East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Alumni Herald
Summer 2007
Volume 20, No. 1
ESU Alumni Herald
From the President’s Desk
Opening Remarks Dear Friends, With this issue of the Alumni Herald we invite you to help us celebrate the civic-minded spirit of the people who make up the university community. Our feature story spotlights the truly extracurricular involvement of students, faculty, alumni, board members, and staff in the community at large. The campus is full of individuals who not only work hard to make ESU what it is, but who also spend many hours contributing time and resources in the service of worthy causes off campus. Every page of the Alumni Herald reveals the influence your fellow graduates are having across the country. The “Who’s Doing What” section conveys the scope of meaningful involvement by many alumni in their communities. ESU graduates are active on school boards and running for elected office, involved with philanthropy, spending a lifetime working with the Boy Scouts and youth soccer, and serving their country in the Armed Forces, as well as working for their communities as teachers, school administrators, and government officials. Close to home, three individuals were recognized on Alumni Day with Alumni Association awards for their good works. You will want to read about the community commitment of Gary Olson ’76 and Tom Leshko ’57, and about the lifelong achievements of Professor Pat Dorian, who was presented with the Great Teacher Award.
You will also read about two new scholarship initiatives established by the good will and thoughtfulness of ESU alumni, including a new pre-med scholarship which was among the last wishes of the late Margaret Rosa ’83. We also have coverage of Mrs. Frances Hughes, who was recognized by the university at commencement this spring with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree for her social and civic engagement and philanthropy. I hope you will have occasion soon to visit the campus, where you can see visible evidence of community commitment in the rising of the new ESU Science and Technology Center. “Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality” is more than the slogan of our $15 million comprehensive campaign … it manifests the way members of the university and the community set about accomplishing good things in the world. Sincerely, Robert J. Dillman President
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 (570) 422-3533 (800) 775-8975 Fax: (570) 422-3301 E-Mail: alumni@esu.edu Web site: http://esualumni.org
Editor John J. Ross Director of Alumni Engagement Assistant Editor Wanda Ochei Assistant Director for Alumni Relations Design and Production Office of University Relations
Contributors Vincent Dent Michelle Dramé M’07 Dave Hair ’76 Perry Hebard ’07 David Hooper ’05 Bob Kelley ’71 Doug Lockwood ’88 Christina (Fenton) Mace ’00 Carleen Policastro John J. Ross Douglas F. Smith BGA Studios George Vance ’74 Sheree B. Watson
Notice of Nondiscrimination East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, 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 Campus Mediation 200 Prospect Street 115 Reibman Building East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Table of Contents
Summer 2007
Office of University Advancement
Cover Story
Ahnert Alumni Center (800) 775-8975 http://advancement.esu.edu
ESU has a strong committment to serving the community. Faculty, staff, students and alumni alike are busy all year on projects and programs that benefit the world around them.
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
12
Tonya Williams Administrative Assistant for Development John J. Ross Director of Alumni Engagement Wanda Ochei Assistant Director for Alumni Relations Carleen Policastro Alumni Relations Secretary Michelle Dramé M’07 Director of Corporate & Community Relations
Features
Two new scholarships endowed........................................................................7 Humanitarian Frances Hughes awarded honorary doctorate...........................16 Science and Technology Center construction update......................................15 Warrior athletics set new record for attendance.............................................23
Vincent Dent Director of Major Gifts/Planned Giving
Departments
Robert Kelley ’71 Major Gifts/Planned Giving Officer
Births....................................................................................22 Engagements........................................................................20 Gatherings & Events.......................................................... 8-11 Giving Opportunities............................................................6-7 In Memoriam................................................. inside back cover Message from President Dillman...................inside front cover Upcoming Events..................................................... back cover Weddings.........................................................................20-21 “Who’s Doing What”.........................................................16-19
Cynthia Lavin Major Gifts / Planned Giving Secretary Christina Fenton Mace ’00 Coordinator of Annual Funds John Shewchuk Database Manager Teresa McCraw Werkheiser Coordinator of Donor Relations and Stewardship Roberta Russell Secretary/Receptionist Mona Uathavikul Accountant Stephanie Adams Senior Prospect Researcher
Board of Directors Roger L. DeLarco ’80 President Mark J. Mecca ’96 Vice President Virginia M. Hauserman Sten ’71 Secretary
Oops!
This is the real graduation photo of Shirley (Neas) Merring ’57. We printed the wrong photo in the last issue. Sorry, Shirley!
Suzanne A. Chludzinski ’90 Edward J. Curvey ’63 Nicholas A. DiGregory ’76 Dr. Anthony L. Drago ’76 Eugenia S. Eden ’72 Robert. C. Edwards ’55 Robert A. Kearn ’58 Gerald D. Keyser ’59 Susan B. Koomar ’88 Deborah A. Kulick ’80 Gail A. Kulick ’88 John T. Lambert ’54 Jesse W. Landon ’81
4
Financially Speaking
Doug Lockwood ’88 explains how to make unwanted income work for you in his estate planning column.
Alumni Day 2007
2
College days remembered, friendships renewed.
Ted E. Martz ’47 Shirley A. Merring ’57 Maurice J. Molin ’76 Charles J. Morton ’64 James B. Nesbitt, Jr. ’74 “Pinky” O’Neil ’57 Bernard A. Peruso ’91 James “Rocky” Rogers ’85 Michael J. Romano, Jr. ’74 Dr. Faye D. Dallmeyer Soderberg ’58 Timothy M. Weisse ’74 Lawrence A. Zaccaro’77
Emeriti Dr. Betty Collins Henrie ’44 Bryan L Hill ’71 James “Pat” Hyde ’63 Phyllis M. Kirschner ’63 Dr. Frank Michael Pullo ’73 John E. Woodling ’68
Alumni Day 2007
ESU Alumni Herald
Class of 1957
Big gift
The Class of 1957 presented a class gift to ESU totaling $53,550 as a result of its successful “$50,000 for 50 Years” campaign. From left, Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Isaac Sanders and President Robert Dillman accept the class gift from the Class of 1957 Campaign co-chairs, Pinky O’Neil and Tom Leshko, during the Alumni Day Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. The gift has been designated to support the university’s new Science and Technology Center, the centerpiece of the institution’s $15 million comprehensive campaign called Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality.
Summer 2007
Alumni Day 2007
Alumni Day 2007
Tom Leshko ’57, right, receives the Conrad ‘Skip’ Idukas Service Award from Jim Nesbitt ’74 of the Alumni Association board.
50 years
The Class of 1957 [left] had an absolute blast celebrating their golden anniversary at Alumni Weekend. The class committee organized events that included golf and tours of Stroudsburg on Friday, a class dinner on Saturday, and a class brunch and memorial service on Sunday.
Tom Leshko ’57 received the Conrad “Skip” Idukas Service Award in recognition of his contributions to the university and Alumni Association through exceptional volunteer service. Leshko has been the leader and coordinator of Washington, D.C., Metro Area Alumni gatherings from their inception, beginning with a farewell reception for President James E. Gilbert and Betty Gilbert in 1996. Since that time he has increased events from biennial to as many as five per year, making it, by far, the most active alumni cluster of the university. His efforts to get more alumni actively involved occur daily and are never ending. Leshko has done this by growing a committee of volunteers to ensure diverse events — everything from happy hours to elegant brunches, to performances at the Kennedy Center, to tailgating before baseball games. The events have grown in size and frequency as well because of his engaging and amiable personality. Leshko has also been actively involved in his class’s 50th reunion event planning and served as co-chair of the “$50,000 for 50 Years” campaign. He and his wife of 48 years, Jean (Miller) Leshko ’58, have supported the university financially for many years and have donated a faculty office in the new Science and Technology Center in their name.‘
Class of 1942 / 1947
Front row, from left — Pat (Van Alstine) Hofmann, Doris (Berdy) Saracino, Barbara (Baatz) Davies, John Powers, Winifred (Sullivan) Seery, Calvin Wolfgang, Pinky (Fees) O’Neil, Adrienne (Murphy) Lorenzo, Natalie (Demianenko) Miller, Elvira (Lippay) Possinger and Mary Sue (Harvey) Mitke. Second row – Anthony Talocci, Joan (Sabatini) Tirrell, Burton Hughes, Thomas Huston Craige and Joylene (Swartley) Suhr. Third row – Mickey (Mauser) Deibler, Chris (Christensen) Miller, Frank Krystyniak, Stan Tchorz, Guido DiTorrice, William Ruddy, Russ Lebar, Diane Weaver and Tom Leshko. Back row – Joseph DeRaymond, Bill Miller, Ed Brewer, Richard Berish, Dick Merring, Judson Springer, Shirley (Neas) Merring and Pauline (Hessler) Gearhart.
Alumni Day was special for these alumni from the 1940s. From left, Claudia (Cooke) Kamor ’42 and Betty Kline ’42 celebrated 65 years since graduation. Ted Martz ’47 celebrated his 60th anniversary, and Eunice (Drake) Reese ’48 returned to support them.
65 years & 60 years
ESU Alumni Herald
Alumni Day 2007
Gary Olson ’76 was this year’s winner of the Alumni Association’s Helen G. Brown Honor Award.
Professor Pat Dorian, right, was presented with the Alumni Association’s Great Teacher Award by board member Mark Mecca ’96, left.
Alumni Association Honors Two For ESU Commitment Gary Olson ’76 was presented with the Helen G. Brown Honor Award from the Alumni Association. This award is presented to an ESU alumnus/a whose extraordinary accomplishments in life have brought honor to the university and pride to all alumni. Gary is the president and CEO of ESSA Bank and Trust. He has been with the bank for 30 years and led it to new heights. On April 4, 2007, the bank listed on the Nasdaq Global Market with $158 million in capital. ESSA employs more than 170 people and has 13 local branches including five full-service branches in Mr. Z’s supermarkets. ESSA has served the surrounding community for over 90 years. Olson majored in health and physical education. His passion is soccer — he played four years at ESU and co-founded the Stroudsburg United Soccer Club. Another highlight was being chosen by his alma mater in 2005 to be the commencement speaker. Olson participates in many community activities. He serves on the board of Pocono Health Systems (PHS) as vice chairman, is a director/treasurer of the Pennsylvania Division of the American Cancer Society, and is a director of the Monroe unit. He has served on the board of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers and the PHS Foundation. In 2000, he was the state Volunteer of the Year for the American Cancer Society.‘
Professor Pat Dorian received the Great Teacher Award by the Alumni Association as presented by board member Mark Mecca ’96. This golden apple award is presented to an active or retired faculty member who has demonstrated superior teaching ability and an extraordinary commitment to students. Dorian teaches courses in jazz studies and film music, and initiated, developed and taught 17 new courses for his department on the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the most prominent of these new courses is the popular, semester-long, Jazz Masters Seminar & Mentor Concert Series, now in its eighth year. From 1987 to 2002, Dorian was the adviser and director of University Bands, making him the longest-running director of musical ensembles in the history of ESU. He founded the ESU University/Community Concert Band in 1987. Also, the University Jazz Ensemble performed with many world-class jazz artists in many states. He was named the Outstanding Adviser on Campus to a Student Organization “for having displayed exemplary roles at ESU.” His students inducted him into the ESU chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa: The National Leadership Honor Society. He received the Fred Waring Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts and the Community. He holds a master’s degree in music performance from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in music performance and music education from Ithaca College, and taught music in public schools for 14 years.‘
Summer 2007
Alumni Day 2007
Alumni Day 2007 Class of 1962
45 years
Members of the Class of ’62 reunited at Alumni Day after 45 years. From left are Pat (Tross) Danaher, Monica (Venema) Lodge, Diana (Florence) Martlew, Edie (Blagbrough) Bjorn, Wilma Schierer, Annette Barbini, Mary Kirka and Mary-Carol Mason.
Alumni Weekend 2007 kicked off Friday, June 1, with a Hawaiian luau. Many came prepared in their colorful tropical shirts, and all received a free lei for the occasion. Saturday featured a program on the university’s living history and tours around the campus in a trolley replica. A reunion luncheon, wine tasting and reception rounded out the special day.
At the Class of ’57 golf outing, from left: Guido DiTorrice, Dick Merring, Cal Wolfgang and Frank Krystyniak.
ESU Alumni Herald
Giving Opportunities
Use it or lose it: Unwanted income, how to make it work for you
Financially Speaking
signed into law new tax incentives for charitable gifts. The IRA Charitable Rollover provision allows individuals to make their distributions from their IRA accounts This article is the directly to the ESU second of a series of Foundation without articles that Doug Lockrecognizing the distriwood ’88 has been asked bution as income. to write for the Office of The key points are: Advancement, illustrat• You must be at Doug Lockwood ’88 ing some effective estate least 70½ at the time of planning and gifting techniques that the charitable distribution. are available to all ESU alumni and • You may distribute up to donors.This article will address Retire$100,000 per year, for tax years ment Plan Giving. 2006 and 2007. • Distributions must be made Retirement plan accounts are directly from the trustee/adminissome of the most highly taxed assets trator of your IRA to a qualifying that a person can give to their heirs public charity (you cannot receive at death — sometimes taxed as the distribution prior to gifting the much as 70 percent. asset to the charity), such as the East Consequently, these accounts Stroudsburg University Foundation. are one of the most inefficient assets • Distributions cannot be made to pass to family and loved ones, but to donor advised funds or “supportthey are one of the most tax-efficient ing organizations.” assets to give to ESU to fund your • Gifts must be made outright to Warrior legacy. Not only could you the charity (they cannot be used to benefit from making an outright fund charitable remainder trusts or distribution now from your IRA, by charitable gift annuities). naming ESU as the beneficiary of • No charitable deduction is your retirement account, you could allowed, since this provision allows avoid excessive taxation of this asset. you to exclude the distribution from And since changing the benefiincome. ciary of your account is normally Time is running out! You might quite simple, any new laws related to benefit from this provision: estate and IRA taxation that would • If you have accumulated IRA create the need to make further assets that may not be needed to changes related to beneficiary dessupport your retirement lifestyle, ignations should not be difficult to but are required to be distributed implement. each year, this may be an excellent Since 2001, Congress has been option. A qualified charitable districonsidering a variety of bills that bution can partially or completely contain an IRA charitable rollover satisfy your annual minimum distriprovision that would allow a taxbution requirements, without havpayer to transfer IRA benefits over ing to recognize the distribution as to a charity of their choice without income. having to take it as a taxable distri• If you have made, or are conbution. sidering making, charitable gifts On Aug. 17, 2006, President Bush
Doug Lockwood ’88
Charitable IRA Rollover bill good news for ESU Foundation supporters
A series of articles about estate planning and gifting
that exceed 50 percent of your adjusted gross income (the maximum amount of deduction allowed for cash gifts). A qualified charitable distribution is not subject to the 50 percent adjusted gross income limitation because no charitable deduction is permitted. • If you own an assortment of smaller IRA accounts that while not substantial in relation to financial needs, nevertheless require owners to keep up with minimum distribution requirements each year. These smaller accounts can be given in their entirety (provided the total amount for all accounts does not exceed $100,000) as a qualified charitable distribution.‘ Doug Lockwood ’88 is a partner at Harbor Lights Financial Group, Inc., a wealth management firm located in Manasquan, N.J. If you are interested in donating from your IRA, please contact ESU’s experts in the Office of University Advancement, Vincent Dent at (570) 422-3936 or Robert Kelley ’71 at (570) 422-3531.
Giving Opportunities
Summer 2007
Alumna’s dying wish establishes Margaret Rosa Pre-Med Scholarship In the fall 2006, Margaret A. Rosa ’83 knew her life would end soon. She had bravely battled cancer for some time, and now she was told it had entered the fourth stage, spreading throughout her body. Margaret had two final things she wanted to accomplish as an ESU alumna, and she did them both with grace, humor and unqualified dignity. With close friends and classmates, she proudly participated in one last glorious Homecoming celebration on campus. She also established a permanently endowed scholarship fund at East Stroudsburg University to provide financial assistance to young women pursuing a pre-med course of study. No sooner had she signed-off on the guidelines for
awarding her scholarship than the end came. Margaret died on Feb. 22, 2007. Friends and family honored her memory with contributions to her newlyestablished endowment. The premier Margaret Rosa Pre-Med Scholarship recipient will be announced in the fall.‘
Margaret A. Rosa ’83
• Those wishing to donate to the Margaret Rosa Pre-Med Scholarship Fund may send contributions to: The ESU Foundation, 200 Prospect St. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
Mid ’70s Shawnee Hall grads establish own scholarship initiative By George Vance ’74 and Dave Hair ’76 In the past few months, as we reflected on our lives and relationships, we belted out the words to Bon Jovi’s “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?,” because we certainly can. Anyone who has spent time with the early 1970s alumni from Shawnee Hall can attest to that! During the more than three decades since graduation, we have all become highly successful members of society. Yet, bring us together for a weekend and we morph into the fun-loving college kids who haunted the ESSC campus all those years ago. It’s rare today to find a group of people who have such deep roots of friendship. And make no mistake, this group understands that E’Burg gave them a lot more than a good education.
One member noted, “We realize, now, that we bought much more than a degree when we came here.” In fact, the group pictured in the fall edition of the Alumni Herald are all proudly wearing their ESSC T-shirts. John Helgesen ’74, the T-shirt entrepreneur, points out, “These Tshirts aren’t just a tailgate accessory, they are an acknowledgement of the birthplace of our extended family.” For that reason, we have decided to give something back in the form of a scholarship so that future generations will have a similar opportunity and experience. Frank Johnson ’74, George Shultz ’74 and John Helgesen ’74 are helping us spearhead an endowed scholarship on behalf of third floor Shawnee Hall residents from the early ’70s. Many of us are annual donors, but we are digging a little deeper to also support this initiative.
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: n n n n n n n
Will bequests Insurance beneficiary designations Charitable Remainder Trusts Pooled Income Fund Charitable Annuities Donations from retirement benefits such as IRAs Other planned giving options
We have created and are maintaining a list of residents so that they can help us not only in this endeavor but also to reconnect with one another. To make sure you are included, please contact us. We are excited to note that we have already received more than $6,000 to date. It is our hope that students will gain lifelong friendships and a great education from the place we call home.‘ To make a donation, or for more information, please contact Christina Fenton Mace ’00, coordinator of annual funds, at (570) 422-3156 or cmace@po-box.esu.edu. Checks should be made payable to ESU Foundation (please note 3rd Floor Shawnee Hall Scholarship on the memo line) and mailed to the ESU Advancement Office, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
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 gifts 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 toll-free, (800) 775-8975.
Gatherings and Events
ESU Alumni Herald
Couples’ Night
The second annual ESU Couples’ Night was a success when twice the number of alumni spouses as last year came out to enjoy a walk down memory lane. Local radio personality Gary Smith had the audience in stitches as he hosted his version of the “Newlywed Game.” Jason Wimmer ’03 and Corey (Hair) Wimmer ’03 [top right] were the big winners. Not an easy feat, as their honest, personal matching answers racked up the points but were heard by Corey’s parents, David Hair ’76 and Moira (Porteous) Hair ’77 [top left], who were in the audience. Dennis Kergick ’85 and Darlene (Davis) Kergick ’83 [left] and Carl O’Merle ’64 and Mary Jane (Tee) O’Merle ’69 also participated. Alumni enjoyed the sweetest of sweet treats from a chocolate fountain. Following the game, they enjoyed watching their personal chef prepare a flaming Bananas Foster dessert. To top off the evening, alumni were rolling on the floor laughing, thanks to a show by New York comedian Wali Collins.
Senior Picnic
More than 150 seniors attended the farewell barbecue luncheon sponsored by the Alumni Association at the Alumni Center. Seniors had one last opportunity to gather with friends and reminisce about their days at ESU before they started jobs or graduate school.
Summer 2007
Gatherings and Events
Semper Fi Tour
Washington, D.C.-area alumni had an inspiring tour of the new National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. Capt. Matt Stephens ’96, USMC, led the group through the museum which is a tribute to all who have served in the Corps during its 231year history. Brunch at the Quantico Marine Corps Officers Club followed, along with a question-and-answer session with a Marine who recently returned from Iraq.
Capital Action The D.C. brunch bunch
The annual brunch at the Army Navy Country Club is one that Washington, D.C. area alumni always look forward to. Thanks to the efforts of Tom Leshko ’57, there is always a great crowd with scrumptious food at a beautiful setting — a sure recipe for success. This year the group heard President Dillman give a “State-of-theUniversity” update plus a presentation by an historical interpreter from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, the most visited historic home in the United States. AT LEFT, from left: ESU Foundation board member Smiley Shackleford ’85, Jean (Miller) Leshko ’58, Rosemarie (Eichhorn) Cauthers ’52 and her husband, Richard.
10 Gatherings and Events
ESU Alumni Herald
20th year for Delaware County gathering
The DELCO (Delaware County, Pa.) alumni had a fantastic time celebrating at their 20th annual gathering. The DELCO gathering is ESU’s longestrunning annual alumni group event, and was attended by more than 25 alumni who had a great time sharing stories and networking.
From left, host and Alumni Board member Nick DiGregory ’76, spent time with his friends Bill Smithson ’76 and Chris Ransel ’74.
From left, Ted Szymczak ’78, Ginny (Jacobi) Hecksher ’76, Shirley (Ritter) Hipple ’75 and Tony Vanella ’76.
Summer 2007
Sold-out trip to King Tut’s treasures
Gatherings and Events
11
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: n Personal Health Insurance Services - discounted long term care insurance from all the major carriers. n Liberty Mutual Insurance offers graduates up to 30 percent off their automobile, home or renters insurance.
Opulent urns filled with mysterious gifts and tombs of solid gold dazzled those on a sold-out trip of almost 100 alumni to see the world-famous King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Alumni were also captivated by the 3D IMAX movie on Ancient Egypt. See the Upcoming Events calendar on the back of this issue for information about other tour and travel opportunities sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations. Make your reservations now!
Hemlock Floor Reunites
A reunion of 5th East Hemlock from 1978-1979 gathered recently at the home of Sue Miller Merkels ’78. Although many had not seen each other in almost 30 years, when reunited it was as if there were still hall mates. A great time reminiscing and catching up was had by all and the day ended with a pledge to do it again … but not wait 30 years! From left: Karen Papson-Carroll ’79, Lori Schaeffer Obrock ’79, Sherry Schaeffer Redcay ’79, Sue Miller Merkel ’78, Mel Stocker ’79 and Tess Reinhard Woloszanski ’79.
n 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.
ESU Alumni Herald
12 Cover Story
Summer 2007
Cover Story 13
From left, a sampling of the ways ESU helps the community at large: Lambda Iota sorority members clean up a park in East Stroudsburg; Community on the Quad in April; Nikki Crawford gets her head shaved in a Hemlock Hall fundraiser for the American Cancer Society; the “Fight Fire with Jazz” concert, which raised money for the Delaware Water Gap Fire Company.
Giving back going on in a big way as campus reaches out to community
T
here are no ivory towers at East Stroudsburg University. While the campus is full of intellectual pursuits of the mind, the university is deeply involved in the body and spirit of the community at large as well. ESU’s strong commitment to public service starts at the top, where President Dr. Robert J. Dillman believes civic responsibility is an important and natural part of the university experience. “It’s not just the straight economic benefit we have, but also the human side of it,” Dillman says, citing an ever-greater demand for community help and services that the university is quietly meeting. “It’s part of giving back, and being an active member of the community where you live.” Each year, ESU tracks the number of hours students spend on public service and the amount of money they raise. Students committed 13,500 hours of their time during the 2006-07 academic year, more than doubling the time reported the year before. Campus community service projects raised nearly $18,000 for a variety of causes, and thousands of items were donated in food and clothing drives.
“
So many people give up their time for so many good causes ... Dr. Robert J. Dillman University President
Students learn about the campus commitment to public service during the admissions process, which in addition to looking at their academic qualifications undertakes a “wholeperson assessment” that considers contributions made to school and community. But it’s not just the students. Faculty, alumni and staff are also energetically involved in volunteer work, although since much of it is done quietly on an individual basis, the community-wide impact of ESU’s “good works” often goes unheralded. “Faculty and staff efforts just haven’t been recognized,” says Dillman, who early this year took an informal survey of campus departments to get a sense of their involvement with the community. “So many people give up their time for so many good causes: Rotary, Boy Scouts, municipal planning boards, church, spending time with the elderly, teaching reading skills to recent immigrants. All kinds of things that we rarely ever note.” But in fact, one of ESU’s goals is to provide everyone in the university community with opportunities to get involved in public service. It even says so in the ESU Mission Statement, which also lists “good citizenship” among the university’s committed values.
“
The university draws the kind of people who are very likely to be very involved with the community at large. Dr. Deborah E. Prince Mathematics
“The university community draws the kind of people who are very likely to be very involved with the community at large,” says Dr. Deborah E. Prince, a mathematics professor who calls working with the Pocono Youth Orchestra her second love. “There are a lot of campus people who contribute to the community, both professionally and outside their areas of expertise.” “It seems like the quantity of opportunity is more in the community than ever before,” says Prince, also an elder at East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church. “Students seem more active now, although faculty have always been involved in community organizations.” Bob Moses, director of residence life and housing, is a leader of volunteerism on campus. “I’ve always been a proponent of giving back to the community,” he says. “Whatever our skills or talents are, or whatever our resources.” Moses has been working with the American Cancer Society for 30 years, and is also a volunteer with Planned Parenthood, Head Start, and the United Way. He and his staff were the top local money raisers for the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” this year. Each of ESU’s eight residence halls is
“
There are a lot of students getting involved and helping others. Bob Moses Director of residence life
required to plan two community fundraisers or service projects a year. This April, Hemlock Hall collected $1,500 for the American Cancer Society, topping a challenge set by resident adviser Nikki Crawford, a community health education major who said she’d shave her head if $1,000 was raised. Other projects have included preparing dinner at a soup kitchen, visiting children in the hospital, and collecting winter coats, hats and boots each fall for children living below the poverty line. “Some may say that students seem to be more self-centered these days, but the other side of it, strangely, is that there are a lot of students getting involved and helping others,” notes Moses. “There is a constantly increasing number of students wanting to get involved, and an increasing number of opportunities to get involved,” agrees Robb Ruiz, ESU Student Senate president, sociology major and a volunteer activist. “Sometimes there’s a stigma about negative student impact on the community, but there’s so much good that we do.” Ruiz sits on the statewide Board of Student Government Presidents, which last year launched an initiative uniting students across the state in giving back to their individual
“
communities. ESU students held their first “Community Kindness Day” in April, with about 50 students involved in projects. The day ended with a “Senior Prom” at Pocono Lutheran Village, an assisted living residence near campus. Ruiz, also a Special Olympics coordinator, member of the Lions Club and volunteer with emergency medical services at home in Ridgefield Park, N.J., promises that next spring’s “Community Kindness Day” will be bigger and better, and last more than just one day. “We are devoted to opening up communication with the community, and to do good things,” he says. Public service is becoming part of class work on campus as well. A group of faculty, staff and students called the Service-Learning Initiative Committee brokers connections with the community and helps interested faculty integrate communitybased projects into some of their courses. Leadership development, civic literacy, and critical thinking as it relates to society are among the goals of service-learning, according to Dr. John Kraybill-Greggo, an assistant professor of sociology who coordinates the Service-Learning Initiative Committee. Continued on next page
“
“
We are devoted to opening up communication with the community and to do good things.
I don’t know how anyone could be more enriched than to live in a college community.
I don’t think this town would be anything like the town it is without the people at the university.
Robb Ruiz Student Senate president
Eugenia Eden ’72 Alumni Association board
Barth Rubin ESU Foundation board
14 Alumni Feature
ESU Alumni Herald
Topped off Steel worker Rafael Bermudea guides the final piece of steel into place on June 6 at the “topping” ceremony for the new $40 million Science and Technology Center. The building is scheduled to be completed in about a year. The first new campus building since 1979 will also be the largest at 124,000 square feet. Doug Smith photo
http://192.153.187.198 You can go online and watch the construction of the Science and Technology Center live on the campus webcam, trained on the building site from the top of the Moore Biology Building next door.
Giving back Continued from previous page “Service-learning provides an opportunity to integrate theory into practice and for practical application of skill and knowledge,” KraybillGreggo says. “The hope is to build reflection and social consciousness into service-learning courses.” Recent service-learning projects have included tutoring, health fairs, working with the elderly, organizing recreational activities, and offering help to local social service agencies. ESU is among more than 1,000 institutions taking part in Campus Compact, a national revival of community service on campuses which are committed to fulfilling the public purposes of higher education. “It’s all about bridging our community with the community we reside in,” Kraybill-Greggo notes. The “good deed” habit doesn’t
stop after graduation. Civic-minded alumni are plentiful, as the Alumni Herald attests to, and very active. Eugenia “Jean” Eden ’72 of East Stroudsburg is one of them. A nontraditional student, she graduated with an elementary education degree after her three daughters were grown. Along with serving on the Alumni Association board, Eden is or has been involved with the local League of Women Voters, the Monroe County Historical Association, Head Start and the county Children & Youth Advisory Board, and is a “Great Books” discussion leader at Eastern Monroe Public Library. She doesn’t think the extent of her community involvement is unusual among ESU grads and undergrads, and notes that students are always doing something for the good of the community. “I don’t know how anyone could be more enriched than to live
in a college community,” she said. “There are so many functions and programs, and so much involvement with the community at large.” Barth Rubin agrees. “I don’t think this town would be anything like the town it is without the people who live and work and study at the university,” said Rubin, outgoing chair of the ESU Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that secures gifts and grants for the university. “These people tend to be generous of their time and efforts everywhere, not just on campus.” Rubin, owner of the Budget Motel & Suites and J.R.’s Grill in East Stroudsburg, finds time to help the Shepherd’s Maternity House and serve on the Temple Israel and Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau boards, as well as sponsor a Stroudsburg United Soccer Club team. “What would this town be without the university?,” he asks.‘
Alumni Relations 15
Summer 2007
New hands at work for alumni
Six new members of the ESU Alumni Association’s board of directors were sworn into office on Alumni Day by board president Roger DeLarco ’80. From left are DeLarco, Ben Peruso M’91, Shirley (Neas) Merring ’57, Larry Zaccaro ’77, Gail Kulick ’88, and student representative Robb Ruiz, a senior sociology major from Ridgefield Park, N.J. Ed Curvey ’63 is also new to the board, but was unable to attend.
Two newcomers welcomed in Alumni Relations Office Wanda Ochei began her tenure as the assistant director for alumni relations in late April after serving East Stroudsburg University for nine years as the director for judicial and commuter student services.
“I hope to build relationships with individual alumni and with specific alumni affinity groups through reunion development, and other social, cultural and educational events,” she said.
She has more Ochei earned a than 19 years of bachelor’s degree in Wanda Ochei experience in higher business education Assistant Director education, and has from East Carolina a sound customer University and a master’s service background and strong degree in student personnel interpersonal skills. administration from the University of Central Missouri. Ochei will provide leadership and support of many of the activities and services of the department. Specifically, she will work on projects to help alumni become more involved in current campus and community activities.
She succeeds Michelle Dramé M’07, who was appointed director of corporate and community relations within ESU’s university advancement division.‘
Carleen Policastro Secretary The ESU Office of Alumni Relations welcomes Carleen Policastro as alumni relations secretary. Carleen brings more than 20 years of administrative experience to ESU. “I am very excited to be working with the alumni and to join the ESU family,” she said. “I look forward to contributing for many years.”‘
16 ‘Who’s Doing What’
ESU Alumni Herald
Frances Hughes honored with Humane Letters doctorate East Stroudsburg largest single gift in the University of Pennsylvania history of ESU to come conferred an honorary from a non-alumna. doctor of humane letters Indeed the Hughes gift degree on longtime has paved the way and humanitarian Frances raises the bar for future M. Hughes at its educational advancement spring undergraduate and institutional progress at commencement ESU. ceremonies. Other meaningful The honorary philanthropic endeavors by doctorate, rarely given by the Hughes family include: the university, honored Mrs. Hughes for her • The Hughes Library extraordinary contributions in Stroudsburg, which to education, social and continues to provide the civic engagement, and entire regional community philanthropy to the with library resources and community, the region, and web communications that the university. might otherwise not be Born in Elmhurst, and available; a graduate of Scranton • The Frances and Dale Central High School, Mrs. Hughes Cancer Center, Hughes earned her bachelor operated by Pocono Health of science degree from Systems to help citizens Marywood College in 1944. in our community receive During her early years, she critical medical attention was employed as an art that might otherwise teacher in Connecticut and cause patients to leave the later, in East Stroudsburg. immediate area for care; She spent most of her • The R. Dale Hughes adult life in East Stroudsburg Professorship in Oncology and it was her family at Johns Hopkins that owned and operated University Medical Center Hughes Printing Company. in Baltimore, Md., which Mrs. Hughes has been, promotes ongoing medical President Dillman confers the honorary doctor of humane letters degree and remains, extremely teaching and research. on Frances M. Hughes at spring commencement. active in the Monroe County Mrs. Hughes serves community as well as other parts of the Northeast. Her as a member of the board of directors for Pocono support of charities and education span more than a Community Bank. The list of charities and educational decade. institutions which have benefited from the generosity of The Hughes name is associated with many Mrs. Hughes and her late husband, Dale, includes but is significant initiatives in and around the Pocono region. not limited to United Cerebral Palsy, the Salvation Army Since 1980, the Hughes family has provided scholarship of East Stroudsburg, Eastern Monroe County Pubic funds supporting ESU students. Library, the Stroudsburg Family YMCA, The Burnley Moreover, in December 2006, Mrs. Hughes and Workshop, Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH), her family provided a seven-figure gift to ESU. With Pocono Medical Center, Northampton Community the family’s entire donation designated toward the College and Lafayette College. construction of ESU’s new Science and Technology Mrs. Hughes has one son, Kevin, of Stroudsburg and Center, the Hughes family’s generosity represents the a devoted nephew, Robert Kapp, of Scranton.‘
Summer 2007
“Who’s Doing What”
1950s
Mary Ann Catino ’55 and Dorothy Ruggiero ’58 were inducted into the Bangor Area High School Alumni Association “1885 Club Hall of Fame.”
1960s Gerald “Pateesh” Freedman ’64 won his third term as councilman of Hillside, N.J. Maryanne W. Toole ’65 sought the Democratic and Republican nominations for the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board. Maryanne is the past president of the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board and is the vice chairwoman of the Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational Technical School Board Joint Operating Committee. Terry A. Butler ’69 placed fourth in the National Archery Association (N.A.A.) Eastern Regionals and also placed fourth in the nation in the N.A.A. Men’s Crossbow Division.
1970s
Dawn Ketterman Benner ’70 lost her daughter in an automobile accident. She is establishing a community scholarship in her memory. For more information please contact the ESU Alumni Office. Sue Werkheiser ’70 is a master professional and a past president of the LPGA Northeast Section. She teaches golf locally and all along the east coast. She is intrigued about making a golf video or instruction book, but her real thrill comes from teaching. Dr. Joseph P. Callahan ’71 was recommended to the Board of Regents to be hired as the interim provost and vice chancellor at Montana State University-Northern. Dr. Callahan started his new responsibilities in June. He has 17 years of university administrative experience, including, chair, dean and vice president for academic affairs. Ron Sandt ’72 retired after serving 25 years as the athletic director for Weatherly High School. He taught senior high health and physical education for 33 years. Christine Donohue ’74 a former judge on the court of Judicial Discipline and former chair of the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners, won one of two Democratic nominations for Pennsylvania’s Superior Court in the May primary. She faced seven other candidates. She and three other candidates will contend for two vacant seats in the fall.
‘Who’s Doing What’ 17
Alumni Spotlight Guest Alumni Lecture Series Debuts with Francis Courtney ’47
Certified meteorologist, businessman and alumnus Francis E. Courtney ’47 was the first speaker for the new Guest Alumni Lecture Series at ESU. Courtney spoke on the subject of hurricanes in a presentation titled “Into The Eye of the Storm: Typhoon Penetration Flights.” Courtney graduated from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College with a degree in mathematics and physical science. He also earned a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in meteorology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Following a 12-year stint in the military where he acquired expertise in meteorology and served as an advanced weather officer and navigator, among other positions, he was employed as an operations research scientist with Lockheed-Georgia Corporation. He became a senior meteorologist for Dames and Moore in Atlanta, Ga., a meteorology and air quality analyzer using computer modeling and finally, in his current profession, as an accident and toxic release consultant /analyzer. He is certified in numerical weather prediction, advanced weather forecasting, hydrology and astronomy and diffusion meteorology, quality assurance for air measurements and air toxins. Courtney is also the founder and president of Courtney Consultants where he serves primarily as an expert witness in industrial litigation involving meteorology and air quality forensic work and other concerns related to meteorology and environmental arenas. Courtney has served 70 years as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was married to the late Mary Watson Courtney ’43. ‘
18 ‘Who’s Doing What’ William C. Shupp ’74 retired as the Air National Guard’s top enlisted man, having achieved the rank of command chief master sergeant. He was the Air National Guard’s senior enlisted adviser to Maj. Gen. Jessica Wright, head of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Timothy J. McEwen ’75, previously the president and CEO of Harcourt Achieve, has joined Study Island (an online connected learning solutions company) in a new CEO position. Dr. Ronald W. Quinn ’75 received the U.S. Youth Soccer Excellence in Youth Coaching Education Award, “The Dr. Thomas Fleck Award.” Dr. Quinn developed the National Youth Coaching License. He has written several coaching books that are the foundation of U.S. Youth Soccer’s coaching lessons. Quinn, an associate professor at Xavier University, has dedicated his life to the education of coaches and youth development. Joseph Pezak ’76, superintendent of the Byram Township School District, was interviewed for an article in the Sussex County, N.J., Township Journal about positive changes and contributions he has made to the district. Craig Childs ’77 has accepted a position as head tactical officer for Valley Forge Military Academy & College. He has been instrumental in integrating the first females into the Corp of Cadets. Susan Rinkus ’78 has established Healthy Bladder Solutions, providing medical management of common bladder problems to older adults. A resident of Houston, Texas, she has been recognized for her professional contributions and publications.
ESU Alumni Herald Jay Tucker ’78 was elected chairperson of the Middle States Regional Council of The College Board. He is one of only nine members of the 27-member council to represent the Counseling and College Admissions sub-assembly. One of his main responsibilities is to serve as chairperson of the Middle States Regional Forum of The College Board in February 2008. Thomas P. Dyroff, Jr. ’79 was appointed director of human resources at Delaware Hospice. He brings to the position more than 25 years of human resource experience and is a member of the Radnor Township Citizens Cable Commission.
1980s
Rev. Lt. Col. Clifford C. Flick ’83 retired from the U.S. Air Force after 24 years of service. Flick was an assistant aviation branch chief for the Defense Supply Center Richmond Detachment at DSCP, where he performed his Air Force Reserve duties for nine years. In a civilian capacity, he works as a general supply specialist for the Defense Distribution Command in New Cumberland. He is also an ordained United Methodist clergyman.
George R. Fields Jr ’83 was promoted to U.S. Army colonel. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard until coming on active duty in 1983. He has received several awards including the Bronze Star. James A. Viola ’84 was promoted to U.S. Army colonel. He is a master Army aviator and parachutist. He is assigned to the Pentagon as Army Aviation Division chief. He served as a special operations aviation planner for the Special Operations Command in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Miguel Biamon ’84 was inducted into the Lehigh Valley Golf Hall of Fame. Miguel is a twotime Philadelphia PGA section champ and qualified for the 1994 Championship at Southern Hills. Kelly J. Heffner ’86 was appointed director of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Policy based on her experience in developing policy, regulations, and guidance and her overall knowledge of the department. Previously she was the chief of the Permitting Section of the Division of Waterways, Wetlands and Stormwater Management.
1990s Dawn Tyler ’90 received the 2006 Wal-Mart Teacher of the year award. She was also named head teacher in February 2007 at T.A. Lowery Elementary School in Shenandoah Junction, W. Va., where she has taught for five years. Dawn teaches a first-grade program for at-risk students.
‘Who’s Doing What’ 19
Summer 2007 Enos Charles Ochola ’93 joined IMS Division Tube City IMS Corp. as an environmental engineer. He has published numerous papers in environmental and engineering publications related to the reuse of industrial co-products and byproducts. Thomas Sigafoos ’94 accepted a position as principal at Maple Glen Elementary School. Thomas was chosen by a selection committee of Maple Glen faculty, parents, school boards members and administrators from more than 50 candidates. He works closely with the parents and the community members, promoting things such as multiculturalism and diversity.
Dr. Graciani Martinez ’95 has opened his own private practice in Dover, N.J. He received his board
Kimberly “Sue” Mendenhall ’96 graduated from Penn State University with a master’s degree in instructional systems and technology. She has been teaching English at the Oxford Area High School in Oxford for nine years. She coaches the girls’ tennis team. She is the building technology assistant and the adviser to the class of 2008. Joshua P. Pittman ’99 was named head men’s soccer coach at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colo. He will oversee the college’s newest intercollegiate varsity sport and begin his tenure as head coach. Joshua has over 12 years of coaching experience at various levels including college, high school and youth soccer. He was also a former
professional and college soccer player who most recently served as a developmental staff coach for the Real Colorado Soccer Club in Highland Island Ranch, Colo.
2000s
Michael Vaugh ’03 has been named assistant vice president in the commercial banking unit at PNC Bank in Wilmington, Del. He is responsible for loan portfolio administration and serves as client liaison to other areas of the bank. Dustin Barno ’03 enters his fourth year with the Colorado Crush in the Arena Football League. He had a breakout season in 2006, setting a team record with six sacks, while playing in all 16 games with 15 starts. He finished the regular season posting career numbers with 25 tackles.‘
Alumni Spotlight
Class of ’91 grad named one of ‘40 Under 40’ attorneys Renee graduated summa cum laude Peers named Renee A. Rubino ’91, an from ESU and credits her alma mater with attorney in Bergen County, to New Jersey providing the skills needed to excel in Law Journal’s “40 Under 40” list in 2004. law school and beyond. She was active The exemplary attorneys are selected not on campus as a member of Student Senate only for what they have achieved in their during the planning and redesign phase of careers, but also for their potential to be the student center, and was an instrumental leaders of the New Jersey Bar. part of the Academic Affairs Committee that Rubino recently opened New brought the “mid-term” and “final exam” Jersey Mediation Services, LLC (www. format to ESU. njmediationservices.com), specializing in Rubino holds ESU in high esteem. “I am business and divorce mediation, and the Law impressed with the growth and progress Offices of Renee A. Rubino, LLC., focusing Renee A. Rubino ’91 made with respect to the campus facilities and on real estate, business law and civil litigation. academic curriculum.” A former adjunct professor of legal research and She is passionate about community involvement writing at Seton Hall Law School, Renee has been and participates in many charitable organizations, certified to give seminars to commercial real estate such as Women United in Philanthropy, a giving appraisers on legal issues involved in valuing property acquired by eminent domain/condemnation. She is also circle dedicated to the economic and educational advancement of women. Renee lives in Bergen County a member of the New Jersey Association of Professional with her partner and their 3-year-old son.‘ Mediators.
Colorado Crush
Arlette Braman ’95 published six children books with John Wiley & Sons. In addition to these, she has had two stories published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books last year.
certification status in podiatric orthopedics and primary podiatric Medicine.
20 Engagements & Weddings
Engagements
Sarah Sienko ’98 and Robert Templeton announce their engagement. Sarah is a math teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary School, New Milford. Her fiance works for Johnson Outdoors, Conklin, N.Y. The wedding is planned for August.
Toni Ann Giustra ’00 and William Pratt are engaged to wed. Toni is employed with Pocono Mountain School District in Swiftwater. Her fiance is employed at Waiting Room Solutions in Goshen, N.Y. A wedding is planned for Nov. 3. Chris Barnes ’01 and Kimi Saito are engaged. Chris is the head recruiter for Tarkenton Financial LLC. His fiance is an underwriter for Maxim Insurance Company. A wedding is planned for April 2008. Veronica Smyth ’01 and Frank Charles announce their engagement. Veronica is an environmental health and safety professional in Jersey City, N.J. Frank works as an operations plant manager in Newark, N.J. A wedding is planned for Oct. 5. Jessica Zbylicki ’01 and James Carson were to be married June 16. Jessica is employed at East Stroudsburg High School North. Her fiance is employed with J.C. Ehrlich Pest Control Co. in Stroudsburg. Janel Galebach ’03 and Billy Binikos are engaged. Janel is a health and physical education teacher at Jim Thorpe School District. Her fiance is employed with Tru-Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning in Bethlehem. A wedding is planned for June 14, 2008. Matthew Smith ’04 and Jennifer Blundetto ’06 are to be married. Jennifer is a fifth-grade special education teacher at Easton Middle School. Matthew is a teacher at East Stroudsburg Elementary School. A wedding is planned for June 2008. Marjorie Ann Miller ’06 and Mark VanWhy announce their engagement. Marjorie is employed with Women’s Resources of Monroe County. Her fiance is employed with East Stroudsburg University. A wedding is planned for July 21.‘
ESU Alumni Herald
Weddings
Dina Priovolos ’89 and James Colonias were married Nov. 11, 2006, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, N.J. Her bridal party included her Phi Sigma Sigma sorority sisters, Megan Burke-Aylward ’89, Rainy Cooke-Farrell ’89, and Pam Dean-Nickelston ’89. Other alumni in attendance were Donna NagleRodas ’89, Jenna McGinn-Pecherek ’89 and Terri Wesley-Horgan ’89. The former pharmaceutical representative and her husband, Jim, a bond broker in New York City, live in Mountainside, N.J. They expect their first child this summer. Shannon Hajdinyak ’98 and Abe Chehouri were married on Aug. 4, 2006, in Hellertown. Alumni in attendance were Stacey O’Connell O’Rourke ’98, Jennifer West Plebani ’99, T.J. Plebani ’00, Kristie Piskorski ’01, Paula Cichello Zumas ’98, Ryan Cron ’02, Sonya Xander Newton ’02, Kristin Gross ’00, Michael Vitale ’03, and Melissa Abel Hoff ’00. Shannon is a first-grade teacher. Abe is a manager for T-Mobile Corporate Headquarters in Bellevue, Wash. The couple reside in Renton, Wash. Rob Tomko ’99 and Amy Deutsch were united in marriage on Sept. 16, 2006, at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Whitehall. Rob is a pharmaceutical sales specialist for Astra Zeneca pharmaceuticals. Amy works as a therapist at Pinebrook Services for Children & Youth. The couple live in Whitehall. Peter Prell ’00 and Laura Warfel were wed on Oct. 14, 2006, at Lake Naomi in Pocono Pines. The couple reside in West Chester. Peter is a manager with Carlton Pools in West Chester. Laura is employed with the Chiropractic Spine Center in Paoli.
Weddings 21
Summer 2007
Courtney Laybourne ’01 and Matthew Konklin were married on Oct. 27, 2006, at the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. The couple reside in Saylorsburg. Courtney is the director of sales and marketing for Golden Living Center East Mountain in Wilkes-Barre. Matthew is employed as a stagehand for ABC Studios in New York City. Melissa Anders ’02 and Reginald Miller III were married on Sept. 30, 2006, at the Ridgecrest, Stroudsmoor Country Inn. The couple reside in Long Pond. Melissa is a speech pathologist at Genesis Healthcare Pleasant Valley Manor in Stroudsburg. Reginald is a project manager with M.O.S. Design in Scranton.
Weddings
Thomas E. Elwood Jr.’04 and Kristen A. O’Donnell were united in marriage on Sept. 8, 2006, at the Clubhouse at Patriot Hills, N.Y. Thomas is the superintendent of the Recreation and Parks Department for the City of Middletown, N.Y. Kristen is employed in the business office at SUNY Orange in Middletown, N.Y. The couple live in Middletown, N.Y. Rachel Holly ’04 and Michael Bradley Quinn were wed on Sept. 30, 2006, at St. Anne’s Church in Bethlehem. The couple live in Lehighton. Rachel is a health and physical education teacher at the Lehighton Area Middle School. She coaches varsity volleyball and softball at the Lehighton High School and girls’ basketball at the Middle School. Her husband, Michael, is a supervisor for Youth Services in Jim Thorpe, and attended ESU from the summer of ’99 to the spring of ’01. Other alumnae in attendance were Stephanie Harris ’03, Rachel Weida ’04, Bethany Geiger ’03 and Jeanette Negri ’03.
An online community that works together stays together… Want to find an old classmate? Need all the details about an upcoming alumni event or reunion? Want to update your contact information? Other exciting services are available on the ESU alumni on-line community including up-to-date information on all regional events, career assistance, alumni benefits including discount car and homeowners’ insurance, book store items and ESU license plates. You can find all of this and more when you log on to www.esualumni.org. Use your constituent ID#, printed above your name on the address label on this issue, to get started!
Bradford McEvilly ’04 and Rosalyn Bem were united in marriage on Sept. 30, 2006, at St. Joseph’s Church in Newton, N.J. Included in the wedding party were alumni Brian McEvilly, Caitie McEvilly, Anthony Federico ’06, and Chris Miller ’01. Other alumni also in attendance were Annette Wolosz Federico ’04 and Brian Moore ’06. Bradford owns an advertising, marketing, and web development company. Rosalyn is a scientist at Bristol-Myer Squibb. They live in Plainsboro, N.J. Gary Schubert ’05 and Flora Downing Hall were married on July 29, 2006. Vows were exchanged on a cruise from Barnstable, Mass., on Cape Cod. The couple live in Delaware Water Gap and teach in the Stroudsburg Area School District. They were expecting their first child in May 2007.‘
22 Births
ESU Alumni Herald
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: n your name n graduation year n your name at graduation n your major n your home address n home and work phone numbers n 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.
Lydia Fennen Goldberg ’91 and Josh Goldberg, Langhorne, announce the birth of their son, Quinn Charles Goldberg, born Oct. 13, 2006.
Births
Eric Wehrenberg ’92 and Seena Wehrenberg, Wapwallopen, announce the birth of their third child, Colin James Wehrenberg. Colin joins older sisters, Amber 4 and Brenna 2. Jennifer Noctor Hopping ’95 and Skip Hopping, Great Meadows, N.J., announce the birth of their daughter, Halle Shea, born July 16, 2005. She joins big brothers Jacob, age 5 and Jared, age 4. Robert A. McCauley ’97 and Danielle Laxx McCauley, Hershey, announce the birth of their son Owen Andrew McCauley, born June 4, 2006. Melissa Koehler Sidella ’98 and Jeff Sidella ’99, Fuquay-Varina, N.C., announce the birth of their son, Parker George Sidella, born July 17, 2006.
Randy Briehan Hinton ’00 and Timothy Hinton ’02, Brodheadsville, announce the birth of their son, Landyn Timothy Hinton, born Jan. 2. He joins his older sister Paige Alexis, age 7.
Abby Pursell LaBar ’00 and Tadgh LaBar ’01, Easton, announce the birth of their daughter, Emerson Jaye, born Dec. 31, 2005. Tom Shaver ’01 and Jessica Salas Shaver ’01, Tunkhannock, announce the birth of their son, Logan Robert Shaver, born June 29, 2006. Michelle Lavelle Tallada ’02 and Rodney Tallada, Myrtle Beach, S.C., announce the birth of their daughter, Isabella Marie Tallada, born Oct. 6, 2006. Allison Frable ’05 and John Frable, Pen Argyl, announce the birth of their son, Evan Jacob, born July 22, 2006. Evan joins big brother Dawson, age 4. Laura Kochesky Marotti ’05 and David Marotti, Hubbardston, Mass., announce the birth of their son, Connor James, born July 30, 2006. He joins big brother Cameron. ‘
Warrior Spirit 23
Summer 2007
Records were set last year in terms of both attendance and ticket revenue at Warriors athletic events. Athletic Director Tom Gioglio cites an increased enthusiasm for ESU athletics in the community.
Athletics sets attendance, revenue records The athletic department had another banner year in 2006-07, surpassing previous records in attendance and ticket revenue which were set in 2005-06. Attendance at all ticketed ESU athletic events increased by 17 percent, following a 98 percent jump the previous year. Additionally, ticket revenue experienced an eight percent increase last year, after a 32 percent increase in 2005-06. “This is an exciting time for ESU athletics, particularly with the increased enthusiasm for the Warriors in East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg and the surrounding communities,” said Tom Gioglio, who is completing his third year as athletic director.
“This support has enabled ESU to have another outstanding year.” The figures reflect overall and paid attendance at ESU’s two ticketed venues, Koehler Fieldhouse (basketball, volleyball and wrestling) and Eiler-Martin Stadium (football and soccer). They do not include PSAC postseason and NCAA Playoff games and tournaments. Among the highlights of the attendance and ticket revenue report are a nearly three-fold increase in
attendance at volleyball matches at Koehler Fieldhouse, an 85 percent jump in overall attendance at both men’s and women’s soccer, and a 67 percent increase in attendance at wrestling matches. Attendance at basketball games went up by 25 percent, and football attendance was up 18 percent from the 2005 season. “The efforts of our coaches, student-athletes and administrators have helped take ESU to an unprecedented level of achievement, both on the playing field and in the stands,” Gioglio said. “Our corporate sponsors and business relationships have also contributed to the overall atmosphere of athletics at ESU.”‘
24
ESU Alumni Herald
Warrior Spirit
The ESU men’s soccer team won the 2006 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship, helping the university leap in the Dixon Trophy standings.
ESU finishes in top half of Dixon Trophy standings ESU jumped up four places to finish seventh in the 2006-07 Dixon Trophy standings, the highest placement for the university since it was fourth in the inaugural rankings in 1995-96. ESU was also the most improved athletic program in the conference in relation to its finish in last year’s Dixon Trophy standings. The Dixon Trophy is named after F. Eugene Dixon, Jr., former chairman of the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. It is awarded annually to the PSAC member institution that accumulates the most points based on results of
conference playoffs and/or regularseason records. Each institution’s point total is calculated by adding its top six men’s finishes and top six women’s finishes in 21 conference sports. ESU accumulated 64.5 points in men’s sports and 58 points in women’s sports, the first time the athletic department has broken the 50 point mark for both genders since 1997-98. The improvement is a credit for the student-athletes and the coaching staffs. One of the goals in the athletic department is to be a consistent presence at the top of the PSAC standings. The Warriors
claimed one PSAC championship (men’s soccer) and used impressive performances in the PSAC championships for both men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field to help ESU improve by 28 points as a department. ESU also finished in the top half of the conference in football, baseball, basketball and cross country on the men’s side. The women’s standings were bolstered by the basketball team, which won the PSAC East, and the softball team, which made the PSAC tournament for the first time in 26 years.‘
Alumna heads to National Lacrosse Hall of Fame US Lacrosse/National Lacrosse Hall of Fame
Susan Kidder ’69 had a terrific four-year career for the Warriors in both field hockey and lacrosse that earned her induction in 1987 into the ESU Athletic Hall of Fame. On Nov. 10, 2007 at The Grand Lodge in Hunt Valley, Md., she will be enshrined in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. She was a member of the first U.S. World Cup team in 1982, a journey which started in 1970 when she was Susan K. Kidder ’69 named to the U.S. team for the first time. Kidder was the head lacrosse coach at Norristown High School from 1972-81 and also served as an assistant coach for Ursinus College’s 1983 Division II national championship team. She is also a member of the U.S. Lacrosse Philadelphia Chapter Hall of Fame. ‘
2007 ESU Football Schedule Aug. 27.............. at California, 7 p.m. Sept. 8.........................at Lock Haven Sept. 15...................... vs. IUP, 6 p.m. Sept. 29.......... vs. Millersville, 1 p.m. (Family Weekend) Oct. 6..........vs. Slippery Rock, 1 p.m. (Homecoming) Oct. 13..............................at Cheyney Oct. 20......................at West Chester Oct. 27.......... vs. Bloomsburg, 3 p.m. Nov. 3............................. at Kutztown All Warrior team schedules online at www.esu.edu/athletics
Summer 2007
In Memoriam
Dr. Sills, president from 1968-1971, dies at age 92 Dr. Frank Dreyer Sills, president of courses. He expanded the campus by East Stroudsburg State College from enlarging the football stadium, opening 1968 to 1971, died June 30 at his home in the Hemlock Hall dormitory and St. Petersburg, Fla. He was 92. obtaining funds for the Lenape Hall Dr. Sills, a career educator, was dorm. Among his accomplishments was born Dec. 14, 1914, in Lewistown, Pa. formalizing national searches for new A lifetime of community service began faculty and administrators who were with the Boy Scouts and continued with specialists in their fields, and laying membership in the Episcopal church. the foundation for today’s academic Always interested in athletics, he organization. played football at Pennsylvania State Dr. Sills’ greatest achievement University and graduated in 1933 with a may have been maintaining stability major in physical education. He served on the campus during the tumult of in the Navy during World War II, rising the Vietnam War era, when student to the rank of lieutenant commander. unrest was common across the country. After the service, he returned to In 1970, a favorable accreditation Penn State, completing his master’s evaluation praised the college for being Dr. Frank D. Sills, 1914-2007 degree in 1946. Two years later, he “an epitome of the mainstream of 1970 received his doctorate from the State University higher education” and for “coping on the whole of Iowa, where he taught before coming to East successfully with the swirling currents of change.” Stroudsburg in 1959 to become chairman of the Dr. Sills suffered a heart attack in early 1970. He health and physical education department. took a sabbatical leave the following summer, then Dr. Sills, who had seriously considered a medical asked to return to the college’s physical education career, was a pioneer in sports medicine, and had a department, where he remained on the faculty until special interest in the physiology of exercise. Known retiring in 1977. as an academician and researcher, he set up a Human He remained in the area until moving in the late Performance Laboratory with equipment that 1980s to St. Petersburg, Fla., where he was a resident of measured variations in performance under different the Winchester Suncoast community for many years. types of exercise. Dr. Sills organized the school’s first He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, in graduate program, with initial classes offered toward 1998, and is survived by son Eric of Berks County, Pa., master’s degrees in 1962. He was also instrumental daughter Angelyn of McMinnville, Tenn., and three in the building and design of the Koehler Fieldhouse grandsons. A memorial service took place July 6 at St. before assuming the college presidency in 1968. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg.‘ Although Dr. Sills’ presidency was cut short Memorial donations may be made to the Frank D. by failing health, his term was marked by a new and Marjorie C. Sills Scholarship Fund, East Stroudsburg commitment to promoting the school’s growth and University Foundation, 200 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, attracting students by offering more programs and PA 18301.
In Memoriam
Elizabeth H. Jakeway ’18 Kathryn Smith Cincotta ’28 Thelma E. Warrick Hoffman ’30 Mary L. Murray ’30 Prescott N. Drayton ’32 D. Bernard Pratt ’32 Emma E. Long Gazdick ’33 Margaret Dunning Cramer ’35
Peter Zaley ’35 Corona C. Buck ’36 Doris E. Imbt ’38 Esther N. O’Malley ’39 Edward John Shalkey ’44 Robert Emmet Jennings ’50 Robert J. Franks ’51 Florence Demers Banning ’52 Jack V. Morris ’54 Sherman E. Sickler ’55
Ralph C. Reifinger ’58 Frank J. Swider ’58 Carole Louise Wise Kulesa ’64 Joan M. Auten ’71 Susan Gray Argall ’73 Keith L. Kleinsmith ’75, M’76 Marcia Cullen Mikeska ’76 Jane P. Pashkoff ’78 Margaret A. Rosa ’83 Laura J. Earley ’92
36
Subject
ESU Alumni Herald
ESU Office of Alumni Relations
Upcoming Events
For the latest information on these and other events, visit www.esualumni.org or call the Alumni Office at (570) 422-3533. August 25 Legacy Luncheon
ESU has a proud tradition of academic excellence so it comes as no surprise that parents and grandparents are watching students follow in their higher education footprints. If you are the parent or grandparent of a “legacy” student, join us for lunch at noon in the Alumni Center.
October 13 Super Soccer Saturday
Soccer alumni gather for a fantastic weekend! Watch your mail and check the website for details.
October 27 Warrior Fan Zone Join us before the game for the “Southwestern” tailgating theme that will include a chili cook-off.
September 29 Warrior Fan Zone
Join us for the party before the game with our “Tailgating around the World” theme.
October 6 Homecoming
Everyone’s favorite event! Casino night, Alumni Tent, affinity reunions, Class of ’62 and ’77 gatherings, and much more!
Enjoy Poconos during the holidays at Skytop Lodge and Resort. Attend holiday workshops and then enjoy a scrumptious meal prepared by a celebrity guest chef and cap the evening off with dancing! Only $50 per person.
January TBD Warrior Invasion-Las Vegas
Want us to come to a backyard near you? Call the Alumni Office to help in making arrangements for our gatherings in the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”
May 30-31 Alumni Weekend
September 15 Warrior Fan Zone
Football season is here and that means tailgating before every home football game. This one is special because it will be the first home game under the new lights. With the theme of “Carnivale” and many surprises, you don’t want to miss it!
December 15 Holiday Dinner Dance
If your class ends in a “3” or an “8,” plan to reunite with classmates for a memorable weekend. each class needs volunteers. If you can help, please contact the Alumni Office.
November 17 NYC Holiday Trip
The Big Apple is the perfect city to get you into the holiday spirit. Travel from ESU by bus to do some shopping and see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Tickets only $60 per person.
November TBD Warrior Invasion- California
Want us to come to a backyard near you? Call the Alumni Office to help in making arrangements for our gatherings in the Golden State.
Other events in the making:
n Third Annual Couples’ Night n Women’s Leadership Seminar n Warrior Invasion: Montgomery County, Pa. n Bucks County, Pa. n Florida n Atlanta n North Carolina 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 Carleen at (800) 775-8975, visit www.esualumni.org or e-mail alumni@esu.edu
Alumni Association
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 200 Prospect Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-2999
www.esualumni.org
non-profit org US POSTAGE PAID EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY OF PA