a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends
Vol. 42, No. 1 • Winter 2014
Sport and Spirituality in the Spotlight
Save the Date Watch the Alumni Online Community (www.alumni. neumann.edu) for more information on alumni events and networking opportunities.
Wednesday, March 12
Saturday, April 5
Charter/Sponsorship Day
Fifteenth Annual Neumann University Scholarship Gala
Neumann University Campus • 12 noon – 3 p.m.
Highlights include a liturgy at noon in Our Lady of Angels Chapel and the Dr. Dorothy A.P. Leunissen Presidential Lecture at 2 p.m. For details, call 610-558-5513.
Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16
Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Memorial Weekend The Mirenda Center for Sport Spirituality and Character Development
Celebrate the life and legacy of Brendan P. Kelly ’87 by playing volleyball and/or basketball to raise money for scholarships in his honor. For more information, contact Rick Kern, kernr@neumann.edu.
Saturday, March 22 & Sunday, March 23
Knights in Clearwater, Phillies Spring Training Clearwater, Florida
The weekend starts with a Sunset Happy Hour in Clearwater followed by a Sunday afternoon picnic and game as the Phillies take on the Minnesota Twins. Reservation deadline, Friday March 7. For more information about events, hotel discounts and tickets, visit alumni.neumann.edu/clearwater14.
The Philadelphia Union League • 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.
Exclusive Offer — First time alumni guests to the Gala receive two tickets for the price of one if purchased by February 15, 2014.
Saturday, May 3
Parent Breakfast and Our Lady of Angels Tour Mirenda Center • 10:00 a.m.
Neumann parents and families are invited to the annual breakfast with Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president, followed by an insider’s tour of Our Lady of Angels Convent. For more information call 610-558-5544.
Friday, May 16
Alumni Induction Ceremony and Graduation Rehearsal Mirenda Center • 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 2
Business Exchange Networking Event Springhaven Club, Wallingford, PA
The Division of Business and Information Management will hold its premier networking event with guest speaker Lisa Detwiler, COO of SSD Technology Partners, a business technology services firm. For more information, please contact Donna Bendistis at 610-558-5594.
Saturday, May 17
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 9
Thursday, April 3
Seventh Annual Continuing Adult and Professional Studies Appreciation Celebration
Tenth Annual Neumann University Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Celebrity Golf Classic
Media Towne House, Media, PA • 6:30 p.m.
New Location • Penn Oaks Golf Club Shotgun start 12 noon
The Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies will host the annual networking and Appreciation Celebration for faculty, staff and alumni at the Media Towne House. For more information, contact Deb Knoblauch at 610-361-5440.
Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a duffer, you’ll enjoy this day on the links of Penn Oaks Golf Club with a host of celebrities who have Delaware Valley connections. All proceeds benefit student scholarships. For ticket and sponsor information, call 610-558-5513.
Career Management Series • Various Dates
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. See page 27 and visit www.neumann.edu/cms for more information.
Our Legacy
Giving to Neumann University To the Neumann University Family, The endowed scholarship we established in 2005 at Neumann University has been rewarding. Each year, the University introduces us to our student recipient at the President’s Scholarship Reception during Homecoming. We are amazed how the Neumann University students we meet, without fail, show strength of character and purpose, which makes us want to support them even more. That’s why we have made a bequest to strengthen the Janet Massey Breast Cancer Survivor Endowed Scholarship to assist students who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who have had family members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We hope that you will consider similar support to help students at Neumann.
Methods of Giving
Sincerely,
Janet and Joe Massey
Your Will: “I give to Neumann University, a not-for-profit educational organization located in Aston, PA, (Federal ID #23-1657958), ___ percent of the residue of my estate to be used by the institution for its general purposes or according to a Statement of Intent previously agreed upon by the University and myself.”
Your Retirement Plan: Call your financial institution to make Neumann University the beneficiary of your individual Retirement Account or other financial investments. You can also allocate your required annual distribution to Neumann University. This is among the simplest and most tax-efficient planned gifts.
Please Contact: The Office of Institutional Advancement and University Relations at 610-558-5513 for more information about the Neumann University Planned Giving Program.
Accent a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends
Vol. 42, No. 1 • Winter 2014
f e a ture s
5 Library of the Future
Take a look at what’s coming in August 2014
and Spirituality 18 Sinport the Spotlight The Institute made news in the fall
President
Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D. Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations
Henry A. Sumner, M.A., CFRE Executive Director, Marketing and Communications
Stephen T. Bell Director of Publications
Carol DiAntonio Director, Alumni Relations and Special Programs
Judi Stanaitis ’07 ’13
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Homecoming 2013
ON THE COVER: Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne, OSF ’70, Anne Donovan, and Renee Keister Balke connected again via the 2013 Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development award.
A Neumannfest for the ages
25 Meet the Kirkland Krew
Generosity in the face of adversity
D e p a rt m ent s 3 From the President 4 Around Campus 28 Class Notes
Contributors
Nick DiMarino Christina Farrell Stephanie Fortunato ’13 Maureen Mullen Carolyn Seagraves ’84 Jill Weigel Photography
Kelly & Massa, Hunter Martin David Jackson Jerry Millevoi Accent Magazine is published two times annually by Neumann University, Office of Public Relations and Marketing, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298. Tel: (610) 558-5549. Copyright by Neumann University. Accent Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Neumann University and is printed on recycled paper. Information in this issue was received by 12/31/13. 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.
Your Gift Impacts Neumann Students by Providing . . . Scholarships Engaged professors Uniquely personalized attention Service learning Internships Career development
Consider your gift to Neumann today. Visit www.neumann.edu/giving
Fro m the p re s ident
“ Hospitality is fundamentally an expression of and witness to God’s grace, since all of us are guests of God’s hospitality and are called to embody that hospitality to others in word and deed.” (Aurelie Hagstrom, 2013)
W
ith this issue of ACCENT, Neumann University continues its emphasis on “hospitality and service” in a uniquely personal manner and steps into a new year, its 49th year — a year of promise and fulfillment in preparation for its 50th “jubilee” year! While the media and the public persist in questioning the value and cost of the university experience, Neumann University continues to give testimony to the importance and transformational impact of higher education in the lives of individuals, one by one. It does this with mission-driven word and deed that keeps everyone focused on students’ success while consciously stewarding our resources to keep tuition as reasonable and accessible as possible. The Board of Trustees and the Neumann community work together to overcome the many and varied challenges including the value proposition by taking advantage of opportunities to flourish, working on each other’s behalf toward a common cause, and pervasively integrating Neumann’s Catholic Franciscan identity and mission, thus making Neumann a hospitable institution in its truest sense, a thriving institution, not one merely surviving. As you peruse ACCENT, you will note example after example of those whose commitment and work directly influence and enhance Neumann’s capacity to authentically live its mission and exemplify its values. These accounts demonstrate intentionality in creating Neumann University as a welcoming teaching university of distinction, where learning occurs in an interdisciplinary fashion throughout the students’ experiences, not solely in the classroom, but on the athletic fields and in the gym, in the theater, through Neumann Media and through planned opportunities to meet others and hear their stories firsthand. Neumann University is privileged to provide a platform to share important experiences such as the profound story of generosity and faith recounted by Anne Donovan, Olympic gold medalist and WNBA head coach; and the moving stories at “Beyond Sport: Beyond the Divide” by a number of people whose work is to bring peace and positive social change through sports to areas of our world where a person’s uniqueness and dignity are not respected. The Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development integrates research and scholarship with “stories” of persons who model the concept that sport is a venue for good and a path to God and goodness. The Institute utilizes reflection and self-awareness as powerful transformative tools for all ages and stages of life and inspires us
to bring to life Nelson Mandela’s quote “Sport has the power to change the world . . . it has the power to inspire” (Nelson Mandela, Monaco 2000). The Institute’s work conducted on our own campus in collaboration with Athletics creates and establishes Neumann as the laboratory for this seminal work on sport and its impact on spiritual and faith development while calling the Neumann University student athlete, leaders and coaches to emerge as catalysts for the message that engaging in sports provides lifelong learning outcomes — when understood as positive and formative opportunities for relating effectively with oneself, others, and God. Other articles will touch your hearts as well and serve as a reminder that our mission statement and brand attributes call us to use knowledge in service of others, to provide hospitality in a uniquely personal manner, and to ensure that the Gospel values are the centerpiece of our identity. The generosity expressed by our “Kirkland Krew” is inspirational . . . a gift for Neumann now that will continue to be a gift for students in years to come. The awards and recognitions are testimony to Neumann’s continued quest for excellence, and the visitors, speakers, and guests reflect the messages and values so important for our students and graduates to internalize. During this Christmas season and early days of the New Year, may God’s hospitality dwell in each of you and may you find ways as those featured in our stories to be host of God’s gifts to others. Thank you for your continued hospitality to Neumann University . . . your support and your prayers have been and continue to be our greatest treasure. You are always welcome in this place and always welcome to share your story with us. Together, we can continue to demonstrate the value of the Neumann University experience while stewarding our resources well, and providing academic excellence in a truly hospitable way, as God would have us do. Have a happy and blessed New Year. Pace e bene
Rosalie M. Mirenda, President
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President Honored Three Times Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president, was showered with honors this fall. She received the Sons of Italy Distinguished Achievement Award, the Gary Papa Award from the Delaware County Community Foundation, awarded to her and to University Ambassador Tony Mirenda, and the St. Joseph the Worker Medal from Malvern Retreat House. Dr. Mirenda is the first woman in the 100-year history of the Retreat House to receive the medal. “You were selected by our committee to receive this award due to your exemplary life of faith and service to the Church and Community,” wrote Retreat House President James Fitzsimmons in a letter to Mirenda. Dr. Mirenda became president of Neumann University in July of 1996. Since she became president, the total enrollment has tripled (from fewer than 900 to almost 3000), the campus has expanded from 14 to 68 acres, new academic programs have been added (including three doctorates), athletic teams have grown from 9 to 21, and residence halls have been built to accommodate 850 students. Dr. Mirenda is committed to the Catholic Franciscan mission of the University, which is based on the belief that knowledge, while valuable in itself, is best used in the service of others. She has enhanced this distinctive identity, taking great delight in sharing her Catholic faith, beliefs and wisdom with others, both as a writer and as a speaker. She participated and spoke at the Rally for Freedom: Relevance to Higher Education — Stand Up for Religious Freedom in 2012. In addition, she has presented at a number of varied higher education meetings and conferences on the Role of Mission and Student Experience, Optimizing the Role of Collaboration in Meeting Institutional Challenges, and Ensuring Student Success: Getting the Right Fit.
Let It Snow Snowstorms on December 8 and 10 wreaked havoc with the final exam schedule but created some beautiful campus scenes. A few students showed a sense of humor with their snowman placement.
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Tony and Rosalie Mirenda
She serves on the board of the World Meeting of Families 2015, Inc., and served as Chair of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Task Force on College. She was also appointed by the late Bishop Joseph McFadden to the Ex Corde Ecclesiae Working Group for the Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education. Dr. Mirenda has been recognized by a number of organizations for her distinguished character and numerous accomplishments. She has received the Sourin Award (2012) from the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Society, the Catholic Graduate Hall of Fame Award (2011) from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Woman on the Move Award (2011) from Main Line Times, The Key and Sword Award, Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul (2011), the Catholic Leadership Institute Award (2010), the Outstanding Alumnus Award (2006) from Widener University, and the Pontifical Honor of the Cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (2003).
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Library of the Future Arriving This August The transformation of the campus library began on December 16. Just two days after fall exams ended, the complex work of a complete library renovation started, closing the current library area in Bachmann Main Building until August 2014. In the interim, full library services will be relocated to the Bruder Gymnasium in the Bruder Life Center. The renovated library space will be modern, comfortable and flexible, equipped with different niches and study areas that are sure to please all of its visitors. Groups needing to study together or collaborate on projects will be able to take advantage of one of the new multi-media equipped study rooms. Whenever quiet concentration is what is in order, the comfortable Library Reading Room will certainly provide the perfect study oasis. The number of computers in the renovated space will increase, and all visitors will be able to log onto one from new and spacious computer clusters. From one of the library computers, or from any computer in the world, current members of the Neumann learning community will be able to access thousands and thousands of digital library research and learning resources. Students wishing to use their own laptop for work will find it easy to do so in the transformed library, which
will feature strengthened Wi-Fi access and numerous electrical outlets for charging devices. According to Library Director Tiffany McGregor, “The new multi-purpose room will serve as the home for the Neumann University Information Literacy program, where librarians and faculty will collaborate to instruct students and develop the vital critical thinking and information literacy skills to help them achieve in the classroom and in the job market of the future. The library staff looks forward to continuing their dedication to service and meeting the needs of all of our unique visitors in a beautiful, updated environment.” During certain periods of construction in Bachmann, noise levels may be bothersome, especially on ground floor areas that are directly beneath the current library. Project managers will collaborate with faculty and staff in Bachmann to minimize the occurrence of noisy demolition during busy instructional periods. By August 25, 2014, the beginning of classes next fall, the library of the future will have arrived on campus, ready to welcome the Class of 2018 to a new and marvelous learning resource.
State Funding to Assist Library Renovation
Pennsylvania will assist the library renovation with $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding. The project will transform the library from a collection of books and seats into a blend of learning labs and flexible classrooms. The renovation is designed to meet the needs of students, faculty and neighbors in the community with the creation of a learning commons, blended print and digital collections, and support for new technology on the first and second floors of the southeast wing of Bachmann Main Building. The need for the project stems from enrollment growth and the increasing educational necessity for technological access to information. The renovated library will house more than 70,000 titles and 95,000 electronic journals. Research space will accommodate the needs of groups and individuals. The total cost of the project is approximately $3.5 million. According to the office of Governor Thomas Corbett, RACP funding is intended to provide needed economic stimulus to the Pennsylvania economy and assist in the immediate creation of family-sustaining jobs for Pennsylvanians. This funding is awarded through the Delaware County Redevelopment Authority. Winter 2014 5
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Speakers, Trips Connect Students to Career Possibilities Faculty members connected students to possible careers this fall through class speakers, trips, and other activities. John Nickolas, vice president and chief financial officer for the Philadelphia Phillies, told a group of almost 60 students and faculty that the organization always keeps an eye on “the broad-based affordability of the sport.” In a visit arranged by Dr. Andrea Pent, Nickolas spoke to Sport and Entertainment Management classes about The Business of Baseball in the Bayada Atrium. He said that Major League Baseball is a $7.5 billion industry and that the primary source of revenue is ticket sales. The 30 clubs sold approximately 74 million tickets in 2013. The Phillies topped the 3 million mark in ticket sales in 2013, but that number is a significant decline from the 3.65 million tickets sold in 2012. He also pointed out the importance of the baseball team to the local economy, noting the amusement tax, payroll tax, sales tax and others that support local and federal governments. Nickolas joined the Phillies organization in July 2003 and was named vice president and chief financial officer in 2007. He was joined by John Festick, senior staff accountant for the Phillies and a 2005
graduate of Neumann. Festick’s internship with the Phillies led to his job with the organization. In October, Criminal Justice senior students in Joseph Gosseaux’s capstone course had the opportunity to observe a re-entry program pioneered in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Judge Timothy Rice and officials of the U.S. Probation Office. The program is a model being explored by the Department of Justice to help violent convicted federal offenders on probation to transition into society during a 52-week period of intense monitoring. Offenders are offered job training, drug counseling, access to education, and other supportive services to prevent recidivism. The program has been in existence since 2007 and has an 83% success rate, far exceeding the national rate of recidivism for prior convicted felons. Judge Rice is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and Temple University Law School. He is a former Assistant United States Attorney and was chief of the Criminal Division prior to his appointment to the federal bench. With the help of Alex Crofoot ’13, Dr. Robert Till arranged for a representa-
John Nickolas of the Philadelphia Phillies chats with a student after his presentation, The Business of Baseball.
tive of Northrup Grumman to visit campus in November and interview 8 – 10 seniors who plan to graduate in May and meet the company’s requirements. Crofoot currently works for Northrup Grumman. “This organization has been ranked as a top twenty employer for new graduates and interns by both Forbes and college.com for five years in a row,” explained Till, who invited senior Business, Accounting, Computer Information Management, and Marketing majors with a 3.2 GPA to submit resumes for review by the company. In September, Dr. Robert McMonagle arranged for his Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties class to attend a presentation on drones and privacy at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Dr. McMonagle is assistant professor of Political Science and is an expert on the U.S. Congress and public policymaking. Karen Thomas, a meteorologist who teaches Communications and Media Arts, provided two professional experiences for her students: a trip to the NBC 10 studios and a visit to campus by a high-tech “live remote” truck.
Joseph Gosseaux (center) poses with his Criminal Justice class and Judge Timothy Rice at an Eastern District court room. 6 Accent Magazine
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Delco District Attorney Teaches Political Science
Get ready to see this logo quite a bit during the 18 months of the University’s 50th anniversary celebration. From July 2014 through December 2015, it will be on the website, social media sites, print publications, and gift items.
civil litigation, municipal representation, and decedent estates. Prior to becoming the county’s DA, Whelan served as chairman of Delaware County Council which oversees the county’s government operations. He served two fouryear terms on the council. His students also gain insight into the election process, specifically the elements of running for political office. “I show clips of videos and commercials that I made when I was running for office. I go into fundraising and the ethics involved in running for a county office,” Whelan said. Neumann students are a refreshing break for Whelan whose full-time job has him dealing with some very difficult and emotional cases. He shares some of these cases with his students as life lessons. “It gives me the ability to share stories with students and give them advice and experiences, and hopefully they learn from that. The students are surprised that I am
Stay in Touch!
When Neumann students register for political science courses dealing with the American political process, they will be taught by an expert. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan is an adjunct professor at Neumann and brings with him a wealth of real-life experiences. Whelan, who started at Neumann in 2012, has taught American Political Thought and American Political Process courses. He will be adding Criminal Law this spring. “I love being able to present to the students. I give them a more practical take than they get in the books. We talk a lot about current cases,” Whelan said. Whelan’s job as district attorney, and as a father of four, leaves little extra time in his daily schedule. He fits Neumann in by teaching early morning classes. The material covered in Whelan’s classes goes well beyond the contents of text books. He brings experience from his 25 years as a private attorney working in the areas of
there, and I tell them I’m there because I enjoy working with the students,” he said. Whelan appreciates the positive and nurturing atmosphere of Neumann. He holds Neumann University President Dr. Rosalie Mirenda in high regard and tremendously respects all she has done for the University. “I always thought that if I ever had the ability to teach, I’d teach at Neumann University. I chose Neumann because of the Christian principles,” he explained. “At a Catholic university I get to talk about moral issues, which is great. Catholic education is very important to me.”
Connect with Alumni and the Alumni Association Facebook: www.facebook.com/neumannalumni Twitter: @neumannalum LinkedIn: Neumann University Alumni Group and Friends of Neumann Flickr: neumannuniversity Alumni Online: www.alumni.neumann.edu
Connect with Neumann University Facebook: www.facebook.com/neumannuniversity Twitter: @NeumannCampus LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/neumann-university YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/NeumannUniversity Flickr: neumannuniversity Website: www.neumann.edu
Winter 2014 7
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Breakfast with Santa The Knights for Education club hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa event, drawing more than 600 people to Community Hall for a chance to meet Santa in exchange for an unwrapped toy. The toys were donated to the Sacred Heart of Camden parish to help needy families with their Christmas shopping.
Blessing of the Animals The Blessing of the Animals commemorates St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. The October event drew more than 50 pets — including hamsters, rabbits, cats and this dog, who was not camera-shy.
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Sigma Zeta
National Honor Society in Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Kneeling: Alicia Moore, Eric Dowrick, Lindsay Hochman, and Gilbert Crabbe. Seated: Shanice Bobb, Fatim Sannoh, Krista McAndress, Tiffany Connelly, Breanne Klar, and Kelli Ann Cunningham. Third row: Sarah Haines, Samantha Rochester, Amanda Mikolajczyk, Megan Monastra, Domenic Pileggi, Ashley Brooks, DiJuan Austin, Latoya Bowers, Jartu Kanneh, Mary Kate Katein, Jasmine Williams, and Ruth Montesines. Fourth row: Mary Claire Bih, Brian Rutherford, Stephanie Stupka, Susheela Reeves, Emmanual Crabbe, Chelsea Sickels, A.J. Dougherty, Clarissa Hayes, Matthew Sheneman, Karima Watts, and Jose Cortez.
Omicron Delta Kappa
National Honor Society for Leadership
The 2013 inductees into Omicron Delta Kappa, the national honor society for leadership, are (front) Chaniqua Rue, Sr. Mary Ann McCarthy ’85, Elizabeth Blevin, Frank Altamuro, Tiffany Connelly, Nicole Thomas, Dr. Joseph Glass, and Dr. Gail Corso; and (back) Richard Tutak, Jaclyn Gray, Ashley Brown, Lauren Haley, Kirsten Fenton, Bethany Lang, Whitley Kels, Rosemarie Webb, Brande Marshall, Jillian Harkness, Jordan Deegan, Ronnie Shatz, Brian Forrest, Anna Bleming, and Justin Brydges.
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Knights of the Round Table Each year, Neumann hosts the President’s Thanksgiving Reception to celebrate the generosity of our donors. This year, the Knights of the Round Table were presented with pins and honored by the leadership of the board of trustees. The Knights of the Round Table recognizes our most loyal donors, regardless of amount, who support the University with annual gifts for five or more consecutive fiscal years (July 1 through June 30).
Pictured with Frank J. Janton, chairperson of the Development Committee and James D. Delaney, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, are the 30-year Knights of the Round Table: Connie Owsiany, Bonnie C. Stufflet ’73, Rich Owsiany, Sr., Elaine Martin, OSF ’72, Ann Wood, Anthony Mirenda, Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, Marian and John Laufer, Sr. Patricia Smith, OSF ’72, and Rose Morris, ’79.
Pictured are the 25-year Knights of the Round Table: Sr. Patricia Hutchison, OSF, Ed.D, ’70, Maria Davis ’87, Sr. Margaret Lewis, OSF, and Sr. Corinne Wright, OSF ’69.
Pictured are the 20-year Knights of the Round Table: Sr. Helen E. Jacobson, OSF ‘73, Carol Morgan, William & Barbara Talbot, Sr. Jordan Marie Goeke, OSF, Brendan J. Walsh, and Kathy and Henry Sumner.
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Dream Turns to Reality for Neumann Junior Ryan Stokeling, a junior sport and entertainment management major, has wanted to start his own youth basketball camp since he was a kid. He credits his family for being very business-oriented and offering unconditional love and a tremendous amount of support for him to follow his dreams. “Basketball is more than just a game. Getting an education and staying drug free truly makes a difference in life,” Stokeling adds. Stokeling founded HoopImpact with one thing in mind, to make a positive impact in the lives of those youth campers both on and off the court. He wants to set them up to be successful not only at the game of basketball but in the larger game of life. The mission statement for HoopImpact emphasizes the necessity of creating a setting in which boys and girls can become educated, productive and caring members of society. “The impact that makes a difference before, during and after the game,” says Stokeling. With his family and people helping
him in the community where he grew up, Stokeling set his first camp to begin in June, 2014. They will be welcoming boys and girls ages 8-17 to Edgewood, MD. With 20 counselors and guest appearances being scheduled, HoopImpact is ready to go. Among his counselors are some of the Neumann University men’s basketball players: Benjamin Birch, Mark Blount, Reggie Coleman, Ambrose Cousin, Dom Gibson, Charles Graham, Melvin Weldon and Rafiq Williams. Stokeling credits the inspiration for HoopImpact to an early experience he had in a popular basketball school, Achievements Unlimited Basketball School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He attended the camp for several years. Special emphasis was placed not only on the fundamentals of basketball, but also on the importance of education and staying drug and alcohol free. It was at Achievements Unlimited where Stokeling began developing key relationships with several of the counselors, notable sports and entertainment figures, and the
Marketing material that promotes Ryan Stokeling’s HoopImpact camp.
director of Achievements Unlimited. This camp made a huge impact on Stokeling’s life; everything he has learned he has used in his everyday life experience. Bernest Stokeling, Ryan’s father, is proud of his son. “We are very happy and have always been very impressed with Ryan, even as a 20 year old college student, having such a huge vision for himself — so large that he would want to give back to the community from which he came. It’s a great blessing for the family, and it will make a great impact on the community. I commend him for what he has achieved already, and I wish him much success.”
Democracy in Action Inspires Deja Johnson In May of 2013, Deja Johnson had just finished her junior year at Neumann. She was enjoying her college experience but was having doubts about her choice of major, political science. Her professors were knowledgeable and the assignments challenging, but she didn’t see how the classroom theory applied to the world beyond campus and the people she wanted to help. Then a summer internship with the City of Chester changed everything. “The hands-on experience just made everything click for me,” explains the 21-year-old Chester resident. “I sat in on meetings of the mayor’s staff, witnessed firsthand the event-planning process, and got to see how city government works.” The most palpable impact, however, came from Johnson’s attendance at town hall meetings. “I saw democracy in action at these public meetings, and the process intrigued me. Suddenly, political science was very appealing.” Entering her senior year, Johnson is more confident than ever. “I’ve become much more independent during my years at Neumann. I’ve grown into a person I think I’m liking.” Her ultimate goal is to attend law school, study family law, and specialize in adoption. After her internship with the City of Chester, however, she wouldn’t mind getting a few years of grassroots experience in city government before she begins her journey to the bar exam. Winter 2014 11
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The Sandal Artist Wins the Bock Book Award
The cover illustration of The Sandal Artist.
The Sandal Artist, written by Kathleen T. Pelley and illustrated by Lois Rosio Sprague, won the 2013 Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award for Children’s Literature. This book tells the story about an ambitious young artist, Roberto, who was made to wear an old pair of sandals while waiting for his shoes to be repaired. Roberto, who aspires to be a “great artist,” paints only things he considers beautiful, but he can’t seem to see the beauty in all that surrounds him, such as poor children playing, or old Stefano and his donkey. While wearing the sandals, however, he begins to see his surroundings in a different light and beauty in the people around him. The award acknowledges Franciscan values in children’s books and gives each year’s winner a prize of $500, a plaque, and a gold emblazoned emblem for the
book. Criteria for the award include text that is values-oriented, interesting and stimulating for ages 3 – 8 years. The illustrations should provide support for interpreting the story, instill a reverence for and compassion for all creation, and depict creation in all of its diversity. Both the text and illustrations should promote a moral attitude and/or action. Wesley Bock was co-owner of Kilner’s, a store in north central Philadelphia that provided equipment, clothing, and supplies to religious institutions. As a sales representative to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, he grew to be quite fond of the Sisters and began making contributions to the order. When Wesley passed away, his wife Frances continued the contributions. When she passed away, the estate passed to their nephew, who, in consultation with the library, established the Bock Book Award in their memory. Previous winners includes The Ocean Story by John Seven, 2012; Mama The O Miti by Donna Jo Napoli, 2011; Felina’s New Home by Loran Wlodarski, 2010; Zen Ties by Jon Muth, 2009; We Are One by Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell, 2008; Brother Juniper by Diane Gibfried, 2007; Daniel and His Walking Stick by Wendy McCormick, 2006; Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming, 2005; The Boy with a Wish by Harry B. Knights, 2004; In the Blink of an Eye by Dieter Wiesmuller, 2003; Where Does God Live? by Holly Bea, illustrated by Kim Howard, 2002; Each Living Thing by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Ashley Wolff, 2001; and Saint Francis and the Christmas Donkey by Robert Byrd, 2000. Children listen to a reading of The Sandal Artist by author Kathleen Pelley in the university library.
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Maguire Foundation Funds $400,000 for Scholarships The Maguire Foundation has agreed to contribute $400,000 to the University to establish a scholarship fund to support students during the next seven years. The Maguire Scholars Program will provide a total of up to $25,000 per year to assist as many as five qualified students through four years of study, beginning with freshmen who entered in the fall of 2013. The program will also provide four-year aid to additional students who enroll at Neumann through the fall of 2016. These scholarships will be awarded by the University, based on the financial need of the students. Each Maguire Scholar is expected to pay during each school year (or borrow from other sources) at least $5,000 for tuition or other education-related expenses with the expectation that any amount borrowed will be repaid from subsequent employment. Students must also come from a list of eligible high schools and have at least a 3.0 high school GPA. For continuation of this scholarship funding from year to year, the recipient must be in good academic standing, participate in school or community volunteer/extra-curricular activities, and receive a recommendation from the University. “This extraordinary gift from the Maguire Foundation will enable as many as 20 students to achieve their dream of attaining a university education and preparation for a professional career,” said Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, president of Neumann University. “We are extremely grateful for the generosity and philanthropic spirit of the Maguire family.” The Maguire Foundation was established in 2000. Mr. and Mrs. James J. Maguire are co-principals of the Foundation, a philanthropic enterprise that focuses its resources primarily on education. James Maguire is the founder and chairman emeritus of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Company. A Korean War veteran and 1958 graduate of St. Joseph’s University, he is the author of Just Show Up Every Day, which chronicles his successful professional and family life.
Newcombe Foundation: $28,000 in Scholarships for Adults The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation has awarded a grant of $28,000 to Neumann University to support scholarships for adult students. The funding will be awarded during 2013 – 14, on the basis of need, to 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 a degree. “This increased grant recognizes the welcoming and supportive services the university provides for returning students, acknowledges the difficult economic circumstance many of these people face, and is intended to affirm selected recipients and to mitigate some of their unmet financial need,” said Dr. Thomas Wilfrid, executive director of the Newcombe Foundation. Since 1985, the Newcombe Foundation has granted $419,000 to Neumann University to assist adult students. The Foundation’s Scholarships for Mature Women Students currently assists thirty-two universities and four-year colleges in New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Newcombe guidelines stipulate that institutions selected for the program “welcome enrollment by adult women students and are committed to their success.” At Neumann, both women and men are eligible for Newcombe Scholarships.
W.W. Smith Charitable Trust: $56,000 Scholarship Grant The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust has awarded Neumann University a one-year grant of $56,000 to fund undergraduate student scholarships in 2013 – 14. In the last 35 years, the Trust has assisted more than 1,000 Philadelphia area students annually, including scholarship grants of $1,268,000 for Neumann students. 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. Because the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust stipulates a minimum award of $2,000 and a maximum of $5,000 per year, the grant will assist between 12 and 28 Neumann University undergraduate students in 2013 – 14. “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.” 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 million annually to support medical research, college scholarships, and social services for children and the elderly.
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The University Players performed a classic Arthur Miller play, The Crucible, set during the Salem witch trials of 1692.
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International Performances and a Christmas Bonanza
The Delaware County Symphony performed two chamber and two orchestral concerts during the fall semester.
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From Russian dancers and Chinese acrobats to a classic Arthur Miller play and a host of Christmas performances, the arts were alive and well on campus this fall. The Barynya Russian Dance Troupe and the renowned Chinese Acrobats, both sponsored by the Student Activities office, brought unique and energetic performances to the Fred P. Meagher Theatre in September and November. The Barynya dancers immersed the audience in Russian culture and dance traditions while the Chinese entertainers provided a vibrant display of athleticism and acrobatic thrills. The Crucible, directed by staff member Brian Kavanagh, is a riveting and intelligent tale that was brought to life by University students, faculty and alumni. Originally written by Miller as a commentary on and response to the McCarthyism hysteria that swept the country in the early 1950s, the drama follows the conflicted John Proctor during the Salem witch trials of 1692. As a group of teenagers begins to accuse members of the community of witchcraft, Proctor struggles to find a way to restore the good name of the accused and heal the breach of trust among Salem’s citizens. To celebrate the season of Christmas, several groups brought extraordinary talents to the stage. Dr. Yukiko Ishida led the University Concert Chorale in Let the Whole World Sing, a Christmas concert that put the audience in the holiday spirit with a broad collection of sacred hymns and carols. The University Jazz Band infused its fall concert with a seasonal flavor with some up-tempo carols to make the season bright. The Brandywine Harp Orchestra filled the hall with melodious sound and storytelling, playing a selection of traditional Irish, Scottish and American seasonal pieces. The highlight of the Christmas entertainment, of course, was The Nutcracker, performed by International Ballet Classique. Hundreds joined Clara as she experienced the Nutcracker doll in magical battle with the Mouse King and journeyed through the Land of Sweets, where the toys come alive.
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The Brandywine Harp Orchestra filled the Meagher Theatre with the melodious sounds of traditional Irish, Scottish and American songs.
The Delaware County Symphony also provided its usual stellar performances during the fall semester. Full symphony concerts, under the baton of musical director Tim Ribchester, included an October performance of works by Rossini, Vivaldi and Dvorak, and a December concert that featured Kile Smith’s Four French Carols. The Cultural Arts Forum also contributed mightily to the fall arts lineup, beginning with Thaddeus Stevens: Becoming an Abolitionist. The one-man show was followed by Timeless Broadway, featuring early songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers. After a packed-house fashion show that raised money for the Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship, the Forum closed the fall with Let’s Go to the Opera, a discussion of some of the greatest Italian operatic works. Art exhibits featured the work of David Gunlefinger, a former staff member now employed by Aramark, and Neumann students.
Student models gathered for a group photo before they hit the runway at the annual Cultural Arts Forum Fashion Show, which raises funds for the Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship.
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a th l etic s
Volleyball Leads the Way to Postseason Play Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
The men’s soccer team finished the 2013 season with a 12-7-2 overall record. Seven Knights were recognized on the CSAC All-Conference teams. Alex Lacko was named the CSAC Player of the Year. He earned first team honors along with teammates Evan Morgan and Mike Atallian. Brooks Skyers received second team All-CSAC accolades while Vince Cortese, Tben Donnie, and Caleb Clanton were named Honorable Mention. Zach DiDonato was named to the All-CSAC Sportsmanship team. Atallian led the team with six goals and two assists for 14 points. He was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area team as well as the ECAC South All-Stars, along with Morgan. In net, Lacko had a goals-against-average of 0.83 with nine shutouts. The Knights qualified for the CSAC postseason for the seventh straight season. Neumann fell to Marywood in the semifinals.
The women’s soccer team qualified for the postseason for the fourth straight season in 2013. The Knights made it to the semifinals where they fell 3-0 to Cabrini, the eventual champions. Neumann finished the season 10-8-1 overall and 8-2-1 in conference action. Becca Burkhart and Jordyn Agresta were named first team All-Conference while Ashley Hawkins received second team honors. Alyson Hop was named to the All-Sportsmanship team. Agresta led the Knights with nine goals and four assists for 22 points. Hawkins had five goals and two assists this season. Both had two game-winning goals.
Volleyball The volleyball team made it to the CSAC Championship game, where they fell 3-1 to Cabrini. They received an ECAC bid, finishing the season 23-15 overall and 9-2 in conference action.
Alex Lacko, senior, was named the Colonial States Athletic Conference Player of the Year and received First Team All-Conference honors.
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Katelin Kuklentz was named first team All-Conference while Kelsey D’Imperio earned second team honors. Amanda McAleer was named to the CSAC AllSportsmanship team. Kuklentz was named the 2013 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Volleyball Performer of the Year and also earned Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Volleyball Team honors for the second straight year. Kuklentz led the Knights with 433 kills and 332 digs. D’Imperio notched 311 kills this season. Kuklentz set the program record for career digs, finishing her four seasons with 1,657.
Women’s Tennis The women’s tennis team went 10-8 overall and 6-4 in conference action. The season ended when the Knights won 9-0 against Cairn University. Teresa Kozin and Jess Demarest received All-Conference second team honors in doubles action. Kozin was also named to the second team in singles play.
Jordyn Agresta, senior, received Colonial States Athletic Conference First Team honors as she led the team with nine goals and four assists for 22 points.
Katelin Kuklentz, senior, set the career record in kills, finishing with 1,657. She was also named the Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area Volleyball Performer of the Year.
Kozin went 13-3 in singles action overall, 8-1 in conference play. The duo was 11-5 in doubles action. Cherie Allen was named to the All-Sportsmanship team.
Cross Country The cross country teams had two successful seasons and hosted the CSAC Championship at the Belmont Plateau in November. Bethany Lang paced the Knights in the CSAC Championship, finishing 21st out of 74 runners in the 5K. Brianna Reis finished 32nd overall. Colin Kane led the men and finished 31st overall in the 8K. Both Reis and Kane were named to the CSAC AllSportsmanship team.
Field Hockey The field hockey team went 8-12 overall and 4-3 in conference action and qualified as the fourth seed in CSAC postseason play. Neumann fell to Cabrini in the semifinals. Jess Harrell led the Knights with 18 goals on the season, including two games with hat tricks. Lindsay Spatola added 13 goals and eight assists. Alexa McIntyre notched eight goals, three game-winners, and seven assists. Jordan Hopkins netted seven goals, three of which were game-winners and four assists. Lindsey Kasecamp, Jillian DeFina, Spatola and McIntyre were named first team All-Conference. Harrell and Becky Guinto received second team accolades. Jordan Hopkins received Honorable Mention honors. Carolynn Bacho was named to the All-Sportsmanship team.
Jess Harrell, freshman, led the Knights with 18 goals in 2013. She was named Second Team All-Conference in the Colonial States Athletic Conference.
Winter 2014 17
Sport and Spirituality in the Spotlight
T
he biggest newsmaker on campus last fall was the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development. The Institute’s annual award, given in October to Olympic Gold Medalist Anne Donovan, was a front-page story in the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Times of Trenton. The award also got ink (or pixels) from the Delaware County Daily Times, Town Talk, the Trenton Monitor, Philly.com, NJ.com and Catholic Philly.com. In addition, the Institute created a Twitter storm in September when it hosted a conference (featuring Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Dawkins as its closing speaker) that was part of the Beyond Sport Summit in Philadelphia. A constant stream of photos and updates on the university’s Facebook and Twitter accounts generated hundreds of likes and retweets that day. Below are the stories of those two milestone events.
Behind Anne Donovan and Renee Keister Balke are Anne’s sister, Patrice O’Donnell; Peter Balke, Renee’s husband; Maguire and Madison, Renee’s children; and Renee’s sister Paula. 18 Accent Magazine
Act of Kindness Returned 29 Years Later Call it karma. Call it serendipity. Call it fate. For three women, life came full circle on October 29 in the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development. Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne, OSF ’70, Renee Balke, and Anne Donovan were together again for the first time in 29 years. The occasion was the third Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development (ISSCD) award presentation. The recipient was Anne Donovan, a former basketball superstar, having won a national championship at Old Dominion University in 1980 and Olympic Gold Medals in 1984, 1988 and 2008 (the last as head coach). Donovan was not honored for her basketball prowess, however. She was recognized for an act of kindness that changed another young woman’s life 29 years ago. In 1984, Renee Balke (then Keister) was one of the most promising basketball players in New Jersey. In her first two seasons at McCorristin Catholic High School in Trenton, she had scored more than 800 points and big-name colleges were already expressing interest. On June 15 of that year, while playing with friends at home, Renee fell and broke her neck. The accident left her paralyzed. Sr. Marguerite, Neumann’s vice president for mission and ministry, was principal of McCorristin at the time. She immediately began planning a fundraising event for Renee to help the family cope with the tremendous expenses they faced to care for their daughter. One of Sr. Marguerite’s contacts suggested a benefit basketball
game to raise money, and they wrote to basketball stars with New Jersey roots to ask for help. Donovan, who played her high school basketball at Paramus Catholic, immediately agreed to play in the September 1984 game, which raised $10,500 for the Keister family. At the height of her celebrity, she even returned the next month for a second benefit game. In addition to defraying medical bills, the proceeds of both games also helped outfit a van for Renee, who graduated from McCorristin and went on to earn a college degree. According to Sr. Marguerite, “We would never have raised the money without Anne Donovan.” Twenty-nine years after a stranger’s act of kindness changed her life, Renee Balke presented the 2013 ISSCD Award to Donovan on a stage in the Mirenda Center’s main arena. Once again, they were brought together by Sr. Marguerite, who nominated Anne for the award. Full circle and a storybook ending. Balke is now married with twin children and has worked for the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for 20 years. Donovan recalled their first meeting, almost three decades earlier: “I expected to feel so sorry (for Renee). Instead, I found positivity that wasn’t forced and wasn’t fake. From the moment I met Renee, I knew I had a lot to live up to.” Donovan then addressed a crowd of more than 400 people, mainly Neumann students, who had come to witness the magic of the second meeting and Renee’s opportunity to acknowledge Donovan publicly. “This is different than most
Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne ’70, Trenton Mayor Dan Dwyer, Renee Keister Balke, and Anne Donovan posed at the fundraiser for Balke in 1984.
awards in sports,” Donovan began, “because we usually get recognized for wins and losses, for statistics. But the most important part of sports, to me, is the relationships we make.” She then shared the five traits that she believes makes a person successful, not only in sports but in life: fortitude,
attitude, integrity, trust and humility. It’s no accident, she explained, that the first letters of those qualities spell “faith.” “Have your faith in your pocket and just go for it,” she concluded. That advice certainly worked for her and for Renee Balke 29 years ago. (continues on page 20) Winter 2014 2014 19 Winter 19
Scott Lee, founder of Spirit of Soccer, showed the size of a land mine to the Neumann audience.
Brian Dawkins spoke about faith and football.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to (continued from page 19)
Using sports to bridge religious conflict What do Israeli and Palestinian children in Jerusalem have in common? Protestant and Catholic kids in Belfast? Sunni and Shia children in Kabul? The answer is a love of sports. On September 10, activists who have been in all three cities to build peace and understanding through sports gathered at Neumann University. They shared stories of their methods and results at Beyond the Divide, a conference to explore how sports can bridge religious differences and reduce conflict. Speaking at the conference were people from organizations that have successfully used sports to make sworn enemies recognize their common humanity. “Kids who learn to play together can learn to live together,” explained Brendan Tuohey, capturing the theme of the conference. As executive director of Peace Players International, he has used basketball to build peace in South Africa and Northern Ireland. Ali Fahour, founder of the Australian Football Rules Bachar Houli Islamic 20 Accent Magazine
Program, agrees. “You leave religious views behind once you step on the pitch,” he said. Executive Director Oliver Percovich of Skateistan was eloquent in explaining the humanizing impact of teaching skateboarding in Afghanistan. “It’s powerful to see a young Afghan with a skateboard rather than a gun or a suicide vest.” Sport and Social Change Director Tami Hay of the Peres Center for Peace shared stories of diffusing stereotypes by teaching Israeli and Palestinian children to play soccer and cricket. “The priorities of the Center,” she said, “are to provide access to sports and to bring Israeli and Palestinian children together on a regular basis. It’s slow work and it takes time because the politicians want us apart.” Also presenting were Spirit of Soccer CEO and Founder Scott Lee, who uses soccer camps in Iraq, Cambodia and Laos to teach children how to avoid land mines, and Move the World Founder and Fulbright Scholar Sara Potler-Lahayne, who uses dance to teach empathy and compassion in Colombia, the Philippines and Europe.
Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Dawkins closed the day’s proceedings with an inspirational presentation. Close to the end of his remarks, he compared faith to a muscle. “The more you use it and the more you trust it to lift more weight, the stronger it becomes.” Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president, explained the appropriateness of the University hosting this event. “Neumann is home to the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, which we founded in 1999. The Institute is committed to the belief that sport possesses an inescapable spiritual and ethical dimension. Exploring the uses of sport to build peace and raise awareness about our shared humanity is a noble cause that is perfectly matched to Neumann’s values.” Beyond the Divide was part of the 2013 Beyond Sport Summit, held in Philadelphia from September 9-11. Beyond Sport is a global initiative that seeks to celebrate and support any organization or individual with the goal to drive positive social change through sport.
Oliver Percovich, Tami Hay, and Scott Lee spoke about peace-building through sports at Beyond the Divide.
inspire, the power to unite people that little else has.” Nelson Mandela
DelleMonache ’05 Named Director of ISSCD Neumann University has appointed Rosalie “Lee” DelleMonache ’05 as director of its Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development (ISSCD). Since 2005, DelleMonache has served as the Institute’s coordinator for management and planning, and as the ISSCD liaison with numerous external organizations. Her additional roles with the Institute during the last eight years include serving as project manager of the pillar exhibit in the Bayada Atrium, primary author of the Institute’s 2012 review and self-study, on-campus organizer of the 2013 Soul of Youth Sport Conference at the University, and coordinator of the 2013 Beyond Sport Summit activities at Neumann. “As director of the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, my intent is to contribute meaningfully to the formation of student athletes and coaches as well as to position the Institute as ‘THE’ sought after resource on issues related to sport, leadership and faith/spiritual development,” DelleMonache said. Founded in 1999, the Institute is based on the belief that sport possesses an inescapable spiritual and ethical dimension that merits academic exploration and practical application. The Institute coordinates the University’s team chaplain program and commissioning of student athletes, hosts team evenings of reflection and leadership training workshops for coaches and student athletes, and provides research and opinion on moral and ethical issues in athletics. DelleMonache holds a B.A. in English and communications from Cabrini College and an M.S. in sport management from Neumann University. She completes coursework in the Ph.D. program in organizational leadership at Eastern University this August. She then begins the dissertation process, exploring the leadership development of college student athletes. Winter 2014 21
ho m eco m in g
Homecoming 2013: A Neumannfest for the Ages Neumannfest was a full-fledged festival of fun and celebration this year with hundreds of smiling alumni, students and parents swarming campus from beginning to end. The highlight was Saturday, October 19, with activities from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., including the homecoming picnic and the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner.
The dinner, held in Community Hall, honored five alumni and one honorary alumna, and inducted five people into the University Hall of Fame. Regina Lennox ’77 received the Alumni Association Recognition Award. She has been a consultant, speaker and presenter since 1989, working extensively with faith
Surrounding Dr. Rosalie Mirenda with their alumni awards are Jessica Sabato ’12, Regina Lennox ’77, Salvatore Mattera ’07’09, Jaclyn Ritter ’01, and Joan Thomas ’85.
The 2013 Hall of Fame inductees are Lauren Toppi ’05, Shannon Swavy-Fareno ’01, Michael Moser ’90, Frank Sill, and Peggy Vanim. 22 Accent Magazine
communities, institutions and organizations, providing strategic planning, facilitation, educational and resource development, staff training, motivational seminars, mediation and conflict resolution services. The Alumni Association John Neumann Award went to Salvatore Mattera ’07 ’09. Mattera is the vice president of store operations for Wawa, Inc. He has worked at Wawa for more than thirty-seven years, starting as a part-time associate in the stores. Jaclyn Ritter ’01 received the Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year Award. She is program director for Out of School Time programs, school-based community centers that offer an array of creative afterschool activities in the late afternoon, early evening, and some Saturdays, aimed at youth development and family support. The Young Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Jessica Sabato ’12. She is a segment coordinator for The Rachael Ray Show, working with a team that creates and executes show content. Joan Thomas ’85 was the recipient of the President’s Distinguished Alumni Award. As special consultant to the president at Beebe Medical Center, she has operational oversight for the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing, Beebe Home Health Agency, and the Gull House. Dr. Mary McCoy, a longtime science professor who recently retired, was recognized with the Honorary Alumna Award. Hall of Fame inductees were Michael Moser ’90, Frank Sill, Shannon Swavy-Fareno ’01, Lauren Toppi ’05, and Peggy Vanim. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors outstanding individuals who have performed with excellence or have been instrumental in the development of the University athletic program. When Moser graduated, he was ranked at the top of every statistical category in men’s basketball. He is still ranked in the top 10 in scoring, rebounding, free throw shooting, and assists, and is second all-time in scoring average (16.7). Frank Sill has been the head golf coach since the 1999 – 2000 season. He has led the program to several runner-up finishes
Deandra Gore and Basil Goodwin won the King and Queen Homecoming Pageant.
and most recently its first conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 2011 – 2012. Swavy-Fareno was a two-sport athlete in women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse. She set school records in both sports before graduating. Toppi held field hockey records in eight statistical categories, including points in a season, goals in a season, and gamewinning goals. She still holds the records for shots attempted in a season (82) and shots per game (4 – 32). Peggy Vanim served the Neumann family for many years. Her roles included volleyball coach and women’s basketball coach from 1977 – 1979. Her success in mentoring student-athletes led to her appointment as athletic director from 1977 – 1984. The homecoming picnic was held on the lawns surrounding St. John Neumann Circle. Alumni and their families filled campus to sample the free food, hear live music, and participate in a host of games and activities for children. The Taste of Neumann pavilion hosted local restaurants which showcased their favorite foods for the crowd. Zac’s, a Five Points fixture well known for its burgers and shakes, boasted the longest line.
It wasn’t only alumni who enjoyed homecoming. Parents flocked to campus for a chance to visit their daughters and sons.
Sports fans had their fill all afternoon with the women’s soccer, men’s soccer, volleyball, and field hockey teams in action on campus. Saturday’s activities got underway well before the picnic. The Pastoral Counseling Lecture, Neumann Nursing Reunion Breakfast, a lecture by Dr. Nancy ShartsHopko, and a hands-on nursing display with Ike (the resident Sim man) drew
large crowds in the morning. Uniquely You, a presentation on researching and writing family history, attracted an enthusiastic crowd of ancestry buffs in the afternoon. The day concluded with Faculty Follies, where faculty, administrators and staff showcased their talent in an enjoyable (continues on page 24) Winter 2014 23
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Scholarship recipients gathered around Dr. Rosalie Mirenda at the President’s Scholarship Reception.
(continued from page 23) evening of song, parody, and stand-up comedy. Donations at the event benefitted the Stephanie R. Marek Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship. Two days before the Saturday spotlight, Neumannfest kicked off with the Homecoming King and Queen Pageant, won by Deandra Gore and Basil Goodwin. Friday’s schedule included the President’s Scholarship Reception, where scholarship recipients had the opportunity to meet and thank the benefactors who support their education. Maria Sotomayor, a
Love was in the air at the We The Kings concert.
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member of the class of 2013, returned for the event and spoke emotionally about her experience at Neumann, acknowledging that she received the personal support and career preparation that she needed. Fireworks then drew a crowd in front of the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, where students, alumni and donors mingled to view the colorful display. Friday evening ended with a concert by We The Kings in the Mirenda Center where students packed the floor of the main
arena to sing and dance along with the band. The popular rock group thrilled the students with performances of their hits, including Check Yes Juliet, We’ll Be a Dream, and Say You Like Me. The homecoming celebration drew to a close on Sunday when the Enactus Club hosted the Massey Breast Cancer 5K Run/1K Fun Walk at Ridley Creek State Park. Proceeds supported the scholarship funded by Dr. Janet Massey and her husband Joe.
Students really caught the homecoming spirit.
A l u m ni Pro f i l e
Alumni Inspiring Care for Others They can’t quite remember a time when they weren’t in each other’s lives, but Christine Kirkland ’96 and Scott Kirkland ’96 do remember that Neumann was a big part of what brought them together. Initially meeting during a high school visitation day at Neumann, they reconnected in the parking lot of the Bruder Life Center on the first day of classes, and from there their friendship grew. In the same parking lot where they began their Neumann journey together, Christine and Scott got engaged going into senior year. Today, they have a beautiful family of four children: Kylie Neumann, Noah Stephen, Joel Nicholas, and Benjamin Paul. Scott and Chrissy gave Kylie the middle name of Neumann to represent the significance that the university continues to hold for them both. As they grew together throughout their time at Neumann, Scott and Chrissy both grew personally in ways that shaped them professionally and spiritually and prepared them for life beyond college. Currently a teacher of pre-school-aged children at Thornbury Preschool, Chrissy was a dual major in elementary and early childhood education. She noted how beneficial the professors in the education program were. “They all offered different perspectives. This was so important because you never know what you’re going to get when you have a group of children. And I had two very different student teaching experiences. So I felt prepared.”
Scott, a business major and accounting minor currently working at Duff Co. in Norristown, learned the valuable art of networking and how it positively contributes to building a career. In fact, networking was his initial motivation for joining and serving on the Alumni Executive Board, and on the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee for 8 and 11 years respectively. “It became more than networking, though. As I continued to serve, I realized how much I was contributing back to Neumann. I am a firm believer that Neumann has done so much for us, and giving back seemed natural.” Both Chrissy and Scott believe that Neumann helped to instill values that had been with them from their family backgrounds: serving others, sharing learning with others, and learning new things every day. “We grew up this way, but Neumann exploded that concept and really made you realize that this service is an important aspect of our lives.”
The KirklandKrew Scholarship The Kirkland family has seen difficult times recently. In a six-week period, Scott learned that he had developed early onset Parkinson’s Disease, and familial medullary cancer. Not long afterward, Scott and Chrissy learned that two of their children are genetic carriers of the medullary carcinoma gene. Despite the countless
Scott ’96 and Christine ’96 Kirkland
challenges, the family held strong. Scott and the “KirklandKrew” children decided that Chrissy was the rock of the family and their caregiver. They decided that one of the best ways that they could honor Chrissy as a tireless caregiver was through a scholarship at Neumann. As a surprise, Scott and the kids presented the honor to Chrissy on Mother’s Day. “In our mind, Chrissy went above and beyond. She continued to work, run Kylie’s Girl Scout troop, teach CCD at St. Cornelius, and volunteer for other causes while running our children to numerous activities. She never missed a beat. She continued to serve others while tirelessly serving her family as well. This is our tribute to her.” The scholarship is officially titled “The KirklandKrew Scholarship — Honoring Christine J. Kirkland — A Caregiver Making a Difference in the Lives of Others.” The goal of the scholarship is to serve as an inspiration to other caregivers and to give them an opportunity to pursue their dreams of an education while providing selfless service for another person. “I feel humbled by this,” Chrissy admitted. “I was just doing what any other wife and mother would do for her family. If anything, I hope this is an inspiration to other women about their strength and power to confront difficult times and overcome the odds.” For information on how to contribute to this scholarship or establish a new one, call 610-558-5548. Winter 2014 25
A l u m ni ne w s
Stay Connected and Create Possibilities Dear Fellow Alumni, We asked and you delivered! This year the Office of Alumni Relations had a record number of interactions with alumni that allowed us to get to know you. Getting to know the needs of our alumni is crucial as we strive to create opportunities that strengthen connections and expand the reach of the alumni network. This year we learned about new families and personal achievements as well as career steps and successes. Through feedback on the Knightline Alumni eNewsletter, we also learned about those of you who are interested in getting involved as guest speakers, annual fund donors, and alumni executive board or advisory board committee members. Remember, the success and connectedness of our alumni increases the value of all our degrees, so thank you for sharing. Be confident in the knowledge that your alumni office has a virtual and physical open door available to you and looks forward to creating even more possibilities.
50
Most Memorable
Neumann University is compiling a list of the 50 most memorable individuals or groups who shaped the Neumann experience in the last 50 years. Whether it was a faculty member, administrator, a fellow student or alumni, who comes to your mind? To help us complete the list, please visit www.neumann.edu/ directoryproject and look for the link to our nomination form.
Blue and Gold Proud,
As a tribute to those individuals or groups, the list will be published for the first time in the keepsake 50th Anniversary Alumni Directory, scheduled for delivery in January 2015.
Judi Stanaitis ’07 ’13 Director of Alumni Relations and Special Programs
For more information on the 50th Anniversary Directory Project, please visit: Neumann.edu/directoryproject.
P.S. Don’t forget to respond to the upcoming survey by PCI so that together we can create a great 50th Anniversary Alumni Directory.
Nominations will be accepted until March 15, 2014.
Phillies Night Neumann University alumni and friends came to Citizens Bank Park on September 20, 2013, to cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies. NU rally towels were waving throughout the stadium as the Phillies battled the New York Mets.
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A l u m ni ne w s
Alumni Association Offers FREE Career Speaker Series As part of the annual Career Management Series (CMS), the Neumann Alumni Association is now offering a professional speaker series in the form of live webinars. The addition of the webinar series was a decision to extend the reach of CMS beyond Neumann’s campus to our alumni living across the country. Live webinars will give people the chance to access career tips and tools from the comfort of their homes or offices, no matter where they’re located. Each webinar is unique with a different speaker who is a subject-matter expert in his or her field and almost always a published author. The webinars cover a variety of current career topics and how to apply them in today’s ever-changing marketplace.
To take advantage of this opportunity, visit www.neumann.edu/cms to access the schedule of webinars and to register. Registering once gives you access to all the webinars slated through June 2014. Any questions may be directed to Stephanie Fortunato, assistant director of Alumni Relations and Special Programs at 610-358-4252.
Happy Birthday, Neumann! Well . . . almost In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of Neumann University (Our Lady of Angels and Neumann College), the alumni office will partner with Publishing Concepts, Inc. to create an alumni directory and anniversary keepsake. The Neumann University Directory will include all of the contact information you might expect, along with Career Networking and special 50th Anniversary sections. Over the next few months, you will receive a postcard, phone call or email from Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI), giving you the chance to update your contact information, purchase a print and/or CD directory, and order the limited edition 50th Anniversary Sweatshirt. PCI is a privately held, family-run business in Dallas, Texas, and traces its roots back 85 years. Any information you share with PCI will be used only to create an informative directory and help Neumann University update its database. Please respond to PCI to update your alumni records and reserve your copy of the Alumni Directory 50th Anniversary Edition. For a list of FAQs on the project, please visit www.neumann.edu/alumni. If you have any questions, call Judi Stanaitis at 610-558-5544 or email alumni@neumann.edu
now Where are they
? Winter 2014 27
c l a s s note s
1970s Sr. Mary Frances Cassidy, B.A., ’70, has worked in education for many years in Zambia and Kenya, Africa. Because of the high performance of her students in the Kenya National Examinations for High Schools, she was awarded the Best Principal Award in the Loitokitok Division in Kenya. During her time in Africa, she established two new high schools: St. Clare Girls Secondary School in Rombo and Lawson High School in Kitui, both in Kenya. Sister Patricia Przybylski, B.A., ’71, died at
Assisi House in Aston, PA, on August 27, 2013, the day before her 73rd birthday.
Mary Ann Tobin, B.A., ’74, spent 39 years
in Catholic school education. She notes that her personal success has been raising a confident, successful, remarkable daughter who has married a thoughtful, caring man. Together they have given her a grandson with another on the way in March. Janet Miller, B.A., ’76, passed away
November 20, 2013.
Rita Sweeney, B.A., ’76, passed away
March 31, 2013.
Roberta D. Pichini, Esq., B.A., ’77, was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2014. She was also honored as Lawyer of the Year in the practice area of medical malpractice law on behalf of plaintiffs. Elizabeth Doebler, B.A., ’78, passed away
July 28, 2013.
Gregory Drummond, B.S., ’78, passed
away August 19, 2012.
Barbara (Barnard) Heinhold, B.S., ’79,
reports that she is almost 70 and taking a quilting class which she is enjoying very much.
1980s Eileen Mielcarek, B.S., ’80, has written the chapter on OR ophthalmology in Alexander’s Surgical Procedures, an encyclopedic tome which instructs graduate OR nurses how to assist the surgeon and thus help the patient during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of their eye surgical procedure. 28 Accent Magazine
Eleanor Kimball, B.S., ’81, has been a school nurse for 14 years at an elementary school. She was named Virginia’s PTA Elementary School Nurse of the Year for 2012-13. Mary McBride-Austin, B.S., ’81, is
the vice president, health services for NewCourtland Network which provides community services, housing and nursing home care to seniors.
Sheryl Weersing, B.S., ’82, passed the
exam to be an international board certified lactation consultant.
Kathleen Cooper, B.S., ’84, passed away on
Stephen Agostini, B.S., ’91, is now retired from his professional career and has renewed his firefighter certification.He is actively involved with the Hampton Lakes Fire Company, located in Southampton, NJ, as a firefighter/driver. Rev. Jeffrey Ross, M.S.,’92, rector at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, DE, held a workshop on ethical wills in June 2013. The workshop was part of the parish’s weekly summer spirituality series. Joseph Giunta, B.A., ’93 welcomed a son,
Michael Louis, on August 27, 2013.
Helen (Tisdale) O'Connor, B.S., ’95 passed
April 5, 2013.
away August 22, 2013.
Sr. Mary Farrell, B.A., ’85, retired from her position as principal of St. Francis DeSales School in Lenni, PA.
Marla (Palladinetti) Kennedy, B.A., ’95 and Denis Kennedy, B.S., ’95 will celebrate
John Mack, B.S., ’87, passed away on
May 15, 2013.
Mary Russell, B.S., ’87, is currently serving as a captain in the US Navy Nurse Corps (Reserve) as detachment director for Expeditionary Medical Facility Bethesda. She has been providing hands-on care for those wounded in combat since 2002 at the National Naval Medical Center. She has traveled to Afghanistan, Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic to provide combat and humanitarian care to a variety of patient populations. Michael Kaczenski, B.S., ’89, serves as
president/CEO of Sun East Federal Credit Union, which made the list of the top 25 credit unions, ranking 13th based on the total assets as of December 31, 2012, by the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Mary Stuart, B.S., ’89, passed away on
September 3, 2013.
1990s Michael McGarrigle, B.A., ’90, was appointed vice president of service operations for TMG Health. Charles Wayland, executive vice president and COO at the company, commented that Michael’s healthcare operations experience, particularly in government programs operations, will serve TMG Health well.
their 20th wedding anniversary in July 2014. Joan Bolton, M.S., ’96 passed away on
October 18, 2013.
Edward Federico, B.A., ’98, was recently
promoted to Media Relations Manager at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Kristine Segich-Morgan, B.S., ’99, welcomed a baby girl named Kaylee. She is the vice president of global business services — strategy and architecture for Deutsche Bank.
2000s Pamela Brazill, B.S., ’00, passed away
June 28, 2013.
Margaret Brooks, M.S., ’01, passed away
October 27, 2013.
Jennifer Disk, B.S., ’01, is expecting her
second baby girl in February.
Genesis (Moor) Reifsnyder, B.A., ’01, and husband, Eric, of Milton, DE, gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Landon. Landon was welcomed by big brothers Hunter and Chase.
c l a s s note s Stephen Pizzi, B.S., ’01, has accepted a posi-
tion at the Coors Events Center, University of Colorado, as the assistant athletic director.
Scott Balara, B.S., ’02, and his wife recently
had a baby girl, Maggie.
David Deal, B.S., ’02, has accepted a position at Neumann University as the coordinator for intramurals and club sports. Most recently, he served as the senior director, business development, for the Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Mystics (WNBA), where he was responsible for establishing and continually operating a new camps & clinics department. Prior to that time, David spent nearly seven years with the Philadelphia KiXX. Jacqueline Gavin, B.S., ’02, graduated with
her masters in nursing in nurse anesthesia from Villanova University in November 2013.
Janet Core, M.S., ’03, passed away on
October 11, 2013.
Anthony Maletta, B.S., ’03,
joined Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly in Linwood, NJ, as a certified public accountant and manager.
Erin Monaghan, B.A., ’03, earned her
master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction from Arkansas State University in May of 2012. Erin married Chris Paul on September 21, 2013.
Joseph Cella, B.S., M.S., ’04, ’06, passed
away on July 23, 2013.
Jennifer Plale, B.A., ’04, is engaged to Richard Boulay, B.S.,’04. Rick also reports
that Chesapeake Whalertowne (the family owned business that he operates in Grasonville and Annapolis, Maryland) has been recognized as the largest independent Boston Whaler (boats) dealer in the country.
Teresa Wilmore, B.S., ’04, married Carlton
Williamson on June 9, 2013, in Vero Beach, FL. She is currently a clinical nursing instructor at Thomas Jefferson University and is enrolled in the doctorate in nursing program at Temple University. Keirsten Murray, B.S., ’05, has accepted
an RN position on the telemetry floor at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA.
Jennifer Hardesty, B.A.,’06, is employed
as an administrative aide with the Prince Georges County Police, Criminal Investigation Division, working in the Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit. Jennifer was also married on September 21, 2013.
Amanda Harich, B.S. ’06, is engaged to James
Maguire, Jr. and planning to marry on June 14, 2014.
Carmen Mastroguiseppe, B.A., ’04,
passed away on June 13, 2013.
Andrew Bitar, B.A., ’08, will soon graduate
from George Mason University with a degree in Russian Studies.
Nicole Burke, B.S., ’08 married Richard Worstall on September 19, 2013, in Santa Barbara, CA. Helen O’Hara-Ralph, B.S., ’08, passed
away on August 18, 2013. An expert seamstress, she sewed each of her children’s communion and wedding dresses. At age 77, she accomplished one of her life goals graduating from Neumann, setting an example for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Edward Darrah, B.A., ’09, received his
master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from LaSalle University.
Adam Jackson, B.A., ’09, passed away
on December 15, 2013.
Michelle Kasker, M.S., ’07, is a CrossFit
Cynthia Maniscalco, B.A., ’09, and Chris Pyle
Fiandra, on October 6, 2013.
level 1 certified instructor, trainer and manager at CrossFit Inspire in Malvern, PA. William Schetter, B.S., ’07 and Abigail Bilski, B.A., ’08 are engaged
Barb Selletti, B.A., M.S., ’99, ’07, was
D’Augustine’s son and future Neumann Knight baseball player, Andrew Jonathan, was born on May 28, 2012.
Alicia Blevin, B.A., ’08, accepted a position in special education at the Ferris School.
Dominic Fiandra, B.A., ’07, and Catherine Fiandra, B.A., ’09, had a son, Santino Barry
and are planning a fall 2014 wedding.
Beth D’Augustine, B.S., ’04, and Jonathan
historical documentary television film and Internet project that presents the story of Philadelphia.
one of several living historians who took part in a weekend presentation at the 1799 Lazaretto. She was featured in a two-page spread about the historic site in Tinicum in the Delaware County Daily Times. Barb and her fellow alumnus/husband Anthony Selletti, B.S., ’03, appeared in the Sam Katz/ABC TV documentary entitled, Fever: 1793. The episode is part of Philadelphia: The Great Experiment, a multi-format
married on June 14, 2013, at Greenville Country Club in Wilmington, DE.
Regina Moran, B.A., ’09, recently became
engaged to Edgardo Jimenez on August 19, 2013. The groom to be is a graduate of Rutgers University. A wedding is planned for August 15, 2015.
Allison Tyndall, B.A., ’09, is playing hockey
for the Lady Patriots in Warminster, PA.
(continues on page 30) Winter 2014 29
c l ASS N O T E S (continued from page 29) Carol White, B.A., M.S., ’92, ’09, passed
away August 18, 2013.
Mark Wilkins, B.S., ’09, opened Land
Settlement Services in June 2013 and accepted a new position at Meridian Bank in Trevose, PA, as team manager.
an Immaculata student-orientation service project for incoming freshmen, Melissa led the students in cleaning, painting and pulling weeds. Jessica Sergi, B.S., ’11,
wed David J. Gooch on April 20, 2013.
Chrisheena Boyd, B.A., ’10, closed on her
first home in October. She is very excited about her family-oriented, pet-friendly neighborhood.
Rajohn Hines, B.S., ’10,
and Jasyra Santiago, B.S., ’10, got engaged on June 9, 2013 and are planning their wedding for June 12, 2015.
Jeanette Lenzsch, B.A., ’10, reports that with her degree from NU she has been able to reach her goals. She recently moved across the country to Las Vegas, Nevada, and obtained employment as a primary autism teacher. James Lynch, M.S, ’10, has accepted a position as athletic director at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, PA. Erin Mullen, B.S., ’10, works as a personal trainer and wellness coach for The Gym at Elkins Park and Apex Fitness. Erin is also an advocate/guest speaker for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness. Daniel Perez, B.S., ’10, was hired as the
new head coach of men’s soccer at Bryn Athyn College.
Angela Brooks, M.S., ’11, passed the NCE
and became a nationally certified counselor in April 2013.
Amanda Eldredge, B.S., ’11, is currently
working as an RN in labor and delivery at Virtua in Voorhees, NJ. Mary Rose Hall, M.S., ’11, is the principal of
Saint Francis DeSales School in Lenni, PA.
Melissa Mullin, B.S., ’11, Immaculata
University’s learning strategy specialist in its Academic Success Center, reached out to a number of struggling Catholic schools in Philadelphia that were in need of sprucing up. As part of Macs Giving Back,
30 Accent Magazine
Adriano Torre, B.A., ’11, is a coach for Ridgewood Blacksox, a baseball program in North Jersey. Vincent Cucunato, B.S., ’12, was hired
in February 2013 by Cooper University Hospital’s Progressive Care Unit.
Brittany Henson, B.A., ’12, plans to return
to the United States in June after serving as a language and cultural assistant in Spain since January. Since graduation, Brittany has had the opportunity to work as a congressional intern in the office of U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings and interned as an intelligence analyst at Washington/Baltimore HIDTA.
Melissa Malick, B.A., ’12, became engaged
to Kenneth Kull. A fall wedding is planned.
Jeffrey Park, B.S., ’12, is engaged to Kelly Hayes, B.S., ’11. A September 2014 wedding
is planned.
Kimberly Galandak-O’Connor, B.A., ’12,
is currently a graduate student at Eastern University in the Non-Profit Management program. For her capstone thesis project, she is designing an educational program for Riverbend, an environmental education center in Gladwyne, PA, and its soon-tobe-built aquaponics green house. She is also writing grant proposals to support this new endeavor. She is a member of the educational committee and has been working to enhance and develop school programs.
Justin Stahl, B.S., ’12, and Erika Holder, B.S., ’10, got engaged
on August 28, 2013. A November 2014 wedding is planned.
Andrew Weldon, B.S.,’12, became a
licensed CPA on October 23, 2013.
Zane Buckley, B.S., ’13, got engaged to Kayla Chamberlain, B.A., ’10, on the
Neumann University tennis courts on October 26, 2013, after the last match of the season (Neumann won!) The girls’ team rolled out a sign “will you marry me” while Zane got down on one knee. Her ring has an emerald cut blue sapphire and two round canary yellow diamonds — appropriate for the Neumann graduates and tennis coach.
Sean Crozier, B.S., ’13, joined the coaching
staff of the Pembroke Lumber Kings Junior “A” Hockey Club as assistant coach. He said that he can’t think of anywhere better that he would want to start. He had played there in the past and knows the town and the hockey culture. He is excited about the new challenge and to gain some experience. Sean is also getting ready to start a new job at an accounting firm in his hometown in the fall.
Kristen McCurdy, B.A., ’13, is currently
teaching in Florida after having moved there two months ago.
Gabrielle Porcelli, B.A., ’13, is the marketing
coordinator for five hotels in Atlantic City owned by Caesars Entertainment.
Pamela Seibert, B.S., ’13, was promoted
to manager of human resources for Access Group, Inc.
Jordan Smith, B.A., ’13, recently started
working with the Philadelphia law firm Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano.
Tahira Stevens, B.A., ’13, is a teacher at
Little Lights of the World.
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
KUDOS
In Memoriam: Alumni and Friends Sr. Margaret E. Beall, OSF Joan E. Bolton ’96 Margaret A. Brooks ’01 Rev. Mr. Joseph M. Cella, Jr. ’04 ’06 Janet A. Core ’03 Elizabeth H. Doebler ’78 Adam Jackson ’09
Dr. Walter P. Lomax, Jr.
Carole L. McCarthy Janet Miller ’76 Helen T. O’Connor ’95 Helen M. O’Hara-Ralph ’08 Sr. Patricia Przybylski, OSF ’71 William Roe Mary Ann Stuart ’89 Timothy Tracy Carol L. White ’92 ’09
F
Faculty Publications, Conferences and Awards Russell Bilotta, director of administrative systems, successfully won a fourth term to the Haverford Township School District School Board at the November 5, 2013, election. Megan Camp, director of student engagement, received the chapter award from students of Delta Epsilon Sigma — Delta Pi chapter — for her service to Neumann University. Kathleen Conn, associate professor, had the following articles published: “Bullying in Elementary Schools,” in Forum on Public Policy, Oxford University, England; “Best Practices in Bullying Prevention: One Size Does Not Fit All,” in Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review; “Cyberbullying in American Higher Education: Litigation Challenges and Recommendations,” in International Journal of Law and Education; “Guidance for Schools Dealing with Bullying and Cyberbullying,” in Northeastern University Law Journal. Clare Devine, coordinator of campus programming for the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, was accepted into a two-year cohort leadership development program offered under the Jesuit Collaborative — Contemplative Leaders in Action — which is a faith formation and leadership development program rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Joseph E. Gillespie, professor of education and dean of the division of education and human services, presented “Developing an Effective Middle School Literacy Program” in November 2013 at Nativity Preparatory Middle School. Terence Gleeson, adjunct professor, appeared in two staged readings in Philadelphia in April: the lead role of Flip in Last Year’s Man at the Painted Bride Arts Center, and the Player King in REV Theatre Company’s Hamlet at the Shubin Theatre. In March, he produced and served as master carpenter for the Neumann University Players production of the musical Working. In January, he directed, designed sound and lighting for,
and played the part of Daniel Burke in The Shadow of the Glen for the University Arts Guild’s “Evening in Dublin.” Barbara Hanes, assistant professor of education, along with Stephanie Budhai, assistant professor of education, and Marisa Rauscher, associate professor of education, presented at the PAC-TE Conference in Harrisburg on October 24, 2013. The title of their presentation was “RTI for Praxis PAPA Preparation: A Model for Multi-Tiered Support in Preparing Pre-Service Teachers for Level-One Certification Tests.” Mehdi Hojjat, professor of finance and international business, presented a paper at the Institute for Business and Finance Research on Competitiveness and Culture in Costa Rica. The paper, titled “The Rule of Culture and Policies in Gaining International Competitiveness,” was published in the conference proceedings. He also presented a paper at World Universities Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, on “Closing the Loop in the Capstone Courses.” Geoffrey Karabin, assistant professor of philosophy, attended the following professional conferences: “A Marcelian Betrayal?: The Scandal of Death versus an Afterlife of Love,” at the American Catholic Philosophical Association — Marcel Society, Indianapolis, IN, November 2013; and “Hell Comes Home: Nietzsche, Tertullian, and Islamic Suicide Bombing,” at Interdisciplinary. Net: Revenge — Probing the Boundaries, Oxford, England, July 2013. Suzanne Mayer, IHM, Ph.D., associate professor of pastoral counseling, published the following articles: “Choose life: The resilience of Vincent van Gogh” in Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life, XXVIII; “EMDR, spirituality and healing in children” in Counseling and Spirituality; “Pastoral implications for
(continues on page 32) Winter 2014 31
kudo s Faculty Publications, Conferences and Awards (continued from page 31) Second and Third Sundays after Christmas” in Lectionary Homiletics, XXV; “La Verna,” a poem, in AFCU Journal; Five poems: “Vital Signs,” “And Yet Again,” “Spring Change,” “No Time for Mums,” and “Mortality” in Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal, LVIII. In addition, she was accepted on the Editorial Board of the newly-initiated Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy for Chi Sigma Iota, the honor society for graduate counselors and counselor educators. Andrew Miller, history instructor, had a book signing for his novel, The Winter Soldiers, at White Horse Village, a retirement community in Edgmont Township, in October 2013. He also delivered four presentations at local public libraries, funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the Delaware County Library System. The topics were the Battle of Gettysburg and the Revolution in Southeast Pennsylvania. On November 14, he organized and hosted a World War II commemoration in Meagher Theater entitled “Finest Hour: Americans in World War II.” Approximately fifteen WWII veterans and 100 others attended the ceremony and reception afterward. John Mizzoni, professor of philosophy and arts and humanities department head, presented a workshop on loss and grief to the permanent deacons in formation at St. Charles Seminary on September 14, 2013. In addition, his article, “Darwin and Normative Ethics,” is being published in the journal Biological Theory: Integrating Development, Evolution, and Cognition, volume 9 (2014). He also presented at three recent conferences: the Seventh Annual Felician Ethics Conference, The Biennial Conference of the International Society for the History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Biology, and The American Society for Value Inquiry. Andrea Pent, associate professor of sport management, participated in a panel discussion on Charity Sports Events at the annual meeting of Pennsylvania Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
32 Accent Magazine
Jonathan Peri, vice president and general counsel, was elected the new President of the Delaware County Bar Association Board of Directors. He will lead the 1,100+ member organization starting in January 2014. The Delaware County Bar Association, based in Media, Pennsylvania, has served the legal community of Delaware County since its founding in 1872. Theresa Pietsch, assistant professor of nursing, was elected to another term as the chair of the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) effective January 1, 2014. The RNCB validates registered nurses expertise in the specialty practice of rehabilitation nursing by developing and administering a national certification exam. Anne Ramirez, associate professor of communications and media arts and English, presented “Emily Dickinson’s Mission: Messenger Between the Worlds,” at the Emily Dickinson International Conference at College Park, Maryland, in August 2013. Ramona Palmerio-Roberts, assistant professor of psychology, presented the following lecture; “Are we setting our students up for a lifetime of frustration and failure?” at the 5th annual Berks Multicultural Conference in Reading, Pennsylvania, on November 9, 2013. Linda Marie Sariego, assistant professor of Spanish, presented the paper titled “La autoría del humor en Los siete libros de la Diana” (The responsibility of humor in Los siete libros de la Diana” by Jorge de Montemayor) at the XIV Annual Conference of the International Society for Luso-Hispanic Humor Studies held at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Missouri, in October, 2013. Ryan Savitz, associate professor of mathematics and David DiMarco, associate professor of mathematics, presented a paper, “The M-tile Means, A New Class of Measures of Central Tendency” at the Mathematical Association of America Mathfest national conference at the Hartford Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut, in August 2013.
Margaret C. Stewart, Ph.D., assistant professor, communication and media arts, published “Maintaining Relationships on Facebook: Associations with uncertainty, jealousy, and satisfaction” in Communication Reports. Laura Taddei, assistant professor of education, has the article, “Encouraging Creativity and Innovation in Yourself and Your Students,” published in Faculty Focus (August 2013). Sr. Janet Thiel, assistant vice-president for academic affairs, and Dr. Gerard O'Sullivan, vice president for academic affairs, presented at the annual meeting of Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) on December 10, 2013. The presentation was titled “Building program assessment without burdening faculty.” Marie Traub, associate professor of French, presented the paper “Intertextuality” about a novel by Leila Marouane, in July, 2013, at the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) conference, Providence, Rhode Island. Douglas Michele Turco, professor of sport and entertainment management, wrote a book chapter titled “Lessons from the field: Spectator research for sport businesses,” in (H. Dolles and S. Söderman, Eds.) Handbook of research on sport and business. London: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. Maureen Williams, coordinator of information literacy and reference librarian, recently had an article published in the fall 2013 issue of Pennsylvania Libraries: Research and Practice. The article is titled “Getting Started with Electronic Reference Statistics: Case Studies and Best Practices for Collection and Analysis.” Mary Beth Yount, assistant professor of pastoral studies, was appointed as one of the ten people on the Catechism Commission for the 8th World Meeting of Families in 2015, an international event organized by the Pontifical Council for the Family. She also became a faculty member for “Life Affirming Choices,” a bioethics education program presented throughout the Archdiocese.
Nonprofit Org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 215 West Chester, PA
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Fifteenth Annual Neumann University
Scholarship Gala Saturday, April 5, 2014
î ?
The Union League of Philadelphia
Exclusive offer First time alumni guests to the Gala receive two tickets for the price of one if purchased by February 15, 2014.
Please join us for an elegant evening of fine dining and music to support Neumann University student scholarships. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit alumni.neumann.edu/gala14.