Accent: Winter 2017

a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

Vol. 45, No. 1 • Winter 2017

6 1 0 2 g n i H om e c oambl as t ! wa s

Save the Date

View event details and register online at www.alumni.neumann.edu Saturday, January 28

 Men and Women’s Alumni Basketball Games

Monday, March 6

 Knight-2-Knight Student & Alumni Networking Dinner Bayada Atrium, Mirenda Center

Saturday, March 11

 Parent Breakfast and Our Lady of Angels Tour

Wednesday, March 15

 Charter/Sponsorship Day

Sunday, March 26

 Neumann Knights at Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater

Thursday, March 30

 Tenth Annual Alumni & Student Appreciation Celebration: Continuing Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS)

Saturday, April 1 Watch the Alumni Online Community (www.alumni. neumann.edu) for more information on alumni events and networking opportunities.

 Eighteenth Annual Scholarship Gala, Drexelbrook, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 13  Commencement Monday, June 5

 Thirteenth Annual Neumann University Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Celebrity Golf Classic, Penn Oaks Golf Club

Join the Neumann University Alumni Facebook to learn about more Alumni and Parent events

Accent a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

Vol. 45, No. 1 • Winter 2017

President

f e a ture s

8 Papal awards for four

Dr. Mirenda among Benemerenti recipients

Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D. Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations

Henry A. Sumner, M.A., CFRE Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Stephen T. Bell

12

Director of Publications

Homecoming soars to new level

New campus location, aerial features, more awards

ON THE COVER: Fireworks have become a Homecoming tradition.

21 Raja’s pajamas

Alumna’s story of heartbreak and hope

Carol DiAntonio Director, Alumni Relations and Special Programs

Judi Stanaitis ’07 ’13 Contributors

Jeffrey Eisenberg Christina Farrell Carolyn Seagraves ’84 Jill Weigel Photography

Kelly & Massa, Hunter Martin David Jackson Jerry Millevoi

D e p a rt m ent s 3 From the President 4 Around Campus 22 Class Notes

Accent Magazine is published two times annually

by Neumann University, Office of Public Relations and Marketing, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298.

Tel: (610) 558-5549.

Copyright by Neumann University.

Accent Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Neumann University and is printed on recycled paper.

Information in this issue was received by 12/31/16.

Please send change-of-address correspondence to: Office of Institutional Advancement Neumann University One Neumann Drive Aston, PA 19014-1298 or to alumni@neumann.edu.

“I remain ever grateful to Neumann and understand the constant need for assistance. My recurring gift is an ongoing pledge to never forget what Neumann University has meant to me.

I had great experiences, both in and out of the classroom.

I met people who helped me professionally as an educator and also on my faith journey. I made lasting friendships that have become a very special part of my life. Neumann gave me opportunities to participate in service allowing me to engage with people from all over the world.

I hope that my contribution will enable another student to experience the richness of the Neumann community.”

MaryAnn Wallen, ’04 Elementary Education Padua Academy, Religious Studies

Did you know that you can make a recurring gift to Neumann University?

Benefits

How It Works

 Easier to give smaller amounts at regular intervals

 I nitialize your gift at www.neumann.edu/giving or call 610-558-5513

 Amounts add up to a larger contribution  Safe, secure and easier on the environment  Fewer reminders & phone calls  An annual tax receipt summarizes your gifts

Questions?

If you have questions about the recurring giving program please contact us at 610-558-5513.

 Choose the amount and opt to make a recurring gift  C hoose the frequency (monthly, quarterly, twice yearly, or yearly)  Enjoy the gift of giving to Neumann!

Fro m the p re s ident

A

very special part of our homecoming celebration is the Saturday evening dinner at which five alumni awards are presented and a varying number of Knights are inducted into our Athletic Hall of Fame. The blessings that God has bestowed upon our Neumann family warm my heart, and the accomplishments of our graduates inspire great hope for the future of Neumann and our world.

Especially significant are the criteria for receiving an alumni award: exemplifying the values of the University; showing dedication and service to the university; providing leadership to advance Neumann; embodying the Franciscan values associated with the university; and making a commitment of time and service to Neumann. In a very real sense, to have so many working on behalf of this Catholic Franciscan university is fitting. Our mission statement, after all, does emphasize that “knowledge is a gift to be used in the service of others.” Through the lives of these graduates, we see this come to life.

This year, the number of alumni whom we recognized increased by five as Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented by each of our academic divisions: Arts and Sciences; Education and Human Services; Business and Information Management; Continuing Adult and Professional Studies; and Nursing and Health Sciences.

You can see photos of all of these accomplished alumni on pages 12 – 14 of this issue of Accent.

On a personal note, I want to share that it was a humbling experience for me to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame with my husband, Tony, Neumann’s best ambassador. As a girl growing up in South Philadelphia, my athletic gear consisted of a bicycle, a pair of roller skates and a jump rope. It has been quite a journey and quite a distance from those wonderful streets of Philadelphia to a college hall of fame! I am blessed by the opportunities the Lord has provided through the years.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Enjoy the pages that follow.

Pace e bene,

Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D. President Winter 2017 3

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Sport and Inspiration

by Jeff Eisenberg The Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, in conjunction with Neumann’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, hosted the first Perspectives on Sport and Inspiration conference on October 21. Bringing together scholars and sports professionals, the conference recognized the important roles of inspiration in sports through issues of inclusion, resiliency, faith, solidarity and more.

Ron Meyer, host of the Blessed2Play radio program and recipient of the 2016 Institute Award the previous night, kicked off the program by Ron Meyer spoke to an audience describing the role of 300 student-athletes at the of faith in the lives Institute for Sport, Spirituality of many professional and Character athletes and offering Development’s 2016 award advice to studentpresentation. athletes, specifically that focus must be a key element of personal growth and success.

Additional conference presentation topics included the role of religiosity and its correlations with resiliency and confidence in athletics; leadership and career readiness programs for studentathletes; servant leadership in highly visible venues such as the Special Olympics and the Paralympic Games; the significant role of parental involvement in youth sport; transcendence of self through endurance sports; the role of athletics in inspiring solidarity among communities; and the potentially life-changing power of inclusion and belonging in sports.

“We were so incredibly impressed with every presentation at this first PSI conference,” said Lee DelleMonache ’05, director of the Institute. “Each of our guests helped us to think about moments of goodness and inspiration in athletics not just in a ‘feel good’ sense but rather as deeper, consequential narratives that transform perspectives and perhaps even entire lives.

Their good work will certainly also help us at Neumann as we encourage our student-athletes to reflect beyond the X’s and O’s of their sports.”

The conference also included a collaborative working session for attendees to discuss the details of the forthcoming Perspectives on Sport and Inspiration online publication. In its hybrid role as a venue for scholarly work and applied insights, PSI will combine research and narratives to uncover meaningful moments and teaching tools of practical application to athletes and sports professionals at all levels.

For more information on Perspectives on Sport and Inspiration, including the development of the online publication and future conferences, please visit http://isscd.org/sport-andinspiration/.

4 Accent Magazine

Alumna Speaks at Vatican Symposium

by Jeff Eisenberg Lee DelleMonache ’05, director of the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, spoke at the Vatican on the topic of Sport and Mercy during the XIII International Symposium of University Professors: Knowledge and Mercy.

DelleMonache was the only representative from the United States to speak in the Sport and Mercy track of the symposium.

“What a privilege to be a part of an international gathering of experts from a variety of disciplines who discussed candidly the reality of the unmerciful world of sport,” said DelleMonache.

“The good news is that within those challenges lies opportunities.

While the world of sport may not be merciful, thankfully the humans involved in sports have great capacity to be bridges to God’s mercy.

“I look forward to continuing the discussions begun in Rome to develop resources to help members of the athletic community be better stewards of God’s mercy.”

DelleMonache was joined by professors from the UK, Germany, Rome, and Greece in the Sport and Mercy track of the symposium. Topics in the track also included mercy’s impact on athletes with disabilities, doping, and sports as a vehicle for peace.

DelleMonache’s presentation focused on sports ministry’s role in modeling God’s mercy. She spoke of Neumann’s team chaplaincy program and the responsibility team chaplains have to not only be bridges to mercy but also to inspire coaches, athletes, and fans they serve to be merciful.

The symposium included crossing the Holy Door at the Pontifical Basilica of St. John Lateran. That privilege of walking through the Holy Door left a deep impression on DelleMonache.

In her talk she said, “Imagine if all who are involved in sports view crossing the threshold to enter the field of play with the same reverence of passing through a Holy Door of Mercy. This Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy calls on us to envision the arena each athlete enters as sacred space and spiritual opportunity to celebrate all of God’s blessings including His gift of endless mercy.”

Founded in 1999, the Institute is based on the belief that sport possesses an inescapable spiritual and ethical dimension that merits academic exploration and practical application. The Institute coordinates the University’s team chaplain program and commissioning of student athletes, hosts team evenings of reflection and leadership training workshops for coaches and student athletes, and provides research and opinion on moral and ethical issues in athletics.

Around c a m p u s

John J. Mullen Communication Center Opens Andrew, a student from Great Valley High School, gets some tips on camera angles from NBC 10’s Karen Thomas, a Neumann faculty member.

Studio Day: A Hands-On Open House Studio Day was a very unusual open house and a huge hit. After only 15 minutes of welcomes and introductions, 39 high school seniors swarmed into the brand new John J. Mullen Communication Center to try their hand at a variety of high-tech roles that Neumann offers in its Communication and Digital Media (CDM) major.

They visited the largest of three radio studios, testing their on-air voices and putting songs into the WNUW playlist while their parents and friends chatted with Steve Morrison of WMMR’s “The Preston & Steve Show,” the top-rated morning drive show in Philadelphia.

Karen Thomas ’14, an NBC 10 meteorologist and Neumann faculty member, and Sue Serio of “Good Day Philadelphia,” both familiar faces in homes across the region, introduced them to the classroom TV studio.

Students sat at the news desk, read from teleprompters, operated cameras, and tested their green-screen look during mock weather forecasts.

In a second spacious TV studio, designed for professional production, students took on different roles under the guidance of Neumann Media staff members and full-time faculty: Sean McDonald ’09 ’12, Pat Fahy and Dr. Joseph Glass. Here, they were introduced to the unlimited production possibilities of having both studios broadcast in conjunction with sports or other live events from the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development.

The open house concluded with a panel discussion by four veteran professionals: Morrison, Serio, Thomas, and Frank Neill, a public relations and social media expert from Brian Communications. All spoke of the importance of college internships to gain experience and build networks in the field of communications.

Neumann’s CDM major requires at least one internship and encourages more.

The new addition to the Thomas A. Bruder, Jr. Life Center was named the John J. Mullen Communication Center at a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 4. Mullen and his wife Joan, longtime friends of the University, gave a leadership gift to the In Giving We Receive campaign, specifically to support the construction of the addition.

Mullen is the founder and former chairman of the Apple Leisure Group, a respected company in the travel industry. From a small travel agency with just three employees in Drexel Hill (Atkinson & Mullen Travel), he expanded the business to provide charter vacations, first to affinity groups and then to the general public. Today, Apple Vacations is one of the largest vacation companies and tour operators in North America, serving nearly one million passengers annually, and has 6,000 employees.

At the dedication ceremony, Mullen said, “Many of the students here today, whatever your course of study, will be part of this new communications wing. This new facility is multi-functional and open to your ideas and your dreams. Use it.”

In explaining the importance of communication skills, he said, “In the future, you will need to communicate your ideas to the public and successfully persuade others to believe in you.” He described the resources in the Communication Center as “here to assist you in achieving higher goals, at a higher level, in your career choice.”

“We are blessed to have friends like these, who believe deeply in Catholic education in the Franciscan tradition,” said Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president. “With their love and leadership, and your continued support, Neumann is well on its way to its centennial in 2065.”

The 10,000-square-foot Mullen Communication Center was built to support students in the Communications and Digital Media (CDM) major and those who join Neumann Media to explore their creative talents. It includes two TV studios, three radio studios, a green room, and a multipurpose hall.

In addition, the lobby of the Center is home to a plaque honoring St. Clare of Assisi, the patron saint of television. Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne ’70, OSF, vice president for mission and ministry, noted the presence of the plaque at the dedication ceremony. Fr. Stephen Thorne, university chaplain, then blessed the plaque and the entire Mullen Communication Center before the official ribbon-cutting to mark the opening of the wing.

John and Joan Mullen and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda The Communications (left) display the plaque naming the new John J. and Digital Media major, a Mullen Communication Center. modernized version of the Communications and Media Arts program, offers students the option to select one of six tracks or areas of emphasis: Production and Digital Broadcasting, Journalism, Strategic Communication, Graphic Design/Visual Communication, New and Social Media, or Sports Communication.

Winter 2017 5

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Dr. Rosalie Mirenda to Retire in June 2017 Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, Neumann University’s longest-serving president, will retire on June 30, 2017. She became president in 1996 and is in her twenty-first year at the helm of the University.

In a heartfelt August 1 letter to the University community, Dr. Mirenda wrote, “Together with my husband and family, I thought and prayed at length about this decision. The Good Lord has shown us in many ways that now is the right time for this transition for us and for our beloved Neumann University.”

In the letter, which was sent to faculty, staff and students, she expressed confidence in Neumann’s future: “Our leadership team is strong. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmed our accreditation and commended our self-study process.

Our University trustees are the most wonderful of people; they are courageous leaders with the acumen to continue to guide the institution to new and greater heights. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, as they have for more than 50 years, continue their sponsorship and support of Neumann and its Catholic Franciscan identity and mission.”

James Delaney, Chair of the University Board of Trustees, wrote to the University

community on the same day. “On behalf of the entire University Board of Trustees, I express my deep gratitude to Dr. Mirenda for her exceptional leadership of and unwavering devotion to Neumann University,” he said.

Delaney praised Dr. Mirenda as “a tireless advocate and savvy visionary for Neumann University while never taking her eye off its Catholic Franciscan identity.”

“The Board is in the process of formalizing the search process to select

Dr. Mirenda’s successor,” Delaney explained. “I will oversee the search committee that will be representative of our trustees, alumni, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, faculty, staff, and students. This committee, to be co-led by two experienced trustees, will review and interview candidates who respond to our search and recommend finalist(s) to the Board of Trustees for final approval and recommendation to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for their affirmation.”

Dr. Rosalie Mirenda (center) with the 2009 NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey champions.

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6 Accent Magazine

Around c a m p u s Ramona Palmerio-Roberts (left) and Colleen McDonough (right) host Your Brain on Politics.

Your Brain on Politics What happens when two psychology professors, one conservative and one liberal, talk politics on college radio? Your Brain on Politics happens.

Since the beginning of October, Dr. Colleen McDonough and Dr. Ramona Palmerio-Roberts have set aside one hour each week to discuss politics on WNUW 98.5, Neumann University radio. They have different views, opposing political philosophies, and yet, they are not at each other’s throats on air. In a refreshing departure from the 2016 political climate of name-calling (she’s crooked vs. he’s crazy), McDonough and Palmerio-Roberts like and respect each other.

“We share a lot of the same beliefs and values,” admits Palmerio-Roberts, a self-described religious liberal. “We just have different views about how to get there.”

McDonough, a moderate conservative, concurs. “Even when we completely disagree, we don’t get mad at each other.”

The psychological underpinning of the show is a shared belief that a phenomenon called “confirmation bias” is causing extreme polarization along political lines. Confirmation bias occurs when people look, almost exclusively, for information that confirms what they already believe. Think of right-wingers who listen only to Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly, or lefties who tune in solely to Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell.

“When you talk about issues with or consume information from people who share the same opinion, you become more entrenched in your views,” says Palmerio-Roberts. The result is an intensifying of the political polarization that adds to the vitriol that dominated the 2016 elections.

“It’s important to be open to different opinions,” says McDonough. “Often Ramona will say things that make me re-evaluate my position. The result may be to strengthen my belief or make me more willing to modify my initial view.”

Another theme of Your Brain on Politics is the power of the media to influence opinion. Years ago, during the debate about the Affordable Care Act, the professors recall that Fox News consistently emphasized that 90% of Americans already had some form of health insurance (hinting that lack of health coverage was a non-issue) while MSNBC stressed that 30 million people were not covered (hinting at a catastrophic situation). With the population of the United States at slightly more than 300 million, both statistics were accurate. It was the media emphasis that influenced viewer opinion, another example of how confirmation bias can polarize political camps.

“The goal of the show” explains McDonough, “is not to change people’s minds but to educate our listeners and help them become critical thinkers.”

Whether the visceral tone of politics in 2016 was caused by the media or whether profit-driven corporations are simply giving consumers what they demand, Palmerio-Roberts is certain that one element absent from the current climate is “healthy objectivity.”

And that’s what Your Brain on Politics is all about.

White House Welcomes WNUW The College Radio Foundation brought a delegation of students representing college radio, including two from Neumann, to The White House on Thursday, October 27.

The students, currently enrolled at 10 different universities across the nation, are members of college radio stations participating in the November 4th College Radio Day. Andrew Pham and Matthew Popo, students at Neumann University, along with faculty advisors Sean McDonald ’09 ’12 and Patrick Fahy, were among the delegation.

The participants met with members of the Obama administration to discuss important issues relevant to current college students. Topics included college affordability, student loans, and climate change. The group also met with press secretary Josh Earnest to discuss his role in the media and the importance of college media in today’s society.

College Radio Day is an annual event sponsored by the College Radio Foundation to unite college radio stations around the country, while celebrating its important contributions to music, journalism, and the radio industry as a whole. The College Radio Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charity. The Foundation works to promote and support non-commercial college radio stations and the students involved with them across the United States.

Matthew Popo (left) and Andrew Pham (right) with advisors Patrick Fahy and Sean McDonald ’09 ’12 at the White House.

Winter 2017 7

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Four from Neumann Receive Papal Honors Pope Francis has bestowed Papal Honors upon 45 individuals — including four from Neumann University — for their dedication and exceptional service to the World Meeting of Families Philadelphia-2015 and the pastoral visit of the Holy Father to Philadelphia. Among 16 people receiving the Benemerenti Medal are Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president; Mr. Anthony Mirenda, university ambassador; Mrs. Danielle Peyakovich McNichol, Esq. university general counsel; and Dr. Mary Beth Yount, assistant professor of pastoral and theological studies.

The honors were presented by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput on November 17 at a ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

The Benemerenti (to a well-deserved person) Medal was created by Pope

Gregory XVI in 1832 and was first awarded to soldiers in the papal army. The medal was later extended to members of the clergy and laity for exceptional service to the Roman Catholic Church.

Dr. Mirenda served on the World Meeting’s board of directors and coordinated support for the organization from all the Catholic institutions of higher education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, all with the support and assistance of her husband Tony.

Mrs. McNichol served as the WMOFPhiladelphia 2015 general counsel and director of human resources. In this role, she provided strategic direction of human resources policies for all volunteers, ensured compliance with government regulations, and implemented training programs for the international event.

More than 1,500 contracts were executed

during the World Meeting of Families.

Dr. Yount served as the director of content and programming for the global event that the Roman Catholic Church hosts every three years and for the Papal visit. She was responsible for leading the development of programs and educational sessions for the conference, which drew more than 10,000 participants to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and in charge of the content and programming for the Festival of Families and other Papal events during that weekend.

In addition to the Benemerenti Medals, Pope Francis named two individuals as Dame/Knight Grand Cross in the Order of St. Gregory the Great; 19 as Dame/Knight in the Order of St. Gregory the Great; and eight to receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and Pontiff).

Dr. Mary Beth Yount

Archbishop Charles Chaput presents Benemerenti Medals to Anthony and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda 8 Accent Magazine

Danielle McNichol, Esq.

Ma ke your Mar k

“When I entered Our Lady of Angels College, I was at a pivotal point in my life.

The mission of the College, the excellent educators and the Franciscan spirit shaped me in such a way that I have carried these gifts with me in my day to day life as a parish nurse. I continue to support Neumann University today simply because I hope that every student will be shaped by the high quality education that shaped my life”.

Judith B. Wentz ’75, BS, Nursing

Be long-remembered through your bequest to Neumann University Neumann University depends upon the generosity of its donors to continue to offer students outstanding facilities, career-oriented programs and first-class teaching.

By leaving a bequest in your will to Neumann University, you will help produce the next generation of talented, creative leaders who are destined to build a great future for our world.

Inspire Others to Give I encourage you to let the University know if you have named Neumann in your will. Doing so allows the University to thank you for your intension, to publicly acknowledge your bequest, and to add your name to the list of donors who have included the university in their estate plans — which may inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

Guardian Angel Society When you make a planned gift to Neumann University, you become part of the Guardian Angel Society, a society that recognizes your thoughtful contribution and enhances your lifetime relationship with Neumann. The University recognizes the generosity of Guardian Angel Society members each year at the President’s Thanksgiving reception.

For more information

Go to www.neumann.plannedgiving.org/neumann/giving/2.html or contact the Office of Institutional Advancement and University Relations at 610-558-5513.

Than k You

Around c a m p u s

Live Nativity

On December 4, students, faculty and staff re-enacted the Franciscan tradition of the crib, first celebrated in Greccio, Italy, performing the Live Nativity scene and the scripture narration in front of the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development.

Sleep-Out for the Homeless Tahirah Cubbage, Josiah Blodget, Madelyn Vassallo, and Abigail Yusella were among 20 Neumann University students who slept outside in cardboard boxes on November 17 to raise awareness on campus about the issue of homelessness in America.

10  Accent Magazine

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Canadian Twins Hit the Ice Every time the women’s ice hockey team takes to the ice this season, the Knights’ opponents will be seeing double.

Halle and Jillian Crane, twin sisters from the small town of Chatham, Ontario, will both skate for Neumann. Jillian plays forward while Halle skates on defense for the Knights.

They’ve been playing hockey since they were 10 years old, a fact that both young women admit makes them relative neophytes to the sport. “In Canada, most people start playing hockey at 2 or 3,” says Halle.

The sisters obviously made up for lost time, developing enough skill and intelligence for the game to stand out at the Stoney Creek Showcase Tournament with their Provincial Women’s Hockey League team, the Southwest Wildcats. It was there that Gina Kearns, the head coach of the Neumann women’s ice hockey team, discovered the pair.

“We liked Coach Kearns and the fact that Neumann is a Christian school,” recalls Jillian. “We visited last fall, and we liked the people and the campus,” adds Halle. After their first visit, they committed to Neumann and made a return trip in the spring to make off-campus living arrangements and speak with advisors about their first-year class schedule.

They enjoy living in Aston, a nine-hour drive from their home.

“There’s more to do here than in Chatham,” Jillian admits. The sisters have already visited Philadelphia, tried the famous Philly

Jillian and Halle Crane (or is it Halle and Jillian).

cheesesteak, been to the Jersey shore, and taken in two Flyers games.

The unexpected bonus to the professional hockey scene here is that a friend from home, Travis Konecny, just made the Flyers squad.

The twins are both intended nursing majors and hope to pursue a career in pediatric nursing.

Blessing of the Animals More than 70 pet owners flocked to St. John Neumann Circle on October 2 to have their pets blessed by Father Stephen D. Thorne, university chaplain.

The Blessing of Animals is held yearly to commemorate St. Francis of Assisi’s love for creation and for all of God’s creatures.

Winter 2017 11

A “Silent Philly� dance party drew crowds to the Bayada Atrium.

There were plenty of opportunities for family fun.

2016

Homecoming

The 2016 Homecoming celebration featured awards, events and family fun. From fireworks and a bonfire on Friday to a picnic and Alumni Awards Dinner on Saturday and Breakfast with Angels on Sunday, the weekend offered something for everyone.

Homecoming fireworks have become a tradition.

Alumni awards were presented to Melissa Maginnis, Ph.D. ’01, who received the Alumni Association John Neumann Award; Michael Hawley, Esq. ’89, who accepted the Alumni Association Recognition Award; Sr. Christopher Wagner, OSF ’69, who was selected for the President’s Distinguished Alumni Award; Ann Giunta, who received the Honorary Alumni Award; and Patricia DiNicola ’79, who took home the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Students danced in front of the Mirenda Center while they were waiting for the fireworks.

Dr. Rosalie Mirenda and Anthony Mirenda, Neumann’s president and ambassador, were inducted into the University Hall of Fame without ever throwing a pitch or catching a pass. The two were honored at Homecoming 2016 for their decades of loyal support for

every varsity team and the entire Knights athletic program.

Their induction was the highlight of an October 15 evening ceremony at which the Alumni Association presented 11 awards to alumni who graduated as long ago as 1969 and as recently as 2014.

It came a day after a reception to recognize current scholarship students and just hours after hundreds of alumni enjoyed food, music and a zip line ride on the grounds of the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development.

Continued 0n page 14

New Athletic Hall of Fame members are Anthony and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Brittany Whetts ’10, Robert Hornibrook Jr. ’04, and Robyn Armstrong ’09, who are joined by Athletic Director Charles Sack.

Winter 2017 13

2016

Homecoming Continued from page 13

A zip line was a new attraction at the homecoming picnic.

Distinguished Alumni Awards went to Curtis Crowther, Esq. ’90, Arts and Sciences; Sr. Deborah Krist, OSF ’87, Education and Human Services; Stephanie Ellis ’04, Business and Information Management; Brenda Wilson ’15, Continuing Adult and Professional Studies; and Dr. Darren Rodia ’05 ’07, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Anthony and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda posed with scholarship recipients at the President’s Scholarship Reception.

Graduates of Our Lady of Angels College gathered in the Bayada Atrium for a “Breakfast with Angels.”

14 Accent Magazine

Fall Arts on Campus

The University Jazz Band added a bit of Christmas seasoning to its December performance this year.

In the University Players production of Hamlet, Jessica Fields and Billy Rinick played Gertrude and the title role.

Under the direction of Dr. Yukiko Ishida, the University Concert Chorale performed “Adeste Fideles,” “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” at its Christmas concert.

Winter 2017 15

a th l etic s

Volleyball, Women’s Soccer Capture ECAC Bids Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team went 8-12 overall and 5-4 in conference action.

The Knights advanced to the CSAC semifinals.

Jake McDevitt and Abu Donzo were named second team All-Conference.

McDevitt led the Knights with nine goals and six assists for 24 points.

Christian Cortese added six goals and a team-high seven assists for 19 points. Jon Cobb netted four goals and two assists.

Shane Smith started 16 games in net.

He had a goals-against-average of 1.60, notched four shutouts and made 24 saves.

Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team went 9-9-1 overall and 6-4-1 in the conference to qualify for the postseason. Neumann also received an ECAC bid.

Lexi Casper was named CSAC First team. Jamie King and Brooke Harvey both received second team honors.

Rachel Cray (#17) sets for Rachael Hoffman (#19). Both earned first team all-conference honors, and Cray was named CSAC Rookie of the Year.

Free kick action at a men’s soccer match vs. Eastern. The team finished 5-4 in conference play.

16 Accent Magazine

Jamie King led the Knights with seven goals, three game-winning, and three assists for 17 points. Grace Stauffer and Ashley Francis each added five goals. Anna Attardi started all 19 games in net for the Knights.

She had a goals-against-average of 2.17 in over 1,600 minutes in net. The freshman made 96 save and notched four shutouts.

Volleyball The volleyball team went 18-18 overall and 9-2 in CSAC action. The Knights advanced to the CSAC semifinals and received an ECAC Tournament Bid. Rachel Cray was named the CSAC Rookie of the Year, earned first team AllConference honors and was named the ECAC South Rookie of the Year and second team honors. Rachael Hoffman was also named to the first team as well as AVCA AllRegion and ECAC South All-Stars second team. Melanie Malseed received second team honors and Hayley Glah and Shayne Sullivan were named honorable mention.

Hoffman led the Knights with 316 kills and 112 blocks, 44 solo. Hayley Glah added 287 kills and Malseed tallied 270. Cray handed out 919 assists and led the team with 59 service aces. Nikki Collevechio anchored the defense with 484 digs. Glah had 325 and Cray added 312.

Julia Mustin (#13) and Jessica Harrell (#4) in action against Marywood. Harrell, a senior, set career records for points, goals, and game-winning goals.

Women’s Tennis The women’s tennis team went 4-9 overall and 4-6 in conference action.

Danielle Rush picked up five wins in singles action. Angie Salvucci and Sophie Brink each won five singles matches.

Cross Country The men’s cross country team finished seventh at the CSAC Championship.

Each runner that crossed the line in the championship finished with a faster time than the beginning of the season. Nafees Norris ran the quickest 8K for the Knights at the Osprey Open meet with a time of 31:51.8.

Siobhan Cunningham led the women’s cross country team in 2016. She was the first Knight to cross the finish line in all seven meets. She shaved off two minutes from her first 5K to the Championship 5K.

Cross country runners Casey Darden and Pares Nichols pass a Marywood competitor.

The team finished seventh at the CSAC championship.

Field Hockey The field hockey team went 10-7 overall and 3-4 in conference action.

Becky Guinto was named to the CSAC first team All-Conference and the ECAC South All-Stars second team. Madison Brown received second team honors and Julia Mustin was named Honorable Mention.

Harrell had 10 goals and eight assists for 28 points. The senior set the career records

for points (114), goals (47) and gamewinning goals (10) during the season.

Guinto finished the season with eight goals and six assists, setting the program record for assists (24).

Mustin led Neumann with 15 goals and five assists for 35 points. Caitlyn Johnson started all 17 games and had a goals-againstaverage of 2.38 in over 1,200 minutes in net.

She also tallied two shutouts.

Winter 2017 17

ADVAN CE M E NT

Bock Book Award Goes Bilingual

Maya’s Blanket/La Manta de Maya, a bilingual book written by Monica Brown, won the 2016 Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award for Children’s Literature. The award was presented on October 6 in the Neumann University Library.

The book tells the story of Maya, the

Thanksgiving Reception The University recognized donors to the In Giving We Receive campaign at the President’s Thanksgiving Reception on November 18. Seated are Arthur and Pat DiNicola ’79 and Mimi and Joe Gorman.

Standing are Tammy ’15 and Sonny Antonelli, Jacki and Jim Delaney, Frank Janton, Dr. Rosalie and Tony Mirenda, Ann and Mark Baiada, and David and Kathy Brownlee ’04.

18 Accent Magazine

main character, who receives a blanket from her grandmother. Readers then follow Maya through her life as the blanket becomes a dress, a skirt, a shawl, and so on. The story is an exploration of the lasting love in a family and an illustration of sustainability and reuse.

Brown put a Latino spin on a traditionally Yiddish folk tale to reflect her own Jewish and Latina background.

After reading her story to an audience of youngsters, she spoke to Neumann students and faculty at a forum on social justice issues in children’s literature.

She has written many award-winning books for children, including Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People (Henry Holt), and Waiting for the Biblioburro (Random House). Brown is a professor of English at Northern Arizona University.

Wesley Bock was co-owner of Kilner’s, a store in north central Philadelphia that provided equipment, clothing, and

supplies to religious institutions. As a sales representative to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, he grew to be quite fond of them and began making contributions to the order. When Wesley and his wife Frances passed away, their estate went to their nephew, who, in consultation with the library, established the Bock Book Award in their memory.

The award acknowledges Franciscan values in children’s books and gives each year’s winner a prize of $750, a plaque, and a gold emblazoned emblem for the book. Criteria for the award include text that is values-oriented, interesting and stimulating for ages 3-8 years, and pleasing and aesthetic. The illustrations should provide support for interpreting the story, instill a reverence for and compassion for all creation, and depict creation in all its diversity. Both the text and illustrations should promote a moral attitude and/or action.

AL U M N I N E W S

DPT Alums Receive Private Practice of the Year Award Three Doctor of Physical Therapy alumni who developed their own physical therapy practice have been recognized as a leader in their industry.

Dr. Christopher Shearer, ’03 M.S., ’07 DPT, Dr. Angelo Labrinakos, ’05 M.S., ’07 DPT, and Dr. Darren Rodia, ’05 M.S., ’07 DPT, owners of Kinetic Physical Therapy in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, have been awarded the American Physical Therapy Association/Private Practice Section Private Practice of the Year for 2015.

This distinguished honor is given to only one private practice in the United States every year. Kinetic Physical Therapy has provided clinical, evidenced-based excellence for almost a decade along with first-class customer service. It has been on the forefront of innovation within the industry while developing one of the largest product lines anywhere.

The Kinetic leaders, who first met at the cadaver table during PT class and later formed a friendship, are thrilled that their colleagues across the country have noticed their achievements and chose them for this very prestigious award.

“We always knew we were great in our craft but to get that recognition was special,” Shearer said.

Kinetic Physical Therapy is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The firm’s core values are Knowledgeable, Innovative, Nurturing, Energetic, Trustworthy, Inspiring and Creative (cleverly spelling out Kinetic).

Their first office was opened in November 2006 in Chester Springs. Today they have five offices including locations in West Chester, Downingtown, Collegeville and Exton.

The concept for creating Kinetic Physical Therapy occurred while the three

Christopher Shearer ’03 ’07, Angelo Labrinakos ’05 ’07, and Darren Rodia ’05 ’07.

cofounders were at Neumann University completing the DPT program.

“The three of us had the same idea. We all said we can do this better ourselves. We were in the middle of Dr. Post’s class and I said ‘Let’s do this’,” Labrinakos recalled.

In the beginning the three therapists did it all, cleaning, insurance issues, and everything else the office would need.

“We all brought things to the table.

I believe in my heart that the key to us succeeding was the partnership. Chris brought the physical therapy to Kinetic.

Angelo is the best customer service person I have ever met,” said Rodia, the numbers guy.

The company’s vison statement lists that Kinetic Physical Therapy is changing the way movement rehabilitation is managed in the community. They strive to be the first call people make for all of their health and wellness needs.

“I believe that our foundation for innovation is that we are always two moves ahead of the industry. And we never lost our quality,” Rodia said. “We are now trying to enhance the quality of the profession as a whole. We want to prove the value of physical therapy.”

To the founders of Kinetic, measuring

quality is very important as well as patient satisfaction and patient progress.

“We have diversified the revenue stream. We now have 12 unique products and services that all generate cash and are in line with the mission and vision. And each (product/service) are run by existing employees,” explained Rodia.

Fifty percent of Kinetic’s leadership group are Neumann University DPT graduates.

“The Neumann student is a special student. You fought for three years and have a high level of maturity. We are very partial to Neumann students,” Rodia said.

Neumann’s DPT program runs on a weekend format, providing the opportunity for those who need or prefer this non-traditional schedule.

The curriculum is geared toward adult learners. Students develop specialized competence in meeting the health care needs of clients through a wide variety of settings, research, education, consultation, and administration. The program is designed to be completed in three years, from start to finish.

“It (Neumann’s DPT program) was way the only way I was able to go to physical therapy school,” Shearer said.

Winter 2017 19

AL U M N I N E W S

Knight-2-Knight Student & Alumni Dinner

Nursing Chapter Elects Pierdomenico

On Monday, November 14, 2016, over 40 students and eight alumni gathered to take part in a networking event hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations. The purpose of the dinner is to connect students with alumni in their intended field while sharing a meal. Discussions focus on topics that help students reflect upon and further discern their career choices, with the added benefit of an intimate networking opportunity with a professional.

Students who attended enjoyed the opportunity for open conversation with alumni and the chance to network in a professional capacity. We are grateful to the alumni who volunteered their time to be a part of this event:

The Nursing Alumni Chapter held its first elections in late summer.

Nursing graduate, Annette (Carrabba) Pierdomenico, RNC-OB, MSN, CBCN ’87 ’09, Breast Care Coordinator with Main Line Health, Riddle Memorial Hospital, was elected as the first president of the chapter after finishing a successful two-year term as the president of the Alumni Association Executive Board.

Diane (Fisher) Kern ’86, member of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for Main Line Health, Riddle Memorial Hospital, was elected as the vice president, bringing with her over 25 years of experience working on Neumann initiatives such as the Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Memorial Fund, Golf Classic and numerous activities raising funds for scholarships. Pierina Antonella ’82, a nurse for Villa Maria Academy, secured the position of secretary. Each officer will serve a two year term with the next vote being in June of 2018.

The following alumni were voted to serve as chapter executive board members: Colleen M. Bassett ’85, John A. Capuzzi ’15, Debra S. DeMasi ’80, Joyce R. Foresman-Capuzzi ’84, Annette C. Frawley ’92, Patricia A. Hollenback ’81, Louise L. Hummel ’81, Joan E. Joyce ’85, Stephanie Landmesser ’86, Maureen G. MacCrory ’85, Deborah A. Mantegna ’85, Theresa A. Sardella ’85, Elizabeth A. Rigaut ’09, Rose M. Robinson ’92, Jamie M. Sabetta ’10, Noelle J. Stack ’09, Janea A. Stevens ’09, Elizabeth S. Sushereba ’88, and Carol L. Zelenkowski ’88.

The chapter is charged with leading efforts to sponsor programs, educational workshops and reunions, and to interact with current students while encouraging its members to be more knowledgeable and actively supportive of the University. In addition to professional networking events, the chapter is currently selling nursing tee shirts to advance chapter goals. To learn more about this and other chapters, please visit www.alumni.neumann.edu/joinachapter.

To contact the Nursing Alumni Chapter, please visit their facebook page or email nunursingalumnichapter@gmail.com.

•R obert Fisher ’10 — Associate Director of Athletic Development, Drexel University; Neumann University Alumni Executive Board • Scott Giacomucci ’13 — Therapist, Private Practice, and Addictions and Trauma Counselor at Mirmont Treatment Center • Beth Gibney ’04 — Financial and Database Analyst, Atlanticare; Neumann University Alumni Executive Board • Trish Bradley Lockett ’91 — Marketing and Communications Director, Melmark • William O’Hanlon ’10 — Teacher, Mount Pleasant High School; Neumann University Alumni Executive Board • Michele Szkolnicki ’86 — Chief Operating Officer, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children; President, Neumann University Alumni Executive Board • Christopher Vanni ’99 — Senior Business Solutions Analyst, Wawa Students noted the positive impact alumni had on them: “I have now been to three of these dinners and I find them to be incredible opportunities! Having the chance to meet new people and network with fellow students is priceless and is definitely worth the time. I will of course attend this event again in the future!”

“I thought it was very helpful and I had such an amazing experience. I learned so much during those two hours from the alumni and I would love to do it again. I think that it’s such a great idea and that it is a very good learning experience and I would absolutely recommend it to all.”

“I really enjoy talking to those in my field and getting to connect with current students in my major.”

If you are a Neumann alumni who would be interested in participating as a table host at a future dinner, please email alumni@neumann.edu.

20 Accent Magazine

Nominate Neumann Alumni The Neumann University Alumni Association is seeking nominations for its Alumni Awards, presented during Homecoming on October 15.

The awards honor alumni who • Excel in their careers and • Contribute to their community Nominate a worthy Neumann alum by sending a brief statement about the person’s accomplishments to

alumni@neumann.edu or by calling 610-558-5544.

Rising from the Ashes – Lauren Raja’s Story Lauren Raja’s journey from elementary school teacher to pajama entrepreneur has been one filled with tragedy, despair, support, love, hope and inspiration. She has lived through life’s harshest moments and somehow found the spirit to carry on.

Her story began at Neumann University where she met her future husband Justin ’02.

Lauren is a 2004 graduate with a degree in elementary education. She also received her master’s degree from Neumann in 2010.

After graduation in 2004, Lauren and Justin went their separate ways only to be reconnected through Facebook seven years later. They became engaged and married after a whirlwind courtship. The couple settled in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

A trip to Greece in 2014 turned tragic with the accidental death of her husband. He was only 33 years old. She returned home to New Hope, a widow with her life crumbling around her.

“I was depressed, isolated and was absolutely terrified of the future. Hiding from the world and putting on masks was my M.O., hoping no one could see through to how deeply the pain was affecting me,” she recalled.

After many months of pain and sorrow, Lauren began to channel the love and support that Justin continually gave her. She also turned to another loved one who had passed away — her grandmother Mama Jean.

According to Lauren, Justin and Mama Jean were the most influential, loving and giving souls. She knew that she was blessed to have had them in her life.

Prior to his accident, Justin had given Lauren a sewing machine which sat untouched for many months. During the winter after he passed away, she was drawn to the machine and decide to give it try.

“Justin was all for it and just so cute about it. That’s what drove me to do it. He was so excited for me to use it,” she said.

The ideas started flowing and Lauren

Lauren Raja ’04 with her pajama models at the Cultural Arts Forum Fashion Show.

From left are current student Natalie Hummel (holding Addison Friel) Gabriella Guerrero ’13, Chloe Camp, and Maria Sotomayor ’13 (holding Rylee Stanaitis).

considered of making all kinds of different products. It was definitely a trial and error period for the young entrepreneur.

“I started doing sketches and came up with pajamas. I like creating things and I guess I never tapped into it. I’ve channeled my husband and grandmother’s love and support. They drive me to succeed,” Lauren said.

The end result was the creation Justin Jean polka dot pajamas with ruffles on the seat and a heart on the sleeve. The polka dots represent Justin who loved to wear polka dot socks and the ruffles are a reminder of Lauren’s childhood spent with Mama Jean. The heart is to show people that it’s okay to wear your heart on your sleeve — something that Lauren kept hidden for many months after her husband’s death.

“I got to work and started contacting factories. About a year later it happened.

I’m very pleased with everything. The fabric we’re using is unbelievable. People tell me how nice the pajamas are, and that they can tell I poured my heart into making them,” said Lauren.

“We had a launch party, which was beautiful, and a lot of my Neumann girls came. My friends were happy that I was doing things and getting excited over something. It been a tough start but we’re doing pretty well now,” Lauren said.

Currently, the Justin Jean pajamas sell women’s and little girls’ products but Lauren has plans to expand her inventory to include boys’ and men’s pajamas next year.

Lauren’s business has a charitable focus. A portion of the proceeds from the pajamas sales go to different non-profit organizations. She has chosen to support the FHAL (Faith Hope and Love) Foundation, which raises money for families trying to conceive or adopt children.

Angels Cradle is another non-profit that Lauren supports. This organization helps abandoned Albanian babies.

“My goals are to be able to earn a living.

I don’t need to be a millionaire but I do want to do something I love and honor my husband and grandmother,” Lauren said.

For more information about Justin Jean pajamas visit www.justinjeanpjs.com Winter 2017 21

c l a s s note s

EDUCATION

BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONS

Freddy Mitsdarfer, ’13, B.A., graduated

Dr. Linda Acker, ’15, Ed.D., and husband Elliot Acker, ’12, M.S.,

from Villanova Law School and successfully passed the Delaware State Bar Exam.

Jennifer O’Connor, ’13, B.A., has been

accepted into the environmental law program at Vermont Law School, which has been the top-ranked law school for environmental law for six consecutive years.

Timothy Zinzel, ’16, B.S., will attend

graduate school at the University of Louisville in the sport administration program in fall 2016.

WEDDINGS/ENGAGEMENTS Beth Owsik, ’07, B.S., married J.T. Capecci at The Grand Hotel in Cape May, NJ, on August 28, 2015. (right) Amanda Biagi, ’09, B.A., married Rafael

welcomed son, Elliot James, on May 7, 2016. He is named after his father and grandfather. (right)

Christy Fleagle, ’14, M.S., and husband

Tom, welcomed a little girl, Tessa Marie, into the world.

Chris Conroy, ’13, B.S.,

and wife Maddy, welcomed their second child, Kelsey Madeleine, on July 19, 2016. Son Tyler (three) is enjoying his little sister and trying to show her the ropes. (right) Kayla Chamberlain Buckley, ’10, B.A., and husband Zane Buckley, ’13, B.A., welcomed

Finn William Buckley into the world on June 8, 2016.

Jessica Gooch, ’11, B.S., and her husband David, welcomed a little girl, Anna Bernice, on June 1, 2016.

Nieves on March 19, 2016.

Jasmine Salgado, ’10, B.S., became

engaged to Ryan Losinno on August 30, 2016.

Kevin Oleszewski, ’12, B.S., married

Gabrielle Leone, his high school sweetheart, in Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL, on November 18, 2016. (below)

Brian Chesnick, ’07, B.S., and wife Kelly,

welcomed their second child, daughter Kenzie Marie, on Aug 24, 2016. Son Brayden (born August 20, 2015) is enjoying being a big brother. Brian is employed with the US Department of Defense and he and his family live in Davidsonville, MD.

Nancy Criscuolo, ’91, B.A.,

and partner, Mary Spalding, recently celebrated the adoption of their son, Matthew James Spalding-Criscuolo. (right)

Maria Sotomayor, ’13, B.A., became engaged to Scott Giacomucci, ’13, B.A.,

on October 13, 2016.

Gabrielle Alfaro, ’16, B.A., became

engaged to Ryan Oeckinghaus on August 13, 2016. (left)

22 Accent Magazine

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS Jose Jimenez, ’16, B.S., is the Corporate

Sales and Services Intern with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began graduate school at Ohio University’s Center for Sports Administration in fall 2016.

Kristen Kelly, ’16, B.A., is a Therapeutic Staff Support with Chester County Regional Education Services (CCRES).

DeShawn Lowman, ’16, B.S., was recognized as the CSAC Male Scholar Athlete of the year in June of 2016. He is currently the captain of the men’s basketball team. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA and is in graduate school now. He is only the second student-athlete in NU athletic history to receive this award.

Julia Malseed, ’16, B.S., is a Fan Services

Representative at the Philadelphia Union.

Jalen Rinaldi-Burks, ’16, B.S., is the Director

of Sport Development for USA Baseball.

Gillian Weigel, ’16, M.S., has been named the Athletic Communications Director for Neumann University’s Athletic Department.

Amanda Whisted-Saunders, ’16, B.A., is

the Programs Associate at the Franciscan Mission Service.

Chris Bournazos, ’15, B.S., is a Sales Associate with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Milton Broom, ’15, B.A., Joseph Safaryn, ’15, B.S., and Tiffany Connelly, ’14, B.S.,

were present at a groundbreaking ceremony at Teligent Pharma, Inc. Also attending was the CEO of Teligent and the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. (right)

Nicole D’Angelo, ’15, B.S., is the Community Relations and Social Media Manager for the Reading Royals (ECHL Hockey).

Brandon Ferguson, ’15, B.S., is an Account Executive and Youth Hockey Coordinator at the Binghamton Senators Hockey Club in New York.

Colleen Graf, ’15, B.S., is the Event Manager

at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Virginia.

Dequilla Hurt ’15, M.S., was awarded

the Eastern PA Geriatric Society Nancy Tatum Award for distinguished geriatric service in December 2016. (left)

c l a s s note s Samantha Kotowski, ’15, B.S., is the Head

Lacrosse and Head Field Hockey Coach for AI DuPont High School in Wilmington, DE.

Krista McAndress, ’15, B.S., was promoted

from working in the chemistry lab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to working in the metabolic lab doing mostly mass spectrometry work for metabolic disorders.

Ryan O’Kane, ’15, B.S., is the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, PA. He is also pursuing his Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) degree at the University of Idaho.

Dr. LeRoy Whitehead, ’15, Ed.D., was

named the Assistant Superintendent of the Phoenixville Area School District.

Joseph Buscemi, ’14, B.A., is an Account

Executive at Remline Corporation, a marketing firm in Delaware.

Tiffany Connelly, ’14, B.S., is a Regulatory

Affairs Associate with Teligent, Inc.

Lori DiGuardi, ’14, M.S., earned her ACC (Associate Certified Coach) from the International Coach Federation. In addition, she was chosen to speak at Tucson TEDx in March 2017. She will talk about our inner truth of anger and how it is a call for selfacknowledgment, self-honor, and self-love.

Rosabeth Kays, ’14, B.S., is the Director of Soccer Operations with the Villanova University Athletic Department.

Victoria Limmina, ’14, B.A., is an Assistant

Manager at Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

Vincent Cucunato, ’12, B.S., is working at the Cooper Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. He is also celebrating one year of marriage.

Kevin Oleszewski, ’12, B.S., passed his

Certified Financial Planner board exam and will be an adjunct teacher at Atlantic Cape Community College teaching statistics.

Heather Karasow Smith, ’12, B. A., was

appointed Director of Major Giving, Pennsylvania, at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In this capacity, she secures private funding to support clean rivers and streams in the Commonwealth portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, a watershed that includes parts of six states (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York) and Washington, D.C.

Matthew Tendler, ’12, B.S., is the Assistant Athletic Director/Recruitment Coordinator in Neumann University’s Athletic Department. He will continue his role as Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach.

Kyle Gardner, ’11, B.A., is the Assistant

Director of Campus Recreation in Neumann University’s Athletic Department.

Meghan Rogers, ’10, B.A., has published a book called Crossing the Line, the first in a young adult series of books called The Raven Files. More information about Meghan can be found at www. meghanrogersbooks.com.

Where are you and what are you doing?

Let us know of any changes in your life that you would like to share at

www.alumni.neumann. edu/classnotes

James Lynch, ’09, M.S., is now the

Executive Director of Athletics at the School District of Philadelphia.

Shannon Mortimer, ’08, M.S., ’00, B.A.,

was a nominee for the HR Person of the Year Award for Delaware Valley. Shannon has been in the human resources field for the past 16 years and currently manages benefits and immigration programs here in the US as well as in the UK, Poland, Singapore and Australia. She is currently working on obtaining her Immigration Certification.

Leonard Schuler, ’08, M.S., ’85, B.S., has

been promoted to the position of Head Softball Coach at Neumann University.

Melissa Hickey, ’07, M.S., opened her private counseling practice, The Tara Center for Hope and Healing, centered in West Chester, PA and Claymont, DE. Her practice specializes in grief, bereavement, and trauma counseling.

Michael Mullen, ’07, M.S., has been named

Dean of Academic Support Services at Neumann University.

Joan Wise, ’05, M.S., ’02, B.S., owner of

Wise Originals Florist in Aston, PA, was one of 10 national finalists to be nominated for Teleflora’s Tom Butler Retailer of the Year Award in association with the Society of American Florists.

Robert Cook, ’02, B.S., is now a Business

Sales Consultant for Wells Fargo.

David Deal, ’02, B.S., has been named the Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Campus Recreation.

Mary Grugan, ’02, B.S., obtained her MSN

in Anesthesia. She is a Board Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Annmarie Ciammaichelli Kelly, ’01, B.S., recently earned the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). The DTM is Toastmasters International’s highest achievement and honor. She has been awarded other honors as well, including the President’s Call to Service award, presented by President Barack Obama.

Jennifer Filla, ’01, B.S., operates Aspire Research Group LLC and the Prospect Research Institute, both headquartered in greater Tampa Bay, FL. She co-authored Prospect Research for Fundraisers: The Essential Handbook (2013 Wiley).

Trish Bradley Lockett, ’91, B.S., is the Marketing and Communications Director at Berwyn-based Melmark, a non-profit organization serving children, adults and their families affected by a broad range of intellectual disabilities.

Nicholas Verticelli, ’93, B.A., accepted a position as a Fiber Customer Support Analyst for Verizon at their Fiber Solutions Center in Wilmington, Delaware. He also enjoys doing freelance computer repair and network technician work.

Heather (Luzak) Owens, ’94, B.S., was

promoted to Associate Director, Global Technical Operations at Merck & Company, Inc. Continued 0n page 24 Winter 2017 23

c l a s s note s

Continued from page 23

Dr. Elizabeth Bruderle, ’88, B.S., is Villanova University’s 2016

Lindback Award Recipient which recognizes excellence in student advising.

Faculty Publications, Conferences and Awards

Joan Joyce, ’85, B.S., recently won the

F. Scott Beadenkopf, director of academic technology,

Southeastern Pennsylvania Critical Care Nurses Association Excellence in Critical Care Management Award. (right)

published “Beauty on the Hill: 2016 – 2017 Academic Calendar for Neumann University,” a 13-month calendar with his photographic artwork of the Neumann campus.

Neil Belles, senior administrative support specialist,

IN THE NEWS Denise LePera, ’06, M.S., ’03, B.S., president of Archbishop Ryan High

School in Philadelphia, is a 2016 SmartCEO Brava Award winner.

Brava award winners combine their irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for giving back to the community, and are exemplary leaders of both their companies and their communities.

Diana Woloshin, ’03, B.A., was named 2016 Teacher of the Year at College Park Elementary School in Ladson, SC. (right)

In Memoriam  Stephanie M. Egan ’14 Denise Kweeder ’89 John D. Lombardo ’87 Talia Mayka Rheanna (English) McGlensey ’03 Dr. Leon M. Mielcarek, Jr. Theodore J. Mirenda Dorothy A. Roberts ’75 Lisa A. Schaad ’13 George H. Strohminger Mrs. Joan Stewart Albert J. Zurzolo

presented “Informer Reporting in a Colleague SQL Environment” and “Foundations of HR and Payroll Reporting” at the PADUG (Pennsylvania Datatel User Group) conference in Harrisburg, PA, September 2016.

David Brownlee, vice president for human resources and risk management, received the Emily du Pont Award for outstanding service to the Delaware Center for Horticulture on October 26, 2016. He is a former board president of the DCH. Stephanie Smith Budhai, assistant professor and director of graduate education, presented “Active Parent to Parent Activist: A Critical Review of Research on Parent Involvement in Urban Schools” at the International Urban Education Conference in San Jan, Puerto Rico, October 2016.

Lee DelleMonache ’05, director of the Institute for Sport,

Spirituality & Character Development, presented “Sport, spirituality and character development: Experiencing mercy through a unique sport ministry” at the XIII International Symposium of University Professors: Knowledge and Mercy, sponsored by the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education in cooperation with the Vicariate of Rome Office of University Pastoral Care and the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, September 2016. She was the only representative from the United States invited to speak in the Sport and Mercy track of the symposium.

David DiMarco and Ryan Savitz, associate professors of mathematics, have created a series of math colloquia on campus. The third and most recent speaker was Christian Hellings, program coordinator of mathematics at Gwynedd Mercy University who presented on November 8, 2016.

He spoke on varying ways election votes can be counted in a talk titled “Counting Votes the Right Way.” David started serving as the liaison between Neumann and the EPaDel (Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware) section of the Mathematical Association of America on October 31, 2016.

Ryan had his article “The Impact of National Culture on Corporate Diversification” published in the International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2016.

Ayana Griggs ’16, payroll specialist, recently passed the certification test for payroll professionals. She now is a CPP (Certified Payroll Professional).

Timothy Hanna, assistant professor of pastoral clinical

mental health counseling, presented the workshop “Counselor Conscientization: Exploring Religious and

24 Accent Magazine

KUDOS

Spiritual Identities in the Critical Development of Counselor Trainees” at the Maryland Counseling Association conference, November 2016. In addition, he co-led the opening session titled “What is acceptance & forgiveness: Laying Down our Swords in Dialogue” at the Atlantic Region American Association of Pastoral Counselors conference, November 2016.

Glenn Holmstrom, associate professor of art, was appointed to

the College Art Association (CAA) Education Committee. CAA is the preeminent international leadership organization in the visual arts. The Education Committee promotes the visual arts as an essential aspect of human activity and encourages excellence in teaching at all levels. He also exhibited two paintings in Restart, at Tyler Art Gallery, State University of New York, Oswego, in October.

Amy Luckowski, assistant professor of nursing, had her article

“The lived experience in the clinical setting of nurse students with disabilities” published in the Nursing Education Perspectives 2016.

Robert McMonagle, associate professor of political science, had

his article “Measuring Congressional Partisanship on Energy and the Environment in the Age of Obama: The Cases of Offshore Drilling in Alaska and the Keystone XL Pipeline” accepted for publication with the Open Access Library Journal.

Daniel McKee, associate professor of education and human

services, organized a trip for education students to the Benedictine School in Ridgely, Maryland, during Christmas break. Neumann students worked at the school for three days supporting students with multiple disabilities. This is the fourth year that Neumann students have taken this trip.

Andrew Miller, history instructor, took five Neumann students to the United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on November 5, 2016. The students are all history minors. The ball, celebrating the 241st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, was held in Boothwyn and sponsored by the Marine Corps League, Delaware County Detachment. In addition, his book entitled Williamson College of the Trades will be available in January 2017.

John Mizzoni, professor of philosophy, commented on Charles

Robertson’s paper “Is Marriage a Basic Good?” at the meeting of the American Catholic Philosophical Association, held in San Francisco, CA, November 2016.

Alfred Mueller, dean of the division of arts and sciences, was one of 30 administrators in higher education nationwide selected by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to participate in the 2016–2017 Senior Leadership Academy. He participated in an opening seminar in New Orleans, Louisiana, in November 2016, and will attend a closing seminar in Washington, DC, in June 2017. He also will undertake a mentoring program, work with experts in various aspects of higher education administration, participate in webinars, and engage in a series of readings and case studies during the academic year.

Leanne Owen, professor of criminal justice, had her article

“The Impact of Feedback as Formative Assessment on Student Performance” published in volume 28, issue 2, of the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Mary Powell, associate professor and director of graduate

nursing program, was elected to serve on the Taylor Community Foundation (TCF) Board of Directors effective July 1, 2016.

TCF’s primary daily activities are the operations of Taylor Hospice, which provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for terminally ill patients and their families in home settings, assisted living settings, nursing facilities, and the Taylor Hospice Residence in Ridley Park, PA.

Anne Ramirez, associate professor of English, presented a paper titled “And then I knew I heard: Re-Searching Dickinson’s Immortal Experiments” on June 24, 2016, at the Emily Dickinson International Conference in Paris, France.​ Lauren Salvitti, science laboratory manager, had her collaborative work “In situ accumulation of tetrodotoxin in non-toxic Pleurobranchaea maculata (Opisthobranchia)” published in Aquatic Sciences August 2016.

Megan Scranton, associate professor of education, presented “Building Vivid, Vital, & Valuable Vocabularies: Vocabulary Instruction for ELLs & All Learners” at the ASHA (American Speech & Hearing Association) 2016 Convention, Philadelphia, PA. She also presented “Engaging & Effective Strategies for Teaching Literacy to All Learners” at the CSI (Center for Scholastic Inquiry) International Academic Research Conference, Scottsdale, AZ, October 2016.

Laura Taddei and Louise Whitelaw, assistant professors of

education, had their journal article “Connecting service learning to course content in the Franciscan Tradition” published in the AFCU Journal: A Franciscan Perspective on Higher Education.

Maria Traub, associate professor of French and Italian, had her article “L’Histoire du Fort Mifflin” published in the autumn issue of La Gazette Violette, American Society of French Academic Palms, Automne 2016. In addition she presented, “La France m’a donné une identité,” a study of autobiography and identity​in the writings of a French-Vietnamese author at the Pacific Association of Ancient and Modern Languages Conference, Pasadena, CA, November 2016.

Mary Beth Yount, assistant professor of pastoral and theological studies, was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis on November 17, 2016. In addition, she presented “Shared Responsibility: Practical Involvement of the Laity” at the Lay Centre Rome Seminar 2016, and “Full, Conscious, and Active: Lay Participation in the Church’s Dialogue with the World” at the Lay Centre in Rome, Italy, July 2016.

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S AV E T H E DAT E EIGHTEENTH A nnua l NEUM A N N U NI V ER SIT Y

Scholarship Gala Saturday, April 1, 2017 D re x e l b r o o k Drexel Hill, PA

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Please join us for an elegant evening of fine dining and music to support Neumann University student scholarships.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.neumann.edu/gala.