Summer 2006 Magazine
On a Mission in South Dakota
Editor’sInklings Volume XX, Issue 1 • Summer 2006 Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. President Jennifer A. Mailey ’95, ’05M Director of Public Affairs and Communications Catherine E. Carlson ’05M Publications Officer and Editor advisory committee
Britt Dyer Daehnke ’98, ’05M Harry R. (Rick) Diz, Ph.D., P.E. Chris Dubbs Cathy Fresch Melanie Karsak Catherine Oakley ’05M Rev. Nicholas J. Rouch, S.T.D., ’83 Laura E. Rutland, Ph.D. Lisa A. Wenner contributors
Paul DeSante, Ph.D. Cathy Fresch Jana Hunt Jeannie Kloecker Nick Pronko Dan Teliski ’97 photography
Ed Bernik Tim Rohrbach design
Tungsten Creative Group Gannon Magazine is published three times annually (Summer, Winter, and Spring) by the Office of Communications at Gannon University and is mailed free to alumni, friends of the University, graduate students, and parents of current undergraduate students. Contributions: Gannon Magazine welcomes letters to the editor, class notes information, comments, and suggestions. Please send class notes information to Jana Hunt, Coordinator of Gifts and Records at hunt001@gannon.edu. All other information should be sent to Catherine Carlson, Editor, at carlson010@gannon.edu or the University’s mailing address as seen below. Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, Pennsylvania 16541 814.871.7000
In the free-spiritedness of my youth, I remember enjoying car rides simply because of the variety of music on the radio. It was like experiencing a whole lifetime within the span of a few hours, as I let the music take me on an emotional rollercoaster by the different stories it told. I would flip stations, skipping from pop to rock, trying country for a little while, and making pit stops at jazz and classical. Any worries and stresses I had would melt away, and I’d arrive at my destination feeling refreshed and renewed. Creating this issue of the magazine, although spread out over a longer time span than just a few hours, had much the same effect on me. It all started with meeting the amazing women in Gannon’s engineering and science departments. The feature article “The Future of Engineering: Gender Equality,” (page ?) once slotted (at the beginning of this journey) to be the story of women in the fields of engineering and science both. The stories these women had to tell, unfortunately, were simply too wonderful to stuff into four pages. I regret not being able to introduce you to Theresa Vitolo, Ph.D. and Sreela Sasi, Ph.D. of the Computer Information Science Department and Professor Susan Sapone of Biology in this issue, but I look forward to the time when I can. In the meantime, I know you will enjoy meeting engineers Karinna Vernaza, Ph.D., Mrs. Carol Garibaldi ’06, and Adrienne Mackanin ’06. While these three women, along with writers Amy Doty and Ann Silverthorn ’96, ’99M, joined me in exploring the last forty years of how the feminist movement affected engineering, I also had the pleasure of meeting Robert Morosky ’63 (page ?) and experiencing his story of rags-to-riches with a delightfully happy ending. In between, senior accounting major David Marecic took me down the path of business ethics and what that phrase means to students today (page ?). Another David, Dr. David McNelis ’55, led many of us through the complicated issue of nuclear power as an Executive on Campus (page ?). To compliment the kaleidoscope of topics that developed into feature stories, freshman biology major Emily Venesky (cover and page 5) and alumna Judy Jacobus, M.D. ’82 (page 18) taught me about the joys and frustrations of missionary work both inside and outside the country. As this issue heads to the printer, I look back at how much I’ve learned and experienced, and I feel revived. While the blue skies and sunshine of summertime wrap you in warmth, may this issue engage and interest you and leave you feeling as refreshed and renewed as it has left me.
Catherine Carlson, Editor carlson010@gannon.edu (814) 871.5817
6
To Be Transformed
As a student, Robert H. Morosky ’63 worked as a garbage collector; today, he is the retired Vice Chairman of the Limited.
10 Cutting Through Corporate Corruption by David Marecic
David Marecic, a senior accounting major and McGowan Scholar, plans his future in business as an ethical one.
contents
Features
12 The Future of Engineering: Gender Equality by Amy Doty
Old gender stereotypes begin to fall away in Gannon’s Engineering Departments.
16 In the Face of Chernobyl
Dr. David McNelis ’55 examines the pros and cons of nuclear energy as an Executive on Campus.
Departments 2 18 19 20 22 29
NewsNotes AlumniFocus FacultyFocus SportsScan AlumNotes EndNotes
On the Cover: Freshman Biology major Emily Venesky holds
one of the children the students met while on a missionary trip to South Dakota. Photo right: Maroon and gold flowers continue to bloom in
front of Old Main throughout the summer.
1 1
Garibaldi Recognized by Alma Mater President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., recently received the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development. The award, when appropriate, is conferred to graduates or former students who have attained unusual distinction in their chosen professions or in public service, and who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership on a community, state, national, or international level. Dr. Garibaldi earned a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1976. The Outstanding Achievement Award is the highest non-degree honor that can be bestowed on a University of Minnesota alumnus, and is granted by the University’s Board of Regents.
Bob Morosky ’63 Joins Trustees
During the May Board of Trustees Meeting, the Board accepted Robert H. Morosky ’63 as a new Trustee. Morosky was the first donor in the University’s history to give a $1 million gift. Beyond his monetary value, Morosky also brings leadership and faith to the table as a new Trustee, as he is the former Vice Chairman for The Limited and has successfully helped to found many Catholic Charity Foundations across the United States. Morosky will serve a three-year term. Duane R. Prokop, Assistant Professor of Marketing and President of the Faculty Senate, and Miles McFall, President of the Student Government Association, were also inducted in May and will serve on the Board of Trustees for one year.
2
Gannon Participates in Teach 21
The University has been awarded a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Microsoft Corporation to participate in the CIC/Microsoft Teachers for the 21 Century program (Teach 21). Gannon’s initiative is to develop an ePortfolio that will enhance the varied student teaching experiences of the teacher education candidates. The team working on the project consists of Virginia Arp ’02M, Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Margaret Clark, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education; Kathleen Kingston Ed.D., Associate Professor of Education, and Professor Janice Whiteman, Director of Student Teaching and Secondary Education as the team leader.
Newest Alumni Head Out into the World Gannon University celebrated Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 6 when 613 students became alumni. Kenneth L. Woodward, contributing editor of Newsweek, offered the keynote address and the Most Reverend Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL, Bishop of the Diocese of Erie, presided over the ceremony. The graduates included 25 students receiving associate’s degrees, 344 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, 225 students receiving master’s degrees, 18 students receiving doctoral degrees, and one student receiving a post master’s certificate. Continuing Gannon’s tradition of excellence, 33 students graduated summa cum laude, 74 magna cum laude, and 53 cum laude. Five students graduated with academic honors. Including December graduates, Gannon’s 2005-06 graduating class totaled 856 students.
Semaj Vanzant returns from the stage after receiving the Gannon University Medal of Honor at commencement.
Ribbon Cut on the Collins Institute for Archaeology
The Collins Institute for Archaeological Research was dedicated April 6 with a ribbon cutting and a presentation about Gannon’s Archaeology minor and its related activities. The institute honors Kevin Collins, whose support has helped Gannon develop courses in archaeological studies, particularly in pre-Columbian archaeology. Mr. Collins could not be present; his sister Alexa Sulak, and her husband, Jack Sulak came in his place and cut the ribbon with Suzanne Richard, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History, who oversees Gannon’s Archaeological research activities.
Bill Elias Named Athletic Director Bill Elias, Head Football Coach, was named Director of Athletics on March 30 after a Universitywide committee conducted a national search.
Bill Elias, the new Director of Athletics, participates in the 4th Annual Basketball Challenge vs. President Garibaldi, a fundraiser that supports the senior class gift to the Annual Fund.
Under Elias’s seven-year tenure as head coach, Gannon’s football program broke 152 team or individual school records and moved from nonscholarship football to the scholarship level in 2003. Elias was named Independent Football Alliance (IFA) Coach of the Year after the Golden Knights broke the school record for victories in a season and produced the best winning percentage since 1949.
“I am excited for this opportunity to lead and enhance the University’s strong Athletics Department. I look forward to continued success with the many dedicated coaches, student-athletes, faculty, and staff here at Gannon,” said Bill Elias. Elias will continue to serve as head football coach in the upcoming 2006 season in addition to his new position.
SBDC Awards Small Businesses The Gannon University Small Business Development Center honored several businesses from Northwestern Pennsylvania at its annual Small Business Awards Program on June 1. The awarded businesses were nominated by other established businesses and/or community leaders for excellence in various categories. Steven S. Little,, an author and senior consultant with Inc. magazine, gave a keynote address to open the ceremony. Awards were given in the following categories: • New Start-up – Arvite Technologies, Inc. Grover Martin, founder. Nominated by National City Bank and the Gannon SBDC. • Community Services – Lauger’s Good Lawn, LLC. Richard Lauger, owner. Nominated by WCCBI, Northwest Savings Bank, and the Gannon SBDC. • Export – Corry Micronics, Inc. Don Pavlek, CEO and international sales manager. Nominated by Eriez Magnetics. • Manufacturing – D & E Machining, Inc. Ronald Holl, president. Nominated by ERIEBANK. • Technology – Process and Data Automation. Joseph Snyder and Michael Benedict, principals. Nominated by National City Bank and the Gannon SBDC. • Professional Services – Stone Consulting & Design, Inc. Harvey Stone, president. Nominated by WCCBI, Northwest Savings Bank, and the Gannon SBDC. • Retail – Stefanelli’s Candies, 2054 West Eighth Street, Erie. Frank DeDionisio ’72, principal. Nominated by National City Bank and the Gannon SBDC. • Minority-owned – Crenshaw Brothers Construction Co./Royal Homes Construction & Development, Inc. Donald Crenshaw, principal. Nominated by Northwest Savings Bank. • President’s Award – Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Co. James A. Schaffner, CPA, CVA ’68. Nominated by Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.
3
NewsNotes
Faculty and Staff News Keith Taylor, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, presents Philip Kelly, D.A., Professor of English, with the Distinguished Faculty Award.
Faculty Recognized at Convocation
The Faculty Awards Convocation held each spring recognizes six faculty who have distinguished themselves as excellent teachers and advisors.
Faculty and Students Educate Seniors on Dangers of Falling
On April 25, Gannon University and a number of local health care providers hosted an informational session designed to help local residents understand the risk factors related to serious falls – and take steps to prevent them. The event, “Community Wide Fall Risk Screening,” was organized by the Erie County Health Care Fall Prevention Task Force, of which Kristine S. Letgers, D.Sc., is a member. Dr. Letgers organized Gannon’s involvement and sponsorship of the event and included other faculty along with second year Doctorate of Physical Therapy Students, the Student Occupational Therapy Association, and several Nursing students.
This year, Philip H. Kelly, D.A., Professor of English, was recognized as the Distinguished Faculty, nominated by the Faculty Senate. Kelly also received the Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award for the College of Humanities, Business, and Education. Other recognition included Steven Ropski, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, with the SGA Excellence in Teaching Award; Michael Caulfield, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics, with The Bishop Trautman “Feed My Sheep” Award, a recognition chosen by students’ vote; Michael Bucholtz, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, with the Undergraduate Research Award for outstanding work in assisting undergraduates with professional research; and Catherine Gillespie, D.H.Sc., Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant Program, with the Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award for the College of Sciences, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Also, Constantine K. Kliorys, Ph.D., Professor of Management, and Duane R. Prokop, Assistant Professor of Marketing, were recognized for 25 years of service to the University.
Newly Tenured Faculty
The following faculty members were accepted for tenure at the May 12 Board of Trustees Meeting.
4
Emmett J. Lombard, Electronic Services Librarian and Assistant Professor; Sreela Sasi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Sciences; David J. Tobin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Community Counseling and Aydin Yesildirek, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Taking a Break with Dr. Garibaldi Serving Hotcakes In the middle of the night before finals weeks, students gathered in the Beyer Hall Cafeteria for a break and some breakfast with Dr. Garibaldi. A standing tradition, the Mid-Knight Pancake Breakfast is served by Dr. Garibaldi and other faculty and staff members on the Sunday night before finals week each semester.
Student News
NewsNotes
Founder’s Day Ceremony Awards Excellence
As prospective students were touring campus at the Admissions Open House late in April, upperclassmen were being honored for how far they had come in their time as students at the University. The annual Founder’s Day Ceremony, held on April 23, recognized graduating students for superior academic performance in their major and for contributions to their department or field of study through curricular or co-curricular activities.
Timothy Downs, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Humanities, Business, and Education, presents Adam J. Dvorzak with the Academic Award for Excellence in History.
Among those recognized were Jennifer Lynne Toney (Outstanding Woman) and Ross Rosario Miceli (Outstanding Man) with the Reverend Charles Drexler Award, Christopher James Soult with the Model United Nations award, Semaj Y. Vanzant with the Joe Luckey Award, Jodie Lynn Styers with the Msgr. Wilfred J. Nash Award, and Becky J. Greiner with the St. Catherine Medal Award.
Traveling with a Mission
To kick off the summer, seventeen students headed to places other than home on missionary trips where they experienced new communities and lived in simplicity. Nine students traveled to Kentucky to learn about life in Appalachia and seven went to South Dakota to the small town of Whitehorse (population 109), leaving their watches, cell phones, and iPods behind. Both of these annual trips are centered on four pillars – community, service, simplicity, and reflection. “Really nice quote from a student will go here about how much fun the trip was and what they learned, because I’m sure it was a really great experience for them,” said student doe.
Students Recognized for Efforts with WERG Several students were presented with Duda Awards at the annual Theater and Communication Arts Banquet, held in April in Club LaRiccia. The ceremony recognizes students who demonstrated exemplary skills at their assigned
tasks at 90.5 WERG, the University’s radio station, over the course of the academic year. The award is named in honor of the late Dr. John Duda, Gannon professor and WERG Chief Engineer. The radio station currently broadcasts throughout the Erie area and online at www. wergfm.com as Erie’s rock alternative. Evan O’Polka, Michael Bennett ’06, Kelly Fennessy, Liz Hudson, Katie Trapp, Amanda Flick, and Deb Carlson (shown left to right) all received awards at the Theater and Communication Arts Banquet.
5
6
To Be Transformed “The most visible joy can only reveal itself to us when we’ve transformed it, within.”– Rainer Maria Rilke, 20th Century German Poet
The Poet Rainer Maria Rilke suffered through a confused childhood, and after his parents divorced when he was only nine, he spent his coming-of-age years parentless at a military academy. Yet, through his troubles, Rainer held onto the good in every experience and let his troubles and joys come through in his poetry and prose, transforming the bad into something good. The story of Gannon University is not so different, although it never had tragic beginnings. But Gannon University is a story of transformation – some might go as far as to call it a rags-to-riches tale, growing from a “Newsboy’s College” to an academically strong University, from one renovated building to a growing campus in the city. And this transformation came from within; each person within the Gannon community has left a little piece of them here and taken bits of Gannon with them. One person in particular has recently returned to campus to help transform the University as he was once transformed by it. Robert H. Morosky ’63 paid his way through college at Gannon by working as a garbage collector for the City of Erie. Today, as the retired Vice Chairperson of the Limited with the reputation as the “best financial and creative guy in retailing,” he has returned to the University as one of the Institution’s largest donors and the newest member of the Gannon Board of Trustees.
Grounded in Tradition
Morosky gratefully appreciated his job as a garbage collector when he first came to Gannon as a student. “Erie in the early ’60s had a flat economy,” he explained. “Finding a reliable job with accommodating hours was difficult for any student. I was lucky to be a garbage man.” He understood what it
meant to be broke – he had just hitch-hiked back to Erie from State College, Pennsylvania, a four-hour drive away. Because his parents didn’t have funding to offer him for college, Morosky started out at Penn State on a football scholarship, hoping to play his way through school. Although he succeeded as a line-backer while he was there, he was only an average student in the classroom, and being average wasn’t good enough for him. He hiked home knowing that PSU couldn’t give him what he wanted, and he enrolled for classes at Gannon. “I succeeded at Gannon because the teachers took an interest in me, as they did with every student, not because the academic rigor was any different,” he said. “When I was at Penn State, I dropped out of my accounting class. But here, with the same information, I grew to like it because Professor Salvia transformed the subject matter into something more than just numbers – something that was meaningful for us.” Gannon offered Morosky a focused experience that was enhanced by good faculty, and he attributes his education to this. “I learned more easily and more deeply with this quality of education.” Since Morosky left campus in 1963, much of the University has changed. Buildings have been acquired and renovated, the athletic program has grown by leaps and bounds, and most significantly, Gannon College has become Gannon University.
7
Although these efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed, it’s what hasn’t changed about Gannon that brought Morosky back. “The University has a solid foundation of human values and a focus on students – it is Gannon’s tradition. That’s how it was when I was here, and that’s how it is today,” he said. In essence, Gannon tradition is the power to transform—and that’s something that, as the University grows, will never change.
Building an Empire
Morosky married his wife, Dianne (who was one of the first women to take classes at Gannon), shortly after graduation, and the young couple moved to Cincinnati where Mr. Morosky attended the University of Cincinnati in pursuit of a Master’s of Business Administration. Having had to take out loans to make his graduate education possible, Moroksy worked as hard as he could, finishing the degree in one year of full-time study. After graduation, Morosky started immediately at Arthur Anderson where he specialized in retail consulting. He kept his academic capabilities strong at the same time by working towards a Doctorate of Philosophy of Economics at Case Western Reserve, but before he was able to finish his dissertation, he was offered the position of Chief Financial Officer for Limited – a small clothing chain and one of his smallest accounts at Arthur Anderson. “It was a leap of faith to move to The Limited,” Morosky said. “My first office was in the back of the store.” At the time, The Limited had 15 stores with sales of $8 million. From 1972-1987, Morosky built the business to more than
4,000 stores with more than $4 billion in sales. Limited Stores, Limited Express, Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, Lerner Stores, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Henri Bendel were some of the store divisions under his control. The growth was undoubtedly aided by Morosky’s leadership, although he credits many of those who worked for him. One of his most innovative strategies was the “just in time” merchandise delivery strategy, and he was recognized for it throughout the retailing world. Tom Peters featured the strategy in a movie about successful companies, and this strategy along with many others were studied and discussed within the industry. IBM asked Morosky to assist with their long-term strategies back in 1978 which led them to smaller computers and systems and more effective service retailers. His talents did not go unrecognized at The Limited, either, as Leslie Wexner, the founder of The Limited, once said of Morosky, “he is the principle architect for our success. His spirit and leadership have touched all of us.” After helping to build the empire, Morosky retired in 1987 to pursue his life-long goal of fishing around the world. When the opportunity for another challenge in the retail world arose, though, he couldn’t refuse. He took on a position for one year in 1988 with Allied/Federation Department Stores that allowed him to join together department stores such as Bloomingdales, Jordan Marche, Bonn Marche, Riches, Sanger Harris, Lazarus, Burdines, and several others. Today, even with a long list of accomplishments behind him in the retailing world, he prefers to discuss his fundraising efforts for the Catholic Church. He converted to Catholicism later in life (1972), and has gone on to make as big of an impact there as he did in retailing.
Transformation of Faith
Born and raised as a Russian Orthodox, Morosky was familiar with Christianity. His beliefs were reinforced as a student at Gannon, where he took Philosophy and Theology, courses that encouraged him to open his mind to many different beliefs. It wasn’t until a decade later, though, after being married for eight years and having three children, that he converted to Catholocism.
8
Saint George and the Dragon, acrylic on canvas, 14x11, one of morosky’s recent paintings
A Kickoff with Class Morosky’s wife, Dianne, was Catholic and he had attended a Catholic university, but his reasons for converting were personal. “I did a thorough review of several religions,” he explained, “before realizing that I wanted to be Catholic.” He chose Catholicism over a Protestant religion because he felt that the Catholic Church hierarchy freed the spirit. He felt that Protestantism put too much responsibility on the self rather than the community and order of the church. Now, more than thirty years after converting, he has become a financial leader for the Catholic faith. After personally conducting a great deal of research in the early 1980s, Morosky concluded that the American Catholic Church had been built and funded primarily on debt, not capital. In 1983, he suggested to Bishop James Griffin of Columbus, Ohio, the idea of a Catholic Foundation. The Bishop approved and asked Morosky to act as the foundation’s chairman. Since then, Morosky has helped to form more than 50 diocesan foundations across the United States. He has also incorporated the National Society of Catholic Foundations and has served on the Board of the National Catholic Stewardship Council. For his efforts, he was granted a private audience with Pope John Paul II, and he has been awarded the Knight of St. Gregory the Great, the Church’s highest honor. He is also a Knight of Malta and Knight of St. Sylvester. The depth of meaning that his religion holds for him goes far beyond financial challenges and fundraising successes. Morosky also spends quite a bit of his spare time these days recreating biblical stories with canvas, brush, and paint, exploring and expressing his faith through art. He has also added serving on Gannon’s Board of Trustees to his list of things to do in his retirement. After transforming the retail industry and the finances of the Catholic Church, Morosky has returned to Gannon to join many other leaders in transforming and renewing the University. As The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign enters its public phase, his presence, knowledge, and experience are highly valued.
To kickoff the public phase of The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign, Gannon’s leaders celebrated with a Garden Party Dinner inside a transformed Waldron Campus Center followed by a jazz performance by the Michael White Quartet of New Orleans. During the evening, a campaign video featuring Homer Smith ’76, Susan Palmisano Forquer ’66 (VMC), Father Nicholas Rouch ’83, Joseph Messina, Esq. ’63, and Suzanne Richard, Ph.D. ’71 aired both at the event and online at www.gannon.edu/campaign. Currently, the Campaign has reached 46% of its goal of $30 million. Of the final total, $13 million will enhance Gannon’s endowment, $9.5 million will help renovate the Zurn Science Center, and $7.5 million will be added to the Annual Fund. To learn more about the The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign and how you can help, visit www.gannon. edu/campaign and enjoy the video.
Leading the Transformation: the Universitas Society As the highlight of the Campaign Garden Dinner Party, Gannon inducted those leading the transformation of the University into the Universitas Society. The University thanks the following members for their generosity and support of The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign.
Robert H. Morosky ’63 & Dianne D. Morosky Henry T. Pietraszek ’68 & Margaret M. Pietraszek Louis J. Porreco & Debra Porreco Thomas F. Power, Jr. ’63 & Loretta V. Power Sally R. Schulze, Ph.D. ’77M & John B. Schulze William C. Springer ’63 & Mary Anne Springer Daniel J. Stubler ’66 & Andrea Stubler James F. Toohey ’56 & Mary Ann Toohey Gerard T. Uht, Sr. ’53 James J. Weber ’62 James E. Winner, Jr. & Donna C. Winner Robert R. Womack Paul J. Gitnik William M. Hilbert, Sr. & Martha M. Hilbert Brian J. Jackman ’63 & Mary Carroll Jackman James W. Keim, Jr. & Patricia M. Keim Urban J. LaRiccia ’59 & Rosalie J. LaRiccia Thomas M. Li ’55 Thomas J. Loftus ’74M & Mary H. Loftus Rev. Msgr. Walter H. Lohse Anne D. McCallion ’74 Timothy J. McCallion ’75, ’81M Marilyn Mead Joseph T. Messina ’63 Michael J. Minnaugh ’53 & Judy G. Minnaugh Lawrence A. Arduini & Donna M. Arduini James A. Baldauf ’62 & Mary Ann Baldauf James R. Boris ’66, ’73M Mary J. Boris ’66 VMC Marion T. Brugger Daniel C. Carneval, D.O. ’51 & Sallie K. Carneval Louis R. Cicerone ’67 & Leslie L. Cicerone Kevin J. Collins James F. Considine, M.D. ’56 C. Christopher Cooney ’63 Joseph B. Dahlkemper & Nancy D. Dahlkemper James J. Duratz
Robert and Dianne Morosky are introduced into the Universitas Society by Joseph Messina ‘63 and Dr. Garibaldi.
9
Cutting Through by David Marecic ’07
Corporate Corruption Why one student believes that business ethics trump the bottom line and that his generation needs to make that theory a reality.
At some point during school, everyone seems to face the question of “What do I want to be when I grow up?” For me, that question came between my junior and senior years of high school. I thought for years that I wanted to be an engineer, but many of my classes in that field failed to pique my interest. It was at this time that I began to search for my “dream job,” the one that I could do for the rest of my life. I began to research different fields and keep up with current events in the hopes that the perfect career would just find me. While I never did figure out what my “dream job” would be, I did become interested in a news story that was beginning to unravel. Most of the news that caught my attention related to big business in America. The idea of being a part of something so powerful as a corporation was interesting to me. There was one executive who particularly caught my interest and convinced me that I wanted to be a part of the business world. This man actually was born in the same town that I was - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He would go on to attend Harvard Business School and eventually become the Chief Executive Officer for the 7th largest company in America (based on revenue). This same company was named the “Most Innovative Company in America” by Fortune Magazine for six consecutive years. He was the perfect role model and my admiration for him led me to study the field of finance. However, the man I am speaking of is Jeffrey Skilling, the former CEO of Enron Corporation.
10 12
I realized later, as Skilling became one of the figureheads in the latest wave of corporate scandals in America, that he was anything but a role model. Just recently, I watched the news that once inspired me so, but now I saw Skilling, along with Kenneth Lay, convicted for his actions at Enron, bringing a close to the latest round of fraudulent activity. The collapse of Enron drastically changed the business landscape of America, and it was a memorable wave that touched several generations. Still, in an odd way, the
actions of Skilling and Lay again inspired me to become a part of the business world. I did not necessarily know what specifically I wanted to do, but I knew that I wanted to work against unethical business actions. Businesses, the government, and the academic world have all instituted changes in the hopes of curbing the recent wave of accounting scandals. However, as I enter my senior year at Gannon, I believe that my classmates and I are a part of the generation that will determine the success of truly integrating the ideas of business and ethics. Corporate ethics committees, an increased focus on ethics in business schools, and law creation, such as the Sarbanes Oxley Act, have all laid the foundation for our generation, but it will be our job to define and live by business ethics. Many recent and soon-to-be college graduates such as myself will not be able to fully grasp how drastically business has changed since the fall of Enron in 2001, having been in a relatively safe spot in life when it occurred. But, by using the knowledge of business ethics we have acquired at a young age, it will be our job to ensure that the business world continues in the right direction. We, as young employees, will be responsible for making sure that corporate ethics statements and committees are more than just a façade, and all young ethical business people must band together to create a lobby strong enough to overpower the corporate lobby that will undoubtedly push for the drawback of legal actions such as the Sarbanes Oxley Act. The battle against corruption in business will not be won through short-term solutions, but rather over the course of time. David Marecic is currently a financial intern for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, U.S., Department of the Treasury in Pittsburgh. He previously completed an internship at General Electric in Erie. He will be a senior business major at Gannon this coming fall, and he has been named a McGowen Scholar through a scholarship program named for the business contributions of William McGowen, the founder of MCI Communications.
11
The Future of Engineering:
Gender Equity by Amy Doty ’07
12
It was once hypothesized that women weren’t “wired” to be engineers. But, as our constantly evolving technology moves forward each and every day, the old stereotypes are becoming history. The “real” future of engineering all along was a level playing field for the sexes. Although the number of women in engineering is still smaller than that of men, the gap is slowly shrinking. The women specifically of Gannon’s engineering department are from diverse backgrounds and have a wide variety of interests and specialties.Yet they all have some very special characteristics in common – their passion for what they do and their confidence that they can improve the future through their work.
Fighting for Her Dreams
Dr. Karinna Vernaza, Ph. D., Gannon Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, was first inspired to enter the engineering field by her interest in the Panama Canal. In her home country of Panama, women were not admitted to the academy of marine engineering. Rather than accept the notion of the times that women weren’t “cut out” for engineering, she began work on her undergraduate degree in electromechanical engineering. In 1992, she moved to the United States after winning a scholarship to the Marine Engineering program at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Even as recently as 1992, women made up only 10 percent of the student population at the Academy. In the work environment, the ration was even less favorable. Her hardest year, she says, was the year that she spent as a cadet on merchant ships between her second and third school years. “They had never hired a female engineer there. I was the first one. They didn’t think I could cut it – there were so many engineers and union guys that had been doing this work for a long time.” In addition to overcoming the other engineers’ resistance to women entering the field, Dr.Vernaza also had her relative youth to contend with. “These people were twenty or
thirty years older than me, and I had to tell them what to do. It wasn’t taken very well. So I didn’t accept any help from anybody. Once, I carried a fifty-pound rotor a half-mile to a repair shop – I had bruises on my forearms when I arrived. I realized then that I had to change, or I was going to break something.” Teaching engineering at Gannon has provided Dr.Vernaza with plenty of opportunities to do something else she is passionate about – preparing today’s students for their own futures. Her greatest accomplishment as an educator, she says, is guiding people. “I’m not here just to teach them basic topics, but to help prepare them to be successful once they leave college,” she said. Since her arrival at Gannon, Dr.Vernaza has served as faculty adviser to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where she helps strengthen female students’ relationships with each other and prepares them to meet their future with confidence. In addition to bringing together female engineers on campus, SWE also reaches out to younger girls who are just beginning their own futures. In April 2005, the SWE conducted a “Girl Scout Day” in Zurn Science Center, where Girl Scouts learned about aerospace engineering and successful women in that field.
c
ompared to Dr.Vernaza’s experiences throughout her engineering education, she is happy to see some changes that point to a better future for women who study engineering. “Today, the environment is friendlier to women than it used to be. Everywhere you go today, the industry is trying to get women to network and form groups. That’s what SWE does. They want to make sure women celebrate their careers and stay with their chosen paths.”
13
What does Dr.Vernaza’s own future hold? Right now, she is considering a return to her original interest, marine engineering. Also in the list of options is an education in business, which may lead her to open a consulting firm. Whichever path Dr.Vernaza takes, she’ll never forget what it took to get there. “When I started engineering, I didn’t know where I’d end up. When I got out of my undergrad, I had seen a lot. I had visited over twenty countries. It was a growing-up experience.”
Engineer and First Lady
What if you could just plug your computer or your telephone into the electrical outlets of your home and receive information directly over your power lines? If this sounds like something out of science fiction, think again – we may be seeing this technology in the near future. One of Gannon’s graduate students in electrical engineering, who also happens to be Gannon’s First Lady, is helping to create the future of Power Line Communications (PLC). While serving as a prominent figure at President Garibaldi’s side at University events, Mrs. Carol Garibaldi is also making her mark in the Electrical Engineering Department. For her master’s research project, she chose to work with PLC because it was a challenge and it was something new and cutting edge. She also already had a background in communications technology.
m
rs. Garibaldi’s engineering career was born of her talent and a love for mathematics. Back in high school, she was the only girl in her calculus class. Since then, she’s continued to disprove the stereotype that women don’t have the aptitude for higher math and its applications. When she took a position with Bell South Corporation’s technical sales department, she knew she’d found her niche. “I just loved it. We were designing communications systems, power grids.” Mrs. Garibaldi continued to apply her talent both in and out of the classroom while receiving a degree in Computer Engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans, taking summer jobs with IBM and Texas Instruments. At Texas Instruments, she helped to design machine vision, also called artificial intelligence. She explained, “Machine vision is what makes a robot arm able to identify a specific object and pick it up. The technology is also used in smart bombs.” In addition to her work with PLC, Mrs. Garibaldi plans to return to the classroom as an instructor in electrical engineering. With extensive experience as a tutor, she knows firsthand the joys of teaching; “The best part of teaching is watching the light bulb go on over a student’s head. Tutoring math was the most rewarding experience I ever had – both tutoring and teaching are wonderfully rewarding.”
Recently, Mrs. Garibaldi attended the 10th International Symposium on Power Line Communication. This year, the conference was held in the United States for the first time since its inception. “The conference was a fantastic experience,” Mrs. Garibaldi relates. “PLC involves several dif-
14
ferent disciplines – there’s communications technology, power networking, digital signal processing. It’s good to know who’s writing about aspects of PLC that will help me with my own research.” This year’s symposium was sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which is a professional organization for electrical engineers. It included participants from six continents.
Carol Garibaldi
Mrs. Garibaldi cheerfully brushes aside the notion that women aren’t capable of performing well in engineering. “I think both men and women just have to love the work and have an aptitude for it. In general for any career, women just need to have a sense of humor.You need to let things roll off your back.You may encounter some problems with assumptions, but once you prove you’re serious, people will respect you.” For Mrs. Garibaldi, this challenge – and the challenge of being seen as more than the President’s wife – was overcome through her obvious dedication and passion for her studies. “I’ve had great support from all the faculty here. It’s not easy having the President’s wife in your class. I handled that by meeting with the faculty members and saying, ‘Please treat me as a regular student.’ I let them know how important this was to me. I really am a regular student – I go to class and turn my assignments in on time.”
some of the internships I’ve been to, although no one ever said anything specific, I got the feeling they looked down on me. Women specifically have to work really hard to prove themselves, but once you prove that you know what you’re doing, it gets better.” Adrienne remains undaunted by the negative attitudes she’s encountered, focusing instead on how she can improve the future through her work. “If all the improvements were already made, I’d be out of a job. Engineering is all about innovation and improvement. One example is the issue of high gas prices – finding alternative fuel sources is a huge priority for American engineering right now.”
The Latest Generation
Along with today’s constantly evolving Adrienne Mackanin graduated from Gannon’s mechanitechnology, those cal engineering program in May 2006. Throughout who design and perher college career, she was involved with the Society fect the innovations of Women Engineers, serving as president during her that improve life for senior year. “SWE’s main goal is to be a support system, everyone are becomwhere you can become closer to the other female ing a much more students. We show younger students what to expect as diverse group of they progress through the program, and it’s also good for people. The women future connections,” she said. While preparing younger of Gannon’s engigirls for their own futures, Adrienne herself is off to neering department, a great start as a mechanical engineer. whether they’re designing new comhe has accepted a job with Bechtel Plant Machinmunication systems ery in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, building heat or finding alternate exchangers, valves, and pumps for nuclear aircraft Adrienne Mackanin fuel sources, are also carriers. The prospect of building is what Adrienne has always been attracted to. “I was probably in the fifth grade revolutionizing the today and future of engineering. Through when I decided this was what I wanted to do. I love mechani- their passionate dedication to their work, women engineers are proving just how much they have to contribute to the engical engineering because of the hands-on aspect of actually neering field, and how capable they are of improving all of our building something.” Adrienne has also interned at GE Rail, lives along the way. drawing structures and working on productivity projects.
s
During her college and work experiences, Adrienne encountered differing attitudes toward women in the engineering field. “At Gannon, no one assumes women can’t do it. But at
Amy Doty is currently a graduate student in the English Department at Gannon and a budding freelance writer. Ann Silverthorn ’96, ’99M, also a freelance writer, contributed to the writing of this article.
15
In the Face of
Chernobyl With fear of terrorists’ dirty bombs, concern over Iran’s potential development of a nuclear weapons capability, and memories of Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, it is understandable why Americans have mixed feelings towards nuclear power.
16
As a guest in Gannon’s Executive on Campus Program, Physicist Dr. David McNelis ’55 speaks to students about the future of nuclear energy and how it is still a crucial and relatively safe energy source for our country .
w
hile many cringe when thinking of lectures from nuclear physicists, students couldn’t wait for the return of McNelis. Students, so moved by McNelis’ speech during his 2005 homecoming visit, jumped at the chance to welcome the 1955 Gannon graduate back for a second round of nuclear physics. But it wasn’t McNelis’ extensive knowledge of nuclear physics that made students and staff members alike want to hear his insights. Rather, it was McNelis’ ability to convey such an academia laden topic as if he were recounting an old favorite story to a good friend. McNelis credited his good rapport with audiences to the education he received while a student at Gannon. Although he emphasized somewhat different facets of the national or international energy picture with each talk (he presented a total of three), he included in each a discussion of the four major issues that we face with nuclear energy – i.e. safety, security, economics, and radioactive waste. In the face of these issues, his emphasis remained that nuclear power is a viable and valuable source of energy. “I’m pro-nuclear,” McNelis said as he paused during one of his speeches. “But I’m pro-nuclear in the same sense that I am pro-wind, pro-solar, pro-biofuels, pro-conservation, proefficiency, and pro all of the other alternative energy sources.” This became McNelis’ mantra as he described his desire to incorporate multiple sources of energy to avert energy crises that face the world. Focusing on how nuclear power is a valuable source of energy fits into this equation, McNelis highlighted the economic gains and pointed out ramifications of a nuclear program. He explained that a nuclear program that lacks in funding, design, and appropriate political support can lead to accidents, citing the Chernobyl accident that has recently been revisited by the media due to its possible relation to a rise in thyroid cancer. “The Chernobyl accident was a disaster,” McNelis said, “but the long-term implications are not expected to be as bad as initially thought. The thyroid cancer attributed to Chernobyl resulted in less than ten deaths to date, and it is one of the easiest cancers to cure if treated early. ” He also cited ThreeMile-Island as another disaster that produced more fear than actual damage.
Turning to issues of using nuclear power as a source for weaponry, McNelis explained that the security concern with nuclear waste and nuclear proliferation comes from a stage of fuel being reprocessed in which plutonium is isolated and vulnerable should someone have evil intent. With the perspective that nuclear production can result in the lowest-priced electricity with simpler designs and a simplified permitting process, though, McNelis emphasized that international security needs to be concerned with intent rather than the power-generating process itself.
m
cNelis’ credibility on the subject comes from a long and dignified career in physics and nuclear engineering. Following his undergraduate degree in physics and ROTC experience at Gannon, he served in the U.S. Army for ten years. During that period the army sent McNelis to the University of Alabama to work on a master’s degree in nuclear physics. He later served with the U.S. Public Health Services at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site and with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To satisfy his craving for knowledge, McNelis received his Ph.D. in environmental Sciences and Engineering from the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill in 1974 and spent the next 30 years directing research programs covering a broad range of topics. For the past 10 years, McNelis has been back at UNC at Chapel Hill where he teaches in the field of energy and the environment. He is also an adjunct professor in the department of nuclear engineering at North Carolina Sate University, where he works with graduate students on nuclear fuel cycle issues. While McNelis wears many different hats in the nuclear world, he told Gannon students, staff, faculty, and administration that spreading education about nuclear physics remained the most important to him. This notion made McNelis a perfect fit for the Executive on Campus program. To learn more about the Executive on Campus program, which is open to the public, contact Cathy Fresch, Director of Alumni Services, at fresch001@gannon.edu. Ben Speggen ’07, upcoming Editor-in-Chief of the Gannon Knight contributed to the writing of this article. Dr. David McNelis lecturing. during his visit to campus.
17
AlumniFocus Judith Jacobus M.D. ’82
“The biggest challenge for me initially was to overcome the language barriers”
Often, the little things in life are those for which we should be most thankful. Judy Jacobus, M.D. ’82, has seen what life can be like for those without “little things,” both in her career as a physician and as a deeply spiritual woman with a tact for missionary work. Jacobus has had a passion for missionary work from the time she was a freshman in high school, and she partially credits the specific path she has taken to Father Bob Schwenker, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate. Father Schwenker first introduced her to missionary work in Haiti during the mid-1980s. Although Jacobus participated in the Kentucky missionary trips while at Gannon, she expressed that nothing could have prepared her for the immense need she saw in Haiti. “Father Bob warned me that even the poverty of Appalachia was nothing compared to what I would see during my first trip to Haiti,” she said. Unfortunately, he was right. Jacobus was sickened by her first impressions of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere when she first arrived. “The heat, the dust, the tiny homes along the road, pedestrians and cars sharing the same road space, children without shoes and often without pants – I saw all of this in the first hours of my time off the airplane.” On her first trip to Haiti, she expected to fall in love with the mission. Although she learned a great deal, she did not fall in love. Instead, she felt frustrated because the positive change she and her fellow missionaries could enact was limited. The challenges were great, as were the barriers. “The biggest challenge for me initially was to overcome the language barriers,” she explained. “Thankfully, human emotions transcend language.”
Name
Judy Jacobus, M.D., ’82
Field Family Medicine
Volunteer Activities
Volunteer Physician; Partnering for Health Care, a free clinic in the Altoona area Medical Representative; St. Leonard’s Home Board of Directors Secretary; Susquehanna Rural Free Clinic Board of Directors Board Member; The Academy of Sacred Music in Altoona Board Member; The Watcher Foundation Cantor, Choir Member, and Haiti Committee Member; St. John the Evangelist Parish
Best Advice to Health Science Students
18
”Spend time not only with the bookwork, but also in prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind and heart to have the wisdom you will need in real-life situations.”
She has continued to travel to Haiti throughout her life to offer medical care and guidance, with her most recent trip being in March of 2006. Unfortunately, during this trip, the project her group had planned – finishing and furnishing a building in which women could safely give birth – was not able to be completed. The materials they had shipped for the project were delayed too long at customs. It was not the only time the mission trip had yielded disappointment, as much of the medical care she has provided seemed only to be a band-aid to the real problems of a poor water source and unsanitary conditions. In spite of discouragment, she will never stop reaching out. Missionary work is weaved into the very fabric of who she is, as is caring for her patients. And, much like reaching out through missionary work has not been easy, the path of building her own practice was an adventure along unpaved roads. “There is not a course in medical school for the business aspects of running your own practice,” she said. “There were many things I had no idea about that I needed to learn in a hurry.” She met these challenges head on and continued to remain thankful for the little things in life that helped her – one of them being thankfulness itself, a characteristic that was strengthened in her by Dr. James Freeman, her calculus teacher while she was a student at Gannon. Freeman asked Jacobus’ class how many students had taken calculus while in high school. For those who raised their hands, he suggested that they write to their school to thank them for the unique opportunity, as it had helped them prepare for college in ways that not all schools offered. This sense of gratitude has always remained with Jacobus, and she still appreciates every opportunity to learn and serve today.
FacultyFocus Michael J. Caulfield, Ph.D. by Ian McGinnity ’07 Ephesians 5:25 states, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Michael J. Caulfield, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics, picked this line from scripture as his favorite quote. Caulfield described himself as a family man, husband, and father. He wants to imitate Christ as fully as possible since “Christ loved to the ultimate extent.” Caulfield demonstrates Christ-like attributes in his love of Gannon’s community and passion for teaching. First and foremost, Caulfield is dedicated to his large family. He met his wife, a philosophy major, in college and they have been married for 18 years. The couple has nine children from age six months to 16 years. The Caulfield children are all home schooled by Caulfield’s wife. At night, Caulfield checks the work “the bigger kids” did during the day. Caulfield said that he was not anti-school but it was a “pro-lifestyle choice for their family before kids came along,” Caulfield said. “Our close family wouldn’t be possible without the choice,” he added. Just as he is committed to his wife and children, Caulfield is dedicated to community among his colleagues and students and has been since 2002. Caulfield enjoys being a part of the seven member Math Department faculty, who he describes as friendly and easygoing. Also, Caulfield is proud of math togetherness. Two years ago, Caulfield attended a math meeting in West Virginia and noticed that students and faculty had attended together. This event fueled his desire to improve community for his students. Caulfield said recent graduate Jodi Styers helped create togetherness of the math majors by being the student proponent of his goal. Students joined modeling competition teams, attended regional math meetings of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) in Slippery Rock and Juniata, and planned fun events like Pi Day. Also, math majors now get together at their faculty’s homes. Caulfield hosted the latest event and had over 35 people. “In a relatively short time, we built a sense of community in Gannon’s math world,” Caulfield said. When reminiscing about his own college days, Caulfield liked the sense of belonging to a community. He enjoyed interacting with both students and professors and attending everything from packed gyms for basketball games to filled lecture halls. “We learned, played, and prayed together,” Caulfield said. In what would be a shock to today’s college students, Caulfield enjoyed the one phone and one television per dorm floor at Mount Saint Mary’s. He said the community aspect has been lost and individualism has become dominant. As a student, Caulfield noticed how some professors interacted with their students inside and outside of class. Caulfield appreciated kicking around ideas with his professors who treated him as an equal. “It made a big impression when I eventually became a teacher,” he said. Caulfield is approachable whether in office hours or after class. Caulfield’s number one lesson to students is for them to take responsibility for their work. He said regardless of the course, professors should not just hand students something. He thinks the responsibility in the classroom can be applied to life since life is “not just handed to you, you do your part, and make your own.”
Name
Michael J. Caulfield, Ph. D., Associate Professor of Mathematics
Education
Ph. D. in Mathematics from West Virginia University M.A. in Mathematics from University of Maryland B.A. in Mathematics from Mount Saint Mary’s College Professional memberships and service: Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Committees at GU
Faculty Senate Secretary, Mission and Identity Council, Student Development Committee
Awards
Bishop Trautmann “Feed My Sheep” Award, Spring 2006 Kappa Delta Phi’s Honor an Educator Award, Fall 2003 Outstanding Faculty Member Award from Glenville State, 1997
“In a relatively short time we built a sense of community in Gannon’s math world.” 19
by Dan Teliski ’97, Gannon Sports Information Director
It was tough to put on the breaks and bring the 2005-06 athletic campaign to a halt. The softball team extended play well beyond the regular season while individual and team post-season accolades continued to flow in on a daily basis. Three of Gannon’s four spring teams that accumulate records posted a .500 mark or better. Overall, it was another successful year for Gannon athletics. Three programs represented Gannon in NCAA Division II Tournaments. Softball made its second consecutive NCAA appearance while men’s golf and wrestling sent individuals to the post-season.
Softball The word “potential” is commonly thrown around in the sports world, but it’s rare when one of those teams reaches the apex of their potential. The Gannon softball team was thinking about the NCAA Division II Tournament ever since the 2005 season ended. The Lady Knights returned every letterwinner from a 2005 squad that qualified for the NCAA post-season and expectations were extremely high entering the 2006 campaign. Everyone’s beliefs turned out to be true when the team opened the season with eight consecutive victories during a spring trip to Florida. The hot start included four victories against top-25 teams. The Lady Knights eventually became one of those nationally-ranked teams, finishing the season ranked 19th in NCAA Division II. The squad completed the season with a 41-18 record, the second-highest victory total in school history. Gannon finished the regular season one game out of first place and finished third at the GLIAC post-season tournament. The Lady Knights advanced to the NCAA Tourna-
Softball Team
ment for the second consecutive year and third time in school history. The squad entered the post-season as the Great Lakes region’s second seed, the highest post-season seeding in the program’s 30-year history. Joanna Fergus received post-season awards after leading the GLIAC’s top-ranked offense. The senior first baseman was named GLIAC Player of the Year, becoming the first player in school history to win the award. She also became the second player in school history to be named All-American when she was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America second team. The softball program was as successful in the classroom as it was on the field. Sophomore shortstop Jaclyn Corroto was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II first team while Fergus and sophomore pitcher Lauren Soldner landed spots on the third team. Twelve Lady Knights were named to the GLIAC All-Academic team.
Women’s Lacrosse
Another winning season is nothing new to the Gannon lacrosse faithful. Lacrosse fans across the country have simply become accustomed to the fact that Gannon will always post a winning record. The lacrosse squad won eight of its last 10 matches and finished the season with an 11-6 record. The Lady Knights have never recorded a losing season in the program’s 11-year history. Gannon reached double digits in victories for the second consecutive season and posted its highest victory total since the 2001 squad went 14-4. The Lady Knights finished ninth in the final Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division II poll.
Junior midfielder Shannon Pagano and freshman attacker Krista Schunk capped fabulous seasons with All-America accolades. Pagano was named to the first team while Schunk landed a spot on the second team. Pagano and Schunk were also named to the IWLCA AllRegion first team while junior midfielder Joanna Culkin and senior defender Joanne Heintz were selected to the IWLCA All-Region second team.
20
Joanna Culkin
AthleteFocus
Kat Buceri by Ian McGinnity
Women’s Water Polo
The water polo team used a stretch of eight victories in nine matches midway through the regular season to finish 11-11 in 2006. The Lady Knights have recorded a .500 winning percentage or better every year during their six-year existence. The program has won 64 percent (89-51) of its alltime matches. This season, the team won invitational championships at Penn State Behrend and Grove City while placing sixth at the CWPA Western Division Championships. Kat Bucceri was named to the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) All-Western Division first team. Bucceri was one of seven players named to the first team.
Baseball
Gannon started to see improvements in the baseball program in 2006 despite having six pitchers throw 94 percent of the team’s innings due to injuries. The Golden Knights started the season with a 6-4 Ricky record during a spring trip to Florida Hulsinger and finished 15-39 overall, winning nine more games than the 2005 season. Seniors Ricky Hulsinger and Josh Dziomba were named to the All-GLIAC honorablemention team. The squad was extremely successful in the classroom. Eleven Golden Knights earned GLIAC All-Academic accolades, bringing Gannon’s all-academic selections to 19 over the last two seasons.
Men’s Golf
Dave Patronik completed an unbelievable collegiate career in 2006. Patronik was one of six golfers named to the All-GLIAC first team. The senior was also one of 10 student-athletes named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II at-large first team. It was his second consecutive year receiving this honor. Patronik qualified for the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional for the fourth consecutive season, finishing second with a three-day total of three-under-par 213. He fell two strokes shy of winning his second regional title and advancing to the NCAA Division II National Championships for the second time in his career.
On the field, senior softball first baseman and clean up hitter Joanna Fergus shattered records and made Gannon history. Fergus, from Youngstown, Ohio, began playing softball when she was nine. She started as first baseman for four years at Gannon, and each year her team had a winning season. During the past season, Fergus received multiple honors and distinctions. First, she was named 2006 GLIAC Softball Player of the Year, becoming the first player in Gannon history to receive this honor. Additionally, Fergus made the GLIAC Softball AllConference First Team, demonstrating her demand for excellence during the season. Fergus also was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Great Lakes Region first team and ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II third team. Even after the season ended, Fergus continued to receive awards. She was named to the 2006 Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II All-America second team. Even with her plethora of accolades, Fergus remains modest about her achievements. She did not know she had a 15-game hitting streak from March 26-April 15 until it was pointed out. She said it was a great accomplishment since “there are so many different pitches thrown and called.” Softball was more than just a game for Fergus over the past four years. Her team members and coaches played an important role in her life overall. She praised her former team members since they got along well and spent time together off the field. Fergus also enjoyed playing for Softball Head Coach Beth Pierce. “She fit softball within our schedules and she’s fun,” Fergus said. “She helps us to strive hard to accomplish goals.” Next season, Fergus will be an assistant softball coach for Gannon. Although she wants to try a professional league, she is taking a year off from playing softball. She noted that softball will always be a part of her life. As an elementary and special education major, Fergus will start student-teaching this fall in the kindergarten classroom of Vernondale Elementary School. She is a little excited and nervous, as she has the opportunity to be with her students on their first day of formal education. In December, Fergus will graduate but remain a student since she plans on earning her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Softball complemented Fergus’ time at Gannon and remains a pivotal part of her life as she can instruct players next season.
21
1955
JOHN F. WATSON ’55 (ND) volunteered to be a celebrity bartender to help St. Paul’s Neighborhood Free Clinic’s shopping extravaganza at Sabella’s on April 6, 2006. John is with GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals in Collegevilla, Pennsylvania.
mark your calendars and book your travel Gannon University/ Villa Maria College Alumni Homecoming/Reunion Weekend is scheduled for October 6-8, 2006. Activities will include a parade, football game, class reunion dinners, campus tours, a tailgate luncheon, a special Distinguished Alumni Dinner, and much more! The landmark years are 1956, 1966, 1981, 1991, and 1996 – make sure to come and catch up with your old classmates!
22
For more information or to register for the weekend, contact Michele Potter at potter006@gannon.edu or 1-877-GU-Alums ext. 1. You can also visit the online alumni community at www. gannonalumni.org.
1958
JAMES R. STEELE, D.O. ’58 has joined the Saint Vincent McClelland Family Practice in Erie.
1965
DAVID F. DIETEMAN, MD KCHS ’65 and his wife, Leah, participated in a Mass of Investiture at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City, where they were promoted to the level of commander with star in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.
1966
ALEXANDER MICZO received an honorary Ph.D. from the Uzhgarod National University in the Ukraine in 2005.
1968
MARIA (CHICCO) DEFRANCESCH (VMC) has announced her candidacy for the 4th District seat on the Kenner City Council. Maria has been an educator for more than 30 years and is assistant principal at Theodore Roosevelt Middle School in Kenner, Louisiana.
1969
WILLIAM E. GRIESHOBER was presented a statewide award for his excellence in service to small
businesses for the fourth time in the past five years. William is a business advisor with the Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center.
1970
DENNIS C. ALKSON has been named “Insurance Person of the Year” by The Insurance Club of Pittsburgh. Dennis is the vice president and manager of DVUA Pittsburgh, Inc. BARBARA (THEIL) CARINO (VMC) is a fifth- and sixth-grade language arts and sixth-grade religion teacher at St. Francis de Sales Elementary School in Akron, Ohio. She has been there for 19 years. SUSANNE POROWSKI (VMC) was named the 2006 Woman of the Year by the Women’s Roundtable. Susanne is the executive director of the Crime Victim Center in Erie.
1971
SALLY (CANLOW) KOHLER ’71M was nominated as one of the five finalists for the Women’s Roundtable 2006 Woman of the Year honor. Sally is a member of the Mercyhurst College’s board of trustees. SISTER CLAUDIA DOMBROWSKI, SSJ (VMC) has been named as the new principal for Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, effective July 1, 2006. She has been the principal of Our Lady of Peace School for the past 20 years.
1972
THOMAS J. GAMBLE, PH.D. has been named as the 11th president of Mercyhurst College, effective March 1, 2006. JEAN (ATKINS) GOOL has been appointed as the new district superintendent for the Keystone School District in Knox, Pennsylvania. She has served as superintendent of the Belvidere School District in New Jersey for the last five years. JOSEPH V. SCHEMBER, JR. ’81M was recently certified in PNC’s Advisortrak Program, a 15-week course focusing on financial retirement, estate planning, and investment planning.
1973
JOHN F. BAILEYS has joined ACES Power Marketing in Carmel, Indiana, a nationally recognized wholesale energy risk management and transaction execution service company, as the director of Coal and Emissions. ANTHONY DIFILIPPANTONIO has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing —Aftermarket Parts for Aurora Parts & Accessories in Lebanon, Indiana.
1974
GARLAN “BUTCH” E. NEWCOMB was elected as president for the Erie Civic Music Association’s 2006-07 concert season.
AlumNotes CHRISTOPHER J. POUX is a staff engineer for RCA Laboratories in New York, New York.
1975
DORIS (FLEDDERMAN) SAMANKA (VMC) has returned to Pennsylvania after teaching middle school and preschool for 18 years and making 15 moves with her military husband. Dori has opened a bridal shop in DuBois, Pennsylvania.
1976
CHARLES D. HARRIS ’76M was recently certified in PNC’s Advisortrak Program, a 15-week course focusing on financial retirement, estate planning, and investment planning. CRAIG T. JOHNSTON, D.O. is the 134th president of the Erie County Medical Society. He is an owner of Erie Physicians Network and a practicing family physician at Pinecrest Family Practice. JAMES A. PITONYAK, ESQ. was recently named the First Assistant Public Defender of Erie County. HOMER L. SMITH, JR. has joined the alumni office of Gannon University as the Assistant Director of Alumni Services.
1977
JAMES A. STEBER ’87M is the new director of planned giving and community support at Erie Homes for Children
and Adults, Inc. This is a newly created position with the organization that oversees the planned giving, fundraising, grants, communications, and public relations efforts of the agency.
1978
SALLY (DELYCURE) LEVAN, PH.D. ’78M gave a presentation, titled “Using The Mock Interview Process To Link The Classroom and Experiential Education” at the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Education and Internship Association Conference. Dr. LeVan is a professor of English at Gannon University. JANIE (ROBINSON) BLYMILLER, R.N. (VMC) ’89M attended a Nursing Management Recruitment and Retention Conference in Las Vegas.
Come Together To Reminisce How do we let this happen? Each year we say we will do better, but somehow time slips by and another year has passed. I am talking about seeing our old friends. The ones we spent some of my most “formative” years with – our college friends. Recently I was asked if I could talk to the leadership of the current Gannon student body about time management. Just thinking about the topic gives me reason to pause. Yes, I manage my business time and schedule; yes, I prioritize my time with my family; and, yes, I prepare an email message to our-of-town friends at least once a year, but… when was the last time we talked on the phone, or better yet, spent time with each other? Well, my friends, I have a solution that offers itself to us once every year: Alumni Homecoming/Reunion Weekend. What a great excuse to make time for our friends. Here are some highlights and opportunities for us to enjoy and share: • Friday, October 6 - Distinguished Alumni Dinner followed by an Alumni Nightclub (in Club LaRiccia; formally the Scrounge)
EDMUND L. KRAINSKI has been appointed as vice president of finance for Jacuzzi Brands, Inc., a global manufacturer and distributor of branded bath and plumbing products.
• Saturday, October 7 – Joe Luckey’s campus tour; the Homecoming Parade; a Tailgate Luncheon then Foot ball game;Villa Maria High Tea; a ROTC Social Gathering; searching the archives with the Gannon Women of the 60’s; the All Classes Cocktail Hour followed by class dinners.
1979
• Sunday, October 8 – we say goodbye, after morning Mass, during the Brunch held by President Antoine Garibaldi
DENNIS J. DONOHUE ’79M is running for the Salinas, California, mayoral seat. Dennis is president of European Vegetable Specialties.
I hope we all can make the time to reunite and remiss about our days at Gannon and Villa Maria at this year’s Alumni Homecoming/Reunion Weekend (October 6-8). This coming together may not be able to make up for all the “lost time,” but what a great way to integrate a new habit in our busy schedules.
Russell Forquer ’71, President, GU Alumni Association
23
AlumNotes
1980
MARY JANE (LASH) ANTOON, R.N. (VMC) ’90M has advanced to the status of diplomate in the American College of Healthcare Executives and has received her Nursing Administration, Advanced Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is director of patient care services for Shriners Hospitals for Children in Erie. CHERYL A. FARABAUGH, PH.D. retired from an academic career as director of institutional research at Southern Illinois University in 2000. She is currently a full-time artist and small business owner and lives among the Native Americans in the Alabama area. JOSEPH R. MCCABE III has been named as the managing partner for Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.’s Boston office. Heidrick & Struggles Int’l is the world’s premier executive search and leadership consulting firm.
1981
DAVID C. MCCLELLAND is the president and CFO of NanoLogix, a nanobiotechnology company in Sharon, Pennsylvania.
1982
JOHN R. MCNAUGHTON has recently been appointed as chief information officer and vice president of Performance, Planning & Strategy with Global Power Equipment Group Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a leading design, engineering and fabrication firm providing equipment and services to global companies engaged in the power and process industries.
1983
GARY L. CLARK has been appointed to the board of directors for ERIEBANK, a subsidiary of CNB Financial Corporation in Erie. Gary is vice president, CFO, and CAO of Snap-tite, Inc.
marriages Carly Marie Albert ’00 married Christopher Dean Kibler on October 1, 2005. Lora Ann Alexander ’98 married Kenneth S. Weinman on April 1, 2006. Barbara T. Campbell ’97 married Randal S. Terrizzi on October 29, 2005. Kimberley Halsey Canfield ’03 married James Eric McGill on April 29, 2006.
24
Megan Elizabeth Hallock ’01 married Lee Tanios Sarkis ’01 ’04M on January 21, 2006. Theresa Marie Moenk ’05 married Brad Anthony Manfredonia ’04 in November 2005. Jennifer L. Page ’02 married Jason Paul Travitz on May 20, 2006. Michelle Stadtmiller, R.N. ’02 married Scott Allen Nutt ’03 on November 12, 2005.
1984
ERIC KLANN, PH.D. was the recipient of an Alzheimer’s Association research grant. Dr. Klann is an associate professor in Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics in Houston, Texas.
1985
RICHARD A. BLOXDORF ’92M volunteered to be a celebrity bartender to help St. Paul’s Neighborhood Free Clinic’s shopping extravaganza at Sabella’s on April 6, 2006. Rick is chief executive of Village SurgiCenter of Erie. ROBERT M. PILEWSKI, JR. a National Park Ranger in Sequoia National Park, California, was presented a Citation of Valor for “heroic actions” taken in response to a tragic Scouting accident in 2005. PAUL C. SCHULER is a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed Inc. at their Topeka, Kansas, office.
1986
DANIEL V. LOESCH, M.D. is being inducted into the Millcreek School Foundation’s Hall of Fame in the area of science.
1987
SUSAN M. BALDWIN, PH.D. received her Ph.D. from Kent State University in Health Education and Promotion in December 2005, and she is an assistant professor at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York. MARK J. GAETA has joined Gannon University as a Major Gifts Officer with the Office of University Advancement. KORIN (DEMICHELE) GILES has been promoted to Environmental Practice Leader at Urban Engineers, an engineering consulting firm in Erie. Korin joined the company 14 years ago as an Environmental Biologist.
YOLANDA (FORNO) HARMAN was selected as the guest speaker for this year’s Garrett County Hall of Fame Breakfast, which was held on March 18, 2006.Yolanda Kristen Alyssa Shay was the Garrett County ’05 married Jeremy Ryan Teacher of the Year for Manuel on October 1, 2005. 2005. Christie Ellen Twentier LAURA (CZULEWICZ) ’00 married Nick LongenREESE, D.O. bach on April 30, 2005. was inducted into The Marshall University Tara J. Viglione, PA-C Sports Medicine Hall of ’00 married Richard Lee Fame. Dr. Reese is an Brewer, Jr. on October 1, orthopedic surgeon with 2005. Our Lady of Bellefonte Brian K. Yorkgitis ’02 Hospital and King’s married Erin Mead on Daughters Medical March 18, 2006. Center in Ashland, Kentucky. Mary Anne DiVito ’86 married Daniel Joseph Meade on December 31, 2005.
AlumNotes
1988
MSGR. KEVIN S. RANDALL has been transferred to the Apostolic Nunciature in Slovenia.
1989
JEFFREY SZUMIGALE ’89M was recently certified in PNC’s Advisortrak Program, a 15-week course focusing on financial retirement, estate planning and investment planning.
1990
MARK J. KUHAR, ESQ. has been elected to the board of trustees for the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County. KIRK M. MILES, ESQ. was recently named to the Webb Law Firm’s 2006 Management Committee, an executive committee of the Board of Directors that manages the day-to-day operations of the firm. Kirk is a patent attorney with the firm in Pittsburgh. KENNETH M. OGOREK is co-editor of a new book, The Great Life: Essays on Doctrine and Holiness. Ken is the director for Catechesis for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. DONALD F. RATCHFORD, M.D. has been named medical director of Laurel Crest, Cambria County’s nursing home. Dr. Ratchford is a family-practice physician at Portage Health Center in Portage, Pennsylvania. BRADLEY T. ROAE is running for the state House seat from the 6th District, an area that encompasses most of
Crawford County. Bradley is an insurance agent from East Mead Township.
1991
BRIAN T. ENGLE has been named vice president of Operations for Brightview Senior Living in Baltimore, Maryland, a regional senior living company, a division of The Shelter Group. SHARON (CACCHIONE) MILLER, RNC, NHA is the new administrator at ForestView, the healthcare center at Springhill Senior Living Community. BISHOP STANLEY K. SMITH of Meadville, Pennyslvania, has been elevated to the rank of bishop. His new duties are in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, and as state bishop for the international organization, he will have jurisdiction over 30 churches. RONALD S. STRONY, M.D. has been re-elected to a three-year term on the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians board of directors. Ronald is a physician in the Hamot Medical Center Emergency Department.
1992
CHERYL O. RINK ’95M gave a presentation, titled “Using The Mock Interview Process To Link The Classroom and Experiential Education” at the MidAtlantic Cooperative Education and Internship Association Conference. Cheryl is the Assistant
Joe Gaeta ’63 offers a speech after being honored at the Erie Scholarship Golf Tournament for his long dedication to the Gannon community, especially as President of the Gannon Athletic Boosters. The Year was Gaeta’s last in his term as president.
Director of Experiential Education at Gannon. JAMES C. RODDY has been appointed company president for Corry Publishing in Erie. James will also continue to serve as the company’s general manager.
1993
DEBRA (COLEMAN) STEINER ’00M was the 2005 Young Erie Professional Leadership Award Recipient, as well as a 2006 Gen-E Award winner. PATRICIA (HORVATH) WASSINK was honored at the 2006 Young Erie Professionals generation-e Annual Leadership Awards. Patricia is the former deputy director/executive assistant at Community Shelter Services, Inc.
1994
ROBERT W. GEIGER, D.O. ’94M is the new medical director at ForestView, the healthcare center at Springhill Senior Living Community.
MARY R. GROUCUTT, R.N. ’94M attended a Nursing Management Recruitment and Retention Conference in Las Vegas. FR. RONALD L. CYKTOR, JR. is the new head pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Father Ron will also be serving as administrator for Holy Trinity Church also in Connellsville. DAVID GONZALEZ ’97M was a recipient of the 2006 Young Erie Professionals Annual Leadership Award. David is the director of Latino Services for the Hispanic American Council. PAUL A. LUKACH, M.S.W. recently received his Masters of Social Work degree from Edinboro University and was named Outstanding Graduate Student in Social Work. He is currently the executive director of the Titusville Area Senior Citizens Corporation, a not-for-profit agency that creates learning opportunities for people over sixty. Paul also sits on the state board of the Pennsylvania Association of Senior Centers, and is the current president of the Titusville Winter Theater Group.
25
AlumNotes
1995
1997
1996
1998
KIMBERLY A. LYTLE ’95M has been named administrator of Erie D.A.W.N. (Dwellings and Advocacy for Women in Need) Inc.
DWIGHT J. MILLER was honored at the first annual Pennsylvania Public Television Network Neighborhood Awards reception held in Harrisburg. Dwight is president and general manager of WQLN in Erie. MATTHEW A. ZAMPERINI has been named as the new head football coach for Garden Spot High School in the Lancaster area. He has served as the school’s head wrestling coach for the past two years, and previously served asan assistant football coach for eight years at the school, where he is also a biology teacher.
births a son, William Walsh Breslin V (March 8, 2006) to Michelle L. (Kline) Breslin ’91 and her husband, William. a son, Andrew Daniel DiSanza (October 9, 2005) to David D. DiSanza ’98 and his wife, Suzanne. a son, Beckett Quinn (May 11, 2006) to Jennifer L. (Bowling) ’99M and Jason D. Haglund ’01M.
26
BARBARA (CAMPBELL) TERRIZZI is a funeral director at Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc. in Erie.
BARBARA F. SAMBROAK ’98M recently joined the Erie Community Foundation as the director of finance and administration. HAROLD C. DAVIDSON has been named as one of the recipients of the 2006 Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) Medical Student Award, which recognizes fourth-year medical students in Allegheny County who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, interpersonal traits and extra-curricular service.
1999
BRYAN J. LEFAUVE has joined SKM Group, Inc. as media director in Depew, New York. Bryan will oversee the research, development and execution of client media strategies.
TIMOTHY S. WACHTER Recently graduated from Penn State University’s Dickinson School of Law and has been offered and accepted CHRISTIE E. TWENTIER a position with the law firm of Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall is the special events coordinator at the Fullerton Arboretum, & Sennett, P.C. in Erie. a 26-acre botanical garden located on the northeast corner of the California State University, Fullerton campus. TARA (VIGLIONE) LT JEFFREY J. BREWER, PA-C WEAVER, PA-C is a physician assistant at recently returned from a Family Medical Associates in deployment in Afghanistan. He Westminster, Maryland. is currently a physician assistant with Grandview Medical CARLY (ALBERT) KIBLER Associates of Uniontown, is a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Hamot Pennsylvania. Medical Center in Erie.
2000
JACLYN M. KORNICK is a high school English teacher, freshman drug and alcohol awareness program advisor, and girl’s soccer coach for the Queen Creek Unified School District, Queen Creek, Arizona.
2001
JACQUELYN M. WINDON was inducted into the Archbishop Hoban High School Hall of Fame. Jacquelyn is the women’s basketball coach at Case Western Reserve.
2002 a daughter, Mackenzie Darlene Karnes (Decebember 14, 2004) to Jennifer L. (Twentier) Karnes ’02 and her husband, Rusty. a son, Jude Frank Kozak (April 7, 2005) to Gina M. (Tripodi) ’97 and Anthony P. Kozak, Jr. ’98. a daughter, Jenna Kay Powell (April 3, 2006) to Dawn L. (Dunlap) Powell, B.S.N., RN ’98 and her husband, Ron. a daughter, Sophia Murray Radkowski ( January 25, 2006) to
Elena T. (Murray) Radkowski ’95 and her husband, Lou. a son, Lucas Anthony (September 19, 2005) to Lisa (Muto) Sanchez, PA-C ’99 and her husband, Louis. a son, Robert William Uht (October 2, 2005) to Robert E. Uht ’94 and his wife, Michelle. identical twin boys, Elliott and Ethan (February 15, 2006) to Matthew D. Webb ’02 and his wife, Sarah.
JENNIFER R. DARR ’02M is a life skills special education teacher at Girard High School. PATRICIA (ARMSTRONG) TINKEY ’02M is a part-time Spanish instructor at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. SHAUN R. BLACK graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in June. JENNIFER (TWENTIER) KARNES is a special education teacher and graduation project coordinator at AlleghenyClarion Valley High School in Foxburg, Pennsylvania.
AlumNotes PATRICK M. PARKER will be graduating from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on June 4, 2006. He will also be promoted to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army and will be moving to Washington, D.C., where he will begin his urology residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
PVT. MATTHEW A. PALERMO has completed the Marine Corps basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and completed combat training at Camp Geiger in North Carolina. He is now attending avionics school in Pensacola, Florida.
MATTHEW D. WEBB Graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and was promoted to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army in June.
DIANE M. WIENER has won the NSF Scholarship and the Department of Defense NDSEG Fellowship to assist with her advanced studies at the University of Michigan.
2003
2005
AMBER N. KRALJ ’04M is a guidance counselor at Meadville Middle School.
TINA M. SANDSTROM ’05M has been named as the new principal at Bush Elementary School in Jamestown, New York.
EDMUND N. CIESLAK ’03M is currently a graduate student in Gannon University’s Counseling Psychology program.
KIMBERLEY (CANFIELD) MCGILL works for the Department of Homeland Security.
ROBERT J. WELLINGTON is a software engineer at Aethon Inc. in Pittsburgh.
CARRIE L. BEIER ’05M has been promoted to accounting manager for Meadville Forging Company in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
ERICA R. BURICK is a contracting agent at GE Infrastructure-Rail in Erie.
ANTHONY F. PEZZIMENTI is a supervisor at Teletron Marketing and is attending Mercyhurst College for his teaching certificate.
GEOFFREY W. HUSTED has been named to the 2005-06 Continental Basketball Association (CBA) All-Rookie Team. Geoff plays for the Dakota Wizards.
HONEY L. MARBURGER ’05 is a respiratory therapist at Saint Vincent Health System in Erie.
KRISTEN (SHAY) MANUEL is currently completing her master’s degree in the physician assistant program at Gannon University.
MICHELLE A. PAOLELLA ’04M and her husband, John, opened a new franchise outlet of iSoldIt, an eBay consignment sales company.
ROBERT M. SAPER was featured in a half-hour documentary called “The Milwaukee Jesuits” which aired in Milwaukee. Robert is on a year’s service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
Have you recently married, changed careers, published a book, or had a child? If so, let us know! You can post your information and see what your friends are up to in the online alumni community at www.gannonalumni.org, or you can send your information to Jana Hunt at hunt001@gannon.edu or call (814) 871-7469.
in memoriam Alumni
Robert M. Barney ’72 ’77M Raymond G. Bliley, Jr. ’49 Sofia Woldanski Bradley ’70 Edward M. Carson ’62 Judith Palmer Carter ’73 VMC John R. Compton ’59 Joseph A. DiGiorgio ’57 Edward H. Eastman, Sr. ’65 Jack B. Fontecchio ’69 Colette Kowalewski Garnon ’64 VMC Robert F. Gausman ’59 Robert F. Gildenston ’61 Dwight R. Haglund ’71M Lori J. Izbicki ’83 VMC Kathryn Wheeler Jackson ’69 VMC Cheul S. Kim ’78M Sister M. Agnes Clare Krepcho, SSJ ’58 VMC Sister Mary H. Kucan, R.N. ’56VMC Anthiny D. Leone ’66 Irene Garthwaite Lipp ’60 VMC James C. MacTarnaghan, Esq. ’56 Gretchen L. Mack ’68 VMC Andrew J. Madden ’50 Loretta Maras ’79 Robert H. Martin ’58 Thomas P. Maxin, Jr. ’96 Daniel N. Murray, Jr. ’59 David C. Patterson ’67 Herbert W. Peterson ’49 Carolyn M. Quirk ’77 VMC Edward G. Rapp ’81 Walter J. Rogers, Jr. ’76 William T. Schuler ’67 Nancy Chisholm Seay ’57 VMC Thomas J. Sheldon ’70 ’75M Newton D. Simer, Jr. ’49 Charles W. Trabold ’54 John F. Wallis ’50 Mark M. Winston ’54 William E. Wright ’66M
Friends and Former Employees Ruth Cress Anderson Louise DeWolfe Curtze Paul V. Dwyer Norma Farrington Haft Marlyse S. Harris Robert G. Herbstritt Joseph W. Jerge Wilbur E. Johnson, Jr. Monsignor Walter Lohse Earl W. Sorger Harry J. Waters
Student
Stefanie Kmiotek
27
EndNotes
The Power To Transform: Come Join Us Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2) On May 11, the University celebrated and announced the public phase of The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign with a dinner gala and a jazz concert by the Dr. Michael White Quartet of New Orleans. Kicking off this phase of the Campaign with such fanfare was appropriate because Gannon, as an institution of higher-learning, has been continually transformed by outstanding faculty, staff, and alumni throughout its history. Already, we have succeeded in raising 54 percent of our goal. Of the $16 million we have raised to date for the Campaign, xx percent has come from Trustees, xx percent from alumni, xx percent from friends, and xx percent from corporations and foundations. The amount of support from Alumni donations to the Annual Fund are very important and will continue to ensure the overall success of the Campaign. The Campaign goal of $30 million will be used to support a variety of purposes, including: undergraduate student scholarships ($6 million); graduate student scholarships ($2 million); endowed professorships ($3 million); Endowed Academic Excellence Fund for faculty development and research ($2 million); renovation of the Zurn Science Center ($9.5 million); and, the University’s Annual Fund ($7.5 million). Undergraduate and graduate student scholarships are particularly crucial, as xx percent of Gannon’s student population is made up of first-generation college students who rely heavily on financial aid. This past year’s recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a “Great School, Great Price” was due to the fact that Gannon awards substantial financial aid to more than 90% of all students.
28
The generosities of dedicated Trustees and Gannon and Villa Maria Alumni have helped us to move beyond the halfway point of this Campaign. We recognized these efforts at the kickoff celebration by inducting the members of the Universitas Society, a group of 35 individuals and families who have given $100,000 or more to the University throughout their lifetime. Many of these individuals were once Gannon and
Villa Maria students who were transformed by the education they received and who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, churches and society. With your assistance and financial contributions, I am confident that we will achieve the Campaign goal. Over the last four years, I have been fortunate to have three current Trustees serve as leaders of this Campaign –Tom Power ’63, Campaign Chair, along with Joseph Messina ’63, and Bill Springer ’63. They and other Trustees, faculty, staff and even current students will be calling on you to support The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign. With 31,000 successful Villa Maria and Gannon alumni who live in every state and in 48 countries around the world, I know we can reach our Campaign goal. Our distinguished alumni, who include priests, women of the clergy, doctors, therapists, nurses, teachers, scientists, or engineers, continue to transform others’ lives with their vast knowledge, skills and talents.Your support of the Campaign will assure that the next generation of Gannon Alumni will also transform the lives of many others. I look forward to meeting many of you at some of the upcoming regional Campaign receptions that will be held across the country over the next two years. Some of those cities include: New York, Boston, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Louis, Raleigh/Durham, Denver, Washington D.C., Tampa, Phoenix, Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse, Houston, Nashville, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. But, if you are not able to join me at one of those receptions, I hope you will demonstrate your support of Gannon and The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign by giving generously. Every donation counts towards continuing Gannon’s excellence so that future students will receive a high quality educational experience in the same way that you did. When you have a few moments, and want to reflect on your years at Gannon or Villa Maria, please watch our Campaign video at www.gannon.edu/campaign. I am sure you will enjoy the nostalgia.
Wear your Gannon spirit today and tomorrow. • alumni merchandise • unisex, ladies & youth • apparel • caps & hats • gifts & souvenirs Bring this ad with you to the Gannon Bookstore over Homecoming/Reunion weekend and receive 10% off on all Gannon merchandise (not including textbooks). 117 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16541
(814) 871-7421
www.gannonbookstore.com Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover accepted.
Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, PA 16541-0001 www.gannon.edu
The Final Touch
The Gannon Knights Baseball Team joins together before a game.