Summer 2009

Summer 2009

A Dose of Innovation

Gannon takes education in the health professions to a new level, p. 6

in this issue:

Scoring a Goal for the Community p. 12 • Clear Evidence p. 16

Vol. XXIII, No. 1 • Summer 2009 Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. President Karla Mullenax Wludyga Director of Public Relations and Communications Audrey E. Starr Publications Officer and Editor starr007@gannon.edu (814) 871-5817 advisory committee

Kimberly Cavanagh Britt Dyer Daehnke ’98, ’05M Cathy Fresch Frank Garland Mary Carol Gensheimer Ron Kerman Catherine Oakley ’05M Rick Prokop, Ph.D. Nicholas Pronko Steven Ropski, Ph.D. ’78 Rev. George Strohmeyer Richard Sukitsch photography

Ed Bernik Tim Rohrbach design

Tungsten Creative Group printing

Knepper Press

inklings

Editor, Audrey E. Starr As editor of Gannon Magazine, I find that members of the Gannon University community are constantly sharing information with me, from alumni accomplishments to study abroad photos. But it’s the little things that people don’t have to share—an open door, words of encouragement, even a snow brush—that make Gannon’s caring community truly unique.

Gannon students have long upheld a tradition of service, and participation is high for annual events like Day of Caring and Relay for Life (p. 5). This generous spirit doesn’t stop after graduation; alumna Evelyn (Prenatt) Madonia ’59VMC and her husband have spent more than two decades supporting their Florida community with time, money and innovative businesses (p. 18), while several science alumni now transform lives by analyzing evidence and helping to solve crimes (p. 16). This fall, students and alumni alike will participate in G.I.V.E. (Gannon’s Invitation to Volunteer Everywhere) Day, conducting service projects across the country simultaneously.

A commitment to making a difference in the community can also be seen through Gannon’s administrative efforts. In February, the Board of Trustees approved a new Campus Master Plan that will benefit not only the University’s campus but the surrounding downtown Erie area by enhancing its physical appearance and increasing safety (p. 10).

The new Patient Simulation Center in the Morosky Academic Center will serve as a valuable educational resource not just for students but also for members of the greater Erie region (p. 6).

special thanks

As you will read in this issue of Gannon Magazine, for Gannon’s students, faculty, alumni and friends, by giving, they actually receive much more in return.

Paul J. DeSante, Ph.D. Jana Hunt Gannon Magazine is published three times annually (Winter, Spring and Summer) by the Office of Public Relations and Communications at Gannon University. Letters to the editor, class notes information, comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Please note that Gannon Magazine is produced approximately three months in advance of the actual publication date.

Submissions received after production has begun will be included in a subsequent issue.

All submissions are subject to editing. class notes and addresses

Jana Hunt

Ann Bomberger, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, was one of several faculty participating in Gannon’s Summer Service-Learning Institute, a week-long program helping faculty incorporate service into their academic coursework. Participants also engaged in community service projects, like graffiti removal.

Want to share your story of how Gannon’s dynamic faculty transformed your college career? E-mail me at starr007@gannon.edu.

Coordinator of Gifts and Records

hunt001@gannon.edu (814) 871-7469 Gannon University • 109 University Square Erie, Pennsylvania 16541 • (814) 871-7000 www.gannon.edu

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features

The Gannon University Magazine Summer 2009

contents

6 A Dose of Innovation 12

Scoring a Goal for the Community

Student-athletes score on the field and off by giving of their time and talents to help the greater Erie community and beyond.

BY FRANK GARLAND

Gannon is helping future graduates meet today’s healthcare challenges by transforming its health professions curriculum and opening a state-ofthe-art Patient Simulation Center.

10 Sounds Like a Plan 16 Clear Evidence Enhanced safety and security, stronger campus identity, green initiatives—these are just a few of the many components of Gannon’s Master Plan.

Thanks to Gannon’s new Patient Simulation Center, graduate physician assistant student Crystal Wozniak ’08 (left) and junior nursing student Kristen Baker (center) learn how to take a patient’s pulse as Robert D. Tarkowski Jr. ’76, ’94M, assistant professor in Gannon’s Respiratory Care Program, supervises.

departments

on the cover

Alumni transform science skills acquired during their Gannon days into exciting careers in forensics.

Respiratory care student Daisha Hansbrew demonstrates the capabilities of one of Gannon’s new patient simulators.

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newsnotes alumnifocus facultyfocus sportsscan alumnotes endnotes

News, Notes and Quotables

newsnotes

Spring Commencement Marks Largest Number of Grads Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., conferred 816 degrees during spring commencement exercises on May 9, bringing the total number of graduates for the 2008-09 Academic Year to 1,150, the largest number ever recorded for an academic year in University history.

The graduates included 45 doctor of physical therapy degree recipients and three additional doctoral degree recipients. In addition, 330 students were awarded master’s degrees, 411 bachelor’s degrees and 27 associate degrees. Of the class, 49 graduated summa cum laude, 79 magna cum laude, 81 cum laude and seven with academic honors.

In addition, these 12 students were recognized with the Archbishop John Mark Gannon Award for graduating with perfect 4.0 grade point averages: Asya A. Ayrapetov, Jennifer L. Bennett, Emily R. Cahill, Mallory L. Croston, Melissa A. Hanely, Caleb R. Hatch, Allison N. Jones, Kaylee A. Kebort, Jessica L. Lovick, Daniel P. Maljovec, Joseph E. Pawlowski and Kristen M. Rajczak.

The 2009 Gannon University Medal of Honor was presented to Kyle J. Goldcamp. This honor is presented annually to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty and the student’s fellow classmates, has done the most to further the interests of the University, foster loyal college spirit and carry out the ideals of the Christian life.

The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Suzanne Malveaux, a White House correspondent for CNN and primary substitute anchor for “The Situation Room,” hosted by Wolf Blitzer. Malveaux was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the ceremony.

Gannon ROTC Holds Ribbon Cutting at New Rappelling Site The Gannon University ROTC hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new training facility in Conneaut Lake, Pa., on April 4. About 10 student cadets, mostly from Gannon, participated in the ceremony, which dedicated a rappel tower and training course at the Keystone Training Area Rappel Tower and Field Leadership Reaction Course.

According to Lt. Col. Michael Wright, chair of military science at Gannon, rappel tower training is both a fun exercise and one designed to help cadets believe in themselves and their abilities. “A small percentage of cadets can perform the exercise with relative ease,” he said, “but for most, it is a physically challenging task.” Similarly, the reaction course is used to enhance and evaluate cadets’ mental, emotional, physical and strategic planning capacities.

“Don’t be afraid to be last. Returning to cross the finish line is what’s most important.” SUZANNE MALVEAUX 3rd Annual CETL Regional Symposium Fosters Deep Learning

CNN’s Suzanne Malveaux 02

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Faculty members from Gannon and nearby colleges and universities participated in a collaborative effort designed to enhance classroom learning when Gannon hosted its third annual Regional Symposium. Hosted

by Gannon and the University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching

and Learning (CETL), the “Fostering Deep Learning” symposium was held May 18 and was designed to give participants a venue to share with colleagues their strategies and techniques in using technology in the classroom.

International Night

Distinguished Lecturers Make Appearances on Campus

Serves Up Culture

From a poet to a political commentator, Gannon hosted several well-known and diverse individuals as guest lecturers during the spring semester.

Karinna M. Vernaza, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering (center), helps students Samantha Herrmann (left) and Stephanie Otten (right) man the Panama table during International Night.

• Author and leading authority on presidential history Shirley Anne Warshaw, Ph.D., gave an early assessment of President Barack Obama’s leadership.

• Gregory Levey, author and speechwriter for former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, discussed his experiences working for the Israeli government.

More than 500 people came to the Hammermill Center on March 28 to sample music, cultural performances and food from around the world when the University hosted its annual International Night.

• Li-Young Lee served as the 32nd annual English Awards Night’s featured poet, reading several of his acclaimed poems during the event.

• Lt. Col. Darrel Vandeveld, who had a prominent role in the controversy over the handling of military prosecutions at Guantanamo Bay, lectured at Gannon in April.

• Brad W. Wilkins, Ph.D., a member of the Nike Sports Research Lab in Beaverton, Ore., presented a lecture on the science behind performance.

• Local anthropologist Leigh-Ann Bedal, Ph.D., described the marvels of the Petra archaeological site during an April 23 guest lecture.

The event is a public celebration of Gannon University’s many international students and their respective cultures.

The dinner buffet included items representative of Bahamas, Bosnia, China, Costa Rica, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosova, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam and more.

Entertainment was provided by Chinese and Filipino dancers, Ukrainian song, Yoruban drums, Bhangra and Bosnian dance and song, Puerto Rican poetry, African Acholi dancers and African step dancers. The event was sponsored by the International Student Office and the International Student Association.

Awards Convocation Honors Faculty Sixteen faculty members were honored during the 2009 Faculty Awards Convocation on April 17.

In addition, these faculty were honored for 25 years of service to the University: Richard Bonalewicz, Ph.D., Susan Calvano ’89, Karen A. Lumia, M.S., RN, Joanne E. Revelt, Steven J. Ropski, Ph.D. ’78, Susan Sapone, Robert D. Tarkowski ’76, ’94M and Hamid Torab, Ph.D., PE. Bonalewicz and Frank J. Bogacki ’70 were also recognized as retirees.

Dr. Garibaldi (right) presents Thomas S. Ostrowski, Ph.D., with the Distinguished Faculty Award.

newsnotes

Honorees included: Thomas S. Ostrowski, Ph.D., Distinguished Faculty Award; Francis A. Pelczar, Ph.D., SGA Excellence in Teaching Award; MaryAnne M. Kozak ’67, The Bishop Trautman “Feed My Sheep” Award; and Sreela Sasi, Ph.D., Undergraduate Research Award. Receiving the Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award for their respective colleges were: Jeffrey H. Bloodworth, Ph.D., for the College of Humanities,

Education and Social Sciences; Theresa M. Vitolo, Ph.D., for the College of Engineering and Business; and Charles S. Cornfield, for the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences.

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newsnotes

Dr. Garibaldi Serves in Many Ways Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., was recently chosen to participate in a panel discussion held during the 2009 American Association of Blacks in Higher Education National Conference, held March 25-29 in Atlanta. The panel discussion, “Pipeline Issues for African-American Student Access and Student Success,” included Dr. Garibaldi and three other experts in the field of education.

President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., often speaks to area students, like these at Westlake Middle School, about the importance of continuing their education.

Dr. Garibaldi was also named to the National Review Board for a three-year term beginning June 1. The board’s purpose is to collaborate with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in preventing the sexual abuse of minors in the U.S. by persons in the service of the Church. In addition, he is serving a term on the Council of Presidents for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

“It is important to speak to students when they are young about going to college and setting career goals. It motivates them to set high expectations and be successful in everything they pursue.”

DR. ANTOINE M. GARIBALDI

Kelsey Merry Named 2009 McGowan Scholar Kelsey A. Merry has been named a McGowan Scholar for the 2009-10 Academic Year. A junior accounting major with a 4.0 grade point average, she was chosen by a three-person committee from the University’s Dahlkemper School of Business Administration and will receive an $18,000 scholarship to apply to her senior year.

At Gannon, Merry is a dean’s list student and is a member of: Alpha Kappa Psi, a business fraternity; Delta Mu Delta, an honors business fraternity; and Phi Eta Sigma, an honors fraternity. Merry has participated in a number of community service activities and in 2008 received Gannon’s St. Catherine Medal. She is also serving as a co-op student in human resources at GE Transportation in Erie.

Selection of McGowan scholarships is funded by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund.

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The American Scholastic Press Association has named The Gannon Knight, Gannon’s student-produced newspaper, a first-place award winner among colleges and universities with an enrollment of more than 2,500 students as part of its 2009 Scholastic Newspaper Awards competition.

The Knight received 950 of a maximum 1,000 points in scoring that considered the following categories: content coverage; page design; general plan; art, advertising and illustrations; editing; and creativity.

Faculty and Staff News

Students Support Community

Susie L. Collier, instructor in the School of Education, visited with students at North East (Pa.) Intermediate School with her reading assistance dog, Lady, a St. Bernard.

Collier discussed the roles of a therapy dog and how to properly care for dogs. A member of Therapy Dogs International, Collier recently conducted a study on the positive effects of reading assistance dogs in classrooms.  Harry R. “Rick” Diz, Ph.D., PE, associate professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, was recently issued a U.S. Patent for the production of hydrogen gas-using microorganisms.

The patent was issued for the design and operating conditions developed in laboratories at Gannon and based on a larger system installed for three years at the Welch’s Foods plant in North East, Pa. The system used wastewater and waste juice that could not be bottled as food for a carefully controlled culture of bacteria that converted the sugar in the juice into hydrogen gas.  Thomas B. Hassett, Gannon’s director of International Student Admissions, recently returned from an extensive trip to the Middle East, where he represented Gannon University as part of a select group of American universities invited to Iraq. The schools were invited to participate in the Iraq Education Initiative, a historical, groundbreaking scholarship program designed to aid in that country’s educational revitalization.  Melanie L. Hatch, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Business, was recently selected to serve on the board of examiners for the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Program. The program develops and disseminates evaluation criteria and manages the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, which is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive.  Constantine K. Kliorys, Ph.D., professor of management science, obtained a Fulbright Specialists Program (FSP) grant and spent the Fall 2008 semester on sabbatical lecturing in Kaunas, Lithuania at Kaunas Technological University (KTU).

The FSP designation is valid for five years, during which time foreign universities in need of expert faculty choose from the pool of candidates with the help of the Fulbright Commission. Kliorys was chosen to lecture at KTU in his first year in the program and presented seminars to both students and faculty on mathematical modeling of business problems and the use of computer software to solve them.  Michael J. Messina, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing and director of Gannon’s Marketing Program, presented the peer-reviewed paper, “Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Diversity, and Global Business Education,” which he coauthored, at the 2009 Marketing Management Association Annual Conference. Messina also served as a program chair and currently serves on the Marketing Management Association Board of Directors.  Constance O. PetersonMiller, director of Gannon’s International Student Office, was recently honored with Indiana University South Bend’s Student Excellence Award for the Master’s of Liberal Studies program. Peterson-Miller’s thesis project, “Objects in Translation: A Museum Exhibition at the Intersection of Language and Culture,” featured a museum installation in her home, accompanied by a background and process paper.  Eric M. Pope, associate director of the Office of Student Organizations and Leadership Development, was named Spring 2009 Adviser of the Quarter for Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity. TKE volunteers and the Gannon chapter nominated Pope for the award, which represents work during the last year. Pope was also featured in the spring issue of the fraternity’s magazine, The Teke.  Robert S. Rawding, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, had his article, “Acute Thermal Tolerance in the Round Goby, Apollonia melanostoma (Neogobius melanostomus),” published in Volume 34 of the Journal of Thermal Biology. He coauthored the article with Emily E. Cross ’05, who is pursuing a doctoral degree in cell biology at Vanderbilt University. In addition, Rawding, Cross and Jessica L. Baumann ’08 and Tracy L. Fair ’08 are preparing another manuscript about thermal tolerance in the fathead minnow.  Troy A. Skwor, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, presented research with collaborators from the University of Pittsburgh at a Chlamydia Basic Research Symposium in Little Rock, Ark. Their findings suggest a new plausible method of how Chlamydia can persist in chronic infections and avoid the immune response.

In addition to his teaching duties at Gannon, Skwor serves as a visiting scientist at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute in Oakland, Calif.

More than 400 Gannon University students participated in community service as part of United Way Day of Caring, held April 25. Teams of Gannon students worked at numerous agencies and sites in the Erie area, helping with tasks such as landscaping, trash pick up and window washing.

Some 20 teams, composed of more than 260 Gannon faculty, staff and students, participated in the University’s annual Relay for Life on May 1, raising more than $21,000 in support of the American Cancer Society. The event included a survivor reception to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, a luminaria ceremony that remembered loved ones lost to the disease and additional activities such as performances by the University dance team, cheerleading squad and choir.

newsnotes

(top) (L to R) Dr. Garibaldi and students Anthony Firetto and Mary Riedy carry the Gannon University banner during the Relay for Life’s opening lap. (bottom) Criminal justice seniors (L to R) Aaron Bove, John Lozoraitis and Levii Collins help with graffiti removal as part of United Way Day of Caring.

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Graduate students in the Physician Assistant (PA) Program, Nicolette Critelli ’09 (left) and Michael Eller ’07 learn the proper way to listen to a patient’s heartbeat in Gannon’s new Patient Simulation Center.

A Dose of

Innovation Patient Simulation Center

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Teamwork is a vital component in many professions; pilots cannot safely fly their aircrafts without the aid of air traffic controllers, and architects need construction companies to make their visions reality. For healthcare professionals, working as a team is a matter of life and death. To encourage this, Gannon University has transformed its health professions curriculum to ensure that students in a wide variety of disciplines are prepared to meet today’s healthcare challenges through collaboration and teamwork.

Culture Follows Structure

A focus on exceptional health professions education has long been one of Gannon’s trademarks, but in 2007, the University received a generous monetary gift that allowed for both physical and educational expansion of its health professions programs. The University’s two-College structure was reorganized into three strategically integrated Colleges and a new building was acquired and transformed into a state-of-the-art facility, the Robert H. Morosky Academic Center.

“Prior to this, we had health professions programs that were fragmented in different locations across campus, with no clear identity,” explained Carolynn B. Masters, Ph.D., RN, CARN, dean of the newly created Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, housed in the Morosky Academic Center.

The decision to reorganize Gannon’s academic structure was driven by the desire to create an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship that capitalizes on and facilitates synergy and collaboration, said Keith Taylor, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“The culture evolving in the health professions is exactly what we had envisioned,” Taylor said. “Going forward, I would like to see us use the collaboration and integration across disciplines found in the Morosky College as a model for other areas of the University.”

The themes of synergy and collaboration between and among programs are evident in the Morosky Academic Center’s design and layout.

“We were blessed to have the ability and opportunity to purchase a 100,000 sq. foot building and specifically design it for health professions education. We looked at programs that shared similarities and overlapped in certain areas, and then we grouped them together and built labs and offices accordingly,” Masters said.

Nursing, physician assistant and respiratory care programs are housed together on the second floor; physical therapy, occupational therapy, sport and exercise science and nutrition and human performance are on the first floor; and radiologic sciences occupy space at the courtyard level, a partially submerged floor that surrounds the program’s high-tech digital imaging system with lead walls.

“Each one of the Colleges has something unique and special to bring to the table that can be blended and reinvented across other disciplines, supporting our whole concept of engaged learning for students,” Taylor said.

Practice Makes Perfect

In addition to restructuring the health professions programs and housing them in a single comprehensive location, a state-of-the-art Patient Simulation Center was constructed to provide cutting-edge technological resources and experiential education.

The Patient Simulation Center is a fully-staffed, 5,800-sq.ft. education and training facility, developed in consultation with staff of the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research (WISER), an arm of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). This specialized learning center utilizes several high-fidelity human patient simulators to provide students from multiple health professions disciplines the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

Valerie A. Baker, APRN, BC ’79VMC, assistant professor in the Villa Maria School of Nursing at Gannon University (center), explains the workings of a patient simulator to Christa Blose ’08, a graduate student in the PA Program (left), and Brian Gibbs, a senior nursing major (right).

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“We want to get students to think on their feet and think well through complex situations. Real life is full of surprises, and we want students to be prepared for that.”

Carolynn B. Masters, Ph.D., RN, CARN “We designed the Patient Simulation Center around the idea of collaboration among disciplines. We didn’t want simulators to be used only by one single program or by one program at a time; we wanted a Simulation Center that would have interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team learning activities,” Masters said. “We can have groups of students from various disciplines engaged in active learning that simulates real life, because real life is about teams.

Healthcare professionals don’t function alone; they function as part of a team of nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, respiratory therapists and others.”

The Simulation Center includes 12 different stations with 14 different simulators. There are four high-fidelity “manikins:” two SimMan adults, one SimBaby infant and Noelle, a maternal and neonatal birthing simulator (including two newborn simulators, one full-term and one premature).

There are also seven VitalSim manikins with midlevel capabilities, an ALS (Advanced Life Support) Man that simulates adult cardiac care situations and a MegaCode Kid that represents a seven- to nine-year-old child. In addition, the Center has two Virtual I.V.s, a fully interactive self-directed computerized learning system for training intravenous catheterization using a haptics device.

The Simulation Center was specially constructed to mimic a realistic medical setting and includes areas that simulate an operating room, emergency room, maternal child health suite (including labor and delivery), pediatric unit, multipurpose examination room and a seven-bed critical care unit complete with nurses’ station and computers for order entry. In addition, the Center is fully wired with audio/visual recording equipment and features two debriefing rooms where faculty can review scenarios with students.

Charles S. Cornfield, director of Gannon’s Respiratory Care Program, helps graduate students (L to R) Michael Eller ’07, Crystal Wozniak ’08 and Nicolette Critelli ’09 and junior Kristen Baker test their knowledge on one of the SimMan manikins.

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“We have a very large control room that enables faculty to manipulate the simulators, so we can utilize pre-programmable scenarios or our faculty can override those and create their own. There are microphones that allow the simulators to ‘speak,’ and one-way windows allow faculty to observe students as they manipulate the simulators,” Masters said.

For example, students could be monitoring a simulator that is exhibiting normal vital signs, when suddenly the patient’s blood pressure drops and their heart rate becomes rapid and irregular.

“We want to get students to think on their feet and think well through complex situations. How do they respond to unexpected situations? How do they communicate with each other? Real life is full of surprises, and we want students to be prepared for that,” Masters said.

Believe in the Possibilities

By transforming the health professions programs, Gannon has positioned itself to be a valuable resource for both the rest of campus and the community. The synergistic and collaborative curriculum modeled by the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences could be adopted by many other programs and schools across the university, while the Patient Simulation Center offers opportunities for unique technology and community resources.

“There’s been a lot of discussion about how the synergy and collaboration within and among the health professions can segue into other disciplines, specifically our science and pre-professional programs such as pre-medicine and pre-pharmacy,” Masters said.

For instance, Masters suggested allowing pre-med students, who are often biology or chemistry majors, access to the Simulation Center to increase their knowledge of patient care, hospital settings and basic anatomy.

Opportunities also exist for somewhat less obvious learning partnerships. Theater students could exercise their creative skills by role playing as patients; students in computer information systems could help program the simulators or build electronic medical portfolios; education students and faculty could conduct research comparing the learning outcomes in Gannon’s simulation-integrated health professions programs to other learning environments.

“Simulation isn’t new, but I am not aware of other institutions that are integrating simulation into the breadth of disciplines that we are or embedding the technology into the fabric of the curriculum to the level that we are. Our Simulation Center is the one link that ties all of our health professions together and allows for a robust learning tool where the students can learn as an interdisciplinary team,” Taylor said.

Gannon’s Patient Simulation Center is not only a learning tool for students; it could provide educational experiences for the greater Erie region by offering advanced training to area medical personnel.

“The Center is also a resource for the community and allows us the opportunity to reach out to the medical and lay communities. It is already facilitating partnerships and expanding the ways we can support the community,” Taylor said. “It’s helping the health professions, it’s helping the Morosky College, it’s helping students and faculty across campus, but it is also certainly an opportunity for us to help the community.”

As healthcare continues to grow and evolve, educational programs across the country strive to meet the changing needs of a demanding profession.

“Healthcare has always been multidisciplinary, and the educational model needs to encourage that culture,” Masters said. “If you look at the traditional model, health professions have experienced difficulty in knowing or valuing or appreciating the rest of the healthcare team, but it is about the team, and Gannon University emphasizes that philosophy.”

Multidisciplinary teams of health professions students manage patient care scenarios in one of Gannon’s new simulation theaters.

Making the Dream a Reality At a total cost of nearly $1.2 million, Gannon’s new Patient Simulation Center received funding from several generous sources to help bring it to fruition.

In addition to the major gift from Robert H. Morosky ’63, alumnus and member of the Board of Trustees, to name the building and the College, Gannon also received a $237,000 gift from the Orris C. and Beatrice Dewey Hirtzel Memorial Foundation and a $75,000 gift from the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust to help build the Patient Simulation Center.

In July 2008, Gannon received a $68,780 grant from the Dr. and Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust of Oil City to fund the creation of the Pediatric Simulation Theater within the Patient Simulation Center. The grant allowed for the addition of the maternal and neonatal birthing simulator and emergency room medical equipment.

Funds raised during the University’s overwhelmingly successful The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign also helped finance the Simulation Center’s construction. One of the goals of the Campaign, which concluded on Dec. 31, 2008 after raising more than $31.5 million, was to renovate and update campus facilities.

Want to know more about Gannon’s health professions programs?

Visit the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences online at www.gannon.edu/departmental/morosky or call 1-800-GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668) today!

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Sounds Like a “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

It’s a question that recent college graduates are faced with as they enter the workforce, but thanks to a new comprehensive Master Plan, it’s one that Gannon University has no problem answering.

Officially approved by Gannon’s Board of Trustees in February 2009, the Master Plan outlines potential improvements and modifications to the physical footprint of campus. Creating this vision for the future was a community effort, said Linda Wagner ’81, ’84M, vice president for finance and administration, and included Gannon trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and students as well as community partners.

“We made every effort possible to make this interactive and be sure that everyone was invited to meetings to discuss the plan throughout the entire process,” she said. “We didn’t want only one small group on campus working with the architects; we wanted everyone’s input and involvement.”

This approach was appreciated by students, said junior Thomas Panighetti, vice president of academic affairs for Gannon’s Student Government Association (SGA).

“The whole process was transparent and flexible with the inclusion of several SGA representatives on the advisory committee and the incorporation of student ideas into the plan,” he explained. “This plan indicates that Gannon is continuing to grow and move in a positive direction.”

Gannon University’s Master Plan will strengthen existing land use patterns and make its organization clearer.

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The Master Plan, led by WTW Architects of Pittsburgh, focuses on three distinct principles: reinforcing existing land use patterns, creating a unique and recognizable campus and developing purposeful open spaces.

According to the final report, the existing land use patterns— areas intended for academic use or residential space, for example—are well-organized. The Master Plan builds on these patterns, reinforces their strengths and makes their organization clearer by relocating offices, renovating current structures and starting new construction.

summer 2009

Suggested projects include the demolition of existing residential buildings that have reached the end of their useful lives and constructing new residence halls to accommodate the University’s projected enrollment growth and meet the needs of today’s student housing market.

The plan also proposes renovating and expanding the Carneval Athletic Pavilion to answer the increased demand for student fitness and recreation space, ease scheduling conflicts between Gannon’s 18 varsity sports and allow for year-round athletic practice despite Erie’s cold climate.

Gannon’s location in the heart of downtown Erie offers students an urban experience with a close-knit community atmosphere. The intermingling of University buildings with neighboring institutions, however, has made it difficult to establish a strong and identifiable campus environment.

The second concept of the Master Plan establishes a unique public image that announces the presence and defines the borders of Gannon University. Plans include better and increased University and directional signage, improved lighting and landscaping and consistent use of materials, such as brick paving blocks in walkways.

“It’s all part of the streetscape and knowing you’re on the Gannon campus, whether you’re on 10th Street at the Morosky Academic Center or on 5th Street at the Gannon Field,” Wagner said.

As an urban campus, Gannon’s use of open and green space is just as important as its building presence. The third piece of the Master Plan describes ways to carve out successful public spaces, both large and small, that enhance the aesthetics of the campus while providing useful outdoor areas for students and the community.

“Having a large area for students to study outside, play an impromptu game of football or act out theater performances would be a fantastic asset to campus and

Artist rendering of the Harborview renovation.

Renovation work on the lower level of Harborview Apartments began in early June.

would be well-received by students,” Panighetti said.

“The Master Plan strives to create a cohesive atmosphere that brings students together, and that’s what Gannon is all about.”

Of course, the completion of many of the Master Plan’s recommendations depend largely on securing adequate funding, and the University is already hard at work, starting initial projects and researching financial options. In June, renovations began to the lower level of Harborview Apartments, where the Student Health Center will be relocated and combined with the University’s counseling services. The Campus Police and Safety Office will also be relocating to Harborview, located on the corner of West 6th and Sassafras streets.

“Harborview is a major student housing unit, and this move makes these resources much more accessible and convenient to students and provides additional privacy. It just makes a lot of sense, and we’re excited about being able to move forward so soon with these projects,” Wagner said.

Gannon faculty and staff encourage students to plan ahead, think long-term and prepare for the future. University administrators model this advice as they develop and implement plans for the next decade to ensure a dynamic institution not only for today’s students, but for generations of students to follow.

This concept design from WTW Architects illustrates how new light poles, distinctive to the Gannon campus, could also carry new University banners and wayfinding signage.

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Scoring a Goal for the Community

by Frank Garland

Maybe it’s something about the uniform. Or perhaps it’s the strength, speed or gracefulness they exude that vault today’s athletes to a pedestal in our society.

And while those athletes certainly reap the benefits that await them on their lofty perch, many recognize the extraordinary gifts with which they’ve been blessed.

And at Gannon University, at least, all of them make sure they take the time to not only acknowledge their good fortune, but to share something of themselves with those who admire them.

In any given academic year, Gannon’s student-athletes can be found working on a number of community service activities. In the last year alone, studentathletes helped with the highly acclaimed Hooked on Books!

The men’s basketball team took a break activities, visited from their busy NCAA Division II Elite Eight tournament schedule to visit with an Erie after-school children at the Ronald McDonald House program, performed in Springfield, Mass. chores at a nearby retirement home, fed the less fortunate during Thanksgiving at Marketplace Grill and raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Community Shelter Services and breast cancer research, among other worthy causes.

to put a smile on a young boy’s or young girl’s face—just making people feel good—is an accomplishment. And as you walk away, you have a sense of what you have in life— you see those who don’t have as much as you do.”

Richard said that participating in community service activities is an important part of making Gannon what it is. “Without a doubt, our student-athletes need to be involved in the community and give back to the community,” he said. “It’s part of the mission of the University.”

Such activities promote team-building, said Matthew J. Darling, Ph.D., an English professor and the University’s volleyball coach. But that’s just one of many byproducts. “It can be a perspective-widening—and altering—event,” he said.

That’s one way to describe the men’s basketball team’s visit to the Marketplace Grill. Guard George Johnson, a junior criminal justice major, said serving Thanksgiving dinner there made him feel blessed.

The hours of involvement certainly benefit the greater Erie community in many ways, but the participating studentathletes come away richer as well.

“There’s a sense of accomplishment, for one thing,” said Mark Richard, Gannon’s new director of athletics. “Just the ability Basketball standout Cory Knight and his teammates spent time with hundreds of local fourth graders at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. The players signed autographs, handed out Gannon T-shirts and brought smiles to hundreds of kids’ faces.

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“Sometimes I don’t feel like I have enough,” he said. “But then you see people who don’t have as much as you have and it puts things in perspective.”

Darling said community service efforts like raising money and awareness for breast cancer research or fielding a contingent for the University’s annual Relay for Life event are the kinds of experiences he wants his volleyball team members to have.

Such a response is shared by numerous Gannon studentathletes. “It’s our way of showing our love and commitment to the community,” said Pierre Howard ’09, a recent graduate and a key cog in Gannon’s basketball success the past two years. “It shows people that we’re not just athletes; we’re human beings as well.”

“It’s sort of the athletic equivalent of what we’d call in the academic world service-learning,” he said.

Maire Prybyl, a senior volleyball player at Gannon, said she’s had nothing but positive experiences with her community service activities.

“It’s fun, and it’s good in the sense of team bonding,” she said.

“And when you’re helping other people, it’s a good feeling.”

Gannon University student-athletes and coaches from the football, volleyball and cheerleading squads volunteered their time in June to help ABC’s hit television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Golden Knights cheerleaders were also on hand during “Move That Bus” day, performing stunts and leading cheers as the new home was revealed.

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Senior linebacker Parris Williams gets into the spirit of Hooked on Books! at the Reading Wonderland event in March.

Howard, Johnson and other members of the men’s basketball team also had the opportunity to visit a Ronald McDonald House while in Springfield, Mass., last spring for the NCAA Division II Elite Eight competition. There, Gannon players mingled with injured and seriously ill children.

“The visit made us so grateful for all the things we’re blessed with,” explained Kyle Goldcamp ’09, another May graduate and basketball standout. “We were glad to help the kids escape the harsh medical realities they were facing, even if it was just for an hour or two.”

Men’s basketball head coach John Reilly ’89M believes all of Gannon’s athletic teams do a wonderful job of making sure student-athletes give back to the community. “It’s a tremendous learning experience,” Reilly said. “They see that the world doesn’t revolve around them. It humbles them and they see how fortunate they are.”

Some players are able to see themselves in the youngsters they visit. Kim Vargas, a member of the women’s basketball contingent that visited Kids Café (a local after-school program for children in need) recalls older student-athletes coming to visit her elementary school when she was in the fifth grade.

“I can remember definitely looking up to them,” she said.

“They were wearing their varsity jackets, and I remember thinking, ‘I want one of those.’ This was around the time I was deciding if I wanted to play basketball, and I think that kind of influenced me.”

Although student-athletes at Gannon—and virtually everywhere else—have schedules packed with academic, athletic and other obligations, community service activities are not looked upon as merely another requirement, said Cleve Wright, the University’s women’s basketball head coach. That’s because Wright clearly communicates the community service component when he is recruiting players.

Women’s basketball players Allison Rothlisberger ’09 (left) and Abby Bunstine (right) spend time with young fans Maggie Rutkowski and Claire Messina during the 2009 Pink Zone game. Maggie is the daughter of Trustee James Jr. ’83 and Mary (Riley) Rutkowski ’87, while Claire is the daughter of Karen and Michael J. Messina, Ph.D., director of Gannon’s Marketing Program.

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“I don’t want them to just be basketball players,” he said. “I want kids who are passionate about being basketball players but also passionate about being in class and passionate about being involved in everything that comes with being at Gannon. I view life as being on a continuum. We can all be at various places but we’re all going through life. And if you can learn at an early age that life’s not all about you, I think it makes life a lot better.”

Sometimes student-athletes find themselves getting “hooked” on community service activities and going beyond what they initially intended to accomplish. Football team member Mac Reed, for example, started putting in his service hours for a theology class with Hooked on Books! (a local organization working to instill in children a love of reading). But even after he reached his required number of hours, he kept coming back.

Part of it, he said, has to do with a love of reading that his mother instilled in him at a very young age.

New Director of Athletics Arrives at Gannon President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., has named Mark Richard as director of athletics. The Meadville, Pa., native and former Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) student-athlete began his duties June 8.

Richard came to Gannon after spending the last 10 years at NCAA Division I Auburn University of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), including the last four years as the senior associate director of athletics for team support.

Gannon running back Mac Reed (center) helped children get excited about reading at this year’s Hooked on Books! Reading Wonderland event.

And part of it is that he just enjoyed the company of program founder Dolores J. Sarafinski, Ph.D. ’50VMC, a professor emeritus at Gannon, and the rest of the program staff.

Reed and several of his football teammates—Parris Williams, A.J. Belch, Destin DeMarion, Sean Eperjesi, Zach Boedicker and James Saunders—played major roles in making the program’s Reading Wonderland event a huge success.

Reed, a sophomore communications major, said he was glad to be of service. “It’s great to help anybody,” he said. “It shows that you’re not naïve and focused on one thing—sports. And it shows that you care about the community and you want to do better, not just for you, but for those surrounding you.”

“Gannon is very excited to welcome Mark Richard as Gannon’s director of athletics,” Dr. Garibaldi said.

“With his two decades of experience at five Division I universities, his four years as a student-athlete in two sports at a PSAC-member university and his appreciation of Gannon’s Mission, Mark has the ideal qualities to raise Gannon’s record of academic and athletic success even higher in all of its 18 NCAA Division II sports.”

Richard brings over 20 years of collegiate sports administration experience to Gannon. He started his Auburn tenure as the associate director of athletics in 1999 and served in that capacity until 2004, when he was promoted to senior associate director of athletics for team support.

“I am extremely excited to become the next director of athletics at Gannon University,” Richard said. “Being from western Pennsylvania, I fully understand Gannon’s tradition and impact on the Erie community. Gannon is a unique institution with great student-athletes, and I hope to facilitate their excellence in the classroom and in the field of competition.”

Sarafinski said the football contingent made a major impression not only on the children but everyone who attended the event.

“Over the years I’ve had all kinds of volunteers, but I never saw a group of volunteers be so responsive to children as these young men were,” Sarafinski said. “They were absolutely the hit of the day. When our planning committee met to lay the groundwork for next year’s event, the first thing members said was, ‘We’ve got to have them back next year.’ They really added something.”

Garland is an instructor in Gannon’s English Department and serves as adviser to The Gannon Knight, Gannon’s student newspaper.

Dr. Garibaldi (right) congratulates Mark Richard, Gannon’s new director of athletics, following a press conference introducing him to the University and Erie community.

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In 2008, nearly 14 million viewers tuned in each week to watch characters on popular television shows analyze blood stains or examine bone fragments.

News programs often broadcast uninterrupted coverage as audiences wait to hear autopsy findings after a recent celebrity death.

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From CSI to CNN, the field of forensics emerges as exciting, informative and important. As interest in the field grows rapidly and students look for curriculums that will educate them well for these evolving careers, Gannon University alumni like Les Edinboro, Ph.D. ’82 and Stephen J. Nelson, M.A., M.D. ’79 know that fundamental science skills are the essential tools needed for a successful future in forensics.

“It boils down to science,” explained Edinboro, a chemistry graduate.

Edinboro serves as the forensic toxicology supervisor with the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, a government agency that provides forensic testing services to law enforcement bodies and other agencies.

His department is involved in such tasks as collaborating with the medical examiner’s office in determining a cause and manner of death, testing specimens in driving under the influence cases and analyzing beverages to confirm or deny their alcohol content.

“Toxicology is really a mix of chemistry and biology, and Gannon’s chemistry department did an excellent job of preparing me for this career,” Edinboro said.

Nelson, chief medical examiner for a threecounty region of central Florida and a biology graduate, had a similar experience.

“One of the most fabulous courses I had at Gannon was histology, taught by Father Joseph Gregorek. That’s what we do as pathologists—microscopic anatomy—so the skills I learned in histology and my other biology courses were great preparation for my job today,” Nelson said.

Stephen J. Nelson, M.D. ’79

Originally intent on spending his career in academic medicine as a neuropathologist, Nelson was drawn to forensic pathology after he was required to experience the field to be board certified in pathology.

“It wasn’t even on my radar screen until I had a requirement from the American Board of Pathology to get that exposure,” he said. “I did a three-month elective at the New York City medical examiner’s office and was very badly bitten by the forensic pathology bug. When I took the board certification exam, there were only 14 other people in the nation who had boards in neuropathology and in forensic pathology, so I carved out a nice little niche for myself.”

A basic educational foundation is also greatly strengthened by advanced degrees and practical experience.

“I’m a firm believer in practicums and internships and exposing students to this line of work,” Nelson said. “You want to make sure you’re compatible with your chosen career, and that it’s compatible with you. I’ve had students who have never left the classroom arrive to be crime scene technicians, and when they watch their first autopsy or see their first decomposed body, they almost pass out. The smells can be pretty overpowering, and you don’t appreciate smells on television.”

Edinboro encourages students to continue their education and find a mentor to serve as a guide.

“Talk with people who are truly involved in the field. Forensics is a deliberate process that takes time, and you have to be willing to invest yourself in that process. If you like immediate gratification, this isn’t the discipline for you,” he said. “In addition, many employers are requiring higher and higher degrees of education, so you’re going to need an advanced degree to stay ahead of the game.”

Les Edinboro, Ph.D. ’82 Although a career in forensics may not be as fast-paced or glamorous as portrayed by Hollywood, Edinboro and Nelson say the field offers plenty of excitement and variety.

“We’ve been involved in some incredibly high-profile cases here,” Nelson said. “I was in charge of the neuropathology for Terri Schiavo’s autopsy, and I also did the neuropathology on Anna Nicole Smith when she died. The governor’s office has called on us to do autopsies on people who are executed if the method or means of the execution process went awry.”

In addition to providing students with a realistic picture of forensics, practical experience can highlight the field’s rewarding features.

“I really enjoy the public service aspect of forensics. I get to help make communities safer by providing an independent, scientific analysis of the evidence,” Edinboro said. “On the other hand, you’re also part detective. You’re part of the team that’s searching for a cause and manner of death that’s not directly related to an anatomical cause, and I think that is why I got into forensics in the first place. The seeking, the little bit of detective work, is what keeps it interesting.”

Curious where your fellow alumni are now or have your own story to share? Visit www.gannonalumni.org today to connect with classmates and post your news.

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evelyn prenatt madonia

Featured Alum

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Leading a successful tomato growing and packing company, operating an acclaimed inn, providing employees with affordable housing—it’s all in a day’s work for alumna Evelyn (Prenatt) Madonia ’59VMC and her family.

The Madonias’ business aspirations began in 1958 when Evelyn and her husband, Batista Madonia Sr., founded Madonia Produce Exchange in Erie, packing and shipping locally grown tomatoes.

“I didn’t know anything about tomato production, and I don’t think Batista knew that much either. My husband always wanted to grow, pack and ship tomatoes, but we really learned from experience,” Madonia said.

Now, the company—which was officially incorporated in 1985 as East Coast Growers and Packers—operates with several hundred employees and boasts multiple locations.

Headquarters are in Mulberry, Fla., with additional farms and packing plants in eastern Virginia.

The business is truly a family affair, with Batista serving as president and CEO and Evelyn as executive vice president. The couple’s children are involved as well: son Stephen is vice president of growing operations; daughter Rosemary is vice president and comptroller; and son Batista Jr. is vice president and sales manager. Even daughter Laurie, who is a pharmaceutical sales representative, helps the business as needed.

“I think it’s up to us, the Gannon alumni, to feel a strong obligation to give back. It keeps the University strong and makes it a wonderful place that future generations can benefit from, just as we have.”

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“We sacrificed a lot in the beginning. We worked from 8 a.m. until well after midnight at least five days a week, but we enjoyed it,” Madonia said. “If you love what you’re doing, it’s not work.”

Madonia credits her strong Catholic faith in creating a positive work ethic and an innate desire to help others. In 2002, the couple purchased a 30-yearold hotel in the center of Plant City, Fla., and restored the historical landmark to its original beauty.

Following renovations, the hotel— which is now known as the “jewel of Plant City”—was christened the Red Rose Inn and Suites and features full-service guest rooms, a five-star restaurant and Las Vegasstyle entertainment.

5 Minutes, 5 Questions My hometown is Franklin, Pa. My husband and I met at a Gannon College mixer in 1956. We were married two years later.

As new business owners, we supported ourselves by working multiple jobs. I taught school and my husband held several jobs. It was not easy to support a growing family with a start-up business!

If I wasn’t an entrepreneur, I would be working in television. When I was 18, I wanted to go to New York City and learn to do television commercials, but my parents wanted me to finish my college education first.

The most unpredictable part of tomato production is the weather.

We have had absolutely picture-perfect crops lost to frost and hurricanes, even crops that were ready to be picked the following day. It’s a real science.

In an effort to provide their employees with safe, affordable housing, the couple recently purchased a 30-acre campus (previously home to Spurgeon Baptist Bible College), located adjacent to the main company operations. They transformed the campus from a learning environment for students to a vibrant living community for the company’s workers and their families.

“Our Catholic faith was and is the most important thing in our lives, and the idea of giving back was instilled in me when I was a student at Villa Maria College,” Madonia explained.

“It is so hard to go through life without a strong faith, and that’s why my husband and I value our Catholic education so much—it gave us a basis for living.”

facultyfocus

Featured Faculty

When people think about what English teachers do in their spare time, many might imagine their professors reading a novel, acting out a play or writing poetry. When Matthew J. Darling, Ph.D., gets bonus time, he spends it bumping, setting and spiking.

Darling, assistant professor of English and head volleyball coach, admits his two passions—literature and volleyball—are an odd combination.

“But to be able to teach and coach at the same time is my dream,” he said, “and I’m living it.”

Darling says his colleagues and friends always encouraged him to pursue coaching in addition to teaching, and that he’s very grateful for the love and support of his family and wife throughout his career.

“She is one of the highest achievers I love Gannon because I’m close to in her career, and she understands home and I believe in the school’s my drive to accomplish things in Mission. I love the students here my profession,” he said of his wife, and I love what I’m doing. I really Elizabeth, who is a physical therapist am living the dream.” and served as a trainer for the “People need to learn to see the big U.S. diving team picture, but always remember that during the 2008 it’s the small moments in life that Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. form it. I teach my students that to “That’s probably be happy, they need to put things the thing that I’m in perspective.” most thankful for on a daily basis.”

Though Darling grew up in nearby Cambridge Springs, Pa., he saw plenty of the country and the world teaching, coaching and learning before settling in the Erie area. He coached a high school volleyball team in Kentucky and was an assistant volleyball coach at Marquette and Auburn universities.

He also spent two years in Japan teaching English as a second language.

During Darling’s two years at Gannon, he says he has been able to experience a new and inspiring connection to teaching and students.

“I’ve had great teachers everywhere, but Gannon teachers have helped me to understand that being an English teacher is more than simply reading and writing,” he said. “Teaching here allows me to link students to the University, the Erie community and the broader society.”

Darling says it is impossible to separate teaching and coaching to decide which he prefers, and he loves when the two worlds come together.

“I think it’s incredibly exciting when a student is able to understand an English concept through a coaching method, or a player is able to understand a volleyball concept through a metaphor,” he said. “I’m really excited about being at Gannon.

Education

Ph.D. in American literature from Marquette University (2006) M.A. in English literature from Michigan State University (1997) B.A. in English with high distinction and departmental honors from the University of Kentucky (1994)

matthew darling

by Melanie L. Cherry

Current Scholastic Research

How American poet Muriel Rukeyser’s series of poems, Elegies, reflects attitudes about America’s involvement in World War II. Working with Dr. Kory Stauffer, assistant professor of sport and exercise science, on how different training methods improve vertical jump and power output in volleyball players Favorite Book

Moby Dick

by Herman Melville

Cherry is a junior journalism communications major and intern in the Communications office.

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Athletic Accomplishments

sportsscan

BY DAN TELISKI ’97, director of athletic media relations

Gannon’s first year as a Women’s Lacrosse The PSAC member of the Pennsylvania definitely took notice of the Gannon women’s lacrosse team during its first State Athletic Conference season in the league. The Lady Knights concluded the regular season 12-4 overall (PSAC) concluded with a and 5-3 in the PSAC Western Division. The successful spring season. squad was 16 seconds away from winning the PSAC Western Division regular-season The University’s 14 title and hosting the PSAC Final Four, intercollegiate programs but Lock Haven tied the regular-season finale with 16 ticks left on the clock and combined for a 188-126eventually posted a 19-16 overtime victory.

3 won-loss record, which Seniors Colleen Dixon and Molly produced an amazing Meagher were selected to participate in the 2009 Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse .598 winning percentage.

athletefocus

Coaches Association (IWLCA)/UnderArmour North-South Senior All-Star Game,

Colleen Dixon

by Christina M. Alexander ’09 Looking back on her four years at Gannon University, recent student-athlete graduate Colleen Dixon ’09 exceeded her expectations both on the field and in the classroom.

A Lafayette, N.Y., native and starting midfielder on the women’s lacrosse team since she arrived, Dixon’s senior year concluded as her best. Compiling 54 goals and 28 assists for 82 points overall, it was the 10th highest single-season total in school history. With an array of accolades and honors, she has led by example for her Gannon lacrosse squad.

“Colleen is not only a tremendous athlete with the ability to take over a game, but she is a true leader on the field,” head coach Alicia Groveston said. “When we needed someone to step up and possess the ball, she was there.”

Despite all of the individual accomplishments she achieved, Dixon’s most memorable athletic accomplishment was beating No. 1 West Chester University.

“I’ll never forget the feeling I shared with my team as the final buzzer sounded,” she said.

Graduating in May with a bachelor of arts degree in communication arts, Dixon achieved a cumulative grade

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and Meagher was an All-PSAC West second-team selection.

Four Lady Knights earned all-region accolades. In addition to Dixon, sophomore Mary Eshenour also landed a spot on the first team. Junior Taryn Millerd and senior Krista Schunk were named to the second team.

Nine student-athletes were named to the All-PSAC teams, marking the most selections by any team. Dixon, Schunk, senior Christina Alexander and senior Acacia Cook earned first-team honors.

Junior Kayla Nelson, Eshenour, Millerd, Meagher and senior Heidi Lott received second-team accolades.

point average of 3.76 and was selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II At-Large third team.

“The late-night coffee runs and all-night study sessions were all worth it,” Dixon said. “I wouldn’t have changed anything.”

As for life after Gannon, Dixon hopes to find a job within her field and would like to help coach lacrosse within the community.

“In the classroom or in a sport, you will face challenges,” Dixon said, “but never, even when you feel defeated, give up.

Hard work will Dixon moves down Gannon Field in always pay off.” a home game versus South Carolina’s Limestone College.

Did You Know?

Softball The Gannon softball team recorded its 20th consecutive winning season and 19th straight 20-win campaign with a 22-21 overall record. Kara Hensley was named to the Daktronics All-Atlantic Region second team as a designated hitter for the second consecutive season after hitting .357 with a .589 slugging percentage and .426 on-base percentage in 43 games. The senior split time as a designated hitter and catcher, where she committed no errors in 116 opportunities.

Hensley ranks second all-time at Gannon in RBI (148), second in home runs (27), ninth in hits (176) and 14th in runs (100). She hit .313 with a .518 slugging percentage and .390 on-base percentage in 198 career games.

The Waterville, Ohio, native was also named to the ESPN The Magazine All-

Awards & Honors

Alexander, a fellow lacrosse teammate, received a bachelor of arts degree in communication arts from Gannon in May.

Hensley and Holli Michaels earned All-PSAC Western Division second-team honors. Michaels led Gannon in batting average (.388), hits (54) and stolen bases (14). The senior catcher scored 30 runs while producing a .417 slugging percentage and .423 on-base percentage in 43 games. She also had a .953 fielding percentage. The Tacoma, Wash., native ended her career ranked third all-time at Gannon in stolen bases (48), fourth in batting average (.377), sixth in runs (122) and seventh in hits (190).

Women’s Water Polo The Gannon women’s water polo team finished the 2009 season 10th in the final Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Top 10 poll, the only nonNCAA Division I program in the top 10.

Gannon concluded its season at 11-8 after a third-place finish at the CWPA Western Division Championships.

Annie Greenhill was named to the All-CWPA Western Division first team.

Greenhill has earned All-CWPA honors three times during her collegiate career, including first-team selections the last two seasons. She led Gannon in goals (44), assists (17) and steals (42).

The junior tallied eight goals in three matches at the CWPA Western Division Championships, leading the Lady Knights to an 11-10 victory against Mercyhurst with three scores in the third-place match.

Her 34 earned kickouts this season equaled the fifth-highest single-season total in school history. Her 44 goals equaled the 10th-highest single-season mark at Gannon. The Brea, Calif., native ranks third all-time at Gannon in goals (157), third in earned kickouts (90), seventh in steals (128) and eighth in assists (65).

The Gannon women’s lacrosse team has never recorded a losing season during its 14year history and has reached double digits in victories five consecutive seasons. For more information about Gannon University Athletics, visit www.gannonsports.com.

Baseball The Gannon baseball team increased its victory total by two and lowered its team earned run average by over a half run per game this spring.

Second baseman Kolten Hoffman was named to the ESPN The Magazine AllDistrict II Baseball first team, one of 11 student-athletes named to the first team.

The mathematics major has been perfect in the classroom, owning a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. On the field, he hit .336 with a .452 slugging percentage and .410 on-base percentage in 46 games. The West Middlesex, Pa., native led Gannon in hits (49), home runs (3), RBI (31), total bases (66) and slugging percentage. Hoffman hit .406 (39-96) with runners on base and .433 (26-60) with runners in scoring position.

The sophomore recorded 14 multiple-hit games and 10 multiple-RBI games.

sportsscan

As a junior, Colleen was named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA)/US Lacrosse All-America second team and the IWLCA All-South Region first team.

As a senior, she was named to the All-PSAC first team, IWLCA All-America second team, IWLCA All-South Region first team and the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II At-Large third team. She was also selected to participate in the IWLCA/Under-Armour North-South Senior All-Star Game and finished sixth all-time at Gannon in goals (160), ninth in points (213) and 11th in assists (53).

District II second team. As a pre-med/ biology major with a 3.46 cumulative grade-point average, she was one of 22 student-athletes named to the first or second team.

Kolten Hoffman

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’50s JOHN HERSCH ’50 was reappointed

by Gov. Edward G. Rendell to the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home advisory council.

JOHN D. MANGUS ’56 has worked on all the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions; his current specialty is cryogenic optical systems. He is also a member of the James Webb Space Telescope Standing Review Board.

alumnotes MICHAEL A. DEMMA ’63 was featured in the family and philanthropy edition of Lydia’s Style Magazine for selfless service to his Fort Collins, Colo., community.

GARY E. EICHELSDORFER ’63 retired after teaching 42 years in the University of Scranton mathematics department.

DANIEL R. SHIPLEY ’63 was inducted into the Headmaster’s Hall of Fame for his exemplary accomplishments, community service and commitment to Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie.

GERARD L. HASENHUETTL ’66 started a new consulting firm, Cheetahtech International LLC, which specializes in innovation management, strategic planning and technologies for emulsions and dispersions.

ALOIS E. LUBIEJEWSKI, ESQ. ’66 was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame of Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie.

Alumni from the Class of 1974 pose for a picture during the 22nd Annual Friends of Gannon University Golf Tournament, held at Lake View Country Club in Erie on May 21. Pictured (L to R) are Thomas J. McCarthy Jr. ’74, Joseph E. Kloecker ’74, ’79M, Lawrence A. Piotrowicz ’74 and Gary E. Miller ’74.

’60s JOHN E. EHRMAN ’60 was inducted into the Headmaster’s Hall of Fame for his exemplary accomplishments, community service and commitment to Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie.

DR. JANICE I. (ROCHE) ROBBINS ’67VMC is director of the Center for Gifted Education at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., where she also serves as an adjunct professor in the education policy, planning and leadership program.

ROBERT W. MCGEE, PH.D., ESQ. ’69 published his 51st book, Taxation and Public Finance in Transition and Developing Economies. Robert is director of the Center for Accounting, Auditing and Tax Studies at Florida International University in Miami.

WILLIAM M. ZEITLER ’69 joined Vette Corp.’s board of directors. William is the recently retired senior vice president and group executive of IBM Systems and Technology Group.

Big changes in your life like a marriage, baby or new job?

Let us know! Send your information to Jana Hunt at hunt001@gannon.edu. or (814) 871-7469. Share your news and keep up with fellow classmates anytime on the alumni Web site at www.gannonalumni.org.

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’70s EDWARD T. BRENNAN, M.ED. ’70, ’72M received the President’s Award from the Pennsylvania Prison Warden’s Association. He is an instructor of sociology and criminal justice at Mercyhurst North East.

STANLEY J. BRZEZICKI ’70 was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame of Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie.

MICHAEL J. DOWLING ’70 is a sales associate/realtor with Howard Hanna Rosewood Real Estate in Titusville, Pa. KEVIN K. O’CONNELL ’70 is a retired school teacher and spent the last 15 years teaching social studies in an alternative high school.

alumcal

Gannon University Alumni

Quail Hollow Golf Outing Sept. 14 Quail Hollow Country Club Painesville, Ohio

G.I.V.E. Day

Sept. 19 National Alumni Day of Service

Distinguished Alumni Dinner Oct. 23 • 6-8 p.m.

Waldron Campus Center Yehl Room

2009 Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Oct. 23-25

Gannon is All Over Pittsburgh...Let’s All Get Together! gannon magazine summer 2009

Oct. 27 Join Dr. Garibaldi for an exciting evening with fellow alumni and prospective students.

For more information or to register for any events, contact Tracy Stolz at stolz005@ gannon.edu or 1-877-GU-Alums (1-877482-5867), ext. 1. Visit the online alumni community at www.gannonalumni.org for additional updates.

National Alumni Association President, Dana Kennedy Fallon, Esq. ’91 RICHARD J. HAMILL, CPA ’74 is president of the Foundation for Audit Excellence in Oklahoma City, which identifies and communicates excellent audit practices to both audit service providers and recipients.

STEPHEN R. ZIMMER ’74 is the new information technology director for Genesee County (N.Y.).

VERY REV. RICHARD C. TOMASONE ’76 is the new president of DuBois (Pa.) Central Catholic’s elementary, middle and high schools.

JEFFREY A. SCHNEIDER, ED.D. ’78 received a doctor of education degree in higher education administration from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2009. Jeff is currently the executive director of student affairs and judicial affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville.

MICHELE L. MIKOLAJCZAK, D.O. ’79 joined the hospitalist program at Butler Health System. A hospitalist, or hospital medicine specialist, is a physician who sees patients only while they are in the hospital. Michele is currently a physician with ACMH Hospital in Kittanning, Pa.

’80s TIMOTHY J. TROTT ’80M joined the Erie office of UBS Financial Services Inc. as a financial advisor.

CYNTHIA L. (RENO) BALKSTRA ’81VMC is in her final year as president of the Georgia Nurses Association. Cynthia is a hospice and acute care nurse.

CHRISTOPHER A. DRONGOSKY ’82 is managing partner of Simply Certificates and owner of Chris Drongosky Racing Stables in Amherst, N.Y.

asked this question over the years since leaving Gannon, and maybe again recently given the changes taking place in our communities and the world. Where next for me? I’m going to be spending more time in Erie. This summer I am honored to start a two-year term as president of the National Alumni Association.

I proudly graduated from Gannon University in 1991, and thanks to the role models I found in the faculty and staff at Gannon, I have been able to remain in the field of higher education through two successful careers as a college administrator and as a lawyer representing higher education institutions. Notwithstanding my interest in higher education, Gannon University has and continues to earn my support and the support of its alumni by providing students with high-quality academics, a strong faithbased environment and positive leadership and extracurricular activities.

Of course, I am not returning to Erie alone. Joining me on the NAA executive board are vice president Brian Fargo ’71 and secretary Scott Krall ’84. I look forward to working with them, as well as with all of the directors and regional directors, to raise the profile of Gannon University and continue to serve its alumni, students and friends.

When thinking about where the National Alumni Association will go next, we are thinking big and expanding our contributions to the University by supporting the efforts of the offices of admissions, career services and student life. This ambitious agenda needs the support of all alumni, so get involved—participate in our upcoming national day of service, mentor a current student or be a networking resource for fellow alumni who are job hunting.

If you are also wondering where to go next, why not return to Erie and join us for the 2009 Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Oct. 23-25, to reconnect with classmates, meet fellow alumni and see how Gannon’s campus has grown. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and I look forward to discovering them with you.

If you have questions about the Alumni Association or how to connect with fellow alumni or students, please contact me at dana.gannonu@gmail.com.

alumnotes

BRYANT E. BOJEWSKI, D.O. ’84 was recently board certified in geriatric medicine and has practiced internal medicine in Erie for the past 16 years. Bryant is medical director of AseraCare Hospice and is a professor at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Where to next? Many of us may have

23

Carrie A. Waszeciak ’01 married Mark Edward Pinson on Oct. 26, 2008.

REV. DONALD D. HAKE ’86M was named the new pastor for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hermitage, Pa. HON. JOSEPH E. SINNOTT ’88 received a Generation-E Leadership Award, which recognizes young professionals in the Erie area. Joseph is mayor of the City of Erie.

Billy Hunt Photography

Shelly Anne Barnes ’05 married Khashayar Azizollahi ’04 on July 5, 2008.

Kristin M. Brosky ’05, ’08M married Adam D. Riexinger ’05 on Oct. 25, 2008.

Elizabeth Marie Foll married Jacob Edward Chalupczynski on Aug. 2, 2008.

John G. Kehl Sr. ’62 and his wife, Donna, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 18, 2009.

Kellie M. Kluck ’00, ’05M married Edward L. Earle, Esq. on April 18, 2009.

Erin R. McClelland ’00 married David Komorowski on July 12, 2008.

Karen Teudhope Orlasky, RN ’86 married William C. Morrison III on May 8, 2009.

1st Lt. Carla J. Poplowski ’07 married 1st Lt. Dale R. Scott Jr. on Feb. 28, 2009.

Sonya M. Pyle ’04 married Bradley E. Whitman ’04 on June 21, 2008.

Julie Marie Turbaczewski ’08C married Robert Francis Vahey on Aug. 2, 2008.

Marcia Lynn Wickwire ’02, ’04M married Mark John Kubiak on May 17, 2008.

Nicole Lee Wieczorek ’06 married Brian Michael Zacour on July 12, 2008.

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gannon magazine

summer 2009

SAMUEL R. AQUILLANO ’89, ’91M was named vice president of drilling and production systems for GE Oil & Gas, a division of GE Energy Infrastructure. He has been with the company for 31 years.

ERIC A. BALLINGER, ESQ. ’89 was re-elected to another two-year term on the board of governors of the State Bar of Georgia.

MARGARET A. (ROTHGERY) VANDERLAAN ’89 joined the MWH executive management team as vice president of corporate communications. MWH is a global provider of environmental engineering, construction and strategic consulting services.

KARY J. SCHROYER, D.O. ’93 is chief of staff at UPMC Horizon Hospital in Farrell, Pa., is a partner in New Wilmington Family Medicine and is director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. He also continues his service with the U.S. Army Reserves, achieving the rank of major and drilling with the 309th Medical Unit in Erie. He spent four and a half months in Iraq last year, treating Iraqi prisoners in Camp Bucca.

JULIENNE M. (THOMA) CARLQUIST, DP ’98 was promoted to assistant facility rehabilitation coordinator with Progressive Step Rehab at the Arbors of Fairlawn Nursing and Rehab Center in Fairlawn, Ohio. She is also a staff physical therapist at the facility.

BEVERLY A. HAZEN ’98 is in her fifth summer working as a staff writer for The Chautauquan Daily, a newspaper published during the nine-week season at Chautauqua Institution in western New York.

HEATHER D. MCALLISTER, ESQ. ’98 is principal and founder of The Flagship Group Inc., a multifaceted firm specializing in consulting, career management and professional development.

’90s VIRGINIA N. (PELLEGNNELLI) DIGELLO, RN ’90, ’94M was named an executive nursing director at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, where she is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and directing nursing services.

KENNETH R. TELEIS, ESQ. ’90 became a fellow and a certified court executive of the Institute for Court Management. Kenneth is court administrator with the Summit County Domestic Relations Court in Akron, Ohio.

SUSAN LISKO, PH.D. ’93 received a doctorate of nursing practice degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in May 2009. Dr. Lisko is an assistant professor of nursing at Youngstown State University and has been in nursing education for the past 24 years.

Dr. Richard Orlando Visits Dr. Richard Orlando ’76, an ophthalmologist currently practicing in Ohio, returned to campus on April 17 and served as guest lecturer for Rev. Joseph Gregorek’s histology class. Father Gregorek is a longtime biology professor at Gannon.

REV. MARC A. STOCKTON ’98 is secondary school principal at DuBois Central Catholic School.

KEVIN T. BRIGGS ’99 is assistant principal at Bellfonte (Pa.) Area High School.

DONNA M. KOZIK ’99M is owner of My Big Business Card and founder of the “Write a Book in a Weekend” club on Facebook.com. She was also an exhibitor at the Self-Publishers Online Conference held in May. BRENDA R. MARTINCIC ’99 is a physician assistant in general surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.

’00s JENNIFER M. GIONFRIDDO ’00 joined the finance department of Watson Wyatt Worldwide.

ERIN R. McCLELLAND ’00 is a cytometry account manager for Beckman Coulter after serving as a cancer scientist at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute for five years.

JAMIE C. POTOSNAK ’00M joined Erie advertising agency Route 1A as an account executive.

AIMEE L. MOREWOOD ’02M is an assistant professor at West Virginia University.

LAUREN M. ANDRYSZAK ’03 was promoted to director of social services at Genesis Healthcare Heritage Center in Baltimore, Md. JENNIFER DOBBS WOODS, MPA ’03M successfully completed United Way of America’s prestigious Resident Fellows Program. She was one of only 25 executive-track leaders to receive accelerated development training.

DORIAN R. (WHITE) CALLAHAN ’05 received a master of education degree in clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling on June 12.

ADAM D. RIEXINGER ’05 is a drug and alcohol counselor at the State Correctional Institute in Pittsburgh.

KRISTIN M. (BROSKY) RIEXINGER ’05 is a counselor for UPMC/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.

With nearly 20 different athletic teams, many of Gannon University’s alumni are also former student-athletes, and recent events and activities allowed several of those alumni to reunite.

Seventeen lacrosse alumni gathered on May 2 for the first-ever Lacrosse Alumni Game. Former players Margie Adamus ’99, Sarah Belen ’08, Kisa Bushyeager ’06, Jenn Cooke ’03, Melissa (Flynn) Curtis ’04, Molly (Flynn) Schwabenbauer ’00, Joanne Heintz ’07, Amy Lipinski ’07, Nettie Marshall ’06, Laura (Steinke) McCullough ’00, ’02M, Helen Orme ’04, Katey Pavone ’01, Mindy Richmond ’05, Jennifer Westgate ’06, Nikki (Abel) Wiefling ’05, Caitlin Wilcox ’05 and Debra Wood ’99, ’02M squared off against the 2008-09 team.

Head Coach Alicia Groveston reported that these alumni haven’t forgotten how to play the game, as it was too close to call a score! Plans are underway to make the game an annual event.

Wrestling alumni honored Don Henry for 25 years as head wrestling coach at Gannon at a celebration held April 19. Hired in 1984 to resurrect a Golden Knight wrestling program that had been discontinued since 1971, he has since coached four regional champions and has qualified wrestlers for the national championships 16 times during the last five seasons. During the 2008-09 season, Coach Henry led his squad to 10 dual victories, the secondmost in program history.

Former Gannon wrestlers present at the celebration included: Scott Boyd ’94; Thomas M. Boyd, D.C. ’92; Donald Capan ’91; John Carlson ’92; Nicholas Dorsch ’88; Michael Gibson ’93; David Fiore ’00; Jason Fowler ’98, ’07M; Donald Keys ’88; Michael Keys ’94; Dave Kruszewski ’90; Ryan Marovich ’08; Derek Maynard ’01; Lyneil Mitchell ’03, ’05M; Blake Pennock ’07; Todd Proper ’01, ’06M; Jason Radtke ’06; Mark Sallot; Anthony “A.J.” Sayles ’08; Pino Scavella ’08; Lantz Schwabenbauer ’01; Robert Shumaker ’94; Jabob Tazzi ’09; Thomas Tracy ’94; Skyler Waddell ’05; and Eric Witherite ’99.

alumnotes

JOANNA R. CORSO ’05 passed the New York State Bar Exam and is currently practicing law in Buffalo, N.Y.

GU Athletics Alumni Reunite

25

Theater Alumni Receive Honors Lacey Johnson ’08 was recently ranked fifth in competitive order in the National Society of Arts and Letters drama competition, which is held every six years.

The competition included students from other Pennsylvania universities such as Point Park, Carnegie Mellon, Slippery Rock, Temple and the University of Pittsburgh.

Gannon sophomores David Reichard and Jessica Charlton also competed.

Alaina Manchester ’07 attended the University Resident

births

Theatre Auditions in New York City and was offered a graduate school fellowship from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she will pursue a master of fine arts degree. The fellowship is one of the school’s most prestigious awards offered to incoming graduate students.

a son, Brandon Douglas (born Feb. 22, 2009), to Julienne M. (Thoma) Carlquist, DP ’98 and her husband, Daniel. He joins three-year-old brother Dillon Daniel. a son, Everett Vincent (born Feb. 27, 2009), to Danielle R. (Apa) Kruse ’03

and her husband, Vincent.

He joins older sister Cassandra Renee (9/8/05). a daughter, Natalie Elise (born April 22, 2009), to Brenda R. (Hazen) Martincic ’99 and her husband, Dan.

a son, William Ryan (born March 11, 2009), to Heidi M. (Chew) Osborne ’99M and her husband, Mark. a son, Luke Anthony (born Nov. 21, 2008), to Michael A. Palermo ’98 and his wife, Christine. He joins older brother John Edward (7/2/06). a son, Reeve Joseph (born April 6, 2009), to Shawn A. Thomas, Esq. ’85 and his wife, Jaymee. Reeve joins older sister Mary Elizabeth (8/15/95).

a son, Trevor Joseph (born October 8, 2008), to and his wife, Christina.

He joins older sisters Miriam and Regina.

summer 2009

1st LT. KEVIN J. SKINDELL ’06 returned from service in Iraq, where he was a public affairs officer for the 354th Public Affairs Mobile Detachment, based in Coraopolis, Pa. SEMAJ Y. VANZANT ’06 received a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary on May 23, 2009.

NICOLE L. (WIECZOREK) ZACOUR ’06 is a registered nurse at UPMC. KATHERINE L. ECKERT, D.C. ’07 joined Cenk Chiropractic as an associate doctor. She is one of only a handful of doctors certified in A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) for spine, upper and lower extremities.

TREVOR L. MURNOCK ’07M is director of the music, visual and performing arts program at Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie.

a son, Sebastian Thomas (born Dec. 7, 2008), to Thomas E. Young, D.C., CCSP ’00 and Maria Romano-Young, D.C. ’03. gannon magazine

KRISTIN M. FOUSE ’06 is a research associate at INC Research in San Diego, Calif.

DAVID L. LEHMAN ’07C is the new superintendent for the Conemaugh Valley School District in Johnstown, Pa.

Trevor L. Murnock ’07M

26

ASHLEY E. SMITH ’05 graduated cum laude from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and passed the New York State Bar Exam. She is currently working for the Bly, Sheffield, Barger, Pillittieri and MacCallum law firm in Jamestown, N.Y.

RHONDA R. BECKER ’08M is a certified registered nurse anesthetist at St. Vincent Health Center in Erie.

in memoriam

alumni Robert A. Alessi ’57 Lois A. (Mitchell) Allen ’46VMC Carolyn A. (Puffer) Annunziata ’59VMC Joan Mae (Lauterbach) Baker ’74 Patricia Ann (Danch) Baumann ’85 Peter J. Belott Jr., Esq. ’71 David I. Bertocci, Ph.D. ’60 Robert H. Bierasinski ’90 John E. Buser ’56 Gae P. Campbell ’73 Mary Rita (Swissler) Doorley ’58VMC Katherine L. (Coletta) Fetzner ’81M George C. “Bud” Findlay ’50 Norbert J. Gorny ’52 Margaret “Peg” A. Haumesser, RN ’88 James A. Hodgson ’51 Daniel J. Holdnack ’86 Edward A. Janosko ’61 James A. Kalista, CPA ’68 Harold L. Kirk ’58 Richard T. Kress ’47 Wanda M. (Filipkowski) Luce ’86M Walter F. Oleski ’58 Suzanne M. Pomerleau ’67VMC Heather D. Probst ’85M John S. Przybyszewski Jr. ’59 Daniel Radanovic ’51 Robert P. Reeher ’98 Marie (Marince) Rudella ’41VMC Barbara Jean (Corwin) Ryden ’61, ’75M Edward S. Sawtelle ’52 Ronnie C. Shuck ’80M

Elaine F. (Pencer) Simon ’52VMC Sister M. Damian St. George, OCSO ’50VMC George E. Stanley ’50 Raymond J. Sullivan ’53 Alois F. Szkoda ’49 Donna Marie (Block) Thomas ’69VMC David P. Twomey III ’05 Walter C. Warzeski, Ph.D. ’50 Barbara Ann Weigert ’58VMC Joseph F. Werner ’65 James M. Wilwohl Sr. ’57

friends John E. Connelly Robert H. Fanning Audrey C. (Sitter) Hirt Walter James Alice Clare Knoll Rev. Msgr. Conrad L. Kraus Michael J. Miller Msgr. James E. Sperry

Robert K. Dukiet (1948-2009)

Former Gannon University men’s basketball head coach Robert K. Dukiet passed away May 28, 2009 in Boynton Beach, Fla., where he retired in 1996.

Dukiet coached the Golden Knights from 1989 through 1996, compiling a 136-67 record. Only Jerry Slocum, who succeeded him and coached the team through 2005, coached more games (257) at Gannon than Dukiet’s 198.

Dukiet’s first Gannon team was his most successful, going 24-8 and reaching the national quarterfinals (four of his teams qualified for the NCAA Division II tournament). All but one of his first six teams won at least 20 games, and each had winning records. He had a 5-5 postseason record with the Knights.

“He was a fantastic basketball coach. Many of our defensive maneuvers are skills I learned from him,” said John Reilly ’89M, current men’s basketball head coach and an assistant coach under Dukiet from 1989-93. “I’ll never forget the four years I had the chance to coach with him.”

Paul A. Weidle ’50 (1920-2009)

Gannon Archives

Retired Gannon University professor and alumnus Paul A. Weidle ’50 passed away May 13, 2009 at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie. He was a professor of physics and mathematics at Gannon for 26 years, retiring in 1982. He was a 1950 graduate of Gannon and also completed some postgraduate work at the school. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Weidle served in World War II.

Comprehensive Campaign Celebrated (L to R) Dr. Garibaldi presents gifts of thanks to Campaign Steering Committee members William Springer ’63 and Thomas Power Jr. ’63.

More than 100 faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and friends of the University helped celebrate the success of The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign during a special celebration event held May 14. Guests were able to tour both the Morosky Academic Center and the Patient Simulation Center during the evening.

Classmates (L to R) Joseph Shipley ’62, William Alford ’65, Thomas Guelcher ’62 and Joseph Gaeta ’62 enjoy the Campaign Celebration.

Kathleen DeSante (left), administrative assistant for the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, and Carolynn Masters, Ph.D., RN, CARN (right), dean of the Morosky College, speak with trustee James A. Scozzie, Ph.D. ’65.

27

Physician Assistant Alumni Reunite in California Nearly 50 alumni

of Gannon University’s Physician Assistant program celebrated its 30th Anniversary on May 25 at a reception held during the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 37th Annual PA Conference in San Diego.

(L to R) Jaime (Hagerty) O’Neil ’01, Amy (Zmyslinski) Nedresky ’01 and Erica McClellan-DiFrangia ’01

Events Alumni College Alumni Association National Board Meeting Heritage Society Luncheon SGA Alumni Open House Class of ’59 Gathering Distinguished Alumni Dinner 1980s All Alumni Gathering Joe Luckey Campus Tour CIS Alumni Network Get Together Homecoming Parade Pre-Game Alumni Gathering Homecoming Football Game Villa Maria Alumnae High Tea Class of ‘59 Cocktails and Dinner All Alumni Happy Hour and Dinner Young Alumni Event African-American Alumni Reception Bar Crawl Alumni Homecoming Mass Alumni Brunch with the President

Affinity Reunions

(L to R) Dan Stroup ’05, Catherine Gillespie, MPAS, PA-C, DHSc ’84, associate professor in Gannon’s Physician Assistant Program, and Marshal Chase ’96

Oct. 23-25

2009

Oct. 23-25

2009

Villa Maria College African-American Alumni Student Government Association CIS (Computer and Information Science) Young Alumni Health Professions and Sciences

Landmark Class Reunions The Class of 1959 is celebrating its 50th class reunion. Contact Jim Kelvington at (814) 871-5368 or kelvingt001@gannon.edu.

The Class of 1969 is celebrating its 40th class reunion. Contact Tony Fulgenzio ’82 at (814) 871-7786 or fulgenzi001@gannon.edu.

The Class of 1984 is celebrating its 25th class reunion. Contact Mark Gaeta ’87 at (814) 871-7466 or gaeta004@gannon.edu.

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gannon magazine

summer 2009

Visit us online at www.gannonalumni.org/homecoming_2009

A Word from the President

endnotes

As Gannon continues to grow and achieve, there is even more to accomplish in the next decade.

Since the Fall 2001 semester, Gannon has grown by nearly 800 students – from 3,407 to 4,197 students in Fall 2008.

The end result of those enrollment increases over the last eight years was best demonstrated in this past academic year as we conferred the largest number of undergraduate and graduate degrees for a single academic year – 1,150. While it was exciting to celebrate that record-setting statistic, it was also an opportunity to pause and remind ourselves of how much more we want to accomplish in the next decade. With your help and the countless hours of dedicated service by our faculty and staff, Gannon has been very successful in the first decade of the 21st century. But our daily attention and tasks are focused on the goals and objectives of Gannon’s Strategic Plan II: 2008–13. Strategic Plan II is the blueprint for the major initiatives and projects that we want to achieve in 2009 and beyond, and you will begin to see some of those changes in the next school year.

In addition to prioritizing the major projects in the Master Plan, we are also establishing priorities for the business operations of the University through the five goals of Strategic Plan II. Those strategic goals are: enhance academic excellence; distinguish the University; increase the enrollment of qualified, motivated students; forge key relationships and partnerships; and establish a culture and practice of innovative strategic management. Faculty and staff have been working very hard to achieve these goals through the planning and implementation of key tasks, and I encourage you to visit the Gannon Web site (www.gannon.edu) and read some

of the specific objectives under each of the five goals. The success of the first five-year Strategic Plan can be attributed largely to strategic planning and effective execution, and we want to replicate those processes so we can achieve even more in the next decade.

As you read about some of the wonderful accomplishments of our students, alumni and faculty in this Gannon Magazine, please accept my thanks for your personal and financial support to the University over the last eight years. You made The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign a success, and you are continuing to assist our students obtain the same high quality education you received at Villa Maria College and Gannon. We want you to remain engaged in the transformations taking place on Gannon’s campus now and also to contribute your thoughts about what priorities we should consider in the next Campaign, which is only a few years away. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon so we can show you a few of the first initiatives in the Gannon Master Plan. Thank you for Believing in the possibilities.

President, Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.

endnotes

Last semester, we concluded a year-long Master Planning process for Gannon and we are already implementing some of the projects (p. 10). The Master Plan focuses on three distinct principles:

reinforcing existing land use patterns; creating a unique and recognizable campus; and developing purposeful open spaces. As the article in this issue describes, renovations are underway at Harborview Apartments. Additionally, because new and current students over the next four to five years will want different types of housing, building new residence halls is a top priority. There are many more changes that are planned for campus facilities during the period of Strategic Plan II and further into the next decade. The support of alumni and friends was critical to the success of the record-breaking $31.5 million The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign, and I am very confident that you will step up to the challenge once again and transform this campus even more.

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April 22-24 and April 29-May 1 • 8 p.m.

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Special Events Master Class with Daphne Rubin-Vega

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Alex Clemente Fundraiser An American Scrapbook

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