ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY Honors Convocation Sunday, April 21
2013
The Board of Trustees, President Thomas F. Flynn, and Faculty and Staff of
Alvernia University welcome you to the
2013 Honors Convocation
Honors Convocation Sunday April 21, 2013 • 2:00 p.m.
Welcome
Shirley J. Williams, Ed.D. Provost
Processional Invocation
Remarks
Student Speaker
Presentation of Student Scholar Athletes Bill Stiles, M.Ed. Director of Athletics & Recreation Presentation of Peace & Justice Student Award Sister Roberta Agnes McKelvie, OSF ’71 Assistant to the President for Mission Integration & Education
Joseph J. Cicala, Ph.D. Vice President for University Life and Dean of Students
Thomas F. Flynn, Ph.D. President
Daniel Kwasniewski ’13 2012 Senior Scholar
Introduction of Faculty Speaker Shirley J. Williams, Ed.D. Provost Faculty Speaker
Welcome to Alvernia University and thank you for joining us as we honor students and faculty for academic achievement. Please silence all electronic devices during the program. You are invited to a reception following the ceremony.
Presentation of Fromm Interfaith Award Jay Worrall Director, Holleran Center for Community Engagement Presentation of Senior Scholar Thomas G. Porrazzo, LAT, ATC, Ph.D. Chair, Academic Standards Committee Presentation of Lindback Faculty Award & Sr. Donatilla Faculty Award Rosemary C. McFee, M.Ed. Chair, Honors and Awards Committee Presentation of St. Bernardine Faculty Award
Spencer S. Stober, Ed.D. Professor of Biology
Presentation of Department Awards Allied Health & Human Services Business Criminal Justice Education English, Communication, & CIS Fine & Performing Arts Humanities Nursing Psychology & Counseling
Dolores Bertoti, MSPT, Chair Mary Ellen Wells, L.L.M., J.D., Chair Edgar J. Hartung, MA, J.D., Chair Steven Melnick, Ph.D., Chair Mary Beth DeMeo, M.A.T., Chair Carol N. Schwanger, MM, Chair Kevin Godfrey, Ph.D., Chair Mary Ellen Symanski, Ph.D., RN, Chair Peggy Bowen-Hartung, CTS, Ph.D., Chair
Science & Mathematics
Elizabeth A. Gardner, Ph.D., Chair
Adult Education
Daria T. LaTorre, J.D., Interim Dean
Presentation of Honor Cords to Graduates Karen Thacker, Ph.D., RN, CNE Dean, College of Professional Programs Graduates of the Alvernia University Honors Program Victoria Claire Williams, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science Presentation of HCCE Fellows, Newman Civic Fellow, Service Awards, & Faculty Award for Exemplary Service-Learning Jay Worrall Director, Holleran Center for Community Engagement Benediction
Sister Roberta Agnes McKelvie, OSF ’71 Assistant to the President for Mission Integration & Education
Faculty Speaker: Spencer S. Stober, Ed.D.
Student Speaker: Daniel Kwasniewski ’13
Professor of Biology 2012 Neag Professor
Winner of the 2012 Neag Professorship, Dr. Spencer S. Stober is a Professor of Biology and Educational Leadership at Alvernia University. He has taught biology for 30 years including undergraduate courses in genetics, botany, and environmental science. Since earning his doctorate at Temple University, with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, he has taught graduate courses in education and leadership.
Before enrolling at Alvernia University, Daniel Kwasniewski grew up in Franklinville, New Jersey. He was very involved in the community through the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which led to him earning the Eagle Scout award. His commitment to the BSA allowed him the opportunity to complete several service projects and to teach for several years at a local scout reservation. After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 2009, he quickly discovered his passion and curiosity for science and decided to major in Biochemistry with a minor in Mathematics.
In 2005, Dr. Stober received Alvernia’s Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has also served in a number of key administrative positions at Alvernia, including Department Chairperson, Ph.D. Program Director, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Dean of Graduate and Continuing Studies. He was awarded the Neag Professorship at Alvernia University for 2012. Dr. Stober’s research interests include environmental sustainability, and the intersection between religion and science. He serves on the International Advisory Board for the “sustainability knowledge community” and corresponding journals sponsored by Common Ground Publishing. He also publishes regularly in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability. Dr. Stober recently co-authored a book with Dr. Donna Yarri, associate professor of theology at Alvernia University, entitled “God, Science, and Designer Genes: An Exploration of Emerging Issues in Genetic Technologies,” published by Praeger in 2009. The pair are also working on a second book “God, Darwin, and the Origins of Life.”
2012 Senior Scholar
Kwasniewski was accepted into the Alvernia Honors Program where he was inspired to apply himself to his academic studies and to become involved in the Alvernia community. He has continued in the honors program by finishing several special topics courses and completing his honors thesis on using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of additives in carbonated beverages, enhanced water, and energy drinks. He hopes that his research will create a better method for the analysis of these substances, as well as help consumers better understand what is actually in on the shelf beverages. Kwasniewski has spent much of his time developing his professional experience. He is involved in the American Chemical Society (ACS) and has presented on his research and the Science Association at three national conferences and four local conferences. During the summer of 2011, he and another student researched the concentration of mercury in local Berks County streams and lakes using Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, which has been accepted into the Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science for publication. In the summer of 2012, he interned at the University of Southern California (USC) as a student researcher in the Department of Chemistry. While at USC, he researched laser-induced desorption of Amorphous Solid Water (ASW) doped with environmental contaminants and observed ultraviolet energy transfer of ablated molecules using Time of FlightMass Spectrometry under ultra high vacuum conditions. Kwasniewski has worked in the Alvernia science department as a laboratory assistant for the past three years, and has been a resident assistant on campus for the past two years. He is also currently President of the Science Association and helps organize many community service driven events on campus including National Chemistry Week, Eco Fun Day, and “Breathe,” a Girl Scout Day of Service. Dan is also currently involved in numerous organizations and societies such as Beta Kappa Chi, Delta Epsilon Sigma, National Residence Hall Honorary, Student Government Association, and the Environmental Club. After graduation, Kwasniewski expects to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in chemistry.
Department Awards
Allied Health & Human Services
Paul J. Marr, MD Athletic Training Scholarship Award: presented to an outstanding athletic training student who has demonstrated academic achievement, while personifying exceptional qualities and characteristics of the profession.
Academic Excellence Award: presented to the senior student with the highest grade point average in the athletic training education program.
Outstanding Social Work Academic Award: presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates overall outstanding academic performance.
Outstanding Social Work Field Placement Award: for a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the profession of social work through his or her field placement experience.
Dr. Phyllis Hay Research Award: presented for a senior research project that reflects social work’s value and commitment to the contribution of knowledge to the field of social work.
Business
ACBSP Student Leadership Award: presented to the business student who demonstrates outstanding leadership through his or her activities while at Alvernia.
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award: for a student who demonstrates excellence in accounting studies and professional development, who desires to pursue a career in accounting.
Institute of Management Accountants - Reading Chapter Award: for a graduating senior who demonstrates excellence in accounting studies and professional development.
Excellence in Marketing: presented to a student who demonstrates superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishment in Marketing.
Excellence in Sport Management: presented to a student who demonstrates superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishment in Sport Management.
Excellence in Business: presented to the student who demonstrates superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishment in business.
Excellence in Management: presented to the student who demonstrates superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishment in Management. The Jennie J. Palkon, nÊe Lis and John S. Palkon Scholarship in Business Award: given to a current full-time junior studying one of Alvernia University’s five business majors who demonstrates exemplary academic achievement as well as service and leadership participation.
Criminal Justice
Academic Excellence Award: presented to a graduating senior with the highest grade point average in criminal justice, who holds true to the mission of the major, stipulated by the faculty of the department.
Internship Award: presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding accomplishment in a criminal justice internship.
Saint Michael the Archangel Award: presented to a graduating senior in criminal justice for overall dedication, a quality of the Patron Saint of Law Enforcement.
Sister Pacelli Award: presented to a graduating senior in criminal justice for dedication to the core Franciscan values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality.
Education
Emma Yoh Award for Outstanding Professionalism: given in recognition of an outstanding student majoring in education who demonstrates the dispositions for the teaching profession, and who exhibits the qualities that demonstrate professionalism in teaching on a consistent basis.
Outstanding Undergraduate Education Major: presented to a graduating senior who earns the highest grade point average and demonstrates the greatest accomplishment in the education department.
Outstanding Student Teacher Award: for graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding performance in the field.
English, Communication, & CIS
Nursing
The Elizabeth Susman Award for Scholarship and Creativity in the field of English and/or Communication: presented to a senior in honor of the late Professor Elizabeth Susman, former chair of the English Department at Alvernia.
Outstanding Clinical Performance Award: given to a graduating senior nursing student who has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of clinical nursing performance.
English/Communication Award for Student Leadership: given to a student who has demonstrated leadership, particularly in his or her work with campus organizations.
Excellence in Community Health Nursing Award: given to a graduating senior nursing student in recognition of outstanding performance of nursing care within community settings.
Margaret Oberholtzer Lawrence Award for Excellence: presented to a senior who demonstrates excellence and extensive participation in activities that promote an interest in the discipline.
Nursing Leadership Award: presented to a graduating senior nursing student who has demonstrated leadership among peers in service to the community and the profession while maintaining high standards of academic and clinical performance.
Henry Miller Award: presented to the graduating Sigma Tau Delta member who best exemplifies the character and intellectual curiosity of an individual who had a love of literature, an appreciation for education, and a question for every answer.
Spirit of St. Francis Award: awarded to graduating nursing students whose performance through the undergraduate program has best fulfilled the Alvernia University Motto: “To Learn, To Love, To Serve.”
Academic Excellence Award in CIS: awarded to the student with the highest grade point average in CIS classes.
Leaders in Learning Award: given to a graduating senior nursing student who demonstrates outstanding academic and clinical performance, exemplifies the qualities of a Franciscan scholar, and whose service to the university, community, and profession has earned her/him respect among peers and the faculty.
Nursing Excellence Award: given by the Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society to a member of the graduating class (traditional pre-licensure program) who best exemplifies the qualities of professional nursing while consistently maintaining high academic achievement.
CIS Internship Award: presented to a senior who demonstrates excellence in a CIS-related internship.
Alvernian Award for Editorial Excellence: presented to a graduating senior who has exceptionally contributed to the production of the student newspaper, The Alvernian. These contributions include but are not limited to producing high quality editorial content, maintaining an attractive and accessible layout, and sustaining the newspaper’s expected release schedule.
Fine & Performing Arts
Frances J. Thomas Theatre Award: presented to an outstanding graduating senior recognized for overall commitment, as well as achievment in the theatre program.
Humanities
Outstanding Student in the Humanities: for the graduating senior who maintains a grade point average of 3.7 in his or her major, a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 overall, and demonstrates superior ability and leadership in the study of humanities. High Achievement Award: for a senior who maintains a grade point average of 3.5 in a particular field of humanities, as well as a cumulative grade point average of 3.3.
The Jennie J. Palkon, née Lis and John S. Palkon Scholarship in Nursing Award: given to a current full-time junior studying nursing who demonstrates exemplary academic achievement as well as compassionate care, service and leadership.
Psychology & Counseling
Research Excellence: presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional skill in applied research and psychological content areas.
Clinical Excellence: presented to a senior who demonstrates exceptional skills in an internship placement.
Academic Excellence: presented to a senior who demonstrates the highest academic achievement.
Leadership Award: presented to a senior who demonstrates leadership ability.
Service Award: presented in recognition of a student’s outstanding achievement in the area of service. Students who achieve this award embrace the mission of Alvernia by serving in their community and embodying the ideal of “knowledge joined with love.”
Science & Math
Adult Education
Frank Podczasy Award: presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding scholastic achievement, community service, and dedication to the sciences.
Betty Ford Center Academic Award - Main Campus: presented to a Main Campus Behavioral Health graduate who has attained the highest grade point average.
American Chemical Society Award: presented by the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), this award recognizes a science student for outstanding achievement in chemistry and community service.
Betty Ford Center Academic Award - Philadelphia Center: presented to the Philadelphia Center Behavioral Health Studies graduate who has attained the highest grade point average.
Sr. Alodia Outstanding Lab Assistant Award: presented to a graduating senior lab assistant who demonstrates a high level of scholastic achievement, community and departmental service, and dedication to the science profession. Moreover the recipient of this award has shown on numerous occasions to go above and beyond the call of duty of a lab assistant.
Behavioral Health Crusader Award: presented to a Main Campus Behavioral Health graduate who has overcome adversity and exemplifies the perseverance and determination so often attributed to the Behavioral Health major. This award is co-sponsored by the Betty Ford Center and Caron Treatment Centers.
Behavioral Health Director’s Award - Main Campus: presented to a Main Campus student who has demonstrated excellent academic achievement as well as a sustained commitment over an extended period of time in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health Studies.
Behavioral Health Director’s Award - Philadelphia Center: presented to a Philadelphia Center student who has demonstrated excellent academic achievement as well as a sustained commitment over an extended period of time in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health Studies.
Caron Treatment Centers Award of Excellence: presented to a Main Campus Behavioral Health major who most personifies outstanding achievement in the area of academics, who has received positive peer recognition, and who has made personal contributions to the overall good of the Behavioral Health Program.
Criminal Justice Academic Excellence Award: presented to a Philadelphia Center graduating senior with the highest grade point average in Criminal Justice, who holds true to the mission of the major.
Schuylkill Center Director’s Award: presented to a Schuylkill Center graduating senior for commitment to academic excellence and Franciscan ideals.
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award: presented to a Main Campus graduating senior for commitment to academic excellence and Franciscan ideals.
Leaders in Learning Award (RN-BSN): awarded to a graduating RN to BSN student, who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and whose scholarship impacts nursing practice.
Spirit of Saint Francis Award (RN-BSN): awarded to a graduating RN to BSN student whose academic and clinical performance exemplifies Alvernia University’s motto: “To Learn, To Love, To Serve.”
University Awards Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award: Two student athletes, one male and one female, are recognized annually for maintaining the highest grade point average after four years as an Alvernia athlete.
The Franciscan Peace and Justice Award: The Franciscan Peace and Justice Award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates a spirit of service and leadership in academic and co-curricular activities; promotes diversity and respect for all people, is dedicated to engagement in the community, especially with the poor and marginalized; and is actively committed to building a global community rooted in the values of social justice and peace.
The Fromm Interfaith Award: Established by Michael and Susan Fromm to encourage interfaith understanding and dialogue among Alvernia’s students and to foster this important work in the greater community.
Senior Scholar Award: The Senior Scholar Award is a $10,000 scholarship toward Alvernia senior year tuition presented to one student. The recipient must maintain a 3.7 GPA, submit a letter describing his or her goals, a résumé, a reference letter from a faculty member, and a reference letter from a peer. Finalists are interviewed by the faculty Honors and Awards Committee and the Academic Standards Committee to determine the recipient.
Lindback Foundation Award: The Lindback Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching is awarded to a full-time tenured faculty member with at least 10 years of full-time teaching at Alvernia. Factors considered include excellent performance in teaching, service, and scholarship/research.
Sister Mary Donatilla Faculty Award: The Sister Mary Donatilla Faculty Award is awarded to a full-time faculty member who has given long service to the university in teaching, advising, service, and support. The Honors and Awards Committee selects the recipient.
Saint Bernardine Faculty Award: The Saint Bernardine Faculty Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching is presented to an adjunct instructor.
The Alvernia University Honors Program: The Honors Program is designed to recognize and encourage academic excellence. The program offers a variety of challenging interdisciplinary courses and provides an academic climate to promote learning. Graduation from the program is contingent upon the completion of designated honors coursework, a minimum grade point average, and the completion and presentation of a senior thesis or project.
Holleran Center Community Fellows: Holleran Community Fellow Awards are presented to students who, in exchange for committing to serving 300 hours tutoring and mentoring in the local community over the course of the academic year, will receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,175 upon completion of their service. These students address compelling community needs in the areas of education access and success, while developing their skills as outstanding, engaged citizens.
Newman Civic Fellow Award: Newman Civic Fellows are nationally recognized by Campus Compact as inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, these Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change.
Faculty Award for Exemplary Service-Learning: The Holleran Center for Community Engagement’s Faculty Award for Exemplary Service-Learning is an annual award given to a full-time faculty member who demonstrates excellence for incorporating service-learning pedagogy into their curriculum. The recipient uses service-learning practices as an innovative teaching tool to engage students in civic learning while creating opportunities for community benefits. This faculty member helps build institutional commitments to service-learning and civic engagement by fostering reciprocal community partnerships and enhancing Alvernia’s contributions to the public good.
Holleran Center Service Awards:
Annual Award for Excellence in Service: presented to Alvernia students who complete at least 100 hours of service to the community over the course of the academic year. Recipients receive a certificate and pin commemorating their achievement.
Graduation Award for Excellence in Service: presented to graduating seniors who have completed at least 300 hours of service to the community as Alvernia students. These students will receive a special cord to be worn at Commencement.
Holleran Center Outstanding Service Award: presented to the graduating senior who has completed the most hours in service to the community. The recipient of this award will receive a monetary award made to a charity of his or her choice.
Alvernia Honor Societies Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society: Alpha Phi Sigma is the Criminal Justice National Honor Society at Alvernia University. Its purpose is to promote critical thinking, rigorous scholarship, and lifelong learning, to keep abreast of the advances in scientific research, to elevate the ethical standards of the criminal justice profession and to sustain in the public mind the benefit and necessity of education and professional training. Alpha Phi Sigma has recognized Alvernia University as the Gamma Nu Chapter. The nationally recognized chapter strives for the commitment to life-long learning. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Jessica Beisswanger Francisco Contreras Aaron Farrell
Kayla Fulton Thomas Hall Christopher Hartman
Shannon Heist Nicolas Hill Amy Kuhrmann
Maureen O’Buck Benjamin Shaner Beth Staskiewicz
Matthew Tobias Rhiannon Trate
Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society: Alpha Sigma Lambda is the premier national honor society for nontraditional adult students. Its aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. For the nontraditional student, the society stands as an inspiration for continuing scholastic growth, and is a builder of pride through recognition. To this day Alpha Sigma Lambda is not only the oldest, but also the largest chapterbased honor society for full and part-time students. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Selena Arrington Gloria Barnum Nicole Bellus Julie Bering John Bey Heather Bezuidenhout Sharon Coleman Sheila Colihan
James Davis Kenia Delarge Cynthia Dros Tabitha Farrone Jerron Gates Roxann Gervalis Angela Hathaway Susan Jackson
Jean Kercher Neil Krouse Dawn Kula Tanja Lewis Michelle Lindstrom Paula Magloire Gloria Maloney David Manley
Traci Marez Kyle Martyn LaTonya McCurry Heidi McMullan Bernude Mezier Kristin Miller Karen Rahn Deanna Reber
Angel Sabol Amy Scales Kristy Sieklicki Corina Silaghi Iman Stewart Rhodesia Whatley Joan Zupicick
Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society: Beta Kappa Chi — Natural Sciences & Mathematics — has the purpose of encouraging the advancement of scientific education through original investigations, the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and the stimulation of high scholarship in the pure and applied sciences. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Sharon Bedell Jason Brumbaugh Kaytlyn Degenhart Nicole Fox-Mower
Kayla Fulton Claudia Gabriel Julianne Giordano Ashley Hertzog
Jessica Iwanowski Gloria Keyes Jennifer Kingman Daniel Kwasniewski
Brittany Lawler Kirsten Makowski Shannon McGlynn
Brian Miller Benjamin Schuettler
Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society: Delta Epsilon Sigma is a National Scholastic Honor Society for students, faculty, and alumni of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition. Benefits of this honor society include an annual scholarship and fellowship competition, life-long subscription to the “Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal,” voting and nomination rites, a national student award for graduating seniors, an annual writing competition, and a distinguished lecturer program. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Oyewale Akinrefon Alexandra Aloia Leah Baer Ashley Bakley Brandon Bateman Nathan Bauer Victoria Beck Sharon Bedell Nancy Bohn Jennifer Bonifant Tiana Bonventre Judy Bowman Donna Brown Amy Cengeri Brock Cromleigh Ashley Dautrich Kaytlyn Degenhart
Patricia Denchy Heather Dixon-Brock Keira Duffy Thomas Edwards Allison Endy Alyssa Evans Aaron Farrell Tabitha Farrone Christine Fellin Amanda Flurry Danielle Gallagher Jerron Gates Sydney Glasmyre Sarah Grace Thomas Hall Ronald Herbst Ashley Hopkins
Nancy Husson Eugene Hutchings Jennifer Innamorato Illya Johnson Greta Jones Paula Jones Kathy Kelsch Timothy Kershner Gloria Keyes Jennifer Kingman Penny Kohl Katherine Kouma Rachel Krall Daniel Kwasniewski Larry Lendo Dana Marcucio Brendon McGirr
Marlee McNerney Tarynn Meier Harry Moran Jessica Morris Monica Murnane Jessica Nabholz Michelle Ochenrider Rebecca Ownes Rachel Partner Nicole Pettit Mia Puopolo Alyss Reinsel Renee Ruhlman Andres Santana Benjamin Schuettler Kelly Seidel Brenda Skimski
David Sloan Rebecca Smither Theresa Soley Erin Stone Jessica Taylor Patricia Thomas Teresa Tieman Edwin Torres Michael Trievel Erin Verdon Courtney Vinson Alexis Way Jessica Weiss Nicole Wessner Eric Whiteash Danielle Wolfgang Laurel Zielinski
Delta Mu Delta Honor Society: Delta Mu Delta is an honor society for junior, senior, and graduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in business. Membership in the society is limited to students whose achievement places them in the top twenty percent of their class. Membership in Delta Mu Delta symbolizes earnest, intelligent purpose and achievement. Alvernia University’s business program sponsors the Lambda Zeta Chapter of Delta Mu Delta through its accreditation in the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Justin Arnt Beth Berret Dawn Brady Sharon Coleman Thomas Edwards
William Gerber Joanna Graber Shawn Hinkle Jean Kercher Timothy Kershner
Melanie Kramer Meretta Marks Kyle Martyn Harry Moran Christina Nelson
Kaitlin Prutzman Christopher Ray Matthew Schmeck Brandon Schmidt Jamie Shiffer
Cody Smith Erin Solley Michael Trievel Rebecca Williams Chadi Zablit
National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH): The NRHH is the premier honorary supported by the leading international organization advocating for the interests and welfare of residence hall students, while also providing opportunities for their personal growth and development. NRHH strives to provide recognition for individuals who have contributed to the advancement of college and university housing. It ensures the advancement of member chapters through resource sharing, programming, and leadership development opportunities to contribute and support the vision of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, Incorporated. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Meredith Beavers Kerry Cain
Jacob Cotroneo Hillary Emrock
Ancuta Gibson Casey Green
Terence Harrington Daniel Kwasniewski
Jacquelyn Strange Erin Verdon
Phi Alpha Honor Society: “Through knowledge — the challenge to serve,” the purposes of Phi Alpha Honor Society are to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Jaclyn Adams Ibrahima Barry Brooke Brossman Melissa Burget
Alisa Calvo Jacklyn Capuano Heather Coppola Alyssa Evans
Gloria Francis Janelle Frank Erin Gillespie Sean Hart
Staci Kachel Lindsey Knott Katie Manowski
Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. The purposes of this society are literary and educational. The Society strives to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. Members must exhibit high standards of academic excellence and serve society by fostering literacy. The Kappa Pi Chapter at Alvernia University was established in 1981. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia:
Jennifer McFarland Kellie O’Donnell
Jessica Ciesla Sean Cullen Sydney Glasmyre Courtney Harting
Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society: Pi Lambda Theta is the oldest and most selective educational honor society that recognizes excellence in education. The mission of PLT is to honor outstanding educators and inspire them to be effective leaders who address critical issues in education. Membership in the society is by invitation only and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who intend to pursue a career in education. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Margie Alloway Allison Bainbridge Emily Brady Nicola Burrow Anita Butz
Ashley Ellingsworth Allison Endy Angela Fida Jennifer Freese Kelli Goshert
Courtney Harting Erica Hassler Sheri Kaufman Jennifer Kingman Kayla Majeski
Ellen McCallister Brendon McGirr Shannon McGlynn Karoline Miller
Jessica Glace Thomas Hall Illya Johnson
Jennifer Kaucher Kayla Morgan Natalia Piszczek
Benjamin Schuettler Heather Swain Alexis Way
Samantha Penk Kathleen Pursel
Oyewale Akinrefon Lourdia Alcide Victoria Beck Emily Bieber Amanda Bodnar Judy Bowman
Ashley Dautrich Natalie Etzweiler Amanda France Danielle Gallagher
Alison Haggan Katherine Meade Susan Moczydlowski Rebecca Ownes
Rachel Partner Nicole Pettit Benjamin Schuettler Amy Smoyer
Chelsea Prosser Erin Quinn
Jessica Sabulsky Jeffrey Schaefer
Noel Demko Jessica Dopke J. Benjamin Eisenhauer Alicia Fidler Rhea George Nancy Husson
Kristy Jacoby Roxanne Kintzer Dawn Kula Sasha Macht Heidi McMullan Kristin Miller
Melanie Nguyen Anna Patterson Iesha Serrano Maureen Spires Lynn Stubblebine Engel Tagland
Jessica Taylor Dana Valasek Alyssa Verrillo Annie Wagner Sarah Warren
St. Thomas More Honor Society: The St. Thomas More Honor Society is the local honor society of the criminal justice department and is open to all criminal justice majors who meet the membership criteria. New members must be criminal justice majors, must be active members of the Criminal Justice Association, must have attained junior status academically at time of application, must have completed 15 credits in criminal justice at Alvernia University at the time of application, must have a 3.2 grade point average in criminal justice in their major and a 3.2 overall grade point average at the time of application, must attend the banquet in all years of eligibility, must attend Honors Convocation, must demonstrate knowledge of the life of Saint Thomas More as a model and patron for criminal justice majors, and must make a one-time dues payment at the time of application. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia:
Samantha Wilt Skylar Zagleski
Psi Theta Epsilon Honor Society: Pi Theta Epsilon is a specialized honor society for occupational therapy students and alumni. The society recognizes and encourages superior scholarship among students enrolled in professional entry-level programs at accredited educational programs across the United States. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Shelly Armacost Jennifer Bonifant Amy Cengeri Christine Chimento
Larry Lendo, Jr. Kellie Lorence Peter MacNamee Megan McCue
Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society: The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of people worldwide through leadership and scholarship in nursing research, practice, education, and advocacy. Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International has the following purposes: to honor superior achievement, recognize and promote the development of leadership qualities, foster high professional standards, encourage creative work, and strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession of nursing. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia:
Psi Chi National Honor Society: Psi Chi is a National Honor Society whose purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. The most fundamental intent is to provide psychology majors and minors who have excelled in courses the ability to perform service in their field as well as be nationally recognized as a scholar of psychology. This organization is an excellent means upon which students can create a network for future career and academic goals and aspirations. Members currently enrolled at Alvernia: Thomas Casper Kyle Dillman Tatiana Foronda
Maygan Henzie Andrew Kaucher Jennifer Kaucher Rachel Krall
Jessica Beisswanger Francisco Contreras Aaron Farrell
Theresa Soley Erin Stone Heather Swain
Kayla Fulton Thomas Hall Christopher Hartman
Shannon Heist Nicolas Hill Amy Kuhrmann
Maureen O’Buck Kyla Ramsey Benjamin Shaner
Beth Staskiewicz Matthew Tobias Rhiannon Trate
Faculty Scholarship Today, as we honor students and faculty with annual awards, we also recognize faculty members who have authored scholarly works, presented findings, artwork, and new ideas (both locally and abroad), performed time-honored musical pieces to enthralled audiences, or received awards and grants in the past year. Alvernia University’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its faculty’s wide-ranging scholarship — from several year’s worth of research culminating in well-written books to creative analysis presented at national and international conferences. Faculty scholarship activity at Alvernia is complementary to courses of study offered to students, which allows professors to accord interesting and timely information related to a variety of chosen fields. Please enjoy the faculty scholarship, displayed by College and listed alphabetically.
College of Arts & Sciences Tim H. Blessing, Ph.D.
Professor of History and Political Science Publication “The Effects of Partisanship and Ideology on Expert Rater’s Evaluations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43” Written with Drs. Di You and Anne Skleder, this demonstrates the significant role that an expert rater’s ideological and partisan beliefs play in shaping his or her evaluations of a president. Presentation “The First Ten and the Last Ten: Comparing Pre-presidential Political Experience, Washington to Tyler and Kennedy to Obama” Presented at the Midwest Political Science Association in Chicago, this paper demonstrates the stark difference in the amount and type of political service that the first ten presidents brought to the White House as compared to the last ten.
Rosemarie Chinni, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry/Forensic Science Publication “Temperature and Electron Density Determination on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Plasmas: A Physical Chemistry Experiment” Chinni is co-author on this publication with student Maya Najarian who worked to help develop this project. The paper discusses a laboratory procedure that can easily be incorporated into a Physical Chemistry lab course. It was published in the Journal of Chemical Education in December 2012. Publication “Detection of Mercury in Natural Waters in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Using Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy” Chinni is co-author on this publication with students Amanda McGettigan and Daniel Kwasniewski. The paper discusses using CVAAS to determine if there was any mercury contamination in sixteen natural waterways throughout Berks County. It was accepted for publication in the Journal of Pennsylvania Academy of Science in December 2012.
Presentation “Using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the Analysis of Additives in Carbonate Beverages, Enhanced Water, and Energy Drinks.” Chinni is a co-author on this presentation with undergraduate student Daniel Kwasniewski, to be presented at the American Chemical Society Meeting in April 2013, in New Orleans, La. This study focused on using HPLC to detect and quantify the amount of caffeine and other B-vitamins in various drinks.
Corey R. Harris, MA Assistant Professor of Theology
Presentation “Practically Employing a Theology of Domestic Church in a Contemporary American Context: A salvageable metaphor?” Presentation given at the College Theology Society’s annual national meeting examining the relevance and application of a Roman Catholic theology of the family as a domestic church in light of sociological and demographic trends. Presentation “Using Pop Culture to Establish Perspective” Presentation given at the American Academy of Religion’s annual national meeting concerning the pedagogical use of popular culture to establish semester long themes and a thesis for a course.
James R. Klucsarits, MS Assistant Professor of Biology
Presentation “Spatial-temporal distribution of nest box usage and productivity for American Kestrels nesting in Eastern Pennsylvania (1992-2012)” Presented in Vancouver, British Columbia, August 17, 2012. Despite a reduction of nest box usage and number of pairs in 2000-2005, these variables have begun to exhibit an upward trend since then. Using GIS tools, we observed a centralized pattern of multiple high use and productivity boxes (hot spots) over time.
Diane Kraft MS, RD, LDN
Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D.
Brian Prather, MFA
Publication “Nutrition for Health and Healthcare, 5th edition” Belmont, CA: Cengage; 2013 Whitney ER, De Bruyne LK, Pinna K, Rolfes SR, Contributor/Reviewer.
Publication “Measuring students’ perceptions of institutional identity: Validating the DePaul Mission and Values Inventory at a Franciscan University.” Matteo, E., Bottom, T., & Ferrari, J. (Summer, 2013). Journal of Catholic Higher Education. Publication “A qualitative study of undergraduates’ conceptualizations of mental illness (2013)” Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community. Special Issue: Education and Training for Social Justice, Community Activism, and Civic Engagement.
Award “Jeff Equity Award, Best Scene Design-Midsize” This prestigious award is given to the best scenic design of a midsize production in the Chicago area. The 2012 award was presented to Brian Prather for the design of the production Freud’s Last Session at the Mercury Theatre.
Instructor of Biology
Installation In December 2012, Diane Kraft completed a two-year tenure as Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Emergency Food Assistance Advisory Committee Nutritionist.
Ryan Lange, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communication Presentation “Communicating Self: Perceptions of Representation in LinkedIn” Co-presented with Drs. Carrie Fitzpatrick and Jodi Radosh, this panel discussion was about how people manage how others perceive them on LinkedIn. Presentation “Frequent contributors in US newspaper comment forums: An examination of their civility and informational value” Co-authored by Robin Blum, Serena Carpenter and Brian Bowe, this presentation is about how people use (or misuse) the ability to comment on newspaper articles on newspaper websites.
Richard Law, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English and Communication Presentation “Ethan Frome’s Travel Choices” Presented at South Atlantic Modern Language Association Conference in Durham, N.C., November 9, 2012: Analysis of Edith Wharton’s novel, Ethan Frome, whose central character’s insecurity and indecisiveness cause a string of bad decisions preventing him from dispelling domestic woes and ultimately result in a catastrophic attempt to escape through suicide. Presentation “Wordsworth’s Joy and Comfort in Nature” Presented at the College English Association Conference in Savannah, Ga., April 4, 2013. In many eloquent poems, Wordsworth expresses his deep beliefs appealingly. He joyfully extols nature continually for its unlimited beauty, source of divine inspiration, and comforting, uplifting, and restorative influence.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Publication “Assessing the effectiveness of undergraduate diversity courses using the Multicultural Experiences Questionnaire” You, D., & Matteo, E. (February, 2013). Journal of College and Character. Publication “Assessing school sense of community, inclusion, and religious pluralism: Students’ perceptions at two Catholic universities” Bottom, T.L., Ferrari, J.R., Matteo, E. & Todd, N.R. (2013) Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 41(1). Special Issue: The Campus as Community: Student Perceptions of Their Faith-Based University. Publication “Written in their own voice: First-year and older student perceptions of their university’s identity.” Karahalios, V.S., Williams, S.M., Ferrari, J.R., & Matteo, E. (2013). Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 41(1). Special Issue: The Campus as Community: Student Perceptions of Their Faith-Based University.
Assistant Professor of Theatre Design
Performance Brian Prather was selected to design an Off-Broadway production, The Memory Show, in the spring of 2013. He has also been selected to design productions for the New York Fringe Festival, as well as productions in Los Angeles, Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
Jodi Radosh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communication Associate Director of the Holleran Center for Community Engagement Grant Grant from the Knight Foundation and Berks County Community Foundation (BCCF) entitled “Project Free Flow” To Help Improve Community Journalism, Alvernia University, Berks Community Television (BCTV), and the Berks County Community Foundation (BCCF) are collaborating to identify “information gaps” and to assist area residents in gaining access to important community news. For Project Free Flow, Alvernia University students will be trained to produce reports on issues that need further exploring. Presentation “Communicating Self: Perceptions of Representation in LinkedIn” Co-presented with Dr. Carrie Fitzpatrick at the Pennsylvania Communication Association Conference at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., in October 2012. This presentation examined Erving Goffman’s “Theory of Self Representation” (1959) in order to investigate the perceptions of “performance” and “impressions” on LinkedIn, the largest professional social media network.
Presentation “Local TV News Coverage of the November 2009 USPSTF Mammogram Guidelines” Co-presented with Lee Radosh, M.D. at the Pennsylvania Communication Association Conference at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., in October 2012, this study is a content analysis of local television news stories regarding the “controversial change” in the November 2009 USPSTF Screening Mammogram Recommendations. Presentation “Caveat Emptor: Truth and Deception in Political Advertising” Co-presented with Dr. Victoria Williams at the Pennsylvania Communication Association Conference at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., in October 2012, this presentation investigated how the truth is displayed, distorted, uncovered, or covered up in contemporary political ads. Certification Received a mini MBA Certification in Digital Marketing from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., in February 2013. The Digital Marketing certification included marketing of social media, mobile, and video as well as strategy, search engine optimization, web analytics and measurement, legal and security issues, gamification and multichannel integration. Grant Alvernia University Innovation Grant Collaborated with Dr. Carrie Fitzpatrick to develop a Master of Arts in Communication, Culture, and Leadership (MACCL) at Alvernia University with online coursework and yearly intensive residency requirements.
Peter E. Rampson, MA
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Presentation “Cresent 180º,” c.2009 Rampson submitted a digital photograph titled “Crescent 180,°” for the “Simple Pleasures” group exhibition, held in Franklin County’s Old Jail in Chambersburg, Pa. The Franklin County Historical Society sponsored this event. Presentation “Crescent 180º,” c.2009 & “Rorschack’s Clouds Test #12,” c.2011 Rampson submitted two digital photographs for the “Exits” group exhibition held in West Chester, Pa. The Chester County Art Association Sponsored this event. Presentation “Folded Tomes #23, 25, 27 and 28” Rampson participated in “Miniature Art 2012,” the 28th annual juried exhibition held in Chambersburg, Pa., sponsored by the Chambersburg Council for the Arts. All work needed to be smaller than 24 sq. in. Rampson’s four works were from a series of relief sculptures, which utilize readily available recycled materials that are repurposed as sculptures. He received one of three merit awards given at the event for “Folded Tome #28,” c.2012. Presentation “Folded Tome #29,” c.2013 Rampson participated in the “BIG/little — The Impact of Art” juried exhibition held in West Chester, Pa. The Chester County Art Association sponsored this event for which work needed to be smaller than 4”x6” or larger than 36”x42.” Presentation “Passion” Rampson participated in the “Love” group exhibition that was held in West Chester, Pa. The Chester County Art Association sponsored this event, for which Rampson submitted a digital photograph titled “Passion,” c.2009.
John A Rochowicz, Jr. Ed.D. Professor of Mathematics
Publication “P-Value Approximations of T-Tests of Hypothesis” This paper was published December 7, 2012 in the international peer-reviewed journal Electronic Journal Spreadsheets in Education (eJSiE volume 5 issue 3 article 5, 2012). The significance of this publication was in demonstrating techniques for approximating the evaluation of a complex integral representing areas under the t-probability distribution.
Publication “Bootstrapping Analysis, Inferential Statistics and EXCEL” This paper published 2011 in eJSiE was the most popular downloaded article since publication. As of January 2, 2013, there was a total of 3044 downloads. Many researchers have made use of this paper, including a Texas A&M University professor for a conference presentation on February 8, 2013. Presentation “3D Central Projections… an Introduction to Virtual Reality” Refereed this paper for eJSiE on November 4, 2012. The author’s suggestions for revision included: a) A clarification of solvable and non-solvable projections; b) Exploration and study examples should be added in a conclusion. After revisions, this paper was published January 14, 2013. Presentation “13th Annual Higher Education Council of Berks County Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference” Mentored, sponsored, and guided upper class mathematics majors in their participation at the Annual HECBC Undergraduate Conference at Penn State Berks April 21, 2012. Topics presented included Fibonacci Numbers, Geometric Visualizations for computer games, Logic, Coding Theory and the Mathematics behind Sudoku. Judge “Reading Berks Science and Engineering Fair” Judged physics and physical science projects on March 13, 2012. Outstanding projects included: Studying the traction of tires, generating power from oscillating water waves, Fluid flow, and Kelvin electrostatic generators. The winning exhibits were: generating power from water waves and Kelvin electrostatic generators. Judge “Berks County Mathematics Championship” Reviewed the results of individual students and schools and placed the winners on this annual contest. The championship was held at Kutztown University, November 2012. The winners were from Berks Catholic and Oley Valley. Participating students were the best mathematics students from the high schools of Berks County.
Ana Ruiz, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology
Grant “Faculty Resource Guide: Teaching Ethics in the Undergraduate Psychology Major” Drs. Ana Ruiz and Judith Warchal were granted the Association for Psychological Science Fund for Teaching and Public Understanding of Psychological Science award and a Spring 2013 Alvernia Faculty Excellence Grant to create the Resource Guide. The project will be completed by Summer 2013. Presentation “Service and Service-Learning: Value Added Employment Outcomes” Dr. Ruiz presented at the 12th Annual Conference for the International Association for Service-Learning and Community Engagement: Connected Knowing, Baltimore, Md., September, 2012. Results suggest that service-learning may increase students’ social awareness and interest in making social contributions through their career decisions. The paper was prepared with Dr. Judith Warchal. Presentation “Activities to Teach Ethics in the Undergraduate Psychology Program” Drs. Ruiz and Judith Warchal presented the Guide of Activities at the Participant Idea Exchange at 35rd Annual National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Pete Beach, FL. This project was supported by an Instructional Resource Award from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology 2011-12 and a Summer 2012 Faculty Excellence Grant.
Publication “Activities Guide: Teaching Ethics in the Introduction to Psychology Course” The Activities Guide published by Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA division 2) was supported by a 2011 OTRP Instructional Resource award and Alvernia Faculty Excellence grant. It is a resource for teachers, presenting activities related to ethics for the Introduction to Psychology and other psychology courses. Publication “Long-Term Impact of Service-Learning on Alumni Volunteer Service Activities” This chapter, published in Service-learning in higher education: Connecting the global to the local, edited by P. Lin, & M. Wiegand, demonstrated that alumni who participated in service-learning plus other experiential activities during their undergraduate years volunteered in a variety of organizations and were leaders in fundraising long after graduation. Publication “Reflections on Connections” This chapter provided reflections on academic, personal, and research themes from seven faculty members, from different professional and academic disciplines, on their servicelearning experiences. The book, titled “Service-learning in higher education: Connecting the global to the local” was published by University of Indianapolis Press.
Bongrae Seok, Ph. D.
Associate Professor of Philosophy Publication “Embodied Moral Psychology and Confucian Philosophy” Dr. Seok published “Embodied Moral Psychology and Confucian Philosophy” (by Lexington-Roman Littlefield, November 2012). The book discusses the importance of embodied emotion (the direct mirroring sense of others’ suffering) as an essential (foundational and developmental) element of morality from the perspectives of contemporary cognitive science and ancient Chinese philosophy. Presentation “Supervenience and Confucian Virtue” Dr. Seok presented his paper “Supervenience and Confucian Virtue” regarding the relationship between physical properties and moral properties in the American Philosophical Association, Eastern Division meeting (December, 2012). Dr. Seok discussed the metaphysics of the correlative cosmology, where Confucian virtues are linked to the cosmic elements and their processes. Presentation “Other Regarding Emotion without Sympathy” Dr. Bongrae Seok presented “Other Regarding Emotion and Sympathy” in Felician Ethics Conference (2012). In this presentation, Dr. Seok discussed whether social cognition is required in moral cognition, particularly in psychopathic and autistic populations, by analyzing social intelligence hypothesis and the moral cognition involved in the distinction between moral/conventional violations. Presentation “Shame as a Moral Disposition: Confucian Shame and Virtue” Dr. Seok presented “Shame as a Moral Disposition: Confucian Shame and Virtue” in the American Philosophical Association, Central Division meeting (2013). In this presentation, Dr. Seok analyzes shame (in Confucian tradition) as a moral disposition. It is compared with Aristotelian virtues and anterograde regret. Presentation “Embodied Moral Cognition and Confucian Philosophy” Dr. Seok presented “Embodied Moral Cognition and Confucian Philosophy” in the American Philosophical Association, Eastern Division meeting (2012). In this presentation, a model of moral cognition based on the embodied processes of mirror emotion (supported by the anterior insula and its introspective functions) was discussed.
Presentation “What do Restaurant Menus, Websites, and Grocery Aisle Lists tell us about the Body and the Space of the Sensuousness?” Dr. Seok presented “The Body and the Sensuousness: What do restaurant menus, websites, and grocery aisle lists tell us about the body and the space of the sensuousness?” in the Fourth Annual Geo-Aesthetics Conference (2012). The logic of part-whole relationship in diverse forms of menus and lists was discussed.
Janae Sholtz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Philosophy Award “The Invention of a People: Art and the Political in Heidegger and Deleuze” Offered a book contract from Edinburgh Press in December. Presentation “In the Prisons” Was an invited speaker at “Between Foucault and Deleuze,” a conference sponsored by Purdue University, College of Liberal Arts. The presentation is a part of a larger article, entitled “What is Philosophy in Deleuze and Foucault,” which will be published in the book “Between Foucault and Deleuze.” Publication Review of John Sallis’ “Logic of Imagination: The Expanse of the Elemental” Published an article length book review of Logic of Imagination: The Expanse of the Elemental in the Notre Dame Philosophical Review (February 2013). Presentation Chosen as a text seminar leader/presenter for the Collegium Pahenomenologicum in Citta di Castella, Italy in July 2013.
Richard Stichler, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy
Presentation “Cultures of War” Presented at Columbia University. The just war theory of early Confucianism is contrasted with the just war theory of ancient Greece and Rome. Unlike the expansive GrecoRoman military objectives sanctioned by Plato and Aristotle, early Confucian and Daoist military strategy rejected slavery and sought to liberate states from oppressive rulers.
Spencer S. Stober, Ed.D.
Judith Warchal, Ph.D.
Erin Way, Ph.D.
Judge Ethics Bowl Judged the annual national student ethics bowl competition on February 26, 2013, at the annual Association for Practical and Professional Ethics conference.
Publication “Reflections on Connections” Published in P.L.Lin & M.R. Wiegand (Eds.) Service-Learning In Higher Education: Connecting the Global to the Local, this book chapter was a collaboration with faculty from five other colleges and universities. It focused on faculty reflections on their own service-learning experiences.
Publication “Psycho-Social Characteristics of Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, Compared to Children with Down Syndrome and Typical Children” Way, E. & Rojahn, J. (2012). Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 24, 247-268. This article focused on the behavioral issues and social skill deficits of children with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Professor of Biology
Presentation “Darwin on the Ethical Treatment of Animals: His Thoughts Then and His Influence Now” Co-presented paper on March 1, 2013, with Dr. Donna Yarri, at the national Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. It addresses the significance of Darwin’s work for a contemporary ethic for animal treatment. Installation Dr. Spencer S. Stober was appointed to the International Advisory Board for sustainability conferences and corresponding journals published by Common Ground. Publication “Universities and Community Engagement for a Sustainable Community” Co-authored with Dr. Alicia Sprow and published in The International Journal of Sustainability Education, Volume 8, 2012. Presentation “Nature-Centered Leadership: Nature as a Stakeholder in Strategic Planning” Presented at the International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Hiroshima, Japan, January 2013. Strategic planning with Nature in mind will help us to fulfill our obligation to future generations. Presentation “Minding Darwin for Animal Ethics” Co-authored with Dr. Donna Yarri and presented at the International Minding Animals Conference in The Netherlands, July 3-6, 2012. Presentation “Mission-Centered Leadership: Challenging Assumptions” Presented as part of a panel discussion at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting of The American Academy of Religion (AAR), New Brunswick, N.J., March 15, 2012. Presentation “Biology, Theology, and Academic Freedom” Co-presentation with Dr. Donna Yarri to the Allentown/ Reading Legatus organization, Allentown, Pa., March 7, 2012.
Professor of Psychology and Counseling
Publication “Long-term impact of service-learning on alumni” Co-authored with Dr. Ana Ruiz, this book chapter presented the results of an alumni study of service-learning and other service activities on alumni volunteer behaviors. Presentation “Activities to teach ethics in the undergraduate psychology program” Co-presented with Dr. Ana Ruiz at the National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology, this round table featured activities to teach ethical decision making to undergraduate psychology students. Presentation “Service and Service-Learning: Value Added Employment Outcomes” Co-written with Dr. Ana Ruiz, this paper, presented at the International Association for Service-Learning and Community Engagement conference, described the results of an alumni survey on the employment outcomes of students who had engaged in service-learning courses and other service activities as undergraduates. Publication “Activities Guide: Teaching Ethics in the Introduction to Psychology Course” Co-authored with Dr. Ana Ruiz, this activities guide for incorporating ethics into the Introduction to Psychology course was supported by a grant from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and an Alvernia Faculty Excellence Grant. It is published on the Office of Teaching Resources in Psychology website. Grant Alvernia University Faculty Excellence: Summer 2012 Grant awarded to develop Activities Guide: Teaching Ethics in the Introduction of Psychology Course, recently published on the Office of Teaching Resources in Psychology website.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Publication “Social and Emotional Information Processing in Preschoolers: Indicator of Early School Success?” Denham, S., Kalb, S., Way, E., Warren-Khot, H., Rhoades, B., & Bassett, H. (2012). Early Child Development and Care. This collaborative study found a connection between preschoolers’ emotional and behavioral responses to conflict and early academic success.
Publication “Social-Emotional Learning Profiles of Preschoolers’ Early School Success: A Person Centered Approach” Denham, S., Bassett, H., Mincic, M., Kalb, S., Way, E., & Wyatt, T. (2012). Learning and Individual Differences, 22, 178-189. This collaborative study followed children from preschool to kindergarten and found a connection between social-emotional learning and academic support skills such as motivation to learn and participation in the classroom. Publication “Preschoolers’ Emotion Knowledge: Self Regulatory Foundations, and Predictions of Early School Success” Denham, S., Bassett, H., Way, E., Mincic, M., Zinsser, K., Graling, K. (2012). Cognition and Emotion, 26, 667-679. This collaborative study focused on kindergarten children and found advanced emotion knowledge was associated with low economic risk, higher levels of self regulation, and success in kindergarten.
Donna Yarri, Ph.D.
Di You, Ph.D.
Presentation “Minding Darwin for Animal Ethics” Co-presented paper with Dr. Spencer Stober at the international Minding Animals Conference in The Netherlands, held July 3-6, 2013. It focused on the original works of Darwin with regard to his views on animals. Grant Faculty Excellence Grant: Course on Ethical Treatment of Animals Received a summer 2012 grant for development of a new honors course entitled “The Ethical Treatment of Animals: With a Gaze Towards the Animal,” a service-learning course with students currently working with the Humane Society.
Publication “Assessing the effectiveness of undergraduate diversity courses using the Multicultural Experiences Questionnaire” Dr. Di You, co-authored with Dr. Elizabeth Matteo, and published this article in the Journal of College and Character.
Associate Professor of Theology
Presentation “Darwin on the Ethical Treatment of Animals: His Thoughts Then and His Influence Now” Co-presented paper on March 1, 2013, with Dr. Spencer Stober, at the national Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. It addresses the significance of Darwin’s work for a contemporary ethic regarding animal treatment. Presentation “A Religious Gangster: Catholicism in The Sopranos” Presented paper at the national Popular Culture Association Conference on March 28, 2013. Moderated this session, on television and popular culture as well. Presentation “Kafka’s Creatures: Animals, Hybrids, and Other Fantastic Beings” Participated as co-editor/author for this co-edited volume as one of the lunch-time table discussions, “Lunch with an Author,” at the annual Association for Practical and Professional Ethics meeting in February 2013. Judge Ethics Bowl Participated as a judge at the annual national student ethics bowl competition on February 28, 2013, at the annual Association for Practical and Professional Ethics conference. Reviewer “The Ethics of Health Care, 3rd edition” Served as a reviewer, at request of publisher, for this popular textbook for courses in medical ethics.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Presentation “Assessing the effectiveness of undergraduate diversity courses using the Multicultural Experiences Questionnaire” Dr. Di You presented the paper at the Annual Conference of Association for Moral Education. Presentation “The Impact of Internship Experiences on Students’ Ethical Sensitivity, Ethical Reasoning and Moral Distress” Dr. Di You presented the paper at the Annual Conference of Association for Moral Education. Publication “The Effects of Partisanship and Ideology on Expert Rater’s Evaluations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43” Written with Drs. Tim Blessing and Anne Skleder, this demonstrates the significant role that an expert rater’s ideological and partisan beliefs play in shaping his or her evaluations of a president.
College of Professional Programs Theresa M. Adams, Ph.D., RN, CSN Assistant Professor of Nursing
Publication “The Evaluation of Service-Learning as an Innovative Strategy to Enhance BSN Students’ Transcultural SelfEfficacy” Adams published her doctoral dissertation on UMI Dissertations in Fall 2012. This non-equivalent, multiple year, quasi-experimental research study evaluated service-learning as an innovative teaching strategy to change pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing students’ perceived transcultural selfefficacy in providing culturally competent nursing care to diverse populations. Presentation “The Evaluation of Service-Learning as an Innovative Strategy to Enhance BSN Students’ Transcultural SelfEfficacy” Adams provided a podium presentation for the Upsilon Zeta Chapter members, as well as newly inducted members and their families, at the Upsilon Zeta Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society meeting on November 8, 2012, at the McGlinn Conference Center in Reading, Pa. Presentation “The Evaluation of Service-Learning as an Innovative Strategy to Enhance BSN Students’ Transcultural SelfEfficacy” Adams provided a podium presentation at the 38th Annual Conference of the Transcultural Nursing Society on October 20, 2012 in Orlando, Fla. The international audience was provided with an overview of the quasi-experimental research study and implications for nursing education and nursing practice concluded the presentation. Presentation “Heritage Highlights: Utilizing innovative technology to transfer knowledge to practice” Adams presented at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s 2013 Hot Issues Conference in St. Louis, Mo., in April 2013. The incorporation of two innovative technological strategies into a blended on-line course for RN to BSN students resulted in students transferring transcultural nursing knowledge and skills to nursing practice.
Scott Ballantyne, Ed.D., PRSBA Associate Professor of Business
Presentation “Planning In Reverse” Co-authored with Drs. Beth Berret and Mary Ellen Wells and presented as a Faculty Panel presentation at the Literary Festival, October 16, 2012. The PIR approach, as presented by the authors, introduces a process of improving strategic planning using short-term information and employee engagement to increase the long-term viability of organizations.
Travis A. Berger, Ph.D.(c) Assistant Professor of Business
Presentation “Serving Our Youth: A Leadership Model for Youth Sport Organizations” Professor Berger was accepted to present at AAHPERD’s 2012 National Conference in Boston, Mass., March 13-17, 2012. Based on a comprehensive analysis of youth sport, leadership, and culture, servant leadership has emerged as an effective leadership model for leaders involved with youth sport organizations. Presentation “Integrity and Governance: A Symposium on Ethics, Leadership, and Accountability” Professor Berger was a keynote presenter for the Integrity and Governance: A Symposium on Ethics, Leadership, and Accountability presented by the PICPA Reading Chapter and Alvernia University on May 18, 2012. His presentation explored leadership as a process that takes into account the leader, context, and followers. Presentation “Developing Sales Skills and Social” Berger presented to other business professors at the Business Professor Teaching Summit at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business on May 18, 2012. The presentation focused on the format, logistics, delivery, and benefits of teaching sales and sales management as a service-learning course.
Presentation “Leadership and Organizational Change: Exploring the Differences in the Private, Public, and Nonprofit Sector” Professor Berger’s panel presentation was accepted at the Pennsylvania Sociological Society’s 62nd Annual Conference “Changing Lives: Real Potentials of Humanity,” hosted by PSU-Schuylkill Campus, Schuylkill County, Pa., October 13, 2012. Professor Berger served as the session organizer, convener, and moderator and as a panelist for the private sector. Presentation “Leadership: Behaviors, Styles & Skills” On September 28, 2012, Professor Berger was invited as a keynote presenter for Leadership Berks’s Opening Retreat at South Mountain YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser. The presentation focused on systems theory, unintended consequences, cultural self-awareness, empathic listening, and assertiveness. Presentation “Servant Leadership: Case Reviews & Analysis” On December 6, 2012, Professor Berger was invited as a keynote presenter for Leadership Berks at the Wyndham Hotel, Reading, Pa. The presentation explored Robert Greenleaf ’s concept of leadership and his argument that the purpose of business is to continually strive to become greater social assets.
Beth A. Berret, Ed.D., SPHR Associate Professor of Business
Presentation “Planning In Reverse” Implementing Planning In Reverse in corporate entities that have recently completed mergers and acquisitions. Co-authored and co-presented for Red Lion Controls, Inc. York, Pa, with Drs. Scott Ballantyne and Mary Ellen Wells. Presentation adapted from our book “Planning In Reverse” published in February 2011 by Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. Presentation “Planning In Reverse” Co-authored with Drs. Scott Ballantyne, and Mary Ellen Wells, and presented as a Faculty Panel presentation at the Literary Festival October 16, 2012. The PIR approach, as presented by the authors, introduced a process of improving strategic planning using short term information and employee engagement to increase the long term viability of organizations.
Dolores Bertoti, MSPT
Associate Professor and Chair of Allied Health and Human Services Publication “Brunnstrom’s Clinical Kinesiology, ed 6” This Gold edition of the classic text in Clinical Kinesiology, co-authored with Peggy Houghlum (Duquesne University) was published in 2012 by FA Davis Company in Philadelphia. The First Indian edition has recently been published (2012) by Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Ltd, New Delhi, India. Presentation “Putting the Learner in the Driver’s Seat: Interdisciplinary Team and Peer-Led Teaching as an Approach to Capstone Work: Benefits and Challenges” Presented at the 2013 Maui International Education Conference in Maui, Hawaii, on Jan. 3, 2013, this presentation described employing two collaborative studentcentered learning strategies in a capstone Athletic Training research course: team teaching and peer-led learning, employing experiential active learning, discovery learning, questioning with focused distress, syllabus negotiation and student empowerment. Presentation “Where’s the Evidence? Guiding Students from Senior Umbrage through Disillusionment and finally to Professional Competence: Critical Appraisal of “Best Practice” in Capstone Work” Presented at the 2012 European College Teaching and Learning Conference in Rome, Italy, June 2012, this presentation described an andogogical approach challenging students to question “best practice” by subjecting to critical appraisal. The process included the creation of distressed disillusionment, shaped by the instructor using discovery learning, guiding through a final year “identity crisis,” embracing evidence based practice. Performance Development of Healthcare Science major A new major in Healthcare Science was developed to meet the broad array of opportunities in the healthcare field. Acknowledging today’s rapidly changing healthcare field and the plethora of information available for individual healthcare consumers, knowledge in Healthcare Science offers a valuable asset to individuals, groups and communities.
Peggy Bowen-Hartung, Ph.D., CTS Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Chair of Institutional Review Board Chair of Department of Psychology and Counseling
Presentation “Bringing a Leadership Research and Development Perspective to Emergency Preparedness in Higher Education” Co-presented with Alvernia Ph.D. in Leadership student, Tracey Brown, at the International Leadership Association 2013 Oceania Conference, Auckland, New Zealand. This paper reviewed a potential connection between transformational leadership and emergency preparedness. It also evaluated established best practices for emergency preparedness plans. Presentation “Institutional Review Boards in Doctoral Level Programs with a Focus on Leadership Programs” Co-presented with Dr. Tufan Tiglioglu and Alvernia Ph.D. in Leadership student, Tracey Brown, at the International Leadership Association Meeting, Denver, Colo. This paper described the relationship of IRBs and Doctorate of Leadership programs. Both procedural and curricular issues were discussed. Suggestions for updated best practices were made. Presentation “A Meta-Analysis of Tribal Court Structures and Procedures across Tribal Judicial Systems in the United States” Co-presented with Alvernia Ph.D. in Leadership student, Tracey Brown, at the 50th Annual Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Meeting, Dallas, Texas. This paper explored the structure and policies of tribal courts in civil and criminal cases. Punishments used, and roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys were discussed. Presentation “Restorative Justice Through the Arts” Co-presented with Alvernia criminal justice student, Thomas Hall, at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Dallas, Texas. This paper explored the importance of arts in Restorative Justice including descriptions of programs that provide arts and art therapy for juvenile offenders. Performance Chair of Conference Session, “Assessment and Evaluation of Specialty Courts” at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Dallas, Texas.
Samuel M. Bradley, DBA Assistant Professor of Business
Presentation “Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility and Low Pricing in Discount Retailing” Presented at the Academy of Business Research Fall Conference in Atlantic City, N.J., this presentation discussed the relative influence of perceived corporate social responsibility as compared to low pricing the selection to patronize a discount department store.
Vera Brancato, Ed.D., MSN, RN Professor of Nursing
Presentation “Developing an Educational Clinical Practicum to Assist in Translating Evidence-Based Research into Practice to Improve Patient Care” Presented at the Berks Regional Nursing Research Alliance’s 3rd Annual Nursing Research and Evidence-based Best Practices Symposium: The Science of Caring on October 24, 2012, this presentation describes the process of developing and implementing an educational practicum for the RN to BSN student. Presentation “Advocacy, Politics, and Action for Nurses” Co-presented with the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association on April 27, 2013 for the Greater Reading Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, this program was designed to assist nurses to develop the knowledge and skills to improve advocacy for patients, nurses and healthcare.
Karen Ann V. Cameron, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
Presentation “Promoting Student Confidence and Competence Through Service Learning” Presented at the September 2012 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association’s Annual Conference in Lancaster, Pa. The findings of the quantitative quasi-experimental design research study examine the use of service-learning to promote the development of professional competence and confidence in occupational therapy students. Presentation “Job Satisfaction Among Occupational Therapists” Presented at the September 2012 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association’s Annual Conference, the findings of the quantitative survey design study examine the levels of satisfaction among the different practice areas within the occupational therapy profession and those factors that impacted upon satisfaction.
Installation Member of the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators Serves as an ongoing member of the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Installation Accreditation Team Chair and Content Expert for Pennsylvania Department of Education Served as a team chairperson and content expert for initial occupational therapy program accreditation review and onsite visit for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Bryan Dreibelbis, CMA, CFM Associate Professor of Business
Presentation “Was Reading the First Detroit?” In late October 2012, Dreibelbis presented this seminar for the Alvernia University Seniors College. The presentation focused on the prominence of the early motor vehicle industry in Reading from 1900-1925, the manufacturers who thrived and those whose success was short-lived.
Joseph Leon Elder, Ed.D.
Catherine Emery, Ph.D.(c), MS, OTR/L
Grant Alvernia Innovation Grant Dr. Elder received an Alvernia Innovation Grant titled “Principal Internship Web-folio Program.” The funds were used to develop the Alvernia Leadership ePortfolio for use in the Principal’s Certification Program. Presentation “The Efficacy of Leadership ePortfolios During the Principal Internship” Dr. Elder presented this paper at the annual meeting of Northeastern Research Association in Rocky Point, Conn.
Publication “Scholarship in Real Time: Use of Assignments to Achieve Scholarship of Teaching” This article is an exploration of Boyer’s Scholarship of Teaching as applied in a course assignment within the allied health professions. This use of assignments to develop scholarship bridges the time gap created by expectations for tenure-track faculty to achieve teaching excellence and scholarly work.
Assistant Professor of Education
Publication “Mahara ePortfolios Used for Training K-12 Principals” Dr. Elder authored this newsletter article for the Mahara Newsletter in New Zealand. Publication “Creating Deep Learning Through ePortfolios for PreProfessional K-12 Principals” Dr. Elder authored this article for the ASCD Express, an online publication of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Arlington, Va. Presentation “Changing the Culture: Looking through the Lens of Inclusion” Co-presented this symposium with Drs. Ann Marie Licata and Steven Melnick, at the annual meeting of the New England Educational Research Organization in Portsmith, N.H. Presentation “How to implement ePortfolios for the Promotion of Deep learning at little to No Cost” Drs. Joseph Elder and Steven Melnick conducted this preconference workshop at the annual meeting of the New England Educational research organization in Portsmith, N.H. Presentation “Converting a Traditional Course into an Online Format: Lessons learned from a Faculty Perspective” Co-presented with Miroslaw Liwosz, Michael Nerino, and Dr. Ann Marie Licata at the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities (OCICU) Conference, Chicago, Ill.
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Anne M. Fink, Ph.D., RN, CNE Assistant Professor of Nursing
Reviewer Dr. Fink was selected to be a reviewer for “MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing.” MCN is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes clinically relevant practice and research manuscripts aimed at assisting nurses toward evidence-based practice in maternal/child nursing, women’s health, and family nursing. Presentation “Surviving on the Path to your Dissertation” Dr. Fink offered this podium presentation at the Doctoral Research Conference at Villanova University College of Nursing, Villanova, Pa., June 5, 2012. Presentation “The “Red Wolf:” Nursing Care for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” Dr. Fink was a speaker for The Reading Health System’s 2012 Community Lecture Series for Nurses: Contact Hours and Coffee on the clinical topic of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The event was held at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading, Pa., October 13, 2012.
Deborah A. Greenawald, Ph.D., RN, PA-CSN, CNE
Woosoon Kim, Ph.D.
Presentation “Thriving, not just Surviving: Effective Strategies for NCLEX-RN Book Camp” Along with colleagues Dr. Karen Thacker and Robyne Eisenhauer, this presentation at the HRSA Nursing Summit “Nursing in 3D: Workforce Diversity, Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health,” focused on the results of an innovative project done with senior level nursing students at Alvernia and supported by a HRSA Grant.
Presentation “Psychic income and college students’ college satisfaction from their football team.” Co-presented with Dr. Michael Sagas, a professor at the University of Florida, at the North American Society for Sport Management conference in Seattle. Kim and Sagas developed a valid and reliable scale to measure how big-time college students’ psychic income from their football team influences their college satisfaction.
Associate Professor of Nursing Pre-licensure BSN Program Coordinator
Presentation “Understanding Reflection from the Perspective of Baccalaureate Nursing Students” This presentation was done at the 18th Qualitative Health Research Conference in Montreal, Calif., with an international and interprofessional audience. The interdisciplinary scope of qualitative healthcare research was highlighted throughout the conference and this presentation prompted discussions with others on how reflection is used in various educational and practice settings.
Edgar J. Hartung, M.A., JD Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Presentation “Patriot Act: Concerns about Infringement on Constitutional Rights” Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, New York, March 2012. Presentation expressed concerns about the United States Government circumventing Amendment IV of the United States Constitution via the Patriot Act, all in the name of protecting us against acts of terrorism. Presentation “Possession of Firearms by United States Citizens” Presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Dallas, Texas, March 2013. Amendment II of the United States Constitution guarantees citizens of the United States the right to possess firearms, or does Amendment II only apply to “a well regulated Militia”?
Assistant Professor of Business
Ann Marie Licata, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Education
Presentation “Community Participation ITP Goals and Avenues that Sustain Involvement Beyond Graduation” Co-presented with Dr. Mary Schreiner at the annual Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children, in Harrisburg, Pa., November 9, 2012, this presentation provided facts and resources on transition goals for youth with Individual Education Plans. Publication “Children with Intellectual Disabilities: Focus on Down Syndrome...A Case Study” Dr. Licata authored a case study for Dolores Bertoti and Dr. Mary Schreiner’s chapter in the 4th edition of JS Tecklin’s Pediatric Physical Therapy. The case study describes Licata’s experiences with parenting children with Down syndrome. Presentation “Converting a Traditional Course into an Online Format; Lessons Learned from a Faculty Perspective” Co-presented with Dr. Joseph Elder, Miroslaw Liwosz, and Michael Nerino at the 7th annual Online Consortium for Independent Colleges and Universities Conference, April 2013.
John Lichtenwalner, LSW
Academic Field Coordinator and Instructor of Social Work Presentation “Social work students’ self-efficacy before & after field experience” Co-presented at the annual conference of the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, S.C., this presentation compared the self-efficacy of undergraduate students in various areas of social work practice before and after their first field experience.
Rosemary C. McFee, M.Ed. Instructor of Criminal Justice
Presentation “Schools and Clubs: Who Benefits?” Presented at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Annual Conference in New York, March 16, 2012, this presentation examined specific school clubs and the effects of leadership and communication skills on students involved in the Juvenile Court System. Presentation “The Impact of Community Collaborations” Presented at the Pennsylvania District Convention of Kiwanis International in Indiana, Pa., August 17, 2012, and at the Pennsylvania District Mid-Winter Conference of Kiwanis International, March 3, 2012 in State College, Pa. These presentations focused on the effects of community collaborations on the Juvenile Justice System.
Steven A. Melnick, Ph.D. Professor of Education Chair of Education Department
Award “Thomas F. Donlan Award for Distinguished Mentoring” Dr. Melnick was presented this award by the Northeastern Educational Research Association at its annual meeting. The award recognizes someone who is highly supportive of his mentees, knowledgeable of his field, and exhibits care and concern for his colleagues and students.
Publication “Measuring the Reader Self-Perceptions of Adolescents: Introducing the RSPS2” Dr. Melnick co-authored this featured journal article in the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, a premier journal of the International Reading Association. Presentation “Parental Involvement and Expectations for Children with an IEP” This paper was co-presented with Dr. Ann Marie Licata at the annual meeting of the Northeastern Educational Research Association in Rocky Point, Conn. Presentation “How to Implement ePortfolios for the Promotion of Deep Learning at Little to No Cost” Co-presented this pre-conference workshop with Dr. Joseph Elder at the annual meeting of the New England Educational Research Organization in Portsmouth, N.H.
Presentation “Changing the Culture: Looking Through the Lens of Inclusion” Along with Drs. Ann Marie Licata and Steven Melnick, this symposium was presented at the annual meeting of the New England Educational Research Organization in Portsmouth N.H. Presentation “Teacher Training and Development in the American Education System” Dr. Melnick was a keynote speaker at the International Symposium on Teacher Training and Development in Turkey as a guest of Usak University and the Turkish Ministry of National Education.
Kathleen Muzevich, Ed.D. Assistant Professor of Education
Publication “Evaluating Children’s Emergent Writing: An Assessment Tool for Early Childhood Educators” Representing three years of research and writing, this book was specifically written for kindergarten and first grade teachers for their use in evaluating the emergent writing of their students. The book was published in August 2012, by Universal Publishing and has been warmly received by teachers in the field. Presentation “Evaluating the Writing of Our Youngest Learners: Measuring the Common Core Standards” This presentation, made at the 50th Annual Florida Reading Association conference in Orlando, Fla., on October 20, 2012, focused on Dr. Muzevich’s writing assessment research. Participants learned about her writing rubric and used it to practice scoring K-1 student writing samples. Connections to the Common Core Standards were made.
Thomas G. Porrazzo, LAT, ATC, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Athletic Training
Publication “Healthcare Science Major” A new major in Healthcare Science was developed to meet the broad array of opportunities in the healthcare field. Acknowledging today’s rapidly changing healthcare field and the plethora of information available for individual healthcare consumers, knowledge in Healthcare Science offers a valuable asset to individuals, groups and communities.
Mary B. Schreiner, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education
Presentation “Universal Design, Self-advocacy,” and “How can we better prepare for the success of college-bound individuals with disabilities?” Dr. Schreiner presented at the April Council for Exceptional Children international convention about principles of Universal Design as it can be implemented in a college classroom as well as how self-advocating and self-monitoring can influence college performance.
Tufan Tiglioglu, Ph.D. Associate Professor in Business
Presentation “Institutional Review Boards in Doctoral Level Programs with a Focus on Leadership Programs” Co-presented a paper with Dr. Peggy Bowen-Hartung and Ph.D. student Tracey Brown at the International Leadership Association’s 14th Annual Global Conference held in Denver, Colo., October 2012.
Presentation “The Economic Impact of Alvernia University” Presented this paper at the Pennsylvania Economics Assoc. annual conference at Clarion University, Clarion, Pa., May 31-June 2, 2012. Presentation “Estimation Window and the Power of Event Study” Co-presented this paper with Dr. Liang Ding at the Pennsylvania Economics Association annual conference at Clarion University, Clarion, Pa., May 31-June 2, 2012. Presentation “Estimation Window and the Power of Event Study” Co-presented this paper with Dr. Liang Ding at the Academy of Business Research Conference in September 2012. Grant Faculty Excellence Grants Received Faculty Excellence Grants through Alvernia University’s Development and Research Committee for three research projects.
Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM
Kathleen Z. Wisser, Ph.D., RN, CPHQ, CNE
Publication “The Supreme Court as Prometheus: Breathing Life into the Corporate Supercitizen” Co-authored with Robert Sprague, this article was published in the fall 2012 volume of the American Business Law Journal, a blind, peer reviewed journal with less than 5% acceptance rate. The article examines the corporate personhood approach taken by the Supreme Court in the Citizen’s United case.
Award “Certified Nurse Educator” Certification establishes nursing education as a specialty area of practice and creates a means for faculty to demonstrate their expertise in this role. It communicates to students, peers, and the academic and healthcare communities that the highest standards of excellence are being met.
Associate Professor of Business
Presentation “Implementing Planning in Reverse in corporate entities that have recently completed mergers or acquisitions” Co-presented in February 2012 for Red Lion Controls, Inc., York, Pa., this presentation was adapted from the book “Planning in Reverse” published February 2011 by Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, and co-authored with Drs. Scott Ballantyne and Beth Berret. Presentation “Planning In Reverse” Co-authored with Drs. Scott Ballantyne and Beth Berret, PIR was offered as a Faculty Panel presentation at the Literary Festival, October 16, 2012. The PIR approach, as presented by the authors, introduces a process of improving strategic planning using short term information and employee engagement to increase the long term viability of organizations. Installation Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Passed the Pennsylvania Bar examination and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Alvernia University Board of Trustees CHAIR Joanne M. Judge, Esq. Stevens & Lee, LLP Attorney/Shareholder
PRESIDENT Thomas F. Flynn, Ph.D. Alvernia University
UNIVERSITY COUNSEL Heidi Masano, Esq. idi Masano Bradley Managing Partner PartnerHe S E C R E TA R Y Sr. Danielle Marie Kubelsky, OSF Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Coordinator of Health Benefits & Government Programs
VICE CHAIR Kevin F. St.Cyr CommScope Senior Vice President, Enterprise Solutionsr
TRUSTEES EMERITI
The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters James Boscov The Hon. Mary Ann Campbell Salvatore M. Cutrona, Sr. Jess F. Cwiklinski Raymond Dee P. Michael Ehlerman
Frank A. Franco, M.D. Bernard Fromm John W. Gruber, M.D. Carolyn R. and T. Jerome Holleran Leroy Kline (deceased) Rev. Msgr. Felix A. Losito (deceased) The Hon. Linda K.M. Ludgate ’77
The Hon. Thomas McMahon Janice Miller Carole Neag Dick Tschiderer (deceased) Chester M. Winters Robert T. Wright
Frances A. Aitken, CPA Berks County Community Foundation General Partner
Steve Elmarzouky Islamic Center of Reading President
Michael A. Mullen SFS Intec, Inc. President, North American Operations
Carl G. Anderson, Jr. Cannondale Partners, LLC Chairman & CEO
Michael Fromm Fromm Electric Supply Corp. President & Chief Executive Officer
Chris Pruitt East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. Exec. VP of Sales, Finance, & Administration
Charles Barbera, M.D., M ’01 Reading Hospital and Medical Center Chair, Emergency Medicine
Kevin Georgetti, Esq. ’85 Broadway National Bank Vice President & General Counsel
Richard A. Purcell, CPA ParenteBeard, LLC Partner
Most Rev. John O. Barres, S.T.D, J.C.L., D.D. Bishop of Allentown
Carl D. Herbein Herbein & Company, Inc. CEO & Founding Partner
Deanna Reuben ’79 Studio for the Musical Arts Owner
Carol L. Hinds, Ph.D. Mount St. Mary’s University Professor
George Rice, Jr. ’85 APCO, Intl. Executive Director
Sister Mary Margaret Jackson, OSF Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Local Minister, St. Joseph’s Villa
Don Schalk C.H. Briggs Company President/Chief Operating Officer
Cynthia Boscov Community Volunteer Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, S.T.D. St. Bonaventure University President William H. Combs, III Draka USA Vice President, Business Development Sr. Marilisa Helena daSilva, OSF Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Congregational Minister Michelle M. Davis Community Volunteer Robert Davis Vist Financial Corp. President & CEO Timothy Dietrich Barley Snyder, LLC Attorney, Managing Partner
Sister Antoinette Keiser, OSF, ’71 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Congregational Councilor
James C. Sweeney Distributed Systems Services President
Steven S. Keiser ’80 Real Estate Entrepreneur
John D. Wanner, CAE ’82 Wanner Associates, Inc. President
Kathleen W. Kleppinger ’83 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Vice President, Wealth Management
Alfred J. Weber Tweed-Weber, Inc. President
Thomas W. Martell Hub Fabricating Company Owner and CEO (retired)
Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson, OSF ’69 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
Robert J. McCormack ’82, M’09 Murphy McCormack Business Group, LLC President
Benjamin Zintak, II Zecco, Inc. President
Director, McGlinn Conference Center
400 Saint Bernardine Street Reading, Pennsylvania 19607 888-alvernia www.alvernia.edu