moves into its third century of educating difference-makers in the world.

JOIN THE QUEST: ALLEGHENY.EDU/CAMPAIGN

Members of the Class of 2017 who contributed to their Senior Class Gift were honored at a reception with President Mullen in the spring.

YOUTH MOVEMENT

CAMPAIGN PROGRESS

Allegheny’s young alumni — including our most recent grads — stepped forward to give generously in 2016–17.

CLASS OF 2017 SENIOR CLASS GIFT

46% PARTICIPATION |

RAISED

the highest for the Senior Class Gift since 2005

100% PARTICIPATION |

$145,950,000

Theta Chi, Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi and Delta Tau Delta seniors

GATOR GIVE DAY 2017

GOAL

Recent grads swept the top 10 in class participation on Allegheny’s annual day of giving in April.

$200,000,000

TOP 10 CLASSES IN PARTICIPATION (IN GIFTS)

88 87 81 74 69 68 67 64 52 58 2005

2013

2009

2016

Join alumni from across the decades and make your gift

2008

2010

2014

2011

2012

allegheny.edu/giving

73%

2015

Totals as of June 2017

photos Ed Mailliard and Mike Walker

During a festive four days that attracted more than 800 guests, Allegheny alumni and friends renewed acquaintances during the 2017 Reunion Weekend held June 1-4. The Class of 1967 celebrated its golden reunion with a golf outing, a luncheon at the Venango Valley Inn, and a Diploma Ceremony. The Class of 1977 rocked Saturday night with the Jumpin’ Jack Flash Rolling Stones Tribute Band featuring Garrett Andrae ’92. The Association of Black Collegians/ Association for the Advancement of Black Culture held its triennial reunion, and sororities and fraternities hosted open houses. President James H. Mullen, Jr. took the stage during the Alumni Awards Luncheon to present distinguished honors to Bruce H. Rockwell ’85 (Blue Citation), pictured top left, Ann Holmes Areson ’67 (Alumni Medal), Antoinette “Toni” Swain Marwitz ’66 (Blue Citation), and John M. Kelso, Jr. ’66 (Gold Citation).

LITERARY LIVING IN photos: Derek Li

THE BO

Daily life revolves around literature for Allegheny students who call the Book House home. The group encourages a zeal for reading beyond academic requirements. The Book House is one of Allegheny’s 15 special-interest communities, where students develop a residence based on a common theme. Last year, students in the Book House hosted readings and talks with faculty authors. They also took time to unwind, inviting the campus to a Fall Festival, Super Bowl party, and game nights. Outside of the house, its denizens established “Little Free Libraries” on campus and in downtown Meadville so students and community members can take a book and leave another for someone else to enjoy. Students re-apply for specialinterest housing each year in a competitive process. The Book House returned for the 2017–18 academic year with eight students continuing to share their passion for reading with the Allegheny community.

20 ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

OK HOUSE

Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home. Anna Quindlen How Reading Changed My Life

College to Welcome

2017 ALLEGHENY HALL OF FAME CLASS

in October

by Jim Berger

Inductees include Bridget Sheehan, John Carman ’57, and the 2000 baseball team A legendary coach, a multisport standout, and one of the most accomplished teams in school history will be inducted to the Allegheny College Athletic Hall of Fame this year. Recently retired volleyball coach Bridget Sheehan, the late John Carman ‘57, and the 2000 Gators baseball team will be enshrined as the Hall of Fame’s

36th class on Saturday, October 21, at a 10:30 a.m. ceremony in Schultz Hall (formerly South Hall), during the College’s combined Homecoming and Family Weekend. The induction ceremony is open to the public. Following the celebration, the honorees will be recognized at halftime of the Gators’ football game against Kenyon College at the Robertson Athletic Complex.

BRIDGET SHEEHAN Sheehan served as the Gators’ volleyball coach from 1986 to 2017, compiling a career record of 635-484 to retire as the winningest coach in the history of Allegheny athletics. She was a three-time North Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, leading the Gators to four NCAC titles and four trips to the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The only volleyball coach in NCAC history to surpass 600 career wins, Sheehan’s teams won more than 20 matches in 14 seasons, including four seasons with over 30 victories. Her teams qualified for the NCAC Championship Tournament in 23 of her 30 seasons. Upon taking over the program in 1986, the Gators enjoyed immediate success. In just her second year, she was named NCAA East Region Coach of the Year after leading the squad to a 42-5 record, including a 37-match winning streak. The next

22 ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

season, the Gators set a program record with 44 wins, and captured the first of four straight NCAC titles. Sheehan joined the exclusive 500-win club with a 3-0 victory over Piedmont College in 2005, while in 2008, she guided the Gators to a program-record 11 NCAC victories, and their 20th NCAC tournament appearance in 25 years. In the opening match of the 2014 season, Sheehan guided the Gators to a 3-0 sweep of Waynesburg to become just the 23rd coach in NCAA Division III history to surpass the 600-win plateau. Prior to the 2016 season, Sheehan announced that she would take a leave of absence from her position as she battled cancer, but her colleagues in the NCAC unanimously named Sheehan the conference’s Coach of the Year to recognize her contributions to the league.

JOHN CARMAN ’57 Carman will be recognized posthumously, having earned letters in football, baseball, and track and field during his career at Allegheny from 1954 to 1957. At the age of 6, he was in a fire and suffered severe leg injuries that required multiple skin grafts. He persevered to become a multisport standout at Hampton High School north of Pittsburgh, before enrolling at Allegheny, where he made his mark as a two-way player on the football field. Named a co-captain by head coach Red Moore for the 1956 season, Carman went on to earn Associated Press Little All-America honors at two positions. On offense, he played guard and blocked

for fellow All-American Jim Villa, who graduated as the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns before embarking on a professional football career. On defense, Carman played safety and cornerback, while also returning kicks and punts. In addition to his prowess on the gridiron, he earned multiple letters as a pitcher on the baseball team, and throwing javelin on the track and field team often participating in both sports on the same day. He was voted the Allegheny College Athlete of the Year in 1956–57. Carman passed away on Dec. 8, 2016 in St. Cloud, Florida.

2000 ALLEGHENY COLLEGE BASEBALL TEAM

The 2000 Allegheny baseball team is the most successful in the program’s history. The Gators finished with a 38-10 record, and remains the only Allegheny team to advance to the NCAA Division III World Series, where the Gators finished third after being edged out in the semifinals by eventual national champ Montclair State. Coached by Mike Ferris ’84, the team posted three winning streaks of at least six games, including one of 12 games and another of 10 games. The squad went 10-1 at home and posted a 13-3 North Coast

Athletic Conference record. Despite falling in the NCAC Championship Tournament to Ohio Wesleyan, the Gators received an at-large berth into the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship. Individually, nine Gators were named All-North Coast Athletic Conference, including four First Teamers, highlighted by NCAC Pitcher of the Year Jeff Mountain, who finished with a 10-1 record and 2.87 ERA in 15 appearances. Mountain was one of four Gators who went on to earn

American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region Honors, joining teammates Mark Minadeo, Brad Hensler and Ben Couch. Mountain and Hensler (who batted .421 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs) were subsequently named All-America. Three members of the 2000 baseball squad have previously been inducted into the Allegheny Hall of Fame, including Mountain and Hensler, each 2010 inductees, and Kevin Davidson in 2014.

On the Hill

News from Campus

Two Students Earn Fulbrights, Another Receives a Boren Scholar Award Three Allegheny students, including one recent graduate, received prestigious scholarships in the spring of 2017 to further their studies overseas and immerse themselves in unique learning opportunities.

“It’s going to give me more confidence in being a scientist,” said Wood, an environmental science major and environmental writing minor. She has longer-term plans to pursue a master’s degree in fishery science and a career in aquaculture.

Dan Cheung, who graduated in May 2017, received a Fulbright grant to teach English in Kenya. He also was named Academic All-America by the College Sports Information Directors of America — the 36th CoSIDA Academic All-American in Allegheny history. He said he plans to use his love of running not only to teach but to foster relationships and serve as an ambassador, the deeper purpose of the Fulbright program. Cheung will leave for Kenya in January.

Each year, the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission supports around 60 U.K. and U.S. undergraduate students to undertake a demanding academic and cultural summer program at leading institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom. Eighteen Allegheny students in all have received Fulbright research, English Teaching Assistant, or Fulbright Summer Institute awards.

In a country where long-distance running is king, he’s hoping a common passion can help bridge any cultural divide. “Running is an incredible medium to get to talk to people and share stories and learn language,” said Cheung, an English major and education minor. “You run alongside someone for long enough, you feel the same pain for long enough, you start to connect without doing anything. It’s a nice unique way to get to know people.” Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright, the Fulbright Program’s purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world. Junior Allyson Wood studied at the Fulbright Summer Institute at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom through one of the most selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide. Wood took an intensive four-week course in field biology in Brighton, England, starting in June. The seaside town, located on the country’s southern coast, offers rich opportunities for research.

Senior Melissa Mattwig received a Boren Award and is part of the African Flagship Languages Initiative that started in the summer of 2017. As a Boren Scholar, she was selected to study Swahili in Tanzania for a year and received a $20,000 scholarship for her studies. Mattwig is a double major in biology and environmental science and a double minor in French and Spanish. “I want to study Swahili because I would like to continue to study the ecology of lakes, particularly focusing on great lakes, both in North America and Africa, and how they are expected to change as a function of climate change,” Mattwig said. “It is in the same discipline as my comp, which studied lakes from a degradation perspective.” The Boren Award is meant to increase the number of experts in underrepresented countries, whose needs and perspectives need to be more fully understood. Administered by the Institute of International Education, 194 scholarships were awarded this year to undergraduate students, and 114 to graduate students, and among them they will live in 44 countries and study 36 languages.

College Honors Retirees and 25-Year Employees photo: Derek Li

GRANTS AND GIFTS National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) To supplement Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Scott Wissinger’s current NSF research grant, Consequences of ClimateInduced Range Shifts on Multiple Ecosystem Functions.

Eighteen Allegheny employees were honored in May 2017 as they prepared to step into retirement. Among the retirees who attended a reception in the Patricia Bush Tippie Alumni Center, pictured from left, back row: Debra Carman, Clarence Moyer, Phillip Wolfe, Peter LeBar and Milt Ostrofsky. Front row, Caryl Jewell, Brenda Metheny, Rosalind Macken, Carl Olson and Deborah Dickey. Not pictured are: Cynthia Burton, Bonnie Dunn, William Geiger III, Edward Luben, Janice Mailliard, Linda Mauro, Bridget Sheehan and Theodore Wiard. Four other employees — E. Lee Coates, Jennifer (Peck) Foxman ’89, Jeanette E. Hart and Robert W. Wright — were recognized for 25 years of service to the College.

Gators Show Their Pride On Social Media

The grant is supporting Wissinger’s study of the role of inland waters in the global carbon budget. The original grant, which is focused on how climate change affects high-elevation wetlands, provides funding for three Allegheny students for each of three summers; the supplemental grant enabled a fourth Allegheny student (Susan Campbell, an environmental science and biochemistry double major) to conduct research in summer 2017.

Grants in Support of the Meadville Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

jchase7 #galpalpaloOza Est. Allegheny College, 2009.

Margo Konialian-Beck with Izzie Wolter (to the Class of 2021) Hi everyone!!! I’m Margo and this is Izzie. We’re from McLean, Virginia (about 20 minutes outside of D.C.). Ironically we’re both interested in majoring in environmental science! Izzie will be playing soccer for Allegheny and I plan on being a part of the orchestra. Hope everyone has a great summer and I can’t wait to get to know ya guys!

erinhartwiger after 4 long years, I’m so thankful for SPHS and so ready for Allegheny! #alleghenybound

Allegheny received a grant from the Internal Revenue Service for the Meadville VITA program, which provides free tax assistance to Crawford County residents, particularly targeting low-income and elderly residents. In 2016, VITA served more than 1,000 Meadville-area families. The tax preparers for the Meadville VITA program are Allegheny students and Meadville community members. Also supporting the program were grants from the Harry C. Winslow Foundation and the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation. Associate Professor of Economics Stephanie Martin is the project director.

Class Notes

News and Events from Alumni

Notes 1950s

Notes 1960s

’53

’61

Jerry Matthews posted on Gator Connect that he celebrated his 88th year with a cupcake and a visit to the pharmacist.

’54

Don Skinner, chaplain emeritus of the College is a member of the Core Team of Summit County Habitat for Humanity in Akron, Ohio. Summit County Habitat builds eight to 10 houses each year for Habitat families, and the Core Team’s job is to prefabricate both the exterior and interior walls for each home. The wall sections are then trucked to the building site to be assembled by volunteers. Skinner co-founded the Allegheny chapter of Habitat for Humanity when chaplain of the College.

’57

Art Blank Jr., who was student government president in 1956–57, continues in full-time private practice of psychoanalysis and psychiatry in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and teaches at the Washington-Baltimore Institute of Psychoanalysis. His web site is arthurblankmd.com. Donna Blank Brown ’64 continues in her work as a Feldenkrais Method trainer and practitioner. Sylvia Liberati Rooney-Rosencrans has published I Remember Papa: The American Dream, which is available on Amazon.com. She shares: “My beloved papa, Edward Liberati, was left alone to raise five girls and one boy when my mother passed away. I am the youngest, and I never knew my mother because I was barely one and a half when she died. My papa, alone through our upbringing, gave us advanced university education, overseas study, and piano, voice, and dancing lessons. We all learned to speak several languages. And on I could go about how he dedicated his whole life to the six of us — all of whom, along with him, are in heaven, except yours truly.”

Barton Perlman has moved to a retirement community in Florida. He reports: “I fondly recall my years at Allegheny and many friends I made. My wife, Pat, passed away three years ago, and I am valuing my life, my health, my family, and my friends.”

’64

Sue Steane Wielesek shares: “After 30 emails and a number of phone calls, the Oregon branch of the Class of 1964, Molly French, Clara Birchak Jarman and myself, met for lunch in April 2017. I am a rabid liberal, Molly is of the opposite persuasion, and we wisely agreed on a nonpolitical discussion. We talked about our 18 grandkids (how did that happen?), the recent loss of Clara’s husband, Gary, how much we wished June Fair could have been with us, and trying to get to the next class reunion!” Also, the group would like to know if anyone has information about former classmate Marcia Yetter.

’67

Margaret McQuade Hedden writes: “All is well with my family and me. My husband and I have two children and six grandchildren. We continue to be able to travel — mostly to do coastal walking. I still enjoy all things tea, baking, reading, and teaching. I teach 4th–5th grade Sunday School and occasional adult classes. Right now I am leading four other women reading through the Bible.”

’68

Shelley Borger Koltnow has been named to the Advisory Board of the Center for Healthcare Innovation, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. CHI helps providers and patients to better interface with the healthcare system, focusing on understanding drivers of cost, realizing best practices, and driving higher quality and patient satisfaction.

Notes 1970s ’70

Julia Petre Grace and her husband, Robert, have accomplished a goal of traveling to all seven continents. They say they feel fortunate to be physically and mentally able to investigate other cultures. Karin Stahl was named as one of the Top 10 in the Hartford Courant’s “60 Over 60” award recipients for making a difference in their communities. She is currently an executive coach.

’71

Jennifer Hoffman Lee retired from teaching visual arts in New Haven, Connecticut, at the Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, after decades of teaching. She had followed her bachelor’s in studio art from Allegheny with a master’s in studio art from New York University. Lee was the recipient of an English-Speaking Union scholarship to Oxford and participated in “Arts-in-Action in the Middle East,” a Yale PIER program, with field study in Morocco. She received a Maine College of Art fellowship, a TICA scholarship at the Art Institute of Chicago, and a SURDNA fellowship in London. Currently, she is in the process of redirecting her energies for this next chapter.

’74

Judy Davis ’59 welcomed President James H. Mullen, Jr., to her home in Tiburon, California, for a visit in February 2017.

John ’68 and Diane Marks reunited with Dale ’68 and Ellie Tucker ’70 Meadowcroft for a Caribbean cruise in February 2017.

William Cissna has been holding the “full-time” freelance assignment of theater writer and critic for the Winston-Salem Journal newspaper. He writes about productions at multiple theater companies in the immediate Winston-Salem area, “previewing” articles, and reviewing shows.

’75

Ed Pinkham has joined the University of Massachusetts football team as its defensive coordinator. Pinkham spent 2013–16 as the Western Michigan defensive coordinator. Sue Steven, an Allegheny trustee, and her husband, Craig, rode their bicycles (and got their kicks) on Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago in the fall of 2016 in time to attend a board meeting at Allegheny.

A mini-reunion of Gator grads was held in New Orleans in spring 2017 when Frank Jacobs ’81, Andrea Hornak Jacobs ’82, Tom Perlic ’81 and Nick Martino ’81 gathered during Jazz Fest and the Zurich PGA tour event. Also pictured are Joelle Gyorke Perlic and Kathryn Maz. Tom says he welcomes any old Gator friends to his new home in New Orleans to reconnect and enjoy all that the “City That Care Forgot” offers. Tom can be reached at teperlic@gmail.com. 27

’76

Charles Craik, University of California San Francisco biochemist, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Craik is professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at the School of Pharmacy and director of the Quantitative Biosciences Consortium. He is among the 228 new members elected to the 2017 academy class. His research focuses on the ubiquitous enzymes known as proteases that are involved in nearly every biological function and their inhibitors. Using a combination of genetic, biochemical and biophysical methods, his lab is identifying and regulating the activity of proteases associated with infectious diseases, cancer and development, leading to new strategies for therapeutic intervention. Patrick McCloskey is in his 19th year with Armada Supply Chain Solutions as a director of McDonald’s Account Management. He reports he is still skiing and mountain biking. Check out his blog: chroniclesofmccloskey.com

’77

Deborah White was honored as a 2017 Woman of Distinction by the Girls Scouts of West Central Florida. The six honorees have achieved success in their chosen

fields and served as inspiring role models for girls. More than 800 attended the luncheon in Tampa with Olympic Gold Medalist Mary Lou Retton as the keynote speaker. More than $130,000 was raised for the Girl Scouts.

’86

Notes 1980s

’87

’80

Robert A. Marchman has been elected as the chairman of the South Orange/ Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization committed to building a community that is free of racial segregation in housing patterns and community involvement. “I am honored to have received the trust and support of the trustees in my election as chairman of this important organization,” he said.

’82

Karen Brody has been awarded a professional graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Harvard University’s Extension School. She works fulltime as an environmental consultant and holds leadership positions in several nonprofit organizations, while pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector.

Amy Kay Ballard has worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a recreation forester for 28 years, spending the past 21 years in the Black Hills National Forest in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Kevin Bender serves as the executive director of the MBA program at Wake Forest University School of Business.

Eddie Taylor Jr., president of Taylor Oswald in Cleveland, has joined the Burton D. Morgan Foundation board of trustees, according to a news release. Taylor joined the Ohio-based board of the nonprofit foundation, which supports entrepreneurship, on February 1.

’88

Kent McFarland received the 2016 Sally Laughlin Award for the Conservation of Vermont Endangered and Threatened Species. The award from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) “recognizes individuals who have advanced the knowledge, understanding and conservation of endangered and threatened species and their habitats in Vermont.”

Mike Bautz ’89 (second from left) celebrated his 50th birthday last March with Allegheny friends Scott Huth ’89, José Rodriguez ’89, Marty Chlystek ’89 and Matt Farley ’90. Also in attendance were Mike’s parents, his wife, Yvette, and Heather Durkin Huth ’90.

Dr. Trevor R.M. York ’11 graduated with research honors from Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo in April 2017 in the presence of friends, family and Allegheny alumni Samantha Spiegel ’11, JeVon Hatcher ’11 and Darryl Overton ’12 and former Allegheny professor Dr. Calion Lockridge. York will be continuing his training in psychiatry at Albany Medical Center, where he started in the summer of 2017.

28 ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

’89

Jerry Iamurri, pastor of Bethany Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Havertown, Pennsylvania, has been named assistant stated clerk for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Office of the General Assembly. He earned a doctor of ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a juris doctorate from the Widener University School of Law, and a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Notes 1990s ’90

Marnie Doner Caldwell has been promoted to marketing director for Reed Manufacturing Company in Erie, Pennsylvania. She joined Reed in 1994 and now oversees company-wide marketing projects plus web and social media portals.

Anthony Powell, managing director of the Knowledge Capital Group, reports that his employer was selected by Consulting Magazine this year as one of the “seven small firms that are shaking up the profession.” Says Powell: “There were literally hundreds of consulting firms vying for this award and we feel so honored that Consulting Magazine chose KCG.”

’91

Eric K. Thiele has been named the chief financial officer at Chromaflo Technologies, an independent global supplier of colorant systems, and will be working from the Ashtabula, Ohio, offices.

’93

Jennifer Fortune joined Fifteen (formerly 15 Fingers), a full-service marketing agency, as director of media. The agency offers in-house public relations services in addition to branding, digital and traditional ad placement, creative services, e-commerce, social applications and content marketing.

Notes 2000s ’03

Abby Collier was appointed senior acquisitions editor at the University of Pittsburgh Press, where she acquires new work in the history and philosophy of science, technology, and medicine, as well as in the history of architecture and the built environment.

John Raucci was granted tenure and promoted to the rank of associate professor of English at Frostburg State University in Maryland.

’05

Alex Mericli and Lindsay Nagle Mericli ’04 live in Houston, Texas with their two sons — Malcolm, 5, and Conrad, 10 months. Alex is an assistant professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He completed his plastic surgery residency at the University of Virginia followed by a fellowship in microvascular and reconstructive surgery at M.D. Anderson. While in Charlottesville, Lindsay worked in development for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which is tasked with the preservation of Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece, Monticello.

’06

Matt Motyl earned his doctorate in social psychology from the University of Virginia and began a tenure-track position as a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE. IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.”

allegheny.edu/gatorconnect Search for Fellow Gators • Find Jobs and Internships Volunteer for Allegheny • View or Submit Class Notes 29

’07

Michael McClelland graduated with an MFA in creative writing (fiction) from Georgia College in May 2017 and planned to start his doctoral program in creative writing at the University of Georgia in the fall.

Unions

’06

’81

Notes 2010s ’11

Annie Nybo has joined Albert Whitman & Company as an editor and is relocating to Chicago. Previously she held a position as associate editor at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

’12

Zeben Ashton is the associate director of admissions, recruiting and corporate development for full- and part-time MBAs at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

’14

Abby Beerman, epidemiologist at the Green River District Health Department in Kentucky, is a co-author on an article in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, “An Approach to Developing Local Climate Change Environmental Public Health Indicators in a Rural District.” It is an open-source article and is accessible at the following link: hindawi.com/journals/ jeph/2017/3407325/ Lizzie Sords has accepted a position with the City of Portland’s urban forestry department as tree inventory coordinator. She will be working with volunteers to complete an inventory of mature trees in city parks and analyzing the tree canopy to help inform future city policy. Corey Carlson and Lisa Roberson were engaged on October 15, 2016. They met at Allegheny as first-year students. Corey works as a SharePoint consultant at the Shelter Group in Baltimore, and Lisa works as a program support specialist at iJET International Inc. in Annapolis. They are to be wed on October 13, 2017, in Warren, Pennsylvania. 30 ALLEGHENY Summer 2017

Carolyn Berrigan married Everett Cornelius Laws III on February 4, 2017, in Herndon, Virginia. Gators in attendance were Berrigan’s first-year roommates: Karen Jackson Kangas ’81, Jean Boice Mahserjian ’81 and Lisa Culhane ’81. Also in attendance were Mark Kangas ’81 and Jim Berrigan ’96, brother of the bride.

Michelle Novak and husband, Ryan Zielinski, announce the arrival of their daughter, Madison Zielinski, on February 2, 2017.

’10

’89

Karen Donahower married P. Matthew Malin on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands on Valentine’s Day 2015. “Matthew is the son of my father’s Dartmouth College roommate and Theta Delta Chi fraternity brother. He is an attorney for the NFL. We reside in New York City and Rochester, New York,” she says.

Arrivals

Alex Smith and Amy Kerschner Smith ’11 welcomed baby Joanna Elizabeth on March 9, 2017. Other Gators in the family include grandfather Dave Kerschner ’79 and uncle Dan Kerschner ’17. Alex, Amy and Joanna reside in Pittsburgh.

’05

Kaitlin McCormick, her husband, Joe White, and their son, John, welcomed Dorris Jane to their family on February 27, 2017. They live in Hamburg, New York.

Jaime Nemeth and Nathan Shively ’07 welcomed a son, Bennett Ray Shively, on January 22, 2017. He joins his 2-yearold sister, Harper. Jaime is medical director of St. Clair Hospital’s developing Palliative Medicine Program and an inpatient palliative care physician. Nathan is completing an infectious disease fellowship at UPMC, and planning to join Allegheny Health Network as an infectious disease specialist.

Submit your newsworthy events for inclusion in Class Notes by logging in to Gator Connect (allegheny.edu/gatorconnect) or emailing items to clnotes@allegheny.edu.

Obituaries ’35

Ruth Crawford Amrein on February 16, 2017. She graduated from Allegheny and the Meadville Conservatory of Music. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and served in various Methodist Church capacities. She was a member of Literacy Volunteers of America and enjoyed seeing students learn to read. She is survived by her children, Nancy Storms, Martha Hayes and Dr. Philip Amrein; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

’38

Myra Bankin Beerman on March 19, 2017. She was active in the Kappa Kappa Gamma and student government. She was senior class vice president, serving with class president Raymond Shafer, who later became governor of Pennsylvania. She is survived by her children, Lee Beerman and Lynn Goldbloom, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

’40

Susan Gardner Fruth on February 17, 2017. She was a U.S. Navy veteran and was a WAVE officer. She was a 70-year member of the First Presbyterian Church and was active as an elder and a member of the women’s association. She attended Allegheny for two years and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated from Drexel University. She is survived by her children, Catharine Bourgeois, Susan Burger and Stephen Fruth, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

’44

Horace A. DeWald on April 2, 2017. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa as well as Theta Chi fraternity. His first job after college was as a chemist for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York. He joined the Army and was assigned to the Signal Corps. After discharge, he worked as a research assistant at Parke-Davis in Detroit, Michigan, until enrolling at the University of Illinois, where he received a doctorate in organic chemistry. The majority of his career he worked as a pharmaceutical research chemist at

Parke-Davis/Warner Lambert in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was the author and co-author of more than 20 U.S. patents, along with more than 20 publications. He received an award for excellence in Industrial Chemical Research in 1973 from the University of Michigan Section of the American Chemical Society. He is survived by his children, Nancy Runge, Laura DeWald, Carrie Stelter, David DeWald, Kenneth DeWald ’87 and Charles DeWald; his siblings, Harold DeWald, Eleanor Moore and Vera Andes; and 11 grandchildren. Harry K. Goodman on April 5, 2017. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He served in the U.S. Army, primarily in England. He earned his MBA from the University of Michigan and worked at Warner Swasey Co. and the L.A. Wells Construction Co. in Cleveland. He moved to Erie Sand & Gravel Co. to form Esco Dredge & Fill Corporation and was vice president and marine manager. He served as a trustee of the Licensed Tugmens and Pilots Pension Fund. He is survived by his son, Edward C. Goodman, and his daughter, Helen J. Goodman. Orison S. McLean on February 2, 2016. He was a clinical psychologist for the Veterans Administration. He was an Eagle Scout and served in World War II. He is survived by his son, Orison McLean Jr.; a daughter, Nancy Brickley; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a brother.

’45

August W. Blomquist on February 4, 2017. He was employed by the Ford Motor Co. Herbert A. Mercier on April 24, 2017. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School and attended the University of Pennsylvania for maxillofacial surgery. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He set up a practice in Erie and was on staff at both St. Vincent and Hamot hospitals. He was the past president of the Great Lakes Oral Surgery Association as well as the Erie Dental Society. He also belonged to the American Association of Oral Surgeons. He was a lifetime

member of Sertoma, where he served as president and international director. He is survived by his wife, Luella A. Badger Mercier; a daughter, Joan Belitsky; a son, Doug Mercier; five grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Lois Walter Rhebergen on February 23, 2017. She also graduated from the State University of New York at Albany. She taught English in three New York school districts: Clymer, Attica and Baldwinsville, and her students asked her to join them for many of their reunions. She is survived by her daughter, Keri Jean Rhebergen; a son, the Rev. Paul Rhebergen; and three grandchildren.

’46

Vivian Dowie Stone on October 7, 2015. She is survived by her daughters, Pamela Harris and Wendy Peterson, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

’47

Charles C. Hileman III on April 1, 2017. In 1952, He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, where he was editor of the Law Review and earned top academic honors and two prestigious clerkships. He joined the Philadelphia-area law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis. He was the longtime chair of the firm’s litigation department and served as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, as well as a leader of state and local bar associations. While at Allegheny, he was an accomplished tennis and basketball player. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He earned the EuropeanAfrican-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with three Bronze Stars. He is survived by his children, Jane, Susan and Peter; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

’48

George Hartung on March 6, 2017. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he graduated from Allegheny and the University of Michigan Law School. After working at the Eisenhower law firm in Tacoma in the 1950s, he moved to LeSourd & Patten in Seattle in the 1960s and continued practicing law into his 80s.

Clifford C. Smoot on April 3, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy. After World War II, he enrolled at Allegheny and was a Phi Gamma Delta member. He worked in advertising and sales. He finished his career as the vice president and general manager of Masonite’s Western Lumber Division. He is survived by his children, Ron Smoot, Wendy Harnett, Todd Smoot and Robin Wilkerson, and by his grandchildren.

’49

Joan Lafean Bishoff on April 28, 2017. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She was a charter member on the Women’s Board of the Columbus, Ohio, Museum of Art. She served on the Women’s Board of the Franklin Park Conservatory and was an active member of the Little Garden Club. She is survived by her children, Karen Bishoff van Assenderp, Beth Bishoff Opgrand and David Bishoff, and her grandchildren.

Joan R. Carlson on April 21, 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in elementary education, both from Allegheny. She was an elementary school teacher in the Jackson Public School System in Jackson, Mississippi, retiring in 1982. She is survived by a daughter, Grace A. Carlson. Ralph Ketcham on April 26, 2017. He also attended the Coast Guard Academy and Colgate University, obtaining his doctorate from Syracuse University. He was a professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University for 66 years. At Syracuse, he had a dual appointment in history and political science, and taught extensively overseas. His academic focus was the American founding, with emphasis on James Madison. His lifelong mission was the teaching of public-spirited citizenship, and his 12 books include the same theme. He served on the board of the Montpelier Foundation and helped with the restoration of James and Dolley Madison’s home, Montpelier, in Orange, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Julia Stillwell Ketcham; a son, Benjamin Ketcham; a daughter, Laura Lee Yohanan; four grandchildren and a brother, Bruce Ketcham. 32 ALLEGHENY Spring 2017

’52

Joan Richards Byham on March 6, 2017. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. She worked at Loeffler’s Flower Shop for many years and was an active member of the Meadville community. She and her husband, William Byham, owned and operated for 45 years the Byham Funeral Home, Byham-McBride Funeral Home, Byham-McBride-Miller Funeral Home and Byham-Miller-Mizner Funeral Home, Inc. Survivors include two daughters, Gerry Deane and Lisa Stephenson; two sons, Richard Byham and John Byham; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Arnold Lewis on April 15, 2017. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin. He taught at Wells College in Aurora, New York, and at the College of Wooster. A specialist in the cultural history of architecture, he authored five books, including An Early Encounter with Tomorrow: Europeans, Chicago’s Loop, and the World’s Columbian Exposition, which received the 1998 Jacques Barzun Prize in Cultural History. He is survived by his wife, Beth I. Lewis; his children, Martha Lewis, David J. Lewis and Paul M. Lewis; and four grandchildren. Raymond K. Roppel on February 25, 2017. He received degrees from Allegheny and the University of Dayton. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was an engineer for NCR, P&G and Fernald. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Corwin Roppel; his children, Lori Wasson, Lisa Roppel and Susan Kiser; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Loretta McCoy.

’53

Gordon W. Black on May 16, 2017. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and the baseball team at Allegheny. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He returned to Jamestown and spent his career at Blackstone, Crescent Tool, Falconer Metal Specialties and Dowcraft in

purchasing and sales positions, retiring in 1995. He also was active in the Jamestown Rotary Club, the United Way and Family Service. He was a founding member of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church. In retirement, he remained active as a member of the housing and foundation boards of Lutheran Social Services and as a Red Cross volunteer. He is survived by his wife, Sally; his children, Gordon, Robert and Carolyn; and two granddaughters.

’54

M. Martha Hamilton McCullough on February 1, 2017. She was a modern dancer and dance teacher. She was married for 57 years to the late William T. McCullough III ’53. They met while attending Allegheny and spent the rest of their lives together. She devoted her life to loving and caring for her family. She is survived by her son, Steve; her daughter, Connie; and a granddaughter. Nancy Welty Shave on February 6, 2017. She attended Allegheny, the University of Michigan, Calvin College, Aquinas College and Western Michigan University, graduating from Western Michigan. She was an artist. She is survived by her children, Jim Shave, Bob Shave and Jan Shave, and seven grandchildren. Robert A. Sundell on February 15, 2017. He was a professor at Jamestown Community College in New York and was a well-known ornithologist. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Sundell.

’55

Charles R. Pannier on May 10, 2017. He graduated with a degree in economics. He met his wife, Judith Ann Wilber, at Allegheny and they were married on October 1, 1954. He enlisted in the Army and served in Korea for three years. They moved to Marietta, Ohio, in 1962 and found their lifetime home. He began Stadium Oil Company and was a petroleum jobber, retiring from Englefield Oil Company. He volunteered for many community organizations, including the Washington County

Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels and the WP Snyder. He is survived by his five children, Rob Pannier, Pete Pannier, Polly Stephens, Pamela Lietz and Penny Beckwith; six grandchildren; and his brother, Richard Pannier.

’56

Donald Adams in April 2016.

Robert F. Reed on March 30, 2017. He was a graduate of the Chase Law School at Northern Kentucky University. For 35 years he was a partner at Becker, Reed, Tilton & Hastings Law Group in Cincinnati. He served in the U.S. Army, was on the board of directors for the Shriner Burns Institute, and a member of the Ohio Bar Association and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Rosse Reed; his

children, Jeffrey, Gregory, Lori, Andy, and Toni Lynn; a brother, Thomas; a sister, Jo Ann; and five grandchildren. Ralph E. Tafel on January 10, 2017. While at Allegheny he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He is survived by his wife, Sally Robinson Tafel, and three sons, Ralph E Tafel III, Troy B. Tafel and David H. Tafel.

’57

Margery Nuhn Cowles on April 16, 2017. She was a resident of South Carolina.

’58

W. Robert Haug on April 23, 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing. While at Allegheny, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and was a running back on the football team. He started his career in

the medical industry with Burron Medical and then opened Valley Medical and Surgical Supply and later Valley Healthcare. He was active in Big Brothers and Sisters of Easton, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Otterson Haug; his daughters, Sheri Lynn Stehly, Linda Robin Conti and Cynthia Haug Fenza; his sister, Sallie Bartley; his brother, Jim Haug; and several grandchildren. Judy Jones McMillin on March 10, 2017. She graduated from Duke University after two years at Allegheny. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and was a lifelong Chautauquan.

Louis A. Wagner

Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages

Louis A. Wagner, professor emeritus of modern languages, died on March 9, 2017. Wagner graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in physics and also graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Slavic linguistics. In 1967, he came to Allegheny to teach Russian and stayed until his retirement in 2003. He also served as director of the Blair Hanson Language Learning Center and as secretary of the faculty at the College, and was an officer of the National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs. Throughout his career, Wagner was a devoted instructor and mentor to his students. He was a charter member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and, in 1988, was one of 35 American teachers of Russian selected to join the eight-week Summer Exchange

of Language Teachers between the United States and the then-Soviet Union. Wagner was named a professor emeritus in 2003, but he continued to be very engaged in the Allegheny community. “Lou wore so many hats here at Allegheny College, each with grace: a Russian shapka — teaching a group of global health studies students just last year! — and so many other classy cabbie caps — usually in brown or gray according to the season — as the department’s coordinator of critical language instruction and its coordinator of instructional technology, as secretary of the faculty, and as an organizer of the Allegheny International Dining Club,” said Barbara Riess, chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Added Professor of German Peter Ensberg: “Having known him for 28 years, I can

say that Lou was always looking for good conversations on literature, translation and ways to reflect cultural differences in language — always inspiring and engaging exchanges. Lou was a good colleague, sincere and trustworthy.” In the local community, he led a group of youth and adults to Russia in 1996 on a program called Friendship Through Football, taught an after-school class in woodworking at the Learning Center, and was a member of St. Brigid Church in Meadville. He is survived by his wife, Mary J. Wagner, an emeritus professor at Allegheny; his sons, Adrian K. and Alan G.; a grandson; his brothers, John M. Wagner Jr. and Rodney J. Wagner; and his sisters, Judith W. Patterson and Janet W. Willig.

’59

Neil Abramson on May 18, 2017. He was a pre-med major, student counselor (resident advisor) and member of Alpha Chi Rho and the golf team at Allegheny. He graduated from Yeshiva Medical School in New York City and was board certified in internal medicine, hematology and oncology. He had a long, distinguished teaching career, first at the University of Florida and later in St. Louis, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his son, Simeon; and his daughters, Laura and Judith.

’60

Richard J. Weiland on April 24, 2017. He attended Allegheny before transferring to the University of Colorado in Boulder to study pharmacy. Spending his career in the Denver metropolitan area, he worked as a pharmacist, small business owner and manager, taxi driver and bus driver.

’63

Judith A. Berges on February 28, 2017. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from the University at Buffalo. She also spent a summer semester doing graduate work at the University of Oslo, Norway. She was as an elementary school teacher, teaching in the North Tonawanda, New York, public schools for more than 30 years. She was also the longtime owner of the travel agency, Berges Tours. She was a graduate of the New York Conference’s lay ministry program, the precursor to the New York School of Ministry, and served for many years as a licensed lay pastor in the Western Association. Since January 2014 she had served as the called pastor of Pembroke Community Church in Corfu. She was board chair of the United Church Home Society; previously served

as secretary and then moderator of the Western Association; was on the board of Fox Run, the Western Association’s continuing care retirement community; and served for two terms on the Church and Ministry Committee. She self-published Perusings of a Pastor (Xulon Press), a collection of sermons, meditations and photographs. Survivors include one sister, Marcia Berges. William S. Townsend Jr. on April 5, 2017. He spent his career as an investment banker, employed by Equibank in Pittsburgh, then moving to Southern New Jersey Bank, and retiring from Ameriserv Trust and Financial Services Co. in Johnstown. During his college years, he immersed himself in serving as a resident dorm counselor, membership in Theta Chi, serving in several positions on The Kaldron and the staff of The Campus. He

Richard O. Butcher ’60

Trustee

Dr. Richard O. Butcher ’60, who served as an Allegheny trustee from 1989 to 1997, died on November 12, 2016. Butcher was born in Selma, Alabama, in 1939 and later moved with his parents to Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated from Glenville High School. As a student at Allegheny, Butcher served on the Allegheny Student Council, was a student counselor (resident advisor) during his junior and senior years, and was a member of the football and track teams. After completing his studies at Allegheny, he earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Tennessee. He did so at a time when racism and other obstacles hindered many African American students from pursuing a career as a physician. Following medical school, Butcher joined the Navy, treating sailors on transport ships during the Vietnam War.

In the early 1970s, Butcher became one of the few African American doctors in San Diego. Working for more than 50 years as a family practitioner, he strived to develop solutions that addressed not only enhanced medical care, but also the underlying issues that affected public health. Known for his calm but decisive leadership, he worked to fight chronic diseases among underserved populations. Butcher was committed to encouraging young people to pursue careers in medicine, often mentoring African American medical students. He also volunteered as team physician for Granite Hills High School for over 35 years and as general physician for the Amateur Boxing Association of San Diego. Active in a wide array of professional organizations, Butcher was the youngest president in the history of the Golden

State Medical Association. In addition, he was elected president of the San Diego County Medical Society and the National Medical Association, which honored him as Practitioner of the Year in 2015. Butcher was the second African American member of the College’s Board of Trustees. Along with fellow trustees Dr. Samuel Hellman ’55, Judge Jack Mandel ’58 and Dr. David Johnson ’47, Butcher was instrumental in the decision to divest the College’s portfolio investments in South Africa in spring 1991. He is survived by his wife, Vickie; their five children, Richard Butcher, April Noble, Kelly Butcher, Langston Butcher and Crystal Butcher; foster daughter Gina Clifton; and six grandchildren.

was also a charter member of the newly revived national honor fraternity, Pi Delta Epsilon. Surviving are his daughter, Barbara Townsend, and his sisters, Cay Horner and Jane Shatto.

’64

Neal M. Lombardo on February 21, 2017. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and later graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is survived by his brother, John Lombardo; his daughters, Beth Brickner and Christine McGrath; and several grandchildren.

’65

Richard C. Marshall on April 13, 2017. He graduated with a degree in economics. He later attended the University of Denver for graduate studies. He worked for Jeanette Glass in Pittsburgh as an accountant before beginning his work for the prison system of the Commonwealth of Virginia. He worked as a computer specialist. He is survived by his wife, Judy Privette Marshall; stepdaughters Midge Trader, Stephanie Joy Guenther and Penelope Clements; a stepson, Josh Friedman; a son, James Marshall; a daughter, Janet Tracy; five grandchildren; and a sister, Mimi Catlin.

’68

Lynn Fauver Rimmer on March 23, 2017. She was a figure-skating professional and received her early figure-skating training at the Cleveland Skating Club and later taught there. She also taught figure skating in Troy, Ohio, Rockford, Illinois, and throughout northeastern Ohio, including Kent State University. She was a graduate of Laurel School and Allegheny. She is survived by her mother, Ann Thoburn Fauver; two sisters, Victoria Fauver Robb and Jane Fauver; and a brother, William Fauver.

’70

Barrie Herbert Finnemeyer on May 4, 2017. She earned a degree in chemistry and completed her master’s degree in secondary education at Temple University. She was an educator at North Penn High School for 35 years, teaching chemistry and working with gifted education, before retiring in 2005. She was a cheer-

leading coach from 1973 until 1981, and a National Honor Society Advisor from 1982 until 2006. She was the registrar for Student Leadership Programs for the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils and registrar for the National Association of Workshop Directors until the time of her death. She is survived by her husband, Jim; her sons, Matthew ’05 and Drew; two grandchildren; and her brother, Jim Herbert.

’71

Gerald C. Snyder on March 3, 2017. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Allegheny. He worked for the Social Security Administration for many years in Los Angeles, California, and sang in choral groups and choirs.

’77

Jonathan B. Richards on March 26, 2017. He was a successful independent and self-made businessman in Georgia, launching a number of online ventures. He is survived by his mother, Caroline Richards, and two sisters, Amy Richards and Anne McFall.

’79

Sharon Kauffman Millen on April 12, 2017. She was self-employed and was a long time member of Church of the Saviour in Wayne, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband, Alan R. Millen, and a sister, Lynda K. Ortlip.

’87

Susan A. Tanner on April 24, 2017. She worked at WARC 90.3 as a student and received her degree in science. She went on to I.R.S. Records in Philadelphia, and would remain in the music business. She worked at Universal Records, where she oversaw the Seattle band Nirvana through press conferences and promotional appearances. She later moved back to her home in Western New York to work with musician Ani DiFranco. She is survived by her husband, Martin Boratin; her parents, Alan and Patricia Tanner; and a sister, Paula Baldwin.

’89

Christine Prodente Rosignoli on April 19, 2017. She earned her degree in psychology and earned a master’s degree and

doctorate at Kent State University. She is survived by her husband, Todd Rosignoli; her parents, Fred and Beverly; and her siblings, Anthony Prodente, Angela Jackson, Josh Prodente and Jordan Prodente.

’91

Denise M Holzer, the spouse of Allegheny graduate David L. Holzer ’91, on July 11, 2014. She had waged a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, David; her children, Nathaniel and Katrina; her parents; and her five sisters. She will be remembered most not for how she died, but for how she lived— her sense of humor, faith, love of family and her incredible strength.

’09

Phillip M. Badger on March 26, 2017. He taught himself technical skills that allowed him to build and repair computers. He attended Waynesburg University, Allegheny College and Slippery Rock University in pursuit of a degree in accounting. He played rugby while at Allegheny. He is survived by his mother, Ruby; his father, Michael; his brother, Kenneth; and his sister, Ashley.

Friends

Rose M. Cory on April 11, 2017. She worked at the circulation desk in Pelletier Library. Betty J. O’Connor on February 7, 2017. She was a secretary at Allegheny. Stearl R. Gunsallus, Jr. on February 16, 2017. He was a food service supervisor at Allegheny.

Eleanor “Ellie” Davies on May 30, 2017. She was a dedicated civic leader in Meadville. In 2004, she and her sons established the Davies Community Service Leaders program at Allegheny in honor of her husband, J. Llewellyn (Lew) Davies ’40, a College trustee who died in 2003. A detailed obituary will appear in the winter 2018 issue of Allegheny magazine.

The Last Word

by Troy Dinga ’18

Reflecting on a Journey of Discovery and Growth Giving eight concerts across five cities in New Zealand, my fellow Allegheny Chamber Choir members and I were given the chance not only to hone our performance but to enjoy it so much more fully than we ever have the chance to do on campus. We saw sights that can be described only as breathtaking in almost every city. From Whitianga’s gorgeous coastlines and rolling landscape to Queenstown’s soaring mountain peaks, New Zealand is so rich with natural beauty that it’s difficult, truly, to encompass the sensation of seeing it all for the first time in words. After returning home, I was trying to think of how to articulate properly my feelings toward this phenomenal experience, and the only response that I have been able to settle on is, quite simply: thank you.

After returning home, I was trying to think of how to articulate properly my feelings toward this phenomenal experience, and the only response that I have been able to settle on is, quite simply: thank you.

I thank Dr. James Niblock for having the drive, persistence and experience — as well as a profound confidence in his students — that allowed him to spearhead the planning of this endeavor, even though it began at least two years before coming to fruition. I thank Dr. Douglas Jurs and Dr. Jeffrey Webb ’98 for joining us and adding both their professional skills and their personal enthusiasm to our journey. I thank all of the individuals in each of the cities we visited that helped organize our concerts and the venues thereof, our host families, our meetings with students, and our various tours and activities. I thank the students, themselves, for being so willing to work with us and for sharing their passion and love of music.

I thank all of the Allegheny alumni and friends who supported this tour through both financial gifts and personal endorsements, as we may very well not have been able to embark on such an expedition were it not for their generosity. I thank my parents for helping me financially, which has allowed me to attend Allegheny, go on this tour, and experience all that both of these opportunities have offered. I also thank them, of course, for their love, support and literally everything else that they have and will continue to do for me. Finally, I would like to thank the 2016–17 Chamber Choir. We’ve been singing together for a year, at the least, and for some of us, four years in their entirety. We’re all unique and are pursuing a vast array of paths and careers, and yet we have all given so much to this group and our performance out of sheer passion for the art and so that we can all learn from the experience. Being a part of this group has helped each one of us grow in one way or another, sometimes to staggering degrees, but the most important aspect of this is that we all grew together. We are a family in more ways than some of us may care to admit, but at the end of the day, regardless of differences in opinion, personality, values or geographic location, we are family. We will be tied to one another no matter the time or distance between us and, in all honesty, if I had no other noteworthy experience as a result of this tour other than the advent of this realization, it all would still have been worth the journey.

i thank You God for most this amazing day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes

E.E. Cummings “i thank You God for most this amazing” (From a piece performed by the Chamber Choir in New Zealand) Shared by Troy Dinga ’18

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A Homecoming & Family Celebration OCTOBER 20â&#x20AC;&#x201C;22, 2017