06Fall Alumni Herald

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

1 Subject

ESU Alumni Herald

Alumni Herald

Fall 2006 2006 Fall Volume 19, No. No. 22 Volume 19,

Sam ’82 and Linda-Lee Troiani ’83 Niedbala: Leading the way for the first Comprehensive Campaign - Page 24

TODAY’S DREAM, TOMORROW’S REALITY

Retiring Professor Thatcher ’69, M’70 leaves legacy of student accomplishment - Page 36 Science and Technology Center Is Under Way - Page 23

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1/9/2007 3:00:16 PM

From the President’s Desk

ESU Alumni Herald

Opening Remarks Dear Friends, This magazine is an excellent means to catch up on what has been happening at the university. It is entirely fitting that the cover feature in this first issue of the new magazine style format is the inspiring story of alumni Sam and Linda Niedbala. It is a classic entrepreneurial tale which I feel embodies the true spirit of your university.

Other highlights inside include: • Alumni Association honors, Alumni Day coverage and Homecoming coverage • Spotlight on alumnus Darrin Lamont Byrd ’91, who is an up and coming international musical theater performer • Feature on retired Distinguished Professor of Athletic Training John Thatcher ’69, M’70 A few of the highlights that a visit to your university would reveal are: A tremendous amount of student activity, with a new record number of students (over 7,000) ; major construction activity on the new Science and Technology Center; dynamic academic initiatives such as a new organismal biology laboratory/indigenous animals exhibit; and visits by speakers as prominent as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations and 1960s activist Angela Davis.

Most of you received the university’s Annual Report, a 16-month ESU photo calendar which features photographs and other highlights of the past year.

Among those highlights is the groundbreaking for the

Dr. Dillman at groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Science and Technology Building.

(Perry Hebard photo)

Science and Technology Center and the kick-off of the public phase of the Comprehensive Campaign. You will read more about this exciting project inside, and you can view the progress of the construction by clicking on the web cam on the ESU home page.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of your university. Please let us know what you think of the new Alumni Herald magazine format.

Alumni Herald

Robert J. Dillman, Ph.D. University President

The Alumni Herald is the official publication for East Stroudsburg University’s Alumni and is published three times a year.

Please address all correspondence to:

Isaac W. Sanders, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement

Alumni Relations East Stroudsburg University 200 Prospect St. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Editor John J. Ross Director of Alumni Engagement

570-422-3533 800-775-8975 Fax: 570-422-3301

Design Sheree B. Watson Office of University Relations

E-Mail: alumni@esu.edu Web site: http://esualumni.org

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Sincerely,

Robert J. Dillman President

Contributors David Bracetty, Amanda Bruck ’06, Jessica Cohen, Vincent Dent, Regina Diverio, Michelle Dramé, Perry Hebard, David Hooper ’05 Bob Kelley ’71, Christina Fenton Mace ’00 Pete Nevins M’84, Rita M. Plotnicki ’72 Tania Ramirez, Samantha Robinson, John J. Ross, Michelle Rupp, Douglas F. Smith, Ryan Yanoshak M’05

Notice of Nondiscrimination East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, veteran status, disability or age in its programs and activities in accordance with state and federal laws. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this policy: Director of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, 200 Prospect Street, 115 Reibman Building, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, 570-4223656.

1/9/2007 3:01:27 PM

Table of Contents 1

Fall 2006

Office of University Advancement Ahnert Alumni Center 800-775-8975 http://advancement.esu.edu Isaac W. Sanders, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director, ESU Foundation Laurie Schaller Executive Staff Assistant Carolyn Bolt Assistant Vice President for Development Tonya Williams Administrative Assistant for Development John J. Ross Director of Alumni Engagement

Tania Ramirez Alumni Relations Secretary Vincent Dent Director of Major Gifts/Planned Giving Robert Kelley ’71 Major Gifts/Planned Giving Officer Cynthia Lavin Major Gifts / Planned Giving Secretary Christina Fenton Mace ’00 Coordinator of Annual Funds

Teresa Werkheiser Coordinator of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Board of Directors Roger L. DeLarco ’80 President Lisa Rinaldi Lewis ’80 Vice President Virginia H. Sten ’71 Secretary

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Alumnus Scores With Musical Theatre

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Together again are, from left, Theo Gilbert, Dr. James Jackson, Oscar Squire, Darrin Byrd ’91, retired ESU Professor Neal Simpson, and Garth Partee. Byrd came to ESU last spring to conduct programs for performing arts students.

Alumni Awards ..............................................................................................2-3 Alumni Day ...................................................................................................4-5 Alumni Tony ’69 and Pat Lythgoe ’68 McMunn Host ESU Interns in Ireland ...14 Barniak Award Goes to Shoudt ’64, Snyder ’58 .............................................39 Hall of Fame: Record Number Are Inducted ............................................. 38-39 Homecoming ............................................................................................12-13 Soccer Success: Phil Wheddon ’94 ...............................................................22 Science and Technology Center Construction Under Way ...............................23 Departments

John Shewchuk Database Manager

Mona Uathavikul Accountant

24

Niedbalas lead the way for Comprehensive Campaign.

Features

Michelle Dramé Coordinator of Alumni Services

Roberta Russell Secretary/Receptionist

Cover Story

Births ...................................................................................33 Engagements ................................................................. 28-30 Gatherings & Events ......................................................... 8-11 Giving Opportunities .............................. 40, inside back cover In Memoriam................................................................. 34, 35 Message from President Dillman ..................inside front cover Upcoming Events .................................................... back cover Weddings ....................................................................... 30-33 “Who’s Doing What”........................................................15-21

Laura P. Baatz ’00 DeWitt “Chip” A. Blunden ’82 Suzanne A. Chludzinski ’90 Nicholas L. DiGregory ’76 Dr. Anthony L. Drago ’76 Eugenia S. Eden ’72 Robert C. Edwards ’55 Dr. Betty Collins Henrie ’44 Patricia Alberts Hibschman ’62 Robert A. Kearn ’58 Gerald D. Keyser ’59 Susan B. Koomar ’88 Deborah A. Kulick ’80 John T. Lambert ’54 Jessee W. Landon ’81 Ted E. Martz ’47

Mark J. Mecca ’96 Maurice J. Molin ’76 Charles J. Morton ’64 Gina Rodriguez Morton ‘98 James B. Nesbitt, Jr. ’74 “Pinky” O’Neil-Seiler ’57 James “Rocky” Rogers ’85 Mike J. Romano, Jr. ’74 Dr. Faye Dallmeyer Soderberg ’58 Irving “Itch” Sommer ’50 Holli A. VanHook ’93 Timothy M. Weisse ’74

Heart of a Warrior John Thatcher ’69, M’70

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Emeriti Bryan L Hill ’71 James “Pat” Hyde ’63 Phyllis M. Kirschner ’63 Dr. Frank Michael Pullo ’73 John E. Woodling ’68

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Alumni Awards

ESU Alumni Herald

A League of Extraordinary Ladies and Gentlemen

Alumni Association Honors Five Very Special People for Their Exceptional Contributions, Abilities, Humanitarian Work or Teaching

Conrad “Skip” Idukas Service Award: Meghann J. Healy ’02 This award is presented to someone who has made a significant contribution to the university and/or Alumni Association through exceptional volunteer service.

Megh Healy graduated from ESU with a degree in elementary education in December 2002. Returning to pursue her graduate degree, Megh had the pleasure of working for the Residence Life Department as a graduate assistant hall director in Lenape and Monroe Residence Halls. Her only year living in Monroe happened to be the 64th and final year it served as a residence hall. Along with curMeghann J. Healy ’02 and her rent and previous residents of Monmother, Cynthia Goodman roe Hall, Megh celebrated the end of a tradition in closing the all-male hall by organizing a memory book, a commemorative T-shirt, and open houses. Megh is now the director of performing ensembles for a non-profit youth organization in Allentown. 

Young Alumni Award: David J. DeNotaris ’92 This award is presented to a recent graduate who demonstrated exceptional ability and made significant strides in his/her chosen profession or whose extraordinary accomplishments have brought honor to the university and pride to alumni.

Diagnosed as a child David J. DeNotaris ’92, his wife, Mariann Serano DeNo- with retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease that taris ’92, his mother, and his son, David, Jr. leads to blindness, David struggled to maintain a fully functional life as his condition worsened

with age. He later found solace and support from many as an ESU student. This served as a catalyst to the enormous success he has had today. In 1989, David won the International Power Lifting Award in Ottawa, Canada. He has written a best-selling book titled “Feeling Your Way Through Life,” and has become a formidable motivational speaker for top Fortune 500 companies. Also, David has been featured in numerous television and radio programs and remains active in speaking engagements to help motivate others. 

Humanitarian Award: Maryellen McGee ’69 This award is presented to an ESU graduate who has exhibited meritorious participation in a significant act or operation of a humanitarian nature.

Maryellen broke down the barriers that existed for families adopting children from China. She worked tirelessly to open international communication and make it easier for Chinese children to be welcomed into U.S. homes, particularly in her New England Area.

Maryellen quickly became the person, having gone through the process twice, whom families would turn to when they needed advice on navigating the bureaucracies involved.

When adoptions from China were temporarily halted in 1993 so the Chinese government could review international adoptions, she helped bring together newly adoptive families with emissaries (to investigate how the adoptions were proceeding) from the Chinese government. Ms. McGee would bring families who had adopted children from China together to emphasize Chinese culture, as with the annual Chinese New Year celebration. She helped found the New England branch of Families with Children from China, which now includes over 1,000 families. Sadly, she died last year from cancer, and leaves behind her two daughters. 

Perry Hebard photos

Fall 2006

Alumni Awards

Great Teacher Award: Lois E. Wagner M’71

Helen G. Brown ’37 Honor Award: Salome Thomas-El ’86

This award is presented to active or retired faculty members with superior teaching ability and extraordinary commitment to students at ESU. Lois, a professor in the Movement Studies and Exercise Science Department, worked at ESU for 36 years before her retirement in 2004.

While at ESU she received the Outstanding Service Award from the Varsity S Club twice Lois E. Wagner M’71 for her athletic training. She was also one of 35 finalists for athletic trainers for the 1972 U.S. Olympic teams. So respected in her field, she was the first woman inducted into the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society Hall of Fame in 2004. Part of a Letter of Commendation from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association reads, “You have been one of the pioneers in our field. Your time, efforts, and contributions to not only the field of athletic training but to the role of women in athletic training are greatly appreciated.”

Lois has publications, presentations and professional contributions too numerous to mention. She has also been active with the Monroe Unit of the American Cancer Society. Lois even was a member of five mission teams to Cuba to deliver medicine and do community projects. She stays involved with Warrior athletics and its Hall of Fame. 

This award is presented to an ESU alumnus/a whose extraordinary accomplishments in life have brought honor to the university and pride to alumni.

Salome was born and raised in the inner city of Philadelphia and taught in its school district since 1987. He received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle Salome Thomas-El ’86 School, where his students have been eighttime National Chess Champions. Armed with only a chess board and a profound belief in their potential, Salome has motivated hundreds of children to continue their education.

He has received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Ursinus College, the Marcus A. Foster Award as the outstanding School District Administrator in Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania’s distinguished Martin Luther King Award. Salome frequently appears on C-SPAN, CNN and NPR Radio. His students were featured in Reader’s Digest, Education Week, NEA Today and Black Enterprise Magazine.

Salome is the author of the best-selling book “I Choose to Stay,” released in March 2003 and purchased by the Walt Disney Company for movie rights. He is principal at Stoddart Fleisher Middle School in Philadelphia and coordinates after-school chess programs. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and daughters. 

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Ahnert Alumni Center East Stroudsburg University 200 Prospect Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 FAX: (570) 422-3301 or E-mail: alumni@esu.edu

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your name graduation year your name at graduation your major your home address home and work phone numbers ◊ e-mail addresses Photos may be sent by e-mail or by mail. Please identify everyone in the photo.

Space limitations restrict us

to publishing only “Who’s Doing What,” wedding and engagement photos.

New baby photos will only be used if ESU alumni are also in the photograph. “Who’s Doing What” news may be featured on the ESU Web site unless you advise us otherwise.

The “Who’s Doing What,” Weddings, Engagements, and Births sections in the Alumni Herald are a report on the

happenings in the lives of ESU alumni.

The information we collect comes from alumni and from various media sources and we believe it is accurate. The Herald does not discriminate against anyone for any reason nor does it reflect the views or attitudes of ESU or its Alumni Association. Any editing that takes place is done solely for the purpose of clarity and /or length.

ESU Alumni Herald

Alumni Day

Over 30 members from the Class of ’56 returned to campus to celebrate their golden anniversary. Those who attended the lunch are pictured with their 50th anniversary medallions and President Dillman were (L-R) first row: Joan Wentz, Mary “Mike” (Lipton) Hill, Josephine A. Spencer, Harriet Davis Hall, Joan (Chariton) Farrar, President Dillman, Marie Latourette Bartron, Nancy Kern, Bev “BJ” (Woods) Stevens and Mae (Frederick) Jubinsky. Second row: Jean

“Liz” McDonnell-Kee, Charlie Mitke, Karl Schnure, William Morgan, Angela (Bacinelli) Cobb, Clayton Kern, Michaeline Wojcikowski and Regina (Lamson) Williams. Third row: Johanne “Jo” Smith, Rita (Fisher) Blyler, Clyde L. Sweigart, Vincent Tomeo and John McKinney. Fourth row: Kathryn (Jones) Sorensen, Florence Brizzy, Lee Hill, H.J. “Dink” Deibler, Ed Smith, “Jim Bob” Ealey, Philip Jones, Don Griffith and Lew Judy.

Alumni Day 2006

Hundreds returned to campus on June 2 and 3 to reunite and reminisce. Highlights of the weekend included a Hawaiian Luau on Friday night to kick off the weekend, and an art show and farewell reception on Saturday to close the festivities. Of course the most important part of the weekend was seeing friends, as evidenced by the montage of photos on these pages.

Phil Jones ’56 shows off his socks that are more than 50 years old.

Jones was part of the “Booee Boys,” whose socks were handmade by sweethearts.

Perry Hebard photos

Fall 2006

Alumni Day

At right, Beverly “BJ” Woods Stevens ’56 is greeted by President Dillman and presented with her 50th anniversary medallion. One of the highlights of the weekend was hospitality that the president and his wife showed at their residence in a special reception and presentation.

Above, John Ross, director of alumni engagement, is shown an early postcard of East Stroudsburg Normal School

by Florence “Lem” Brizzy ’56.

At left, Harriet (Davis) Hall ’56 and George Hall ’58 found the Fountain of Youth at the luau and look just like they did when they were in school!

Class of ’56 buddies Lee Hill, Clyde Sweigart, and Karl Henthorn reminisced for hours at the Hawaiian Luau.

The Alumni Association bestowed a top honor to John E. Woodling ’68 (inset) and Bryan L. Hill ’71 (at left with current President Roger DeLarco ’80) by selecting them to be emeriti board members based on their decades of service and leadership roles. Bryan served on the board since 1983 and was president from 1995-2004. In addition to his alumni service, he was the voice of the Warriors for over 30 years.

Professionally recognized for his leadership in the field of corrections, he served as president of the American Jail Association and is active in numerous community organizations including the Boy Scouts. He is the District 3 superintendent of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. John began serving on the board in 1982 and was vice president from 1986 to 2004, except for 1987-88 when he served a year as president. He also served as chairman of the Grants Committee. John is the director of the Monroe County Planning Commission.

Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight

How do you get to

ESU Alumni Herald

Broadway?

Audition, audition, audition!

ESU grad Darrin Lamont Byrd ’91 passed up football, scored with musical theater

By Rita M. Plotnicki ’72 “Once upon a time, about 20 years ago, I was you,” Darrin Lamont Byrd, ’91, told the high school and college students participating in a musical theatre audition workshop at East Stroudsburg University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center in April.

“You can create the life that you want,” he added.

“Be confident and go for a performing career, especially if you know that nothing else will make you happy.”

The musical theatre audition workshop was the first event of a week-long residency at his alma mater for Byrd, a musical theatre veteran currently starring as Mufasa in the Hamburg, Germany production of The Lion King.

He also gave two talks on the business aspects of musical theatre and two concerts: one a musical theatre concert featuring Byrd and the second with the University Jazz Ensemble as its featured soloist.

Byrd’s residency was sponsored by a grant from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.

The tone of the week’s residency was

set in the audition workshop as Byrd mixed advice and examples from his ESU experiences and his 15 years as a musical theatre performer.

“When I started out, I didn’t like auditioning,” Byrd told the group, “but then I figured out that you have to love auditioning to be successful. Preparation is the key and you need to start long before the audition. Presentation is important—walk in and take the room. Your posture is important. Be confident; know your purpose.

If you’re not there to book the gig, stay home.

“When I first got to New York, I went to EVERY audition,” he said, “even one for Mary Poppins.” Byrd chuckled and added, “now what was I going to do in Mary Poppins? Years later, however, I got a call from that director offering me a part that I was right for in the Canadian production of Five Guys Named Moe.” From Five Guys Named Moe Byrd went on to play major roles in Big River, Dreamgirls, the world tour of Riverdance and his current engagement.

In all of his presentations, Byrd talked about how his ESU experiences shaped his career. “I came to ESU in the summer of 1985 to play football,” he noted, “but playing college level football really hurt.” In the spring of 1986 he chanced upon an audition for Of Mice and Men in ESU’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, read for a role and got the part.

Parts in other ESU productions followed.

“Professors Jay Brennan and Rob Howell challenged me to be the best that I could

There is a nurturing atmosphere here with professors who care and

Fall 2006

Alumni Spotlight

Darrin Byrd, right, audition workshop participants, and supporting performers take a bow at the end of “An Evening of Musical Theatre.” Performers include: Erin Dent ’10; April Field (community); Dawn Rother (community); Dennis Carrig (Byrd’s long-time friend and co-owner of The Deerhead Inn); Jason Zimmer ’06; Ryan Groff, a senior theatre major from Perkasie; Regina Sayles ’03; Lindsey M. Buffa ’05; Mike Rogusky ’06; Irwin Antoine (community); Jenell Anne Manzi, a sophomore theatre major from Mount Bethel; Michelle Buzzelli (community); and Heather Werline, a senior theatre major from Levittown.

be,” Byrd noted, and, after changing his major three times, graduated from ESU with a degree in theatre in 1991.

While at ESU, Byrd, who enjoyed singing while growing up in Newark and Harrisburg, joined the Concert Choir and met the director, Terry L. Flatt, associate professor of music. “Professor Flatt taught me how to use my voice, how to breathe properly, and he also believed in me,” Byrd said. “He inspired me to go forward.”

The mentoring relationship that developed between the two continues to this day. “I saw talent and ability and I also saw a warm, outgoing personality. He always took music and theatre seriously,” Flatt said. “My wife and I look on Darrin as part of the family, like an adopted son.”

Neal Simpson, retired head of ESU’s Center for Educational Opportunity, also remembered Byrd’s “outgoing personality.” The two met when Byrd was one of Simpson’s students in the Act 101 summer program, and kept in touch over the years. Both are members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, whose Omega Xi chapter sponsored a reception for Byrd.

“Every time I walk into Cohen Recital Hall, I feel a rush of emotion from all that I did in there—classes, concerts, musical revues,” Byrd said. “Being back at ESU as a teacher is inspirational. It gives me a sense of purpose to step outside of myself and give back things I learned in the last 15 years.”

All of the participants in the audition workshop were invited to perform with Byrd as part of the musical theatre concert. The group served as backup performers for Byrd’s rendition of “Free at Last” from the musical Big River, a song that is his signature piece.

The musical theatre concert also featured ESU alumni Regina Sayles ’03 and Lindsey Buffa ’05; graduating senior Jason Zimmer ’06; and Dennis Carrig, a local actor and co-owner of the Deerhead Inn who has been friends with Byrd since they both appeared together in “Of Mice and Men.” “I was surprised at the level of talent I found here,” Byrd stated, “especially since this isn’t a specialized performing arts school. There is a nurturing atmosphere here with professors who care and many opportunities to be onstage. It’s a place to build yourself up.”

“I am also glad that the Center for Educational Opportunity is still up and running because it was very instrumental in supporting me while I was at ESU,” he added, “but am disappointed that it is not as strong due to funding cuts and the loss of the summer program that brought me here.”

While an undergraduate Byrd made his first trip to Europe in 1988 when the choir toured England. “I remember being in awe of different cultures, different values, different foods,” he recalled. Now he considers himself “a citizen of the world,” with Florence, Italy, as his home base.

After his contract for The Lion King expires in May, 2007, Byrd, who is fluent in Italian, plans to pursue a television career in Italy. “Television will lead you into film,” he said. “I’m pretty confident that things will go as I plan—first to play a major character in a television series and then to go into films.”

“Darrin’s residency has been a special event, especially the musical theatre concert,” Flatt commented.

“Our faculty and students appreciated his professionalism, his even temperament and his sense of caring.” 

many opportunities to be on stage; it’s a place to build yourself up.”

Gatherings and Events

ESU Alumni Herald

D.C. Gathering

Nearly 30 alumni from the Metro D.C. area gathered on April 2 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va., for brunch. This event continues to be a highlight for area alumni, especially this year because Noah Samara ’78, CEO of WorldSpace, was the keynote speaker.

At left, event coordinator and chair of the Metro D.C. Alumni Group, Tom Leshko ’57, visits with classmate Shirley (Neas) Merring ’57.

Enjoying the food, ambiance and camaraderie were, from left, Barbara Gustis ’98 and Jill Raimato ’98.

Arizona Alumni

Phoenix was the site of this gathering of alumni. Getting together for the first time in a few years were (L-R) Dr. Isaac W. Sanders, vice president for university advancement, Tage (Bosacco) Wood ’40, Tim Weisse ’74, Pattie Hyland ’75, Brian Smargiassi ’82, and Jane (Cotton) Bruce ’45.

Back in East Stroudsburg

Former roommates gathered to remember the good ’ol days by planning a trip to campus. Sharing in the trip down memory lane were alumnae (L-R) Alissa (Huss) Perrone ’91, Audrey (Hazlett) Everly ’91, Sheila (Corrigan) Zeman ’91, Susie (Lutz) Painton ’90, Sheri (Kramer) Martelucci ’91, and Ellen (Bleach) Sterbenz ’91.

Fall 2006

Gatherings and Events

Shawnee ‘Siblings’ - Forever a ‘Family’

Thirty-five years after arriving at East Stroudsburg State College, the bonds of friendship are as strong as ever for this group of alumni. A self-described group of “middle class kids” from Scranton, the suburbs of Philly, and the state of Connecticut, arrived as individuals in the fall of 1970 and 1971 but graduated years later as a cohesive family.

Frank Johnson ’74 recalls, “We had a lot in common … none of us had any money or a car and we didn’t go home on the weekends!”

What they did have was each other, and the third floor of Shawnee Hall was their home. In the early ’70s most of them participated in athletics like football, soccer, cross country, basketball, wrestling, Celebrating the wedding of a child is a great reason to get together in Towson, Maryland! From left, Jim baseball or track and field. None of Shearouse ’74, Cherie Shearouse, Frank Johnson ’74, Sarah Johnson, Dave Hair ’76, Moira (Portius) them pledged a fraternity but they Hair ’77, George Vance ’74, Maryann (Van Dyke) Vance ’75, George Shultz ’74, Cindy (Masenheimer) formed their own bonds of steel that Shultz ’74, Dean Gardner ’74, Mary (Pakenas) Gardner ’74, Robert Smith ’73 and Diane Smith. have remained as strong today as when they were forged.

They supported each other in the hard times and celebrated with each other during the good times. Today they are professionals with their own lives, wives, careers and children; yet they still find time for each other. Over the years they have vacationed in Florida and New York, held special events and joined each other at Homecoming.

It used to be they celebrated with one another at their weddings and the birth of their children; now they still make time to party, but it is at their children’s weddings!

This group of alumni possesses a special relationship that transcends the term “classmate.” In recalling the years of In the backyard with some of the “Shawnee Boys circa 1971” (L-R) Frank Newby ’75, friendship, Frank notes, “We were lucky to find John Helgesen ’74, Frank Johnson ’74 and his son Reese, George Vance ’74, Frank each other, grow up together and appreciate the Hollaran ’75, and Dave Hair ’76. bond of friendship that will last forever. We are grateful to the university for providing us Gardner ’74, John Helgesen ’74 and Irene Helgesen, with the skills to be successful, both in and out of the Al Keglovits ’74 and Linda (Keenan) Keglovits ’74, classroom, and for the quirk-of-fate that brought us Denny Mohn ’74 and Cathy (Mukai) Mohn ’74, Jim together.”

Shearouse ’74 and Cherie Shearouse, George Shultz Frank’s family, in addition to his wife, Sarah, ’74 and Cindy (Masenheimer) Shultz ’74, Scott and children, includes: Robert Smith ’73 and Diane Willoth ’74 and Denise Willoth, George Vance ’74 and Smith, Loren Brink ’74, Roger Dontonville ’74 and Maryann (Van Dyke) Vance ’75, Frank Hollaran ’75 Anne Dontonville, Lee Fahnestock ’74 and Mollie and Margaret Hollaran, Frank Newby ’75 and Doreen Fahnestock, Dean Gardner ’74 and Mary (Pakenas) Newby, Dave Hair ’76 and Moira (Portius) Hair ’77. 

ESU Alumni Herald

10 Gatherings and Events

Delco Event

Nearly 40 people attended the 19th Annual Delco Alumni Get-Together. This gathering of mostly alumni who live or work in Delaware County seems to get better each year, and a great time is had by all.

The Delco event is the longest running annual alumni event, thanks to the hard work of Nick DiGregory ’76, who was assisted this year by Marcus Lingenfelter ’95.

The event is so fantastic that these alumni traveled from New Jersey to join the fun! From left are Carl Catino ’64 and his wife, Jacqueline Catino, with John Masters ’65 and his wife, Susan (Sraj) Masters ’65.

Nick DiGregory ’76 (right) has the perfect personality for a host as he welcomes Curtis Bunch ’94.

DaVinci Code Tour

A sold-out group of nearly 30 alumni, students, faculty, and community members traveled in Italy and France for 14 days led by Brian Sickels of the Theatre Department. One of their favorite places was the Chateau de Versailles in France.

The group at Versailles included, from left, Kathy Lord, Rene Wloderczyk, Rosalie Ruiz, Joan Perfetti, Tina Bieryla, Lynette Ott ’92, Lydia Pabon, Kathy Krenitsky, Jack Krenitsky, Craig Ott, Joanne Macaluso, Ana Ruiz, Barbara Stoffa, Alice Murphy, Karen Atwood, Maxine DiMaggio, Prof. Brian Sickels, Beth Haynes, Dan Wypler, Joanne (Fleche) Wagner ’80, Earl Wagner ’67, Kelvin Chu, Rosemary Hopkins, John Scognamiglio (current student), Lorinda Homar M’98, and Linda Vashlishan.

Fall 2006

Gatherings and Events

11

The View

It was a day to remember when ESU alumni attended a live episode of the show The View at the ABC Television studios on April 18 in New York. ESU alumni especially enjoyed the witty and hilarious special guest star and comedienne Joan Rivers.

Highlighting this event, alumni had a chance to personally greet the hosts of the show and later lunched at the infamous ABC Commissary. From left are: Michelle Dramé, ESU’s coordinator of alumni services; Rodney Applegate ’65; Dr. Isaac W. Sanders, vice president for university advancement; Eileen Applegate ’64, Frank Lanterman, Madeline Casale, Kelly Wilson, and LaShawne Pryor.

DC Fall 2006

The Kennedy Center, complete with the backdrop of the Washington Monument, served as the most ideal setting for the fall gathering of the Metro D.C. area alumni. Thanks to the organization of Ron Kochan ’75, alumni dined in the center and then laughed out loud at the “Shear Madness” of this unique performance! L-R are Tom Leshko ’57, Jean Miller Leshko ’58, Ron Kochan ’75, Matt Stephens ’96, Michelle Stephens, Jim Nesbitt ’74, Wanda Nuckolls, Sharon Barkley, Smiley Shackleford ’85, and Barbara Stephens.

It pays to be ESU alumni!

Have you visited the East Stroudsburg University Alumni Services Web site lately? Check out some of the great benefits offered to ESU grads: ◊ Personal Health Insurance Services - discounted long term care insurance from all the major carriers.

Chicago 2006

On a perfect fall evening in Chicago, alumni gathered to reminisce and take in a soccer match at Toyota Park, the new home of the Chicago Fire of the MLS. With the help of Roland Hahn M’99, the Chicago Fire director of Soccer & Team Development, who arranged for great tickets and Stadium Club passes, a great evening was had by all. L-R, Jeff Frantz ’63, Gretchen Angle Frantz ’66, Roland Hahn M’99, and John Ross, ESU director of alumni engagement.

18042_herald fall 2006 final 010Sec1:11 Sec1:11

◊ Dick Milham Ford Toyota Scion Discounts -$500 cash back on most new vehicle purchases if you graduated between May 2004 and January 2007. For more details call (800) 565-9191 and mention you are an ESU alumnus/a. ◊ Bank of America (formerly MBNA) Master Card - Call your Alumni Office at (800) 775-8975 or visit your Alumni Services Web site at www.advancement.esu.edu and click on Alumni Relations for more information on the great benefits that are available to ESU grads.

1/9/2007 3:02:43 PM

12 Homecoming

ESU Alumni Herald

H

omecoming

Photos by David Hooper ’05 and David Bracetty

2006

Homecoming was a smashing success! A new twist this year was moving the Fan Zone to the Alumni Center, and it worked out great. There was plenty of room to tailgate, have the Alumni Tent, and the Entertainment Stage as evidenced by the photo above. Those who tailgated, especially the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and the Shawnee 3rd Floor Guys (circa 1974 and decked out in their ESSC shirts) did it with style and shared the prize of “Best Tailgate” (see photo below). The festivities actually began on Friday night with a Casino Night. Larry Zaccaro ’77 and his wife, Linnette, above, right, were high rollers on the black jack tables.

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Fall 2006

Homecoming 13

There was no need to crank your car stereo, the live music in the Fan Zone was second to none. The rock band MSG got things going thanks to the talent of Regina Sayles “Koilparampil” ’03 (above), Matt Abell ’94 and Skip Detrick. The festivities continued with Bobbi Humphrey “First Lady of the Flute” (top photo) and her edgy jazz sound.

In addition to the music, tailgating, and Alumni Tent, there were things for the kids like a balloon artist, top right, a man on stilts, a face painter, and cotton candy, bottom right. Of course there was a football game, and a big “W” didn’t just stand for Warriors—the team won the game. The cheerleaders led the frenzy, and the crowd, above, had plenty to get excited about!

Photos by David Hooper ’05 and David Bracetty

14 Alumni Feature

ESU Alumni Herald

Internships - The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

Tony ’69 and Pat McMunn ’68 Host Two ESU Student Interns at Their Ireland Pub While some students spend their summer break close to home, two ESU Hotel, Restaurant, & Tourism Management (HRTM) students spent theirs across the Atlantic Ocean working hard to complete their internship while enjoying the sites of Ireland. Seniors Steve Gehrke of Kinnelon, N.J., and Jamie Dodge of Long Valley, N.J., took full advantage of their “chance of a lifetime” opportunity in Ireland. An internship offered by Charles “Tony” McMunn ’69 and his wife, Pat (Lythgoe) McMunn ’68, at their pub in Ballybunion, Ireland, helped Steve and Jamie tie their classroom education to real-world experience.

Unlike most internships, this one included a stipend, transportation, lodging, meals and even passports … a generous package, to say the least, and all provided by the McMunns. They have always been supporters of their alma mater. By offering an internship, the McMunns said, “This is a very tangible way for us to help ESU’s most precious commodity, its students.” Tony got the idea when he was vacationing in Alaska and noticed students assisting at that resort.

Steve and Jamie not only had a fantastic time in Ireland, they honed their professional skills by creating a marketing plan, fulfilling their coursework. Steve said, “Things here are amazing. I absolutely love working at McMunns. The homey atmosphere of the place and the rest of the staff are great to be around all the time. Ballybunion itself is some kind of gorgeous metropolis that I would have never known existed until I was lucky enough to visit it.” On being in Ireland, Jamie noted, “The best part of this internship was being in another country, meeting new people, and gaining valuable experience that would not be the same in

Alumni employers, if you are interested in offering an internship to ESU students please contact Dennis Steigerwalt, Ph.D., ESU’s director of Career Services, at 570-422-3282 to discuss ways to develop and promote an internship. This truly is a “win-win” situation as the company gets energetic service and the students get much needed practical experience to complement their class work.

Tony McMunn ’69, ESU students Steve Gehrke and Jamie Dodge, and Carol Miller ’81, associate professor of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management at ESU, at McMunn’s in Ballybunion, Ireland.

the United States. I recommend either a study abroad program or international internship to any student looking for something new and exciting.”

Without the support and coordination from Carol Miller ’81, associate professor of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management, this internship might not exist.

Carol noted that internships are essential because they “help students narrow their area of interest while at the same time give them breadth of knowledge.” HRTM students are required to engage in a one-semester internship. Usually this takes place during the junior year (they need to have at least 72 credits to qualify).

The faculty adviser meets with the employer, and learning objectives are created. Some students, as is the case with Steve and Jamie, choose to complete the internship as their last academic requirement and hope their internship leads to an offer to continue their employment.

Internships are successful and important for both the students and the employers. Steve remarked, “I think it is important that students have a kind of stepping stone between their education and their actual career. An internship is a great chance for students to see what they’re getting into while they still have some guidance to fall back on.” The McMunns noted, “We got to use their services and really teach them. We have had many interns from top-notch schools like Vanderbilt and the University of Minnesota and we would rank the caliber of the ESU students right with them.” 

Fall 2006

1940s

“Who’s Doing What”

Mary A. Henning ’45 received the Margaret Wells Award from the Pocono Area Transitional Housing, Inc. She has been a member of many organizations over the course of her life. She is on the advisory board of Head Start and Meals on Wheels.

1950s Nicholas Gatto ’55 is a retired principal who doubled his hole-in-one total in three weeks. Gatto aced three different holes at Tioga Country Club in Nichols, N.Y., in 22 days. The odds of making one hole-in-one are pretty long: 1 in 12,750, according to a Golf Digest report in 1999. But making three in a three-week span? That’s worth mentioning.

terboro High School in Prospect Park for her accomplishments in coaching field hockey and basketball.

Burt Hughes ’57 competed in the National Masters Track & Field Meet in Boston on March 25 & 26. He was a member of the 4 x 400 meter relay team that obtained a gold medal in the 70-79 year age bracket.

Jesse DeEsch, Ph.D. ’59 was awarded the Association for Specialist in Group Work (ASGW) Eminent Career Award for 2006. His career as a counselor and educator has spanned over 38 years. He has held the positions of chairperson/coordinator of the counseling services program and assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts Education and Sciences at Rider University in New Jersey. Jessie was also a starting center on the 1958 ESU Warrior Football team.

1968-69

Marge Worley ’55 recently was inducted into the Hall of Fame at In-

Katherine Bitow ’68 gathered fellow ESU alumni who graduated between the years 1968-1969 for an exciting trip to Chadds Ford for a weekend adventure in April. Some had not seen one another in 38 years. They traveled onto the Brandywine River Museum in North Carolina where they shared their love of antiques and wine tasting. Some of the group members attended the Wyeth Exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Pictured are: (standing L-R; Vivian Robinson ’69, Kathy McCarthy Treftz ’68, Katharine Seed ’68, Carol Weisbraut Brunnabend ’68, Carol Angelo Pinola ’69, Marilyn Barber Hiller ’68, Susan Meell Padfield ’69, and Mary Ellen McNish ’68. Kneeling, from left, are: Judy Briane Armstrong ’68, Katherine Bitow ’68, Bev Sanquilly Bogden ’68, and Joanne Comunale Janette ’68.

“Who’s Doing What 15

1960s Leonard “Len” Pudelka ’61, professor emeritus of history at Hartwick College, received a lifetime service award from the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society in recognition of his long service at the Phi Alpha Theta 2006 Biennial Convention in Philadelphia.

Charles W. Chronister ’63 was inducted into the Adams County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He formerly was head basketball coach at Hanover High School where he posted a 59-8 record.

After four years as an assistant at Gettysburg College, he moved to Bloomsburg University in 1971 for the remainder of his coaching career. Before his retirement in 2002, Charles’s Bloomsburg teams had posted a 559-288 record, won nine PSAC East titles and advanced seven times to the NCAA Division II tournament.

John R. Gantz, Ph.D. ’63 was inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame. He is a distinguished adult educator in the Department of Defense’s Voluntary Education Program. During his 40-year career, he has held increasingly significant and responsible positions, capping his career as the national Chief of Troops to Teachers Program, which has provided teaching positions for more than 8,000 service men and women after their retirement from military service.

Gary Sparta ’63 was inducted into the Sussex County Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as an athlete, coach and athletic director.

In 1968 he was selected by the Vernon Township board of Education to be the district’s first Physical Education teacher and was responsible for developing the Physical Education program for grades 1 through 8 and the intramural program for grades 5 through 8.

ESU Alumni Herald

16 “Who’s Doing What” Michael Boushell ’67 is an author and appeared as a guest speaker on Philadelphia Sports Talk Show Daily News Live on the Comcast Sports Network. Mike’s first novel, “Freshman Flash,” was nominated for a Young Readers Choice Award in 2004 and selected by the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association for its Recommended Reading List in 2005. His second novel, “Gridiron Hero,” was chosen by the Kansas State Reading Circle to its Recommended Reading List for young adults. His third novel, “Freshmen Five,” was published the following year. He recently completed his fourth novel, “Split-finger Phenom.”

Terrence A. Butler ’69 and his daughter, Ashley, an ESU senior, qualified for the U.S.A. International Crossbow Teams. The teams will compete in the World Crossbow Championships, hosted by the United States, in Clifton, N.J. in July.

Jorene Jameson ’69 has been named senior vice president of development at KERA Broadcasting. In her new role, Jorene will be responsible for securing over $13 million through memberships, corporate sponsors, grants and other public support. Before this, Jorene served as the chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts.

1970s William Dukett ’70 has been named director of athletics at Washington & Jefferson College. He began his career at the college as the associate head coach for the Presidents’ football team, head track and field coach and the head men’s and women’s golf coach.

Earl Hulihan ’70 is vice president of global regulatory affairs and qual-

ity assurance at Medidata Solutions Worldwide. Prior to this Earl served as senior vice president, regulatory consulting services at META Solutions, Inc. in Warren, N.J. Diane DeLarco Dunn ’71 has been nominated to the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Diane will be retiring after teaching 35 years of Health and Physical Education Pre K-12. She has also coached volleyball, track and basketball as well as other numerous activities at Susquehanna Community School District.

Ronald W. Gerlufsen ’71, who built Brick Memorial’s boys’ basketball and tennis teams into perennial winners during the six years he served as head coach, has resigned to take a vice principal’s position at the same school, Brick Memorial High School in N.J. Fred M. Richter ’71 is the women’s basketball coach at DeSales University. The team’s win over Wilkes in January marked Fred’s 300th career victory. His entire head coaching career has been at DeSales, formerly Allentown College, where he has won two Freedom Conference titles and made five NCAA appearances.

Leslie Lowrey Farmer ’72 teaches and is the director of athletics at Keene High School in Keene, N.H. She won the New Hampshire American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Teacher of the Year Award in 2002, and the Eastern District Teacher of the Year in 2004, and was a Final Four Candidate for National Teacher of the Year in 2004.

Dr. Linda Groon VanMeter ’72 received her doctorate of philosophy in health administration from Kennedy-Western University. Linda is an assistant professor and psychologist in counseling and psychological services at ESU. Charles W. Green ’73 is the curriculum director, overseeing family

and consumer science, health and physical education, art and music for the Stroudsburg School District.

His focus also includes community relations, diversity and serving as new teacher induction coordinator.

Joseph P. Papi ’73 has been the principal of Tunkhannock Area Middle School for 13 years. The school board appointed him athletic director starting this past July.

Rev. Marcia M. Thompson ’73, shown with her dog, Mazie, celebrates 20 years as an ordained minister of the Lutheran Church. She pastors Zion Church and Pre School in Flourtown. She writes a column for the local newspaper, the Enterprise, and has written a book, Healing of the Heart, published in 2003, and a devotional that will be published by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Susan Young Marsh ’74 earned a fellowship at the American Dental Assistants Association. Susan is a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Assistants Association and the Lehigh Valley Dental Assistants Society. A 30-year professional, she is also a dental assisting instructor at the Monroe Career and Technical Institute, where she initiated and wrote the curriculum.

Stephen J. Axman M’75 was named the quarterback coach at the University of Montana. He earned master’s degrees from Long Island University and ESU. He and his wife, Dr. Marie Axman, an elementary school principal, have four daughters.

Dr. Janice E. Florey ’75 received the President’s Award from Northampton Community College at the Alumni Association’s Recipes for Success Alumni Awards event at NCC. The President’s Award is given to an individual whose life reflects to

Fall 2006 the community the unique character, personality and level of excellence typified by an NCC educator.

Gerald P. Strahlendorf ’75 is a photographer whose photographs of Greece were printed and displayed in the Stockton College Hellenic Center and the Ocean City Art Center exhibit in Ocean City, N.J. Dr. John R. Dabrowski ’77 is the new US Army Aviation Warfighting Center Historian at Ft. Rucker, Ala. after having worked in this area for the last 16 years. John is also a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Gary B. Ebbert, Ph.D ’77 has been appointed vice president of antibody and small molecule manufacturing for MedImmune, where he is responsible for all antibody and small molecule commercial manufacturing activities.

Michael Kelly ’77 has been named the new principal at Staunton River High School in Bedford County, Virginia. He worked 11 years as a teacher before transferring to Forest Elementary School where he served for eight years as a principal.

“Who’s Doing What” 17 chancellor for colleges and university housing services at UC Santa Cruz since 2000. Jean Marie also is a guest lecturer at San Jose State University where she previously taught. She is an accomplished sailor and the mother of a 5-year-old daughter.

1980s Michael S. Lush ’80 was inducted in the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. He was a two-time all-USFL choice and played with the Vikings and Falcons in the NFL and finished with 26 pro career interceptions.

Margaret Watson ’80 recently published her first book, A Graceful Farewell: Putting Your Affairs in Order.”

Margaret has been a professional organizer for the past 20 years. Her book resulted from her work with

clients, hospice and dying people.

Karin-Susan Breitlauch ’82 was inducted into Pleasant Valley’s Athletic Hall of Fame. A 1979 graduate at age 15, she was a member of the school’s Honor Society, chorus and yearbook staff. She is a member of the Veterinary Dental Society and is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association since 1999.

Anthony Decker ’83 has been named head strength and conditioning coach at Temple University. Tony will oversee the strength and conditioning programs for all of the Owls’ 24 intercollegiate athletic teams and will work extensively with the football program. He was the winner of the prestigious Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year Award in 1998. Tony has published multiple studies in medical journals and is a noted national speaker.

AXP Brothers Reunion Is Swinging

Dr. Barry Purvis ’77 was named 2006 High School Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals, and will represent the state in competition for national honors. He became principal at Chambersburg Area Senior High School three years ago and he credits the educational community and his family for his success.

Gretchen Eysenbach Bicking ’78 has been inducted into the Bristol Township School District Hall of Fame.

Jean Marie Scott ’79 will be delegated executive authority for the management of the Division of Student Affairs at University of California in Santa Cruz. Formerly, Jean Marie served as associate vice

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Following a night on the town, the brothers of AXP joined for a fantastic golf outing at Shawnee Golf Club and Resort on April 8 thanks to the efforts of Michael Fenning ’87. While the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, the boys found the luncheon and spirits to their liking.

From left, back row: Ken Carpenter ’86, Keith Heeley ’87, Mike O’Rouke ’86, Fran Brennen ‘86, Frank Cinelli ’87 Michael Fenning ’87, Eric Hien ’87, Dennis Messinger ’87, Dave Drexinger ‘87, Mike Strausser ’88, Bill Quinlan ’87, Paul McCrone ’88, Paul Fiske ’88, Mike Sylvester ’89, Dave Aull ’89, Mike Richwalski ’89, John Powers ’86. Front row from left: Mike Perko ’86, Don McCarter ’86, Michael DeVito ’86, Dave Marcon ’86, Mark Heltzel ’86, and Bob Stewart ’84. Missing from photo: Phil Link ’89, Marc Duetel ’88, Stan Prodes ’88, Bill Jones ’84, Ed Ahn ’87, Vito Trigiani ’87.

Photo by John Powers ’86

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ESU Alumni Herald

18 “Who’s Doing What” Jeffrey Taylor ’83, a veteran school administrator with nearly 20 years of experience in various high school positions, has been selected as the new principal of St. Joseph High School in Hammonton, N.J. Col. Daniel Woolever ’83 assumed command of the 369th Recruiting Group at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Tex. Daniel was the chief operations officer at Headquarters Air Force Recuiting Service at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. He has served in the military for 22 years. Daniel graduated from the Army War College and earned a master’s degree in strategic studies.

Dr. Robert A. Dodd ’84 recently earned a doctoral degree in human development/educational leadership from Marywood University. He is a high school football coach for West Scranton and a special education supervisor at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit in Schnecksville.

Jane A. Harris ’84 returned to college for a second degree after working

for 10 years at the YMCA/YWCA of Hazleton. On May 20, she graduated from College Misericordia with a B.S. in nursing. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, National Nursing Honor Society and accepted a position with Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Josette M. Chaffier ’85 works for the Developmental Education Services, a training center for adults with a diagnosis of mental retardation in Stroudsburg. As a program specialist, she works with DES clients on developing vocational skills and daily living skills. She also coaches floor hockey and basketball for the Special Olympics and assists with volleyball.

Kevin De Vizia ’86 was named the winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching by President Bush. President Bush commended him for embodying excellence in teaching, devotion to the learning needs of students,

From the halls of ESU to the Marine Corps in D.C. ...

and upholding the high standards that exemplify American education.

Santiago Restrepo ’86 is a third-year head coach at the University of Oklahoma and has catapulted into school history as his volleyball team defeated the University of Texas for the first time ever. As a result, Restrepo’s team was ranked in the top 25 of the CSTV/AVCA Division I for the first time since 1988.

Rosemary Haller ’87 is a health/ physical education teacher at Pocono Mountain West. Since the school opened in 2002, she has been shaping the girls’ basketball program into a regional powerhouse.

Vito Trigiani ’87 is a network supervisor for the Bangor District of Pennsylvania American Water Co. Vito is a certified water treatment operator, responsible for network and production operations in Bangor, which serves 10,000 customers.

Jami L. Smith Bistocchi ’88 received the 2006 College Community

Colonel Gerald A. Yingling, Jr. ’75  Graduated from ESU in 1975 with a bachelor of science degree in biology  Commissioned a second lieutenant and designated a Naval aviator on December 9, 1977

 First Lieutenant Yingling served

ESU alumni from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area Alumni Chapter had a very special treat June 16, courtesy of Colonel Jerry Yingling, USMC, ESU ’75. Jerry was the executive assistant and aide to the deputy commandant of the Marine Corps for Manpower and Reserve Affairs before retiring. Jerry made it possible for several alumni to see the stirring parade that was composed of “The President’s Own” Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” Drum and Bugle Corps (featured above), the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, and the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps.

in HMM-162 as personnel officer  Completed Aviation Safety School in 1979 and then served as aviation safety officer while he participated in several Mediterranean and Caribbean deployments, as well as Jerry Yingling ’75 and his wife, Rae numerous Combined Arms and NATO exercises  Assigned to Naval Air Rework Facility at Cherry Point, N.C., in 1982. Captain Yingling was quality programs officer, assistant flight test officer, and director of safety and standardization  Reassigned in 1985 to HMM-365 at MCAS New River as Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and participated in numerous unit deployments, supporting Landing Force Sixth Fleet requirements in the Mediterranean  Attended the Marine Weapons and Tactics Instructor School in Yuma, Ariz., and was designated a weapons and tactics instructor in 1986

Fall 2006

“Who’s Doing What”

Appreciation Award from SUNY Cortland College. Jami currently serves as the director of the Cortland YWCA Child Care Program.

since 2003. Previously, he taught in Pleasant Valley School District and coached football. He lives in Nazareth with his wife, Monica, and three children.

1990s Kathleen J. Harrington ’88 lived and worked in Iraq for 14 months as a private contractor for the Facilities and Transportation Sector of PCO (Program and Contracting Office), a part of the Iraqi Reconstruction Program and the U.S. Department of Defense. Their mission for the Health Program was to lower the infant mortality rate of Iraq by improving the medical facilities across the country. When she arrived, it was 67 percent, and when she left it was 53 percent. They brought much needed medical equipment into the hospitals around the country. She’s back home in Colorado working on a Reach-Back Program with the U.S. and Iraq Coalition. Her photo was taken in a tower overlooking one of Sadaam Hussein’s Palaces.

Renee Ethier Massoud ’89 was a recipient of the Tribute to Women in Industry award at the YMCA of Bergen County, N.J.’s 32nd annual TWIN awards dinner. Renee is a director in the ethics and compliance group at KPMG LLP, handling issues related to data privacy. She is also director of the board of SLA, an international association of more than 12,000 information professionals. She is the co-author of Special Libraries and Information Centers: An Introductory Text (4th edition), used in graduate programs.

James L. Pokrivsak Jr., CAA, ’89, M’95 has been the director of athletics in the Easton Area School District

James Scifers ’90, associate professor and director of the athletic training education program, received the 2006 Western Carolina University Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award winner given annually to the university’s top professor.

Kathleen Flood Eufemio ’91 is the recipient of an outstanding graduate award in nursing from the University of Scranton.

Nadeen Edwards M ’92 released her debut album,“Just in Time.” She lives in Stroudsburg with her husband, Derek, and two daughters, and teaches math at Stroudsburg Junior High School.

ate director, Industry Relations. He directs the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference of 1,500 attendees annually, and is pursuing his M.A. in higher education administration at NYU. He is pictured here during a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, and its surrounding islands last summer.

Claudine Lombardo ’93 recently earned her 1st Degree Black Belt with Tiger Schulmann’s Karate. She has been training in martial arts for nearly four years and passed the multiple tests needed the first time, which only a handful of students are able to do. She plans to join their Junior Instructor program, where she will be certified to teach.

Cory C. Reed ’93 has been named marketing director for DIRT NorthEast in Weedsport, N.Y. He worked at this office from 1995 to 2004 before spending the past season at Orange County Fair (N.Y.) Speedway as competition director.

Dennis Dougherty ’93 is an elementary autism teacher in the Brandywine School District in Wilmington, Del., where he lives with his wife, Carol, and daughter.

John Jenz M ’93 is associate athletic director at the University of Wisconsin. John had served, among other positions, as assistant athletic director for business operations since 2003. John began his administrative career at ESU where he supervised ticket operations and event staffing while earning his master’s degree.

Steven Lambert ’93 joined the New York University Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management in 1999 and is associ-

Lynn Kauffman Sands ’93 enjoyed a fun vacation at Disney World in Florida with fellow ESU alumni and family. Backrow, L-R; Lynn Kauffman Sands ’93, Victoria Sands, Henry Sands ’93, Dave Purdy ’93, and Dana Beukenkamp Purdy ’93.

Front, L-R: Zach Sands, Evan and Ayden Purdy.

19

ESU Alumni Herald

20 “Who’s Doing What” Michael A. Stracco ’93, teaches freshman and junior English and produces the drama and musical productions at Rutherford High School in Rutherford, N.J. He earned his master’s degree in educational technology and was named in “Who’s Who in American Teachers” for the third consecutive year.

William B. Conley ’95 is men’s and women’s cross country coach at Goldey-Beacom College. He is a science teacher at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School and resides in Earleville, Md.

Jamie L. Werner ’93 is environmental outreach coordinator for Lackawanna College, where she develops activities for the college’s Environmental Institute, including workshops, seminars and children’s programs. She also engages in grant writing and special projects administration.

Dr. Dana A. Hysock ’96 received her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Delaware and is an assistant professor of sociology at Macon State College in Georgia.

Peter Fagan ’94 was awarded the Dr. Daniel Bratton Service to the Association Award by the College Student Personnel Association of New York State. This award recognizes the contributions he made, most notably chairing the statewide conference in 2005 that achieved national recognition by being awarded the ACPA’s State and International Division Innovation Award at the 2006 ACPA National Convention. Peter is writing his dissertation for a Ph.D. in professional studies in education through Capella University.

Thomas Hanna M’94 is head coach of the volleyball program at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He served as an assistant coach when he was an undergraduate student at Marist and as interim head coach from November 1990 to May 1991.

Donna A. McCartney ’94 and her partner, Jasmine Abrams, opened DM Studios in Marshalls Creek, a gallery, custom frame shop and decorative wall painting business. They will bring in artwork from established and new artists, and offer classes.

Angelo Borzio ’95 recently won the heavyweight class in the 240-270 pounds category in the USA Beach Nationals and a bid to the World Championships in Turkey.

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Judith Williams ’95 is an associate professor of nursing at Northampton Community College.

Jamie Schietzelt Iacobacci ’96 is the senior graphic designer at Alamo Title Company in Austin, Texas.

She and her husband, Mike, have a daughter, Paige Elena. They bought a florist shop in Austin.

Dr. Amy J. Rinker ’96, received her Ph.D. from New York Chiropractic College. Amy practices out of her home in West Chester and plans to open her private business in the near future.

Alex Rolon ’96 is a tenured assistant professor of mathematics at Northampton Community College.

James Sacco ’96 was awarded a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Elba Carides ’97 was granted a standard appointment, the equivalent of tenure as an assistant professor at Northampton Community College.

Vicki Pede M’97 is superintendent of the Morris Plains School District (K-8) and principal of the Mountain Way School (K-2) in New Jersey.

Krystal Slivinski ’97 is executive director for Alpha Sigma Alpha National Sorority at the headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. Kevin Broadhurst ’99 is area director of government and community affairs for Chester County at Comcast Cable. He is responsible for 58 municipalities and 119,000 households served by Comcast.

Anthony F. Surace ’99 is the manager of sports medicine and athletic training with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and University Sports Medicine of Niagara, N.Y. Tony is also the assistant director of Sports Medicine Concepts, Inc., in Geneseo, N.Y.

2000s Kelly Bradley ’00 published her first novel, Frightful Forest, a juvenile action/ adventure story, and has had a signing at the Waldenbooks bookstore in the Stroud Mall. She resides in East Stroudsburg where she has been teaching elementary school children for six years. Kelly is pictured, on left, with her novel and illustrator Heather Lionetti.

Jean A. Hazelwood M’00 is director of athletic facilities at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va. She will be responsible for the daily operation and programming of the 120,000-square-foot athletics, recreation, fitness and dance center scheduled to open in fall 2008.

Eugene F. Bazzarelli ’01, former ESU Club Lacrosse captain, anchored the defense for the Italian National Team at the World Lacrosse Championships in London, Ontario.

1/10/2007 2:48:23 PM

Fall 2006 Jeremy Bolles, Esq. ’01 is an assistant district attorney with the Monroe County D.A.’s office in Stroudsburg.

Benjamin J. Brenneman ’01 was awarded a new car for winning the season finale of “Pros vs. Joes” on Spike TV. Matthew Tyler Giobbi ’01 is an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers University, teaching history of psychology, and at DeSales University, teaching social psych, development and abnormal psychology. Matthew is also studying under film maker John Waters and French philosopher Jean Baudrillard for the D. Phil (Ph. D.) in continental philosophy and media studies at the European Graduate School in Switzerland.

Matthew Kretiv ’02 is pursuing his acting career in New York. He has been on Court TV productions as well as a pilot episode of “Barfly” produced by Jade Barrymore, and was the lead in an off-off Broadway play called Spare the Goldfish, Spoil the Child. Most recently, he has acted in productions with the Metropolitan Opera.

Beldina Opiyo-Omolo ’02, M’04 founded the non-profit organization Alice’s Visionary Project Foundation which provides meals and constructs buildings in Amilo, Kenya.

Regina Sayles Koilparampil ’03 will release a CD titled “It’s Home.” She performed all the vocals and guitar for the album. On weekends, she usually is booked at various clubs and performed at The First Friday concert at the National Theatre.

Jonathan H. Pry ’03, former quarterback at ESU, is quarterbacks coach at South Carolina State University.

Andrew E. Said ’03 received an outstanding graduate award in community counseling from the University of Scranton. He is a certified counselor and a behavior specialist

18042_herald fall 2006 final 010Sec1:21 Sec1:21

“Who’s Doing What” 21 consultant for children diagnosed with development disabilities.

Neal Michael Thatcher ’03 received his juris doctorate on May 21 from Widener University School of Law. The magna cum laude graduate was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. He also received the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties Honors Award and the William D. McFadden Scholarship Award.

Matt Viggiano M’03 is men’s soccer assistant coach at Iona College.

Matt has a National Soccer Coaches Association of America advanced national license, is a staff coach with Eastern New York Olympic Development Program, and coaches with the U.S. club soccer program Middlepath Football Club.

Ronald “Joe” Camacho ’04 is a police officer in Dover, N.J. He previously was a paraprofessional in the special education department of Mountain Lakes, N.J., High School.

Melissa Fabbricatore ’04 completed a visual-history book of Pittston. She has always had an interest in capturing the past for future generations to enjoy.

Barry S. Krammes ’04 finished fifth in the nation in the javelin throw at the 2006 AT&T USA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.

Jayleen Galarza ’05 was selected to become AmeriCorps Vista Member for ESU Host Campus Program. She also received the Shirley Chisholm Award from ESU’s Commission for Women, Commission on Diversity, and the Women’s Studies/Women’s Center based on her academic excellence, commitment to social justice and social activism.

Brian Pedone ’05, center, together with ESU senior Michael P. Moynihan III, at right, founded Grad Techs, a computer security company and developed software to evaluate student and employee documents for plagiarism. They won $20,000 as part of the fourth annual Great Valley Business Plan Competition. They are pictured with N. Paul Schembari, ESU professor of computer science.

Janelle R. Wagner ’05 joined the Greencastle-Antrim public school staff as a third-grade teacher in Greencastle.

Joseph Garrera M’06 has been named executive director of the Lehigh County Historical Society. He served eight years as the president of the Lincoln Group of New York, a nonprofit that hosts lectures on the latest Lincoln research by historians.

What’s New at ESU?

They say a picture’s worth 1,000 words — click on the Photo Gallery on ESU’s home page, www.esu.edu, and take a pictorial tour of the fall semester.

Or click on “Top Stories” and read all the news.

1/9/2007 3:03:27 PM

22 Alumni Spotlight

Phil Wheddon ’94 Coaches U.S in World Cup

Alumni Spotlight

ESU Alumni Herald

From ESU to Team USA, Phil Wheddon ’94 has had a hand in coaching some of the best goalkeepers in the world. Now, he can say he did it on the world’s biggest soccer stage as goalie coach of the United States Men’s National Team. The red, white and blue and their coaching staff traveled to Germany to compete in the FIFA World Cup. The tournament, held every four years, pits the top 32 countries in the world against each other for a month-long competition.

Although they hoped to advance further in the tournament, Phil noted, “Being a part of the World Cup is a dream for anyone who loves soccer, and it more Phil Wheddon ’94 warms up U.S. Men’s National goalkeeper Kasey Keller. than lived up to my expectations. Despite the disappointing results, everything was added so the sessions begin to look like games.” first-class, from the hotel to the training sessions and Before becoming the U.S. Men’s National Team overall treatment by the German public.” goalkeeper coach, Wheddon has been the U.S. WomA native of Basingstoke, England, Phil came to ESU en’s National Team goalkeeper coach since 2002. He after receiving his degree in business finance from assisted in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and was with Crewe and Alsager College in England. Jerry Sheska, the team during the World Cup in 2003 and coached ESU men’s head soccer coach, gave Wheddon the oppor- Briana Scurry in the Olympics in 2004. “Coaching tunity to coach after finding that he was ineligible to the Women’s World Cup was unbelievable,” Wheddon play. Wheddon recalled, “Coach Sheska asked if I would said. “Then we won gold in the Olympics in 2004 and I be his goalkeeper coach. I was also asked to coach the thought life could not get any better.” women’s goalkeepers which taught me flexibility and It did get better with his hard work and the chance different ways to approach coaching the men’s and to coach in this year’s World Cup. “I will always rememwomen’s game. What it really did was help me get my ber the feeling I had before we played Italy. I have never career going.” He graduated from ESU in 1994 with a heard our National Anthem sung with such passion degree in physical education and sport management. as it was by the fans in the stadium. It still gives me Like every coach, Wheddon has his own philosophy goose bumps. The fans played a huge part in that game, on how the game should be played and how he feels especially when things did not go our way. It made me players best respond. His philosophy is simple and conexceptionally proud to be an American. Those types of tinues to be very successful. “I keep training sessions as memories will stand out for me.” functional as possible and as closely related to the game Phil, who has professional playing experience in as we can,” Wheddon said. “We will warm up with simEngland and the United States, resides in Connecticut ple footwork and handling exercises. The sessions progwith his wife and two children.  ress from simple to complex and the keepers see shots without defenders or attackers. Then we incorporate balls from the sides and players finishing from varying angles and distances. More attackers and defenders are

Send your news to alumni@esu.edu or fax to (570) 422-3301.

Fall 2006

Comprehensive Campaign 23

Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality

Photo by Perry Hebard

Comprehensive Campaign Level Rises As Shovels Dig In for ESU’s New Science and Technology Center ESU launched the public phase of its first major Comprehensive Campaign on a beautiful April day, as 19 hard hat-clad alumni, administrators and dignitaries plunged ceremonial shovels into ground on which the new $36 million Science and Technology Center is being constructed.

Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Isaac W. Sanders presided over the groundbreaking and kickoff of the “public phase” of the Comprehensive Campaign, “Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality.” Assisting him were general campaign co-chairs Dr. Sam Niedbala ’82 and Linda Lee (Troiani) Niedbala ’83, among others.

The Comprehensive Campaign has already achieved more than half of its $15 million goal.

The Science and Technology Center will be the first new major academic building at East Stroudsburg University since 1979. The building is the centerpiece of a Comprehensive Campaign, which also is raising funds for the Annual Fund, Athletic Facilities Renovation, Endowment (scholarships), and the Fine and Performing Arts Endowment.

Construction site work at the corner of Normal and Ransberry Streets is under way. Completion is projected for fall 2008. The Science and Technology Center will accommodate diverse university academic departments ranging from mathematics to computer sciences, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, and physics. The cost to build the Science and Technology Center will exceed $36 million.

The 124,000-square-foot-structure will include research, classroom, and faculty office space. The center was identified as the university’s most needed facility in the Campus Master Plan. The building and its academic

mission have been identified as a potential stimulant for regional economic growth and development.

“The center will be much more than simply another academic building,” said University President Dr. Robert J. Dillman. “The concept for the new center is all about inspiring and stimulating the faculty and empowering our students to take ideas from concept to reality.

Ultimately we will provide the necessary tools for our students to succeed and excel in the new professions of the 21st century as well as the time-honored occupations such as teaching.”

More than $14 million in state and federal dollars have been allocated to the building. This includes $13.6 million announced by former Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker in January 2002 and a $500,000 federal grant announced by U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in March 2002. The balance of the cost of construction will be provided by the ESU Foundation through private gifts.

For information about making a gift, call 800-775-8975 or visit http://advancement.esu.edu.

Construction was well under way by late November, right.

Photo by Michelle Rupp

18042_herald fall 2006 final 010Sec1:23 Sec1:23

1/9/2007 3:03:32 PM

24

ESU Alumni Herald

Cover Story

Leading the Way

Linda-Lee Troiani Niedbala ’83 and Sam Niedbala ’82 address the crowd at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Science and Technology Center.

Sam ’82 and Linda-Lee Troiani ’83 Niedbala: Wedded to Helping ESU Succeed In Its Largest Fund Drive Ever Teasing Linda-Lee (Troiani) ’83 and R. Sam ’82 Niedbala about how they met is too easy. It isn’t often you hear that a couple came together across the mat in a college judo class.

The very idea makes otherwise intelligent people crack the lamest of jokes. In the telling of their story, the pair has taken to adding their own cracks: “I dropped out—out of fear,” Sam deadpans. “Yes, he flipped over me,” adds Linda-Lee. Story by Regina Diverio

Photo by Perry Hebard

Fall 2006

Cover Story

RFM Photography, Allentown

Above, Linda-Lee and Sam with children Jackie and Carl

Linda-Lee and Sam began dating when she was a freshman at ESU. Married now nearly 22 years and blessed with two children, Carl John and Jacqueline, the Emmaus pair still seem like college sweethearts, gently adding to each other’s thoughts and clarifying each other’s points.

Naturally, they have a tender spot for the university. That affection is one of several reasons they agreed to co-chair ESU’s comprehensive campaign, Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality, and to contribute $1 million toward the $15 million goal.

As they will tell you, ESU not only brought them together, but it also gave them the academic grounding and the guidance they needed to chart their futures. In his sophomore year, Sam was a

25

physical education major by default—he liked the track program and couldn’t pinpoint an alternative course of study. Professor Dennis Erb wouldn’t let that decision languish. “What do you want to do with your life?” he probed.

“Everyone needs a mentor who will ask those questions,” Sam says.

“We concluded: Chemistry. And that really changed my life and my career path forever.”

The professor warned him that the course of study would be a hard one, but Sam was determined. Making up for lost time, he scheduled 18 credits of chemistry each semester of his senior year. “That’s how I lost my hair,” he jokes.

Another professor, Philip Keim, urged Sam to pursue graduate study Continued on next page

TODAY’S DREAM, TOMORROW’S REALITY “This effort is important and will set ESU apart and make it competitive with private schools. Why shouldn’t ESU students have the same opportunities and the same caliber of facilities that private schools have? They are part of the majority of our country, and they’re going to be running it some day. They need to have the best.”

Linda-Lee Troiani Niedbala ’83

26

ESU Alumni Herald

Cover Story

Looking back on their lean years, Linda-Lee says, “I was never fearful through the process.

I had faith in God and in my

husband. We believed in the goal.

We always saw it as attainable, and that’s how we feel about the campaign at ESU.”

and wrote to Lehigh University on his behalf; on the professor’s word, the university accepted Sam without entrance exams. He went on to earn a master’s and doctorate in chemistry from Lehigh; today, he is a professor of practice in the school’s chemistry department. But the trajectory that brought him there begs telling. His story is that of the classic entrepreneur, and it is Linda-Lee’s story as well.

Cutting-edge technologies born in a basement An ESU biology major, LindaLee went on to become a registered respiratory therapist before switching course and earning a master’s in secondary education from St. Peter’s College. But while she and Sam had their day jobs, their future lay in the basement of their New Jersey home.

The couple had teamed up with two acquaintances, one skilled in finance and the other in marketing, to form STC Technologies. The group didn’t know each other well, but their individual skills covered all bases and made them an efficient team. “It was almost like an arranged marriage,” Sam says.

His role in the mix was to be the idea man. “Sam is always thinking of what people need that is not yet

expressed,” says Linda-Lee. “He’s good at listening to people and really hearing them and responding. It’s his God-given gift, and it has enabled him to be as successful as he’s been with business in particular.”

STC began creating and pitching a diversity of products. Among the first was a sunscreen on a towelette.

The group hit the road, carrying the product from buyer to buyer, hoping for some interest. Back then, Sam recalls, Kmart—not Wal-Mart—was the “gorilla in the market.” STC’s product made it onto Kmart store shelves in a limited capacity, and when one of the partners ran into the Kmart CEO at a college alumni event, he thanked the man for giving STC a test market. The following Monday Kmart’s buyer called with a directive from the boss to take the product chainwide.

“I always say there’s no such thing as luck,” Sam says. “I believe in destiny.”

“And God designs it,” adds Linda-Lee. STC eventually licensed that sunscreen product to Schering Plough, which owns Coppertone, and turned to creating prototypes of products that tapped Sam’s background in clinical chemistry and medical diagnostics. The company relocated to Pennsylvania and received a small grant from the Ben Franklin Tech-

nology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania, a state-funded initiative to help entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground. The going was tough; all of the partners held other part-time jobs to pay the rent.

By that time, Linda-Lee was focused on caring for a newborn who slept only in short spurts and keeping the household running. Sam was out the door at dawn to the Ben Franklin labs and then off to his job at a medical diagnostics company, not returning home until 9 at night.

The pace was relentless.

“We met the bare minimum for sustenance, but that never bothered me,” recalls Linda-Lee. “It was the time apart that bothered me.”

So when the company Sam worked for announced its impending move to England, inviting him to come along with the rest of the research and development team, it was the opportunity the couple needed to step off the treadmill. Sam refused the offer and took a severance package that would buy them some time to regroup.

“It was a godsend,” says LindaLee. “It was the break we needed.”

That severance package and the grant from the Ben Franklin project “bridged us,” says Sam. “We had diapers and macaroni and cheese and we made the mortgage payments.”

Fall 2006

Cover Story 27

Developing technology of national note - first rapid test for HIV Most important, their fledgling company was growing stronger each day. They developed a cryogenic treatment for warts that Compound W markets today, and they created the diagnostic tests for detecting substance abuse used by countless life insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, and health organizations. Most notably, after merging into the public market in 2000 as OraSure Technologies, Inc., they developed the first rapid test for detecting HIV using saliva—a technology endorsed by President George Bush in his State-of-theUnion address as a way to curtail the spread of AIDS. That merger marked the end of the first phase of the company’s life.

Sam agreed to stay on with OraSure as executive vice president and chief scientific officer for three years—he actually stayed for four—but he and Linda-Lee began planning the next phase of their lives together.

“I traveled 100,000 miles a year on airplanes for a long, long time, giving speeches at research meetings, spending time with customers,” Sam says. “My philosophy was to go out, shake hands, and look them in the eye, and that required shoe leather.”

“We wanted to take advantage of the fruits of our labor and spend time with our high schoolers,” says Linda-Lee. Even with all of that traveling, she notes, Sam was never an absentee father, but he had put his own hobbies on hold all those

years. Today, he has the best of all worlds, developing applications for clinical medicine in the research lab at Lehigh and sharing his expertise with students, with time enough to spare so he and his son can surf and kayak year round and he and his daughter can do what she likes best—shopping.

Looking back on those lean years, Linda-Lee says, “I was never fearful through the process. I had faith in God and in my husband. We believed in the goal. We always saw it as attainable, and that’s how we feel about the campaign at ESU.”

President Dillman’s vision of Center for Research and Economic Development brings them back to ESU When their company went public, the Niedbalas began getting reacquainted with ESU and were wowed by President Robert Dillman’s vision. “He truly has a confidence and an expectation that the students at ESU will succeed and succeed well, and that they will be the leaders of our community in the future,” says Linda-Lee. That vision led to the creation in 1999 of the Center for Research and Economic Development, on whose board Sam serves. The center is focused on entrepreneurial innovation, applied research, and workforce training. The intention, Sam explains, is to work with professors to see what companies could develop out of the university to create jobs and business opportunities.

The idea has taken off, infused by plans for the new Science and Technology Center. “The new building is encouraging entrepreneurs to work alongside professors to bring new technology to the community,” Sam says. “It’s great for job creation while students get practical real-world experience.”

The couple is particularly excited by the interdisciplinary mindset at ESU, which mirrors that of industry today, where scientists work alongside financial, marketing, and management experts. “Gone are the days of silos between disciplines,” Sam says. “Industry is based on teams, and having ESU students be aware of those roles and know how to work between them only increases their value.”

Helping ESU to achieve the goals set forth in the campaign dovetails neatly with the Niedbalas’ own master plan. Deeply spiritual, the two see their involvement as part of their own faith walk.

“Our conviction is to use our resources for far-reaching goals, not just short-term gratification—although that can be fun too,” says Linda-Lee with a smile. “This effort is important and will set ESU apart and make it competitive with private schools. Why shouldn’t ESU students have the same opportunities and the same caliber of facilities that private schools have? They are part of the majority of our country, and they’re going to be running it some day. They need to have the best.”

“Gone are the days of silos between disciplines. Industry is based on

teams, and having ESU students be aware of those roles and know how to work between them only increases their value.”

18042_herald fall 2006 final 010Sec1:27 Sec1:27

- Sam Niedbala ’82

1/9/2007 3:04:10 PM

g g 28 Engagements

Engagements Editor’s note: The Engagements, Weddings, Births and “Who’s Doing What” listings were compiled as of October 31.

Over the summer our computer server crashed, and as a result some information was lost. If your news is not in this issue, we apologize; please re-send the information for inclusion in the next issue. Have a great holiday season!

Michael D. Kuhns ’95 and Christine Varone announce their engagement. They work at the Pocono Record in Stroudsburg. Mike is sports editor and Christine is an accounting supervisor. Their wedding was planned for October.

Christopher M. Baines ’96 and Coni Poster announce their engagement. Chris is a program manager for Bethesda Day Treatment Center in Lehighton. The bride-elect is a registered nurse in the cardiac unit at Concord Hospital in Concord, N.H. Tammi J. Wallace ’97 and William B. Oyler V were to be married in October. Tammi is employed by Cecil County Public School, Elkton, Md. William is employed by ING Direct, Wilmington, Del. Erin Flower ’98 and Christian Roguso announced plans to marry in September. Erin is employed by Valley Furniture Shop in Watchung, N.J. Her fiance is employed with Golfsmith in Bridgewater, N.J. Bryan Burkholder ’99 and Kelly L. Herr ’01 have announced their engagement. Bryan is an account executive for APEX Asset Management, LLC and Kelly is coordinator of community relations for the Lancaster School

18042_herald fall 2006 final 010Sec1:28 Sec1:28

ESU Alumni Herald District. Their wedding was planned for November.

Michael Rosenthal ’99 and Amy Miller are engaged. Michael is a production manager with BML Productions Inc. in Raritan, N.J. Amy is an assistant media director at Kerwin Communications in West Caldwell, N.J. An October wedding was planned.

Elysa Katz ’00 and Thomas Handley are engaged. Elysa is a social worker for Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Thomas is a high school math teacher for Bishop Eustace Preparatory School. A wedding is planned for October 2007.

Daniel LaMagna ’00 announces his engagement to Michele Minkler.

Dan was named the running backs coach at Lackawanna College, where he is an assistant football coach.

Michele is a fourth-grade teacher at Abington Heights Elementary. A winter wedding is planned.

Jennifer A. Potacco ’01 and Ernie Andreoli Jr. announced their engagement. Jennifer is the director of social services and activities at Heritage House in Wilkes Barre. Ernie is a Volkswagen technician with Kelly Motor Co., Scranton. The wedding was planned for October.

Vincent Zelizo ’01 and Elizabeth Carrie Lawrence ’02 announced plans to marry in July at Waterloo United Methodist Church in Stanhope, N.J. Vin is an admissions counselor for Centenary College and Carrie is a teacher in the Byram Township School District. They live in Portland.

Joseph D. Bull ’02 is engaged to Jennifer Sink. Joseph is a senior consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton in Los Angeles, Calif. Jennifer is a special education teacher in Torrence, Calif.

A wedding is planned for August 2, 2008.

Crystal L. Burger ’02 and Ronald J. Mickalowski, Jr. announced their engagement. The bride-to-be works for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in the Scranton District Office. Her fiance works for Associated Wholesalers Inc. in Robesonia. The wedding was to take place in September.

Jenny I. Hackett ’02 and Eric Kuntz were engaged on March 20.

Jenny is a fourth-grade teacher at Pleasant Valley School District in Brodheadsville. Eric is an inventory forester for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in Spring Mills. A wedding is planned for October 7, 2007.

Steve O’Hara ’02, M’04 and Angela Lager ’04 have announced their engagement. Steven is a software developer with IS Partner of Plymouth Meeting. Angi is a personal banker for Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley. A September 8, 2007, wedding is planned.

Daniel Bratton ’03 and Heather Clouser ’02, M’03 announced their engagement. Dan is a middle school social studies teacher and varsity football coach at Governor Mifflin School District in Shillington and Heather is employed at Gettysburg College as an assistant athletic trainer. Their wedding is scheduled for June 16, 2007.

1/9/2007 3:04:15 PM

Fall 2006

Engagements 29

Nicholas A. Caprioli ’03 and Kristina Landaeta are engaged to marry.

Nicholas is an electronics engineer at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Tobyhanna. The bride-elect is a summer camp director with Pocono Family YMCA. A wedding will take place in summer of 2007.

Louis Chandler ’03 and Melissa Rath announced their engagement.

Louis is employed by Palmyra School District. Melissa is employed at Milton Hershey Elementary School. A wedding was planned for August 12.

Rachel Hartung ’03 and Stephen Ryan Emmerthal are engaged. Rachel is the head women’s basketball coach at Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre. Her fiance is employed by RCN, a cable computer technology company in Wilkes Barre, and will pursue a master’s degree.

Keith R. Kishbaugh ’03 and Cynthia Washington are engaged. Keith is a teacher for Berkeley County School District in Martinsburg, W. Va. Cynthia is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in elementary education at ESU. The wedding is planned for June 2008.

Stephanie L. Paige ’03 is engaged to James Hardy, Jr. Stephanie is an intensive case manager for Salisbury Behavioral Health in East Stroudsburg. Her fiance is employed with LTS Builders in East Stroudsburg. A wedding is planned for May 2007.

Jennifer Reed ’03 and Jeremy Hahn announced their engagement. The bride-to-be is an admissions specialist at KidsPeace. The prospective groom is an account executive at the Morning Call. A wedding is planned for June 22, 2007.

Charla Riggi ’03 and James McGlynn are engaged. Charla is a re-

searcher for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in New York City. James is a senior accountant at PKF, Intl. in Manhattan. The couple were to wed on September 29.

Heidi L. Huffert ’04 and Kevin Lee Zacharias are engaged. Heidi is employed by The RedCo Group, Lehighton. Kevin is a union pipe fitter in Scranton. A wedding has been planned for October 2007.

Brendon Kur ’04 and Stacey Heffner ’04 have announced their engagement. Stacey is employed by Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony.

Brendon is employed by Pocono Mountain School District in Pocono Pines. A wedding has been planned for July 28, 2007.

Melissa A. Mallick ’04 and Jake Switzer announce their engagement.

A wedding has been planned for June 23, 2007.

John A. McDonald ’04 and Carrie Ann Snell announce their engagement. John is a sales supervisor for Unitrin Direct, Scranton. The bride-to-be is a kindergarten teacher for the Lake-Lehman School District, Lehman Township. A July 14 wedding was planned.

Anthony P. Pagotto ’04 and Erica Briggs announced their engagement. Anthony is the pastor of St. James Lutheran Church, Nescopeck.

Erica is employed by Pocono Mountain School District. The couple was to marry on September 2.

Jeffrey Pilch ’04 and Kristen M. Matrunich announced their engagement. The prospective groom is creative director for API Productions and Multi-Media Advertising, Kingston. The bride-to-be is a co-manager for Bath and Body Works in the Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre.

An October 7 wedding was planned.

Lisa M. Dailey ’05 and Jeffery Kojeszewski are engaged. Lisa is a first-grade teacher at Coolbaugh Learning Center in Pocono Mountain School District. Her fiancé is a non-teaching assistant at Pocono Mountain East High School, Swiftwater. A July wedding was planned.

Samuel P. Jones ’05 and Sarah Schnader are engaged. Samuel is a counselor with KidsPeace in Orefield. Sarah attends ESU. A wedding is planned for September 2008.

Jessica L. Lambert ’05 and Thomas Kutylowski Jr. are engaged. Jessica is a special education teacher at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 in Easton.

Her fiancé is a mechanical engineer with Burns and Roe Enterprises Inc. in Mount Laurel. A wedding is planned for July 14, 2007.

Daniel A. Nealon ’05 and Nicole Ann Wellington ’05 are engaged.

Daniel is employed at Shelley’s Lumber, Freeland. Nicole is employed at Evergreen Behavioral Intervention for Children, Luzerne. A November wedding was planned.

Nicholas Paust ’05 and Jennifer Gambino announce their engagement. The groom-to-be is employed with Bi-County Paving in Queens, N.Y. The bride-to-be is employed at Burberry in Tannersville. A wedding is planned for November 3, 2007.

Sandra Peck ’05 and Daniel Erb are engaged. Sandra is a kindergarten teacher at Resica Elementary School in East Stroudsburg Area School District. Daniel is owner of Erb’s Landscaping, Mount Pocono.

Brian H. Ramage ’05 and Trish Pratt ’06 are engaged. Brian is a fitness co-director at the Annex, part of The Chatham Club in Chatham, N.J. Trish is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in mathematics at ESU and will graduate in December. The wedding is planned for May 18, 2007.

30 Engagements and Weddings Timothy Strenfel ’05 and Andrea Cannavale ’05 plan to marry. The prospective groom is a substitute teacher in the Hanover Area School District. The bride-to-be is employed by the Luzerne County Intermediate Unit. The couple planned to exchange vows in August.

Brittany S. Kulp ’06 and Timothy Kramer are engaged. Timothy is employed with Traffic Planning and Design in Pottstown. A wedding is planned for July 7, 2007.

Weddings

Alissa R. Morris ’93 and Michael D. Alexander were married on October 16, 2005, at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown. Alissa is a textbook manager with Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Inc. at Drexel University. Michael is an architect working in Center City Philadelphia.

The couple reside in Abington.

Paul Shemansky ’96 and Mercy A. Hendren exchanged wedding vows on October 7, 2005, at the Chateau Resort in Tannersville. The groom is a policy liaison for the Senate of Pennsylvania and an adjunct lecturer in history and political science at DeSales University and Northampton Community College. The bride is an art teacher at J.T. Lambert Intermidiate School in East Stroudsburg and an adjunct professor of art education for Kutztown University.

They live in East Stroudsburg.

Greg Wolfgang ’85 and Amy Sanzone were married on July 2, 2005.

Greg is the chairman of the department of English at William Penn Senior High School in York. Amy is a learning support teacher at the same high school.

The couple reside in York.

Dan Mantis Wirth ’87 and Khrysteen Exposito were handfasted in a Celtic pagan ceremony on May 1, 2005, in Lockridge Park in Alburtis. Dan does environmental emissions reporting for Tyco Healthcare in Phillipsburg, N.J. Khrys is a business analyst for BOC Gases in Murray Hill, N.J. They were expecting their first child in October.

Dawn M. Kollar ’90 and Michael Blaum were married on August 13 at Water Gap Country Club in Delaware Water Gap. Dawn is employed at the House of Candles in Henryville. Michael owns EMB Builders and Excavation. They live in Neola.

Andrew Sloaf ’96 and Mindy Frankel ’98 were married on August 19 in LaConner, Wash. The bridal party included ESU alumni Maryellyn Higgins Muller ’98, Jennifer Flanagan ’98, Jayne Dougherty ’98 and Jake Mills ’99.

Many more from ESU made the trip to Washington for the wedding: Molly Zepp ’98, Sue Kellenbenz ’99, Krista Dovin Jacobs ’98, Dan Fey ’00 & Amy Corwin Fey ’98, Brian Maier ’98, Jennifer Parncutt ’98, Jennifer DiMinni ’98, Mark Sokolowski ’97, Brian Koch ’99, Kendyle Crawford Mills ’00, Rico Gallo ’95, Jeremy Young ’96, Cathy Merli ’98, Dan Janda ’96, Christy Connolly ’03 and Chris Magarelli ’01. Mindy is a training specialist for a large technology company and Andy manages a commercial salmon

ESU Alumni Herald hatchery. Mindy and Andy moved to Seattle, over seven years ago and now reside in Rochester, Wash.

Heather M. MacIntire ’98 and Matthew Siptroth married on July 15 at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. The bride is a fourth-grade teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

The groom is an assistant golf course superintendent with Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. They live in Shawneeon-Delaware.

Jonathan M. Sassi ’98 and Kristin T. Prebola were united in marriage on August 20, 2005, at Sacred Heart Church in Plains Township. Jonathan is employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Department of Health in Wilkes-Barre.

Kristin is a business consultant for the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center. The couple reside in Plains Township.

Michelle Hawk ’99 and Richard Brady were married on January 7, 2005, at Saint Mark’s Church in Bristol. The bridal party included ESU alumnae and Tri Sigma sisters, Lisa Bascio ’96, Carol Bethel Pollock ’97, Andria Squillari ’98, Christy DiValerio ’99, Amy Kulesa ’99 and Jennifer Royall ’00.

Another ESU/Tri Sigma alumna in attendance was Erin Ennis Werner ’98. Michelle is the assistant coordinator of housing programs for the Bucks County Housing Authority and Rich works in the web-based service department for Merrill Lynch.

The couple reside in Bristol.

Melinda Haberstich ’99 and Thomas J. Froncek Jr. were united in marriage on September 3, 2005, at St. Therese’s Church, Shavertown. Melinda is employed in the emergency department at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Va. Thomas

Fall 2006

Weddings 31

is employed at Dominion Resources as a business systems analyst. The couple reside in Richmond, Va.

Charles Cosmark III ’00 and Jennifer Rotondella ’04 married on August 13, 2005, at St. Mary’s Visitation Church in Dickson City. ESU alumni included in the bridal party: Brian Smith ’00, Chris Honney ’05 and Alyssa Acken ’04. ESU alumni attending the wedding: Megan O’Hara ’04, Megan Mrozinski ’04, Bonnie George ’04 and Heather Dolinsky ’04. Charles is the assistant general manager for Residence Inn, Columbus, Ohio, and Jennifer is a kindergarten teacher for Columbus Public Schools. They live in Westerville, Ohio.

Nicole Ellis ’00 married Mark Lemoncelli on October 7, 2005, at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort in Hawley. ESU alumni in attendance were: Jenelle Timmins ’00, bridesmaid, Kevin Ogborn ’97, reader, Jen DelGrosso ’01, reader, Mike DelGrosso ’92, Robin Kemp ’98, Michael Blough ’87, and Gary Moss ’98. They are employed by Pocono Mountain School District; Nicole is a fifth-grade math teacher, and Mark, a high school history teacher.

Elizabeth Morison ’00 and Randy Heffner exchanged vows on October 22, 2005, at Pleasantdale Presbyterian Church in West Orange, N.J. ESU alumni in the wedding party were: Laura Salamone ’01, Len Traber ’00, Mark

Wachter ’01, Tim Crouch ’00 and Mike Tait ’01. Other alumni in attendance were: Meaghan McCoy ’00, Kendyle Crawford ’00, Stacy Aaron ’00, Stacy Hamm ’00, Linda Zavitski ’02, Billy D’Andrea ’00, and Tom ’99 and Kate ’99 Weinberg.

Nicole Serwin ’00 and Robert Craven exchanged wedding vows on June 3 at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Resort in St. Lucia. The bride is employed at Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg. The groom is an electrician with Leber and Bonham Electrical Contractors, Local 81, in Waverly. They live in Moscow.

Matthew F. Smith ’00 and Charlene M. DeLuca ’03 were united in marriage on October 22, 2005, at Our Lady of Victory Church in Tannersville. The groom is employed by McLane Northeast in Baldwinsville, N.Y., and Mt. Bethel Beverage. The bride is a teacher with Pocono Mountain School District.

They live in Bangor.

Craig Mesick ’01 and Joyce Weber ’01 were married June 25, 2005, at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Avon, N.J. Craig is an assistant vice president for the Bank of New York in Malvern. Joyce is a behavior analyst for Devereux in Berwyn. The couple live in Fort Washington.

Jon A. Pavuk ’01 and Aubrey L. Gaines ’99 were married on July 9, 2005, in Hope, N.J. ESU alumni in the wedding party were: Jessica

Casey ’99, Karen O’Hanlon ’00, Samantha Hall ’99, Jennifer Novak Mackey ’99, Carrie Schreckengost Froemel ’99, Paul Shemansky ’96, M ’01, Aaron Mariano ’03, David Mason ’02, John DeCusatis ’00 and Greg Garzio ’95. Jon is a teacher in the Pleasant Valley School District.

Aubrey is a special education teacher in the Pocono Mountain School District. They live in Tobyhanna.

John M. Alunni ’02 and Melissa A. Panunzio were joined in marriage at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Archbald. John is a residential treatment facility case manager at St. Michael’s School, Tunkhannock. Melissa is a speech-language pathologist at Genesis Rehabilitation Services at Little Flower Manor, Wilkes Barre.

The couple live in Shavertown.

Ashleigh S. Coffman ’02 married Jason A. Snyder on July 9, 2005, at Cherry Lane United Methodist Church. Ashleigh works for sanofi pasteur, Swiftwater. Jason is employed at J.A. Snyder Entities, Stroudsburg. The couple live in Scotrun.

Tracey L. Halowich M’02 and Michael F. Wagner were married June 22, 2006, aboard the Carnival cruise ship “Inspiration” in the Grand Cayman Islands. Upon returning from the cruise, a reception was held at Checkerboard Pavilion, Trucksville.

Tracy is a high school principal in the Lake-Lehman School District.

Francis is a science teacher in the Jim Thorpe School District. The couple reside in Forty Fort.

Kelly Kerestur ’02 and Jared Hojnowski were married on May 7 at the Chateau at Camelback. The wedding party included Diana DiMino ’02 and Julie Cutter ’05. Kelly is a French teacher at Lehman Intermediate. Jared returned home in April from his tour in Iraq. The couple live in Bushkill.

32

Weddings

Jennifer J. Nicholson M’02 and Joseph S. Agolino exchanged vows on July 9, 2005, at St. Luke’s Church in Stroudsburg followed by a reception at Ridgecrest at Stroudsmoor Country Inn. The bride is employed

by East Stroudsburg Area School District and the groom is employed by Pleasant Valley School District.

Jason S. Sullivan ’02 and Jennifer L. Barnes ’00 married on July 2, 2005, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Boonton, N.J. ESU alumni in the bridal party included Tracey Fedzina Brucker ’00, Jackie Geli ’01, Grace Ann Lombardi Fiocco ’00, Maria Harnett ’03 and Carolyn Mustachio ’02. Groomsmen included Brian Brucker ’00, Brendon Kur ’04, and Jared Campbell ’04. Alumni in attendance included Stacy Heffner ’04, Joseph Muzyka ’01, Erin Dunlevy Muzyka ’00, Amy Daugherty ’00, Brent Johnson ’03, Matt Hess ’03 and Stan Zalewski ’05. Jason is an account manager for First Horizon Financial Services and Jennifer is a first-grade teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Boonton, N.J. The couple reside in Boonton Township, N.J.

Steven P. Fidler Jr. ’03 and Erin L. Lobb ’02 exchanged vows on June 25, 2005 at Lower Providence Presbyterian Church in Lower Providence. ESU alumnus in the wedding party was Jason Donoghue ’03. Steve is employed by Main Line Distributors in King of Prussia. Erin is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. The couple reside in Collegeville.

Stephanie A. Harris ’03 and James Mosher were united in marriage on October 29, 2005, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamstown, N.J. ESU alumna Cheryl Fries ’04 was in the wedding party. Other alumni in attendance were: Bethany Geiger ’04, Rachel Weida ’04, Rachel Holly ’04, Jeanette Negri ’03, Jason Beani ’05 and Megan Drobniak ’04. Stephanie is a graphic designer for Harmon Media Group, Trader Publishing. The couple reside in Virginia Beach, Va. Jennifer Payne ’03 and Mark Fetherman were united in marriage on May 27 at the Chateau at Camelback in Tannersville. The bride is employed with Monroe County Children & Youth Services. The groom is employed with Young Volkswagen.

They live in Stroudsburg.

Michael Zimorowicz ’03 and Jessica Turner married on February 8 at the Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas. The groom is a beverage manager at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun. The bride is a mortgage processor with Lendia, Inc. in Succasunna, N.J. They live in East Stroudsburg.

Danielle R. Black ’04 and Jonathan Park were married on August 12 at East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church. Both are employed by WalMart in Hazelton and Johnathan is also an intern at BRCTV13/LVTV. They live in Summit Hill.

Matthew S. Brown ’04 and Stephanie S. Lahr wed on November 5, 2005, at Rooke Chapel, Bucknell University. The groom is employed

by Service 1st Federal Credit Union, Danville. The bride is a manager at Dunkin Donuts, Selinsgrove. The couple live in Northumberland.

Kimberly A. Ferlick ’04 and Bryan D. Kioske were married on April 8 at The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. Kim is a biology

ESU Alumni Herald teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools in Potomac, Md. She is also the assistant athletic director and varsity softball coach at the high school. Bryan is employed by the United States Postal Service in Hagerstown, Md. The couple reside in Poolesville, Md. Kate Heitman ’04 married Jason Weite on September 17, 2005, at Hideaway Hills in Kresgeville. The bride works at ESSA Bank & Trust in Stroudsburg. The groom is employed by R.J. Groner in Stroudsburg. They live in East Stroudsburg.

Jeffrey Thomas Roberts ’04 and Lori Ann Markovitch ’03 were married July 23, 2005, in St. David’s Church, Scranton. Jeffrey is pursuing a master’s degree in education at Wilkes University and is a chemistry/physical science teacher in the Hazleton Area School District. Lori is a lab analyst with Enzyme Development Corp., Scranton. The couple reside in Wilkes-Barre Township.

Kristen Cody ’05 married Scott Littlefield on February 25 at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Pottstown. Kristen is a Mall Marketing Manager and Scott has a successful career in Inside Sales. They reside in Marlton, N.J. Lynn Correll ’05 and Juliusz Czarnecki were united in marriage on October 1, 2005, at Christ United Church of Christ in McKeansburg.

They live in Stroudsburg.

Tara-Kate Petrillo ’05 and Stephen D. Himes were married on July 15 at Brookville Presbyterian Church in Brookville. The bride is a substitute teacher. The groom is a physical therapist at Punxsutawney Hospital.

They live in Punxsutawney.

Births 33

Fall 2006

Births

Robert Tremblay ’89 and Jane Tremblay, Dracut, Mass., a son, Lucas Benjamin, born April 13.

Raymond J. Solinski ’90 and Barbara Solinski, Cincinnati, Ohio, welcomed their second son, Benjamin Patrick on March 19.

David Comiciotto ’91 and Christine Marchese Comiciotto ’92, Schwenksville, a son, Evan Warren, born February 6, 2006. Evan was welcomed by brother Matthew and sister Grace.

Dawn A. Doktorski Sconzo ’91 and Marc Sconzo, Verona, N.J., announce the arrival of their daughter, Rebecca Sophia, on September 2, 2005.

Michael Powers ’93 and Andrea Bajadek Powers ’94, Edison, N.J., a daughter, Kaitlyn Elizabeth, born December 17, 2005.

Stacey Chassner Mullen ’94 and Matt Mullen, Apex, N.C., a son, Jamison Luke, born March 13.

Denise Staffa Wright ’94 and Brian Wright, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a son, Brady James, born December 31, 2005, at 10 p.m.

Tracy Foster Emery ’95 and John Emery, Hainesport, N.J., a son, Colin Michael, born on August 23, 2005.

Erica Larsen Puopolo ’98 and David Puopolo, Laurence Harbor, N.J., a girl, Katelyn Marie, born July 15.

Vanessa Laino-Stultz ’96 and Tommy Stultz, Tobyhanna, a daughter, Madelyne Lucia, born August 2, 2005.

Jaclyn Kotanchik Wright ’99 and Thomas Wright, Downington, a son, Jakob Charles, born on December 19, 2005. Jake joins big brother, Tommy.

Bryan C. Treude ’96 and Patricia Betzal Treude ’97, Springfield, twins, Colin and Erin, born December 8, 2005.

Marlen Elias Horvath ’00, M’04 and Charles W. Horvath, Easton, a son, Elias, born June 1, 2005.

Brent Watkins ’96 and Kimberli Fithian Watkins ’95, New Holland, a daughter, Kaleigh Isabel, born May 12, 2005. She was welcomed home by big sisters Mackenzie and Lindsey.

Jane Salak Spera ’97 and Anthony Spera, New Windsor, Md., a daughter, Julia Jane, born September 22, 2005.

She joins big brother and sister, Jacob and Rachel.

Jill Alesandro Johnson ’01 and Dan Johnson, Milford, a daughter, Natalee Nichole Rose, born March 2.

Michael Webster ’02 and Melissa Werner Webster ’02, Shilington, a girl, Hailey, born in November 2005.

Nicole Troiano Brasof ’98 and Randy Brasof, New Hope, a daughter, Autumn Teresa, born July 19.

Autumn was welcomed by brother, Holden.

Jill Marie Diesinger Rathmell ’03 and Nathan Rathmell, Bethlehem, a son, Nathan, Jr., born on December 7, 2005.

Send your news to alumni@esu.edu or fax to (570) 422-3301.

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ESU Alumni Herald

34 In Memoriam

Send your news to the

Alumni Herald

Send “Who’s Doing What” news as well as wedding, engagement and birth announcements to: Henry A. Ahnert, Jr., Alumni Center East Stroudsburg University 200 Prospect Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Fax: (570) 422-3301 or E-mail: alumni@esu.edu Be sure to include: • your name • graduation year • your name at graduation • your major • your home address • home and work phone numbers • e-mail addresses Photos may be sent by e-mail or by mail. Please identify everyone in the photo. Space limitations restrict us to publishing only “Who’s Doing What,” wedding and engagement photos. New baby photos will only be used if ESU alumni are also in the photograph. “Who’s Doing What” news may be featured on the ESU Web site unless you advise us otherwise.

The “Who’s Doing What,” Weddings, Engagements, and Births sections in the Alumni Herald are a report on the happenings in the lives of East Stroudsburg University alumni. The information we collect comes from alumni and from various media sources and we believe it is accurate. The Alumni Herald does not discriminate against anyone for any reason nor does it reflect the views or attitudes of ESU or its Alumni Association. Any editing that takes place is done solely for the purpose of clarity and /or length.

In Memoriam Natalie M. Farrell Mertens ’24 Ann M. Reilly, M’24 Joseph A. Trigiani ’27 Mabel M. Lynch Connell ’28 Grace DelGrosso ’28 Helen Harvey Jones ’28 Mildred Evans Beers ’29 Carrie E. Wagner Dutt ’29 Martha L. Gill ’30 Mildred R. Adams Layton ’32 Marion E. Hartzell Stah ’32 Jeannette Prosser Davis ’34 Genevieve Yuskavich Doyle ’34 Robert A. Oldis ’34 Eleanor J. Skovronsky ’34 Vera V. Roberts Wood ’34 Beulah B. Butz Boyle ’35 Neal Fenton Flint ’35 Lelia R. Leedecker Kennedy ’35 William T. Rusk ’35 John P. Childs ’36 Mary K. Jordan Doughton ’36 Anne E. Moore Wisher ’36 Alice R. McAndrew Atherholt ’37 Katharine “Kitty” Fox Walck ’37 Mary L. Kerwin Gilbert ’40 Wallace J. Musselman ’41 Helenmary A. Duganne Pence ’41 Jack P. Thomas ’41 Frank E. Mignoni ’42 Eugene F. Lash ’43 Nevin R. Nonnemacher ’43 Edna Miller Dilliplane ’45 Jean D. Terry ’46 Benjamin J. Jones ’47 Charles W. Dubbs ’48 Robert P. McCullough ’48 Harry E. Werkheiser ’48 Marion Price Cooper ’49 Marian G. Love Reniska ’49 Edna F. Ponder ’50 Richard W. Brubaker ’51 Grace Burkhart Myer ’53 Jeanne Luckenbill Bowers ’54

Marilyn L. Dautrich Cockley ’54 Shirley S. Hamblin Hummel ’54 Arthur E. Schaare ’54 William J. Sibley ’55 George Barna ’56 Shirley A. McClure ’56 Robert J. Graham ’57 William C. Pfeffer, Jr. ’57 Marilyn Miller Butz ’58 John Rogers ’59 Barbara J. McCracken Sharkey ’59 Charles L. Graefe ’60 Raymond T. Kressler ’60 James A. Lindenmuth ’60 John R. Oravec ’60 George Martin, Jr. ’62 Lynn E. Cope ’63 Leah A. Redmond Haffner ’64 Carol A. Fox Young ’64 John L. Behler ’68 William T. Clancy III ’68 Maryellen M. McGee ’69 Carol A. Hargreaves Maclary ’70 Rev. George M. Doll, Jr. ’71 Richard J. Greenwood ’71 Robert Charles Barron ’72 Mary A. Tysver ’72 Daniel J. Kozak ’73 Woodrow W. Brader M’73 Natalie A. Mizerak ’74 Robert “Skeets” M. Weber ’74 Ruth S. Steers Moreton ’79 Robert J. Solliday ’80 Walter L. Von Ignatius, Jr. ’80 John H. Schumacher II ’81 Wilma N. Dietrich ’85 Richard J. Farmer ’85 Joseph D. Kovacs ’85 George Taptich ’86 Robert A. Vellucci ’86 Vaidehi M. Patel ’90 Jason E. Brunell ’03

Fall 2006

In Memoriam 35

John Eiler ’34 Dies; Respected Soccer Coach and Athletic Director for ESU John Eiler first came to East Stroudsburg State College as a student in 1930 and still was following the Warriors during the fall of 2005 as an avid fan 75 years later. He died August 17th at the Stroud Manor in East Stroudsburg.

“I’ve never known anyone in my life who got the respect from everyone that Mr. Eiler did,” said Jerry Sheska, who played soccer for Eiler as a student. “No one had a bad word to say about him. We all loved him. He was basically a father figure for all of us.”

Eiler came to East Stroudsburg from Schuylkill Haven. He was a football center, gymnast and track and field competitor and was named the best all-around athlete in his class.

After coaching at Slippery Rock for ten years, he returned to East Stroudsburg in 1956 and led the Warrior soccer teams from 1956 to 1965.

He led the Warriors to the NAIA national championship in 1962. His 1964 and 1965 teams both reached the quarter-finals of the NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament before losing twice to Michigan State.

His overall coaching record was 150-41-6 over 20 seasons including a 77-25-7 mark at East Stroudsburg.

Eiler’s coaching technique was “unique compared to today’s world,” according to Sheska, the ESU soccer coach for the last 24 years. “He was low-key, quiet, direct and as his players attest, above all honest.

“I never heard him raise his voice,” said Sheska. “He got across what he wanted by directly telling you what he expected; we all followed his direction because we respected him so much. I don’t know many coaches who do that any more.”

Eiler took over as the school’s athletic director at East Stroudsburg

Eiler during ground-breaking ceremonies for renovations at the Eiler-Martin Stadium.

in 1960 and served in the position for 18 years until his retirement in 1978.

After his retirement, Eiler and his wife, Betty, split the year between homes in Bishop’s Colony, Saylorsburg and Pompano Beach, Fla. The Eilers were married for 66 years when Betty died in December, 2003.

Eiler then moved back north to the Pocono Lutheran Village in East Stroudsburg.

Beloved Coach Clyde ‘Red’ Witman Dies Suddenly at Age 74 One of East Stroudsburg’s most successful and most beloved coaches, Clyde ‘Red’ Witman, 74, collapsed and died suddenly April 30th.

Witman coached the ESU wrestling team for 17 seasons, guiding the team to a record of 180-76-6. His teams won two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles in 1968 and 1971. His 1965-66 squad placed Clyde ‘Red’Witman seventh in the NCAA Division 1 championships.

He coached two NCAA champions, 22 conference champions and four Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) champions. His wrestlers earned AllAmerican honors 24 times.

His influence on East Stroudsburg went far beyond his coaching record. He served as the school’s athletic director for nine years and was a faculty member for 25 years. He retired in 1986.

First and foremost, however, he was a teacher, mentor and friend to a generation of students, almost all of them went to highly-successful careers, many as wrestling coaches and officials.

In 1995, he was presented with one of the ESU

Alumni Association’s Great Teacher Awards. In introducing Witman at the Alumni Association banquet, former sports information director Pete Nevins commented.

“I don’t know what Clyde will say in accepting this award,” Nevins said. “He may pepper his conversation with historical references. We may learn about Thucydides and The Peloponnesian War as well as his career at ESU. He may talk about his upbringing in Lancaster County. He may talk about his service in the United States Army. He has a tendency to elaborate, expand and embellish on his remarks.”

Witman at one time commented: “I am Clyde Witman – I have my own level of humor, my own syndrome of behavior when dealing with people and this comes natural. The greatest benefit I have ever gotten from my years at East Stroudsburg is that many of my former students have become very good friends.

This is very precious to me and more important than any of the awards or won-and-lost records.”

Hundreds of his good friends, including ESU graduates, honored Witman either by attending the funeral services in Ephrata or by sending their sympathy messages to his wife, Jacqueline, and sons, Keith and Mitchell.

36 Warrior Spotlight

ESU Alumni Herald

Heart of a Warrior

John Thatcher ’69, M’70 Leaves Legacy Of Student Accomplishment As He Retires

Story by Pete Nevins M’84

John Thatcher ’69, M’70

Above, Thatcher in the 1969 Stroud yearboook.

At right, in the classroom in 2002.

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When John M. Hauth ’83, associate professor of athletic training, nominated ESU athletic training colleague John Thatcher ’69, M’70 for a national award in 2002, he wrote to graduates and asked them “to send letters of support for the nomination if you feel so inclined.”

He expected to receive a handful of responses, perhaps as many as a dozen.

Instead he was inundated by a virtual mailbag full of warm, heartfelt and sometimes long endorsements of John’s candidacy for the award.

“I received more than 200 letters from our graduates about John, how good a teacher, mentor and friend he was, which I forwarded on to the committee,” said Hauth. “That shows the respect and appreciation which graduates have for John and for his role in getting them started on their careers.”

Perhaps it wasn’t surprising, particularly with all the alumni support, that Thatcher won the award, the Sayers ‘Bud’ Miller Distinguished Athletic Training Education Award from the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). It is the highest award which can be bestowed on an athletic training educator.

Shortly after that, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers (PATS) Hall of Fame in 2002 for his contributions to the profession, the State of Pennsylvania and PATS. Thatcher helped start the Athletic Training Education

program at the then East Stroudsburg State College in 1974. He served as its director for 31 years before turning the directorship over to Hauth, one of his former students, last year.

After 37 years associated with the school, Thatcher retired in early June. He left a legacy of talented disciples working at schools throughout the region.

“I’d say we have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of graduates working in athletic training,” said Thatcher. “And they are just not average professionals; many are leaders in the field.”

And Thatcher touched them all. Unlike most disciplines, the athletic training field involves hands-on teaching, demonstrating the skills in laboratory settings and then working with students to help them master those skills.

“John was not only a great athletic trainer working with teams and athletes, but he was one of the best, if not the best teacher I’ve ever seen,” said Hauth. “He made the students excited about what they were learning and about their future careers.”

“It wasn’t just in the classroom either,” Hauth continued. “John spent countless hours in his office advising students and helping them. He always could find a way to make even the most difficult concepts understandable to people who otherwise couldn’t grasp the knowledge.”

With his outgoing and genial personality, Thatcher infused the students with his own love for athletic training.

“It is really a great profession,” said Thatcher. “As a trainer, you are in a position to really get to know the athletes who are generally wonderful people. Athletes are very vulnerable when they are injured

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Fall 2006

Warrior Spotlight 37

‘We have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of graduates working in athletic training. And they are just not average professionals; many are leaders in the field.’

John Thatcher ’69, M’70, distinguished professor of athletic training

At left, John Thatcher ’69, M’70, distinguished professor of athletic training, works with Flo Batten, a graduate assistant in the Athletic Training Department, and student Brad Treadway on techniques to assist soccer player Charlene Conklin.

Photo by Perry Hebard

so therefore if you can provide them with adequate advice, the right kind of treatment and give them the psychological support they need, there is a very close relationship that develops.”

The first ESU athletic trainers in the approved curriculum, four of them, graduated in 1975.

“By 1980, we had more than a dozen graduates each year and now our program has about 100 students with around 25 in our graduating classes,” Thatcher explained. “More than half our graduates have earned advanced degrees within a year of graduating and some have gone on to earn doctorates.”

The graduates all have one thing in common, Hauth emphasizes.

“Look at the great people who came

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out of our program. Whether they are now educators, researchers, sports medicine clinicians or high school, college or professional trainers, John Thatcher taught and prepared them all; he certainly played a large part in their future successes,” Hauth said.

In retirement, the Thatchers, John and the former Pam Jennings ’70, his wife of 34 years, moved to Dundee, N.Y. in the Finger Lakes region where they own a house.

“I had no apprehensions about retiring,” he states. “Pam (an elementary teacher in the East Stroudsburg school district for 22 years) and I are both very active; we’re not at a loss for things to do. I’ll miss teaching very, very much, however. I love what I did.

“I always thought this was the

way to retire. Going out when the students were still saying, ‘Hey, why are you leaving? Instead of ‘Thank God that old guy is getting out of here.’ My wife is in the same place - the kids and colleagues saying, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re going to miss you so much; you were such a good teacher.’ Those are the things you want said about you; go out on the top of your game.”

And Thatcher was at the top of his game as an East Stroudsburg athletic training educator for more than three decades. His successor, John Hauth, and hundreds of other graduates can attest to that. With their letters, many already have.

1/9/2007 3:04:33 PM

ESU Alumni Herald

38

(L-R) Standing: Debra Martin ’74, Chris Lentz Zobel ’72, Sharon Archer ’74, Sharon Whitman Krimmel ’74, Art Schisler ’62, Betty Lou Murphy ’68, Lori Pio ’96, Jeff Detzi ’79, John Detzi ’79, Joe Detzi ’79, John Thatcher ’69, M’70, and Kate Formiconi Sola ’73. Sitting: Lynn Breedy ’71, Mary Jane Wolbers, Suzette Gosling Owens ’77, Aimee Ross Ellison ’91, Claudine Simard ’93, Polly Case Glowatz ’74, Marian Braine Ressler ’73, and Nancy Weaver ’74.

Photo by David Hooper ’05

Record Number Enter Warriors’ Hall of Fame

By Pete Nevins M’84 Twelve former athletes and coaches, the largest number ever, were inducted into the East Stroudsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame on the school’s Homecoming Day, Saturday, October 21.

One reason for the increase in the size of the induction class is that three athletes, the Detzi triplets, were inducted together. Joe, Jeff and John Detzi, all 1979 graduates, were members of the Warrior football teams from 1975 to 1978 which posted a combined 35-3-1 record and won three Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles.

Joe was an All-Conference inside linebacker and one of the team’s leading tacklers. Jeff, also an AllConference pick, and John were offensive lineman. They now work together as owners of Detzi’s Tavern in Wind Gap. Two other football players, offensive guard Art Schisler ’62 and AllAmerica quarterback Andy Baranak

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’84 were honored.

Other male athletes chosen were All-America soccer midfielder Blaz Stimac ’77, two-sport athlete and long-time athletic trainer John Thatcher ’69, M’70 and the late Dr. Charles Wolbers, ESU men’s tennis coach for 23 years and women’s tennis coach for one year.

Two record-breaking women’s basketball players, Claudine Simard ’93 and Lori Pio ’96 joined the Athletic Hall of Fame along with outstanding gymnast Suzette Gosling Owens ’77 and field hockey standout Aimee Ross Ellison ’91.

For the third year, a team was singled out for Hall of Fame recognition— the national quarter-finalist 1970-71 women’s basketball squad.

The selections for the 29th Athletic Hall of Fame class were made by a committee headed by Dr. Tom Gioglio, athletic director. The committee included long-time coaches and athletic administrators and former players representing a cross-section

of both athletic eras and sports. An ESU athlete is eligible to be considered for Hall of Fame selection ten years after graduation.

Schisler was a starting guard on Coach Jack Gregory’s first football teams from 1959 to 1961. He pulled out to power the team’s Wing-T offense and lead the way for All-Conference running back Toby Barkman.

Over the three years, the Warriors compiled a record of 18-6-2.

Baranek made the Kodak LittleAmerica first team as a quarterback in 1983 and was a three-time AllPSAC choice. He set four school passing records and led the Warriors to PSAC Eastern Division titles in both 1982 and 1983 and to the overall crown in 1982.

Stimac was a two-time All-America choice as a midfielder in 1975 and 1976. He made the All-PSAC team four straight years and the All-Region team three times. He helped the ESU booters to a four-year record Continued on next page

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Fall 2006

Warrior Spirit 39

Shoudt, Snyder Receive Barniak Award at Homecoming 2006 At Homecoming the Alumni Association honored Robert B. Shoudt ’64 and Roy G. Snyder ’58 as winners of the Jim Barniak Award, presented to alumni for exceptional achievement in athletics after graduation.

Bob Shoudt became well-known throughout Pennsylvania in Track and Field. He was an NCAA Division I Track and Field Coach of the Year for Indoor Track and Field, and he coached the world record in the distance medley relay, American Collegiate record 4 x 800 relay, three national individual champions, 41 All Americans, four Olympic trials qualifiers, and was a six time Big East Conference coach of the year. He also coached five Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) team championships, was a four time MAC coach of the year, coached three high school national champions, and six High School All Americans. He was also a founding father of the Pennsylvania State Indoor Track and Field Championships, the Montgomery County Cross Country Championships, and the Chichester Relays.

Roy Snyder began his swimming coaching career in 1958 at the Reading YMCA where he coached numerous state and national age group champions during his six year YMCA career. In 1964, Roy opened the first school pool in Berks County at Wilson High School. At Wilson, his swim teams won the Central Penn League title, 10 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District three AAA championships, and two PIAA State AAA Team titles. His teams recently compiled a 97 straight dual meet win streak that lasted for seven years.

(L-R) Bob Shoudt ’64 and Roy Snyder ’58 were congratulated at mid-field by President Dillman and the Homecoming crowd.

Photo by David Hooper ’05

Roy has coached two national interscholastic record holders, over 120 High School All-American swimmers and water polo players, more than 110 PIAA District champs, and 20 PIAA state winners. For his efforts he was awarded the Pennsylvania Swimming Administrator of the Year Award and the Reading YMCA Dr. Councilman Service to Youth Award. He also was inducted into the Berks County Swimming Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Swimming Hall of Fame at Penn State, the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and was the 2002 Pennsylvania Coach of the Year.

Triplets and Entire Basketball Team Are Among Inductees Continued from previous page

of 41-21-3 and conference titles in 1973 and 1976.

Thatcher played soccer and competed in track and field as a student.

He served as ESU’s head athletic trainer for 25 years from 1974 to 1999. He was named the nation’s outstanding athletic training educator by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association in 2001.

Dr. Wolbers guided ESU men’s tennis teams to ten conference championships and the women’s squad to one from 1963 to 1985. His 1969 men’s squad finished third in the NCAA Division II Tennis Tournament. The Wolbers Tennis Courts on campus are named in his honor.

Simard is the leading scorer in ESU basketball history with 1,733

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career points. She holds the school and PSAC career record with 535 free throws. She made the All-Conference and All-ECAC Region team as a senior after averaging 20.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

Pio grabbed a school-record 1,013 rebounds and scored 1,527 points during her career. She holds school marks for career and season field goal shooting. She was a twotime All-PSAC first team player and was a key member of the Warriors’ 1995 PSAC championship team.

Owens set school gymnastics record in every event with marks of 9.00 in the floor exercise, 8.80 on the uneven bars, 9.15 in the vaulting, 8.50 on the balance beam and 35.15 overall. She became the school’s first AIAA national championship

qualifier in 1977.

Ellison was chosen on the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association All-America second team in 1989. She was chosen on the AllPSAC first team twice. She scored 35 goals over a four-year period from 1986-89, fourth best in the school’s history.

The 1970-71 women’s basketball team gained the school’s first berth in the AIAW national championships which included colleges from all divisions. The Betty Lou Murphycoached team beat Marshall in the first round before losing to Mississippi College in the quarter finals.

The team finished with a 13-3 record, which tied the school victory record.

1/9/2007 3:04:43 PM

40

ESU Alumni Herald

Giving g Opportunities pp

Friends of ESU Athletics To Hold Phonathon from Jan. 28-Feb. 7

Class of ’62 Awards $1,000 Scholarships to Five Students The Class of ’62 Scholarship Committee hosted a luncheon for their scholarship winners. This year the committee awarded five students with $1,000 each.

Pictured are, back row, from left, committee members: Ken Benner, Bob Sweeney, Diane (Miller) Freed, Patricia (Alberts) Hibschman, Lynn (Dambach) Walton, and Dave Luning. Unable to attend were Betsy (Reinhard) Masenheimer, Arthur Schisler and Ted Laurenseon. Seated, from left, are Michelle L. Weaver, New Holland, a senior physical education major; Kimberly L. Ramage, East Stroudsburg, a senior special education major; and Erica J. DiMarzio, Shohola, a senior English major. Insert is Kevin R. Merkel, Bethlehem, a freshman business management major. Unable to attend was Alisa D. Keiper, Stroudsburg, a senior elementary major.

The Heritage Society was established by the East Stroudsburg University Foundation to recognize those alumni and friends who are interested in the long-term viability of the university. Heritage Society members make planned giving provisions to support ESU through: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Will bequests Insurance beneficiary designations Charitable Remainder Trusts Pooled Income Fund Charitable Annuities Donations from retirement benefits such as IRAs Other planned giving options

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The Friends of ESU Athletics Phonathon will be held from January 28 to February 7. Student callers will contact former athletes, alumni and fans to support grants-in-aid programs for student athletes.

Phone calls will be made between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. When you receive your call, consider a pledge of $50, $100, even $500.

Please show your Warrior spirit by being as generous as you can.

This year’s goal is $66,500. Whatever your contribution, large or small, know that your gift will impact the future for more than 450 student athletes who represent our University. So don’t be caught on the sidelines, instead, prepare to get in the game! We’re counting on you to make the difference.

For more information, call (800) 7758975 or visit http://advancement.esu.edu.

Change in Minimum Endowed Scholarship Rate

Beginning July 1, 2007, the minimum amount required to endow a scholarship through the ESU Foundation Office will be raised from $10,000 to $20,000. Endowed scholarship accounts opened with a minimum $1,000 deposit prior to July 1, 2007, may still be endowed under the $10,000 minimum level. Please contact Vincent Dent at (570) 422-3936 or Robert Kelly ’71 at (570) 422-3531, if you have any questions or if you are interested in establishing an endowed scholarship.

HERITAGE

SOCIETY

EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY

Giving to ESU through the Heritage Society allows you to support ESU and provide for the future well-being of your family through planned giving. These types of gifts are donations that will live on, supporting ESU for generations to come. For more information on how you can join the Heritage Society, please call Robert Kelley ’71 (570) 422-3531 or Vincent Dent (570) 422-3936 or tollfree, (800) 775-8975.

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Sample Annuity Rates Single Life Age 60 65 70 75 80

Double Life

Annuity Rate Age 5.7% 70/70 6.0% 75/70 6.5% 81/80 7.1% 8.0%

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Annuity Rate 5.9% 6.1% 7.0%

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ESU Office of Alumni Relations

Upcoming Events

Following is a partial, preliminary list. For current information visit http://esualumni. org or http://advancement.esu.edu or call the Alumni Office at 570-422-3533.

February 12 NYC Alumni Social The NYC area alumni will join other PA State System alumni at Dave and Busters at 234 W. 42nd St. $20 per person includes appetizer buffet and beverages.

March 2-9 Florida Trip Beginning with Englewood, FL we’ll begin a series of gatherings across the state. Check the website for locations on the east and west coasts of the Sunshine State.

March 24 King Tut Trip Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Travel by luxury motorcoach from ESU for $50 per person. Trip includes entrance to the Franklin Institute, the King Tut exhibit, and an IMAX viewing.

March 31 ESU Couples Dinner Alumni who are coupled with an alumnus/a are invited back to campus to toast the night away and take a walk down memory lane over a special dinner with entertainment to follow for $25 per couple.

April 7-18 Jewels of China Cruise Discover China’s most renowned imperial treasures and travel along the legendary Yangtze River as you take this journey from Shanghai to Beijing. Prices start at $2,827.

April 14 NYC Car Show or Met Trip

Leave ESU via motorcoach for NYC to see what’s hot in automobiles at the NY International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center or take in 5,000 years of art at the famous NY Metropolitan Museum of Art. $25 per person for auto show, $30 for museum.

April 22 Metro DC Brunch Treat yourself to an elegant brunch at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va.

May 26- June 6 Waterways of the Czars Travel with Professor Brian Sickels from St. Petersburg to Moscow along the majestic Svir River. Prices start at $3,990.

June 1 & 2 Alumni Reunion If your class year ends in a “2” or a “7” make plans to reunite with classmates this summer for a memorable weekend.

July 4-16 British Isles Cruise From the spectacular vantage point of the Grand Princess, a British Isles cruise presents an enticing array of destinations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. Prices start at $3,425.

August 12 Alaska Cruise Sail aboard the ms Amsterdam roundtrip from Seattle, Wash. to the breathtaking glaciers of Alaska. Witness the spectacular wilderness that is home to bald eagles, whales, and bears. Prices start at $1,641.

Alumni Association

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 200 Prospect Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-2999

ESU Alumni Herald

October 6 Homecoming Everyone’s favorite event! Mark your calendars today for this fun filled weekend.

October 27- Nov. 8 African Safari The best of Kenya driving safari allows you to visit magnificent national parks and see the beautiful country side via a minibus equipped with a roof viewing hatch and an experienced guide. Prices start at $4,500.

Other Spring/Summer/Fall events in the making: California Montgomery County (PA) DELCO (PA) 20th Annual Gathering Bucks County (PA) Atlanta Delaware North Carolina Alumni Golf Outing NJ Beach Bash Scranton/Wilkes Barre NYC taping of an ABC TV show Mail your reservation/request to: Ahnert Alumni Center East Stroudsburg University 200 Prospect Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Or call in your guaranteed reservation to Tania at 800-775-8975 , visit www.esualumni.org or email alumni@esu.edu

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY OF PA

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