GeDUNK Fall 2009

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FOCUS ON

‘THE WORLD OF RETAIL’: John Stanton ’55 relishes the challenges and rewards of running a small-town gift shop.

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Yvonne English '97 sells style through online salvage business

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Shawn Filby '89 opens Pennsylvania Chick-fil-A, teams up with alums

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Todd '64 and Greg '91 Alexander pair up for sporting goods game

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Husband and wife music faculty duo spins yarns at Grove City knitting shop

Dear Alumni and Friends, As we look forward to another academic year, it allows me to take a moment and think about what really matters in the work that we do at Grove City College.

Recently, the staff talked about the purpose and mission of our Alumni Relations Office. We talked about how rewarding it is to be able to connect or, in some cases, reconnect alumni to their alma mater.

I retold a story of an alum who after 40 years began a new relationship with the College of visiting the campus, talking with students, speaking in classes, and giving of time, talent and his treasure. He told me that he was having a blast. This to me was a wonderful illustration of what matters about my work.

As I meet with more and more alumni, I find such joy in seeing what passion they have for their alma mater, the friendships they’ve maintained and campus groups to which they still feel a connection. So many are helping Grove City College fulfill our

mission and at the same time having a great time doing it!

I hope that this year, you’ll plan to join us at Homecoming 2009 – Building Lasting Memories Brick

by Brick, October 2-4, 2009. We’ll dedicate our alumni center that weekend and we have a full schedule of events. Check out the web at www.gcc.edu/homecoming for all the details.

This magazine is another fun one for us. In light of our economy and the challenges facing each of us, we thought that a great feature would be on those in retail. I think we’ve found a few of the many who are weathering the storm and weathering it well. Better yet, look for the scissors coupon icon throughout this magazine to find a great deal for an alumni business online at www.gcc.edu/coupons.

I hope you enjoy reading their stories. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit on your couch and enjoy!

Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations Dear Alumni and Friends, This edition of the GeDUNK Alumni Magazine has as its theme “retail.” The stories highlight alumni whose life’s work has been in this area of our nation’s and world’s economy.

I recall years ago when our daughter, Jessica, was about 7 years old, she operated a lemonade stand. As you might surmise, I was one of her key customers. One hot day I had not one but two satisfying drinks and then went over to shop at Wal-Mart.

Those were the two retail operations I visited that day and both seemed to be doing well. Although at the complete opposite end of the retail spectrum as to size, they had a lot in common, i.e., making a product and producing service on demand, with attention to customer satisfaction. And while our daughter was in the first stages of being an entrepreneur, many years before a fellow named Sam Walton had also started small and then grew and grew and grew his Wal-Mart idea.

In the stories in this issue, you will read that some of our alumni are in small “mom and pop” operations and others much larger. All enterprises, whether big or small, carry the challenges of identifying and fulfilling customer needs, but always come with the risks of the commercial marketplace. The majority of our nation’s economy is small business and much of it is retail.

In fact, as folks have reined in their spending given the last year’s market turmoil, it has been most felt in the retail sector.

And when that sector revives and begins its more recent growth patterns, it will be a bellwether of economic recovery. Please enjoy reading about our fellow Grovers who work on the economic front line of retail.

I close with a brief but heartfelt thank you, plus an invitation. First, I want to thank all of our alumni and friends who donated to this past fiscal year’s annual Full Circle campaign (ended June 30, 2009). Because of your generosity, we had the second best year of giving in our College’s history. That’s saying something, given recent economic conditions, and it’s a really great, much-needed and appreciated outcome!

Next an invitation – please come home the weekend of October 2-4 for a fantastic Homecoming. See all the changes on campus and renew great friendships. I like to say, “If you haven’t been to Homecoming in the past six years, you haven’t been to Homecoming!” Thousands now come – there is so much to see, do and experience.

We hope to see you here!

Richard G. Jewell ’67 President Cert. No.: BV-SFICOC-US07000166

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GROVE CITY COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE The GeDUNK Editorial Board Jeffrey D. Prokovich ’89 Vice President for Advancement Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations Managing Editor Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96 Clingensmith Communications Associate Editors Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman Communications Project Coordinator Rebecca Miller ’04 Communications Associate Contributing Editors Ryan Briggs ’01 Tricia Corey Melinda Miller Kelsey (Pollock ’06) Rhea Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw Cover Photo Jim Judkis, Pittsburgh, Pa.

COVER STORY

FALL 2009

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John Stanton ’55 relishes the challenges and rewards of running a small-town gift shop in Duxbury, Mass.

FOCUS ON RETAIL

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Jeanne (Elliott ‘65) Pisor follows the sea to a shell shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Alumni shine through in the jewelry industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Nancy (Ferguson ‘83) Notaro is at the service of her clients . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Yvonne English ‘97 goes green with stylish salvage site . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Trendy alums find careers in the world of fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Alumni hit the mark with retail giant Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Reneé (Wachstetter ’89) Ramfos brightens days with gift baskets . . . . . . 15 Christian Fyke ‘96 builds family of Pittsburgh restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 David Johnson ‘89 takes pie production to a new level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Graduates run businesses close to their alma mater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Shawn Filby ‘89 rallies alumni for his Chick-fil-A venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Linda (Crum ‘71) Caldwell realizes retail dream in Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Butler Farm Market offers customers fresh and local flavor . . . . . . . . . . . 24

ALUMNI NEWS & EVENTS

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Past Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Freshman Sendoff Picnics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

On the Cover...

John Stanton ’55 relishes the challenges and rewards of running a small-town gift shop. Read more on page 4.

SPORTS

Design Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96 SWP | www.swpagency.com

FACULTY

Printer Printing Concepts, Inc., Erie, Pa.

CAMPUS NEWS

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Alumni Association Officers 2009-10 Douglas E. Knable ’79 President Allyson (Baird ’88) Sveda Vice President Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Executive Secretary Roger K.Towle ’68 Treasurer Donald L. Balla ’93 Annual Giving Chair Gerald Bullock ’92 Alumni Trustee Laura (Ritchey ’87) Havrilla Alumni Trustee Andrew J. Kozusko ’96 Alumni Trustee

CLASS NOTES

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IN MEMORY

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ALUMNI BABIES

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Grove City College 100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127 (724) 458-2300 (888) GCC-GRAD www.gcc.edu alumni@gcc.edu

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Sports Feature: Father-and-son team pair up in sporting goods game . . . 36 Fall Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Sports News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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Faculty Feature: Konzens spin yarns at knitting shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Faculty News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

In this special ‘retail’ issue, look for the scissors icon throughout the following pages and go online for printable coupons from the featured alumni merchants.

Find a coupon online for...

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Alumni Retailers www.gcc.edu/coupons

The GeDUNK is a magazine published three times a year for alumni and friends of Grove City College and highlights campus news, student features and alumni achievements. Gedunk is a word that resonates with Grove City College alumni and friends. Named after the on-campus gathering place/snack bar for students since the early 1950s, the word Gedunk made its way into the Grove City College vernacular when World War II Navy veterans returned to campus, bringing with them the word that defined the place where snacks could be purchased aboard ships or the snack items themselves, everything from potato chips and candy to ice cream and sodas.The name stuck. For decades, the Grove City College Gedunk has been the place to come together to share news and ideas, and this magazine strives to do the same.

coverstory

A Labor of Love

John Stanton ‘55 and wife Marcy enjoy the rewards that come with the risks after 28 years at the helm of a small-town gift shop

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he risks are apparent 28 years later, but so are the rewards.

John Stanton ’55 and his wife, Marcy, opened their gift shop, The Studio of Duxbury, in the picturesque town of Duxbury, Mass., on Oct. 1, 1981. On the eve of the Christmas season, with a limited inventory and 19 percent credit interest rates – it could have been a retailer’s formula for failure.

But that’s not the way this story goes. That first Christmas season proved to be profitable, setting the tone. The store has had an increase in volume of sales almost every year, which is unusual for a small business.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise.

Both Stantons are admittedly passionate about their store. So passionate, in fact, that they are willing to forego retirement. Their hobby, they say, is The Studio.

“People say, ‘John and Marcy, when are you going to retire?’” John said. “What are we going to retire to?”

The Stantons love what

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they do – and that love would prove to be a key motivator in the beginning years, when they put everything into getting the business off the ground.

They had the advantage of name recognition with The Studio, and in a small town like Duxbury, that meant a lot.The store originally opened in the 1930s in the home of a Duxbury photographer.Word has it that the photographer’s wife began to sell ladies’ “readyto-wear” clothing to her husband’s customers while they waited for their photographs to develop.

Throw in John and Marcy’s years of experience for good measure. Both had a variety of roles in retail prior to opening their store. John had been in middle management and served as a buyer for children’s wear, and Marcy had worked in human resources.

Although The Studio had slipped a bit in its good standing before the Stantons took over, they put everything they had into building it into a reputable source for quality

giftware, with merchandise like Mariposa metalware from Mexico, Simon Pearce glassware, Juliska tableware, Wedgewood china, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries,Vera Bradley handbags and accessories, Byers’ Choice dolls and craftsmen jewelry.

A portion of their business comes from wedding registries; despite competition from retailers like Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn, they continue to draw dozens of local couples. The framed list is printed on stationery and hangs in the store – a personal touch that is just one of many.

The Studio is an extension of the Stantons’ approach to life: the enjoyment of both the challenges and the payoffs from hard work.They work full time and

have 18 part-time employees.

“Every day is different,” John said. “I get up in the morning, I have a place to go.

It’s home.”

The Studio fits the peaceful tree-lined, shingled streets of Duxbury, located along the South Shore between Boston and Cape Cod. Just off of the highway, the town has avoided Continued on next page

Story by Rebecca Miller ’04

ABOVE: John Stanton ’55 and his wife, Marcy, have run their gift shop, The Studio of Duxbury, together for most of the 28 years they have owned the business.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Glasses made by Rolf are just some of the merchandise at The Studio. Simon Pearce is another featured brand.

From previous page

an influx of tourists, retaining a quaint, small-town New England atmosphere. Founded in 1637 by Myles Standish, it is home to more than 14,000 residents.

On a sunny July morning, John steps out of The Studio’s doorway. The grey-shingled, white-trimmed building is tucked into a plaza that features a variety of shops. The salty tang of the ocean hangs on the breeze as seagulls drift overhead.

John is proud of the strides they have made with the store. He points out the original footprint; just five years after taking over the

store, the Stantons expanded from 750 square feet to 3,000 square feet of selling space.

Even on a weekday morning, customers trickle in, browsing the colorful displays, picking up gift-wrapped packages and chatting with the Stantons about upcoming events around town.

The Studio operates under the age-old rule in retailing: The customer comes first. Both John and Marcy instinctively pause in the middle of a task to make sure a customer is assisted; their employees call out cheerful greetings every time the door opens.

And it has paid off. Clients come from all over the South

Photography by Jim Judkis

Shore, sometimes Find a coupon traveling from an online for... hour away. “It’s pretty much been The Studio of Duxbury word of mouth,” www.gcc.edu/coupons John said.

He rattles off the Grove City with a degree in names of each of the business administration. He’s employees as they bustle back not the only one. Cousins and forth serving the Donald ’49 and David ’58 customers – each has been Bergreen; sisters Helen with the store for more than (Stanton ’53) Seward and 10 years. “We have people who have been with us almost Priscilla (Stanton ’46) Waters; niece Alice (Seward ’79) from the beginning.”

Campbell and her husband, As much as John loves Craig Campbell ’78; and retailing, he didn’t originally great-nephew Brett LoVellette intend to go into it as a ’06 all graduated from the career.

College. John has two sons An Epsilon Pi fraternity member, he graduated from See LABOR OF LOVE, page 6

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Labor of Love from page 5

with his former wife, Marilyn (Watt ’53) Stanton, now deceased.

A native of Johnstown, Pa., and son of a Presbyterian minister, John spent summers on Cape Cod with his family.

After college, John served in the Army for two years before settling in Pittsburgh.

With no career in mind, he started at Scott Paper before moving to Kaufmann’s to serve an assistant buyer to one of the best boys’ wear buyers in the country.

When the head buyer retired, John took over for him.

He had found his calling.

“You either love retailing or you hate it,” John said. “I thought retail was exciting and also challenging.You get a great amount of satisfaction in seeing what you buy sell.”

Soon, John decided to make the transition north to Massachusetts to be near his family. He began working for Boston-based Filene’s in middle management and then buying. He and Marcy met while they were working at Filene’s; Marcy had a job in human resources.

Then John was recruited to sell boys’ wear for Healthtex, a job that took them both to Philadelphia. The Stantons were there for less than two years before the company transferred him back to Boston.

John then took a job with Levi Strauss as a salesman with a territory covering the South Shore and Boston.

After years of transition, the Stantons were ready to put down roots. They pulled off the highway and fell in love with the quiet seaside town. It was an ideal location for them to settle down and be near family.

“We took one look at Duxbury and said, ‘Why wouldn’t we want to live here?’” Marcy recalled. “We loved the town, and we still do.”

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John Stanton ’55 stands outside his gift shop, The Studio of Duxbury, which is nestled in the seaside town of Duxbury, Mass. The shop has 3,000 square feet of selling space. / Photo by Jim Judkis

After some networking, the Stantons were approached about buying The Studio. They were ready to go into business for themselves, ready to make their own decisions. “It never occurred to either of us that we wouldn’t be successful,” Marcy said.

She left her job at Talbot’s to run the store. John continued to work for Levi Strauss. “He was our breadwinner for four years,” Marcy said. “Everything was being put back in the store.”

Marcy, who had had most of her experience in human resources and administration, finally got a chance to jump into merchandising and buying.

Then John decided to leave his job at Levi Strauss and focus full-time on the store.

It took a few years for them to figure out their roles, but they discovered that their individual skills meshed well. John has taken the lead in the store’s marketing and advertising and the visual arrangement of storeroom displays. Marcy has taken charge of the administrative side of the business. They and a number of employees have buying responsibilities as well.

The recent economic slump has had an impact on The Studio, but not as much as it could have. As early as a year and a half ago, the Stantons began to see a drop in business. Although they didn’t know the reason for the decline, they decided to cut back on inventory they purchased for the upcoming 2008 Christmas season.

That decision saved them a big headache. Retailers saw Christmas sales plummet following the stock market tumble last fall. The Studio, on the other hand, didn’t have to move as much inventory, despite a decline in sales. Since then, the Stantons have cut back on work hours, closed on Mondays and reduced their overall inventory.

The Stantons admit they thrive on the inherent unpredictability of retail. There are risks, to be sure, but they don’t regret taking them. Every day when they walk through The Studio’s door, they are living their dream.

“It was what the town needed and what we needed,” Marcy said.

(Rebecca Miller ’04 is the Grove City College communications associate and a GeDUNK associate editor.)

focusonretail

From Land to Sea

Love leads alumna to the ocean, then to a seashell shop suggested they think about

By Sarah (Fuhrey) Huber ’05 ove brought Jeanne making a living from shells and, (Elliott ’65) Pisor far although nervous, she was from the stable, rolling determined to trust God and hills of Pennsylvania to the her husband. uncertain ocean, where she Soon, they opened the learned to trust God, raised two Lajolla Cave and Shell Shop, a sons and, with her husband, store that not only sold shells built a successful business selling and shell-inspired crafts, but the treasure of the sea: seashells. also featured an underwater Jeanne and her husband, Don, cave. Jeanne manned the store married a month after her by day, yet was always home to graduation and moved to meet her sons after school.

California, Don’s home state, When they grew older, the then to Florida, and back to boys worked in the shop, and California, together navigating on Sunday afternoons, they Don’s career changes as an played hide and seek in the aerospace engineer. warehouse, from which Don In Florida, she got the first ran a wholesale shell business. job she applied for as an Don is now known around the world as an expert in elementary school teacher once seashells – an amazing feat she told the principal she was a considering that he and Jeanne Grove City graduate. “He had are self-taught in all things gone to Westminster College,” shells.

Jeanne recalled, “and said he knew Grove City, the quality of San Diego and shells are passions for Jeanne (Elliott ’65) Pisor. / Contributed photo “It’s all been by the grace of God,” Jeanne said. the courses. He respected the students.”

Find a coupon For years, the family vacationed to While in Florida, the couple spent most online for... exotic locations to stock up on shells, weekends camping at the Keys. “My and today, one of their sons helps run husband started picking up shells, ones that their current store, Seaport Village Shell caught his eye, and we joined a shell Seaport Village Shell Co. Co., on the waterfront in San Diego. collecting club,” she said. www.gcc.edu/coupons Jeanne has cut back her hours at the Money was tight, so the collection grew slowly. “Once, my husband wanted to buy a shell for $5, but we shop to spend time with her grandchildren, but she said she couldn’t afford it,” Jeanne said. They started swapping shells with loves working when she has the chance.

“I gravitate to the children,” she said. “I like to educate fellow enthusiasts, and a club member taught them the Latin them about the shells, see them learn that a starfish is really a names and families of shells.

After they returned to California, Don found he could earn a sea star, for example.’”

The business has thrived, and today the Pisors market shells profit from the hobby. He paid a nickel for abalone shells to people throughout the world. discarded by commercial processors, who sold the meat in the “Life takes turns that you’d never expect,” Jeanne said. “I’ve shells to restaurants, and resold the shells for a dime. “We would been blessed beyond imagination.” pack them in barrels in our apartment and ship them to (For more on Pisor’s shell shop, visit www.sandiegoseashells.com.)

Australia, where they were in demand,” Jeanne said.

(Sarah (Fuhrey ’05) Huber ’05 is a freelance writer living in Dallas.)

Meanwhile, Don seemed discontent with his job. Jeanne

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focusonretail

Five-Star Service Alumni shine through in jewelry industry

By Rebecca (Beinlich ’95) Sodergren math major and a political science major from Grove City College now own a jewelry store 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. You’d think they’d say their studies at the College had very little to do with their current career, but not so.

Toby Fitzkee ’73 minored in art – he was the political science major – and both he and now-wife Helen (Kim ’73) Fitzkee took Spanish classes.

When Toby Fitzkee decided he wanted to get a master of fine arts degree, Professors Cynthia Forrester (Spanish) and Lois Hamilton (art) suggested he go to Mexico.

So Toby got his master’s in silversmithing – a fine prelude to his career as a goldsmith – and Helen learned fluent Spanish, which now helps her serve Spanish-speaking customers.

Her math background helps with bookkeeping, too.

Newly home from Mexico, Helen taught math, and her husband worked as a goldsmith for her brother, Daniel Kim ’71, a George Mason University professor who owned a jewelry store on the side.

After three or four years, Toby and Helen decided to open their own jewelry store, Five Star Jewelers in Burke, Va. Daniel Kim is now semiretired.

After 22 years in business for themselves, the Fitzkees say they profited from the roundabout route after college.

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For John Henne ’89, the path to jewelry store ownership was more direct – Henne Jewelers in the Shadyside

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John Henne ‘89 is president of his Shadyside family business of Henne Jewelers. / Photo by Ron Dylewski

Find a coupon online for...

Henne Jewelers www.gcc.edu/coupons

neighborhood of Pittsburgh has been in the family for 122 years.

John Henne, however, didn’t feel pressured; he can recall only one time when his father told him he could join the business if he wanted to.

He wanted to try other things first, so got his CPA and worked for KPMG after college. He figured an accounting background would serve him well when he did want to return to the jewelry store, where he had worked part-time as

a high school and college student.

It didn’t take long. By 1999, his dad retired, and John and sister Meg Henne Gibson took over the business.

Both the Fitzkees and Henne enjoy being their own bosses.

“It’s a true privilege to get to run all aspects of the business – customers, hiring, training and giving back to the community,” Henne said. He’s now the president and handles finances, diamond buying and sales. His sister handles human resources. The Henne parents continue to work one to two days per week.

At Five Star Jewelers, Toby handles goldsmithing, appraisals and most of the “manual labor,” while Helen works as Continued on next page

focusonretail From previous page

the buyer, seller and accountant.

There’s a size difference in the Fitzkees’ and Henne’s stores, however.

The Fitzkees have three part-time employees including one of their daughters (they have two other adult children also), while Henne Jewelers employs 22 people.

Both businesses have seen some slowdown due to the economy. The Fitzkees saw about a 7 percent drop in sales last Christmas from the prior year.

But Helen Fitzkee noted many jewelers are reporting 15 to 30 percent losses, whereas Five Star serves many government employees who haven’t lost their jobs. And Henne said his store planned in January for slowdown by monitoring expenses closely, but sales figures have turned out higher than expected.

Above all, both stores stress customer service. Helen Fitzkee refers to Five Star Jewelers as “a little mom and pop store” that people trust, so the store gets many customers through word of mouth. And Henne says his store employs a master watchmaker and three designers who can custom-make jewelry, so the store can handle “every aspect of customer service.” He finds that many referrals come from Grove City College alumni.

Henne, married with four children ages 1 to 7, serves on the boards of Imani Christian Academy and the Coalition for Christian Outreach, and his store supports “dozens” of charities throughout the year.

The College, Henne says, taught him to integrate his faith into every aspect of his life.

“We look at what we do as having value for the kingdom – being a godly employer, doing the right thing in the community, and dealing with customers and vendors with complete integrity.”

Besides, both the Fitzkees and Henne says they simply like getting to know

Helen (Kim ‘73), left, and Toby ‘73 Fitzkee shine in their Washington, D.C., jewelry store. / Contributed photo

their customers.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an engagement or wedding, a birthday, Christmas or another special event, Henne said, “We’re dealing with people during the happiest times of their lives.”

(Visit the Fitzkees’ web site at www.fivestarjewelers.net or John Henne’s at www.hennejewelers.com.)

Find a coupon online for...

Five Star Jewelers www.gcc.edu/coupons

(Rebecca (Beinlich '95) Sodergren is a freelance writer in Centerville, Ohio.)

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All Dressed Up ’83 grad is at the service of clients looking to turn on the charm

By Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw hen Nancy (Ferguson ’83) Notaro of Ocean City, N.J., purchased a Christian bookstore 10 years ago, she got more than she bargained for – a thriving wedding formal wear business called At Your Service.

“I’m a certified wedding coordinator, so when I took over the ownership of Harbor Light Christian Book and Gift Shop, I brought in this sideline wedding formalwear business from the start.

“As it turned out,” she continued, “the tuxedo rentals were the only part of the overall business that that grew! Customers could buy books and music on the Internet or at big box stores at much less cost than I was able to market from a storefront.”

Notaro eventually shifted the focus of the store to a gift shop and changed the name to The Purple Cow. But making the changeover didn’t help.

“When my lease was up, I knew that I didn’t have the stomach to make it through another winter in a resort town that goes from 150,000 people in the summer to 15,000 year-round residents who mostly winter in Florida anyways.

At that point, I closed the storefront and focused on working a formalwear shopat-home service from home.”

One of the benefits of this is that her customer service is true convenience.

“I will actually go to a bride and groom’s home and have them select their tuxedos and get measured,” she said.

“Then I deliver and pick-up before and after the wedding.”

Another advantage in leaving a storefront set up was her newfound

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Find a coupon online for...

At Your Service www.gcc.edu/coupons

Nancy (Ferguson ‘83) Notaro is truly at the service of her clients. / Photo by Eric Weeks

flexibility for weekend and evening appointments without needing to cover a shop, which has actually increased business.

Being in a resort area, Notaro has worked many of the destination beach weddings for out-of-town wedding parties.

“They love that I deliver to their hotel in Cape May and don’t have to find the closest shopping mall some 45 minutes away.”

Another service is her barbeque or pizza party wedding delivery combination, where the wedding party dines together at a fun barbeque or pizza dinner while Notaro does her work.

“While everyone is having a good time, I quietly wait while each person tries on their outfit and make any adjustments on the spot!”

She has met with some unusual circumstances over the past 10 years.

“I have literally gone down on the beach and collected a tuxedo after a prom rental,” she laughed.

Other above-and-beyond memories are similar. Last year, Notaro was working with a student who was pressed for time because he was going to another high school’s prom on the same night of his baseball game. To make it work, Notaro met the student and his mother – with flowers in tow – at her own house near the baseball field. There, the student showered, dressed, collected the flowers and was able to pick up his date in time.

In addition to formalwear, Notaro also substitute teaches, manages a seaside rental, works full time at the Ocean City Tabernacle as its financial secretary and handles bookkeeping duties for a local wedding photographer one evening a week.

“My schedule is full but I love the variety,” she said. “I am blessed with employers who allow me to be flexible with my hours so that I can keep all the balls in the air as I juggle everything.

“I truly am ‘at your service,’” she added, “but it is so much fun to be involved in the special occasions of people’s lives.”

(Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw is the Grove City College assistant director of alumni relations and a GeDUNK contributing editor.)

focusonretail

Going Green Grad sells style with a conscience through online retailer Salvagist

By Melinda Miller nthusiastic, passionate and thoughtful are all traits that come to mind when you talk with Yvonne English ’97 about her work.

You could also add risk-taker, social-entrepreneur and networker to that list. English is the creator of Salvagist, an online retailer that sells “stylish products with a wow factor.”

Her company’s tagline is fitting – “style with a social conscience.”

Salvagist products are manufactured out of materials such as sails, fire hose, bike tire tubes and PVC banners. Looking for a purse? Wallet? Diaper bag? Shower curtain? Dog bed cover? You can find them all at the Salvagist web site (www.salvagist.com), where English displays products made from recycled materials and produced by micro-manufacturers.

English, who was a double major in international business and French, doesn’t limit her entrepreneurial endeavors to Salvagist.

She started her first company, a boutique consulting firm specializing in investments and retirement plans, at age 24. She has also partnered with Ron Wills ’97 on an alternative energy project bio-diesel fuel, currently in the research phase.

Both English and Wills are very interested in bio diesel from any kind of indigenous crop with the idea to show local residents, anywhere in the world, how to grow plants that can be converted to bio-fuel. Plus, a software product she is involved in is currently in “stealth mode.”

By day, she is the national operations director of retirement resources at RSM McGladrey Inc., an accounting and consulting firm. English is also a consummate networker who is connected with many different entrepreneur groups.

“You can share ideas and avoid some pitfalls if you talk with others who have gone through some of the same things you’re trying to do,” she said.

Salvagist is a passion project for English who considers herself an entrepreneur at heart. She had been kicking around the idea of retail for a couple of years but hadn’t identified the right project. Things came together one Christmas, when her husband gave her a handbag made out of seatbelts. She loved it and thought it would be even better if it was made from recycled seatbelts.

So she contacted the Canadian company that manufactured

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Yvonne English ‘97 sells stylish bags like this one, made of recycled materials, through her online retail web site Salvagist. / Contributed photo

the seatbelt purses to Find a coupon see if she could sell online for... them in the United States but never Salvagist heard back. After researching products www.gcc.edu/coupons made from recycled materials herself, she discovered pockets of mom-and-pop shops that produce items made out of recycled materials. English developed relationships with these vendors and launched Salvagist in early 2008.

She attributes her successful entrepreneurial endeavors to passion about the task at hand.

“It’s important for the business to be something you’re very excited about,” she said. “Entrepreneurship can be a little lonely, especially when you’re doing it part time. There’s a lot of pressure on people to love what they do. Pick something that you love but don’t expect to be tiptoeing through the tulips every day.”

A penny of every dollar spent online at Salvagist is donated

by English to support entrepreneurs in developing countries through Kiva (www.kiva.org), an organization that provides micro-loans to people to alleviate poverty.

“I really believe in giving back,” explained English. “I truly believe we can all help make the world a better place – especially by encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs.”

(Melinda Miller is the Grove City College director of foundation and corporate relations, interim director of communications and a GeDUNK contributing editor.)

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Dressed for Success

Alumni stay on top with careers in the world of fashion makes her comfortable

By Kelsey (Pollock ’06) Rhea eing ahead of the latest trend can carrying on be nearly impossible. What does it conversations with take? Almost as impossible is CEOs to crown landing that perfect job, especially in an princesses. industry known for being cut-throat. With The current more and more people competing for economic climate has fewer jobs, how can you beat out the an effect on even the competition? mega-wealthy shoppers As these three Grove City grads can Ware assists on a daily Christina Ware ‘03 attest, it takes ambition and initiative. basis. She has seen a “return to basics” in Maybe that’s what it takes to be fashion fashion, and while even this dream world forward. can be hit by reality, “fashion is about art From the time she was a little girl, and emotion” and allows people to New York City had a “magical” appeal create a lifestyle they want. for Christina Ware ’03. Well, for this little Madison Avenue is home to another girl, dreams came true. Ware works as a pillar of American design, Brooks sales associate for one of the premiere Brothers, and another Grove City grad American designers at their flagship store making it happen in the Big Apple. on Madison Avenue. And she made the Grant McClelland ’04 is another dream happen for herself. example of what happens when you Only knowing she wanted to live in have talent and ability backed up by the New York and work drive to succeed.

Fashion is about in retail, she McClelland contacted the began his career in art and emotion.

College’s Alumni Pittsburgh in the – CHRISTINA WARE ’03 financial industry, Relations Office for a list of all Grove but quickly found it City College alumni working in retail in was not for him. Like Ware, McClelland the city. knew he wanted to work in the fashion industry, but didn’t have a way to get She called everyone she could asking there. for 20 minutes of their time to discuss After sending his resume to place after their careers. A scheduled 20-minute place, McClelland still didn’t have a new conversation with one alum turned into job. So, he rolled up his sleeves and “did two hours, which led to the interview it the old-fashioned way,” taking a job in that got her the job. the stock room of Ann Taylor where he “Who you know gets you in the door in New York, but you need to be able to rapidly moved from the back room to the front of the store. back it up,” she says.

Neighboring store Brooks Brothers Ware adds that Grove City helped her took notice of McClelland’s ability and “become sure of who she was and what offered him a sales position, where he she wanted.” This confidence is what

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Grant McClelland ‘04 / Contributed photo

topped the sales team.

McClelland knew if he ever wanted to take it to the next level, he would need to know more than how to sell. So he “took it upon himself to go above and beyond in the area of product knowledge.”

When a Brooks Brothers vice president visited, McClelland had the opportunity for an important conversation, being “ready to move to New York, but just needed the opportunity.” So impressed was the VP that he personally gave McClelland’s resume to human resources.

Within two weeks, McClelland was flown to New York to work in a position created especially for him in allocations, becoming the only person in the past 30 Continued on next page

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years to be promoted from the store to corporate.

Today, he is in charge of the entire men’s clothing and accessories line for Brooks.

“Transferable skills are the best things” he learned at Grove City. “Grove City College does a great job of preparing you for interviews and teaching about professionalism,” he says. “The people you are surrounded with are the most intelligent, well-rounded people, and they bring you to a higher level.”

McClelland has also seen a change in the fashion industry, especially since the economy has taken a downturn.

Working for the oldest retailer in the U.S., McClelland’s company has a long history to reflect back upon, and a Brooks study showed that “with every economic downturn, Brooks has found a new innovation that has become a classic product.”

Not everyone who has a passion for fashion and an excellent career in the industry works in New York City.

Jocelyn (Moore ’80) Thompson has found that you can truly have it all.

From her days on campus to her first career, through years of volunteering and now to her current position with retailer Stein Mart, Thompson has always had the skills to be a leader.

Her attractive, easygoing personality and warmth draw people to her, and this ability to instantly engage and form relationships is what makes her a great manager of people and a great saleswoman. While serving as president of her local Junior League in Iowa, Thompson spotted an advertisement to become a boutique leader for Stein Mart.

Thompson got the job and loved working there, but her husband’s career took them back to Pennsylvania, and she didn’t know if she would have the

Jocelyn (Moore ‘80) Thompson found a job in fashion she loves through Stein Mart. / Contributed photo

opportunity to do something again she loved as much.

As she settled into life with her family in western Pennsylvania, she began “to seek the same position she held in Iowa.” Not only did she obtain her old position in a new area, she began to take on more responsibilities and found herself working with a boutique recruiter who was opening a new store.

Instead of sitting back and waiting for a similar position to become available, Thompson “called her boss in Florida and expressed interest.” Within a month, two people in her desired position resigned, and thanks to her initiative and ability, Thompson got the job.

“I learned how to be a self-starter at Grove City,” she says. Both of Thompson’s roles as boutique leader and recruiter at Stein Mart allow her “to do everything she likes in life, but work from home.”

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The change in the economy has changed the amount of work she has and has effected how many boutique staff she manages and hires. She especially sees it in her responsibility of planning the openings of new stores.

And like Ware and McClelland, Thompson sees how, even in tough times, the right outfit can positively impact someone’s life. And finding the right fit – in clothes or career – makes a big difference, too.

(Kelsey (Pollock ’06) Rhea is the Grove City College assistant director of alumni Relations and a GeDUNK contributing editor.)

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On Target

Alums hit mark for retail giant

By Anna (Van Slembrouck ’01) Swartz ention the word “Target” to just about anyone, and the response is likely to be something like this: “I love Target!”

To find offerings such as trendy, inexpensive clothing lines from wellknown designers, to grocery items, electronics and cosmetics, chances are you’ve been there. And often. In fact, Target.com boasts that 96 percent of people recognize the bulls-eye logo as Target’s mark.

That’s not surprising, as the retail giant boasts 1,699 stores nationwide.

With such a massive inventory of products, a great deal of time, effort and teamwork goes into every little detail – long before customers place an item in their shopping cart. A handful of Grove City College alumni contribute to the success of this well-known corporation.

Applying to a Monster.com ad led Grove City native Stacy Houston ’93 to her career at Target. About a year ago, she transferred from a position at a Virginia import warehouse to Stacy Houston ‘93 her role as a senior process leader at the Target headquarters in Minneapolis.

Houston’s group supports four import warehouses – two on each coast – and makes sure that the replenishment of product to the 26 regional warehouses across the country goes smoothly.

Efficiency is key. “It’s all about making sure that operationally we’re doing the right things so that we eliminate rework,

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so that we can keep the price as low as possible for the guest,” Houston says.

While Houston oversees distribution on a large scale, another alumnus, Howie Riley ’07, tackles the challenge of strategically dispersing merchandise throughout a Pittsburgh store. As an executive team leader in logistics, Riley’s day begins at 4 a.m. managing a team of 50 to 60 people who unload products from trailers onto the sales floor and stock room. The first four hours of Riley’s day are a race against the clock – making sure everything is in place before shoppers hit the entrance at 8 a.m.

Besides coordinating product placement throughout the store, Riley focuses on other leadership aspects of his job – maximizing payroll hours or figuring out the ideal location for special holiday displays.

Aside from ensuring that stores are packed high with merchandise, Target focuses on making sure guests – the corporation’s preferred name for customers – are satisfied. Jennifer Gadsby ’08, an executive team leader at a Cincinnati, Ohio, store, works to ensure just that.

As a leader titled specifically in “Guest Experience,” Gadsby’s duties range from responding to guest complaints, overseeing the café, in-store Starbucks and guest service counter, as well as managing the whole team (about 40 employees at one time).

Working at the Target with the secondhighest level of sales in Cincinnati, Gadsby feels that her position has allowed her to grow as a leader. She began her career at Target during an internship between her junior and senior year at Grove City.

Jodi Craiglow ‘02 enjoys the camaraderie of the Target family. / Contributed photo

“You have to be very outgoing,” Gadsby says of her role at Target. “I love working with people; I love the team.”

The task of hiring and retaining quality team members falls into the hands of people like Christie (McHugh ’08) Ketterman, who until recently served as an executive team leader in human resources at a Pittsburgh store. Besides deciding which applicants should be interviewed and ensuring the effectiveness of training new team members, Ketterman says that a lot of emphasis is placed on retention. Team chat sessions – always with a food theme (such as Ice Cream Day) – allowed her to get feedback about potential improvements.

“They really focus on keeping … employees happy,” she says.

Jodi Craiglow ’02 has found a number of reasons to be happy with her position as a cash office specialist at a Target in Monroe, N.C. Besides the camaraderie of a close-knit team (Craiglow’s mother actually works at the same store), she enjoys the flexibility her role brings, especially important since she is currently a year away from receiving her master of divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell.

She hopes to go on to receive her Ph.D. and become a religion professor.

As part of her current role, Craiglow also serves as the store’s competitive Continued on next page

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shopper – she logs six or seven hours a week at Wal-Mart, recording the prices of specific items. “Usually they lower their prices to stay competitive,” Craiglow says.

Previously, Craiglow worked in human resources at the same store. Prior to that, she worked at Target during several summers in college. One of the highlights of her time in human resources was coordinating volunteer events, such as “Shop with a Cop,” during which a local sheriff ’s department fundraiser allowed underprivileged children to go Christmas shopping at Target.

In fact, giving back to the community is a top priority for the corporation. Five percent of the corporation’s income goes into the community. That’s more than $3 million each week.

Bettering education, arts, social services, law enforcement and technology in communities are some of the funded areas, says Houston. In addition, Target team members racked up 350,000 volunteer hours last year alone.

All these tasks – supplying customers with the right products at the right price to community service efforts – require a wellorganized company of hard-working individuals. Riley “had no idea at all how much work went into the process” of organizing a

Howie Riley ‘07 is strategic about product placement at a Pittsburgh Target store. / Contributed photo

retail store. In fact, Riley admits that he hadn’t set foot in a Target before starting his career there. “I had no idea what I was missing.”

(Anna (Van Slembrouck ’01) Swartz is a freelance writer and proofreader in Michigan.)

At-home gift basket company is ‘heaven sent’

By Anna (Van Slembrouck ’01) Swartz or Reneé (Wachstetter ’89) Ramfos, her home-based gift basket company is a gift to her, too.

Seeking a career that would allow her the flexibility to stay home in Harmony, Pa., with her two children, Ramfos researched the possibilities and settled Reneé (Wachstetter on “Heavenly Gift ’89) Ramfos Baskets.”

“God really opened up the doors,” Ramfos said. “It was February or March when I decided to go ahead with the business, and by June, I was ready to take orders.” Now, Ramfos – who previously spent more than 11 years with inside sales and marketing at IBM – has been in business for three years.

As a way to network, Ramfos plunged right into business ownership by joining the local Chamber of Commerce and a

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Heavenly Gift Baskets www.gcc.edu/coupons

A gift basket pays homage to Seneca Valley School District. / Contributed photo

chapter of BNI, or Business Network International, a leading referral and marketing network.

Gift baskets are typically ordered as gifts for individuals, but Ramfos’ creations are utilized for corporate events as well.

Baskets are themed – everything from “Way to Go Steelers” (complete with a Terrible Towel) to “A Tea Break” (using a teapot instead of a basket); holiday and special occasion baskets are also available.

Ramfos uses her creativity to customize orders as well.

As a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant, Ramfos can couple that with her gift basket company for special events such as Mother’s Day. She considers both businesses as outlets for ministry. Even subtle touches, such as including Proverbs 3:5-6 on her business cards and e-mails have led to comments from customers.

“God has been leading me the whole way,” she says.

(For more information on Heavenly Gift Baskets, visit Ramfos’ web site at www.heavenly-gift-baskets.com or call (412) 585-3696.)

(Anna (Van Slembrouck ’01) Swartz is a freelance writer/proofreader in Michigan.)

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Rollin’ on the River

Christian Fyke ‘96 builds family of Rivertowne restaurants

By Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw ears ago, before his days as a political science major at Grove City College, Christian Fyke ’96 dreamed of owning a restaurant. Fast forward 15 years since his graduation. Today he owns not only one, but three successful Rivertowne restaurants in the greater Pittsburgh area.

“My dad was in business for himself, so entrepreneurship is in my blood,” Fyke said. “But it was my next-door neighbor who really spurred my interest in restaurants early on.

“They owned Tivoli’s in Penn Hills,” he continued, “and I was friends with their kids, and we would ‘play’ restaurant all the time, because that’s what they knew. I loved the whole atmosphere of the place – and especially the great food.”

Fyke’s initial foray into the food business presented the proverbial “sow’s ear/silk purse” challenge.

“The original building had been a dive for years,” he said, “so when I took it over I was pretty much working from scratch.”

The result became known as the Rivertowne Inn, a great local spot that became quickly popular with the area crowd for its tasty comfort foods and specialty beer selections.

Five years later, the Rivertowne Pub and Grille in North Huntingdon met with equal success. Then, after bringing in partner and brew master Andrew Maxwell, Fyke decided to branch out into the world of microbrews with the Rivertowne Pour House in Monroeville.

Each location is packed with both loyal and pass-through patrons and consistent good reviews pour in on the food and drink. Signature favorites include the Rivertowne fish sandwich as well as the famous Reuben creation. The homemade pizzas also are crowd pleasers at each location.

“The Pour House is our newest location, and I have really enjoyed learning the art of a microbrewery. We have 19 beers on tap – with White Lightning being one of the most popular. I don’t have a personal favorite because it’s a lot like trying to pick a favorite among your children – it’s tough to do!”

Fyke credits his ability to launch three top restaurants while balancing his family and personal life with the faith he has in his staff of managers and employees.

“I know I wouldn’t be able to have the ability to step back and oversee multiple restaurants if I didn’t have staff members who I could trust and know are handling things well,” he said.

Much of that credit, he added, goes to his former business professor at Grove City College, Dr. William Hinton, who he affectionately refers to as “Wild Bill.”

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Christian Fyke ’96 has built a successful group of Pittsburgh-area restaurants under the Rivertowne name. / Contributed photo

“He really taught Find a coupon the common sense online for... aspects of building a successful business as Rivertowne restaurants well as how to manage staff. I use so www.gcc.edu/coupons much of what he taught in the class in my own employee training programs.

“It just goes to show how what you learn at Grove City can be applied in the most unlikely of ways,” Fyke continued. “‘Microbrewer’ and ‘Grove City College’ are definitely an odd pairing. Hey, I also competed in the World Series of Poker, but I can’t say whether anything I learned at college helped me there or not!”

(For more on the Rivertowne restaurants, go to www.myrivertowne.com.)

(Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw is the Grove City College assistant director of alumni relations and a GeDUNK contributing editor.)

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Sweet Success ‘89 grad takes Lancaster pie business to a new level

By Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96 hen David Johnson ’89 was looking for a new business venture, he was hardly leaning toward the mini pie industry. It wasn’t pie Johnson was sweet on, but a successful business model with a future.And the Tn’T Bakery in Lancaster, Pa., fit the bill.

Johnson had started as an electrical engineering, a degree he finished at the University of Pittsburgh in 1996, but graduated as an international business/German major. He also spent two-anda-half years in the Air Force ROTC program. His parents, Col. Bruce Johnson ’60 and Shelvey (Pease ’59) Johnson, had moved David and his sisters, Sandra and Jennifer (Johnson ’85) Green, all over the world with Bruce’s military career. So it was natural for David to take a job in Germany after college.

After moving around to several companies in his successful career, Johnson knew it was time to have something to call his own. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but gravitated toward businesses that had potential and longevity to build on.

The unlikely venture he found was Tn’T pies in Amish country, purchased three years ago. It had a solid background and great production history, but sales had slumped from 100,000 per week to just 20,000. Johnson knew that with the right leadership and strategic plan, the company could flourish again.

Named for original owners Tom and Tom, the business began in 1955.Three days a week, a dozen employees work together to bake and deliver 11 varieties – apple, cherry, blueberry, chocolate, coconut cream, lemon, peach, pineapple, pumpkin, raisin and strawberry-apple. Margaret, for example, has been at Tn’T for 13 years and still enjoys her job at 81 years old.

She watches as the pies, in neat rows on wooden racks, are cooled after baking then slid onto a belt for wrapping in blue and red wax paper bags.The plant has the capacity to churn out 3,500 pies per hour. From there, independent drivers deliver the 5½-ounce pies to area convenience stores and gas stations.

“What stuck in my mind was from Marketing 101,” he said.

“Little pies are recession proof.”

That lesson learned at Grove City had family history, too; 23 in Johnson’s family are alumni, including his wife, Jacqueline (Roach ’90). His son, Nevin, will apply for admission next fall.

“I didn’t expect to be a baker,” Johnson said. “I didn’t buy Tn’T because it was pie but because it was a smart business move.”

Johnson began working with ActionCOACH, a global

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FROM TOP: Pies at T n’ T Bakery are first cooled after baking; then workers load them in to the wrapping machine; and finally they wait for distribution across the state. / Photos by Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96

business coaching firm that helps business owners realize a “clarity of vision” and set realistic goals and strategic plans.

After working with ActionCOACH, Johnson saw a 62 percent growth rate – 35 percent in the first year alone. Johnson now has Tn’T Pies in 225 Turkey Hill stores as well as on the shelves of Sunoco, Hess,Weis, Redners, Boyers and Shady Maple markets in central Pennsylvania.The snacks are in 10 percent of Sheetz stores, and Johnson is working hard to build that relationship.

A goal by 2013 is to have regional coverage in mid-Atlantic states. By 2018, Johnson wants to take Tn’T Pies national.

He was so impressed with what ActionCOACH did for Tn’T, he joined the firm as a consultant.Today, he helps other business owners grow their endeavors as well.

“So many things are common sense,” Johnson said,“but seeing the forest for the trees can be difficult.”

(Learn more about David Johnson’s endeavors at www.tntbakery.com or www.coachmybiz.com.)

(Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96 is the GeDUNK managing editor and owns Clingensmith Communications in Lititz, Pa.)

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Close to Home

Alum store owners keep business in their alma mater’s area

By Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman elling items from flowers to fenders, several Grove City College alumni run retail businesses just minutes from their alma mater.

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Nelson’s Flower Shop “Keeping it fresh” is good for flowers and it’s what Brenda (Destefani ’90) Nelson is doing at Nelson’s Flower Shop in downtown Grove City. She finds retail challenging because what’s popular is constantly changing.

“Grove City is a smaller market so we have to stay up on the trends,” she says.

Brenda is the manager and her husband, Scott, is the owner of the third-generation family business.

Brenda and Scott have expanded their offerings in the past several years. They added an ice cream parlor to the store to

increase foot traffic, and it worked. The recent revitalization of downtown Grove City helped as well, Brenda reports. The Nelsons also added a sale station for Pennsylvania lottery tickets.

In addition, they see the need to keep up with Internet ordering. “Tech is huge!” says Brenda. Nelson’s now has point-of-sale software tied to its web site.

The Nelsons noticed a decline in sales due to other Internet-ordering options.

In response, they are building their own network of out-of-town floral shops to Find a coupon online for...

Nelson’s Flower Shop www.gcc.edu/coupons

Brenda (Destafani ’90) Nelson follows current trends to market Nelson’s Flower Shop. / Photo by Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman

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use. “We know the owners,” said Brenda, “so it’s a lot more personal. It’s more labor intensive, but it provides good customer service.”

In the future, they hope to do some store remodeling and add gift lines.

Brenda would like to become involved in event work, as well.

Slovak Folk Crafts Dave ’60 and Anne (Harker ’60) Dayton had no experience in retail when they opened a store in Grove City, even though Anne had deep local ties; her father, J. Stanley Harker ’25, was College president from 1956 to 1971.

“God opened doors we had not even knocked on,” says Dave, “and this became possible.”

This opportunity is the Slovak Folk Crafts mission shop on Route 208. After teaching in Slovakia in 2000, Dave and Anne realized that country’s economy was struggling and decided to start a business to import Slovak folk crafts to the United States. The handcrafted items include hand-cut lead crystal, ceramics, decorated eggs and wood carvings.

Their goals are to create jobs for the Slovaks, to reinvest the profit in Slovakia through charitable gifts and to educate Americans about Slovakia.

Slovak Folk Crafts has become a popular tourist attraction. “Our store’s guest book has been signed by visitors from all 50 states and all but two of the Canadian provinces,” Dave says. The Daytons are grateful for the store’s growing popularity because, as Dave explains, “a small business like this has very little money for marketing and advertising.”

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Handiwork is displayed at Grove City’s Slovak Folk Crafts, owned by Dave ’60 and Anne (Harker ’60) Dayton. / Contributed photo

From previous page

Both Daytons – now retired from their professional careers – put in time working at the store. Their favorite part of retail is meeting the customers. Says Dave, “It’s like having an open house every day. We meet amazing people.” In addition to talking to people, Anne likes finding new products to order. “It’s great fun when new products arrive at the store.”

Therein lies one of the hardest parts of retail, says Dave. “Trying to understand what people want to buy is difficult. It is a lot of trial and error.” He also notes the importance of having consistent, predictable hours.

As to the future, Dave looks forward to changing the software on the store’s web site to allow for the sale of some 1,300 pieces of Polish pottery. Starting a wholesale division also a possibility.

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Kocher’s Grove City Floral Co. “I love happy flowers,” says Nannie Jean (Kocher ’46) Hay. Working at the family floral company, she was part of many joyful occasions. That was her favorite part of working in retail. Her least favorite part was preparing arrangements for funerals.

Nannie Jean and her husband, Ronald Hay ’46 owned Kocher’s Grove City Floral Company on Liberty Street. The company was founded more than 100 years ago and was managed by several member of Nannie Jean’s family through the years. Nannie Jean personally arranged the flowers and bouquets for 50 years of Grove City College’s May Pageants.

At the store, Nannie Jean recalls that the busiest time of the year was Mother’s Day, with Easter coming in a close second. They “absolutely kept extra supplies on hand for Valentine’s Day, too,” she laughed.

Nannie Jean and Ronnie have since retired and Kocher’s is now owned by their son, David. “He studied greenhouse

Nannie Jean (Kocher ’46) Hay / Photo by Carole Starz

management in college,” explains his mother. “Thanks to his studies, he does the work of 10 men and does it well.”

She said the store has not changed much in the past five years. Kocher’s does have a gift shop in front and most business is called in. Some areas of the business have changed over time.

“We used to make a lot of new baby bouquets for the hospitals, but mothers go home so quickly now,” Nannie Jean says. “We used to do more wedding work, too, but now young people are flying to location weddings.

“I always wanted to work until I fell over,” she continues. “Well, I did!”

Nannie Jean is recovering from a knee replacement, does some bookkeeping at home and is still happy to say that she loves flowers.

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Fall 2009

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Fine Flock Alumni converge at central Pennsylvania Chick-fil-A

By Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96 hawn Filby ’89 is what Chick-fil-A calls a “Raving Fan.” These are guests of the popular Atlanta-based restaurant who love the Chick-fil-A food and service so much they’ll tell pretty much anyone about it.

Before his Chick-fil-A days, Filby was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. After graduation from Grove City’s ROTC program, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma to study meteorology. Soon after, he decided it wasn’t for him and he tried to find a way to switch gears. He ended up building satellites for the last six-and-a-half years of his military career.

Across the street from his office in Alexandria,Va., was a Chick-fil-A that Shawn frequented. Anytime a visitor came to town, Filby took them to Chick-fil-A. Then after 20 years of service in the military when retirement rolled around, Filby’s comrades joked that he would probably work for Chick-fil-A because he loved the place so much.

Not a bad idea.

Filby not only loved the food at Chick-fil-A, he loved the philosophy. Chick-fil-A, founded in 1946 by Truett Cathy, has a mission not only to be the best quick-service restaurant around but to glorify God in doing so. All 1,430 restaurants are closed on Sundays to show this commitment to God and to family. And Chick-fil-A is invested in its people and community.

It was a vision Filby could see for his next step, too.

So he went forward in June 2008 – still a year away from his official 2009 retirement – to open, own and operate a Chick-filA store. He started by completing the Expression of Interest form on the Chick-fil-A web site. Stats online were not encouraging. Chick-fil-A receives 10,000 to 20,000 applications each year but opens only 75 to 80 stores. The application process was rigorous, 70 percent of operators are chosen from within, and Filby had no quick-service food experience.

He completed the 20-page application anyway.

Six weeks went by, then 12, and Filby had heard nothing from Chick-fil-A, so he called to follow up. The next day, he had a phone interview. Tens of thousands of people express interest on the Chick-fil-A site and the personal follow-up by the applicant is the company’s test to see who’s serious.

By September, Chick-fil-A execs interviewed Filby face-toface in Washington, D.C. Then in November, he interviewed again in Atlanta. In January and February 2009, things began to

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine

Chick-fil-A operator Shawn Filby ‘89, left, hired two Grove City grads as assistant managers: Joel Pearce ‘06, center, and Kory Kaye ‘09. / Photo by Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ‘96

pick up. Locations of stores were being explored, and Chick-fil-A flew Filby and his wife, Melanie, to Atlanta for a final meeting on Feb. 9, their twins’ birthday. On Feb. 10, Filby was officially the operator of the new Chick-fil-A store in Reading, Pa., set to open July 30.

Despite Filby’s lack of restaurant experience, he had the qualities Chick-fil-A was looking for: personality, a “fire in the belly,” know-how to build and lead teams and the ability to handle intense work situations.

Although there wasn’t restaurant experience, per se, Filby did have experience in food. In high school and college, he helped his parents run Filby’s Country Retreat in New Castle, Pa., a catering business and event locale. So the service gene was inherent. And Filby wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. At the family business, he washed dishes and cleaned toilets, and today at Chick-fil-A, he’s often seen rolling up his sleeves to bread chicken, squeeze lemons or wipe tables.

In April and May, intensive training began at Chick-fil-A University in Atlanta. There, Filby learned all the aspects of running the store, from hiring employees and cooking to balancing the books and marketing.

He also learned that Chick-fil-A focuses on four key areas: its food, people, brand and cow mascot, and community. For Filby, Continued on next page

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the investment in people was refreshing.

“We’re not here just to sell chicken and make money,” he said, “but to influence the employees and the community.”

Filby had a bit of history with with the company. Wife Melanie, a missionary kid, had worked at a Chick-fil-A while in college. The job helped pay her way, and her boss knew it. One week she was very sick, and her boss told her to go home and get well. She knew she would miss the money that week, but needed to rest.

When her paycheck came, her regular hours were there and accounted for.

Melanie always remembered that, and the fact that her supervisor was invested in her as a person stuck with her.

The story impacted Shawn, too.

“I said to myself, ‘That’s the kind of company I want to work for.’”

While Filby is an independent owner/ operator and therefore does not work directly for Chick-fil-A, his employees do.

One of his main tasks before opening the store this summer was to hire nearly 70 employees to run the registers, cook, hostess, manage and market.

Filby – also father to Graham, Amanda, Mark and Trey – stared his hiring process in June with the first employee, Kory Kaye ’09. Kaye had been interested in a marketing job at an Ohio Chick-fil-A. When the opportunity fell through, Kaye talked with Filby about the company and where he could go from there. Filby asked him if he would be interested in relocating to Reading to become an assistant manager.

The coincidence was surreal. Kaye’s new wife was Brittany Steele ’08, and Brittany’s sister, Elizabeth (Steele ’05) Pearce, had recently moved to the Reading area to complete a psychology internship as part of her doctoral studies at Regent University.

When Filby needed a sixth assistant manager, another Grove City graduate fit the bill: Pearce’s husband, Joel ’06.

Elizabeth’s internship will most likely last a year, with a possibility for something permanent. While Joel likes the retail world, he will start an online library

Enterprise Rent-A-Car since graduation. science degree in January.

Mark had worked for Pricewaterhouse “I want to inspire my employees to become who they want to become,” Filby Coopers and Deloitte as a software said. In Kaye’s case, that may mean helping consultant and trainer, but most recently, he has been a stay-at-home dad to the the young alum eventually work in girls. “This is also a great opportunity to marketing for Chick-fil-A headquarters.

Kaye, though, is enjoying working with get back into the workforce for him,” Karen said. the many teens at Chick-fil-A, an Neither, like Filby, have any food opportunity he may not have had along service experience, but about four years the marketing route.

Filby’s second employee, hired in July, ago, Karen attended an Enterprise seminar was unit marketing director Amy and heard from Frederick Reichheld, who Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96, who was wrote “Loyalty Rules.” In it, Reicheld moving to central talks about the We’re not here just Pennsylvania in “miracle companies” August to be of Enterprise and to sell chicken married and start Chick-fil-A. and make money, her own business.

“He went on but to influence the employees about Chick-fil-A The daily work at Chick-fil-A is and what an amazing and the community. hard, and the hours – SHAWN FILBY ’89 opportunity it was to are sometimes long. be an operator,” But meeting and Karen remembered.

Find a coupon interacting with the online for...

“I was intrigued and guests is a fringe went online to find benefit, and Filby out more. I was so Chick-fil-A Exeter and the other impressed with what www.gcc.edu/coupons Grove City grads I read and with are following Filby’s everyone that I met business philosophy. from that point on. It took four years to “If you’re not having fun while you’re actually get a store, but it gave both me doing it, you’re not doing it right.” and Chick-fil-A plenty of time to know it Filby, Kaye, Pearce and Mongiovi aren’t was the right decision!” the only alumni embarking on the That decision did not come easy. Most Chick-fil-A journey. franchises require the operator to invest Karen (Dutka ’96) and Mark ’96 anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million, Bolumen are preparing to open a Chickand those figures were daunting. The fil-A in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 17. investment for Chick-fil-A operators is The draw to become Chick-fil-A much lower at $5,000. operators was the opportunity to work “We looked at other franchises but the huge investment scared us,” Karen said. together.

“Chick-fil-A is a great balance that allows “We have always thought we would work well as a team and loved the idea of you to become an entrepreneur without a lot of risk or upfront financial outlay. owning a business together,” Karen said.

“Add in the fact that it is a company “Our strengths are completely different, run by Christians and it is almost too which we feel will be a good balance.” good to be true!”

And because the restaurant will be in (Visit Shawn Filby’s Chick-fil-A store site Columbus, it allows the Bolumens to be at www.chick-fil-a.com/exeter.) closer to their extended families in (Amy Clingensmith Mongiovi ’96 is the northern Ohio. Until the opening, the GeDUNK managing editor and the unit family, which includes daughters Rachel marketing director for Chick-fil-A in and Jocelyn, will stay in Philadelphia, Reading, Pa.) where Karen had been working with

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focusonretail

Turkish Delight Linda Caldwell ‘71 realizes retail dream in Istanbul

By Meghan (Price ’03) Blosser mong spice-scented breezes and history-heavy streets sprawls Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a vast covered marketplace dating to the 1400s.

Every day some 200,000 shoppers lose themselves in the bazaar’s 4,000 shops on 50-plus streets.

“People consider the bazaar a maze,” says Linda (Crum ’71) Caldwell, “but it is actually laid out very regular.”

Navigating the maze is no problem for Caldwell, as the bazaar is home to her shop, Deli Kizin Yeri, or “The Crazy Lady’s Place.”

“My friends have always called me crazy,” Caldwell says. “Always trying to do the unlikely and the impossible.”

Linda’s shop and life in Istanbul represent the fulfillment of a dream born when she and husband Gary Caldwell ’69 were stationed in Karamursel, Turkey, between 1973 and 1975. Despite having no Turkish background and barely a concept of where she was on a map, Caldwell was enchanted by Istanbul.

“When we first came here, I felt as though I had come home,” she says. “I love it.”

A

Over 20 years, Gary’s career in the Foreign Service took the Caldwells all over the world, but they visited Turkey annually. When Gary retired in 1997, the couple moved permanently to Istanbul.

Linda, who had previously launched two successful businesses, had a vision for a shop of handcrafted items using traditional Turkish materials. “In all our travels, I searched for unique gift shops that used local handicrafts in new ways. I wanted to create the same concept for Turkey,” says the lifelong sewer.

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine

Linda (Crum ‘71) Caldwell is known as ‘The Crazy Lady’ in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. / Contributed photo

It took a year of scraping money, sewing every day, searching for a location and being encouraged by friends before Deli Kizin Yeri opened on June 1, 1998, in Arnavutkoy, a picturesque Istanbul neighborhood of wooden houses and narrow streets.

Caldwell’s original line was clothing, but based on what sold, she shifted to personal and home accessories, children’s items, and one-of-a-kind jackets. True to her concept, the merchandise is unique, packable, Turkish-inspired and useful. The

shop’s first years didn’t exactly scream “retirement” for the entrepreneur, who was working solo. Seven-day workweeks of 17-hour days were routine.

Ten years later, Deli Kizin Yeri has a Continued on next page Find a coupon online for...

Deli Kizin Yeri www.gcc.edu/coupons

focusonretail From previous page

workshop in Arnavutkoy, and the shop has been since 2002 in the Grand Bazaar. Ninety percent of the shop’s products are made by Caldwell and her small staff, and supplemented with Turkey’s famous needle lace, oya, bought from villagers.

A typical Deli Kizin Yeri item begins as a thought from Caldwell, followed by a pattern and mock-up shared with the staff. Once kinks are eliminated, they produce several for the shop and wait for reaction.

“Sometimes it never sells and we try to reinvent it,” Caldwell says. “Sometimes we have to put it into production immediately.” Small production runs (perhaps 20 of an item) allow the store to change merchandise frequently, keeping fresh.

The store has roughly 400 products crammed into every inch of 220 square feet.

Caldwell is the first foreign female to open a shop in the bazaar and the only to do so successfully. Passersby were surprised by the sight of “the crazy lady” and two female friends wielding drills, saws and hammers prior to opening, and the shop began to generate buzz.

“When I redid the window every two weeks – something no one else does – the neighbors would line up to see and give suggestions,” Caldwell recalls. “A little to the right, a little to the left…” Her prior relationships made this amiable. “I had been in and out of the bazaar for 29 years, so I was not a stranger to most of the vendors.”

To the American mindset, it’s not exactly “business as usual” in Istanbul. By Turkish law, an employer pays the employee’s social security, covers transportation to and from work and provides one meal per day. Tax laws are identical for the largest and the smallest business.

A typical Turkish boss will work above rather than alongside employees, and the employee is not encouraged to take responsibility or initiative. “(The bosses) also tend to yell a lot,” Caldwell says, “as that is basically the only way to get things done. It takes new employees a while to get used to the camaraderie in our group, and the fact that the boss is doing the same work.”

Caldwell’s customers all pay the same price – even if they’re local or using cash. “This goes against the guide books and in many ways against Turkish culture, but it is easier for my staff and easier in bookkeeping,” she explains. “It’s also easier for tourists, who do not like to bargain.”

Deli Kizin Yeri’s five employees – two in the shop and three in the workshop – range in age from 22 to 73. Four of the five have only a sixth-grade education.

“Growing up they never considered what they wanted to be,” Caldwell says. “It just wasn’t discussed, and still isn’t at most economic levels. Having a dream and knowing how to make it

Deli Kizin Yeri is Linda (Crum ‘71) Caldwell’s shop in Turkey. / Contributed photo

happen are not skills that most have.”

But those skills can, she believes, be learned. Deli Kizin Yeri’s workshop crackles with music and conversation – points of view, culture, religion.

“The only way anything is going to change in this world is if people are educated and exposed to a variety of ideas and people. If I can make a small difference with my small staff, that will multiply as it affects their children and families.”

Caldwell is mainly in the workshop, checking e-mail and updating her web site between cutting, sewing or designing. She spends at least one day a week in the bazaar, bonding with staff, checking in, redoing displays.

The financial crisis has also taken its toll on Turkey. Deli Kizin Yeri is faring better than most small businesses, but still holding its head just above water. Linda had opened two additional locations; both are now closed. She and the staff have been inventively cutting costs and are fairly confident that they will outlast the circumstances.

It helps that 80 percent of Deli Kizin Yeri’s clientele is Turkish, lessening dependence on tourism. Linda spends no money on advertising, but generates publicity simply by being See TURKEY, page 25

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Fresh Local

focusonretail

Alum’s farm market offers Pennsylvania clientele best flavors

By Kristin (Morgan) Chapman ’04 hen it comes to finding fresh, local produce and meat, people from all over western Pennsylvania have discovered just the place to shop: Butler Farm Market in Renfrew, Pa. Started by Harry Shiever ’62 in 1983, the market specializes in fresh meat and produce, but also offers seafood, homemade bakery items, a deli, as well as an in-house restaurant.

Shiever, 69, says his store is “a little different concept than the traditional supermarket.” Rather than placing faxed orders to restock inventory, Shiever and his son and partner, Eric, make weekly visits to local suppliers as well as wholesale markets in Pittsburgh. This allows them to personally select the produce for the store and make sure it is up to their standards.

Shiever said he likes to buy from local growers whenever he can. Thus, from about April until October, the Shievers shop twice a week at a produce auction in New Wilmington, Pa., where the wares come primarily from local Amish growers.

Back at the Butler Farm Market, a staff of about 30 keeps the store’s shelves stocked and organized. Bins brimming over with brightly colored fruits and

W

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine

Harry Shiever ’62, left, and his son, Eric, run the Butler Farm Market in Renfrew, Pa. / Contributed photo

Find a coupon online for...

Butler Farm Market www.gcc.edu/coupons

vegetables line the produce display cases.

Store shelves are dotted with neat rows of all-natural jarred Amish goods – including pickles, dilly beans, salsas and pepper relish, as well as Country Lane Jams and Jellies prepared by Shiever’s wife, Nancy, from local ingredients.

At the 60-foot refrigerated meat case, customers receive full service when selecting a cut of meat. The store offers very little prepackaged meat and instead allows customers to pick out just the right steak, chicken breast or pork chop.

While shopping, customers can stop for a bite to eat at the store’s restaurant, The Kitchen, which opened in October 2008.

Everything on the menu is homemade, including the pizza, which can be made to order at the store or taken home to be baked later.

Shiever said his emphasis on quality and service reflects his desire to present “people with the quality they want.” As a

result, he said some of his customers come from as far away as Grove City and Pittsburgh.

Another big draw is the store’s annual spring and fall festivals. The Spring Thing, which usually takes place around Mothers’ Day, features a live band, wagon rides and Amish vendors selling homemade donuts and ice cream.

The Fall Festival – slated Saturday, Oct. 10 this year – features similar attractions, as well as apple butter-making demonstrations and pumpkin-throwing contests. During both festivals, customers can also peruse a seasonal assortment of bedding plants, hanging baskets and other décor that is available Easter through Halloween.

After more than 25 years in the business, Shiever says he still enjoys the challenge of finding ways to grow his business: “I have no aspiration to retire. I enjoy what I do.”

(Butler Farm Market is located at 901 Evans City Road in Renfrew, Pa. For store hours or to learn more, visit the web site at www.butlerfarmmarket.com or call (724) 4862194.)

(Kristin (Morgan '04) Chapman is a freelance writer living in New Castle, Pa.)

focusonretail TURKEY from page 23 out and about. When not working, she participates in several professional associations and a photography club, and gives business talks both at her shop and at conferences.

To aspiring entrepreneurs, Linda’s strongest advice is to network. Beyond that, she says, “Spread the work out as much as you can without diluting quality.

Take the mundane off your shoulders and get the right staff around you.”

Although she loves what she does, retirement is in the future. Caldwell admits, “I don’t want to work forever.” In an ideal future, she’d build up the shop, sell it and stay connected as a consultant.

Regardless, she says, “We’ll be in Istanbul for the rest of our lives.”

(Visit Deli Kizin Yeri’s web site, www.delikiz.com, to contact Linda or learn more about the shop.)

(Meghan (Price ’03) Blosser is a freelance writer and editor living outside Boston, Mass.)

Oya, or traditional lace flowers made with a straight needle, adorn nearly everything in Deli Kizin Yeri. / Contributed photo

LOCAL from page 19

Brothers Cliff ’88, left, and Curt ’91 Hovis direct Hovis Auto and Truck Supply. / Contributed photo

Hovis Auto and Truck Supply Retail sales can involve walk-in customers or sales to other companies.

Hovis Auto and Truck Supply does both.

At 13 locations across western Pennsylvania, the company sells to both the individual customer and to installers.

Hovis’ product line includes heavy-duty truck parts and paint, body and equipment sales, as well as auto parts.

Brothers Cliff Hovis ’88 (president) and Curt Hovis ’91 (vice president) lead the growing company. It is currently based in Oil City but will soon have its central office in Grove City. Last year, Hovis Auto and Truck Supply purchased a 78,000-square-foot former athletic complex just outside of Grove City to use for warehousing purposes and its new headquarters.

Cliff says of their contact with customers that it’s a “person-to-person business.” He may take a customer to a

local car race or similar activity. “I have to know my customer base,” he says.

Hovis personnel stay in contact with their customers via sales calls, and also maintain the working relationship by training the customers themselves. More than 500 customers received expert knowledge this year.

The Hovis company web site is for informational purposes rather than sales.

“When someone wants an auto part, they want it today,” explains Cliff. For auto accessories, however, he said the Internet can be a very successful tool.

These alumni-run Grove City businesses can be visited at the following web sites: www.nelsonsflowershop.com www.slovakfolkcrafts.com www.kochersgrovecityfloral.com www.hovisauto.com (Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman is the Grove City College communications project coordinator and GeDUNK associate editor.)

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alumnievents

VALLEY FORGE, PA.

LAKE LATONKA, PA.

Dr. Joseph Pisano ’94, right, talks shop with friend of the College and Lakeview band director Doug May at the April 23 alumni reception at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association conference in Valley Forge, Pa.

Crimson & White student members kick off summer on April 27 with a picnic at the home of Art ’69 and Carol Mitchell at Lake Latonka in Mercer County.

GROVE CITY, PA. Legacy families gather for the annual Legacy Luncheon during Parents’ Weekend on May 2 on the College campus.

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alumnievents

PITTSBURGH, PA.

NEW YORK CITY

Gathering at the Pittsburgh Dave & Buster’s on May 20 are, from left, JD Baker ‘96, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Kelsey (Pollock ’06) Rhea, Kevin Pritts ‘00, Matt Swab ‘07, Lorraine Martin ’05 and Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod.

New York-area alumni and friends, from left, Jim Palmer ‘07, Whitney Ross ’08, Jonathan Carey, Hannah Martone ’08 and Christian Midland ’07, gathered at the Public House in New York City for an after-work mixer on May 28.

HARTFORD, CONN.

PITTSBURGH, PA.

Angelo’s on Main in West Hartford, Conn., was the spot to be for Grovers on May 30.

Alumni returned on June 11 in full disco glory to enjoy “8-Track, The Sounds of the 70s” at Cabaret Theater Square in Pittsburgh.

CLEVELAND, OHIO

ERIE, PA.

Enjoying the grilled samplings of Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood, Ohio, on June 16 are, from left, Emily Snyder, Aaron Snyder ’06 and Adam Snyder ’09.

Grovers had a touch of the blarney at the alumni mixer on June 18 at Molly Brannigans Irish Pub in Erie, Pa.

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alumnievents

PITTSBURGH, PA.

WEST MIFFLIN, PA.

Teeing up at the Pittsburgh-area Alumni Golf Outing at Shannopin Country Club were, from left, Jeff Yannuzzi ‘79, Rodney Francis ’79 and Doug Knable ‘79.

President Dick Jewell ’67 takes a break to pose with Kenny the Kangaroo at Grove City College’s First Annual Kennywood Alumni Day on July 31.

BUFFALO, N.Y.

PITTSBURGH, PA.

Erin Brignone ’09 coordinates both bag and beverage at the alumni mixer at the Buffalo Brewpub in Williamsville, N.Y. on June 25.

Nearly 100 alumni and friends gathered in picturesque Pittsburgh for a Pirates game and fireworks spectacular at PNC Park on Aug. 8

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine

Homecoming 09 September 30~0ctober 4

W EDNESDAY, S EPTEMBER 30

8 p.m. | Praise and Worship Service Crawford Auditorium | Message by Kirk Voller ’92

T HURSDAY, O CTOBER 1

8 p.m. | Pep Rally | Carnegie Alumni Center

F RIDAY, O CTOBER 2

7:30 p.m. | Student Homecoming Dance Breen Student Union and Courtyard

S ATURDAY, O CTOBER 3

WSAJ broadcasting live all day | Ketler Patio 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. OPEN: College Bookstore Breen Student Union 9–10 a.m. & Noon–5 p.m. | Shuttle Service Signs at event locations and parking areas 9 a.m. | Student Research Showcase Breen Student Union 9 a.m. | Career Services Open House Physical Learning Center

9:30 a.m. | Welcome by President Jewell Breen Student Union 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. | Campus Tours Meet at Crawford Hall 10 a.m.–6 p.m. OPEN: Crimson Connection 231 S. Broad St. | 15% off sale!

11 a.m. | Homecoming Parade Through campus, down Pine and Broad Streets

Immediately after the Parade

DEDICATION OF THE CARNEGIE ALUMNI CENTER

11:30 a.m. | All-Alumni Luncheon | Hicks Noon–4 p.m. Future Grovers Fun Zone Main Quad | Face painting, games, moon bounce, popcorn, prizes and more!

1-4 p.m. | Alumni Association Tailgate Carnegie Alumni Center Join us for complimentary tailgate snacks!

1:15 p.m. | Float Awards & Pre-Game Show | Thorn Field 2 p.m. | FOOTBALL GAME: Grove City vs.

St. Vincent | Thorn Field | Enjoy the sounds of the Wolverine Marching Band and catch the crowning of the Queen and King at halftime 5 p.m. | Warriors for Christ Worship Service | Harbison Chapel

S UNDAY, O CTOBER 4

10:30 a.m. | Homecoming Worship Service | Harbison Chapel | Message by the Rev. Harvey Johnson ’59

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freshmansendoffs

PITTSBURGH, PA.

LANCASTER, PA.

Pittsburgh-area incoming freshmen gathered at the Point Pavilion in North Park on July 8.

Central Pennsylvania freshmen met at the home of Joshua and Rachel (Russell ’03) Kiehl in Lancaster, Pa., on July 11.

NEW JERSEY

CANFIELD, OHIO

Northern New Jersey and New York metro incoming freshmen joined a picnic hosted by Scott and Cathy Mercer on July 18.

Alumni hosts Scott ’79 and Jan (Kirkman ’79) Crewson welcomed the Canfield and central Ohio incoming freshmen to their home on July 30.

MARYLAND/WASHINGTON, D.C.

DENVER, COLO.

Freshmen from Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia gathered for a picnic on Aug. 9 at the Grace Community Church pavilion hosted by Grover parents Jeff and Valerie Wetstone and Stewart and Becky Cooper.

Alumni, parents and family members gathered in Congress Park on July 31 to celebrate the Denver-area incoming freshmen at a picnic hosted by R.J. ’04 and Marty (Hayes ‘04) Owen.

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine

freshmansendoffs

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

PITTSBURGH, PA.

Hosts Jon ‘94 and Leanne (Lomicka ‘96) Stolpe welcomed freshmen and their parents from the greater Philadelphia area on Aug. 2.

The Pittsburgh Women’s Club served up ice cream treats to Pittsburgh area freshman women on Aug. 2.

alumninews Help bring history home to alumni center Do you have something you would like to share with the College from your college days? Greek pins, uniforms, photos?

Would you consider donating them to the College archives?

Alumni from around the country can enjoy these in the new renovated Carnegie Alumni Center. Send your items or other memorabilia to: Alumni Relations Office, Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127.

Please include your name and any details to describe the item(s). E-mail alumni@gcc.edu with questions.

Check out archived publications online Missed an issue of The GeDUNK? Want to look up a story in The Collegian?

Check out the College’s online publication archive at www2.gcc.edu/archive for past issues of the alumni magazine, annual report, Collegian and Vision & Values.

Pans collecting info for celebration The Pan Sophic fraternity will celebrate its 100th reunion at Homecoming 2011.

Pans can help now by updating their information. E-mail alumni@gcc.edu with your updates and mention that you were a Pan. And save the date for Sept. 23-25, 2011!

Get cooking, be part of alumni cookbook Be a part of the “Grove City College Alumni and Friends Cookbook,” published by the Pittsburgh Women’s Club of Grove City College.

Send your recipes to alumni@gcc.edu or Alumni Relations Office, Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127.

RICHMOND, VA. Virginia incoming freshmen and some alumni friends, too, gathered at the home of Rebecca (Whyte ’85) and Paul ‘85 Walshak on Aug. 15.

Get Yourself Connected!

The Alumni eCommunity, alumni events, Facebook, Greek Corner, Homecoming reunions. There are so many ways for Grove City College alumni around the world to stay connected, it can be confusing.

Don’t know where to start? Visit the Alumni & Friends homepage first at www.gcc.edu/alumni.

Information on this page changes weekly and serves as a jumping-off point for the many programs, events and services for alumni and friends of Grove City College.

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Fall 2009

alumninews

Trio of alumni honored at Homecoming for work Three Grove City College alumni will be honored with Jack Kennedy ’37 Memorial Alumni Achievement Awards during Homecoming weekend.

James Henderson ’65 is the vice chairman of the Lahey Clinic and chairman of the Middlesex Community College Foundation. He was the CEO and president of Anatytical Systems Engineering James Corporation in Henderson ’65 Burlington, Mass., for 25 years, a company that provided communications, information technology and security installation for the U.S. government and other countries.

Henderson remained in his role through several mergers and was president at Affiliated Computer Services Defense until 2001. Henderson served as a captain in the Air Force and graduated from Harvard Business School in 1972. Board positions have included Middlesex Community College, Baybank Middlesex, Alpha Industries, North Suburban Chamber of Commerce and president of several industrial associations.

He and his wife, Eileen, reside in Massachusetts and have two daughters.

Catherine (Dalecki ’75) Thornberry is the founder of Export Procedures Co., Inc., which provides consulting services for exporting to industrial and high-tech companies.Thornberry Catherine (Dalecki has federal ’75) Thornberry

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appointments to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State and serves on the Western Pennsylvania District Export Council, National Council on International Trade Development, Society for International Affairs and the Ohio Foreign Commerce Association Board of Directors. She is an adjunct faculty member at the A.J. Palumbo School of Business at Duquesne University and has authored the textbook “Export Procedures, An Interactive Guide to Export Documentation.”Thornberry was named one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business for 1998. She has a son, a daughter and three stepchildren, and she and her husband, Ed Barth, live in Zelienople, Pa. Raymond Wile ’56 currently serves as a trustee with Fork Union Military Academy and was recognized by that institution as a Distinguished Alumnus. Following his graduation from Raymond Wile ’56 Grove City, he was employed by Armstrong Cork and later the NCH Company. In 1970, he co-founded the Dymon Chemical Company with sales in both the domestic and international markets. He served as president and obtained several patents that supported a line of more than 450 products. He sold the company in 1998 and retired to Williamsburg,Va., where he is active in many charitable causes and has served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church.Wile and his wife, Marty, have been married for 53 years and have five children: three daughters and two sons.

Office accepting alumni nominations The Grove City College Alumni Relations Office continually accepts nominations for the Jack Kennedy ’37 Memorial Alumni Achievement Awards and the Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

To nominate an alumnus for the Alumni Achievement Award or Distinguished Service Award, submit a letter stating the reasons for nomination to: Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod, Alumni Relations Office, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127 or alumni@gcc.edu.

Alumni authors asked for books The Alumni Relations Office is looking to build its library in the new Carnegie Alumni Center. If you are an alumnus who has authored a book, please send a copy.

Copies may be sent to:Alumni Relations Office, Grove City College, Carnegie Alumni Center, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127.

For more information, e-mail alumni@gcc.edu or call (866) GCCGRAD.

College serving Greeks via web Want to stay in touch with your Kappa Alpha Phi brothers? What are those sisters of Sigma Theta Chi doing on campus?

Find information about all of the College’s fraternities and sororities on the “Greek Corner” page of the Alumni & Friends section of the web site at www.gcc.edu/alumni.

Many of these groups are looking to either form or grow an alumni association. Interested? The Alumni Relations Office wants you to take part in the conversation.

Contact Kelsey (Pollock ’06) Rhea at klrhea@gcc.edu for more information.

Be a part of this special College event

See the major motion picture that tells the story of giving like no other.

Hear from the movie producer James P. VanEerden ’85 as he shares his remarks.

7 p.m. | November 13, 2009 | North Way Christian Community Church | Wexford, Pa. Event cost is $5, and all proceeds benefit the following Grove City College groups: Red Box Missions | Inner City Outreach | Student Philanthropy Project For tickets, visit www.gcc.edu/alumnievents or call (888) GCC-GRAD.

alumniassociation

Knable ’79 gives back as Alumni Council president

By Kelsey (Pollock ’06) Rhea orn within a short walk of Grove City College, the path of Doug Knable ’79 led him back to campus to serve on his alma mater’s Alumni Council.

Even through change, Grove City remains a place grounded in the principles of faith, freedom and free market economics, principles that have helped shape Knable’s life.

The Knable family legacy began with Doug’s father, F.E. “Bud” Knable ’57; continued with sister Diane (Knable ’76) Haid, and has come full circle with Doug’s daughter, Christy ’10.

The legacy may have been why Knable chose Grove City, but he is still as excited today as he was then for the place that “galvanized his beliefs.”

Besides the opportunity to solidify those beliefs, what Knable most appreciates is the “tremendous number of lifelong friendships” he made through the College. The greatest relationship and fondest memory was meeting the love of his life, Marty (Kennedy ’79) Knable.

Other great memories include his

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involvement with the Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity, and that involvement continues.

He recently golfed in the 25th annual KAP golf outing, an event he co-founded. Knable also lettered four years Doug Knable ’79 in varsity swimming and set a school record in the mile swim.

“It’s been said the record lasted less time than it took him to swim the race!” he joked.

In his senior year, Knable knew he would pursue a career in finance, but when confronted with which job to take, he turned to the wise Hans Sennholz.

Sennholz took about 45 seconds to give his advice, saying, “This is an elementary question. Four overpay you, and one pays you what you are worth … nothing.”

Knable took the lowest salary and the sage advice paid off. The grad embarked on a career path that has led to outstanding success in his field.

As CEO of FamilyWealthManagement Group, Knable, along with his associates,

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manages over a billion dollars. He is also chairman of the Resource Group, an organization of Lincoln Financial’s top 100 most influential financial planners.

While Knable lives near Pittsburgh, his heart has always been close to Grove City.

After serving as a member of Alumni Council, he’s been elected to serve as president of this advisory body.

Knable chooses to volunteer his time at his alma mater because of the personal tie he feels to Grove City.

“After your church, there are an endless supply of places to spend your time and money,” he said. “Choosing an organization with a long history that matches up with your beliefs makes sense (so I) do whatever I can to support the College.”

As he begins his new term, Knable will direct his focus to reengage and sustain alumni connections to the College and to help tell the story of Grove City College.

(Kelsey (Pollock ’06) Rhea is the Grove City College assistant director of alumni relations.)

SAVE THE DATE | UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER 7, 2009 Career Fair | Intramural Room OCTOBER 14, 2009 Center for Vision & Values Freedom Readers Mary Anderson Pew Dining Room OCTOBER 17, 2009 Admissions Office Senior Crimson Day OCTOBER 27, 2009 Pew Lecture: Dr. David McCormick Sticht Lecture Hall OCTOBER 31, 2009 Alumni Fondue Party | ‘Godspell’ performance Pew Fine Arts Center NOVEMBER 5, 2009 Sticht Lecture: Robert Cindrich | Sticht Lecture Hall NOVEMBER 13, 2009 “The Ultimate Gift” film showing | North Way Christian Community Church | Wexford, Pa.

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NOVEMBER 16, 2009 Guest Artist Series: The Leahy Family Pew Fine Arts Center NOVEMBER 19, 2009 Speakers Series Luncheon | Barbara McNees, President, Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Founders Room | Duquesne Club DECEMBER 2-16, 2009 Area Artist Exhibit | Pew Fine Arts Center Gallery DECEMBER 7-11, 2009 Carnegie Christmas Concert Series Carnegie Alumni Center DECEMBER 8, 2009 Center for Vision & Values Founders Luncheon The Rivers Club | Pittsburgh, Pa. DECEMBER 8, 2009 Guest Artist Series: Turtle Island Quartet Pew Fine Arts Center

DECEMBER 10, 2009 Alumni Pittsburgh Steelers Party Fox and Hound | Pittsburgh, Pa. MARCH 24, 2010 Guest Artist Series: Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra | Pew Fine Arts Center APRIL 10-18, 2010 April In Paris Alumni Tour APRIL 11, 2010 Women’s Club Luncheon Shannopin Country Club | Pittsburgh, Pa. JUNE 21, 2010 Alumni & Friends Golf Outing Shannopin Country Club | Pittsburgh, Pa. AUGUST 7, 2010 ‘Mary Poppins’ matinee | Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, D.C. campus event

right now... Lauren ‘09 is looking ahead to her future.

Your gifts to Full Circle, the Annual Fund for Grove City College, helped shape each of Lauren’s four years on campus. And your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our students every day. Why? Because Full Circle directly impacts all aspects of campus life.

THANK YOU to each of our alumni and

friends who supported Full Circle over the last fiscal year. Thanks to your generous giving, Full Circle is able to help provide a unique and exciting Grove City experience each and every year. Remember, no matter the size of your gift, it’s your consistent giving from year to year that counts!

right now…633 freshman students from around the world are the newest members of the Grove City College family. Your support can help shape their experiences—the same way you shaped Lauren’s.

Make an impact right now by making your gift today. Thank you!

Use the enclosed envelope, call us at (866) 386-3422 or give online at www.gcc.edu.

Your gift will be applied to the July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010 fiscal year.

www.gcc.edu

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Father-and-son team Todd ’64 and Greg ’91 Alexander carry on tradition of service through Sporting Goods Inc.

By Beth Mohr ’06 odd ’64 and Greg ’91 Alexander come from a long line of Grovers. Todd can trace them back at least to 1900, when his grandparents studied religion at Grove City College.

But the father-and-son team opted instead for business as a course of study because they liked working with people. And they put that business background to good use through the family business of Sporting Goods Inc. in New Castle, Pa., taking their degrees back to their hometown after their respective years at Grove City.

Both played sports, Greg focusing on baseball and Todd playing football and running track. And both met their spouses at Grove City, too: Todd married Suzanne (Wherry ’64) and Greg married Amy (Weston ’92).

Sporting Goods opened its doors in 1949, when Todd’s father – Arthur ’34 – saw the need for a sports supply shop in New Castle. Todd followed him, starting as a janitor and working his way up until he took over as president when his father retired.

Now that Todd has also retired, Greg runs the business along with his sister, co-owner Amy Turk.

Neither Todd nor Greg had planned to enter careers in sporting goods. Todd helped out around the store while in school, but was then drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and spent a year training in Rockville, S.C. When he returned, a position at Sporting Goods Inc. trumped a less-desirable alternative, and thus 40 years with the company began. Greg’s story was similar. He spent a year elsewhere before ending up at the family business.

“It just sort of fell into place,” he remembers.

The store originally incorporated both retail sales and directto-team subdivisions. This continued until 1994, when chain store suppliers ate up the retail market and prompted a decision to focus on the team equipment demand. The business now provides uniforms and other sports supplies to school teams and leagues in the western Pennsylvania area, Grove City College included. What Sporting Goods Inc. can’t make using its screenprinting equipment, it obtains and sells from Holloway, Russell and other manufacturers.

Service to customers remains the focus of the endeavor.

“It’s what we’re built on,” Todd says. “If someone calls and

ABOVE: The Sporting Goods family includes, from left, Greg Alexander ‘91, Todd Alexander ‘64 and Greg’s sister, co-owner Amy Turk. / Contributed photo OPPOSITE PAGE: Greg ‘91, standing, and Todd ‘64 Alexander took their business degrees from Grove City and applied them to their family sporting goods business in New Castle, Pa. / Photo by Tiffany Wolfe Shaffer

says they need 50 T-shirts made by the end of the day, we get it done.”

Fortunately, this can-do attitude has earned Sporting Goods Inc. the loyalty of about 160 schools and seen it through economic times that have been the downfall of others. In an industry with a busy season that runs from March to December, this is no small feat. Sporting Goods Inc. is up for the challenge.

“We’re here for the duration,” Greg states. “As long as we can do this, we’ll be here.”

Perhaps the secret behind the success of the business lies also in the fact that the Alexanders are so passionate about sports.

Greg is a half-marathoner and is up many mornings for 6 o’clock runs. When Todd is not spending his time on Lake Erie, the two golf together. The business is simply an extension of this passion that three generations of Alexanders have shared.

(Beth Mohr ’06 is a freelance writer living in Grove City, Pa.)

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By Ryan Briggs ’01 ll seven of Grove City’s fall sports teams enter the 2009 season with high expectations as numerous standouts return.

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MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Grove City welcomes back nine lettermen, including 2008 NCAA Championships qualifier Garrett Cichowitz.

Cichowitz is the defending Presidents’ Athletic Conference Most Valuable Performer and an All-Mideast Region honoree.

Also back this year are seniors Andrew Falcone, Frankie Hourigan and Royce Hyland. Hourigan is a three-time AllPAC honoree.

The Wolverines are in pursuit of their 19th straight conference title.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY A dozen letterwinners return this fall for Grove City, which is pursuing its 21st consecutive PAC title.

All-PAC honoree Rachel Nelson is the team’s lone senior but the Wolverines are far from inexperienced. Juniors Brigitte Fryan and Emily Pierce are both returning First Team All-PAC selections.

Sophomores Allison Heslop and Mary Rachel Robbins both captured All-Conference recognition as freshmen and are back for their second season.

MEN’S SOCCER Eight starters and several other key contributors are back in the fold for fourth-year head coach Mike Dreves ’97.

Grove City returns its top two scorers from last season in junior Jake Kern and junior Chuck Witt. Both scored four goals last year with Kern also racking up a team-high four assists.

Senior goalkeeper Sean Osborne recorded a 1.72 goalsagainst average after taking over as the starter early in 2008.

Also back is senior midfielder Joel Metz, who scored a pair of game-winning goals as a junior.

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ABOVE: Junior Garrett Cichowitz qualified for the NCAA Championships in 2008. BELOW: Junior Brigitte Fryan is returning to help the women’s cross country team vie for its 21st consecutive title. / Photos by Dr. Fred Jenny

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LEFT: Senior midfielder Joel Metz scored a pair of game-winning goals last season. RIGHT: Senior Elise Bender is a returning starter. / Photos by Dave Miller

WOMEN’S SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

The 2009 Wolverines will feature plenty of new faces in the lineup as graduation claimed eight seniors off last year’s 11-8-2 squad.

However, Grove City returns plenty of firepower as four of the team’s top five scorers from last year are back. Senior Hannah Yang tied for the team lead with nine goals last year while junior Emily Ostlund – a two-year starter – scored seven goals.

Also back are seniors Elise Bender, Michelle Peck, Courtney Sicher and Lauren Woodring. All four are multi-year starters for Grove City.

Grove City will field one of its youngest teams in recent memory in 2009 as the Wolverines have no seniors and just three juniors on the roster for 24-year head coach Susan Roberts.

Junior Inge Rasmussen is a returning AllPAC selection while classmates Jodi Barry and Kim Budd are both two-year starters.

Grove City also returns sophomores Annie Barry, Liz Jones, Mary Masinup and Anna McCurdy.

AT LEFT: Junior Inge Rasmussen is a returning AllPAC selection to the women’s volleyball squad. / Photo by Dave Miller

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wolverinesports WOMEN’S TENNIS After making its first-ever trip to the NCAA Championships in May, the Grove City women’s tennis team looks to maintain its dominance of the PAC. Seniors Lisa Baldwin and Kristin Taylor are both three-year letterwinners for Grove City and are expected to earn spots in the lineup again this fall.

Grove City also returns several other starters, including sophomores Reena Barnett, Megan Bennett, Christina Bedi, Emily Buurma and Stacy Moon.

Joe Walters is in his third year as head women’s tennis coach.

FOOTBALL With 15 starters and numerous other talented veterans back, the Wolverines look to challenge for the PAC title in 2009.

Offensively, record-setting quarterback Andrew DiDonato returns for his fourth season as the starter. DiDonato threw for a school-record 1,923 yards last year and is Grove City’s alltime leader with 5,043 passing yards.

Senior tight end Chris Rich and senior guard David Gernhard both enter their third year as starters while senior Justin Macella is the incumbent at center.

Defensively, All-South Region tackle Tony Clark is back for his senior season. Also back on defense as starters are senior defensive backs Vance Keirsey and Randy Santina, junior linebacker Kevin Twarek, junior safety Butch Kriger, sophomore linebacker Jason Ferguson and sophomore nose tackle Jarred Frawley.

(Ryan Briggs ’01 is the Grove City College sports information director.)

Wolverine football sets fall schedule Date SEPT. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 SEPT. 26 OCT. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 OCT. 31 NOV. 7 Nov. 14

Opponent DICKINSON Carnegie Mellon Bethany* W&J* ST. VINCENT Geneva Thomas More* WAYNESBURG* WESTMINSTER* Thiel*

Home games in BOLD * Presidents’ Athletic Conference games

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Time/Result L 52-47 L 45-40 7 p.m.

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ABOVE: Senior Lisa Baldwin is a three-year letterwinner for the women’s tennis team. BELOW: Four-year starting quarterback Andrew DiDonato is looking to build on last year’s record-setting season. / Photos by Dave Miller

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Arnesen ’06 excelling in Nationals’ organization Former Grove City College baseball standout Erik Arnesen ’06 is having an outstanding 2009 season in the Washington Nationals’ organization.

The 6-foot-3 right-hander is 10-4 with a 2.85 earned run average this season in 20 combined appearances at Class A Potomac and Class AA Harrisburg. He leads the Nationals’ minor league system in wins this season.

Arnesen began the season by going 4-1 in six starts at Potomac. The Nationals promoted him to Class AA May 11. In 14 appearances (13 starts) at Harrisburg, Arnesen is 6-3 with a 3.12 ERA. He has allowed just 73 hits in 78 innings at Harrisburg. Eastern League batters are hitting a mere .250 against Arnesen.

Overall, Arnesen has allowed 110 hits in 110 1/3 combined innings this year.

He has 89 strikeouts and just 25 walks.

At Altoona July 18, Arnesen fired seven shutout innings. He allowed just four hits and one walk in earning his sixth win at Class AA. In 2008, Arnesen split time between Hagerstown (low-A) and Potomac (highA) and finished with a 10-7 overall record. He helped Potomac capture the Carolina League title last year and earned

Erik Arnesen ’06 is excelling in the Washington Nationals’ organization. / Chris Knight, Harrisburg Patriot-News

the win in the title-clinching game.

He spent the 2007 season at Hagerstown after making his pro debut in 2006 with the short-season Class A Vermont Lake Monsters.

As of July 21, Arnesen owned a career record of 28-23, including a 21-13 record

over the past two seasons.

In his senior season at Grove City, Arnesen went 9-0 and helped the Wolverines to a school-record 26 victories. The Nationals selected Arnesen in the 17th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft.

Courage, Carter earn Sportsman, Sportswoman titles Swimming star Caleb Courage ’09 and cross country/track and field standout Kristen Carter ’09 were honored as the 2008-09 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.

Courage concluded his career as a three-time NCAA Division III champion in the 100 freestyle. Last March, Courage won the NCAA title with a time of 43.62 seconds in the finals. He also owns the Division III record in that event.

A Shippensburg, Pa., native, Courage also won NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007.

He spent the 2007-08 year training for the Olympic Trials before returning for his senior season last year.

Courage concluded his career as an 18time NCAA All-American. At this year’s NCAA Championships, Courage earned All-America honors in the 50 and 100 freestyle races as well as the 100 backstroke. He also helped the 200, 400 and 800 free relay teams to All-America status. Courage also contributed to Grove City’s All-America effort in the 400 medley relay. He is the most decorated

athlete in College history.

During the 2008-09 season, Courage helped lead Grove City to a 12-2 record and the PAC title. He earned PAC MVP honors for the fourth time in his career.

Courage owns Grove City records in the 50 freestyle, 100 free, 200 free and 100 backstroke. He also contributed to record-setting efforts in the 200 free relay, 400 free relay, 800 free relay and 400 medley relay.

During his career, Courage helped See TITLES, page 50

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Eight added to Athletic Hall of Fame in January

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rove City College will induct eight former standouts into its Athletic Hall of Fame Jan. 30, 2010, as part of the fourth class of honorees.

The College will induct Theresa Berg ’93, Katherine Brandt ’82, Peter Buttner ’61, Richard Manley ’67, David Marovich ’66, Earl Mays ’63, Thomas Shear ’66 and Karen (Watkins ’82) Sparks in conjunction with Grove City’s basketball doubleheader against Waynesburg University.

Below are brief biographical sketches of the eight inductees: Theresa Berg ’93 earned four letters in women’s basketball from 1989 to 1993 and graduated as the program’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,347 points.

Berg earned First Team All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference as a junior and a senior. She is just one of two players in program history to score at least 400 points in two different seasons.

Katherine Brandt ’82 earned four letters in basketball and three in softball during her career at Grove City from 1978 to 1982.

On the hardwood, Brandt helped the Wolverines earn four Women’s Keystone Conference titles and a 67-11 overall record. Grove City qualified for the EAIAW Championship Tournament during her junior season and the inaugural NCAA Championship Tournament as a senior.

In softball, she earned All-WKC twice and led the team in runs batted in three times.

Peter Buttner ’61, a standout center forward for the men’s soccer team from 1957 to 1960, became the first modern Grove City athlete to earn multiple AllAmerica honors. Buttner earned AllAmerica status in both 1958 and 1959.

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He also earned All-Eastern following his junior season.

Buttner scored two goals and earned game MVP honors at the North-South All-Star Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1959. The College inducted him into its Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001.

Richard Manley ’67 started all four years at goalkeeper for the Grove City men’s soccer team and helped the Wolverines to a 30-4-2 overall record from 1963 to 1966.

Manley twice earned All PennsylvaniaNew Jersey-Delaware honors and was selected as an alternate for the United States Pan American Team (1967) and U.S. Olympic Team (1968).

Manley punctuated his Grove City career by receiving Grove City’s Omicron Delta Kappa Sportsman of the Year for 1966-67.

David Marovich ’66 earned seven total letters – three in basketball and four in track and field — at Grove City from 1962 to 1965.

As a sophomore, Marovich scored a school-record 369 points and averaged 18.5 points per game. He eclipsed both marks as a junior by firing in 380 points in 20 games for an average of 19.0 per game. He graduated in third place on the College’s all-time scoring list with 1,072 points in just three years.

Marovich helped the track and field team to four straight West Penn Conference titles during his career as a versatile field performer.

He is one of a select few athletes to earn Omicron Delta Kappa Sportsman of the Year as a junior as he received the award for the 1964-65 academic year.

Earl Mays ’63 earned four letters as a standout diver for Grove City’s swimming and diving team from 1959 to 1963.

He captured Penn-Ohio diving titles in 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1963 while also helping Grove City to a 35-11 dualmeet record. Mays graduated as Grove City’s school record holder in both 1and 3-meter diving.

The College inducted Mays into its Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame in 1985 as a member of the inaugural class.

Thomas Shear ’66 earned seven varsity letters as a football and track and field standout at Grove City College during the 1960s. A four-year letterman in football from 1962 to 1965, The late Shear became the first player in modern Grove City history to lead the team in scoring three times.

Shear also showed his versatility in earning three letters for the track and field team. He won the West Penn Conference title in the javelin as a senior with a throw of 183 feet, 7 inches.

As a senior, the Coudersport, Pa., native co-captained both the football and track teams. Shear capped his career by earning Grove City’s Omicron Delta Kappa Sportsman of the Year award in 1966.

Karen (Watkins ’82) Sparks started all four seasons at center for Grove City’s women’s basketball team from 1978 to 1982.

A three-year team captain, she helped lead the Wolverines to four Women’s Keystone Conference titles and a 27-1 record in conference play. Grove City compiled a 67-11 overall mark during her career.

Watkins earned the team’s MVP award three times and graduated as the school’s all-time leading rebounder with 862.

She is just one of two Grove City players to average a “double-double” for her career as she averaged 11.0 points and 11.5 rebounds over 78 career games.

wolverinesports Four honored with Heritage Award Four distinguished graduates will receive the Grove City College Athletic Heritage Award during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony January 30, 2010.

Dr. Thaddeus “Ted” Penar ’42, Thomas Place ’49, Esther Post ’25 and Steven Stepanian ’22 comprise the second class of Heritage Award recipients.

Here are brief biographical sketches of this year’s Heritage Award recipients: Dr. Thaddeus Penar ’42’s association with Grove City began in his freshman year of 1938 and continued for over six decades as he served the College as a student, athlete, coach, educator and administrator.

He earned four letters in football and also lettered as a sprinter for the track team from 1938 to 1942.

After teaching at Kittanning and Butler high schools, Penar returned to the College in 1953 as a professor of education and registrar.

In 1955, he launched the College’s cross country program. In doing so, he established the foundation for what would quickly become one of the athletic department’s most successful programs.

The College later promoted Penar to vice president for academic affairs, a position he held until taking over as president of nearby Butler County Community College.

Thomas Place ’49, a multi-sport athlete at Grove City College from 1946 to 1949, found even greater success in athletics as a sports writer and publicist.

Place, a Grove City native, received the United States Ski Association’s Harold Hirsch Award as outstanding

ski writer of the year for 1963-64 while employed as sports writer and columnist for the Cleveland “Plain Dealer.”

Place took over as the director of information for the Professional Golfers’ Association Tour in 1972. He held that position for 20 seasons before retiring in 1992. In that role, Place oversaw media operations at over 700 PGA tournaments across the country.

The College honored Place in 1980 with the Jack Kennedy Alumni Achievement Award. In 2009, he received the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Tournament Lifetime Achievement Golf Journalism award in recognition of his career.

Esther Post ’25, or “Miss Post,” returned to campus soon after her graduation in 1926 as director of physical education for women.

During her 40-year career at Grove City College, the women’s physical education and sports programs under her direction quickly developed into model curricula for similar institutions.

The late Post also oversaw the implementation of a varied women’s sports program that included tennis, archery, field hockey, softball and several other activities.

She coordinated the women’s synchronized swimming show and May Day festivities and helped organize the Grove City College Outing Club in 1938.

Steven Stepanian ’22 earned nine total varsity letters at Grove City College in the early 1920s while launching a career in athletics that spanned six decades.

See HERITAGE, page 50

Soccer Hall of Fame adds two in October Grove City College will induct two former standouts into its Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend Oct. 3.

W. Glenn Zembower ’48 and Robert Bishop ’66 comprise the ninth class of inductees. Their inclusion brings the total number of inductees to 25.

Zembower earned three letters for Grove City while playing inside right (midfield) from 1945 to 1947. He helped Grove City to a 10-7-4 record during his career. As a senior in 1947, he captained the team and led Grove City in scoring.

Zembower also served as class president during his freshman and sophomores years as a student-athlete. As a senior, he became Student Council president at the College.

Bishop started all four seasons as a center forward and wing for Grove City from 1962 to 1965. He led Grove City in scoring in each of his last three seasons. During those three seasons, Grove City compiled a 24-1-2 overall record.

As a freshman in 1962, Bishop helped Grove City earn its first-ever NCAA Championship Tournament invitation.

He helped lead Grove City to a 9-0-0 record in 1964 and an 8-0-1 mark as a senior captain in 1965.

Bishop earned Second Team All Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware as a junior before earning First Team recognition as a senior.

Grove City established its Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001. The honorees will be introduced and recognized before the annual Hall of Fame Game Oct. 3, which features alumni against current varsity players.

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Music faculty duo opens specialty knitting store in downtown Grove City

By Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman erri Konzen appreciates a good yarn. Not the story-telling kind – the cotton, wool, silk and cashmere kind she sells at Wolf Creek Yarns in downtown Grove City.

Terri, a Grove City College guest lecturer in music, operates the yarn store with her husband Dr. Richard Konzen, professor of music and college organist. “I always wanted to have a knitting store,”Terri explained, and her dream became a possibility when her favorite yarn store in Harrisburg, Pa., closed due to the owners’ retirement. She and Dick were able to purchase the entire inventory, including shelving and tables, and relocate them to an open storefront at 112 Blair Street in Grove City (behind Saxony House furniture).Their stock items include yarns, books, patterns, needles and accessories for knitting.

The Konzens opened the store in July 2007. In addition to product,Wolf Creek Yarns offers classes such as Knitting 101, Crocheting 101 and sessions to make socks, sweaters and lace.

It also is a base for the “helmet liner program” to make and send the comfort liners to soldiers.

Terri invites an outside teacher to assist with the knitting classes and has two helpers for running the store.Three when you count Dick.

“He handles the business side of things,”Terri says, “from the point-of-sale system in the computer to year-end details.”

He also knows how to spin and weave yarn and can readily manage the store, she adds.The Konzens’ dog, Justie, is the shop’s unofficial greeter.

Terri learned the art knitting from her mother. “She took a class when I was about 10 and she taught me,”Terri recalls.

From that time on,Terri’s childhood pet, a schnauzer named Heidi, “had a knitted sweater in every color,” she remembers with a laugh.

Wolf Creek Yarns is closed on Mondays, as that is the day Terri teaches piano lessons at the College. She has been part of the faculty since 1993 and also uses her music skills as the organist at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Warren, Ohio.

(Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman is the Grove City College communications project coordinator and a GeDUNK associate editor.)

ABOVE: Colorful yarn is an eye-catching draw at Grove City’s Wolf Creek Yarns, a knitting store owned by Guest Lecturer in Music Terri Konzen and Professor of Music Dr. Richard Konzen. OPPOSITE PAGE: Terri Konzen adjusts the inventory at Wolf Creek Yarns. / Photos by Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman

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New faculty add talents to College ranks Grove City College welcomed four new faculty members this fall.

Dr. Craig Columbus is executive director of the entrepreneurship program and chair of the Entrepreneurship Department.

Columbus has been involved in the capital markets as a global Dr. Craig Columbus macro strategist and fund manager. In this capacity, he has been a popular figure on CNBC television, appearing regularly on shows such “Power Lunch,” the “Morning Call” and “Kudlow and Company.” He is a frequent commentator on political economy, regulatory and public policy issues.

He has experience in new venture creation, acting in capacities including founder, early employee and angel investor, primarily in the new media space. He has also engaged in “intrapreneurship,” founding and leading a financial information software startup within a large public corporation. He and his wife co-founded Ethos School, a non-profit day school in Scottsdale, Ariz., for high-functioning autism spectrum children.

A graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, Columbus holds an MBA from Penn State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University (admitted to the Pennsylvania bar).

Dr. Lijuan Meng, assistant professor of modern languages, is a native from the People’s Republic of China.

She received her bachelor of arts degree Dr. Lijuan Meng in English from Harbin

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Railway Engineering Institute in Harbin, and spent her first years teaching English in a high school affiliated with the Ministry of Railway and Engineering.

Meng came to the United States to pursue her graduate education. After one year of studying at Great Lakes Christian College, she enrolled at Calvin Theological Seminary and finished her theological training with a master of arts degree in Christian education. She earned her Ph.D. in intercultural studies from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2005, where she served as a teaching/researcher assistant.

Meng spent her last three years teaching at Providence Christian College, a newly-established Reformed liberal arts college in Ontario, Calif., where she taught eight different subjects, including East Asian history and politics and Chinese language.

Jonathan Miller, assistant professor of physical education, attended California Baptist University in Riverside, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology with an Jonathan emphasis in exercise Miller science. During that time, he was a four-year starting goalkeeper on the men’s water polo team.

During the past year, Miller continued his education at California Baptist, completing his master of science degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport management. He served as a general operations intern with USA Water Polo, and was an assistant resident director for California Baptist’s Residence Life Department.

Miller started his coaching career with Lancers Age Group Water Polo in 2004.

He coached teams in the Junior Olympics. He continued with the club until joining the University’s men’s and women’s water polo programs as an assistant coach.

Dr. Shuhui Su, associate professor of modern languages, was born and raised in China, where she started her undergraduate study in English and received her master of arts in Dr. Shuhui English language and Su literature at Fujian Teachers University. She came to the United States as a visiting scholar to conduct research on Chinese-English contrastive studies in language and culture at the University of California at Los Angeles, the State University of New York at Stony Brook and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She pursued doctoral study in Chinese language in the Department of Literatures and Languages, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and earned her Ph.D. degree in 2009.

Before coming to the States, she taught English and Chinese-English translation to English majors in China. In the States, while engaging in her research and doctoral studies, she started her Chinese language teaching at UCLA and later at the University of Hawaii. From 2005 to 2009, she was an assistant professor of Chinese at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif.

The College also welcomed two faculty members this past spring. Dr. Gina (Miller ’94) Blackburn, assistant professor of education, has taught in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Texas and Tennessee. Kathy Rhoades, assistant professor of music and fine arts, moved to full time professor after working part time for the last seven years.

facultynews Herbener contributes chapter to book on economist Dr. Jeffrey Herbener, chair of the Department of Economics, has contributed to a book honoring political economist Hans-Hermann Hoppe.

“Property, Freedom, and Society: Essays in Honor of Hans-Hermann Hoppe” is published by the Ludwig von Mises Institute in recognition of Hoppe’s 60th birthday.

Herbener’s contribution, a chapter called “Hoppe in One Lesson, Illustrated in Welfare Economics,” is among 35 chapters written by Hoppe’s colleagues, collaborators and former students from all over the world. Dr. Jeff Herbener The book, which contains personal testimonies and essays in Hoppe’s preferred research areas, such as political philosophy, democracy and economics, is edited by Jörg Guido Hülsmann and Stephan Kinsella.

“Hans-Hermann Hoppe is one of the most important scholars of our time. He has made pioneering contributions to sociology, economics, philosophy and history,” the back cover reads. “Hoppe and his writings have inspired scholars around the world to follow in his footsteps and to provide a scientific foundation for individual freedom and a free society.”

Herbener is a senior fellow at the Ludwig Von Mises Institute and coordinator of the economics working group at The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. The editor of two books, “The Meaning of Ludwig von Mises” and “The Interventionist State,” Herbener has had more than a hundred articles published.

Brenner presents research paper at national conference Dr. Fred Brenner, professor of biology, presented a research paper at the joint meeting of the American Society for Mining and Reclamation and Billings Land Reclamation Symposium held in Billings, Mont., from May 30 to June 5.

Brenner was also re-elected co-chairman of a division of the society.

Brenner’s paper, “Evaluating the Potential Impact of Surface Mining on Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates in a Native Brook Char Fishery” was published in the conference proceedings and was coDr. Fred Brenner authored by Jennifer Stenglein ’06 and Matthew Ridge ’10.

Stenglein recently earned her master’s degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Idaho and has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin.

Brenner was also re-elected co-chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Technical Division of the American Society for Mining and Reclamation.

A faculty member at Grove City since 1969, Brenner earned his bachelor’s degree at Thiel College and his master’s degree and Ph.D. at Pennsylvania State University. He is a certified senior ecologist and wildlife biologist.

Pisano ’94 chosen for music academy, continues music web site Dr. Joseph Pisano ’94, Grove City College associate professor of music and associate chair of the Department of Music and Fine Arts, was chosen by the National Association for Music Education to be part of the Music Technology Education Academy.

The academy was part of the association’s Music Education Week in Washington, D.C., on June 17-21. The association chose Pisano, along with Stefani Langol, assistant professor of music education from the Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts; Brian Dr. Joseph Pisano ’94 Moore, associate professor of music education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and James Frankel, managing director of SoundTree, as authorities on music education and technology.

During the opening panel session of the academy, “Making a Case for Technology,” Pisano helped provide insights into making the bridge between existing music curricula and future, technology-integrated music curricula.

Pisano, who has been at Grove City since 1996, is active with music-related research and his works have been published in numerous music related journals and online forums.

He is an active music educator, adjudicator, music advocate, jazz trumpet player, guest conductor and clinician. He earned his Ph.D. from Kent State University and is the founder and chief editor of the music, education and technology web site: http://MusTech.Net. (For up-to-date faculty and campus news, visit the News & Media portion of the Grove City College web site at www.gcc.edu/news.

Visitors can also sign up for RSS feeds, listen to online lectures, check out news releases and look back in time through a publication archive.)

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Senior class gift allows for new outdoor classroom The 2009 senior class gift at Grove City College was a huge success. The Class of 2009 ended with a participation rate of 62 percent and a record-breaking fundraising total of $20,261.50.

Working with the Office of Institutional Advancement, Class of 2009 representatives decided to make the class gift an amphitheater-style outdoor classroom to be built behind the Hall of Arts and Letters. The gift was announced to the class at a special Class of 2009 dinner, and throughout the year the class sponsored different fundraising projects.

The construction of this outdoor classroom behind HAL is a gift that will benefit countless future students. This new facility will provide a place where students can learn while enjoying the beauty of nature and will continue Grove City College’s aesthetic tradition on campus.

Construction on the classroom should be complete by Homecoming 2009.

Construction on an outdoor classroom has begun, as classes started Aug. 31. / Photo by Meg Chochola ’09

Wolf Creek improvement project awarded grants from two groups A plan to improve the area surrounding Wolf Creek on the Grove City College campus began with the help of recently awarded grants for $50,000 from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and $19,830 from the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.

The College started construction on the Wolf Creek North Trail project this summer. The project will stabilize the creek where it flows through the campus, re-establish and preserve some of the creek banks and establish a nature trail connecting downtown Grove City with East Main Street. It will also provide a small park for students and Grove City residents. The project is funded entirely through private sources.

The project’s first phase will focus on stabilizing the creek, dressing up Rainbow Bridge’s piers and improving bridge lighting. Construction will continue over the next two summers.

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The Watersheds funding will cover the costs of the creek stabilization; the Mellon grant will be used for the restoration of Wolf Creek, the nature trail and park. In addition, the College has committed $700,000 to the project.

Wolf Creek, part of the Ohio River Drainage Basin, divides the College’s upper and lower campuses and flows into Slippery Rock Creek.

The College’s section serves as both biology class lab space and as a place for recreation and tradition. Countless weddings have been photographed on Rainbow Bridge. Anglers fish on the College portion throughout the year.

With the removal of two dams in 2004 and 2006 respectively, Wolf Creek’s altered current through the College’s property threatens to erode two different points of the shoreline at bends in the creek. By restoring the stream to its natural channel, the banks will be better

protected.

The North Trail project will also provide public green space for the College and greater Grove City communities. Other plans include: a public natural area for fishing, walking, biking and picnicking; restoration of 1,000 to 1,500 feet of stream and about six acres of land; and a planting beneficial and native plants on a portion of the land adjacent to the creek.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation is among the largest independent foundations in the U.S. It makes grants toward regional economic development and improved quality of life in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is a grant-making foundation that invests in efforts to protect healthy, natural streams around the state, and to clean up pollution and repair damaged wildlife habitat.

campusnews

Mortar Board chapter earns honors The Grove City College Alpha Theta Mu chapter of Mortar Board has been honored with a Silver Torch Award for excellence by the national organization.

The Grove City chapter was one of 67 outstanding chapters to receive the award at the 2009 Mortar Board National Conference in July. The award was presented to chapters executing timeliness and dedication while exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. Recipients were selected based on a review of national records, requiring that the chapter meet all of the national minimum standards and deadlines.

Chapter President Kelsey Drefs, a senior from Elk Horn, Wis., was present to accept the chapter’s award.

Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors

for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Since its founding in 1918, the organization has grown from the four founding chapters to 227 chartered collegiate chapters with nearly a quarter of a million initiated members across the nation. The Alpha Theta Mu chapter at Grove City College was chartered in 1972 and currently has 49 members.

Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community.

Some notable Mortar Board members include former President Jimmy Carter, distinguished politician Condoleezza Rice and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Learn more at www.mortarboard.org.

Class of 2013 welcomes students from 37 states Grove City College welcomed a new 633-member freshman class this fall – the Class of 2013 – which totaled 323 men and 310 women, part of the largest total enrollment in College history.

Some of their statistics included: 63 percent acceptance rate 37 states represented 54 percent from out-of-state 57 valedictorians/26 salutatorians 21 National Merit finalists 9 percent legacy students 53 percent graduated in top 10 percent of class 79 percent graduated in top 20 percent of class 14 percent homeschooled 17 percent graduated from private, parochial and Christian schools 5 percent minorities 1259 average SAT 3.80 average GPA 3 percent were student body or senior class presidents 21 percent were in student council

45 percent were active in missions 90 percent were involved in some sort of community service in high school 17 percent were involved in marching band Among freshman students, the most popular declared major for men is mechanical engineering, followed closely by business management and electrical engineering.

The most popular majors for females are elementary education, English and biology.

Many of these students will also eventually earn teaching certification as part of their courses of study.

Overall, Grove City College welcomed its largest student population of 2,530 students representing 43 states, plus the District of Columbia and six foreign countries.

Ninety-three percent of freshmen return for their sophomore year, one of the highest retention rates in the nation.

Goncz scholarship established To remember former dean Joseph F. Goncz Jr., who served Grove City College for 36 years and died in 2008, a scholarship for engineering students has been established in his name. Goncz helped prepare generations of engineering students Joseph F. Goncz Jr. and directed the College’s engineering programs to their initial accreditation from ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, in 1991.

Goncz guided the Albert A. Hopeman Jr. School of Science, Engineering and Mathematics as dean from 1997 until his retirement in 2005.

He also served as chairman of the engineering department and special assistant to the president for engineering services and provided insight for renovations of Rockwell Hall and Memorial Dormitory.

Those who knew Goncz admired him for his devotion to the importance he placed on liberal arts in an engineering education and his keen eye for recruiting faculty. At the age of 69, three years after retirement, Goncz passed away on Aug. 14, 2008.

To remember and honor Goncz through this scholarship, charitable gifts can be sent to the Grove City College Development Office, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127. Checks should be made payable to “Grove City College,” designated for the “Joseph F. Goncz Scholarship in Engineering.”

Online gifts may be made through the College’s web site, www.gcc.edu/giving.

For more scholarship information, contact Director of Donor Services Roxann Williams at (724) 458-2991 or rewilliams@gcc.edu.

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Athletic department expanding coaching staff Grove City College has made several changes and additions to its Department of Physical Education and Athletics for the 2009-10 academic year.

The College has hired Jonathan Miller as head women’s water polo coach and assistant men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach. Miller, a native of Fresno, Calif., comes to Grove City after spending the 2008-09 academic year as assistant men’s and women’s water polo coach at California Baptist University.

Miller is a 2008 graduate of California Baptist and graduated as CBU’s all-time leader in goalkeeper saves with 1,025. He earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and recently finished his master of science degree in kinesiology at California Baptist.

Miller’s hiring coincides with several other personnel adjustments in the athletic department.

Head men’s swimming and diving coach Dave Fritz ’94 will add the responsibilities of head women’s swimming and diving coach at Grove City this year. In seven years as head

men’s swimming and diving coach, Fritz has guided the Wolverines to a 65-18 dual-meet record and three Presidents’ Athletic Conference titles. Fritz’ wife, Tammy, also helps to coach diving.

Fritz coached women’s water polo at Grove City from 2002 through the 2009 season. He led the Wolverines to seven appearances in the Collegiate III Championships during his tenure.

Joe Walters is the College’s new head women’s tennis coach after serving as interim head coach during the 2008-09 season. He led Grove City to a 14-6 overall record and the program’s first-ever invitation to the NCAA Championship Tournament last year.

Walters completed his 37th season as head men’s tennis coach at Grove City last spring. He directed the men’s squad to its 19th straight conference title in April. Walters will remain men’s tennis coach as well as associate athletic director.

Grove City has also consolidated its head track and field coaching positions into one position. This spring, Dr. Allison

Williams took over as head coach for both the men’s and women’s track and field programs after coaching the women’s team from 2001 to 2008.

Dr. Stan Keehlwetter remains on the track and field staff as an assistant coach after serving as head men’s track coach for five seasons. This move helps Keehlwetter better meet the needs of his expanding role on campus as dean of the Chapel.

Also, Cathy Jacobs will take over as the department’s facility coordinator. In that role, she will oversee the scheduling of activities in the College’s Physical Learning Center. Jacobs will handle all game management duties for home events throughout the academic year. She will also assume increased academic responsibilities in the department’s physical education and exercise science curricula.

Jacobs joined the Grove City staff in 1988 as head women’s swimming and diving coach. She also coached women’s tennis from 1991 to 2007 and coached the softball team from 1989 to 1993.

HERITAGE from page 43

TITLES from page 41

The late Stepanian lettered all four years at third base for the baseball team and also received two monograms in football at quarterback.

However, Stepanian made his greatest athletic impact at Grove City during the winter months. Stepanian started three years for the basketball team and led Grove City in one of its finest eras in history.

As a junior in 1921, Stepanian led Grove City to the Tri-State championship. In 1922, Grove City represented the East Region at the National Intercollegiate Tournament in Indianapolis.

He earned All-America laurels in 1922 while also receiving Tri-State All-Star honors in each of his final two seasons.

Following graduation, Stepanian became one of the most successful scholastic coaches in Pennsylvania history. He coached football, basketball and track at Charleroi High School and guided his teams to five total WPIAL titles.

One of the most decorated men in Pennsylvania athletic history, Stepanian has been inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame.

Grove City compile a 41-10 overall record in dual meets. He graduated with a degree in philosophy.

Carter excelled in both cross country and track throughout her career. In cross country, the Bellingham, Wash., product earned PAC MVP honors three times and qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Carter earned All-America honors in 2007 after finishing 26th at the NCAA Championships. She is a three-time AllMideast Region honoree and is also a four-time First Team AllConference selection. She helped lead the Wolverines to four straight conference titles in cross country.

Carter won three PAC titles in the 1500-meter run and owns the school record in that event with a time of 4:47.75.

Carter also won two conference titles in the 5000. In 2006, she finished sixth in the 1500 and eighth in the 5000 at the ECAC Championships. She earned seven letters total.

This winter, she became the first Grove City student-athlete to earn the NCAA Sportsmanship Award. She received the award for her sportsmanlike actions after the 2007 PACs. A marketing management/communication studies graduate, Carter is a CoSIDA Academic All-America candidate.

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classnotes

Snowbirds Warm Up

Some Florida snowbirds enjoyed a day together in Venice, Fla. Row 1: Peggy (Smith ’56) Foster, Shirley (Sprinkle ’55) Blood and Donna (Oelschlager ’55) Atwood. Row 2: Ruth (Terry ’56) Marks and Sally (Ekin ’65) McCulloch. Not pictured: Sam Miller ’55.

1960 DR. DAVID DAYTON received the Volunteer of the Year award at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s annual statewide Townie Awards gala. He was eligible after winning the Olde Town Grove City Townie award last fall. He has been a leader with Grove City Revitalization Inc., from its inception in 2001.

Keep in Touch!

We want to keep in touch with you electronically!

If you have an e-mail address, or have recently changed your address, please contact us at alumni@gcc.edu

1963 BRUCE HAEDRICH and his daughter are publishing a web site of conservative comics and commentary. The website is www.EdwinandCarmine.com.

BONNIE (MORDUSH) ROBBINS was missing from a photo caption in the Spring 2009 GeDUNK. The page 55 photo of the ’63 Sigma Theta Chi sisters with a Theta Alpha Pi friend should have read Row 1, from left: Olivia (Adair) Brandt, Bonnie (Mordush) Robbins and Jan (Petrovic) Zipper. Row 2: Judy (Hannan) Robinson, Gail Anderson, Kay (Holland) Carlson, Connie (Rhonemus) Coffrin and Judy (Cathcart) Jaskulski.

1965 DEBORAH HAMMOND was the commencement speaker for The Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. She is an alumna of the school and a trustee for 25 years. She was a choral and general music teacher in Portland and South Portland schools for 21 years and was director of marketing and development at the Portland Symphony Orchestra.

SUE (OSBORNE) STAMM has been elected president of the Pennsylvania chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma national education organization for 2009.

1967 DR. LEON REED recently retired as the superintendent of schools in the Schuylerville (N.Y.) Central School District. He served in the district for the past 18 years.

1969

REUNION YEAR

JOHN FLEMING completed 40 years of accident/incident free flying. He served for 23 years in the Air Force and is currently flying for Federal Express in Memphis. While with the U.S. Air Force, he flew KC-135 Tankers in support of operations in Southeast Asia, Grenada, Panama and Iraq. He currently flies the Boeing 757 for Federal Express.

KAY (OSBORNE) KING retired from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in May 2009. She had been a faculty member in the Office of Counseling Services since January 1992.

1973 THOMAS MCWHERTOR accepted a position as director of constituency relations at Christian Reformed World Relief Committee in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Committee is an international development and disaster response non-governmental organization. e theG –eDUNK

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classnotes 1975

Across the Miles

RONALD PAINTER is the new chief executive officer of the National Association of Workforce Boards, based in Washington, D.C. He was the founding executive and, most recently, chief executive officer of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh.

1976 Anne (White) Manning’s home in Memphis was a central location for these 1964 classmates from across the country. From left: Gayle (Patterson) Phillips from Sky Valley, Ga., Carolyn (Aeberli) Bell from Houston, Anne (White) Manning, Linda (Beeman) Seelhorst from San Diego and Cammie (Waterhouse) Anthony from Boston.

1974

REUNION YEAR

LINDA (FORSYTHE) BYERLY has been named a financial analyst with Veritas Employer Services, based in Bonita Springs, Fla. She will have responsibility for corporate cash management and forecasting.

RYAN SHAFFER earned his 500th win as a head tennis coach in April. He has been coach of the boys and girls teams at North Canton (Ohio) High School since 2003. Before that, he coached at St. Thomas Aquinas High School from 1988 to 1999 and at Malone College from 1989 to 1995. He has taught at Malvern High School for 35 years.

Fun Florida Chix

THE REV. RODNEY SMITH, lead pastor for the Chippewa United Methodist Church in Beaver Falls, Pa., was inducted into the “Cambridge Who’s Who” executive, professional and entrepreneurial registry. He was recognized for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of religious services.

1977 CHRISTINE BLAINE was a finalist for Washington County (Pa.)’s Athena Award. The award recognizes an individual who has achieved a high level of professional excellence, assisted women in developing their full potential and made an impact in Washington County. Blaine is director of marketing and communications for the Washington Wild Things minor league baseball team and is president of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency’s board of directors.

1979

A group of ladies calling themselves the ’66 Chix had a reunion in Naples, Fla., in mid-March 2009. The women are primarily Sigma Sigma Sigma alumnae plus one, Sherry (Mizer) Hardgrove, a Theta Alpha Pi sister. The Chix plan to reunite in 2011, the year of their 45th class reunion. Row 1: Pat (Waddell) Mesta, Judy (Schweigert) Swezey, Sherry (Mizer) Hardgrove, Barbara (Studley) Burdette and Sandy (McCracken) Gurgovits. Row 2: Pennie (Martin) Clifford, Pat (Morgan) Neal and Gail (Holmgren) Hunter. Grove City husbands in attendance: Bob Hunter ’63, Bob Clifford ’64 and Lew Mesta ’64.

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REUNION YEAR

LYNN (LHOTA) ABRAMOVIC is owner of proSource Integrated Marketing in Cranberry Township, Pa. She and her husband founded the company, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2009.

DR. KATE JACKSON has been appointed senior vice president and chief technology officer for Westinghouse Electric Company in Pittsburgh. She will lead the technology team at the company, which is a pioneer in nuclear power and a supplier of nuclear plant products. She rejoined Westinghouse in 2008 as vice president, strategy for research and technology, following 17 years at the Tennessee Valley Authority.

classnotes LAURA (OCHSENHIRT) GREEN and her husband, Barry, welcomed son Sebastien Robert on April 18, 2008. e

Baltimore Wedding

1989

Sisters from the 1971 class of Sigma Theta Chi gathered in Baltimore for the wedding of the son of Andrea (Smith) Fine. Row 1, from left, Susan (Preston) Conrad, Andrea (Smith) Fine and Barbara (Toth) Brandt. Row 2: Cathy (Santalucia) Clark and Linda (Byer) Lemmon. Row 3: Janice (Troupe) Keifer and Barb (Sherwin) Schmit.

1981

1985

ROBERT GONGAWARE was promoted to senior vice president of finance at Indiana (Pa.) Regional Medical Center. He had served as interim senior vice president since October 2008.

DR. JONATHAN MCINTYRE has been appointed senior vice president, PepsiCo R&D Global Beverages. He will lead the company’s research and development beverage transformation agenda worldwide. McIntyre is a scientist with expertise in nutritional beverages, sports drinks and other formulas.

He is now based at the company’s headquarters in Purchase, N.Y. VALERIE (VOUGA) ZASADNY and her husband, Allen, announce the birth of daughter Aislin Vouga on Feb. 9, 2009. The family lives in Walker, Iowa.

1983 JEFF FURST was hired as the new chapter president of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The chapter is located in Raleigh and serves as 49-county area. In his community, Furst has served as president of the Johnson County United Way, chairman of the March of Dimes Walkathon and vice president of the Jaycees.

1984

REUNION YEAR

DAN RANTA was interviewed by Dow Jones this spring and the article appeared in “The Wall Street Journal.” It also was syndicated to about 30 other worldwide media sources. e

1988 LEIGH (GRANDIZIO) BOYER and her husband, Ken, announce the birth of their seventh child, Blaise Kenneth, on Nov. 25, 2008. He joins Sonny, Cullen, Emma, Callie, Briana and Dillon. The family resides in O’Hara Township (Pittsburgh) where Ken is an entrepreneur working toward a Ph.D. and Leigh is a homemaker, using her elementary education degree to homeschool.

REUNION YEAR

LYNN (BOBBIE) and BOB ’88 GRIFFIN, owners of The Australian Walkabout Inn Bed and Breakfast, received word that their Inn was named one of 14 “Travelers’ Choice for Romance” award winners. The award is presented by travel web site iLoveInns.com.

The Australian Walkabout, located in Lancaster, was the only bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania to be selected.

MICHELE (HILLARD) CARLSON received a Master of Science in Adult Education degree from Buffalo State College in May 2009. e DANA KOPF lives in Southwest Colorado where he owns both a rafting company and an internet web development company. e DR. STEPHEN TAAFFE has published a new book on the Civil War Navy called “Commanding Lincoln’s Navy.” It is available through local booksellers or amazon.com. This is his fourth book on American military history. He is a professor of history at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas.

1990 STATIA (PARTINGTON) and DEAN ’91 OLSON announce the adoption of daughter Anna Grace from Vietnam in June 2008. Anna Grace is 20 months old and joins sister Allison, 14, at home in Indiana, Pa. Dean is senior pastor of the Indiana First Church of God and Stacey is a stay-at-home mom.

TED RUSSELL has been appointed high school dean of students for the Wesleyan School in Norcross, Ga., beginning with the 2009-10 school year. Russell joined the school staff in 2001, serving in roles including ninth/10th grade boys’ chair, varsity girls’ volleyball head coach, middle school basketball coach and advanced placement European history teacher.

1991 MARK BELL has been installed as the new pastor at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Boardman, Ohio.

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classnotes Presidential Party

A Caring Cause

Nancy Hayes Bevington ’79 had a chance to meet former President Bill Clinton at a holiday gathering of the Clinton Foundation.

Hayes Bevington is vice president, career management services, at Right Management in Burlington, Mass.

JEFFREY BENSON and his wife, Carrie, welcomed son Noah Thomas on March 5, 2009. e DAVID KUREMSKY and his wife, Patricia, announce the birth of son Ryan William on March 27, 2009.

JUDY (GARTNER) and MIKE ’88 MATTIVI welcomed daughter Marcy Elizabeth on July 2, 2008. Marcy joined Nathan, 11, Michaela, 9, and Nicholas, 6, at home in Sarver, Pa. CINDY (BRENNAN) SHAFER was named director of development at Light of Life Rescue Mission on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

She will plan, direct and oversee the organization’s fundraising efforts.

1992 DR. DANIEL BELL was hired in June as superintendent of the Hermitage (Pa.) School District. Most recently, he was superintendent of New Castle’s Shenango Area School District. There, he served as assistant high school principal, junior high principal and assistant superintendent.

CRAIG CERRA and his wife, Tamara, announce the birth of daughter Dinah Russell on Nov. 21, 2008. Dinah joins siblings Madeline, 12, Levi, 9, and Eleanor, 7, at home in Fairview, W.Va. Craig is the administrative supervisor at the Grant Town Power Plant in Grant Town, W.Va.

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Deb (Templin ’87) Hickly was asked to be the featured speaker at the Highmark Caring Foundation’s annual Hoge, Starks, Ward Celebrity Golf Classic for Children. The event took place in May at Southpointe in Pittsburgh. It benefited the Caring Place, a grieving center that Deb and her daughters attended following the loss of husband and father John Hickly ’85. Pictured in front are the Hicklys: Gabrielle, Janelle, Marielle and Deb. In back: Steelers Hines Ward, Merril Hoge and Max Starks.

TODD SNITCHLER, state representative in the Ohio House of Representatives for the 50th District, was named to “Twenty Under 40!” by the “Canton Repository.” Awardees were selected based on career acumen, community service and trusteeship and personal and professional achievements.

GIL VANORDER celebrated his 39th birthday in June by launching a web site aimed at helping people around the world who do not have access to clean drinking water. The goal of www.40wells.org is to raise awareness and money in order to build 40 water wells in Africa and Asia before VanOrder’s 40th birthday. He is working with a non-profit organization called charity: water.

1993 JENNIFER (URH) BURKE and her husband, Tom, announce the birth of twin girls, Nora Elizabeth and Lillian Abigail, born April 15, 2009. e

SHAWNA GLADHILL and Kyle Sanders were married Oct. 25, 2008, in Baltimore, Md. Shawna produces and directs film and animation projects for CDM World Agency in New York.

Kyle is a Navy veteran who is studying 3D animation. They reside in the East Village of New York City.

DR. JULIE (CLINEFELTER) MOELLER and her husband, Valerian, welcomed daughter Elsea Claire on July 20, 2009. They reside in Grove City. Moeller is an associate professor of religion at Grove City College.

SHARI (CLEMENS) TUZ and her husband, Peter, announce the birth of daughter Elise Caroline on May 28, 2009. Elise joins brother Andrew, 5, at home in Matthews, N.C.

classnotes 1994

REUNION YEAR

JASON DRAKE will receive the 2009 Governor’s Environmental Award for developing a waste tire reclamation initiative at Maplewood High School in the Penncrest School District (Guys Mills, Pa.). This is the third award that Drake has received for his involvement with his students in a variety of environmental projects.

DAVID EURICH and his wife, Sonya, announce the birth of daughter Karissa Anne on Jan. 28, 2009. e CHRISTY (BROGLEY) and MICHAEL ’95 HOLLAR announce the adoption of daughter Gracelynn Chun, born Dec. 7, 2004, in Guangzhou, China, and adopted at age 3. e

ANNE (COOPEY) MCGUIRE and husband, Dennis, announce the birth of daughter Adelaide Elizabeth on June 23, 2008. e JENNIFER (SCOTT) MOORE and her husband, Troy, welcomed son Brennan on April 1, 2009. e DR. JOSEPH PISANO was chosen by the National Association for Music Education to be part of the Music Technology Education Academy. The academy was part of the association’s Music Education Week in Washington, D.C., in June. Pisano is a Grove City College associate professor of music and associate chair of the Department of Music and Fine Arts.

JENNIFER WOLFE and Kevin Kennedy were married April 23, 2008, in Riviera Maya, Mexico. They reside in Odenton, Md. e

1995 KIRSTEN (KERNER) BRUDER and her husband, Brian, announce the birth of son Christopher James on March 18, 2009. e MARC DICKMANN and his wife, Amy, welcomed daughter Zeyna, born March 24, 2008, and adopted from Ethiopia. The family lives in Matthews, N.C. MELANIE (LONG) MCGUIRE and her husband, Joe, welcomed son Jonah Christian, born Sept. 5, 2008, and adopted Dec. 10, 2008. He joins big brothers Jacob and Joseph.

KELLI PICCOLO and Seth Hall were married June 21, 2008, in St. Marys, Pa. Kelli is a senior paralegal at Morgan Lewis and Seth is a senior analyst with Lexis Nexis. They live in Springfield, Va. e

Alumni Choir Members Sing in Perfect ‘Harmony’

The choir members at Grace Church of Harmony, Pa., discovered about 30 Grove City College alumni in their ranks with many more as part of the history and future of the choir. As students, they came from many different areas. The singers now enjoy their weekly multi-class reunion as they worship. One Sunday in December 2008, those available for a photo were, Row 1, from left: Autumn (Sevick ’94) Bupp, Christine (Gerdes ’80) Sweikowski, Lisa (Nickita ’81) Allen, Carol (Beighey ’73) Steinacker, Mary (Garwig ’88) Barnes, Norman Frederick ’54 and Amanda (Nelson ’04) Prugar. Row 2: Christopher Brennan ’10, Daniel Allen ’81, Lois (Morton ’79) Kuttesch and Cheryl (Bupp ’94) Prouty. Row 3: Jonathan Landis ’95, Spencer Everett ’13, John Beighey ’74, Robert Kuttesch ’78, Nicholas Prugar ’04, Stephen Prouty ’94, John Hackworth ’94 and Kristi (Hall ’94) Hackworth. Missing from photo: Steven Cotherman ’72, Colleen (Lorigan ’73) Cotherman and Jack Barnes ’89. Other singers include: Justin Hartzel ’07, David Hartung ’71, Cheryl (Gore ’73) Hartung, Ellyn (Christian ’81) Snyder, Drew Snyder ’09, Sarah Anthony ’04, Gretchen (Gutzwiller ’02) McMichael, Patrick McMichael ’02, Joshua Gutzwiller ’99, Brian Beighey ’07, Clayton Safritt ’06 and Abby (Schoeffel) Elsess ’03.

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classnotes SONYA (WOOD) VERRILLO and her husband, Maurice, announce the birth of son Christopher Vincent on Nov. 13, 2008. e

1996 AMY CLINGENSMITH and Dave Mongiovi were married Aug. 8, 2009, in the Harbison Chapel Garden.

Amy worked for nine years at the College, most recently as senior director of communications. She now runs her own business, Clingensmith Communications, and as an independent contractor continues to manage The GeDUNK magazine. She is also the unit marketing director for Chick-fil-A in Reading, Pa., under operator Shawn Filby ’89 (see page 20). Dave is a system operator for Met-Ed, a First Energy company. He attended Loyola and Millersville colleges and served eight years as a nuclear operator in the U.S. Navy. Amy becomes stepmom to Kayla, 5, and Tyler, 7. The couple lives in Lititz, Pa.

JODI (GRECO) and JOHN ’94 CARVER welcomed Lila Jean on June 25, 2009. e LEANNA (FLUHART) and DAVE ’94 JOHNSON welcomed son Seth Matthew, born Nov. 26, 2007, and adopted March 17, 2009.

LESLIE (STINSON) MILCIC and her husband, David, welcomed daughter Peyton Maelle on Nov. 7, 2008. Brother Dawson is 6.

The Milcics live in Ellwood City, Pa., where Leslie teaches third grade in the Ellwood City Area School District.

JJ (WOLFE) RHINEHART and her husband, Tim, announce the birth of daughter Genevieve Lara on March 30, 2009. She joins sisters Juliana, 9, and Katrina, 4, in Williamsport, Pa. AMY SCOTT and David Campbell were married June 21, 2008. Amy is a physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine clinic in Fairfax, Va. David also works in Fairfax as an electrical engineer. They reside in Chantilly, Va.

Family Fun

CINDY (BRENNAN) SHAFER recently was named director of development at Light of Life Rescue Mission on the North Side of Pittsburgh. She will plan, direct and oversee the organization’s fundraising efforts.

ROBIN (JUESCHKE) SMITH and her husband, Nathan, are the parents of son Aaron Nathan, born April 5, 2009. They live in Wilmington, N.C. ADAM WYSE and Jennifer Powell were married March 28, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. Adam teaches at Worthington Christian Middle School and Jen is a pediatrician. The couple met in Israel on their pastor’s tour.

1997 LAURA (NOVOTNY) and RONALD ’99 JONES are the parents of son Jacob Christian, born March 10, 2009.

CHRISTINE (BITTLER) and CHAD ’96 KEENER announce the birth of daughter Sophia Elizabeth on April 3, 2009. e LAURA (SHUTE) and JEFF ’98 ROBERTS welcomed daughter Victoria Margaret on May 30, 2008. e CHRISTINE (ROHRER) STARNES and her husband, Mark, welcomed son Eli Wagner on March 11, 2009. He joins sister Ellie, 2.

DAN VON HANDORF was named principal of Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio.

1998

The Rich family, with five alumni members, recently gathered at Walt Disney World and did a little advertising for the College at the same time. Adults, from left: Robert Rich ’67, Janice (Carter ’67) Rich, Kristine (Rich ’94) Rush, Chad Rush ’94, Debbie (Rich) Higgs and Jeffrey Higgs ’95.

Children, from left: Daniel Rush, Emilie Rush, Ryan Higgs, Andrew Higgs, Matthew Higgs and Jacob Higgs.

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GINA (GABRIEL) BURKE has been published recently for her work with the emergency department at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C. She has lead Lean Six Sigma efforts to improve the department’s operational abilities and staff culture in handling a growing population.

Her work was published in the American Society for Quality’s “Quality Progress” magazine, “Building Quality in Health Care” journal and www.sixisgmaiq.com.

classnotes KELLY HARKCOM and Chris Litcher were married Oct. 18, 2008, in Chicago, where they currently live. Kelly is a workforce effectiveness consultant at Towers Perrin.

Chris is a senior performance consultant for Advocate Health Care.

JENNIFER (MATTERN) and SAM JOHNSON announce the birth of daughter Carmondy Amanda on May 27, 2008. Brother Landon is 2. They reside outside of Knox, Pa. AMANDA (DICOLA) and JON ’97 PATRICK welcomed daughter Aubrey Marie on Nov. 11, 2008.

JOHN SCHWAB joined Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti LLP in Pittsburgh as an associate in the commercial litigation practice.

CORI (FORNEY) and GRADY ’99 SUMMERS welcomed son Grayden on March 31, 2009. e GRETA (KESSLER) TYLKA and her husband, Matt, welcomed son Bryson Matthew on Oct. 13, 2008. He joins sister Elena, now 3.

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REUNION YEAR

ARIANNE (DROTOS) BEVINS and her husband, Bruce, welcomed son Harrison Bruce on Feb. 27, 2009. The family lives in Matthews, N.C. AUBREE (RANKIN) BOWLING and family relocated to Kansas in March. She works remotely for the Parents Television Council. e ROBERT BUSH and his wife, Kathryn, announce the birth of son Gavin Helm on June 25, 2009. e ROB CASSIDY and his wife, Rachel, announce the birth of daughter Anna Grace on Dec. 1, 2008. e JONATHAN CETTI and his wife, Kristi, announce the birth of son Garrett Anthony on April 27, 2009. Sister Julia is 2. The Cettis live in Mason, Ohio.

KATRINA (TOWNLEY) GAVIE and her husband, Benjamin, welcomed daughter Noora on Feb. 8, 2008. e

Weekend Visit

These classmates and friends met for a weekend in Clearfield, Pa. Row 1, from left: Karen (Whaley ’99) Grube, Megan (Koerber ’99) de Montaigne, Heidi (Brown ’99) Lee and Shannon (Hanna ’99) Milinovich. Row 2: Kate (Dinsmore ’00) Britton, Cindy (Graeser ’99) Sears, Kerri (Linto ’99) Smith, and Erin (Bachman ’00) Waclawski with son Caleb.

ERIN (SMITH) JOHNSON joined PBE Inc., as the new Gelok Division technical sales and service representative. e ALISON (NAGY) KILMARTIN accepted a position as an associate at the law firm Jones Day in Pittsburgh. She graduated from law school at Penn State in May 2009. e KAREN (HUNSBERGER) KLING and her husband, Mike, announce the birth of son Gavin Michael on April 29, 2009. He joins brother Brett, 4, in Telford, Pa. MEGAN (KRAUS) and JASON ’96 OLDENSKI welcomed son Keegan Michael on May 20, 2009. Keegan joins Landon, 2, at home in Mars, Pa. KIMBERLY (LUFSEY) PARKIN earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and manages Michigan Theological Seminary’s counseling clinic. She and husband Brian have a son, William, 2. e KATHERINE (HALL) PARRISH and her husband, Matt, announce the birth of son Maxwell Edward on Feb. 23, 2009. e SARAH (ABBOTT) PIERCE and her husband, Paul, announce the birth of daughter Zoe Elizabeth on Jan. 14, 2009. e TARA (MCCASLIN) and MATTHEW ’00 SMOUSE welcomed son Nathaniel on Feb. 4, 2009. e

CARISA (YOUNGMAN) TAKAC and her husband, Jason, are the parents of daughter Allison Grace, born Jan. 5, 2009.

2000 KATE (DINSMORE) and PAUL ’99 BRITTON announce the birth of daughter Lilian Jean on April 29, 2009. e SHEILA (MATTES) and CHRIS CARLBERG welcomed son Lincoln Edward on Feb. 11, 2009. The Carlbergs live in Concord, N.C. RACHEL (GODFREY) CHIPLEY and her husband, Phil, announce the birth of son Ethan Michael on Nov. 25, 2008.

SCOTT DOOLEY received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago in March 2009. e LACEY (WILLIAMS) and MATTHEW ’01 ECKERT welcomed daughter Julia Grace on June 18, 2009. e MEGHAN (KELLOGG) and BOB MCMICHAEL announce the birth of daughter Grace Evelyn on Jan. 15, 2009. e JAYME (HOFFMAN) RAPP and her husband, Brett, welcomed son Aedan Matthew on Feb. 3, 2009. The Rapps live in Bridgeville, Pa.

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classnotes JEFFREY TEDFORD was appointed music director and conductor of the Williamsport (Pa.) Chamber Choir and Orchestra, beginning with the 2009-10 season.

Groups of Grover Cousins Gather

2001 LISA (GILLILAND) DYE and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of daughter Ella Nicole on March 3, 2009. e KURT HERDMAN and his wife, Jeanine, welcomed daughter Claire Eliza on Feb. 14, 2009. e BRIANNE HESS, Esq., was recently promoted to vice president at the Bank of New York Mellon located in Pittsburgh. e ERIN (SANDIFER) JOHNSON and her husband, Dean, announce the birth of son Trevor on March 19, 2009. e NATHAN KAUFFMAN and his wife, Kristy, announce the birth of daughter Alaina Claire on Jan. 16, 2009. e MICHAEL KOERBER graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in May 2008 with a Master of Divinity degree. He, wife Sharon and son Caleb have relocated to Stone Mountain, Ga., where Michael is serving as the mobilization coordinator for TeachBeyond – a North American nondenominational mission agency that mobilizes, equips and sends educators to overseas ministry opportunities.

JENNIFER (MENSING) MILLER and her husband, C.J., welcomed son Ryan Jay on July 19, 2008.

SARAH MORGAN and Brian Smith were married May 17, 2009, in Morristown, N.J. Brian teaches political philosophy at Montclair State University and Sarah works as a historical researcher. e BETHANY (PERAGALLO) PAQUIN and her husband, Jed, announce the birth of son Silas Elliot on Aug. 7, 2008. e

2002 JILL (PAPARIELLO) CAMPBELL received a Master of Science in Human Resource Management degree from La Roche College in May 2008.

LAURA (LEEMHUIS) COOPER and her husband, Greg, welcomed son Nathaniel Isaac on April 2, 2009. The family lives in Erie, Pa. Laura is an engineer at GE Transportation.

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ABOVE: Grover cousins played together in April in North Carolina while dad Gareth Hughes ’04 is deployed as a Marine helicopter pilot to Iraq and Afghanistan. From left: Abigail Joyner, Simeon Joyner, Lydia Joyner, Calvin Hughes and Philip Joyner. Parents are Kevin and Catrin (Hughes ’95) Joyner and Gareth and Emily (Russell ’05) Hughes, who are stationed in Hawaii.

BELOW: Brady Ewing, center, age 3, sits with cousin Caleb Benjamin Garman (born 11-21-08), at left, and brother Ryan Christopher Ewing (born 4-28-08). Parents are Jared ’94 and Kimberly Ewing; Adam and Jennifer (Ewing ’03) Garman.

KORIE (SELL) COUNTS and her husband, Danny, announce the birth of twin sons, Eli William and Benjamin David, on May 27, 2009. e PETER DRAKE and his wife, Kelly, welcomed daughter Sarah Noelle on Nov. 21, 2008. She joins twins sisters Abby and Julia, 3, in Mansfield, Ohio. Peter joined Ashland University in January as webmaster.

LESLIE EBERLIN and Derek Smith were married Oct. 11, 2008, in Erie. Leslie teaches English and reading at Meadville Area Middle School and Derek is a water pollution biologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. e

NARI (BERARDUCCI) JETER graduated in May with a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy from Florida State University.

She accepted an adjunct professor position with the University for this fall, and also will be doing clinical therapy with children and families at a local mental health agency. She resides in Tallahassee, Fla., with her husband and two children.

LAURA LEVAKE and Joe Palke were married June 19, 2009.

MARNE (KACZMAREK) and GREG ’00 MILLER announce the birth of son James Gary on April 3, 2009. e KRISTEN (FRANUS) POLOMOSCANIK and her husband, Brandon, announce the birth of daughter Kassia Grace on March 29, 2009. e EMILY (GUTHRIE) and JEFF RILEY welcomed son Deacon Thomas on March 13, 2009. The Riley family lives in Abingdon, Md. MARK SALLADE is the pastor of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Glenside, Pa. SHANNON (FARLEY) SCHULTZ and her husband, Adam, announce the birth of daughter Sadie Hanna on Sept. 12, 2008. e

2003 AMBER (LANGLEY) and DEREK BOSTICK welcomed son Jaxson Lee on Jan. 22, 2009.

The family resides in Shippensburg, Pa. MARK CONGDON and his wife, Katie, welcomed son Judah in December of 2008.

AMANDA (MAY) and ANDREW ’01 COSTELLO are the parents of daughter Elizabeth May, born May 8, 2009. The family lives in Mt. Laurel, N.J. NATHAN FOX and his wife, Lori, welcomed daughter Eva Grace on April 1, 2009. e AMBER JONES and RYAN MITCHELL were married March 7, 2009, in Troutdale, Ore. The couple now resides in Lodi, Calif. Amber works as a senior accountant and CPA at Propp, Christensen, Caniglia LLP in Sacramento. Ryan works as a territory marketing manager for Worthington Industries in Stockton.

JORDAN (CLYDE) and MICHAEL ’04 LOVE welcomed daughter Addison Claire on April 27, 2009. The family lives in DuBois, Pa. DEREK STAUFF and Mariel Johnson were married May 16, 2009, in Windom, Minn.

They reside in Bloomington, Ind. Derek is a doctoral student in musicology at Indiana University and Mariel is the librarian for the university orchestras and choirs. e

classnotes 2004 REUNION YEAR

SARAH ANTHONY, human resource coordinator for Heinz North America, was chosen as the national Heinz North America Jefferson Award winner for 2009. She received the honor in June at ceremony in Washington, D.C. The awards recognize volunteerism, public service and making a positive impact on the community. Anthony serves as president of the Young Leadership Board of Girls Hope near Pittsburgh and serves as a mentor for the young girls who live there.

SARAH (GIBSON) and RYAN BOYD are the parents of daughter Julia Mae, born Dec. 24, 2008.

ALYSSA (WILLIAMS) KOVACH and her husband, Brad, each earned their Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of Memphis. Alyssa teaches high school Spanish and Brad teaches high school sciences.

HEATHER (WEBB) LONG and her husband, Brad, announce the birth of daughter Madeline Claire on Feb. 16, 2009. e CELESTE MCMICHAEL and STEPHEN LIVENGOOD ’05 were married Sept. 27, 2008.

MISTY (WADOWSKY) MCCONNELL and her husband, Jim, welcomed son Nolan on March 6, 2009. e LAURA (MYERS) MURRAY and her husband, Andy, welcomed son Brendan William on Nov. 6, 2008. e KRISTEN RADEBAUGH and GARY RIBE were married May 30, 2008, in Parsippany, N.J. They moved to Charlottesville, Va., to both attend the Darden School of Business MBA program at the University of Virginia. e MIRIAM (CLEMENT) RUDOLPH and her husband, Aaron, announce the birth of son Silas Alexander on May 11, 2009. e STEPHANIE HARTLE is the new editor of Grove City’s “Allied News.” She has worked with Allied since 2003, becoming full-time in 2004.

2005 JENNIFER (SEESE) and JASON ALLEN announce the birth of son Andrew Joel on May 1, 2009. e AMY (GOOD) CALKINS and her husband, Mark, welcomed son Evan Josiah on Dec. 21, 2008. Sister Abigail is 2. They live in Rochester, N.Y. ERIN CLAXTON recently published a book titled “Driving by Faith: Reflections from a Cross-Country Traveler.” In the book, Claxton tells of her three-month cross-country road trip and daily spiritual reflections. It is published by 25:5 Books.

AMBER GILSON and DANIEL SOLOMON ’04 were married May 17, 2008, in Pittsburgh. The couple currently resides in Princeton, N.J., where they both work in sales for Pfizer.

ALEX INTIHAR and Erica McCullough were married June 13, 2009, in Pittsburgh.

They now live in Seven Hills, Ohio. Alex is the owner of Intihar International and Erica is a teacher in Lakewood.

LAUREN KUPILLAS and Gabriel Kummant were married April 18, 2009, in New Hyde Park, N.Y. They live on Long Island, where Gabriel works as an engineer and Lauren is doing her internal medicine internship.

DAVID LEWIS and his wife, Tiffany, announce the birth of son Noah Aaron on April 4, 2009. e

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classnotes DAVID LINDEMANN graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine with an M.D. degree in May 2009. He has started a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. David and his wife, Jennifer (Gifford ’06) Lindemann, welcomed son Simeon Luther on Jan. 21, 2009.

ABBY MADER and Dan Shaffer were married Oct. 4, 2008, in Windber, Pa., where they reside. Abby is the children and youth ministries coordinator for their district of the Church of the Brethren and Dan is the program director at the district’s camp, Camp Harmony.

LYNN (CYGAN) MILLER and her husband, Timothy, welcomed son Isaac George, born Jan. 13, 2009. The family resides in Renfrew, Pa., where Lynn teaches Spanish at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.

DUSTIN NIEHENKE and his wife, Michelle, welcomed daughter Kira Hope on Feb. 8, 2009. They reside in Jefferson Hills, Pa. LISA (QUINN) and HANS ROBINSON announce the birth of son Isaac Anders on April 6, 2009. e JOSIAH TINDOR and his wife, Aleen, welcomed son Samuel Murphy on Dec. 26, 2008.

He joins brother Caleb, 2, in Frederick, Md. KRISTEN (HAYES) YOHN and her husband, Joshua, announce the birth of son Ryley Thomas on April 5, 2009. e

ABBY (DUNLAP) and DONALD LAWSON announce the birth of son Connor Lee on Jan. 2, 2009. They live in Venetia, Pa. CAROLYN LOLLA and Joseph Paletta were married July 11, 2009, in Bellevue, Pa. Carolyn is beginning her first year of law school at Duquesne University and Joseph is a criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh. They reside in Bellevue.

LEAH SPRYN graduated from Slippery Rock University in May 2009 with a doctorate in physical therapy. She has accepted a job offer as a physical therapist in Webster, N.Y. NICK TARASOVITCH was named a supervisor at Sisterson & Co. LLP in Pittsburgh. He joined the firm in 2006.

2007

TAYLOR BROWN and RICHARD KIMBALL ’08 were married Aug. 1, 2008, in Canandaigua, N.Y. Richard works as an engineer at Parsons Transportation Group in New York City.

Taylor is pursuing her master’s degree while working as a nanny. They reside in Verplanck, N.Y.

SUSAN (ALLGAIER) and IAN ’08 HARRIS are the parents of son William Xavier, born Aug. 11, 2009.

JENNIFER HOWELL and ROBBIE SCHMIDTBERGER ’08 were married May 3, 2008, in Grove City and currently reside in Murrysville, Pa. Jennifer works as an instructor for Westinghouse Electric Company and is pursuing her master’s degree in online teaching and learning through California State University. Robbie is a high school Bible and history teacher at Trinity Christian School.

DEREK LARSON and his wife, Sarah, announce the birth of son Gideon Derek on March 4, 2009. The family resides in Missouri City, Texas.

ERIN LUKASIEWICZ and Eric Bancroft were married Dec. 20, 2008, in Raleigh, N.C. They both are working toward a Ph.D. in mathematics at North Carolina State University. e JENNIFER MCFARLAND graduated with a master’s degree in education in school counseling from The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va. She was named the Virginia School Counselor Association’s 2009 School Counseling Graduate Student of the Year. She works as a counselor for New Kent High School in New Kent, Va. TED NASHLAND will be serving as a volunteer for 27 months at the orphanage Farm of the Child in Trujillo, Honduras. e

Disney Day

2006 REBECCA (SILLICK) JONES was named the “Rising Star” at the annual PRism awards held by the Rochester, N.Y. chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Jones is a public relations associate with the University of Rochester Medical Center.

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This group of Grovers met in Orlando to enjoy Disney World together. From left, Brian Bosak ’06, Jason Spanogle ’08, Matt Wilson ’07, Kristine Michalson ’08 and Bethany Peck ’08.

Grove City College Alumni Magazine

classnotes KRISTEN ORTENDAHL received a Master of Arts in Higher Education degree from Geneva College in May 2009. e

Fireworks and Friends

2008 EMILY GARVER and JAMES DUDT ’07 were married Jan. 3, 2009, at Harbison Chapel. They currently reside in Lakewood, Ohio. James is working as a mechanical engineer for Karpinski Engineering in Cleveland. Emily is teaching fourth grade at Westside Christian Academy in Westlake.

ROCHELLE RITCHEY and Micah Kennedy were married June 5, 2009, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. They are both on staff at World Outreach Church. e KRISTEN SIEMINSKI and JOHN TIERNAN ’07 were married April 5, 2009, at the University of Virginia Chapel in Charlottesville. They reside in Erie, Pa., where John is a high school math teacher and Kristen works for a non-profit. e REBECCA YORK and KENNETH SHICK were married Aug. 30, 2008, in Bowie, Md. They reside in Marysville, Ohio. e

2009 ASHLEY BAZO and STEPHEN ALBERT ’08 were married June 20, 2009, in York, Maine.

Stephen began Officer Training School in July at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. After completing school late this fall, the couple will be moving to Texas, where Stephen will attend Intel training for approximately seven months.

An apartment rooftop in Washington, D.C., sufficed as a spot for current students and alumni from across the Eastern seaboard to watch July 4 fireworks. Row 1, from left, Holly (Fleischman ’07) Morgan, Bethany Peck ’08, Matthew Wilson ’07 and Jason Johansen ’10. Row 2: VV Thiagarajan ’06 and Andrew Berglund ’10. Row 3: Justin Kabonic ’10, Mike Morgan ’07, Jacob Michalson ’10, Jeff Thompson ’06, Betsy Christian ’06, Brian Bosak ’06, Kristine Michalson ’08, Pete Tooley ’09 and Evan Feinberg ’06.

MARSHALL BIRKEY has been awarded a 2010-2011 Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship to pursue graduate studies abroad. He plans to enroll in a Spanish language master’s program focusing on economic development. For the upcoming year, Birkey will work with the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation in Washington, D.C. ALYSE BRANNON and CHRISTOPHER TRINCH were married in June 2009. They now live in Lovettsville, Va. Chris began a job in June as a mechanical engineer at Carter Control Systems, Inc., in Frederick, Md. BENJAMIN HOLLAND was appointed to serve as a national committeeman for the Young Republicans National Federation in Washington, D.C. He also is a member of the executive board for the Pennsylvania Federation of Young Republicans.

DAN SPAULDING, MATT SOL and BOB TERHUNE all completed the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon on May 3, 2009. Spaulding earned the extra honor of coming in third overall in a race of more than 4,000 runners.

transcripts For official transcripts, send a letter to: Registrar, Grove City College 100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127-2104 Please include: NAME (maiden if female); SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER; DATE of graduation or attendance; NUMBER of transcripts needed; PHONE to reach you during business hours; ADDRESS where transcripts should be sent; FEE of $3 per copy (checks payable to Grove City College).

Information in a transcript may not be released to third parties without written consent of the student. Requests submitted by e-mail or fax cannot be honored.

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inmemory he Grove City College Alumni Association places a book in Henry Buhl Library in memory of each alumnus for whom the Alumni Office receives written notification of death, including a copy of the obituary. In addition to paying tribute to the lives of deceased alumni, the books will benefit current and future students.

If you would like to support Grove City College through a will bequest or other charitable estate plan, contact Marcus J. Fish ’97, director of planned giving, at (866) 386-3422 or mjfish@gcc.edu.

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ELEANOR (STEWART) PERRINE ’30 died May 2, 2009, in Middletown, Pa. She sang in choirs, volunteered at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and enjoyed golf. Two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren survive.

WILLIAM J. BAUMGARTEN ’37 died June 27, 2009. He made his home in Pittsburgh.

ROBERT C. FUNK ’37 died Dec. 1, 2008. He lived in Penfield, N.Y. Two daughters, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive.

HELEN (HECKATHORNE) ANDERSON ’40 died July 26, 2009. The 1940 May Queen formerly served on Grove City College’s Alumni Council and Pittsburgh Women’s Club. She lived in Beaver, Pa., for many years, where she held leadership roles in her church and many civic groups. Anderson’s mother, Lula (Caven ’16) Heckathorne, was the College’s first May Queen. Surviving are three sons, a daughter, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

RICHARD M. PATTERSON ’40 died April 23, 2009. Formerly a partner in Patterson Auto Parts, he was a two-term Butler County (Pa.) commissioner. His many community activities included Boy Scouts, school boards, YMCA board, Rotary Club and Masons. Surviving are his wife, Anna, a daughter and son.

MARGARET (BRYAN) PERKINS ’40 died March 19, 2009. She lived in Monroeville, Pa., where she was a homemaker and worked briefly for ALCOA and as a substitute teacher. Surviving are two daughters, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

EVALYN (RINK) FILER ’41 died June 29, 2009.

Early in her career, she taught French and Latin in Rochester, N.Y., later working in a school library in Iowa City, Iowa. She still lived in Iowa City, where she was a local sports enthusiast and volunteered at hospitals. Survivors include a daughter and son, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

ELIZABETH (WILLIAMS) GEBHARDT ’41 died Oct, 4, 2008. She lived in El Cajon, Calif.

ROSE (MONK) STEVENSON ’41 died Jan. 25, 2009. Her home was in Madeira, Ohio, and she leaves four children and five grandchildren.

VERNE (HERBERT) CABOORIS ’43 died May 17, 2009. She lived in Marco Island, Fla. DOROTHY (MINGER) MULLIGAN ’43 died June 4, 2009. She lived in New Jersey and Florida, then Mechanicsburg, Pa., for the past 21 years. She was a teacher, dean and director at New Jersey’s Taylor Business Institute and an office assistant and editor for Skelly & Loy Inc., in Harrisburg. Survivors include two sons, two daughters and grandchildren.

MIRIAM (MCCONKEY) WILLIAMSON ’43 died March 8, 2008. She lived in the Seattle area, where she raised her family and sang in the church choir for 40 years. She enjoyed travel and accompanied her husband on Middle East business trips. Three children, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother survive.

EDNA (CLARK) BABCOCK ’44 died July 9, 2009. She was a librarian at Penn State Behrend for many years, later moving to Florida, then Doylestown, Pa. She was an avid golfer. Survivors include two daughters, five grandchildren and a great-grandson.

HELEN (RAY) MECHLER ’46 died April 3, 2009.

She taught briefly at Plain Grove (Pa.) High School and worked at Intermediate Unit IV, Grove City. Most recently, she lived in Tucson. Survivors include two sons, four grandchildren and a sister.

ROBERT C. BUTLER ’47 died June 3, 2009. A chemical engineer, he worked in refinery design and chemical sales for 35 years with the E. I. duPont Co. He was an Army Air Corp veteran, barbershop singer, church deacon and small plane pilot. He lived in Chestertown, Md. Wife Anna (McClymonds ’44) Butler; two daughters; brother Donald Butler ’49; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive.

BARBARA (COX) MCHENRY ’47 died July 15, 2009. She taught with the Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Fairfield (Pa.) school systems and the Consortium of Colleges, Harrisburg campus. She made her home in Gettysburg and was involved with Eastern Star and White Shrine. Surviving are her husband, Samuel McHenry ’47, three children, a grandson and a brother.

RUTH L. KAUFMAN ’48 died March 1, 2009.

She lived in St. Petersburg, Fla., and survivors include two daughters.

NORMA (KLEMMER) NEELER ’48 died June 3, 2008. She lived in Pittsburgh and leaves four children, a brother and seven grandchildren.

JOAN (YOUNG) THORNE ’48 died June 14, 2009. She made her home in Marlton, N.J. Survivors include her husband, D. Kendall Thorne ’47; two sons, including David Thorne ’73, and a grandson.

B. JOANN (BARNES) CARTER ’49 died June 3, 2008. A Greensburg, Pa., resident, she was a teacher at Greensburg Salem High School before her 1988 retirement. Husband Jay, a sister, stepdaughter and stepgranddaughter survive.

OLIVE “DOLLY” (CARR) GINGRAS ’49 died Feb. 7, 2009. A resident of Friendship, Md., she leaves her husband, William, two sons and a daughter.

inmemory PAULINE (TITZEL) WHEELER ’49 died July 17, 2009. She was a home health and operating room nurse. She lived in Westmont, Pa., where she was in the church chancel and bell choirs.

Husband Nelson Wheeler ’49, four daughters, four grandchildren, a sister and brother survive.

RICHARD B. JEFFREY ’51 died July 4, 2008. A World War II Army Air Corps veteran, he worked in banking and financial planning. He lived in Marlborough, Mass., and completed his career with State Mutual Life Assurance Co. Two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren survive.

THE REV. FRANCIS M. BLAIR ’50 died May 15, 2009. He was a retired Presbyterian minister in Middletown, Ohio; and Thomas, Charleroi and Finleyville, Pa. Most recently, he resided in Bradenton, Fla. He was a World War II Navy veteran. His wife, Louise, a son, two daughters, two sisters and four grandchildren survive.

JAMES T. OESTERLING ’51 died June 7, 2009.

A chemical engineer, he resided in Hilton Head Island, S.C. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine and Army during World War II. He was a Mason, Shriner and member of the Scottish Rite.

Surviving are his wife, Marilyn (Heck ’52) Oesterling; two daughters, including Tina (Oesterling ’82) Webb-Browning; a brother and three grandchildren.

DR. JOHN E. BROWN ’50 died March 29, 2009. He made his home in Tidioute, Pa. JAMES A. ENGLISH ’50 died April 24, 2009. He lived in Washington, D.C., and was an accomplished musician. Wife Roberta, two sons, three grandchildren and a great-grandson survive.

WILLIAM A. MCNEISH ’50 died April 23, 2009. He lived in Monroe, N.C., and worked for Teledyne Allvac for 23 years. He was an Army veteran and loved to golf. His wife, Mildred, a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren and sister Roberta (McNeish ’47) Weaver survive.

HUGH J. MOSER ’50 died May 30, 2009. A World War II veteran, he retired in 1990 as art director of the international advertising division of The Upjohn Company. He lived in Parchment, Mich. Survivors include his wife, Ruth (Merwin ’50) Moser; three children, including Barbara (Moser ’75) Oldroyd; two grandchildren and brothers John Moser ’53, Walter Moser ’56 and Frank Moser ’63.

LAURA (WRIGHT) PIEVAC ’50 died Jan. 12, 2009. Originally a business teacher, she and her husband started The Sam Pievac Company in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., which has prospered for 49 years. She enjoyed charitable pursuits and was a lifelong sports fan. Surviving are two sons and five grandchildren.

ANTHONY J. GREGORY ’51 died Jan. 1, 2009.

He worked with Goodyear Aerospace in the Subroc missile program and the Fleet Readiness program. He later joined Babcock & Wilcox Company’s research division. He served with the U.S. Army in North Korea. A Grove City resident, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and VFW. Surviving are four sisters, including Elizabeth (Gregory ’42) O’Neil and Julia (Gregory ’44) Urey, and brother Thomas Gregory ’56.

G. DOUGLAS ROBINSON ’51 died June 2, 2009. He lived in Bethel Park, Pa. Survivors are his wife, Virginia (Nichols ’53) Robinson; a daughter; two sons, including David Robinson ’75; six grandchildren and a brother.

BEVERLY (WALTER) KELLEY ’52 died June 10, 2009. She was a dedicated and accomplished special education teacher who received the New Jersey Governor’s Albert Einstein Excellence in Education award in 1990 and the Grove City College Alumni Achievement Award in 1991. She lived in Southold, N.J., where she enjoyed crosswords and games.

Surviving are daughter Jill (Kelley ’77) Minnich, two sons and eight grandchildren.

ROBERT O. WOODARD ’53 died May 23, 2009. A Falconer, N.Y., resident, he worked at Frewsburg Central School as a math and science teacher, later as high school principal. He was active in school associations, rod and gun clubs and the Jamestown Audubon Society. He was an Army veteran. Surviving are his wife, Agnes, two daughters, a son and five grandchildren.

MARGARET L. SWARTZ ’54 died April 22, 2009. She was a flight attendant and secretary for United Airlines for more than 30 years and a secretary for 10 years at George Mason University. She loved to travel and most recently lived in New Wilmington, Pa. Survivors include a brother, nieces and nephews.

CONRAD B. ZIMMERMAN ’54 died June 8, 2009. He lived in Frostburg, Md. ROBERT W. CRANFORD ’57 died April 2, 2009.

He worked in sales for Sawhill Tubular Products in Sharon, Pa., retiring in 1999. Living in Hermitage, he was active in his church and YMCA, and enjoyed golf, hunting and fishing. Surviving are his wife, Gayle, two daughters and two grandchildren. Gifts in his memory can be made to Grove City College.

RICHARD D. SCHUEMACHER ’52 died Oct. 1, 2008. He resided in New York, N.Y.

RONALD L. FOGEL ’59 died May 23, 2009. He started several businesses, including Fogel and Associates engineering consulting company, and the Calcium Silicate Corp. After living in Columbia, Tenn., for 39 years, he retired to Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. His wife, Sue, four children, a sister and seven grandchildren survive.

ROBERT W. THOMPSON ’52 died May 2, 2009. An Army veteran, he lived in Saegertown, Pa. He was a registered professional engineer in Pennsylvania, specializing in environmental control and foundry practices. He worked for Orwell Supply Division of U.S. Steel, Talon Inc., Abex Corp., and Dayton Malleable. He was a Mason and VFW member. A brother survives.

THE REV. GORDON N. ODMARK ’59 died Aug. 6, 2007. He served Lutheran parishes in Williamsport, Pa., and Haddonfield, Florham Park and Wayne, N.J. He also assisted the bishop of the New Jersey synod and lived in Barnegat, N.J. He was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. Surviving are his wife, Marilynn, two daughters, a son, a sister and grandchildren.

MAJ. JAMES N. OMDAHL ’53 died May 3, 2009. He served in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Active Reserves. Living in Bethlehem, Pa., he worked in the purchasing department at Bethlehem Steel for 36 years, retiring as manager of raw materials and supplies. Community activities included church leadership and military organizations. Survivors are his wife, Mary (Carson ’54) Omdahl; three sons, including James Omdahl ’77 and Mark Omdahl ’85; a daughter; seven grandchildren and twin brother John Omdahl ’53.

CHARLES D. BELL ’60 died March 20, 2009. He lived in Columbus, Ohio, and retired from Worthington Industries after 35 of service. He coached youth sports, helped Junior Achievement and his church, and was a 32nd degree Mason.

Surviving are his wife, Diane, a son, two daughters, five grandchildren and brother R. Hays Bell ’64.

JOSEPH A. CRISSMAN ’60 died Dec. 21, 2008.

He lived in Punxsutawney, Pa. Survivors include a sister, nieces and nephews.

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inmemory WILLIAM C. BRENNEISEN JR. ’63 died May 4, 2009. A former resident of Coraopolis and Hermitage, Pa., he most recently made his home in The Villages, Fla. Surviving are his wife, Claudia, two daughters, a son and five grandchildren.

CAROL (REIBER) SCHONROCK ’64 died March 16, 2009. She lived in Fairfax Station, Va., and is survived by her husband, Tracy, three daughters, a son and four grandchildren.

EDWARD H. MENGES JR. ’67 died May 12, 2009. An Army veteran of the Vietnam era, he earned medals including a Silver Star and four Bronze Stars. He was director of personnel for the city of Lakewood Colo., in the 1970s, then moved to Fort Collins where he owned a distributorship and managed Michael Ricker Pewter. He served as president of the chamber of commerce and taught business at Colorado State University. Survivors include a son, two daughters, two grandchildren and his mother.

KAREN (GLEESON) WICKERHAM ’68 died July 29, 2009. She taught junior high school early in her career in Indiana, Pa., and later helped build Allegheny Steel Distributors with her husband. They lived in Fox Chapel. Surviving are her husband, Robert Wickerham ’66, a son, two daughters, three grandchildren and a sister.

Gifts to a scholarship in her memory can be made to Grove City College.

JAMES B. BROWER ’71 died March 26, 2009.

He lived in Caldwell, N.J., and co-owned Techniplast Inc. in Little Falls for many years. He loved to sail and was active in the rescuing of Basset hounds. Brower served with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. Surviving are his wife, Terri, in-laws and friends.

REBECCA (REICHERT) DUKE ’73 died May 7, 2009. She lived in Pittsburgh and worked for 23 years with Westinghouse and 12 years with Koppers. She co-chaired “Hot Pink Pittsburgh” for two years. Surviving are her husband, Richard; her mother; sister Cathy (Reichert ’68) Bishop; and two stepchildren.

DR. M. BARBARA AKIN died Aug. 14, 2009, in Grove City. She taught at Grove City College from 1970 to 1999 and chaired the history department during that time. She was head resident in MAP West from 1971 to 1974.

Akin also served as vicar of the Church of the Epiphany Episcopal in Grove City. Conducting her funeral service was Bishop Sean Rowe ’97.

VIRGINIA M. FEHRS died May 17, 2009, in Chesapeake, Va. She was head resident in Harker Hall, and later Mary Ethel Pew Hall, from 1971 to 1987. Survivors include three children, four sisters, five grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

Is It Your Will—Or Someone Else’s?

All your life you’ve made the decisions about how your assets will be used—about how you’ll provide for yourself, your family and the organizations you believe in. But will you be able to retain that same control over your legacy—over the things you will leave behind?

You can, if you have an up-to-date, well-planned last will and testament.

With a will, you can: · Provide for each of your loved ones as you judge their needs · Choose caring, responsible guardians for your minor children · Make special arrangements, such as a trust, for a loved one who will need extra care · Choose the people who will administer your estate · Make gifts to the charitable organizations that have meant the most to you during your life

Without a valid will, you put every one of these decisions in the hands of others.

Want to avoid making costly mistakes or incorrect assumptions when preparing your will?

Get the details from Marcus J. Fish ’97, director of planned giving, at (724) 458-2154 or mjfish@gcc.edu.

He will send you the free special report “8 Pitfalls in Writing your Will” or plan a personal visit with you.

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine

alumnibabies Congratulations New Parents!

Grove City College welcomes your new bundle of joy. We want to send your newborn a Grove City College T-shirt. So between the feedings and late-night lullabies, be sure to send the Alumni Relations Office your child’s name and date of birth. Shirts are available only in infant size. Due to the popularity of the Alumni Babies feature, photos will be limited to babies under the age of 3 in Grove City College shirts only. Digital photos must be high resolution, 300 dpi. Please do not imbed photos in the body of an e-mail message, but rather attach a highresolution image. Send to Alumni Relations Office, Alumni Babies, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, Pa. 16127 or alumni@gcc.edu.

Will Daniel Ason Born 1-3-09 Pamela (Lindner ’01) and Richard Ason

Margaret Winnifred Bandstra, Born 6-3-08 Emily (Bolek ’05) and Joel Bandstra

Cecily Rebecca Bell Born 2-20-08 Carrie (Hilzinger ’02) and Ed Bell

Lucy Booth Born 9-4-07 Alan ’99 and Jennifer Booth

Blaise Kenneth Boyer Born 11-25-08 Leigh (Grandizio ’88) and Ken Boyer

Lydia Noelle Broms Born 6-17-07 Tim ’07 and Ruth Broms

Liam Seth Bucklen Born 11-23-08 Keith ’02 and Kelly Bucklen

Aaron Thomas Calzada Born 4-5-08 Susan (Sems ’98) and JC Calzada

Ariana Marie Campbell Born 11-13-07 Laurie (Kessler ’97) and Brian Campbell

Lincoln Edward Carlberg Born 2-11-09 Chris ’04 and Sheila (Mattes ’04) Carlberg

Elsa Katherine Daly Born 4-4-06 Andy ’98 and Erin (Wert ’98) Daly

Caroline Suzanne DeWorken, Born 9-23-08 Chris ’89 and Suzanne DeWorken

John William Duda Born 5-31-06 Michael ’95 and Paula Duda

Andrew Ewing Born 5-8-06 Patrick ’92 and Becky (Benzinger ’96) Ewing

Micaiah James Fitch Born 8-7-06 Deborah (Osborne ’91) and Todd Fitch

Rock Daniel Fix Born 9-18-07 Stephen ’02 and Rachel Fix

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alumnibabies

Emeri Jane Gausman Born 9-15-08 Matthew ’00 and LeAnn (Neuman ’02) Gausman

Lydia Evangeline Gramm Born 8-30-08 Christopher ’91 and Diane (Yohe ’91) Gramm

Landon and Carmondy Johnson Born 9-20-06 and 5-27-08 Sam ’98 and Jennifer (Mattern ’98) Johnson

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Lily Joy Grosh Born 6-13-08 Thomas ’96 and Theresa (Ginder ’96) Grosh

Katelyn Jane Hoye Born 5-21-08 Matthew ’97 and Lesley (Spencer ’98) Hoye

Nolan Edward Hutchison Born 7-1-08 Lynn (Kress ’95) and Eric Hutchison

Seth Matthew Johnson Born 11-26-07, Adopted 317-09, Dave ’94 and Leanna (Fluhart ’96) Johnson

Jacob Christian Jones Born 3-10-09 Laura (Novotny ’97) and Ron ’99 Jones

Caleb William Koerber Born 1-3-08 Michael ’01 and Sharon Koerber

Isaac Martin Lewis Born 9-4-07 Martin ’00 and Teri Lewis

Sophie Grace Litwak Born 5-11-08 Jesse ’98 and Amy (Russell ’97) Litwak

Kara Grace McCann Born 7-16-08 Steve ’99 and Kelly (Bubar ’99) McCann

Karla Jayne McCormick Born 11-10-06, Adopted 115-08, Jason ’00 and Jennifer McCormick

Benjamin Vincent McGraw, Born 3-3-07 Jennifer (Smilek ’02) and Eric McGraw

Jonah Christian McGuire Born 9-5-08, Adopted 12-10-08 Melanie (Long ’95) and Joe McGuire

Peyton Maelle Milcic Born 11-7-08 Leslie (Stinson ’96) and David Milcic

Jacob Michael Moser Born 4-12-08 Michael ’93 and Laura Moser

Andrew Charles Newlon Born 12-14-07 Jason ’97 and Amy (Cheeseman ’96) Newlon

Courtney Noel Newtz Born 11-6-07 Brian ’02 and Lindsie (Nofsinger ’03) Newtz

Grove City College Alumni Magazine

alumnibabies

Elise Olivia and Maxwell Edward Parrish, Born 221-07 and 2-23-09, Katie (Hall ’99) and Matt Parrish

Matthew David Sherman Born 5-26-08 Jeremy ’99 and Alison Sherman

Quinn Marie Owen Born 3-4-08 Marty (Hayes ’04) and RJ ’04 Owen

Alan Christopher Propfe Born 12-25-06 Jennifer (Hait ’99) and Chris Propfe

Aiden Robert Rapoza Born 8-17-08 Darcy (Galvin ’94) and Mathew Rapoza

Victoria Larraine Rhea Born 11-23-08 Kelsey (Pollock ’06) and Nathan Rhea

Paige Margaret Roberts Born 1-30-09 Becky (Nelson ’98) and Scott Roberts

Anna Kate Sallade Born 11-14-08 Mark ’02 and Jenn (Rugg ’02) Sallade

Benjamen Paul Schanz Born 6-18-08 Paul ’01 and Karen (Pryor ’01) Schanz

Charlotte Irene Schuerer Born 1-8-08 David ’87 and Kendra Schuerer

Josiah Judah Smith Born 10-2-06 Lisa (Potts ’01) and Eric Smith

Willard Gregory Spalding, Born 3-7-08 Gregory ’80 and Lilia Ruiz Spalding

Joshua Evan Tustin Born 11-8-06 Heidi (McGowan ’96) and Thomas Tustin

Bryson Matthew Tylka Born 10-13-08 Greta (Kessler ’98) and Matt Tylka

Future Roommates

Cousins

Owen William Wheeler, left, and Colin Jerome Janson, born 8-13-08 and 10-27-07 to Heather (Oates ’00) and Steven Wheeler; Laura (Lemire ’00) and Jim Janson

Hannah McCall Nye, left, and Emily Reagan Hoffer, born 6-30-08 and 4-17-08 to Corrie (Lindey ’00) and Kevin Nye; Michael ’95 and Connie Hoffer

Hayley Winder, Born 6-9-08 Richard Winder ’89 and Lisa Seibold-Winder ’88 theG –eDUNK

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine Grove City College 100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No.869 Erie, PA

SHEDDING NEW LIGHT ON

HARBISON CHAPEL

Photo by Anna Wood '10

Harbison Chapel received some much needed TLC this summer. After several months of detailed restoration work, the teaching window at the Quad side of the Chapel was reinstalled and is now beautifully lit at night. New lighting was also installed inside the Chapel without taking away from the character of the structure. Nearly identical to the originals, new lighting fixtures now allow for more light, better angles and brighter bulbs.