Accent winter 2013

a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

Vol. 41, No. 1 • Winter 2013

SCHOLARSHIPS: The Impact of Generosity

Save the Date

Saturday – Sunday, February 2 – 3

Wednesday, April 17

Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Memorial Weekend Spirit Day February 2

Business Exchange Networking Event

Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development

Celebrate the life and legacy of Brendan P. Kelly ’87 by playing in a basketball tournament to raise money for scholarships in his honor. Saturday events include alumni games, bounces, Taste of Philly lunch, NCAA double header, and 4 p.m. liturgy. Court time is available on Sunday. Visit www.alumni.neumann.edu/kelly13 or call Scott Bogard at 610-558-5612.

Wednesday, March 13

Charter/Sponsorship Day Neumann University Campus • 12 – 3 p.m.

Join our 48th anniversary celebration. Highlights include liturgy at noon and the Dr. Dorothy A.P. Leunissen Presidential Lecture at 2 p.m. For details, call 610-558-5513.

Thursday, April 4

Sixth Annual Continuing Adult and Professional Studies Appreciation Celebration Media Towne House, Media, PA

The Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies will host its annual networking and Appreciation Celebration for faculty, staff and alumni at the Media Towne House. For more information, contact Deb Knoblauch at 610-3615440.

Saturday, April 6 Watch the Alumni Online Community (www.alumni. neumann.edu) for more information on alumni events and networking opportunities.

Twelfth Annual Neumann University Scholarship Gala Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Hamilton Building • 7 p.m.

Enjoy an elegant evening of music and fine dining to support student scholarships at Neumann.

The success of this event throughout the years has generated more than $1 million to provide young men and women the opportunity to experience Catholic education in the Franciscan tradition. Call 610-558-5513 for ticket and sponsorship information.

The Springhaven Club, Wallingford, PA

The Division of Business and Information Management will hold its premier networking event at The Springhaven Club in Wallingford, PA. For more information, please contact Donna Bendistis at 610-558-5594.

Saturday, April 20

Parent Breakfast and Our Lady of Angels Tour Mirenda Center • 10 a.m.

Neumann parents and families are invited to the annual breakfast with Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president, followed by an insider’s tour of Our Lady of Angels Convent. For more information call 610-5585544.

Friday, May 17

Alumni Induction Ceremony and Graduation Rehearsal Mirenda Center • 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 18

Commencement South Lawn • 12:30 p.m.

More than 600 students will join the ranks of NU alumni amidst the traditional trappings of commencement exercises.

Monday, June 3

Ninth Annual Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Celebrity Golf Classic The Springhaven Club • 1 p.m.

Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a duffer, you’ll enjoy this day on the links with a host of celebrities who have Delaware Valley connections. All proceeds benefit student scholarships. For ticket and sponsor information, call 610-558-5513.

Various Dates

Career Management Series

A series of professional workshops for students, parents, alumni and community members sponsored

by Neumann University and brought to you by the Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies and the offices of Alumni Relations and Career Development. Visit www.neumann.edu/cms for more information.

Accent a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

Vol. 41, No. 1 • Winter 2013

F E AT U R E S

President

Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D.

eet Seven Scholarship 18 MRecipients

The impact of generosity

23 Neumannfest 2012

Homecoming with an Oktoberfest theme

26 The Power of One

ON THE COVER: Scholarship recipients Victoria DeCristoforo, Patrick Light, Mashon Hymen, Sean Kulesa and Frank Altamuro

Alumnus changes the life of an African village

29 Shark Tank, Neumann Style

Alumnus shines on national television

Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations

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

Stephen T. Bell Director of Publications

Carol DiAntonio Director, Alumni Relations and Special Programs

Judi Stanaitis ’07 Contributors

Nick DiMarino Christina Farrell Stephanie Fortunato ’13 Stephanie Horst Sr. Patricia Hutchison, OSF ’75 Carolyn Seagraves ’84 Jill Weigel Photography

Kelly & Massa, Hunter Martin David Jackson Jerry Millevoi

D E P A R T M E N T S 3 From the President 4 Around Campus 30 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.

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.

NEW NAME. SAME MISSION. MORE IMPACT.

The Neumann Fund serves as the keystone fund and unites the fund raising efforts of the Annual Fund, Scholarship Fund and Athletic Fund — three programs vital to effectively serve our students, allowing them to have the uniquely personal Neumann experience.

Each year alumni, parents and friends join together to keep the Neumann mission and vision thriving through an investment in the educational experience of our students.

www.neumann.edu/NeumannFund

The Scholarship Fund

The

Athletic Fund

The Annual Fund

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Letter from the President “ The unheralded heroes of this story are the donors, those who willingly part with wealth that they have earned to help others.”

T

he title of the cover story in this issue of Accent is Scholarships: The Impact of Generosity. Rarely has there been a more accurate title for a story in this magazine.

On pages 18-21 of this issue, you will read about seven of our wonderful students. They study a variety of majors and come from diverse backgrounds. Yet they voice one common theme in their comments for the article. Perhaps it was best stated by Victoria DeCristoforo, a senior accounting major from Philadelphia: “I wouldn’t be in college without scholarships.”

These young women and men, and many more just like them at Neumann, are extraordinarily grateful for the scholarships they are receiving. These scholarships bridge the gap between a family’s ability to pay for tuition and the cost of higher education. Because of the generosity of donors they may never have met, the recipients of these scholarships are experiencing Catholic Franciscan education and earning a credential that will influence the rest of their lives in a positive way.

Despite a recent trend to question the necessity of a college education, the facts about the value of a university degree are clear. College graduates earn much more during their careers than their counterparts without a degree. Unemployment rates for those with baccalaureate degrees are significantly lower than for those who never went to college. College graduates are more engaged in their communities, more active in volunteer efforts, and more likely to “give back” to others during their lives.

The unheralded heroes of this story are the donors, those who willingly part with wealth that they have earned to help others achieve a milestone that will unlock potential. The support that donors provide, especially at Neumann where more than half of the undergraduates are first-generation college students, is essential for our students.

We are blessed to have so many generous friends and supporters who make it possible for scores of students to achieve their dreams. To each of you, I, too, say “Thank you!”

Pace e Bene!

Rosalie M. Mirenda President

Winter 2013 5

AROUND CAMPUS

An Army Hero, Giving Back Antoinette Shields is currently a student in Neumann University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program with an anticipated graduation date of May 2013. The path that led her to Neumann, and the DPT program, began during her military deployment in Iraq.

Shields is a 2002 West Point graduate who was deployed to Iraq in April 2003. She served as an ordnance officer, leading a maintenance platoon running convoys through some of the most dangerous routes in the country’s Sunni Triangle. She commanded female search teams in battalion raids and set up Iraqi defense firing ranges.

For her leadership, service, and heroic work in Iraq, Shields was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth highest combat decoration that a soldier can receive.

After she came home from Iraq, Shields visited some of her comrades in an Army hospital. It was during these visits that she saw the crucial role that a physical therapist plays in the rehabilitation process. At the same time she realized how fortunate she was and decided it was time to give back.

“I was making my transition from military to civilian life and a lot of friends came back wounded. I started thinking how I could help them. It makes you appreciate being safe at home, and you start looking for ways of giving back,” Shields said.

As a recipient of the Pat Tillman Foundation scholarship, Shields was able to complete her physical therapy prerequisite courses and enroll in Neumann’s DPT program. She balances her studies with caring for her two young daughters, ages six and four.

The DPT program is a three-year course of study that meets on Saturdays and Sundays. There are three 11-week semesters each year.

It is one of Neumann’s most popular graduate programs.

“I’ve learned so much here at Neumann. The professors are all wonderfully intelligent people. They all have their own specialty.

The weekend format really worked well for me,” she explained.

Antoinette Shields, a student in the DPT program, won the Bronze Star for her service in Iraq.

“The students are great too. After spending three years together, we all pull together; it’s wonderful.”

After graduation Shields plans to work with veterans and has hopes to continue her education in the PT field.

“I would love to learn more about prosthetics and rehab with veterans in the future and maybe do it at a VA hospital,” she said.

O’Beirne, OSF ’70 Honored Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne ’70, vice president of mission and ministry at Neumann, was honored this summer by St. Ronan’s National School in Cloonloo, Ireland. O’Beirne, a Cloonloo native, was selected as an ambassador for her former school.

She began her formal education at Cloonloo NS and has described it as “a school that has been a vital part of the community and that has helped to shape the lives of so many down through the years.” She agreed to become an ambassador for Cloonloo NS because she believes “education is an effort of a community to recreate itself with the rise of each new

6 Accent Magazine

generation and to perpetuate itself in historic time.”

O’Beirne returned to Ireland to participate in the ceremony.

Held July 1, the celebration day began with a tree planting, followed by Mass and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and refreshments. Members of the local community and past pupils of the school came out to celebrate.

O’Beirne has been vice president of mission and ministry since 1997. Before coming to Neumann she served as principal of McCorristin Catholic High School in Hamilton, NJ, from 1983-1995.

AROUND CAMPUS

From Burma to Aston Saw Htoo Dai is a driven young man who saw a chance to change his future and grabbed it. His journey began on the other side of the globe and has landed him at Neumann University. He is currently a freshman studying computer information management.

Saw Htoo is member of the Karen people, an ethnic group from Burma that has been the target of repeated violence and persecution from the Burmese government. He was born in a Karen state inside Burma and lived there until he was four years old. After the government came to his village and killed his father, his mother sent Saw Htoo and his brother to an orphanage. She hoped for a better life for her sons.

“There’s a long, long time civil war with the government. My mom sent me and my younger brother to an orphanage for 10 years,” he recalled.

It has always been a dream of Saw Htoo to educate himself. Unfortunately the educational system in Burma is so poor that there was no school for him to attend. Saw Htoo knew his best chance was at the Nu Poe Refugee Camp on the Thailand border in southwest Asia.

With the help of his uncle, Saw Htoo went to the refugee camp to go to school and learn English. The Burmese government prohibits the Karen people from going to the camp, but he was able to sneak in.

It was at the camp that Saw Htoo began his schooling and met a woman who would change his life for the better.

Rosemary McCarty, a 1990 graduate of Neumann University, was instrumental in bringing Saw Htoo to America and Neumann University.

“I met Rosemary at the refugee camp in 2010. She was a volunteer teaching there, and we became friends,” Saw Htoo said.

McCarty saw tremendous potential in her student and knew of his desire to attend a university in the States. She took him under her wing and started looking

into ways for him to achieve his dream.

Having graduated from Neumann, McCarty turned to her alma mater for help. After speaking with several university officials and submitting an application, he was accepted at Neumann University.

The required 35-page student visa paperwork took 12 hours to complete, and Saw Htoo had to wait five months for it to arrive. His journey to the United States took more than 24 hours.

“I was so scared. I had never traveled anywhere by myself,” he said.

Saw Htoo is settling in to his new life as a college student at Neumann. He has fulfilled a long-time dream.

“If you have a degree from the United States, it’s recognized, and I really wanted a degree from here,” he said. “I fell in love with Neumann. I really like the classes, students and professors. Everyone is so nice to me and I like that it is a Christian school. It’s really a blessing.”

Neumann is just the start of Saw Htoo’s educational and professional journey. He wants to give back in honor of those who helped him achieve his dream.

“My long term plan is to work here after graduation and go back (to Burma) and work with a NGO (non-government organization) that has a student orphanage. I really want to succeed.”

Saw Htoo Dai was persecuted in Myanmar (Burma) before an alumna helped him come to the U.S.

Winter 2013 7

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Math Teacher Helps Kenyan Youth Realize Dreams

Sr. Frances Cassidy, OSF ’70, welcomes the children of Lawson High School. Most are orphans of the AIDS epidemic that killed more than one million people in Kenya in 2009.

Can you imagine an American high school student waking at 5 a.m. to begin the school day at 6 a.m., attending class and activities through 7 p.m. and having no access to internet, no cell phone, a 13-course load and doing it all in 100-plus degree heat every day?

It’s hard to picture a typical U.S. teenager enduring this regimen, not to mention the hardship it would pose to teachers who would bear the brunt of disgruntled youth and parents. But this was a very typical day for a Lawson High School student in Nyumbani Village in Kitui, Kenya, Africa, says Sister Frances Cassidy, OSF ’70, who teaches math in the John C. Ford Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Neumann University.

A member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Sister Frances returned to the U.S. in July after having spent three years establishing the Lawson High School where she served as principal and taught math. She and Sister Rose Monica Katusz ’73, also a Congregational member, became involved with Lawson at the request of Sister Mary Owens, executive director of the Children of God Relief Institute (COGRI).

The children who attend Lawson are primarily orphans of the AIDS epidemic that occurred in Kenya in 2009, killing more than one million people. The school was named after Geoffrey and Carole Lawson, a British couple who provide financial support through 8 Accent Magazine

COGRI. Lawson’s mission is to “assist young people to reach their highest potential by developing their abilities and talents in order to be prepared for their future as citizens of Kenya and of the world.”

No stranger to hardship, Sister Frances spent more than 25 years as an educator in Africa, and says that creating the Lawson School in a particularly arid and primarily agrarian region presented some “unique” obstacles. “Each day offered a different experience. It was exciting,” she says.

The high school’s buildings are powered entirely by solar energy, so the school day is structured to take advantage of the availability of daylight. “It’s a long day, but it’s a necessity,” she says. Children begin their day with a breakfast of porridge at 6 a.m. followed by a study period and daily chores. They attend classes (for the first two years as many as 13 courses including English, Swahili, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, math, religion, agriculture, business, geography, history and physical education) until 3:30 p.m., participate in activities, study until 7 p.m., and then head home.

Lawson opened its doors with 50 children and now has about 120 enrolled. Most orphaned students live with elderly adults or “grandparents” in a family-like setting with 10 to 12 other children.

Some non-orphan students come from families in outlying communities that heard of the good reputation of the school,

AROUND CAMPUS want their children to attend, and bear the cost themselves. These non-orphan students are “so anxious to come to the school that they travel six hours every day to get here,” she adds, as the school does not have boarding facilities. They’re up in the dark, travel in the debilitating heat and sometimes rain. “They truly want to learn. They see it as an investment in their future.”

Lawson students have some of the same ambitions as American students wanting to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, pilots, etc. Students who complete the school’s program can sit for the country-wide national exams. High achievers will be eligible to attend universities, and the village will find them sponsors who can pay for their continued education.

One of the greatest personal challenges Sister Frances faced was “learning how to cope with the situation and the environment.” Frustrated with trying to provide what students needed — equipment, shoes and clothing, even items as basic as pens — Sister Frances had to be creative in finding ways to meet these needs when budget money was exhausted.

There were some computers, but no modern conveniences like TVs or cell phones; although Sister admits to having her own laptop and cell which she was often “too tired to use.”

Another challenge for her was learning to adapt to the difficult climate. With days reaching the hundred-degree mark, she says, “I sweat so much that I was wet all day long — head to toe. Sleeping at night was also difficult. It never got cool. We couldn’t open the windows at night because of insects. After a while I got used to it. The kids never seemed to mind the heat. I guess they were acclimated. If they endured it, so could I.” Sister Frances has learned much from the children. They have taught her that you can overcome most difficulties with faith and a strong desire to succeed. “Most of these children have seen both their mother and father die of AIDS,” she reflects. “Some have been misused and abused; some are unwanted by relatives. They have been traumatized.

There are so many sad stories. I’m amazed at their strength and how well they adjusted in spite of their personal tragedies. Students are highly motivated and want to do well.”

A Franciscan devoted to serving society’s marginalized and poor, Sister Frances derived great satisfaction from seeing the students happy and well adjusted. “I did my level best for these kids. My job was to lift them as high as they could go and make every opportunity available to them so they can realize their dreams and reach their potential.”

And the COGRI organization believes she did just that. At their annual fundraising gala in Washington D.C. this fall, the American board of GOGRI recognized Sister Frances and Sister Rose Monica for their contributions to the establishment of a quality high school for the young people who had lost their parents to the AIDS virus.

Sr. Frances has spent more than 25 years as an educator in Africa.

Leadership as a Lifestyle Neumann University hosted its annual Leadership Conference in August. The semiannual conference is for students enrolled in the Institute for Student Leadership Formation. This institute was founded on the values of St. Francis and its mission is rooted in servant leadership.

The conference is linked to the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. Students who complete four semesters of the institute will graduate as members of ODK and receive its honor cord.

This year, Neumann invited high school students from the tri-state area to participate in the conference. “Part of the Institute for Student Leadership Formation is reaching out to external audiences.

What better group of people to invite than leaders from Catholic high schools?” asked Sr. Peggy Egan, OSF ’70, dean of students.

Sr. Peggy is the chair of the institute board and pioneered the conference expansion.

With Frank Altamuro, president of student government, serving as master of ceremonies, the group heard Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president, speak about servant leadership. Keynote speaker Father Kevin Nadolski, director of communications and development for the Wilmington Providence Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, focused on hospitality. He narrated the story of the Good Samaritan and explained the importance of lifting those who have fallen.

Later, the attendees were divided into workshops that were presented by Neumann students with the supervision of institute advisors. Workshops included topics such as conflict management, positive attitudes of leaders, self care, and striving for peace.

More than 80 high school and 140 Neumann students came together to support the vision of St. Francis. The university plans to continue to build the high-school-to-university relationship so that the message of leadership formation continues to spread in the local faith communities.

Winter 2013 9

AROUND CAMPUS

Peri is Person of the Year in Upper Darby

The Upper Darby Community Outreach Corporation (UDCOC) named Jonathan Peri, Esq. as its 2012 Person of the Year in October.

The award was presented during the organization’s annual gala at Top of the Tower in Philadelphia.

Peri is vice president and general counsel at Neumann University, as well as director of the university’s Center for Community Leadership Development and Entrepreneurship.

“Through Jon’s efforts, current and future students, emerging leaders and experienced professionals now have a forum to grow in their leadership capacity,” wrote Pastor David Shaheen, executive director of UDCOC, in a letter to supporters.

The Center also provides individuals with an opportunity to collaborate on ideas, learn from shared experiences, and obtain tested and refined training in leadership styles, values-based ethics, and leadership responsibilities. The center’s areas of focus include non-profit board leadership, public sector leadership, and leadership for business executives and owners. The Center has enhanced the educational opportunities for current and future community leaders throughout the region. d_Final.qxd:Layout 1 12/3/12 9:59 AM Page 1 At the same ceremony, UDCOC presented Distinguished Community Leadership Awards to Nancy Wingo, executive director of the Hamilton Family Foundation, and Louisa Kochman, founder and board president of Time for Teens.

The UDCOC mission is to serve residents of Eastern Delaware County and West Philadelphia, with programs and services that

Jonathan Peri, Esq. receives the Upper Darby Community Outreach Corporation 2012 Person of the Year award.

enhance education, increase healthcare access, improve life skills, and promote understanding that embraces diversity and unifies neighborhoods. The UDCOC offers summer day camp, an after school program, English language learning, community health education and services, and the chance for individuals to obtain an Associate’s Degree through Harcum College. These programs reach more than 1,000 people annually in Eastern Delaware County.

VISÍTENOS

Programe una visita al campus

Teléfono: 610-558-5616 www.neumann.edu

UNA EXPERIENCIA PERSONAL ÚNICA

One Neumann Drive | Aston, PA 19014-1298

10 Accent Magazine Date:

11.30.12

NU Ad Targets Latino Audience Neumann has a brand new advertisement — in Spanish. Responding to the changing demographics across the country, the university has created an ad to appeal to the region’s Latino population. It is scheduled to run in Hispano Magazine, a new monthly publication in Delaware, in January, February and March.

Students in the ad are Maria Guerrero, Eduardo Diaz, Jose Cortez, and Maria Sotomayor.

AROUND CAMPUS

Welcome to Three New Trustees Neumann University recently welcomed Dr. Regina M. Haney ’72, Francis X. Maier, and Cynthia M. Spetrino to the Board of Trustees.

Haney is a

resident of Alexandria, VA, and will serve on the Academic Affairs Committee as well as the Board of Trustees. She is the executive director of the Department of Boards and Councils of Catholic Education at the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). In this capacity, she shares her experience with school and diocesan boards across the country through workshops, research, and publications.

She is co-author with John Convey of Benchmarks of Excellence: A Research Project on Effective Boards of Catholic Education.

Prior to joining NCEA in 1990, Haney served for nine years as the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. Among her achievements as superintendent, she counts the revision and implementation of a system-wide accreditation plan, several publications including CRE-ACTION,

a “hands-on” science guide for all grade levels, and the establishment of a network of curriculum coordinators. She received her doctorate from St. Mary’s University, Winona, MN, in 2004.

Maier is a resi-

dent of Yardley, PA, and will serve on the Trustees Committee as well as the Board of Trustees. He currently serves as senior advisor and special assistant to the Archbishop of Philadelphia and senior lay aide. Prior to his current position, he was chancellor and special assistant to the Archbishop of Denver, CO, senior lay advisor and aide, and archdiocesan interfaith and ecumenical affairs officer.

Maier earned his B.A. in communications from the University of Notre Dame and his M.F.A. in film and television production from the School of the Arts, New York University. He has had articles published in the New York Times Sunday magazine, Christian Science Monitor,

The American Spectator, and a variety of secular and religious publications, both national and international. Maier has also covered reporting assignments in Africa, Europe, Israel, and Latin America.

Spetrino is a

resident of Rose Valley, PA, and will serve on the Development Committee as well as the Board of Trustees. She brings a wide spectrum of experience from the finance industry, teaching, and customer service. She currently serves as executive assistant to the president at Medecision, Inc. She is a member of the Main Line Newcomers Club in Philadelphia and served as the first vice president for the Newcomers Club in Avon, OH. She was also a member of the Junior League of Akron and Professional Business Women’s Club, both in Akron, OH. She received her B.S. in technical education from the University of Akron, OH.

The smiling face of Desiree Rosa ’12 greeted thousands of drivers on I-95 every day for two months this fall.

Neumann had two billboards on I-95 and two on I-76 as part of the ongoing Uniquely Personal marketing campaign.

Winter 2013 11

The Heart of Neumann’s Core Experience

by Sister Patricia Hutchison, OSF ’75 As a Catholic Franciscan university in the liberal arts tradition, Neumann desires that all students develop a common foundation of knowledge, skills, competencies, and values. This foundation is appropriately called the Neumann University Core Experience.

The word Core comes from the Latin root Cor which means heart.

The Neumann University Core Experience lies at the heart of the university. Every experience and every encounter that a student has on campus contributes to the Core.

Much has changed at Neumann since the previous Core was implemented in 1997. Neumann became a residential institution, enrollment increased exponentially, and the profile of the student body changed. Much has also changed in the nation and world. Since 1997, faculty members have carefully monitored the Neumann Core in an attempt to respond proactively to internal and external challenges. In fall 2012, the University adopted the revised Neumann University Core Experience.

How is the revised Core Experience different? According to the Core philosophy, “the campus community unites to impart the knowledge, skills, competencies and values that create opportunities for students to integrate faith and reason, grow in social responsibility, and prepare for personal and professional leadership roles in the local and global community.”

The new vision emphasizes that Core is an integrated experience. Although the revised Core includes many of the previously required courses, the emphasis both inside and outside the classroom is on five Student Learning Outcomes: Comprehension, Contemplation, Conscience, Compassion, and

Communication. Courses are purposefully sequenced and many of the best practices recommended by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the Association of American Colleges and Universities have been adopted. As in the past, every student will take two theology and two philosophy courses which integrate faith and reason in light of the Catholic Franciscan tradition; in the revised program one course builds upon the other giving students the opportunity to explore critical questions as they mature.

The revised Core retains a focus on foundational skills in writing and mathematics and invites students to explore literature, science, social science, history, the arts, and modern language. Two previously required courses have been eliminated. Public Speaking is now integrated throughout the entire academic and co-curricular program. Learning outcomes related to diversity and global learning, previously addressed in one required course, are now integrated into courses within each major and in modern language courses.

Two high-impact best practices are included in the revised Core program: Service-Learning and capstone courses. There has always been a strong focus on service, but it was possible for a student to graduate from Neumann without actually engaging in service.

With the revised Core every student will participate in at least two Service-Learning courses (in upper level theology and in the major program), thus promoting life-long commitment to the University’s belief that “knowledge is a gift to be used in the service of others.”

Students who have participated in Service-Learning affirm its value. David Wallace, a sophomore Business major, stated:

Beginning in October 2009, members of the Neumann University community participated in conversations which led to the design of the Neumann University Core Experience. Pictured here at one of the discussions are Robert Bunnell, John Wong, Ali Niknam, Kathleen McCauley, and Marisa Rauscher.

12 Accent Magazine

AROUND CAMPUS

“The lessons I learned through active participation in service are lessons that cannot simply be taught in the classroom. My experience at the House of Joseph helped break down pre-conceived assumptions about men and women who are living with HIV/AIDS . . . To anyone who would argue that [requiring] Service-Learning is not important, I would beg to differ . . . Going out and doing these activities helps you to take the first step of what could be a long relationship of giving back to the community that has always provided for you.”

Super Senior Jamie Willis found her ServiceLearning experience “absolutely life-changing.”

According to Jamie, Catholic Social Teaching requires that “we care for those who have less than us and recognize that all people have human dignity.” Prior to her experience at Chester Community Charter, Jamie “had no intention of working in an urban setting.”

In fact, she was “pretty nervous” about the prospect of being in a middle school Life Skills classroom.

Now, she claims, “I want nothing more than to teach these children, yearning for knowledge, for love, for acceptance.”

Capstone courses, typically re-invigorated senior seminars, invite students to develop learning projects and engage in reflection on the total University experience. Faculty will design capstone courses over the next three years, but some have already begun to experiment. Response has been positive as demonstrated by the following comment from a student who participated in a Humanities Senior Seminar evening of reflection: “During the experience, I gained a better respect for what Neumann is all about. I reflected on my life and the past five years at Neumann . . .

I reflected on my future and my life as a whole.”

Although some may continue to think of the Core as a set of required courses, the emphasis on learning outcomes related to Comprehension, Contemplation, Conscience, Compassion, and Communication seems to resonate with faculty, staff and students. Outcomes introduced in the classroom are deepened everywhere, through every encounter, throughout the student’s entire career. The impact is evident in the enthusiasm of students such as Resident Assistant Alexandria Maurizzio. A junior Communication and Media Arts major, Alex participates regularly in the Scholars!

Program created by Residence Life Director Michael Webster. According to Alex, “The Scholars! Program challenges me to thinking creatively . . . to take what I have learned inside the classroom and share it and apply it to the outside world, all the while motivating me to go out and learn more so that I have more to share!”

Philadelphia’s Coaches vs. Cancer Receive 2012 Institute Award Neumann presented the 2012 Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award to the Philadelphia chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer in October.

Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national Coaches vs.

Cancer program, created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Since its inception in 1996, the Philadelphia chapter has raised more than $4.7 million to combat the disease.

Three prominent head coaches — Fran Dunphy of Temple, Phil Martelli of St. Joseph’s, and Jay Wright of Villanova — attended the presentation and accepted the award on behalf of the chapter. Martelli, a passionate spokesman for the cause, addressed the crowd and illustrated the reach of the disease by asking people to stand if they had family or friends affected by cancer. Few of the 500 audience members remained seated.

The institute presents the award annually to individuals or groups who exemplify the development of strong character through athletics and the embodiment of the good that exists in sports.

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is the presenting sponsor of the award.

IBC is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania with 2.2 million members in the local area. Nationwide, IBC and subsidiaries provide coverage to 3.1 million people.

Jay Wright (foreground), Phil Martelli (center) and Fran Dunphy (not pictured) signed autographs for students after accepting the 2012 ISSCD award.

Winter 2013 13

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Dr. Hechenberger Honored at Thanksgiving Reception Dr. Nan B. Hechenberger, Neumann’s president from 1989 to 1996, was honored for her service to the university at the 2012 President’s Thanksgiving Reception, held at The Springhaven Club.

Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, successor to Dr. Hechenberger, announced the establishment of funding for the Dr. Nan B. and Mr. Aloysius Hechenberger Endowed Scholarship Award in honor of the couple’s commitment to the university and its mission over the years.

“The University wishes you to know that this scholarship is initiated and named with sincere gratitude to each of you,” said Dr. Mirenda. “The intention is to recognize an academically excellent student who demonstrates, in quality and quantity, service to others in keeping with the Franciscan spirit and worldview.

This award will serve as a reminder of all that was accomplished over your years to strengthen Neumann and as recognition of your leadership as president and ambassador.”

Lou and Dr. Nan B. Hechenberger (left) were surprised when Dr. Rosalie and Tony Mirenda announced the establishment of a scholarship in Dr. Hechenberger’s honor.

More than 50% of Neumann undergraduates are first generation students.

As a private, Catholic university, Neumann provides access to such eligible students and their families who require financial assistance to achieve their educational dream of a university degree.

Also recognized at the event were the Knights of the Round Table, those who have donated to the university for ten or more consecutive years, and the Presidential Ambassadors, who have represented Dr. Mirenda at events since 2002.

Delaney Named Board Chairperson Neumann University has appointed James Delaney to serve as chairperson of the University Board of Trustees. He has been a member of the board since 2006, first chairing the finance committee before assuming greater responsibility as vice chairperson of the board. His three-year term as board chair began on July 1, 2012.

Delaney is the retired president, CEO and co-founder of J.G. Wentworth & Company, Inc. (established in 1991), a specialty finance company and the largest originator of deferred payment obligations in the U.S. Throughout his 30-plus-year career, he held several positions with health care institutions, including Philadelphia Blue Cross and Hahnemann University, and founded several health-related firms.

Delaney has served as a board or committee member of numerous organizations, including the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute, Irish American Business Chamber and Network, Hahnemann Orthopedics Institute, Monsignor Bonner High School, Catholic Athletes for Christ, and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

He has also been active in many civic organizations, among them the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, Lower Merion Conservancy, Morris Arboretum, and the Barnes Foundation.

Delaney volunteers as a lector, bible study leader, and Eucharistic minister at St. John Vianney Parish. He earned both a BS in accounting and an MBA from St. Joseph’s University, and a master’s degree in taxation from Widener University. He and his wife Jacqueline reside in Malvern, PA.

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AROUND CAMPUS

Two Student Videos Win NATAS Awards Two student-produced Neumann videos have won 2012 Student Achievement Awards, which were presented by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) at the local Emmy Awards ceremony in September. In the six College Production categories, Neumann was the only university to capture more than one award.

“Camden: The Forgotten City” won in the Public Affairs/Community Service category. The video was produced by Daniel Angelo, Amy Cockerill, and Casey Jones. The eight-minute piece details the economic plight of Camden, New Jersey, and the efforts of Father Michael Doyle, pastor at Sacred Heart Church, to renew the Waterfront South section of the city.

“Neumann University: Uniquely Personal” won in the General Assignment News category. It was created by Athena Thompson, Cortney Brooks, Katie Orr, Michelle Ferguson, Crystal Bianchi, and Megan Scott.

Featuring interviews with students and faculty members, the video investigates the meaning of the university’s marketing theme to members of the campus community.

There were 14 finalists in six College Production categories of the NATAS awards. Other winning videos were from Drexel University, Moravian College, Shippensburg University, and Temple University. The mid-Atlantic region covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and far eastern Ohio.

Panels of professional judges rated the entries on content, creativity and execution. The Communication and Media Arts senior seminar class, which produced the videos, was taught by Karen Thomas, a full-time faculty member at Neumann University and a meteorologist at WTXF (FOX 29) in Philadelphia.

Daniel Angelo and Casey Jones won for their video entitled “Camden: The Forgotten City.” Instructor Karen Thomas holds the award.

Michelle Ferguson, Athena Thompson, Cortney Brooks, and Katie Orr gather around instructor Karen Thomas. The students won for their “Neumann University: Uniquely Personal” video.

Winter 2013 15

AROUND CAMPUS

A Busy Arts Season Culminates with

The Nutcracker

The annual performance of The Nutcracker by International Ballet Classique captures the Christmas spirit.

The fall arts season showcased many quality programs on stage.

Impersonator Rene Goodwin kicked things off with her show, “My Friend Jackie.” The program detailed the experiences that created and molded the woman we came to know as Jackie, Jaqueline Bouvier Kennedy, through the eyes of family friend Candy Stanton.

She shared details about Jackie and life inside the Kennedy household.

October brought Halloween events with performer Albert Them reading original ghost stories filled with local lore. Lansdowne was the setting for the charming stories and the tension was lightened with Them’s odd bits of poetry about Robert Frost in his callow youth. Bram Stoker expert Carol Senf, English professor at Georgia Tech University, came to campus as the keynote speaker for the Sigma Tau Delta English honor society induction. She characterized Stoker as an early literary feminist and techie, enchanted by strong, independent women and fascinated by turn-of-the-twentiethcentury technology (the typewriter, phonograph, and telephone).

The year 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of Bram Stoker’s death.

The Halloween scares wrapped up as Michael Arnzen, a horror writer and scholar, came to campus to answer the question, “Why do we love to be scared?” with his presentation, The Popular Uncanny. He examined the familiar notions of the doppleganger, 16 Accent Magazine

déjà vu, ghosts and other stock elements of the uncanny that continue to haunt 21st century popular American culture.

The Cultural Arts Forum Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show was held in November at The Springhaven Club in Wallingford, PA. More than 100 guests were treated to a wonderful lunch and the latest women’s and children’s fashions. Women’s fashions were provided by Lady’s Image in Wilmington, DE. The show raised more than $4,000 to benefit the Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship Fund.

The Neumann University Players brought Almost, Maine to the Neumann stage as the fall’s major production. The play is composed of nine vignettes that explore love and loss in a town called Almost, Maine. Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised and hearts are broken, but the bruises heal and the hearts mend — almost.

Neumann celebrated Christmas with the annual Greccio live nativity, followed by a performance from the Christina Brame Gospel Choir and Praise Dancers. The Concert Chorale Christmas celebration featured songs from Tom Fettke’s A Great and Mighty Wonder, as well as a performance from the Mount Hope United Methodist Church Bells of Hope. The Jazz Band also took on Christmas classics as well as old favorites at its winter concert. The season closed out with the International Ballet Classique’s performance of The Nutcracker.

AROUND CAMPUS

Gabe Riberio ’09 and Tiffany Martorana share a tender moment in Almost, Maine, the fall production of the University Players.

April and Owen Bondurant, children of Jennifer April Bondurant ’04, model the latest in children’s apparel at the annual Cultural Arts Forum Fashion Show.

The Praise Dancers perform The Greatest Gift: A Greccio Celebration after the Greccio Live Nativity held the first weekend in December.

Winter 2013 17

AT H L E T I C S

Volleyball Reclaims CSAC Title with Player and Coach of the Year Natalie George, CSAC Player of the Year, sends the ball over the net against Frostburg.

The women’s team reclaimed the CSAC Title this year by defeating Cabrini.

Ellyn Jones works the ball downfield in a home match against Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Gabrielle Porcelli returns the ball during a doubles match against Cedar Crest College.

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AT H L E T I C S

Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team finished the 2012 season with a 12-7-3 overall record and earned an ECAC bid.

Eight Knights were recognized with CSAC awards. Alex Lacko, Andy Attah and Michael Atallian all made First Team All-CSAC Honors; Dan Chrashewsky and Nathan Beideman received Second Team All-CSAC; and Evan Morgan, Francis Kailondo and Caleb Clanton were named Honorable Mention. Chace Wasco was named to the CSAC Sportsmanship Team.

Attah led the team with seven goals and two assists for 16 points. Attalian had four goal and four assists for 12 points.

Alex Lacko had a goals-against-average of 0.89 with eight shutouts.

A highlight of the regular season was beating Johns Hopkins University 4-0.

The Knights lost in the semifinal round of the CSAC tournament, after solidifying a No.1 seed in the CSAC.

Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team qualified for the postseason for the third straight season in 2012. The Knights made it to the semifinals where they fell 1-0 to Cabrini, the eventual champions. Neumann finished the season 10-7-2 overall and 7-2-2 in conference action.

Maria Tivoli (first team), Stacie Bolgunas (second team) and Nica Meccariello (honorable mention) all received All-Conference honors.

Briana King was 9-5-2 in net, with a goals-against-average of 1.04. She notched nine shutouts. Tonia Russo led the Knights with five goals and 12 points.

Meccariello had four goals and 11 points.

Both had two game-winning goals.

Volleyball The volleyball team reclaimed the CSAC Title in an exciting 3-2 win over defending Champion Cabrini. Katelin Kuklentz was named the Championship MVP. The Knights went a perfect 11-0 in conference action and 23-9 overall.

Natalie George was named the CSAC Player of the Year and Head Coach

First-Team All-CSAC player Andy Attah brings the ball downfield during a home soccer game. Attah led the team in scoring with seven goals and two assists.

Deana Jespersen was named the CSAC Coach of Year. George and Kuklentz received First Team honors. Victoria Limmina was named Second Team AllConference, and Cecily Scavicchio and Kelsey D’Imperio were named Honorable Mention.

The season also saw career marks met. Kuklentz reached the 1,000 kill and dig mark. George reached 1,000 kills and Scavicchio reached 1,000 digs. Limmina set the program record for career digs, finishing her career with 1,844.

Women’s Tennis The women’s tennis team qualified for the post-season for the first time since the 2009 season. The Knights went 9-7 overall and 8-2 in conference action.

Neumann fell to the eventual champion, Marywood, in the semifinals.

Heather Nicholson, Gabrielle Porcelli, Teresa Kozin, Cherie Allen and Sarah Schroeder all received All-Conference awards for the season. Porcelli and Schroder each went 8-2 in singles action.

The pair of Kozin and Porcelli was 9-1 in doubles action.

Cross Country Bethany Lang finished fourth overall at the Immaculata Invitational and 16th overall in the CSAC Championships, with Brianna Reis finishing 17th overall. Andrew Smith led the Knights at the Immaculata Invitational (Ninth Overall) as he finished 32nd overall in the CSAC Championships to lead the men’s cross country team.

The women’s cross country team finished sixth, while the men finished ninth in the 2012 CSAC Championships held in Scranton, PA, under first year head coach Charmaine Darden.

Field Hockey Lindsey Spatola led the Knights with seven goals and two assists for 16 points. Ellyn Jones was second on the team with 13 points, four goals and five assists. Kenya Woods and Chelsa O’Donnell both finished the season with five goals and one assist for 11 points.

Lindsey Kasecamp and O’Donnell both received All-Conference Honors. The field hockey team went 3-14 overall and 3-4 in conference action, finishing one spot out of a playoff berth.

Winter 2013 19

e i B n t C ’ n o l d l e l g u e o W “I

W

ith apologies to Tennessee Williams, students have always depended upon the kindness of donors. It is an ancient tradition for those who are older, wiser and more affluent to help young women and men pursue educational dreams. Such is the case at Neumann University, where dozens of scholarships allow many students to achieve baccalaureate degrees by easing the financial burden of higher education.

The following profiles are of several current students who are grateful for the kindness of donors. Their comments reveal keen understanding and surprising maturity. Their dreams illustrate their potential and character.

Every one of them is aware of the importance of the scholarship he or she receives.

Victoria DeCristoforo George P. and Martina Jennings Endowed Scholarship “I wouldn’t be in college without scholarships,” confesses Victoria DeCristoforo, a senior accounting major from Philadelphia. “The combination of scholarships and financial aid covers about half of my tuition expenses.”

A graduate of the well-respected Central High School in Olney, DeCristoforo also applied to Pitt, Temple and Holy Family. Neumann was always in the mix, though, because “I got a lot of mail from you guys. Neumann was in constant contact with me.”

Eventually, she decided that she wanted a college that was close to home, affordable and small. “I knew that I’d need the attention I could get at a small college,” she explains. “At Neumann, the professors know my name and provide individual feedback all the time.”

DeCristoforo receives the George P. and Martina Jennings scholarship, established in September 2000 to provide financial assistance to deserving, qualified students. Without this help, “my pockets would be empty for a long time,” she admits.

She wants to become a CPA and specialize in auditing. Sitting at a desk doing journal entries all day does not appeal to her. “I want to do something more investigative.”

Even in her choice of career, Neumann has had an influence.

She remembers that ethics was emphasized in business classes since her freshman year. A passionate commitment to honest and ethical behavior is a principal reason why she wants to become an auditor.

“I don’t like greed,” she says firmly. That’s no surprise. At Neumann, she has learned the benefits of ethical behavior and generosity.

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V ic to

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wi t hou t Sc hol a r s hips” Sean Kulesa Parents’ Committee Endowed Scholarship

Se a n

Sean Kulesa, a junior communications major, hits the airwaves as a member of Neumann Radio every week to talk sports with the Neumann community.

He credits the radio station, and Neumann Media in general, with helping bring him out of his shell. “I am a shy person, but being on the radio every week, or being on camera, helps build your confidence. That translates into talking to other people. When I was younger, I wouldn’t say two words. Now I greet people. I have become better with my friends, and even my parents have noticed,” he said.

One requirement of the Parents’ Committee Scholarship Kulesa receives is displaying an interest in extracurricular activities associated with the University. As a member of Neumann Media, he is the sports director for the radio station, a NeuTube volunteer, and writes for The Joust. “I am getting experience in fields I want to work in after graduation,” he said.

“This scholarship is very important to me, I don’t have a job and loans don’t cover everything. It cuts down costs and helps me in the long run,” he said.

“Working on the radio makes me have more faith in myself, that I can achieve what I want to do. It also makes me a better communicator, and that is the key to building better relationships. It’s going to help me a lot in the future.”

“I’m grateful that I have help continuing my education. I will use it well, learning here,” said Kulesa. After graduation, he would like to pursue a job in radio or communications.

Mashon Hymen Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney Endowed Scholarship Mashon Hymen is 41 and the mother of three teenage children. She is also a senior at Neumann, on track to receive a degree in elementary education this year.

Hymen has attended other colleges but never found the fit for which she was searching.

“When I came here, I fell in love with this place,” she states. “I got the sense that the teachers here really care.” She recalls that Dr. Maria Rauscher “sensed my anxiety and paid attention to me” and that Sr. Betty McVeigh “expected us to rise to the challenges we faced.”

One of her challenges was paying for her education. That why Hymen is so grateful for the Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship she receives. “Without it, I would not be here,” she admits.

When she received the scholarship, she was asked to write a letter of thanks to the donors.

Already nine years into her decade-long journey to a bachelor’s degree, her letter was extraordinarily heartfelt. In part, it reads: “I admit there were times when I didn’t think I would finish but God has strengthened me and answered my prayer with your gift . . .

Part of [a teacher’s] responsibility is to show our students how we are all connected and that each person should strive to touch the lives of others; you are a perfect example of this and I intend to share with my students how you have touched my life.”

She closes the letter with a thoughtful insight. “You are giving me more than a scholarship; you are directly contributing to my future.”

Writing such a personal letter was an easy decision for Hymen, who believes “It’s important to give people their flowers while they’re alive.”

Ma sh on

Winter 2013 21

Frank Altamuro Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Junior Frank Altamuro is a busy man on campus, involved in more than 15 clubs and organizations. When he heard about the Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Memorial Scholarship, he knew it was for him. “I knew someone who had also received the scholarship and I thought I fit the qualifications. I had also heard of the Kelly family and I know they have done a lot around campus,” he said.

The Brendan P. Kelly Memorial ’87 scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, participate in meaningful extracurricular activities on campus, understand commitment, and maintain a 2.50 GPA. This description certainly fits accounting major Altamuro to a T. He is president of Student Government, president and founder of Mock Trial Club, vice president of Students for Free Enterprise (SIFE), vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa, a Presidential Ambassador and Orientation Leader.

Altamuro is also currently working two jobs, one at a bank and one on campus, and is grateful for his first scholarship at Neumann. “The BPK Scholarship makes it easier on me and family. It makes me feel like someone does care,” he said. “I had to move off-campus due to financial struggles, and as an involved student that can make things more difficult.

I am now considering moving back because of this extra financial assistance,” he said.

After graduating from Neumann, he hopes to attend law school, become a CPA, and eventually practice tax or bankruptcy law. “Neumann has taught me determination. In the future I plan to give back, with time and resources to help others continue to be successful,” he said.

“No words can express how much I appreciate the Kelly family.

This scholarship makes a difference to me and many students, and I would like to say thank you for that.”

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Fr a nk

Maria Sotomayor Mother Mary Frances Bachmann, OSF Endowed Scholarship “Neumann opened doors for me,” admits Maria Sotomayor, a senior psychology major. “As a high school student, I was used to holding back, but Neumann helped me grow. I have a lot of confidence now.”

That confidence may not have blossomed without scholarship assistance. Sotomayor was advised by two vice presidents — Dennis Murphy and Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne, OSF ’70 — to apply for the Bachmann Scholarship during her first year on campus.

She took their advice and has been receiving the scholarship for four years.

“It’s helped me a lot,” she says. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”

When Sotomayor looks back on her new-found self-assurance, she connects it directly to being a founding member of Fashion for a Cause, a student organization that she and several friends started as sophomores. The group is now part of an annual fashion show, hosted by the Cultural Arts Forum, to raise money for the Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship.

The club also helps with “Dress for Success” programs on campus and volunteers for charities such as Mommy’s Lights and Little Smiles. “We’ve had so much fun working on Fashion for a Cause,” explains Sotomayor. “Being successful at doing such rewarding work has given me faith in myself.”

Academically, Sotomayor explains that her professors have given her extraordinary personal attention and that some have even become friends. “I’ve learned a lot and I love it here,” she smiles.

The influence on her career goal is obvious. Her internship was with a Kensington-based agency that helps families deal with mental health issues. She plans to volunteer at the agency this spring. “I would love to continue there as a professional after graduation,” she says.

Patrick Light Applied Bank Endowed Scholarship Patrick Light is a thoughtful young man. He describes his gratitude for the Applied Bank Scholarship that he’s receiving as “silent appreciation.” He understands the immediate and future implications of the scholarship on his life. “It’s a relief to know that there’s one less bill to pay now and that my student loans won’t have to increase,” he admits.

A first-generation college student, Light is a political science major who is also taking enough education courses to become certified at the secondary level. His goal is to teach high school history and social studies. Neumann’s “uniquely personal” environment appealed to him from the time he was in high school.

He also considered the University of Delaware and Temple University, but “I didn’t want to be a number” in large lecture classes.

“Neumann’s uniquely personal promise is the truth. Professors know the names of most of their students and give a lot of individual feedback on papers and tests.” He names Dr. Kurt Wallen, Dr. Andrew Miller and Dr. Marisa auscher as some of his most memorable professors during his time here.

A senior, Light learned at an early age to share his time and talent with others. From his freshman year, he has performed community service by visiting retirement homes and nursing care facilities with his therapy dog, an Afghan hound.

“It started when I visited my girlfriend’s grandfather with the dog,” he remembers. “The people in these facilities have limited access to the outside world, and a couple of visitors with a dog had a very positive effect on them. Our visits even seemed to energize the staff who were caring for the residents.”

After graduation, Light says he will remember the Abessinio name and continue to help others as he has been helped.

Pa t r i c k

Waynia Flowers Dr. Dorothy A.P. Leunissen Endowed Scholarship As a single mother in school, Waynia Flowers knows how important scholarships can be. “I always say, if I ever get to the point where I am able to give back, I’d create a scholarship for single mothers. I know the difficulties firsthand, and every bit helps,” she said.

Flowers, a criminal justice major from Wilmington, Delaware, receives the Dr. Dorothy A.P. Leunissen and the Applied Bank scholarships. She works full time at Sun East Federal Credit Union and goes to school full time, while taking care of her three-year-old daughter Kimora.

“It’s very difficult for me managing all that. I have had some great teachers who were there for me, and very understanding about all that I have on my plate. Dr. Stephanie Albertson, Dr. Janelle Ketrick-Gillespie, and Dr. Ramona Roberts have really made Neumann a uniquely personal experience for me,” she said.

She is also the first in her family to attend college. “My parents couldn’t afford to pay for college. The scholarships also allow me to take less loans and help me pay for books,” Flowers said.

Wa y

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The Leunissen Scholarship is given only to three students, and Flowers applied after the Financial Aid office recommended it to her this year. “This scholarship helped me finish my last year of school and will help me provide a better future for me and my daughter. I wouldn’t have been able to return to Neumann without it,” she said.

After graduating, Flowers plans to continue working at Sun East and attend law school in the evenings. “I think I am showing my daughter that no matter where you come from, you can achieve your dreams. So many people told me I wouldn’t be able to go to school and now I am graduating in May. Like my mother told me, ‘Never give up; keep chasing your dreams,’” she said.

Winter 2013 23

DEVELOPMENT

W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Awards $64,000 Scholarship Grant The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust has awarded Neumann University a one-year grant of $64,000 to fund undergraduate student scholarships in 2012-13.

The grant is specifically targeted to benefit full-time undergraduates, in good academic standing, with a GPA of at least 2.5 and whose financial needs cannot be met by other aid programs. In addition, students must have a permanent home residency in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties, or in the city of Camden, New Jersey.

In the last 34 years, the Trust has assisted more than 1,000 Philadelphia area students annually, including scholarship grants of $1,212,000 for Neumann students.

“Many of our students are the first generation in their families to attend college,” explained Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president of the University. “This generous gift from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust will allow a good number of them to move significantly closer to a college degree, and a solid economic and socially responsible future.”

Approximately 95% of undergraduate students at Neumann University receive some form of financial aid, including federal grants, student loans, and private scholarships. The University has a total enrollment of 2,144 full-time undergraduates and offers bachelor’s degrees in arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust is a private foundation established by William Wikoff Smith, who died in 1976.

Smith was president and chairman of the board of Kewanee Oil Company.

The Smith Trust is one of the largest private foundations in Philadelphia, awarding approximately $5-6 million annually to support medical research, college scholarships, and social services for children and the elderly.

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$960,000 Grant to Support Diversity in Nursing The Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Neumann University a $960,411 grant to provide support for underrepresented students in undergraduate nursing programs.

The grant is spread over three years (2012-13 through 2014-15) and provides programs to support student academic success in a rigorous nursing program.

The funding will assist the nursing programs at Neumann University, Immaculata University and Gwynedd Mercy College with Neumann’s Mary Powell, PhD, serving as project director. These institutions share a mission to promote social justice, Powell explains, and increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce is one way to accomplish this mission.

The project, entitled C-RESULTS (Coalition for Resourceful Engagement of Students with Useful Learning and Teaching Strategies) will assist underrepresented nursing students in several ways.

A pre-entry program, before acceptance into the nursing major, includes coaching in language proficiency, communication

skills, time management and small group work. Retention strategies emphasize academic support, including study skills, testtaking strategies, and academic advisement.

Faculty development activities encompass educational consultation about cultural diversity and creating an optimal learning environment. In addition, stipends will be available for students to help mitigate their expenses throughout the nursing program.

The goal of the project is to help a total of 60 students achieve academic success and practice professional nursing. Those who complete the process will be invited to serve as peer mentors for future project participants.

According to Powell, “The project is a vital step in building a diverse nursing workforce capacity to meet the needs of this nation’s rapidly growing culturally and ethnically diverse population.” The grant is similar to one that Powell directed at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from 2007-2010.

The federal grant is #D19HP24301.

Approved funding levels are $276,007 for the first year, $406,346 for the second year, and $278,058 for the third year.

Newcombe Foundation Awards $26,000 in Scholarships for Adult Women The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation has awarded a grant of $26,000 to Neumann University to support scholarships for adult women students.

The funding will be awarded during 2012-13, on the basis of need, to women students 25 years of age or older, who are enrolled full-time or part-time in baccalaureate degree programs. To be eligible, a student must have completed 60 credits required for her degree.

Since 1985, the Newcombe Foundation has granted $391,000 to Neumann University to assist mature women students.

The Foundation’s Scholarships for Mature Women Students program currently assists thirty-one universities and four-year colleges in New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Newcombe guidelines stipulate that institutions selected for the program “welcome enrollment by mature women students and are committed to their success.”

Neumann University, which has served adults in the Delaware Valley since 1976, enrolls more than 800 adult students in degree completion, certificate, master’s degree and doctoral programs. More than 60 percent of these adult students are women.

Since 1981, the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation has awarded grants totaling $56.3 million to provide scholarships and fellowships in higher education. Each year between 800 and 1,000 students receive scholarships based on the Foundation’s support.

Brings more than 1,600 to Campus

N

eumann welcomed more than 1,600 people back to campus on a beautiful October weekend to celebrate Neumannfest, Homecoming 2012. “We chose the Neumannfest theme to play off of the fun an Oktoberfest theme can bring to a fall event.

The theme set the stage of what our guests could expect as far as food and music. We created a menu with German food and had lots of fun with a live German ‘Oompah’ band,” said Judi Stanaitis, director of alumni relations and special programming.

Homecoming kicked off on Thursday with the annual King and Queen pageant. Mark Blount and Christina Gordon were named King and Queen 2012. Blount performed a comedy routine and Gordon performed a praise dance as their talents. They were present at Homecoming events all weekend.

On Friday night student scholarship recipients and their generous donors were recognized at the President’s Scholarship Reception. May 2012 graduate Kathleen Paulson came back to

speak to the students about how her Neumann education has helped her succeed in the business world. Paulson is currently employed by Medecision in Delaware. The scholarship was followed by fireworks on the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development lawn.

After the fireworks, students and guests filled the Mirenda Center to see R&B singer Ashanti in concert. “The vibe of the place was nothing short of excitement,” said Fatim Sannoh, a sophomore biology major. “Her performance was beyond energetic, she had the crowd on its feet singing along to every hit song,” said Sannoh.

“Megan Camp and Jim Gallo worked with student government and student activities to bring Ashanti to Neumann,” said Stanaitis. “With more than 1,000 attendees, we were very happy with the student support for the show,” said Gallo, director of student activities. (continues on page 24)

Pictured above: Tony and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president of Neumann, hold the ceremonial first pitch softball and baseball with the Neumann Knight and Tim Bruder, representing the entire Bruder family, to celebrate the blessing of the new Bruder Athletic Fields at Homecoming 2012.

Winter 2013 25

HOMECOMING (continued from page 23) Saturday began with a pastoral counseling lecture featuring guest speaker Dr. Rick Parsons. There was also the annual Neumann Nursing Reunion Breakfast and lecture. Theresa Pietsch, Ph.D., RN, CRRN, and assistant professor of nursing at Neumann, lectured on “The Next Generation of Mentoring: E-Mentoring and the Evidence.” The lecture was followed by a tour of the new

Christina Gordon and Mark Blount were named King and Queen 2012.

They attended Homecoming events all weekend.

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nursing labs, inviting guests to meet “Ike” the resident Sim Man, and explore the technological advancements in nursing education.

The afternoon’s picnic featured a selection of Oktoberfest themed foods including three different kinds of grilled bratwurst, kercher (pan fried potatos), pretzels, and spaetzle salad. There was also a selection of food available from

local eateries in the Taste of Aston in the Bachmann Parking lot. Restaurants included Cocco’s of Aston, Soprano’s Deli & Catering, Georgio’s Burgers and Pizza, Pappone’s Pizzeria, Chick-fil-A (Pennell), Ice Works Café, Dairy Queen and Zac’s Hamburgers. “The Neumannfest picnic was very well attended with easily more than 1,200 guests taking advantage of the great food and the Taste of Aston food pavilion. Taste of Aston is definitely a student favorite and part of Homecoming we would like to expand,” said Stanaitis.

There were also face painters, moon bounces, games and live music to add to the fun.

Saturday also featured the dedication of the new Bruder Athletic Fields. The new softball and baseball fields were completed ahead of schedule. The baseball and softball teams were both on hand for the blessing and played in an alumni game to break in the new fields. “The new fields will help us attract students with an interest in baseball of softball. Both fields will improve the game experience for all constituencies: student-athletes, fans and staff members. Both venues provide Neumann an opportunity to host postseason tournaments with the NCAA or ECAC,” said Charles Sack, director of athletics and recreation.

More than 240 guests attended the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame dinner in Community Hall on Saturday evening.

Alumni Award winners included Eileen P. (O’Day) Sosa ’82, President’s Distinguished Alumni Award; Michele A. Szkolnicki ’86, John Neumann Award; Cheryl A. Grosso ’99, Recognition Award; and Martin H. Milligan, Jr. ’89, Volunteer of the Year Award. “More than any other event, I feel this shows the spirit of Neumann.

Many of our award winners still credit their Neumann education as part of their success story,” said Stanaitis.

This year’s class of Hall of Fame inductees included the 2006 Softball team, 2006 PAC Softball Champions; Robert J. McLucas III ’97, Baseball; Devon R. (Pankowski) Wolski ’03, Volleyball; and Elizabeth A. Waltrich ’02, Volleyball.

HOMECOMING

“It is a true privilege to recognize the outstanding student-athletes whose shoulders and contributions we now stand on. To see the joy and happiness in their faces as well as their families is the best experience,” said Sack.

Homecoming wrapped up with the Massey Breast Cancer 5K Run/1K Fun Walk at Ridley Creek State Park, hosted by the SIFE Club. International pianist Teresa Walters also performed Sunday afternoon in the Fred P. Meagher Theatre. All proceeds from her performance benefitted the Ciarrocchi Broadcast Scholars Award at Neumann.

“The day is designed to try and appeal to university students, their families and alumni. The highlight of homecoming for me this year was just the synergy on campus. The students were excited, the weather cooperated, and we really pulled together as a team. It was fun from beginning to end,” said Stanaitis.

Eileen P. (O’Day) Sosa ’82 accepts the 2012 President’s Distinguished Alumni Awards from Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president, at the Alumni Awards Dinner. This award recognizes outstanding alumni who exemplify the characteristics of leadership, dedication, and a commitment to Neumann.

The 2006 softball team poses in front of the Neumann Hall of Fame.

The team was inducted at Saturday evening’s dinner.

Homecoming guests show off their complimentary Neumannfest t-shirt for attending homecoming. The t-shirts flew off the tables!

Winter 2013 27

ALUMNI PROFILE

OSL Program Helps Grad Realize the Power of One When Siweh Harris ’12 started his capstone project as part of the master’s degree program in Organizational and Strategic Leadership (OSL) at Neumann, he never thought it would lead to installing the first hand pump and source of clean, running water in his village of Goahblee in Liberia.

“When the capstone project came up, they suggested using a real life situation that you are passionate about. I have seen the suffering of the people in villages with no water, bathroom facilities, or education.

I thought I could use my leadership skills to help them,” he said.

Harris set up the Morweh Self Help Initiative (MORSHI) to raise the money needed to install hand pumps in five villages at a cost of $2,000 per hand pump. “When I went to visit, water was the main concern. One of the towns wanted a school first, but the water was more important. The water they had access to was unsafe, and they were drinking, cooking, and bathing in it. They did not realize it was unsafe for them,” he explained.

The first hand pump was installed in Goahblee on Friday, November 30, 2012. “The villagers celebrated with shouts of joy after the completion,” he said. Harris also explained that the cost of installation is high because there are no roads to drive the materials needed for the hand pump into the village. “The concrete pipes are very heavy to carry. That makes installing each pump more expensive.”

The first pump was installed sooner than he expected. “My daughter, Zoe Harris, is just as compassionate as I am, and she donated $1,000 towards the first pump. Three of us matched her donation and we were able to have the first pump installed before Christmas,” he said. “I didn’t think we would be able to have it installed so soon.”

“I think what Siweh has been able to accomplish really shows the power that one individual can have,” stated Dr. Sam Lemon, director

Alumni Executive Board Opportunities The Neumann University Alumni Executive Board (AEB) is seeking new members.

All graduates of Neumann University are eligible to apply.

Alumni Board members must attend and actively participate in AEB meetings (4 – 6 per year); participate in the Neumann Fund; and be knowledgeable and informed ambassadors for the university and the Alumni Association.

For an application, please email alumni@neumann.edu or call Judi Stanaitis at 610-558-5544.

28 Accent Magazine

As his capstone master’s degree project, Siweh Harris ’12 (right) brought fresh water to his home village in Liberia. Dr. Sam Lemon is director of the Organizational and Strategic Leadership program.

of the OSL program at Neumann. “This is a dream he has had for 15 years, and he was able to connect what he was learning in class to what’s going on in the world. I think it really ties into the Franciscan part of our program, a way to make the world better.”

“The OSL program gave him leadership skills and the ability to be an exemplary leader. I also think it taught him the nuts and bolts of managing a complex project on two continents and two different cultures,” said Lemon.

After all of the water pumps are installed, with a goal of November 2015 as a completion date, he hopes to install a latrine in each of the five villages as well and then focus on education. “We hope to start an education program on health and hygiene; how to use toilets, how to wash hands properly. We have two health professors willing to go and teach,” Harris explained.

“I am very passionate about helping people who cannot help themselves,” Harris said. “I am asking well meaning people to help them. All donations go directly to the people. From inception until now, everything has mostly been done by me. I appreciate people coming to their rescue. They get sick and are poisoning themselves by drinking the contaminated water.”

“People can do great things in a short period of time. I think what Siweh has been able to accomplish really speaks to that. I think it also shows the value of getting perspective from students from other cultures. His work shows that our Franciscan perspective isn’t just a slogan, it’s something that is practiced here,” said Lemon.

Harris arrived in the United States in 2000 as a result of the Second Liberian Civil War. He is currently enrolled in the master of education program at Neumann. He expects to graduate this May and will visit Liberia this summer.

For more information on the Morweh Self Help Initiative or to donate, visit www.morweh.org. MORSHI is a nonprofit and prospective 501c3 organization. Harris also accepts used clothing, shoes, and books.

ALUMNI PROFILE

Alumni Begin Pastoral Counseling Practice

by Stephanie Fortunato ’13 Becoming a pastoral counselor may not be the obvious career choice for someone majoring in psychology or already working in the counseling field. For any one academic major or career, however, there are many roads that may be taken, and two Neumann alumni are firmly on the pastoral counseling path.

The mission of pastoral counseling is to meet the unique mental and spiritual demands of a complex pluralistic world, while responding in a spirit of contemplative love. It is also about the importance of building relationships, which are foundational to our human experience. Those relationships come in all different forms: relationship with one’s mind, body and spirit; relationship with others; and relationship with God. Neumann University Pastoral Care and Counseling (PCC) graduates Donna M. Liu ’08 ’05, LPC NCC and Mike D’Angelo ’05, LPC NCC had dreamed of starting a pastoral counseling center. As colleagues in the university’s Wellness Center, they had discussed the possibilities. It seemed to be a far-off notion, however, because starting a practice is costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, the blessing of relationships came full-circle when Donna was recently asked to take over the Center for Pastoral Counseling at Covenant United Methodist Church in Springfield, PA. Donna met George Bustard, the current director of the Center for Pastoral Counseling, in 2000 while she worked at Delaware County Memorial Hospital Hospice. He was the pastoral counselor there at the time and, in fact, encouraged her to pursue the degree.

While Donna worked at the Wellness Center at Neumann, she received just what she had been waiting for. George approached her and asked if she would like to take over the Center since he was beginning to plan his retirement. Donna gladly accepted and told George that she had a colleague who would be interested in joining her. Mike notes how it was perfect timing for both of them to take advantage of the opportunity.

Donna and Mike now have a wonderful space that is central to much of Delaware County. “The gift and blessing of this space is surreal,” Mike said. The Church itself is open not only to parishioners, but to the entire community. This community-based outreach is one of the goals Donna and Mike have for their Center.

Even though pastoral counseling is a mixture of psychology and spirituality, it is not restricted to one or the other. It is also not restricted to clergy members. People of any faith or socio-economic background are welcome.

One of the other goals they have for the Center is to lower the stigma of therapy. While at Neumann, Donna and Mike worked tirelessly to spread the message that seeking counseling is not frowned upon. In fact, it is truly a sign of strength. “I think of my clients as the most courageous people I know. It takes an amazing amount of courage to come in and trust a stranger with your story,” Donna explains. Mike recalled fondly how at Neumann, he would walk down the hallways and students would yell, “I’ll see you at

Mike D’Angelo ’05, Donna M. Liu ’05 ’08 and George Bustard at the Center for Pastoral Counseling at Covenant United Methodist Church in Springfield, PA.

3:00, Mike!” as though it didn’t matter who knew they were seeking counseling. This same sort of comfort with therapy is what Donna and Mike hope to achieve as they grow the Center.

Both Donna and Mike hope in the future to be able to partner with Neumann and its PCC students, and to offer CEU credits.

As proud Neumann alumni, they note how none of their dreams would have come to life had it not been for the relationships made through the PCC program and the encouragement from the faculty to pursue such relationships. “In the PCC program, I learned that I could step back and look at a difficult situation from three perspectives: emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. We also learned to live in the present, and to be able to slow things down in our lives. It is their hope that each person can learn to take the time to develop a healthy relationship with self, others, and God and to be open to the blessings in life that come in some form each day.

The Center for Pastoral Counseling can be found online at www.centerforpastoralcounseling.com.

Winter 2013 29

ALUMNI NEWS

Dear Alumni, Happy New Year! In 2012 we focused on how to support our alumni in advancing to the next level in their professional lives with a strong emphasis on building and maintaining networks. The result was the first official opportunity for graduates to create their own Neumann Chapter with support from the Alumni Association executive board, a progressive Career Management Program, and social gatherings such as the Phillies/McFadden’s and Homecoming.

This year, we will take advantage of the momentum and increase ways for our alumni to stay engaged or re-engage with Neumann while continually working to enhance our growing network. Additional plans are underway to offer professional programs using the web so that alumni, regardless of their location, can participate.

Finally, in just two short years Neumann will celebrate its 50th anniversary. To honor this milestone in our history, we will be creating an alumni directory anniversary edition, chronicling stories and experiences, and creating a visual history of Neumann University. You are a piece of that history, too!

To find out more about alumni programming, chapters or how you can get involved, contact me at 610-558-5544 or stanaitj@neumann.edu.

All the best and more, Judi Stanaitis ’07 Director, Alumni Relations and Special Programs

Alumni Chapters Launched Dear Alumni, It is my pleasure to announce a historical milestone for our alumni everywhere. The Alumni Association recognizes that our graduates are most likely to be involved with and loyal to their academic department of study or the clubs/organizations to which they belonged as students.

Therefore, we are proud to announce that the Alumni Executive Board is now accepting applications for NU Chapters.

The board has structured a process to provide communication, affiliation, and support to facilitate connections to the University by encouraging geographic, academic and interest chapters.

Our NU alumni are pioneers and leaders in all areas of the professional world, and continued contact with each other through these chapters will build friendships and partnerships that will be extremely beneficial to all involved.

Official chapter affiliation with the Alumni Association comes with many advantages and privileges. By organizing a local alumni chapter, you can enable the alumni of your interest area to remain connected to one another and facilitate the bonds that all NU alumni share. Perhaps more important, graduates can gather, fundraise and provide ambassadorship for Neumann University to enhance the lives of our entire Knight Family and ensure Neumann University’s continued growth.

I encourage you to become one of the first leaders to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to renew your commitment to living the values and mission of our beloved alma mater.

Kenneth J. Smith President Alumni Association

Neumann License Plates Available The Alumni Association is proud to offer the Neumann University specialty license plate.

If you are a Pennsylvania resident, you can display pride in your alma mater by ordering a Neumann University License Plate.

Our specialty license plate is available for alumni, students, family and special friends of the University.

To place an order visit www.neumann.edu/LicensePlate/form.asp 30 Accent Magazine

ALUMNI PROFILE

From the Halls of NU to the studios of When the Mastronardo brothers were concocting their first batch of organic skin cream in their mother’s kitchen, they knew they had something special. However, never in their wildest dreams did they think this product would eventually propel them to the hit TV show Shark Tank.

Keith Mastronardo ’10, is one of the four brothers who own Nardo’s Natural Organic Skin Care. The company develops and sells a line of organic skin care products for women, men and teens.

The brothers’ story is a classic case of pursuing the American dream.

Picture four brothers, all two years apart, growing up in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Sports were an integral part of their everyday lives — especially baseball. Physical fitness and healthy eating were a way of life in their household.

The boys learned to cook with all natural foods and organic oils, a habit which lead them to think about using the same types of oils on their skin. Soon they were experimenting in the kitchen and whipped up a coconut oil skin cream. After friends started raving about their product, the idea for a business was hatched.

Keith, the youngest brother, was attending Neumann while his brothers were starting to launch the business.

Majoring in business administration, he knew that one day he would join the company.

“My brothers started the business my junior year. In my senior year they said, ‘We think we have something,’” Mastronardo said.

After graduation, Mastronardo accepted a job with Sprint Corporation in Wayne, Pennsylvania. He worked in sales for a year and gained valuable experience that he would later use when he joined the family business. Today he is the vice president of sales for Nardo’s.

It was Mastronardo’s idea to pitch their products to the ABC hit reality TV show Shark Tank. The critically acclaimed TV show gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true,

and possibly make a business deal that will make them millionaires.

A panel of five “sharks” (which include billionaire Mark Cuban) listen to the pitches of the best business and product ideas from some of America’s brightest entrepreneurs. The contestants try to convince the sharks to give up some of their own money and invest in their business. In exchange for the shark’s cash investment, the entrepreneurs give up a percentage of their company’s equity.

“I found out about Shark Tank and told my brothers to apply. It was a very difficult and lengthy process. The application was 100 pages,” Mastronardo explained.

The brothers spent five days in Los Angeles pitching their company. There were numerous people that they had to pitch to before they got a chance in front of the sharks. The filming occurred in July 2011 and the episode aired in March 2012.

After Mastronardo and his brothers were on the television program, the company website recorded more than 1.8 million hits.

During the show, Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and one of the sharks, agreed to invest in Nardo’s Naturals.

“There’s no guarantee that one of them (the sharks) will pick you up. It was very scary going out in front of billionaires,” Mastronardo said.

In May 2012, Nardo’s Natural Organic Skin Care was featured on Good Morning America. In addition, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price officially endorsed

Mastronardo’s products in April 2012.

“He was looking for a natural product and he came across us. He loved it (muscle rub) right from the get go,” said Mastronardo.

The future for Nardo’s Natural looks very bright. Posh Florida resorts are now carrying their products and the brothers have opened a store in St. Petersburg, Florida. Entrepreneur Magazine just ranked the company in the top 13 most exciting businesses.

Currently, Mastronardo is working with HSN (Home Shopping Network) and fitness entrepreneur Forbes Riley to develop a signature product.

“This is a crucial time in our company.

Fortunately we’ve had a lot of great things come our way but it’s not been easy. We want to grow and expand. The main goal is to get the larger accounts,” he said.

Mastronardo credits Neumann University with much of his professional success and his business smarts.

“The classes that I took at Neumann have really helped me out going into a start-up company. Neumann was the best memory of my life. The professors motivate you and they make you feel like you’re special,” he said.

For more information about Nardo’s Natural Organic Skin Care visit facebook.com/nardosskincare or www.nardosnatural.com.

Keith Mastronardo ’10, third from left, with his brothers on Shark Tank.

Winter 2013 31

CLASS NOTES

1970s

1980s

Sr. M Donna Desien, OSF, B.A., ’70, is a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia and is a Congregational Council member (a member of the Leadership team). Her office is in the Our Lady of Angels Motherhouse.

Joyce Foresman-Capuzzi, B.S., ’84, received the Gail P. Lenehan Advocacy Award from the National Emergency Nurses Association.

This award is given to a nurse who has had a positive impact on emergency nurses through a sustained commitment of advocacy for emergency nurses’ well-being or the welfare of vulnerable populations.

Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne, B.A., ’70, has agreed to become an ambassador for Cloonloo National School. St. Ronan’s National School in Cloonloo, Ireland, honored her as one of its most celebrated past pupils on July 1, 2012.

There was a tree planting ceremony, Mass, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in her honor. Sister is very proud of Cloonloo N.S. where her formal education began. She describes the school as a place that has been a “vital part of the community and has helped to shape the lives of so many down through the years.”

Sr. Margaret Xavier Romans, OSF, B.A., ’70, who has been teaching nearly 50 years, is currently working with the Archangel Program at Catholic High in Baltimore.

The Archangel Program aims to assist those students coming into high school with weak scores in math, English and reading.

Barbara (Lenio) Cosenza, B.S., ’74, recently moved to Palm Coast, Florida, for retirement.

She is also expecting her first grandchild.

Gayle Eversole, B.S., ’74, was recently featured in Natural Health magazine after a second interview about using homeopathic remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Gayle was first interviewed in 2008 on this subject in Natural Health.

Kathleen Laverty, B.A., ’84, is teaching at St. James Regional Catholic School in Ridley Park, PA. The school was formerly known as St. Madeline.

Lisa Moran-Cortes, B.S., ’87, enjoys oils, pastels and water color art classes. Her husband, David, is a manager at BASF. Lisa (Gaudino) Glavin, B.A., ’88, currently works at Delaware County Intermediate Unit as a professional development specialist in education. She lives in Delaware with her husband and two daughters.

Adrienne (Talani) Greben, B.S., ’89, acquired a Cruise Planners/American Express travel franchise and is an accredited cruise counselor.

She obtained her luxury cruise specialist designation from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). She passed the coursework plus visited suites and sailed on ships that accommodate the luxury traveler.

1990s Marie (Cupo) Maiura, B.S., ’90, is currently teaching 6th and 7th grade science, and 6th grade math, at Holy Angels Catholic Elementary School in Newark, Delaware. Her oldest son, Andrew, will continue with the family tradition and enter Neumann's freshman class in fall 2013.

Cynthia Holland, B.A., Ed.D., ’93, ’12, is the new principal of Penn London Elementary School in the Avon Grove School District in Chester County, PA.

Genevieve (Papatoploi) Neely, B.S., ’77, celebrated 55 years of marriage with her husband Charles on October 5, 2012.

Barbara (Fabrizio) Smyth, B.A., ’94, enjoys retirement, traveling and her six grandchildren (four boys and two girls).

Mary (Naab) Bachman, B.S., ’79, and her husband Fred have been married more than 22 years and reside in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Colleen (Connelly) Carty, B.A., ’95, is a stay at home mom. Her son Jeffrey attends Bonner Prendergast High School. Her daughters Erin and Shannon attend Annunciation BVM in Havertown. Her youngest daughter is Cailin.

Colleen and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 15 years.

Judith (Misero) Grace, B.S., ’79, retired in 2007 after 20 years as a certified school nurse for Ridley School District. She is now continuing her school nurse career in the Plano (TX) Independent School District.

32 Accent Magazine

Courtney (Kelleher) Saxton, B.A., ’97, lives in Wilmington, DE, with her husband John and three children. Courtney works at Odyssey Charter School, Wilmington, as an office administrator.

David Kisha, B.S., M.S., ’98, ’00, has been named facility director of the new PHOENIX outpatient physical therapy center in Hamburg, PA. Sr. Francis Canice Reinhardt, OSF, M.S., ’98, has been working for Caring Hospice Services since 2001 as a chaplain. She is active in her parish as lector, Extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, and member of the adult choir and prayer shawl ministry.

Jason Jordan, B.S., ’99, is a 3rd grade teacher in Lower Merion.

2000s Shannon (Ward) Mortimer, B.A., M.S., ’00, ’08, is the human resource benefits administrator for a financial services firm in Chester County, PA. She has served in the human resource management capacity before moving into a more specialized role in July 2012.

Shannon and her husband welcomed their son Daniel in September 2011.

Susan (Shuss) Nolek, B.S., ’00, is a stay at home mom to her sons, John (8) and Nicholas (4).

Jennifer Filla, B.S., ’01, started her consulting business, Aspire Research Group, in 2007.

She is now co-authoring a book, Prospect Research for Fundraisers: The Essential Guide, to be published in 2013 by Wiley.

Patricia Kelly, B.A., M.S., ’01, ’06, works at Neumann University in the DPT program.

Patricia continues to do volunteer mediation for the Center for Resolution in Media, PA. She is regent for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. George, #1575, and president of the Folcroft Public Library Board of Directors.

Kathleen Kozak, B.S., ’01, recently retired after 16 years of service and 24 years as a registered nurse from Christiana Care Health System in Delaware.

Stephen Pizzi, B.S., ’01, married Erin Guinther on July 28, 2012, at St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel in Villanova, PA.

CLASS NOTES Kevin Tinsley, B.S., M.S., ’01, ’09, welcomed a baby girl named Chloe Audrey Tinsley in June 2012.

Nell Jean, B.S., ’02, is the founder and director of Instruction for Homebound Unlimited Educational Services. Homebound provides supplemental education services to districts in the State of Delaware and private in-home tutoring.

Kristen (Snyder) Gallagher, B.A., M.S., ’03, ’05, was hired as assistant director of alumni relations at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, MA. Kristen and her husband John welcomed their second child, Charles Anthony, in June 2012.

Chad Leonard, B.S., ’03, currently works as a certified school psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Within his scope of expertise, he conducts independent child study team evaluations in NJ and independent educational evaluations in PA. He also consults on special education matters through his company Leonard Educational and Psychological Services, LLC (LEAPS). Most recently he served as an expert panelist for the National Special Education Advocacy Institution (NSEAI) and The National Center for Autism Research and Education (NCARE).

Kirk Petroski, B.A., ’03, was unanimously appointed by Harrisburg City Council as chief clerk for the City of Harrisburg. He also works part-time for Christian Recovery Aftercare ministry and volunteers as a board member for the Harrisburg Police Athletic League.

Sister Sophie Yondura, M.S., ’03, has been a Sister of St. Joseph for 40 years. She completed her M.S. in Pastoral Care and Counseling and went on for her Doctorate in Ministry at Lutheran Seminary. She enjoys her work as the pastoral assistant at St. Helena Church in Philadelphia.

Jennifer (April) Bondurant, B.S., ’04, works at PricewaterhouseCoopers Philadelphia and has two children, April, 5 and Owen, 2.

John Camero III, M.S., ’04, has recently joined Fox Chase Bank as the senior vice president of business banking. He is a seasoned lender with more than 13 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior to joining the bank, he was vice president, commercial lending for Univest Bank & Trust in Chester County, PA.

Francis Winkey, B.S., ’04, married Linsey Webb in July 2012.

Dr. Sandra (Cordell) Woods, M.S., DPT, ’04, ’07, is a physical therapist and director at Professional SportsCare and Rehab in Columbia, MD. She had a daughter in November 2011.

Jennifer (Lozier) Furniss, B.A., ’05, welcomed a new son, Jakub Michael, on May 27, 2012. He joins big brother Jaxon.

James Fry, M.S., ’05, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at St. Joseph’s University. The topic of his research was “Lesbian and Gay Alumni Perceptions of Their Acceptance in a Catholic University in the United States.”

Casey Snyder, B.A., ’05, started with ACN, Inc., a telecommunications company, while at Neumann in 2003 and worked part-time throughout school. He went full-time with the company after graduation and is now regional vice president. ACN offers essential services including communication and energy.

Sr. Annelle Velivis, M.S., ’05, is employed by the North Philadelphia Health System (NPHS) as the director of mission and values. NPHS is composed of two hospitals located in the heart of North Philadelphia. St. Joseph Hospital is an acute care hospital. Girard Medical Center is a long term acute care hospital.

Melissa Woolley, M.S., ’05, obtained a new position as the customer support manager at Personnel Data Systems, Inc. in Blue Bell, PA, a leading software company providing HRMS software to over 160 customers.

Stephanie Barrar-Toth, B.A., ’06, and her husband, Frank, welcomed their second son, Caden Stephen, in March 2011. Stephanie also earned her M.Ed in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Grand Canyon University in October 2011.

Melanie (Pacheco) Boulden, B.S., ’06, and her husband Greg welcomed a daughter, Alyna Marie, on August 17, 2011.

Lisa (Price) Priest, B.S., M.S., ’06, ’08, married Marc Suppe on July 24, 2010, in Cape May, NJ. She is currently working on becoming certified in Instructional Design for online learning.

Megan Conard, B.A., ’07, is teaching at St. James Regional Catholic School in Ridley Park, PA. The school was formerly known as St. Madeline.

Kelsey (Huke) Egge, B.S., ’07, recently moved to Yokosuka, Japan, where her husband Sean is stationed on the USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier.

She is volunteering her time with several base activities and programs. She and her husband will be in Japan for two years.

Dominic Fiandra, B.A., ’07 and Catherine Boston, B.A., ’09, were married in August 2012.

Patricia Garver, M.S., ’07, spoke about the life and music of Broadway writer Oscar Hammerstein and sang some of his best songs for a group of seniors at Reformation Lutheran Church, Media, Pennsylvania. She has sung with many local groups including Reformation Church, the Media Chamber Chorale, Rose Valley Chorus, and Philadelphia Pops.

Richard Behr, B.S., ’08, married Kelly Offreda in May 2012.

Alicia Blevin, B.A., ’08, is a learning support coach at Pencader Charter Business and Finance High School in New Castle, Delaware.

Joseph Coffey, B.A., ’08, and Michele Bradley, B.S., ’09, were married in July 2012.

Brianna (Pastor) Goodman, M.S., ’08, was married in July 2010 and is currently working as a resource development manager for Modis, a large IT staffing/consulting company.

Joanne (Williams) Weatherly, M.S., ’08, is currently teaching at Drexel Neumann Academy. Joanne is married and has two children.

Tahira Austin, B.A., ’09, was recently featured in the fall issue of Children’s View. Austin works for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia's Research Institute, where she helps guide patient families through research studies on sickle cell disease.

(continues on page 32) Winter 2013 33

CLASS NOTES (continued from page 31) Jonathan D'Annunzio, B.S., ’09, lives in Doylestown, PA, and is working as a business architect/project manager at Servigistics, a software company based out of Atlanta.

Bonnie Sanville, B.S., ’09, works at Beneficial Mutual Savings Bank in the Cash Management Department as a product manager.

Joseph Dolan, B.S., ’09, was sworn into the United States Air Force in San Antonio, Texas on August 14, 2012. There he underwent eight and a half weeks of intense physical and mental training. In October 2012, he graduated at Lackland Air Force Base and was assigned to Tech School for Security Forces where he received several honors, including Most Outstanding Airman in his flight.

Rebecca Sincavage, B.A., ’09, married Timothy Nicoletti last August in Washington Township, NJ. Three of her bridesmaids were also Neumann graduates. Last spring, she completed her master of education with specializations in early childhood and child development from Ashford University. Her capstone project focused on developmentally appropriate behavior management.

Amanda Dorazo, B.A., ’09, received her master’s degree from Cabrini College, becoming a certified reading specialist. She is now at Upper Darby High School teaching ninth grade reading.

She is the head diving coach for the girls and boys teams at the high school.

Mark Wilkins, B.S., ’09, recently opened The Overtime Sports Bar and Grill in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

Timothy Gallagher, B.A., ’09, is in his third year as a trooper with the Delaware State Police. He is currently assigned to the Troop 4 Patrol Division in Georgetown, DE. In October 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Trooper First Class. In December, he was awarded the 2011 Troop 4 Patrol Trooper of the Year.

Matthew Higgins, B.S., ’09, works as a scientist at Merck Pharmaceuticals.

His work includes producing the Varicella franchise vaccine, which is used for chicken pox.

Paul Iezzi, M.S., ’09, has been promoted from associate analyst to sales consultant at Synygy, Inc. Synygy Inc. is the largest provider of sales compensation management (SCM) software and services.

Regina Moran, B.A. ’09, accepted a position with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. She works as a care manager in the Long-Term Care Options Department.

Keith Richartz, B.S ’09, is currently working with the Washington Redskins as an account representative after working with the Camden Riversharks as a box office associate.

34 Accent Magazine

2010s Mark Auger, B.S., ’10 and Megan Gamble, B.S., ’11, were married in September 2012.

Cerissa Estrella, B.A., ’10, is currently enrolled in a master of science program for psychology at Kaplan University.

Dr. Katarzyna (Fratczak) Krzempek, DPT, ’10, is married, has two children and works at Nazareth Hospital Brittany Oakes, B.A., ’10, will be teaching first grade at the Philadelphia Charter School for Performing Arts Sciences.

Jasmine Salgado, B.S., ’10, accepted a position as a marketing specialist with Genomind, a personalized medicine company that is comprised of innovative researchers and expert leaders in psychiatry and neurology.

Denise (Hoggard) Statham, M.S., ’10, was ordained last summer to ministry by the United Church of Christ and installed as the senior associate pastor of the Living Water United Church of Christ in Philadelphia, PA. Susan Vadas, M.S., ’10, is working as the assistant to the president of the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic, and was one of only 12 applicants recently accepted into LaSalle University's new Doctor of Theology program beginning in June.

Carla Cefalone, B. S., ’11, has been with Covance Research Organization for over a year and was recently promoted to clinical research assistant. Her work has included time in the regulatory department for clinical trials assisting doctors in getting trials approved for investigational drugs.

Deanna Christy, B.S., ’11, is a sales representative at MedClaims Liaison.

Angela LaPenta, B.S., ’11, has joined EDiS Company, a regional leader in construction and development, as receptionist.

Dorian Long, B.S., ’11, has accepted a position as assistant men’s basketball coach for Washington College in Chestertown, MD. Stephanie Nakamura, B.S., ’11, is currently working for the Bank of Montreal in the corporate building as a security analyst in the Identity and Access Management Department.

Samantha Soprano, B.S., ’11, works as a registered nurse for Brinton Manor, Genesis Healthcare.

Lauren Strack, B.S., ’11, is a sales coordinator at Sun Life Financial in King of Prussia, PA. Gina (Crawford) Ciallella, Ed.D., ’12, was recently appointed supervisor of special education at the Ridley School District.

Justin Laielli, DPT, ’12, has joined Achieve Physical Therapy & Fitness in Vineland, New Jersey. His interests include athletic injuries, neurological pathology, cardiopulmonary pathology, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, pediatric orthopedics and aqua therapy.

Kevin Oleszewski, B.S., ’12, is working at Merrill Lynch in the new financial advisor program. He recently passed his securities exams.

Jessica Sabato, B.A., ’12, was selected to be on the Rachael Ray Show team that threw an amazing holiday giveaway show for victims of Hurricane Sandy. From field pieces to personally speaking to each audience member, Jessica is proud of her involvement in the show that aired last December on ABC. Brittany Yarnall, B.A., ’12, was married to Kevin Kelly last May and they now reside in Ramstein, Germany.

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

Winter 2013 35

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