The Inauguration of Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. - Event Program

The Inauguration of

WALTER IWANENKO, PH.D.

EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF GANNON UNIVERSITY

WARNER THEATRE

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

WALTER IWANENKO, PH.D.

Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., was born in Flushing, N.Y., the oldest of three children to immigrants. His father is from Ukraine and his mother is from Poland and came to the U.S. as children, later meeting in Buffalo in high school.

Iwanenko graduated from Canisius High School in Buffalo, N.Y. He was the first in his family to receive a college degree and his career is the product of that education. He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Occupational Therapy from D’Youville College.

Iwanenko began his career at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo as a staff occupational therapist. He and his wife founded ChildPro of WNY and Monarch Little Learners Academy in Lackawanna, N.Y. in 2000, which the couple sold a decade later. Iwanenko gained extensive experience in creating and managing these healthcare organizations.

During this time, he was also an instructor at D’Youville College, working his way up from a clinical instructor in the Occupational Therapy Department in 1995 to accepting a full-time faculty position in 1996 and becoming a tenured associate professor in 2004.

While advancing through the faculty ranks, Iwanenko earned a Ph.D. in epidemiology and community health from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s School of Medicine in 2003. He went on to earn his School

Administrator Certification from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2004. As a tenured faculty member, Iwanenko served as the chair of D’Youville College’s Health

Services Administration Department from 2005 to 2011 and Business Department from 2009 to 2011.

In 2011, Iwanenko accepted a position as the founding dean of Adult and Graduate Studies at Hilbert College, a role he would have until 2016. He led the development and implementation of graduate programs in public administration and criminal justice administration as well as an undergraduate adult degree completion program.

Iwanenko executed several new initiatives, including a graduate student study away program in Budapest, Hungary, which was Hilbert’s first learning abroad graduate degree program.

Iwanenko was named vice president of Academic Affairs at Gannon University in the fall of 2016. Since his arrival, he has led community development initiatives, including the formation of Our West Bayfront, a 501c3 focused on community redevelopment. Iwanenko has assisted with the establishment of Gannon’s Ruskin Florida, campus and its academic programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Athletic Training, as well as Speech and Language Pathology. Iwanenko has launched several initiatives at Gannon, including the formation of the Graduate Student Association, the establishment of the Alstadt Environmental Center, and the development of the Institute of Health and Cyber Knowledge (I-HACK) along with its academic programs in cybersecurity, cyber engineering, and the minor in innovation and creativity.

In the fall of 2020, Iwanenko was named Provost and Vice President of Student Experience, which was a merging of academic units with student engagement. He then managed athletics, academic support services, residence life, mission and ministry, counseling and health centers, the recreation and wellness center, student accountability, and food service. As provost, he led the evaluation and redesign of the university’s liberal studies core, the first-year experience, faculty mentoring program, student employment program and honors program.

In November 2022, Iwanenko was selected as the eighth president of Gannon University, a role he assumed on July 1, 2023.

Iwanenko has always been active in the communities he has lived in. In Buffalo, he coached youth football and was a parish event chair. In Erie, he has served on the boards of of the Erie Technology Incubator, Our West Bayfront, and Erie Arts and Culture.

Iwanenko is a resident of Erie, and has been married to his wife, Mary, since 1994. Together they have three adult children: Alexandria, Ashley and Erek; and two granddaughters, Adamina and Anastasia. Family time keeps them busy when they are not found engaging on the campuses of Gannon University.

PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION

Academic presidential medallions symbolize the wearer’s allegiance to the institution. Presidents wear these ornate pieces on ceremonial occasions as part of their regalia.

The chain itself connotes strength in unity and acknowledges each of the university’s eight presidents.

The presidential medallion features the Gannon seal, which symbolizes the institution’s rich history and its mission.

The right side of the shield is proper to Gannon’s founder, Archbishop John Mark Gannon, who selected spiritual symbols for his Episcopal seal when he became a bishop. The three crosses in the upper right corner express faith in the Trinity.

The left side of the shield includes the traditional symbols of education: the lamp of learning, the book of knowledge and the sun as a symbol of enlightenment. The waves refer to Gannon’s Erie, Pennsylvania and Ruskin, Florida campus locations adjacent to Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico. The sunburst in Gannon’s logo carries forward this tradition and symbolism of Gannon as a source of energy, optimism and enlightenment.

The shield in the seal is surrounded by three ribbons, each of which contains a Latin word: sanitas, which means health; scientia, which means knowledge; and sanctitas, holiness. Gannon continues to embrace the spirit of these words through its focus on the holistic development of students.

Finally, Latin letters that circle the seal honor that Gannon University was founded in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1925.

PAST PRESIDENTS

VILLA MARIA COLLEGE

Mother Helena Dillon, S.S.J.

1925-1942

Mother Aurelia A’Hern, S.S.J.

1942-1966

Sister M. Lawreace Antoun, S.S.J. ’55VMC

1966-1988

Sister Leonie Shanley, S.S.J. ’57VMC

1988-1989

GANNON UNIVERSITY

Monsignor Joseph J. Wehrle

1933-1956

Monsignor Wilfrid J. Nash ’33

1956-1977

Joseph P. Scottino, Ph.D. ’50

1977-1987

Daniel M. Henry, Ph.D.

1987-1991

Monsignor David A. Rubino, Ph.D.

1991-2000

Thomas S. Ostrowski, Ph.D. (Interim)

2000-2001

Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.

2001-2010

Philip H. Kelly, D.A. (Interim)

2011

Keith Taylor, Ph.D.

2011-2023

INAUGURAL DAIS PARTY

1. The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L. Bishop, Diocese of Erie Chairperson, Gannon University Board of Trustees

2. Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. President, Gannon University

3. Rebecca Erwin-Cohen ’90 President, Gannon University Alumni Association

4. Melissa Lesniewski President, Gannon University Support Staff Association

5. Mitchell Rathburn President, Gannon University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

6. Shreaya Baidya President, Gannon University Global Student Organization

7. Joseph Pfleger President, Gannon University Student Government Association

SEATING ARRANGEMENT

8.

11.

13. Mahesh Aggarwal, Ph.D. President, Gannon University Faculty Senate

14. Keith Taylor, Ph.D President

Seventh President, Gannon University

15. Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. Sixth President, Gannon University

16. Monsignor David Rubino, Ph.D. Fifth President, Gannon University

Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83 Chaplain, Gannon University

9. Mark Minnaugh ’81 Vice Chairperson, Gannon University Board of Trustees

10. Sarah Ewing, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Student Experience, Gannon University

Sr. Mary Drexler, S.S.J. ’71VMC President, Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania

12. Desi Herter ’12M Director of Campus Operations, Gannon University Ruskin, Fla.

Emeritus, Gannon University

INAUGURATION CEREMONY

Musical Prelude ................................................................................................................ Erie Philharmonic String Quartet

Academic Procession ..................................................................

Student Leaders of Clubs, Organizations & Athletic Teams

President’s Leadership Team Gannon University Board of Trustees

Delegates from Peer Colleges and Universities Deans and Faculty Inaugural Dais Party

Presentation of the National Colors ......................................................... Gannon University Company Color Guard from the “Pride of PA” Army Senior ROTC Battalion

National Anthem .........................................................................................................................Gannon University Chorus under the direction of Kathleen Thiem

Invocation ....................................................................................................................................... Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83 Chaplain, Gannon University

Welcome ................................................................................................................ The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L. Bishop, Diocese of Erie

Chairperson, Gannon University Board of Trustees

Introduction of Guests ............................................................................................................................ Mark Minnaugh ’81 Vice Chairperson, Gannon University Board of Trustees

Gannon Affirmations

On behalf of several Gannon Family Representatives

“Holy Mother” .............................................................................................................................. Performed by Sam Hyman

Music by Eric Clapton & Stephen Bishop

Presentation of the Presidential Medallion

The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L.

Inaugural Address ............................................................................................................................ Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. President, Gannon University

Interfaith Blessing Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83 and Students

Benediction ............................................................................................................

The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L.

Recessional ........................................................................................................................ Erie Philharmonic String Quartet

GANNON UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chairperson

Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L. •

Bishop, Diocese of Erie

Erie, Pa.

Vice Chairperson

Mark Minnaugh ’81

Retired Executive Vice President, Giant Eagle, Inc.

Allison Park, Pa.

Secretary

Gwendolyn M. (Ralph) Garbarino, Esq. ’82

Vice President and General Counsel, Eden, Inc.

State College, Pa.

Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. •

President, Gannon University

Mahesh Aggarwal, Ph.D. •

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

President, Gannon University Faculty Senate

Erie, Pa.

Robert P. Barker ’72

Retired Executive, Parker Aerospace

Dan Point, Calif.

Candace D. (Horton) Battles ’93

Retired Social Worker, Harborcreek Youth Services

Erie, Pa.

Richard E. Beattie ’92

Owner, Mechanical Engineering & Construction Corporation

Phoenix, Md.

Gerald Blanks ’90

Chief Executive Officer, Greater Erie Economic Development

Erie, Pa.

Walter W. Cooper ’85, ’87M

President and CEO, Precision Health Systems

St. Petersburg, Fla.

Tina M. (Cicchetti) Donikowski ’85

Retired Vice President, GE Transportation Systems

Erie, Pa.

Rebecca Erwin-Cohen, Ph.D. ’90 •

Technology Transfer Patenting and Licensing Specialist, National Center for Advancing Translational Science

President, National Alumni Board

Hagerstown, Md.

Dana M. (Kennedy) Fallon ’91

Career Services Manager, Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Va.

Very Rev. Michael Ferrick, V.F. ’94

Rector, St. Peter Cathedral Parish

Erie, Pa.

James Fiorenzo ’90M

Retired President, UPMC Hamot

Erie, Pa. and Bonita Springs, Fla.

Susan L. Forquer ’66VMC

Retired Caseworker, Family Services of NWPA

Erie, Pa.

James Grunke

CEO, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Erie, Pa

Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Hilty ’81

Assistant Adjutant General, Army, Pennsylvania National Guard

Lebanon, Pa.

Rev. Scott W. Jabo

Rector, St. Mark Seminary and Vocation Director, Diocese of Erie

Erie, Pa.

Stacy M. Juchno ’98

Executive VP and General Auditor, PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Mars, Pa.

Scott M. Krall ’84

Corporate EHS and Senior Remediation Manager, PPG Industries, Inc.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Pierre McCormick ’79

Retired President/CEO, Wisconsin Distributors, LLP

Erie, Pa.

Richard G. Orlando, M.D. ’76

Retired - Director, Cataract Surgery, Columbus Ophthalmology

Dublin, Ohio

Joseph Pfleger • President, Gannon University Student Government Association

Kiran K. Rajasenan, M.D. ’93

Medical Oncologist, UPMC Passavant

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Very Rev. Nicholas J. Rouch, S.T.D. ’83

Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy, Diocese of Erie

Erie, Pa.

James J. Rutkowski, Jr. ’83

General Manager/Treasurer, Industrial Sales and Manufacturing, Inc.

Erie, Pa.

Rev. Christopher J. Singer, J.C.L. ’99

Chancellor, Diocese of Erie

Erie, Pa.

Antoinette Spevetz, M.D. ’83

Professor of Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Oxford, Pa.

Monica (Mangefrida) Trott, ’87, ’90M Global Technical Lead, Portfolio Management, Google Headquarters

Fremont, Calif.

Laura Vaccaro ’89

Managing Director, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation

San Antonio, Texas

Margaret A. (Rothgery) VanderLaan ’89

Chief Marketing Officer, Encore Electric

Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Howard Ward, Ph.D.

Retired - Associate Vice President, Auxiliary Services, Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, N.Y.

Mark Zagorski ’90

CEO, DoubleVerify, Inc.

New York, N.Y.

• Ex-officio Member

ABOUT GANNON UNIVERSITY

Gannon University is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Our faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.

The university offers appropriately accredited associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, certificates and doctoral degrees to its 4,796 students on two vibrant campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ruskin, Florida.

Gannon has been consistently ranked as a national university in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.”

Gannon has also been repeatedly recognized as a Great College to Work For® by The Chronicle

Building on the university’s mission and Catholic Identity, its Liberal Studies Core curriculum instills dynamic skills like intercultural communication and understanding, faith and reason, and critical thinking to prepare students as global citizens and achieve success in their careers.

A range of campus organizations and activities encourages academic interests, community service as well as moral and spiritual growth. Gannon also provides students with broad programming in intramural and intercollegiate athletics, including 23 scholarship-granting varsity sports as an NCAA Division II institution.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF GANNON UNIVERSITY

Gannon College of Arts and Sciences, founded as Cathedral College under the 1925 charter of Villa Maria College, was established by Archbishop John Mark Gannon, who in 1941 purchased one of the most elegant buildings in downtown Erie — the Strong Mansion (now known as Gannon’s “Old Main”) — as the current campus’ central site. Renamed Gannon College in 1944, it received its own charter as a fouryear men’s college. In 1964, Gannon became co-educational and established a graduate school. In 1979, the college attained university status. Gannon University established its second campus location in Ruskin, Florida in 2014, offering graduate-level health professions programs.

Today, Gannon University is committed to building on its successful 98-year history of preparing leaders by focusing on a dynamic future of change and new opportunities.

ACADEMIC REGALIA

In 1895 the Intercollegiate Commission presented to American institutions of higher learning the Intercollegiate Code. Today, this code provides for three types of gowns. Those for bachelor’s are made of black material and have long, pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is made with an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The rear part of its oblong shape is a square cut and the front part has an arc cut away. The doctor’s gown is made with bell-shaped sleeves and like the master’s gown, it is designed so that it can be worn open or closed.

The black oxford cap is worn for all degrees, but only the doctor’s cap may be made of velvet. Only doctors and presidents of colleges may wear a gold tassel on the cap.

It is the hood that is the most important and distinctive feature of the Intercollegiate Code.

The doctor’s hood, of black cloth, is four feet in length and made with a wide panel. The master’s and bachelor’s hoods are three-and-one half feet long and three feet wide.

The binding or trim of all hoods is of velvet - two, three and five inches wide for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees, respectively.

The color of the velvet trim indicates the department or faculty to which the degree pertains, each department having been assigned a different color by the Intercollegiate Code. The lining of the hood reflects the official colors of the college/university.

DELEGATES FROM PEER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

1791 St Mary’s Seminary & University

Msgr. Fredrik Hansen

Dean of Seminarians

1815 Allegheny College

Dr. Ron Cole

President

1826 SUNY Fredonia

Dr. Amy Parente

Alumna

1846 University at Buffalo

Dr. Theodore Yeshion

Alumnus

1852 Westminster College

Atty. Thomas Tupitza

Board of Trustees

1855 St. Vincent Seminary

Rev. David Renne

Alumnus

1857 PennWest University - Edinboro

Dr. Mary Paniccia Carden

Dean

1858 St. Bonaventure University

Dr. Darla J. Kent

Clinical Assistant Professor

1878 Duquesne University

Dr. David J. Dausey

Executive Vice President and Provost

1924 Nazareth University

Dr. Maureen F. Finney

Provost

1926 Mercyhurst University

Dr. Kathleen A. Getz President

1948 Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

Dr. Martin Kociolek

Dean, School of Science

1957 Hilbert College

Mr. James Wiertel

Assistant Vice President - Business/Finance

1958 Trocaire College

Dr. Basssam Deeb President

2021 Erie County Community College

Dr. Chris Gray President

A SYMBOL OF SUCCESS: STORY BEHIND THE BOW TIE

The signature bow tie look for Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., is more than a style choice. It’s a symbolic reminder for the acronym TIE: Technique. Intensity. Execution.

Iwanenko preached this mantra in his early days of leadership as coach of a youth football team. He was dedicated to teaching his athletes both on and off the field, instilling valuable life lessons like perseverance and professionalism.

“Every Friday practice they would leave and shake my hand before game day Saturday. We talked about performance from practice to game day – always having their ‘TIE’ on,” said Iwanenko.

As he later learned how to tie a bow tie, he thought, “That’s it – the bow tie will be my daily reminder of Technique. Intensity. Execution.”

Iwanenko shared this story, expressing that the experience and symbol behind the bow tie has been similar to his professional higher education experience.

“If I apply the same concepts to how I work, how I lead, and how I take on challenges it will serve me well. Even if you see me without my bow tie, I come to work with my TIE on.”

This unique gift, designed by Gannon University student Austin Lippert, was manufactured in the new I-HACK MakerSpace. The project was completed by a team of student workers overseen by design and fabrication engineer, Nick Devine. They were fabricated from 6061-T6 Aluminum on a Torch 1100Mx 3-Axis Milling Machine.