Mount Aloysius Magazine | Summer 2013 Edition by Mount Aloysius College

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Year in Hospitality | pg 4 Mount Aloysius spends a year focusing on the Mercy value of hospitality through a series of related speakers, events and discussions.

The MAC Act | pg 22 A new director of theatre and a fresh group of talented student actors means a new and impressive direction for the MAC theatre program.

Commencement 2013 | pg 24 Congratulations to the class of 2013! Read about our guest speakers, honorary degree recipients, and most importantly, the newest Mountie alumni.

»»Dear Friend of Mount Aloysius College: Welcome to the Spring/Summer issue of the Mount Aloysius College Alumni Magazine. Since our last publication much good has taken place on campus. As I write, we are fresh from Commencement – the last for our Health and Fitness Center as construction on the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center moves forward. Commencement 2013 marked new beginnings for 412 graduates as they joined the ranks of our alums. This was the largest graduating class in the history of the College. Patricia Rooney, wife of retired Irish Ambassador and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney delivered our Commencement Address. Her remarks served as the capstone to our year-long theme of “Hospitality—Finding Home in a Changing World.” Patricia’s work and, indeed, her life have reflected authentic family values: equality, justice, well-being and dignity of person. She expertly intertwined her message of living the Mercy values with our theme of Hospitality. As a married couple—both natives of Pittsburgh—the Rooneys are a testament to faith, family and football, in that order. From the football team to local schools, to the fields of music, history, poetry and other cultural and community endeavors—their life together is a model of lives well-lived. Patricia and Dan Rooney were honored, as

a couple, with an honorary Doctor of Social Justice degree. Mrs. Shirley Pechter, Altoonabased arts activist, community leader, philanthropist and musician also received the Doctor of Social Justice degree. Sparked by a life-affirming reaction to the death of a young daughter from cancer and of a grandson from suicide—Shirley Pechter’s pursuit of the positive has created beacons of hope over 50 years in the community and across the country. Dr. James Walsh, an internationally respected MIT-based expert on terrorism and nuclear issues, also received an honorary degree. Dr. Walsh visited Mount Aloysius College—delivering this year’s Moral Choices Lecture entitled: “My Five Dinners with Ahmadinejad—Hospitality in the Context of Foreign Policy.” He engaged us all as a skillful teacher, a prolific storyteller, an intellectual wit and humorist and a practitioner of the art of “civil discourse.” We have had a wonderful year of great special events and much good learning. We are excited about the future as new plans emerge from the fine people who call Mount Aloysius College their home. We are deeply grateful for your support and hope to see you at Alumni Weekend. Until then…

All the best,

Tom Foley President, Mount Aloysius College Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 1

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013 | Mount Aloysius College | www.mtaloy.edu

Board of Trustees Mr. Mark Barnhart Ms. Ann Benzel Mr. Paul Calandra Dr. Barbara Cliff Dr. Margaret Ann Dougherty, RSM Mr. Phillip Devorris, Vice Chairman Sr. Mary Ellen Fuhrman, RSM Thomas P. Foley, J.D., President Judge David Klementik Ms. R. Adele Kupchella Mr. Scott Lawhead Mr. James Lyons Dr. Lisa Mary McCartney, RSM Mr. Michael McLanahan Mr. William C. Polacek Mr. Richard D. Rose Mr. Daniel Rullo, Chairman Mr. Edward J. Sheehan Mr. Joseph Sheetz Mr. Timothy Sissler Sr. Sara Sweeney, RSM Mr. Derek Walker Ms. Anne Wilms

Director of Communications/ Editor in Chief John A. Coyle

President Thomas P. Foley, J.D.

Any inquiries should be addressed to: Mount Aloysius Magazine Director of Communications Mount Aloysius College 7373 Admiral Peary Highway Cresson, PA 16630-1999 Phone: (814) 886-6453 Email: jcoyle@mtaloy.edu

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jennifer A. Dubuque

Asst. Director of Communications/ Creative Director Samuel Wagner Publications Coordinator Chelsea Wilson Contributing Writers John A. Coyle Michael Greer Lance Loya Nathan Magee Samuel Wagner Photography MAC Communications Department Scott Paul Printer NPC

Non-Discrimination Statement: Mount Aloysius College strictly prohibits and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination against any person on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information or veteran status in the administration of its admissions and employment practices, educational policies, financial aid, scholarship and loan programs, athletics or any other College administered program. Any person with limited language skills will be eligible for assistance in language skills from the College upon request. The College will provide such assistance to assure that any person with limited English language skills will not have language act as a barrier either to admission or to participation in programs of the College. Inquiries or requests for information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the College’s designated Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, at the Office of Student Affairs, Cosgrave Center, 7373 Admiral Peary Highway, Cresson, PA 16630. Tel: (814) 886-6472. If you have questions or need information regarding specific accommodation(s), including physical access to campus facilities, please contact the Office of Student Affairs, Cosgrave Center, at the telephone number or address listed above. Any request(s) for accommodation should be made with as much advance notice as possible in order to provide sufficient time for the College to review and respond to your request in a timely manner. Philosophy of Mount Aloysius: As a Catholic College founded and sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Mount Aloysius College provides a setting in which students are encouraged to synthesize faith with learning, to develop competence with compassion, to put talents and gifts at the service of others, and to begin to assume leadership in the world community. With emphasis on values of justice, hospitality, mercy, and service, the College’s liberal arts core curriculum provides the necessary basis for leadership and the knowledge and skills for success in a wide range of professions. Mount Aloysius is a Mercy College.

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A Year in Hospitality Finding Home in a Changing World 4â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

»»In the fall of 2012, Mount Aloysius President Tom Foley announced to the incoming freshmen class and their parents that the College’s theme for the 2012-2013 academic year would be “Hospitality – Finding Home in a Changing World.” “As an institution of higher education serving under the auspices of the Religious Sister of Mercy, we celebrate Hospitality as a core value,” he said. “Completing an entire academic year where we focused on fostering civil discourse, we looked within to find a theme that flowed logically from that effort. ‘Hospitality – Finding Home in a Changing World’ spoke to us as fitting and appropriate to the time in which we live.” And so began our yearlong exploration of a new theme “Hospitality—Finding Home in a Changing World.” Mount Aloysius College invited the general public to the annual Convocation Lecture by internationally renowned speaker John Granger on September 6, 2012 on the College’s Whalley Plaza. Mr. Granger also participated in a panel discussion entitled, “Pop Culture Lit and the Search for Meaning” the day before Convocation which was also open to the general public. A true classicist, John Granger, author of the well-read weblog called “The Hogwarts Professor,” spoke on “The Hunger Games: Finding A Home in a Dystopia.” Mr. Granger’s academic focus is the intersection of literature, faith and culture. He is most well-known as the author of several books analyzing J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels and the allegorical meanings of Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” trilogy. Granger is a writer, commentator and literary critic. His talk explored symbolism, myth, and allegory of these popular dystopian novels in the context of the quest to find a spiritual home in “an often inhospitable world.” Mr. Ganger’s remarks were transcribed and a monograph is available through the College Communications department. Just a few weeks later, MAC’s Constitution Day celebration featured a panel discussion by young representatives of various political parties and presidential campaigns. They appeared as a panel and addressed the question: “Is There a Home for Young People in the Political Status Quo?”

Dr. Jim Walsh addresses hospitality before a packed Alumni Hall during his lecture, “Five Dinners with Ahmadinejad: Hospitality in the Context of Foreign Policy,” on March 12, 2013. Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 5

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

»»HOSPITALITY AT A CATHOLIC COLLEGE Most Rev. Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown was the next speaker in the series. Bishop Mark celebrated Mass at this year’s All College Liturgy and delivered a homily, as well as a separate on-campus address, entitled “Some Reflections on Teaching and Learning Hospitality at a Catholic College.” Bishop Bartchak offered his reflections on the theme of hospitality in light of the teaching of the encyclical Ex Corde Ecclesiae. The events took place on September 28, 2012. The Mount Aloysius College Office of Mission Integration announced last fall that the Ecumenical Lecture for Fall,

2012 would feature Princeton Theological Seminary Professor Kenda Creasy Dean. Dr. Dean is an ordained elder in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is a Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary where she works closely with the Institute for Youth Ministry. Dr. Creasy Dean’s latest book is entitled “Almost Christian: What the Faith of our Teenagers is Telling the American Churches.” Professor Creasy Dean delivered the Mount Aloysius College Hospitality Speaker Series Lecture for Fall 2012 on October 10, 2012 in historic Alumni Hall. Again, the lecture was open to the public.

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Dr. Creasy Dean also served as Lecturer for the Ecumenical Luncheon on Thursday, October 11, 2012. This annual event is reserved for invited clergy and church leaders and takes place in Cosgrave Student Center. The title of her remarks was, “Creating Home for Young People in Christian Churches.”

whom she shared kindred life experiences. While hailing from Ohio farmers and Kentucky coal miners, Kenda Creasy Dean was also raised as a self-described ‘politician’s kid.’ ”

Sister Helen Burns, RSM, Vice President of Mission Integration at Mount Aloysius College noted that Ms. Creasy Dean’s campus visit was appropriately timed. “Our choice of Kenda Creasy Dean as the 2012 Fall Ecumenical Lecturer fit perfectly with our time in the country’s electoral cycle, and with our campus theme of Hospitality: Finding Home in a Changing World,” she said. “Her message truly resonated with many of our students with

The next invited speakers in the series were a married couple – Pulitzer Prize Winner David Shribman and his wife, Cindy Skrzycki, an award winning writer and lecturer. Their public event was entitled, “The Hospitality of Writing.”

»»UNEXPLORED VIEWPOINTS

“We were excited to have Mr. Shribman back to campus and looked forward to the exchange between this prolific and very literate couple’” said MAC President Foley. “We rightly

believed that the concept of Hospitality, as it is applied to the written word, had not previously been explored. Indeed, it had enormous possibilities for those who love good writing.” In mid-September of 2011, David Shribman was part of a distinguished group offering a Symposium on Civil Discourse as part of Mount Aloysius President Foley’s Inaugural Celebration. Mr. Shribman became executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2003, after 10 years as the Washington Bureau Chief of The Boston Globe. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in journalism in 1995 for his coverage of Washington and the American political scene. His column, “National Perspective,” is syndicated to more than 50 papers nation-

ally through Universal Press Service of Kansas City and he is a contributing editor of Fortune Magazine.

(From left)1. John Granger signs a promotional poster at the College after his Convocation remarks on hospitality with Dr. Tim Fulop, Vice President for Academic Affairs, looking on; 2. Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak addresses a group of students, faculty and staff on “Hospitality at a Catholic College”;

He has been married to Cindy Skrzycki, a Washington Post financial columnist, for 26 years. She is now an awardwinning, full-time senior lecturer in the English Department at the University of Pittsburgh and is a business correspondent for GlobalPost. com, a news service based in Boston.

writing, communication and psychology. Their discussion took place in Alumni Hall on November 8, 2012.

The 2012 Honor Societies Symposium, entitled, “Hospitality in the Digital Age,” featured members of the Mount Aloysius College faculty and staff sharing perspectives on the theme through the prism of various academic disciplines, including classroom and on-line course design,

The next speaker on hospitality was Dr. James Walsh, former director of the Belfer Center at Harvard and current Research Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Security Studies Program (SSP), who delivered the Moral Choices Spring Lecture. Dr. Walsh’s address, “Five Dinners

3. In front of a packed Alumni Hall, David Shribman, Cindy Skrzycki, and President Foley discuss the “Hospitality of Writing.”

with Ahmadinejad: Hospitality in the Context of Foreign Policy,” explored the theme of Finding Home in a Changing World from the standpoint of geopolitics and foreign relations. The event took place in front of a packed Alumni Hall on March 12, 2013. For the Spring Honors & Business Lecture, Harry McHugh, retired COO of Wawa, Inc. (and a Wharton MBA), visited Mount Aloysius

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Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA and discussed “Hospitality in the Corporate World— How To Stay In Business Over Two Hundred Years: The Wawa Story.” Mr. McHugh was introduced by Sheetz President and CEO, Stan Sheetz who represents a western Pennsylvania example of the same theme. The two men are old friends who turned the concept of “Hospitality” into a true business imperative and who continue to refine the concept in their own unique ways in their respective parts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

»»CAPSTONE ADDRESS On March 11th, Mrs. Patricia Rooney, wife of Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, delivered the 2013 Commencement Address to a packed Athletic and Fitness Center. The 412 graduates, their families and friends, MAC faculty and staff and members of the College Board

of Trustees heard a fitting and beautiful Commencement Address that served as a most appropriate capstone to our Year of Hospitality. Reaching deep into the core values of our Founding Religious Sisters of Mercy, Mrs. Rooney delivered a message that carried a lifetime of living the Catholic message as a wife, mother, grandmother, educator and activist. “Hospitality,” she said, “affirms the best in all of us… Hospitality affirms human dignity, that each of us deserves to be treated in a very special way.” With the conclusion of her remarks she and her husband Dan received the Honorary Doctor of Social Justice degree, with President Foley reading the citation, honoring the Rooney’s as a couple. Patricia and Daniel Rooney, in gratitude for your virtuous friendship, for your inspiring

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journey of witness to the ideals of solidarity and social justice, and for the beautiful example you give us of a love expanding to embrace the human family, Mount Aloysius College proudly confers upon you both now the degree of Doctor of Social Justice, honoris causa, this Eleventh day of May Two Thousand and Thirteen. §

(Below) Stan Sheetz, CEO of Sheetz; Harry McHugh, retired COO of Wawa; and President Tom Foley stand together after a presentation on hospitaity in business practice. (Right) 2013 Commencement speaker Patricia Rooney completes our Hospitality series with remarks on hospitality and human dignity.

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»In » the immediate aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, the images flooding the news channels, newspapers and web sites came fast and furious. One in particular—on the front page of The Boston Globe—riveted Mount Aloysius President Tom Foley. Clear among the smoke, 10 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

and bloody chaos was a very familiar face— his brother Jack. His response was immediate and he shared his thoughts and feelings with the nation.

MAC President Foley’s Op-Ed reflected upon the wisdom of Fred Rodgers’ counsel to “look for the helpers” when tragedy strikes. His piece ran in numerous newspapers throughout Pennsylvania and beyond and made websites literally around the globe. Picked up by the Associated Press wire service, his reflections also graced the pages of The Chicago Tribune. Pennsylvania papers carrying his message included: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Altoona Mirror, the Harrisburg’s Patriot-News, Allentown’s Morning Call

(above), The Daily News of Huntingdon, the Delaware County Times outside of Philadelphia and The Scranton Times-Tribune. Website postings included several European sites plus ESPN.com and USA Today.com. The included cartoon is reprinted with permission from artist Randy Bish of the Tribune Review, whose mother-in-law is a Mount Aloysius alum. President Foley’s Op-ed is reprinted here in its entirety.

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Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

Bittersweet

A group of MAC students, faculty and staff took a service trip to Guyana over spring break, 2013, to help the needy in that area. The group blogged about their experience. The following blog entry was written by Laura Stahli, ‘15, about her experience.

y, oh, my. What a journey it has been. Here we are, at the end of our service here in Guyana. After four days of sensory and experience overload, I must say that I wish I had forty more. Today, I was blessed with the opportunity to teach first grade at Bosco Academy (the school at the orphanage). Kara and I were basically thrown into a class with no real explanation. We did numbers, reading, and writing. We also did a lot of laughing. It is impossible not to, considering the silliness of seven first graders. For the first time in my life, I really felt like an adult. I was responsible to make sure these young boys learned something. At the very least, I hope I brought a bit of joy into their lives. That is where this amazing adventure becomes bittersweet. We have spent afternoons playing with the boys at the orphanage. However, this was the first time that I spent the entire day there. From the very get go, the boys were grabbing my hand and leading me around. The whole day I tried to give them all as much love and attention as I could. I just felt like those boys needed a hand to hold and someone to hug. I picked up and held as many as I could and a few sat with me in the afternoon while I read them stories. By the end of the day, I just wanted to scoop them up and bring them home. I am amazed at how fast I grew attached to those little guys. I didn’t know everyone’s name, but they all smiled when I looked them in the eye and called them, “little man.” The most heart breaking part of this experience was having to say goodbye to them. All I heard was “Miss, come back tomorrow!” It was so hard to tell them I was not coming back again. Their innocence and youth

showed. One boy in particular, Alex, made a permanent impression on me. After we walked to the van, I saw his eyes overflowing with tears. He just stared at the van sitting just beyond the gate. It was seeing him and all the other boys at the fence that almost caused me to lose it. As heartbroken and sad as I am, I have to believe that this trip positively impacted not only myself, but the people I came in contact with. I hope those boys and girls that I taught this week have a positive memory of me and that they knew, that for at least a few hours, that someone truly loved and cared about them. When all is said and done, however, this trip was not about the service we did. It is about the things we experienced and felt. It’s about the way we were affected and how our lives were changed. I can say, with absolute certainty, that I am not the same person that left Cresson less than a week ago. I will carry this experience with me forever in my heart. It is my greatest wish that I can return someday. Please say a prayer for all the boys at the orphanage. They need more love than I can send them.

Tomorrow is a day to explore the natural beauty of our host country. We will explore the rain forest and hopefully find a way to lighten our hearts and soothe our souls. Then, it is back to the real world and everything that we left behind. I want to thank each and every person on this adventure with me. It is a once and a lifetime opportunity that I am glad each of you has been a part of. That is all for tonight. Love and miss you all.

Visit macguyana.blogspot.com to read more about the trip. 12 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

Service Award »» Mount Aloysius College received notification from the Corporation for National and Community Service that, for the second consecutive year, their community service efforts have earned them a solid place on the prestigious President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Mount Aloysius students earned the designation last year. The President’s Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. The President’s Honor Roll, a national recognition, was launched in 2006. The Honor Roll annually highlights the role of colleges and universities in solving community problems and placing students on a lifelong path of civic engagement by recognizing institutions that achieve meaningful, measureable outcomes in the communities they serve. Mount Aloysius President Tom Foley was gratified to receive the honor again this year. “Graduating community-

ready citizens is a core function of Mount Aloysius College,” he said. “Written into every campus organization’s charter and sewn deep by the founders the College – the Religious Sisters of Mercy – the idea of graduating men and women ready to serve their communities is central to our mission.” President Foley outlined recent examples of the college’s service efforts. “Over spring break, students and faculty from Mount Aloysius traveled to Guyana to help a hospital in need. Over semester break our students helped New Orleans residents continue their rebuilding efforts, still ongoing after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Here at home, we helped American Rescue Workers create a promotional video to get word out that their Hollidaysburg food pantry was

in constant need of replenishing.” “In addition to academic rigor -- fostering job-ready students, and a fully-wired campus encouraging technologyreadiness for the future,” added President Foley. “We continue to encourage students to give back to their communities. We believe that communityreadiness completes the picture of a well-rounded person. These are fine students and great neighbors. We’re proud of their work and of this recognition.” This year, students at Mount Aloysius College documented over 12,000 hours of volunteer service with 217 non-profit community partners in 365 different projects. The work also involved Mount Aloysius faculty and staff in activity involving economic opportunity, education, environmental concerns, health and wellness and assisted both veterans and deployed service personnel. Sr. Helen Burns, RSM, Vice President of Mission Integration at Mount Aloysius College

echoed President Foley’s sentiments regarding the President’s Community Service Honor Roll. “Mount Aloysius students embrace community service as the real-life embodiment of their Christian opportunity -to see the face of Christ in their fellows. Community Service action embraces the Mount Aloysius College values of justice, hospitality, mercy and service,” she said. “This recognition by the President’s Community Service Honor Roll is gratifying in that it affirms our students in their commitment to the College’s mission.” The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact, and the American Council on Education. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses. §

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Finding Home in A Changing World »»Remarks by Renee Martin-Nagle,`79, at the 2013 Honors Banquet

hen I was asked to speak at this year’s honors program and tell my “local girl does good” story, I was also told that the theme for this academic year has been “Finding Home in a Changing World.” That theme really resonated with me, and I tried to understand how the concept of home had figured into my own changing life, and how a responsibility might arise to create home. So, in keeping with the theme, I’m going to tell you a story of seven major changes in my life so far, and how those changes have transformed my definitions of home and family.

»»Third generation from Cambria County Let me begin by telling you a bit about my family background. On my father’s side, I’m the third generation in Cambria County. My Italian grandparents were immigrants who settled in Ebensburg along with other Italians at the beginning of the 20th century. My grandfather was a brick mason

who had been trained in “the old country” and he worked on the Schwab estate in Loretto. My grandparents had seven children, and my grandfather trained his three older sons to lay bricks and stone alongside him. When he turned 16, my father, who was the third son, was told to drop out of Ebensburg High School and join his father and brothers in the family trade. After getting out of the Marines shortly after

the end of World War II, my father and his brother went to Baltimore in search of construction work, and there my father met a beautiful Southern belle from Tennessee. They fell madly in love, married within six months and quickly had three children. Their marriage lasted 50 years until his death in 2004.

»»First change – being born So I guess the first big change in my life was being born in Baltimore. At that time, home and family were the same, as my home was wherever my immediate family was. The same is probably true of all young children.

»»Second change – moving to Cambria County and meeting the Sisters of Mercy The next big change occurred when I was seven, when my parents decided to move us all to my father’s hometown of Ebensburg. After a year they bought a house very close

Renee Martin-Nagle (center) with her mother, Barbara Martin (left), and President Foley (right). 14 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

to the Blue Goose Inn near Nicktown. People in my life now are surprised when I tell them that the area where I grew up was so small that it was named after the local bar, but that bar was a landmark where people gathered. Coal miners stopped for a beer after work, and families went there for the famously delicious fried chicken. Construction jobs were too unreliable to support a family with three children, so my father got a job with Barnes and Tucker coal mine, driving the diesel locomotive that pushed the coal cars around on the surface of the mine. Meanwhile, my mother found work as a nurse at Miner’s Hospital in Spangler; at the time, she was one of very few working mothers in the area. Moving from the city to the country was exciting to my young eyes. The outdoor john seemed like a lot of fun, and using the Sears catalogue as toilet paper allowed me to dream of the items offered for sale while figuring out how to get the most out of the nonporous pages. Our home was on 20 mostly wooded acres, and on one of our first days there I decided to go exploring among the trees. Almost immediately, I became lost and wandered for what seemed like hours, crying my eyes out. Finally a wire fence appeared, and I knew that it would lead to people. Before too long, three hideous, cloven monsters wandered over to the fence to check me out. Terrified, I started screaming with all the force my seven-year-old lungs could muster. Within minutes two children came running from nowhere to see what was going on. “What are those?” I asked between sobs. The children doubled over with laughter and then explained that the monsters were actually

their pet goats. I had a lot to learn about life in the country!

in 10-mile radius from our house.

Another part of this big change happened when my two siblings and I were baptized as Catholics and began our studies at Saint Nicholas School in Nicktown, which was operated by the Sisters of Mercy. Everyone warned me about the nuns, saying that they were strict and mean. On the first day of school their appearance alone was frightening, because in those days they wore white starched cotton around their faces, and long black robes covered them from head to foot. Their shoes were ugly black creations, and the enormous rosaries hanging from their belts clicked with every step. We were immersed in the mysteries of Latin prayer and pious genuflection, since every school day started with Mass. In spite of the warnings and initial appearances, I fell in love with these good women, who nurtured my curious mind and guided my spiritual longing. The Sisters were my early role models for strong, intelligent, professional women, as they dedicated their lives in service to God and education of poor rural children like me. The firm grounding they gave me in grammar and writing has served me for my entire career. In due time, I graduated from Saint Nicholas and then later from Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg.

»»Third change – motherhood

So the second change in my life expanded my sense of home to include the Catholic Church, Saint Nicholas, Northern Cambria County, and Bishop Carroll, and growing up on 20 acres also made me feel a connection to nature. My sense of family now included the Sisters of Mercy, my fellow students and all the neighbors

The third change occurred quickly over the course of two years. In view of my good SAT scores and high GPA, Johns Hopkins gave me a scholarship to major in pre-med/ chemistry. The local papers carried stories about the local girl who was going to a premier university, and I moved to Baltimore with all the hopes of the community accompanying me. Much to everyone’s dismay, I got to Baltimore and went wild, dropping out after half a semester, hitchhiking around the country and marrying one of my traveling companions. Almost exactly two years after leaving for Baltimore, I returned to my parents, with a month-old baby in my arms but with no money, no car, no driver’s license, no job, no education and no skills. Thank goodness my parents were forgiving enough to take us in. In a very real sense, my daughter saved my life, and I spent the next year trying to figure out my next step. To provide for our sundry needs, I went on welfare, which paid a small amount of money each month and gave us health coverage. At the urging of my mother, I enrolled in the nursing program at Mount Aloysius, which was a junior college at that time. Pretty quickly it became clear that I was not cut out for nursing, so I transferred into liberal arts, earned an associates’ degree and then went to Saint Francis for a bachelor’s in Commerce/ Modern Language (French). Thanks to educational assistance programs that were available to single mothers during the Carter administration, my

undergraduate degree was fully funded, leaving me with no debt for those two degrees. As a result of this third change in my life, my definition of home grew to embrace two local colleges, and from hitchhiking around the country I had begun to get a sense of belonging to a larger part of the United States. The family of my youth – my parents and neighbors and the Sisters of Mercy – had taken me back like a prodigal child, and my personal family now included another generation as well as teachers and college students.

»»Fourth change – Pitt Law School The fourth change resulted from pursuing a professional degree. My undergraduate advisor from Saint Francis, Dr. Patty Bentivegna, had urged me to take the LSAT, because she felt strongly that a legal career was in my future. My LSAT score was high enough to earn me a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, so in 1981 my daughter and I moved to Pittsburgh, which seemed like a big, dangerous, scary city compared to the Blue Goose area and Cambria County. My brother moved in with us to get his undergraduate degree, and the three of us felt like strangers in a very strange land. I was still receiving welfare benefits, and food stamps saved us more than once from hunger. One kind-hearted law student pitied us so much that she gave us canned goods to eat. I worked a couple of part-time jobs, but we just barely scraped by. Thanks to a competitive grant, I took my first trip to Europe to study in Paris for a summer, and that experience began a life-long love affair

with visiting and understanding different cultures. During the three years of law school, my sense of home expanded to include the school and a city that turned out to be quite Renee Martin-Nagle has been a Visiting Scholar with the Environmental Law Institute since 2011. From 1990 through 2010, she served as Vice President/General Counsel of Airbus Americas, where she managed all legal, compliance and environmental affairs. From 1986 to 1990, she served as General Counsel of Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation and Aerospatiale General Aviation. During her career in aviation, Renee was active in industry and women’s organizations, serving on the boards of directors of Women in Aviation, the International Aviation Women’s Association, and the ABA’s Forum on Air and Space Law. The birth of her grandson in 2007 inspired her to dedicate her life to environmental causes, and she enrolled in the LL.M. program at George Washington University Law School, graduating in May 2010 with highest honors. Her thesis received the 2010 Jamie Grodsky Prize and was published by the Journal of Energy and Environmental Law. Currently, Renee serves on the Council of ELI and on the boards of the Chesapeake Legal Alliance and Omega Institute of Holistic Studies.

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

Renee Martin-Nagle in the 1979 MAC yearbook.

friendly; my notion of family now encompassed not just fellow students, but also the community of lawyers, for I was entering a profession with members throughout the world.

»»Fifth change – a career is born The start of my career heralded the fifth change. Although I was proud to have a JD, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be a lawyer. I naively thought that in order to be an effective lawyer one had to be able to lie, and lying for a living didn’t conform to my values. My sister was living in Dallas, so I looked for a job there and, using my minor in accounting from Saint Francis, accepted a position doing international tax for Arthur Young. My

starting salary was $25,000 a year, which seemed like a fortune until I found that it would allow me to furnish our apartment with only two beds. For the first year we ate our meals on a tablecloth on the floor. Within a short time both Arthur Young and I knew that I was not cut out to be an accountant, and, deciding that the intellectual stimulation was worth the moral dilemmas, I started looking for a legal position. Five offers came my way, and the most challenging seemed to be with a French helicopter company that was looking for its first in-house counsel in the United States. Arthur Young laid me off on a Monday, and on Tuesday I accepted the offer to be General Counsel of Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation. Within a year I incorporated an affiliate, Aerospatiale General

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Aviation, and added the role of GC of that company to my scope of duties. Although I was the only female executive for the entire four years with Aerospatiale, the job was exciting and provided the opportunity for trans-Atlantic travel by sending me to France several times a year. In addition, it fed my curious nature, because the general counsel was responsible for all legal matters, which meant learning alot about a wide variety of issues. My home territory now expanded to another city and state, as well as another country and continent. Coworkers and friends from different cultures were my extended family, and my daughter even learned how to fly a helicopter! But nothing lasts forever, and in 1990 I was fired for insubordination. In mid-1988 my wonderful boss was laid off, and he was replaced by someone I considered to be dishonest. Within a month of taking over, he told me that I should resign soon because he wasn’t going to rest until he had driven me out of the company. He said that he had no problem with my competence, but he simply couldn’t stand my personality. My reaction was to say, “Good luck, because I’m not ready to go.” I was sure that others would see the same vices in him that I did, and that I would outlast him. I was wrong about

the timing – the board did fire him for dishonesty but not until about six months after he got rid of me. My accurate assessment of him didn’t stop me from becoming a single mom without a job. Fortunately, for about eight months I had been in discussions with Airbus, which was getting ready to hire its first in-house counsel in the US. Aerospatiale was one of the partners that owned Airbus, so Airbus knew that I had just set up the legal function for Aerospatiale and also knew that the larger Aerospatiale organization strongly supported me. Airbus’ US CEO did not want a woman for the job, but agreed to interview me to placate the COO who supported me. The company flew me from Dallas to the Airbus headquarters near Washington, DC for the interview, and I figured that no matter what, some extra frequent flier miles would appear in my account with American Airlines. Fortunately, the CEO and I got along well, and he offered me the job before the flight back to Dallas that day. I started the job in April 1990 and for the next 19 years I was once again the only female executive.

»»Sixth change – moving to Virginia This sixth change – moving to Virginia to become Airbus’ first general counsel in the US – really opened the world to me. I traveled frequently in the US, Europe and Latin America for the company, and for pleasure visited Africa, Asia and Australia. As a result, images and experiences from other continents became etched in my heart and mind. Washington DC and its surrounding area became the new home for my daughter and

me, and the metropolitan area felt more sophisticated and worldly than anyplace we had lived. The aviation community is small and quite collegial, and the lawyers in the industry welcomed me into their family. I became a compulsive joiner, getting appointed to the boards of aviation and legal organizations and speaking at numerous conferences. Through my 21 years with Airbus, my sense of home expanded to include other continents and an entire industry, and exposure to other cultures helped me to understand that I belonged to the family of mankind.

»»Seventh change – inspired by grandchildren The seventh and most recent change resulted when my daughter and her husband produced a son, thus ushering me into the domain of grandparents. For several years before his birth, I had been concerned about global environmental degradation and climate change. My daughter was due to deliver her son at the end of April 2007, so in mid-April I traveled to New York to attend a conference. Jane Goodall was the opening keynote speaker that Friday night, and she talked about how she traveled over 300 days each year, speaking to groups in order to raise awareness of environmental issues with the hope that she could make the planet a better place for her grandchildren. I thought of my grandson who was due to arrive very soon, and wondered what I was doing for the next generation besides making a lot of money. The next morning, my son-in-law called to tell me that my daughter had gone into labor 10 days early, and

I caught the next train from New York to Baltimore to be with them and greet the little guy when he arrived. On that fateful train ride, Jane’s words and my own concerns for the planet kept washing over me like a steady surf, and I vowed in those few hours to dedicate the rest of my life to environmental causes. By August 2007 I had enrolled in the LLM (master of laws) program at George Washington University Law School, specializing in environmental law, and I gave Airbus three years’ notice that I would resign in December 2010. The next three years were really busy, working full-time, traveling, attending night school and continuing with my board activities. My friends and colleagues were understanding and supportive as I virtually disappeared from their lives for three years. My resolve was strengthened when another grandson arrived in July 2008, and the only non-productive activities I allowed myself were exercise and weekly visits with my daughter and her family. In May 2010, I graduated from GW with highest honors, and in January 2011 I “retired”, not knowing what I was going to do or where I was going to go but fully convinced that I needed to work for the environment. That’s where providence stepped in. Everyone had told me to pick a thesis topic that resonated deeply, since researching and writing takes so much time. After giving it some thought, I realized that I cared most about preventing and resolving conflicts, and that conflicts would arise over access to fresh water. So I did a deep dive into the water world, and the more I learned, the more fascinated

I became with both its primal importance to all land-based creatures and the science and technology associated with cleaning and delivering it. My research convinced me that we are approaching a crisis of water quality and quantity, and the thesis made an argument for sharing the fresh water in deep aquifers. Not only did the thesis earn an A+, but in March 2011 it won a prize for environmental scholarship. One of the judges of the competition is a vice president with the Environmental Law Institute, and when she heard my story she invited me to join that think tank as a pro bono visiting scholar, doing independent research and writing. About the same time, someone sent me a copy of a global water newsletter called OOSKAnews, which was being published only 20 minutes from my home in Virginia. I was so impressed with the work that they were doing that I called and asked to meet them and talk about water issues. We got along well, and five months later the publisher asked me to join them as a free-lance journalist. OOSKAnews has taken me to Bonn, Germany, and to Abu Dhabi to write the official summary of water conferences, and through OOSKA I’m interviewing 18 of the top water people in the world for the Singapore government. On the scholarly side, my abstract was accepted for presentation at the Stockholm World Water Week, and in September I’ll be in Sweden talking to scientists and academics from around the world about the ethics of allocating enough water for other species in ecosystems around mega-cities. Being on the global stage discussing the ethics of sharing water is exactly what I wanted to be doing in this new career, and I couldn’t be happier.

»»Lesson – spiritual connection is home Through this latest change, I began to understand that the whole planet is my home, and, as a biological creature, I belong to the family of all living creatures. The more I felt that the whole planet was my home and that I belonged to the family of all living creatures, the closer I felt to God, which is the source of creation and thus our ultimate home and family. The more I focused on strengthening my connection with God, the more I realized that, as products of that higher power, each of us carries inside of us a piece of our ultimate home and an intrinsic knowledge of the values and ethics of that home. Through prayer and good works, we can strengthen our understanding of what is expected of us in this life, because we all know the difference between right and wrong. In my mind, those of us who understand those values have a responsibility, and almost an obligation, to be the source of positive energy we want to see in the world, and as such provide a spiritual home for all of those around us. In these days where darkness appears in places like Newtown and Boston, that special kind of light is needed more than ever. I have pledged to act in accordance with the right values to the extent of my ability every day. I don’t always get it right, but I’m trying, and that’s all any of us can do. So my parting request to you is to develop and strengthen your connection with God as our ultimate home and family and live the proper values, so that each of us can be a beacon of light and create home wherever we go in this changing world. §

Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 17

MBA student Sean Steffy, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14, took these two photos during the 2012/13 academic year from the same position in the Library overlook. He blended them together to show the changing seasons on campus.

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

ACWC

»»We’re down to choosing colors and installing the floating maple gymnasium floor as we write. And so it is with a high degree of certainly that we predict Mounties pounding the boards by New Years at the Mount Aloysius College Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center! From this writer’s perspective, I’ve never witnessed anything quite like it. The organization, the speed, the quality craftsmanship and the—as yet—“noglitch” construction that got the building under roof before winter set in—clearing the way for a winter-full of focused topquality workmanship.

them in mind, as well as today’s students, the students of tomorrow and even their children. We know our students prefer to stay, work, and raise families in Central Pennsylvania after graduating and we want them to be able to come home to this facility. It’s theirs.”

Suzanne Campbell, Senior Vice President for Administration has the project under her purview. Giving a tour recently to a local reporter, she proudly pointed out parts of the growing edifice most might miss. Details like our using Pennsylvania steel from Erie, and all local workers including roofers, welders, plumbers, masons, and electricians all paying strict attention to the quality of the building.

During the recent Mountie baseball season players and fans from throughout the AMCC League played their “at MAC” games with the building standing tall beyond the outfield fence line. For the record, no hitter even came close to knocking one against the fresh brick edifice. But the building gets attention too from the drivers going by the Admiral Peary Highway and, if you know where to look, you can even see the building between tree-lines from US Route 22.

The Mount Aloysius College Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center is being constructed for long, hard use, expansion and smart allocation of precious resources and space Senior Vice President Campbell said. “We want the community to embrace this facility as their own,” she added. “We built it with 20 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

Inside the building, visitors will find rooms designated for cardio and strength training, as well as fitness studios and wellness centers. There is a versatile ancillary gymnasium designated for a variety of sports activity. Office and

convention space includes multiuse classrooms, meeting rooms and office space. The building is totally internet accessible and wireless. The 87,000 square foot facility was made possible by a $10 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania secured with the help of two governors (Rendell and Corbett) and our local legislation. With fixed seating for over 1,750 and additional seating capacity of up to 2,500, the building will attract tournaments from regional and national teams and offer the Southern Allegheny community another venue for special events. Mount Aloysius President Tom Foley praised the vision, fortitude and determination that resulted in this new addition emerging out of the rock and clay on our 193-acre campus. “The men and women on our board and throughout the community and at the highest levels of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania saw the need for this fine addition to our campus and went for it,” he said. “This building is not ostentatious. But it will expand our under roof square footage by 40 percent and we need it. Through great planning and tight management we are able thus far to obviate any waste and build an extremely energy efficient building that can be modeled to our needs over time.” President Foley added, “At this writing, workers have transported ‘Victory’ — the full-size Mountie Mascot given to us by Michael and Astride McLanahan—to his rightful post in front of the building on the top landing facing Admiral Peary Highway. The sight is really inspiring.” §

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

THE MAC ACT

he 2012-2013 academic school year brought with it a change in the direction of the Theatre Program. New Director of Theatre Nathan Magee took over the production and direction of the plays that are performed at Mount Aloysius College. The Mount has a long history of doing compel-

ling, thought provoking, and entertaining theatre, and that tradition continued throughout the year. The first play was the fun, modern, romantic comedy “Almost, Maine,” by John Cariani. The play, which follows the relationships of nine different couples, was met

22 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

with great reception by the college community. A group of seven actors had the terrific challenge of playing multiple roles in order to bring the play to life.

Following up this light hearted comedy in November was the American classic “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee

Williams. Often regarded as one of the masterpieces of the American stage, “The Glass Menagerie” tells the story of Tom, Amanda, and Laura Wingfield as they try to reconcile their different dreams and desires. The play starred four MAC students with many more working backstage.

The spring semester opened in March with the classic musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” by Clark Gesner. The play took MAC audiences through a day in the life of the Charles Shultz “Peanuts” characters. Nine Mount Aloysius students played in the ensemble company to help craft the world that everyone

knows so well from the comic strip. In addition, another 10 students helped backstage.

to see a mix of American classics and more modern plays.

Finally, the season came to a close in April with four student directed 10-minute plays. These plays were selected by students, casted by the students, directed by the students, acted by the students, and designed by the students. It is part of a new push to try to teach students to take control and have ownership of theatrical productions. The 10-minute plays were also done in conjunction with English Department theatre classes, which gave students a real-world application for the knowledge learned in the classroom.

With increased enrollment and awareness, the 2013-14 season brings the promise of more student involvement, more community outreach, and more great plays. First up in October will be the always popular, “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” by Neil Simon. Following in March will be the newly returned to Broadway musical, “Godspell.” In addition each semester will focus on a smaller production that showcases our students’ abilities in unique ways. If you haven’t been to a Mount Aloysius Theatre Department production before, or if it has been awhile, now is the perfect time to buy your tickets. The students are a dedicated and talented bunch and they, along with director Nathan Magee, are committed to bringing the best of the theatrical world right here to Mount Aloysius each and every year. §

This season, nearly 1,000 people attended MAC theatre department productions. While many in attendance were from the college community, there were an increasing number of people in attendance from the city of Cresson itself. Even more importantly, the season saw the participation of over 50 Mount Aloysius students. The season gave students a chance to work on and the community a chance

(Starting top-left, then clockwise) The cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” hits its final pose for the opening number; Snoopy perches on top of a doghouse in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”; Cast/ crew photo for “The Glass Menagerie”; a tense moment in Act 2 of “The Glass Menagerie”; one of many dialogue scenes from “Almost Maine.” Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 23

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

Commencement »»Commencement at Mount Aloysius College took place Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m. Anticipation at Mount Aloysius College was very high throughout the week, with the entire Mount Aloysius family looking forward to the arrival of Commencement and to Speaker Patricia Rooney and her husband, Dan, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Friday, May 10th at 3:30 p.m., Bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Most. Rev. Mark L. Bartchak presided over the College’s Baccalaureate Mass held in the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel. Following the Baccalaureate Mass, at 5:00 p.m., six pinning ceremonies honored graduates of the College’s six health related majors.

the academic achievements of 412 graduates: conferring 200 Associates degree; 191 Bachelor’s degrees and 24 Masters Degrees. Three graduates earned dual degrees. Graduates for 2013 represented the states of Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

On Saturday Mount Aloysius marked the 160th graduation as an institution and the 73rd as a College, honoring

The Mount Aloysius Commencement took place in the College’s Health and Physical Fitness Center.

24 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

Leading the procession was Dr. Paul S. Farcus, associate academic dean, who served as the Bearer of the Ceremonial Mace. At Mount Aloysius College the mace was designed by Mr. L. Franklin Gilliam and Mrs. Mary Saylor. It is constructed of steel and wood—the combination of material representing the fusion of industrial and natural resources found in the Southern Allegheny Mountains. The mace represents the authority of the College’s faculty; these materials radiate the concepts of warmth and strength. The steel flame atop the Mount Aloysius mace symbolizes the College’s traditional motto—“With Our Light, We Serve.” Following in procession, four students—selected for their unique contributions to the Class of 2013—served

as Gonfalon Bearers. The gonfalon is a flag that hangs from a crossbar. This tradition was born in the medieval republics of Italy. The gonfalon serves as an ensign of state or office. At Mount Aloysius College the four gonfalons displayed represent the academic divisions of the College and the four Mercy Values of Faith, Hospitality, Justice, and Service. Delivering the Invocation for Commencement was Ms. April Tewksbury of Wyalusing, Pa., a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, specializing in Health Care Administration. Ms. Tewksbury is a Mercy Presidential Scholar.

Offering a Welcome message to the Commencement gathering was Ms. Jennifer Smith

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA of Claysburg, Pa. Ms. Smith is a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, specializing in Counseling. She is a distinguished member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society. Highlighting Saturday’s Commencement, Mount Aloysius President Tom Foley introduced Patricia R. Rooney, the College’s Commencement Speaker for 2013. The class of 2013 included the first group of Master of Science in Community Counseling graduates at Mount Aloysius College. Students earning the degree include: (left to right) Trista D. Conway, Tyrone, Pa.; Emily Ann Cyburt, Windber, Pa.; Jacqueline A. Harpster, Altoona, Pa.; Trista M. Haynes, Tyrone, Pa.; Jessica R. Quigley, Altoona, Pa.; Tessa L. Sawyer, Mineral Point, Pa.; Kristen C. Scott-Larson, Cairnbrook, Pa.; Mary Ann Sigrist, Newry, Pa.; and Whitney Alayne Veres, Johnstown, Pa.

Several graduating Mountie’s will be pursuing terminal degrees, going to graduate schools, law school and a college of podiatric medicine. Mount Aloysius College graduates heading to graduate and professional schools, from left are: Trevor Anderson; Dina Peruso; Jessica Seasoltz; Christeen Reigh; Tonya Bibby; and David Tran. Several MAC grad school-bound students were absent when photo was taken including: Sara Bibby; Erica Deabenderfer; Jenifer Kerr, Jolene Stell, Aaron Kovach; and Heather Wilson.

26 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

Mrs. Patricia R. Rooney’s community interests are multi-faceted, focused on improving the quality of life in the Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania region. She was instrumental in reviving the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army and was one of the early volunteers of Project Bundle-Up; a highly successful Salvation Army program aimed at providing warm winter clothing for needy children and the elderly. She recently completed service on the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and is a lifetime member of the Western Pennsylvania Advisory Board. Mrs. Rooney is the wife of former Ambassador to Ireland, and Pittsburgh Steeler owner, Dan Rooney. Patricia Rooney’s Commencement Address served as a Capstone to the College’s yearlong theme of “Hospitality: Finding Home in a Changing World.” Her treatment of the campus-wide theme marks the ninth event exploring the topic since the College’s Fall Convocation. A highlight of the Commencement Ceremony was the conferring of three honorary degrees. Patricia R. and Dan Rooney were honored as a couple with the Doctor of Social Justice degree. Mrs. Shirley A. Pechter, of Altoona, received the Doctor of Social Justice degree. MIT Professor James J. Walsh, Ph.D., received the Doctor of Humane Letters.

Reading citations for each of the honorary degree recipients were: President Tom Foley reading the Citation for Dan and Patricia Rooney; Sr. Helen Maria Burns, RSM, Vice President for Mission Integration, reading the Citation for Shirley Pecter, and Mount Aloysius College Board of Trustees Chairman, Daniel W. Rullo, Esq. reading the formal degree Citation honoring Dr. Jim Walsh. The group was assisted by Ann M. Benzel, member of the College’s Board of Trustees. Formally presenting degree candidates was Dr. Timothy E. Fulop, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. Mount Aloysius President Foley then conferred degrees upon, first the associate degree candidates, then the baccalaureate level students, and finally students who had completed requirements for graduate degrees. Student Speaker for the Mount Aloysius College 2013 Commencement was Ms. Jessica Seasoltz of Altoona, Pa. Ms. Seasoltz graduated, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology specializing in Pre-Health Professional. Ms. Seasoltz is a distinguished member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society. Sister Nancy Donovan, RSM, Director of Campus Ministries offered Benediction for the event. Music for the occasion was provided by “A Touch of Brass,” with Vox Nova, the Mount Aloysius College’s student vocal ensemble. Color guard for the event was provided by the Naval Support Center in Ebensburg, Pa.

»» MAC’S FIRST COMMUNITY COUNSELING MASTERS GRADS Mount Aloysius College graduated its first class ever masters level

community counseling grads at this years Commencement. Nine students from throughout the Southern Allegheny Mountains earned the Master of Science in Community Counseling degree at Mount Aloysius College. Assistant Professor, Dr. David Haschak, Program Coordinator of the Community Counseling program at Mount Aloysius College noted that the new major at Mount Aloysius College continues gaining popularity. “This 48-credit major allows graduates to pursue employment in a variety of social service agencies,” he said, “including mental health centers, correctional facilities, drug and alcohol treatment

center, health care institutions and other business settings.” Grads opting for an additional 12 credits are eligible to licensure as a professional counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mount Aloysius College students earning the Master of Science in Community Counseling included: Trista D. Conway, Tyrone, Pa.; Emily Ann Cyburt, Windber, Pa.; Jacqueline A. Harpster, Altoona, Pa.; Trista M. Haynes, Tyrone, Pa.; Jessica R. Quigley, Altoona, Pa.; Tessa L. Sawyer, Mineral Point, Pa.; Kristen C. ScottLarson, Cairnbrook, Pa.; Mary Ann Sigrist, Newry, Pa.; and Whitney Alayne Veres, Johnstown, Pa.

»» MAC GRADS EMBRACED BY PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS Attending Chatham University pursuing doctoral degree in Physical Therapy are sisters Tonya and Sara Bibby of Windber, Pa.; Jessica Seasoltz of Altoona; Jennifer Kerr of Guys Mills; Heather Wilson of Indiana, Pa. and Jolene Stell of Ashville, Pa. Mountie graduates Christeen Reigh of Altoona, Pa. and baseball standout Aaron Kovach of Duncansville will attend Saint Francis University to pursue doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy. Trevor Anderson of Ebensburg, Pa. will enter Duquesne University in the fall where he was

accepted into their Doctoral Degree program in Biology. David Tran of Blairsville, Pa. will enter the Kent State University’s College of Podiatric Medicine. Entering the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy is Dina Peruso of Mineral Point, Pa. Erica Deabenderfer of Commodore, Pa., will pursue a career in law, entering Widener University law School this fall. Mount Aloysius College graduates this year represent the states of Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. §

Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 27

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA

3,000 Points A trio of basketball players have carved their way into Mount Aloysius College history by surpassing the 1,000 career point mark.

28â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

Sammarco is a two-sport athlete at Mount Aloysius. In addition to playing basketball, she also excels as an all-conference infielder on the College’s softball team. As a Dean’s List student with a 3.7 grade point average, she was inducted into the prestigious Chi Alpha Sigma student-athlete honor society this past spring and named to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference academic all-conference team.

omen’s basketball player Kaylee Keagy was the first of the trio to reach the coveted scoring plateau. With less than a minute to go in the first half of the Lady Mounties’ November 11, 2011 game at Juniata College, Keagy made a back-to-thebasket post move to score her 1,000th point. When Keagy scored the basket, a noticeable, yet unexpected, roar swept through the Juniata gymnasium. “(The Juniata game) was really like a home atmosphere for us, because there were so many Mount Aloysius fans there,” Lady Mounties coach Kristi Kaack said. “It seemed like everybody came out to see Kaylee, especially her family…and it seemed like she had a big family.” Though grateful for so many of her family being there in support of her shining moment, there was one member of the family that Keagy was especially proud to have at the game—if not in body, certainly in spirit.

Keagy’s mother, Denise Keagy, passed away during her daughter’s sophomore season, after a long battle with brain cancer. “She was such a basketball nut, and my biggest fan,” Keagy said. “She and my dad were always at every game. To me, she was still at the games, watching down on me.” Keagy graduated from Mount Aloysius in December 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She finished her career with 1,328 points, which ranks her second on the Mount Aloysius women’s basketball all-time scoring list. Since her graduation, she got engaged to her fiancé Adam Moist, and became employed as a recovery advocate at St. Joseph Institute, where she helps counsel those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. “Looking back, scoring my 1,000th point was definitely one of the best memories of

my time at Mount Aloysius,” Keagy said. Lindsy Sammarco, a current standout for the Lady Mounties, scored her 1,000th point in dramatic fashion. The junior combo guard entered the team’s January 26, 2013 game against Penn State-Behrend averaging 18.1 points per game, and 22 points shy of the 1,000 point mark. Sammarco hit a three-pointer from the top of the key in double-overtime to reach the mark, and seal her team’s victory over Penn StateBehrend. Incidentally, it was the first time in school history that the Lady Mounties had swept the perennial conference power during the regular season. “I remember watching Kaylee Keagy score her 1,000th point, and remember being proud of her and how happy she was,” Sammarco said. “As an underclassman, I always looked up to her.”

“Lindsy’s not really one of the most athletic players in the conference,” Kaack said. “But she is one of the most competitive. She just finds a way to make it happen.” For the second consecutive year, the Lady Mounties advanced to the semi-finals of the conference tournament. This season, however, marked the first time ever that they recorded a playoff road win, when they upset higher seed Pitt-Bradford. Sammarco finished the 2012-13 season with 1,111 career points, and passed former Lady Mounties standout Missy Wertz (Hershel) for fifth on the all-time scoring list. “(Scoring 1,000 points) has been a goal of mine since my freshman year, and I am just happy to see what I worked for come true,” Sammarco said. For men’s basketball player Demetrius Davis, reaching 1,000 points was not about the destination. It was about the journey. Davis nailed a deep threepointer with 5:27 to go in the first half of the Mounties’

Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 29

Visit www.mtaloy.edu/athletics for team schedules

(From left) Lindsy Sammarco, Demetrius Davis, Kaylee Keagy

Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA February 13, 2013 game against Franciscan University for his 1,000th point. It was the team’s last home game of the season, and the last of his collegiate career. When his shot found the bottom of the net, a thunderous response erupted in the Mount Aloysius Health and Fitness Center. No one, however, was cheering louder than Carletta Nicholson, Davis’ mother. “My mom went crazy when that shot went in,” Davis said. “It felt great to see all of the fans cheering for me and I’m really glad my mom was there to see it.” Nicholson was diagnosed with lupus at the end of Davis’ junior year, and his mother’s illness weighed heavily on his mind during his final season.

In addition to his mother’s illness, Davis had also mourned the deaths of his uncle, cousins, and close friend, who were all shot and killed in Philadelphia over the past 12 months. “It had been a tough year for Demetrius. Life really threw him some curveballs, and a lot of other players would have understandably packed it in long ago,” Mount Aloysius men’s basketball coach Lance Loya said. “But he showed some real resilience and kept moving forward.” Davis became just the 10th men’s basketball player in the history of Mount Aloysius to reach 1,000 points. He finished his career with 1,026 points and passed Dave Murgess for ninth on the all-time scoring list.

30 Mount Aloysius Magazine Summer 2013

“Seeing a player reach a career milestone is always gratifying. But watching Demetrius do it, and seeing how proud his family was of him, was extra special. It was clearly a culminating moment of all they had been through as a family, and of the tremendous sacrifices that had been made along the way,” Coach Loya said. Davis was recognized as a secondteam all-conference selection at the end of the season. “I don’t know what life has in store for me in the future,” Davis said. “But I know scoring that 1,000th point is something I’ll always remember and something that no one can ever take away from me.” §

Mount Aloysius All-Time Leading Scorers Women’s Basketball 1. Ginger Fanelli, 2003

2,358

2. Kaylee Keagy, 2012

1,328

3. Lindsay Bush, 2010

1,290

4. Krista Pisarski, 2002

1,200

5. Lindsy Sammarco, Current

1,111

6. Missy Wertz, 2006

1,093

7. Joyce Bell, 1991

950

8. Grace Blake, 1992

908

9. Michele Sauserman, 2005

895

10. Brianna Baker, 2008

870 Men’s Basketball

1. Roman Mims, 2008

1,623

2. Justin Ohler, 2007

1,448

3. Isaac King, 1997

1,381

4. Whitney Simpson, 1994

1,366

5. Quan Britt, 1999

1,305

6. Ryan Lestochi, 2002

1,241

7. Bob Stepien, 1995

1,238

8. Kirk Salesman, 1996

1,135

9. Demetrius Davis, Current

1,026

10. Dave Murgas, 1987

1,023

Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 31

Class of 2012

Class of 2009

Matthew Cornetti ‘12, a graduate of our criminology program, graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy as a member of the 135th class. Matt was a key member of the Mount Aloysius College baseball team. In his junior year, Matt led the team in doubles, walks, a .420 batting average, and a .670 slugging percentage. Keep your MAC decal handy; you might need it if Matt pulls you over on the PA Turnpike.

Angela Dodson ‘09, is an aspiring music star who moved to Nashville in 2010 to follow her dreams of making it big in country music. An English major and Art minor at Mount Aloysius, she recently recorded an album at Cash Cabin Studio’s, home of famed musician Johnny Cash, which is open by invitation only. A pull-up your bootstraps woman, Angela makes her living by working as teacher and song writer. To learn about more Angela and hear her music go to www.angeladodson.com

Class of 2011 Ellery Crowder ‘11, of Lewistown, and Paul Atherton, of Mapleton Depot, were married on October 20, 2012, at Grace United Methodist Church, Lewistown. Ellery graduated from our nursing program and is employed as a registered nurse at the Malta Home, Granville, PA. The couple lives in Lewistown, PA.

Barbara Ann Bittner, RN, BSN, ‘09 was selected to serve as the Cancer Care Navigator at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange, City, FL. In this role, Bittner will serve as the single point of contact for cancer patients and their families and will assist in all aspects of the cancer patient’s care experience. Bittner will meet individually with patients and caregivers and offer education, referrals and support services. Kudos to Barbara for embodying the Mercy values.

MAC NOTES

FEATURED NOTES

Class of 1983 Eleanor “Honey” Corbin ‘83, an accomplished graduate of our art program, has been featured in shows across the United States. With upcoming shows at the Booth Western Art Museum, the Farrago Gallery, and the Imagine Gallery, Honey has had a busy 2013. Of interest to fans of AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” Honey lives adjacent to the town of Senoia, GA where the show is filmed. You may see her art in an upcoming episode! Along with many other art graduates, Honey’s art will be on display during Mount Aloysius’ Alumni Weekend, July 19-21, 2013. An art reunion and show will be held in the Mount Aloysius Library, July 20, 2013.

Class of 2006 Cody Murray ‘06, a graduate of our surgical technology program and formerly of Freidens, PA. married Jessica Robinson of Somerset, PA. last summer. The wedding featured a three tiered chocolate cake topped with bride and groom turtles. The couple vacationed in the Carribean and currently lives in Chambersburg, PA.

Kevin Slonka ‘05, was hired by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College as computer science instructor. A Johnstown resident, Kevin began his appointment this January. His primary focus is leading the implementation of the Associate of Science in Computer Science degree.

Class of 2003 Lisa (Myers) Smith ‘01, ‘03, and husband James welcomed their first daughter into the world this spring. Autumn Lillianna was born May 2, 2013, 7lbs, 1oz, 19.5” long. Autumn is already an avid Penguins Hockey Fan! Lisa is a graduate of the Sign Language Interpreter Training Program at Mount Aloysius.

Class of 2005 Class of 1981 Acclaimed violinist and MAC graduate Rodney McCoy ‘81, was featured in the Pittsburgh Courier for his battle to regain normalcy after suffering a stroke and a coma. Rodney studied at Mount Aloysius under Ed McGuire and went on to Towson, Duquesne, and Pitt, where he became a fixture in the Pittsburgh jazz scene. He has released two albums and has appeared with musical greats including David Sanborn, Grover Washington, Jr., Kenny G., Roy Ayers, Vanessa Williams, Regina Belle and Gerald Albright. Following months of physical, occupational and speech therapy, Rodney is living life again. He is back playing the violin and produced music for The Urban Jazz Violin Players. He currently lives in Pittsburgh and continues to hone his craft.

Stacy Lynn Varmecky and Kurtis Scott Roberts ‘05, were married last year at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church. The wedding party included Jamie Koshak ’11 & ‘12 (MBA) and Kary Roberts ‘11, the groom’s brother. Kurtis, a 2005 bachelor’s graduate of Mount Aloysius College, is program director for the Laurel Highlands Council, Boy Scouts of America. Stacy is the marketing and social media coordinator/writer in the marketing communications department at Conemaugh Health System. The newlyweds reside in Vintondale, PA.

Class of 2001 Gabriel Walter ‘01, was recently hired as head football coach for Claysburg-Kimmel High School. A CKHS alumnus, Gabe’s philosophy is based on a blue collar, smash mouth system. He intends to outwork his opponents in Pittsburgh Steelers style. In addition to returning to his high school, Gabe will be able to coach his 15-year old son, Bryce.

Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 33

Class of 2000 Melissa Miller Gehlman ‘00, joined the Tyrone Area School District as an occupational therapist. With experience in early intervention, inpatient rehab, and school-based services, Melissa will utilize her skills in an educational environment. Melissa and husband, Ben, are blessed with three beautiful children, Melissa keeps busy by taking road trips and spending time with friends and family.

Class of 1993 Wanda Hnatkovich ‘93, and Donna Hershel ‘04, both graduates of our nursing program and employees of the Home Nursing Agency Cambria County Hospice, were awarded the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN) credential from the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. This certification tests knowledge of delivering complete palliative care. Congratulations to both women for earning this recognition.

Class of 1990 The late Dr. Louis F. Garzarelli Sr. ‘90, affectionately known to his students as “Garz” or “The Godfather,” was honored for his contributions to Mount Aloysius College in an on-campus ceremony. As both an alumnus and faculty member, Lou inspired countless MAC students, faculty, and staff. After retiring from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Lou embarked upon a career at MAC in our criminology program. A plaque bearing his name on a bench outside Cosgrave is a reminder of his contributions to the institution. Lou also received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008. He has been missed since his passing in 2011.

Class of 1962 Class of 1988 Brian Fleming ‘88, former point guard for the MAC basketball team and assist record holder opened a new stone and tile studio in Annapolis, Maryland. A longtime supporter of MAC athletics, Brian went on to Lock Haven University before relocating to the DC/ Baltimore region. Brian employs a fulltime designer and has over 20 years experience in the stone and tile business. Visit his website at www. cst-studio.com

Class of 1976 Regina Barr ‘76, associate degree program chairperson for the Mount Aloysius College Nursing program, was honoured last winter for her contributions to the college. An employee for 30 years, Regina was given a citation for her work in our nursing program.

Class of 1963 Rita Ann Granrath Corrado ‘63, was recently featured in the Suburban News of Clark, NJ and on NJ.com for her accomplishments as a pianist and music teacher. Rita earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ after graduating from Mount Aloysius. In addition to piano, Rita is a published writer, poet, composer and singer. She is active at her parish church, Saint Agnes in Clark, where she is a lector, and a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound. She also participates in the prison ministry at the Union County Jail.

Helen Egan Kenney ‘62, was elected to the board of directors at the American Savings Foundation in New Britain, CT Helen was born and raised in Waterbury, CT and worked as a medical lab technician for more than 25 years at both Southbury Medical Associates and Saint Mary’s Hospital. She and her late husband Robert raised two sons, Mark and Rob. Now retired, Helen splits her time between Southbury, CT and Vero Beach, FL. She also serves on the Foundation’s scholarship committee, reviewing promising students for college scholarship awards.

Class of 1932 Academy Sister Helen Mary Nagle celebrated her 100th birthday on March 19th in Indiana, PA. Remarkably, Sister Helen Mary predates the college founding in 1939. Not only was she born before WWI, she was born before the completion of the Panama Canal and Ford Motor Company’s Assembly Line. Please remember Sister in your prayers and well wishes.

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Class of 1955 Academy »» A letter from Dorothy Clark Desch ‘55A. Dorothy, Horsham, PA, and Sybil Hanna Krent ‘55A of Indianapolis, IN visted Madeleine Grellaud de Pierantoni ‘55A in Lima, Peru. A native of Peru, Madeleine returned home after graduating from Mount Aloysius Academy in 1955. Dorothy and Sybil have been planning to visit her for some time and were finally able to do so in May 2013.

arrived in Peru on May 2nd after an uneventful but tiring flight. Sybil Krent arrived the following morning at 6 a.m. She was exhausted after twenty-two hours of travel but was a trooper and joined right in for our first day of tour in Lima. Beautiful sites in the old city. The following day we were met at our hotel by Madeleine Grellaud de Pierantoni and Mina, her companion. After a drive to her beach club and a short tour of the city, we met for dinner at a marvelous restaurant to celebrate her birthday with her younger son and his family. Afterwards, we got to see their beautiful penthouse apartment and how some of the Limeans live. The following day Sybil and I were off on our trek to Machu Picchu. As the altitude is over 10,000 feet, we had to acclimate in Urubamba for a few days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes for our climb to the Incan ruins. A visit there to a local family home and dinner (including deep fried cuyo -- guinea pig) was very interesting and let us see a different type of life than in Lima. Then it was on

Madeleine and her family. I saw so many interesting places in the city and enjoyed everything. It was such a gift to be able to spend time with this dear friend and enjoy her country. Maybe we can get Madeleline to join us for our 60th reunion at the Mount in 2015. I will try. I took her several items from my goody bags of the Mount.

to Machu Picchu by train and then bus. What a gorgeous place and the skill of the builders and farmers is still so evident and awesome! It was truly a wonderful experience. Two days there was enough to see just a little of the grandeur but then it was on to Cusco for many more sights including a visit to a rural school. There, the children greeted us so warmly and we saw their hard work as well as their appreciation of the world. After four days I returned to Lima and had a very special time with my old roommate from the Mount. Sybil went on to Puno and her tour of Lake Titicaca. I’m glad that I opted for Lima as the altitude was a challenge. In Lima I was treated royally by

Hope all is going well and I look forward to seeing you at the next gathering wherever that will be. Sincerely, Dorothy Desch

Those No Longer With Us Mary (Dorcy) Niggel, 1930A Beverly (O’Donnell) Huber, 1938A Mary Catherine (Hawe) Nealon, 1939A Gwendolyn Zimmerman, 1940A Cecilia (Yahner) Zomok, 1942A Mary (Armany) Bost, 1945A Constance (Litzinger) Eager, 1945A Jane (Connell) Budock, 1949 Mary Lou (Weiland) Joyce, 1949 Josephine (Berg) Slates, 1951A Jane (Strohmeyer) Wirfel, 1961 Mary Jo (Connelly) Plummer, 1962 Gail (Hilliard) Coury, 1964

Kathryn (Serban) Dittemore, 1965 Jan (Pennock) Campion, 1966 Bernadette (Cassidy) Cassidy-Krug, 1972, 2006 Kathleen (Porter) Kempton, 1973 Gregory Graham, 1976 Charles Stitt, 1976 Charles Graham, 1979 Jack Potter, 1979 Karen Weaver, 1979 Judith (Flegal) Whitney, 1980 Melany Periera, 1980 Patricia Connelly, 1982 Moira MacLellan, 1982

Robert Boothby, 1984 Rose Parrish, 1990 Kristen (Kittell) Hrehocik, 1989 Donna Oshensky Boyle, 1989 Cindy (Dino) Eisenhower, 1990 George Berrang, 1990 Ann Fellinger, 1990 Mary Jo Waring, 1992 Constance Stoltz, 1998 Craig Keith, 1999 Richard Coley, 2004 Samantha Frick, 2004 Carol Ebersole, 2006 Courtney Dalby, 2009, 2010

Summer 2013 Mount Aloysius Magazine 35

UPCOMING EVENTS Alumni Weekend

July 19-21, 2013 Join us for a weekend of fun at the Mount Aloysius campus and connect with old friends! Come and enjoy great music, events, food and fellowship!

www.mtaloy.edu/reunion Madrigal

December 7-8, 2013 At the Madrigal, guests celebrate the Christmas season in the style of England in the Middle Ages. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an unforgettable Christmas celebration and one of the most popular events at Mount Aloysius!

www.mtaloy.edu/madrigal

YEAR IN PHOTOS

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