ACCENT 2015 Winter Edition

a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

Vol. 43, No. 1 • Winter 2015

Save the Date Watch the Alumni Online Community (www.alumni. neumann.edu) for more information on alumni events and networking opportunities.

Wednesday, March 11

Friday, April 24

50th Charter/Sponsorship Day

Academic Awards Convocation

Our Lady of Angels Convent • 11:30 a.m.

Join our 50th anniversary celebration. Highlights include liturgy at 11:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Angels Chapel and a reception in honor of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.

Fred P. Meagher Theatre • 7 p.m.

Students will receive the University’s 2015 academic awards after hearing a keynote address by Roberta Pichini , Esq. ’77.

Saturday, March 28

Sixteenth Annual Neumann University Scholarship Gala Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development • 5:30 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 $1.5 million to provide young men and women the opportunity to experience Catholic education in the Franciscan tradition. In addition, the golden anniversary Gala will feature a special performance by one of the most recognized and successful musical trios in both the religious and secular worlds, The Priests. Call 610-558-5513 for ticket and sponsorship information.

Thursday, April 9

Eighth Annual Continuing Adult and Professional Studies Appreciation Celebration Media Towne House, Media, PA • 6:30 p.m.

The Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies will host the annual networking and Appreciation Celebration for faculty, staff and alumni at the Towne House. For more information, contact Deb Knoblauch at 610-361-5440.

Saturday, April 18

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 15

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

Saturday, May 16

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 8

Eleventh Annual Neumann University Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Celebrity Golf Classic Penn Oaks Golf Club • Shotgun start noon 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.

March 12, 19, 26 and April 16

Career Management Series A series of professional workshops for students, parents, alumni, and community members sponsored by Neumann University and brought to you by the Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies, and the offices of Alumni Relations and Career Development. Visit www.neumann.edu/cms for more information.

Accent a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

Vol. 43, No. 1 • Winter 2015

President

f e a ture s

5 Most Affordable Private Colleges Money magazine ranks us #12

7 Library Re-opens

With human conveyor belt re-enactment

12 Celebrating 50 Years

A golden milestone for the University ON THE COVER: The special edition 50th anniversary logo

20 Homecoming 2014

Awards and Hall of Fame steal the show

0 Years 5 g n i t a r b C e le D e p a rt m ent s 3 From the President 4 Around Campus 28 Class Notes

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 Contributors

Christina Farrell Stephanie Fortunato ’13 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 12/31/14.

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.

Join Us on Saturday, March 28, 2015 Sixteenth Annual

Scholarship Gala 

50

th ANNIVERSARY

Celebration

FOR NEUMANN UNIVERSITY

with a special performance by

The Priests

Join us for a celebration of Neumann University’s 50th Anniversary and Sixteenth Annual Scholarship Gala, marked by a special performance by one of the most recognized and successful acts in both the religious and secular worlds, the classical music trio — The Priests.

The Priests debut album set a Guinness World Record for “Fastest Selling Classical Debut Album of All Times,” and the trio was nominated for the internationally acclaimed Classical Brit Awards.

For tickets or more information, visit www.neumann.edu/gala or call 610-558-5513.

Fro m the p re s ident

Fifty years.

Half a century.

I

n 2015, Neumann University celebrates its 50th anniversary, as strong and vibrant as ever and still passionately committed to the concept that knowledge, while valuable in itself, is best used in service to others.

Growing and thriving during the last five decades is an accomplishment for which we are thankful. Recent milestones are still fresh in our memories: attaining university status; capturing an NCAA national championship in men’s ice hockey; building the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development; growing the alumni ranks to more than 11,000; and launching our first Ph.D. program (Pastoral Counseling).

We are most grateful, however, for you. Our alumni and friends are the evidence that Neumann University is a uniquely personal place and the reason why hundreds of dedicated faculty and staff members continue to contribute to the Neumann experience for new generations each semester.

When Our Lady of Angels College opened its doors in 1965, it was the same multi-wing complex now known as Bachmann Main Building. For all who were touched by the college, the effect of their Neumann experience endures. For those of us entrusted with the University now and into the future, the foundation is solid, the mission is clear, and the future is bright.

With your prayers, support, and continued participation in the life of Neumann University, we look forward to the next 50 years and beyond.

Pace e Bene,

Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D. President

You carry the Franciscan charism with you. Our dedication to peace, social justice and our core values (Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship) are alive in the world today because you, and others inspired by Catholic education in the Franciscan tradition, share them with your families and apply them in every facet of your lives. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, courageous and humble, set an example for us all.

Winter 2015  3 

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Protecting People from Craigslist Crime Alexandria Barnett, a junior who is pursuing a double major in criminal justice and communication and media arts, presented a paper at the Mid-Atlantic Pop Culture Association annual conference in Baltimore on November 7. Entitled “The Internet and the Craigslist Killer,” Alexandria’s work is about the dangers of using websites like Craigslist and the need for it and similar sites to implement safeguards to protect the people who use them.

Her paper began as an assignment in Dr. Margaret Stewart’s mass media class. “She asked us to do a case study analysis of any medium of communication,” explains Alexandria.

“I chose the Internet because I was familiar with the case of the Craigslist killer (Philip Markoff). As I began my research, I realized that there were more and more heinous crimes committed as a result of Craigslist interactions.”

Because the social media generation puts information “out there for free viewing by billions of users, all with their own agendas,” Alexandria argues that “laws and regulations regarding the sharing of information safely and censorship of users on these sites” need to be considered.

Dr. Stewart knew about the Pop Culture Association conference and suggested that Alexandria submit her work. Now the two are working together to co-author a much more comprehensive article on the same topic.

Alexandria chose Neumann because she wanted a college that offered small classes and personal attention. “I didn’t want to be a number in a class of 500, and I knew when I visited that this was the place for me.”

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Five Students Receive Maguire Scholarships Each scholarship worth up to $20,000 Five first-year students are Maguire Scholars at Neumann University. Based on a contribution from the Maguire Foundation, each Maguire Scholar at the University receives $5,000 per year for four years provided that the student pays at least $5,000 per year for tuition or other educationrelated expenses.

Neumann’s new Maguire Scholars are Thomas Benson from Holmesburg, Jessica Parker from Somerton, Gregory Saklad from Fox Chase, Taylor Shifflett from Aston, and Shayana Singleton from Roxborough.

The Foundation has agreed to assist as many as five qualified students per year who enroll at Neumann University from the fall of 2013 to the fall of 2016, a total of 20 students. The Foundation’s full donation of scholarship aid to Neumann students could reach $400,000 through the spring of 2020.

To be selected, students must come from a list of eligible high schools and have at

least a 3.0 high school GPA. Students may borrow the $5,000 that they contribute toward tuition with the expectation that any amount borrowed will be repaid from subsequent employment.

To be eligible for continuation of the 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.

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.

For additional information about the Maguire Scholars program, contact Neumann University Financial Assistance at 610-358-4214 or finaid@neumann.edu.

New: Social Work Major Now Available The University has launched a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) program. Students who enrolled in the fall of 2014 or later are eligible to graduate with a BSW degree.

Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat mental, behavioral and emotional problems. Neumann’s program provides the knowledge, values and skills necessary to engage in generalist social work practice.

Courses in the BSW program address social work policy, human behavior, social justice and human rights, death and dying, hospice and palliative care, trauma and crisis intervention, and the influences of society, culture, government, economics and education on human behavior.

Neumann University’s new BSW program is seeking accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which will ensure that the program meets the highest standards of the profession and qualifies graduates for an accredited MSW program.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022. Employment growth will be driven by increased demand for health care and social services.

For more information about the new BSW at Neumann University, visit the NU website (academics/undergraduate) or call 610-558-5616.

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Money Magazine Names Neumann Among 25 Most Affordable Money magazine has named Neumann University as one of the 25 most affordable private colleges in America. According to the magazine’s website, “Among the highest-ranked 665 private colleges on our Best Colleges list, earning a degree at these schools typically costs the least.”

Neumann was ranked #12 in the Most Affordable list.

To calculate affordability, the magazine researched and weighted four factors: m N et price of a degree (40%), or the estimated amount a typical freshman starting in 2014 will pay to earn a degree taking into account the college’s sticker price; the school’s average need, merit and athletic financial aid; tuition inflation; and the average time it takes students to graduate from the school m D ebt (40%), taking into account both student debt upon graduation (20%) and parent federal PLUS loans (20%) m Student loan default risk (10%), a calculation of the odds that a student at the college will end up being unable to pay back a federal student loan m Value-added student loan default risk (10%), adjusted for the economic and academic profile of the student body Among the magazine’s sources for data were the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Peterson’s and Payscale.com. Approximately 98% of Neumann full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.

In 2013, Neumann students received $52 million in financial aid from the University, federal and state grants, and other sources.

For more information on financial aid at Neumann University, visit www.neumann.edu/financialaid or email finaid@neumann.edu.

In the fall of 2014, affordability was the University’s message on billboards throughout the region.

Julianne Smith is the student pictured here.

Money magazine’s 2014 list of the 25 most affordable private colleges: 1. Berea College, Kentucky 2. Principia College, Illinois 3. College of the Ozarks, Missouri 4. Webb Institute, New York 5. Brigham Young University, Utah 6. Mississippi College, Mississippi 7. Grove City College, Pennsylvania 8. Rockhurst University, Missouri 9. Presbyterian College, South Carolina 10. Doane College-Crete, Nebraska 11. Westminster College, Missouri 12. Neumann University, Pennsylvania 13. Saint Vincent College, Pennsylvania 14. Monmouth College, Illinois 15. Earlham College, Indiana 16. William Jewell College, Missouri 17. Cedarville University, Ohio 18. Centre College, Kentucky 19. College of Our Lady of the Elms, Massachusetts 20. Saint Norbert College, Wisconsin 21. Wabash College, Indiana 22. Augustana College, Illinois 23. Grinnell College, Iowa 24. Lake Forest College, Illinois 25. Messiah College, Pennsylvania

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ISSCD Award to Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation received the 2014 Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award from Neumann University on November 6 in a ceremony held at the campus Mirenda Center.

The Institute Award recognizes individuals and organizations that exhibit strong character through athletics, exemplify spirituality, and embody the good that exists in and through sports.

For the first time, thanks to an anonymous donor, the Institute Award was presented this year in honor of the late Bishop Joseph McFadden, a longtime friend of the University. Bishop McFadden served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Since its founding by Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider in 2005, Snider Hockey has provided equipment, ice time and experienced coaching at no cost to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in the sport of hockey. More than 3,000 children from Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ, participate annually.

Beyond exposure to the sport, the foundation sponsors off-ice programs that teach children to value academic and personal development by emphasizing the importance of schoolwork, mutual respect and good citizenship. According to the foundation’s website, the mission of Snider Hockey is “to build lives and unite communities, helping young people to succeed in the game of life.”

James T. Britt ’06, chief operating officer of Snider Hockey, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. He described the key to the program’s success as “creating an environment where kids can be honest and open, and building a culture of trust.” Britt also cited the leadership of Snider, chairman of Comcast-Spectacor, noting, “Whenever Mr. Snider sees me, he always asks two questions: how are the kids and what more can we do.”

“Snider Hockey truly captures the spirit of the Institute Award,” explained Lee DelleMonache ’05, director of the Institute.

“The foundation’s work exemplifies our core values by expanding kids’ horizons and nourishing their souls through the

Jim Britt, COO of Snider Hockey, and Kathy Hanrahan, the organization’s manager of development, celebrate receiving the 2014 Neumann University Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award.

game of hockey and the gift of physical play.

Their work in the Philadelphia and Camden areas is invaluable to the thousands they have touched, and it is a privilege to recognize every member of the Snider Hockey family for the opportunities they provide to deserving kids.”

Past recipients are Anne Donovan, head coach of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and Olympic gold medalist (2013), the Philadelphia Chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer (2012), and Keith Primeau ’11, former captain of the Philadelphia Flyers (2011).

Pinning Ceremony for Nursing Graduates Nursing majors who finished their program of study in August and December participated in their professional pinning ceremony on December 17.

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Library Re-Opens with Re-enactment from 1965 Sisters and students form human conveyor belt to move books Neumann opened its renovated library on August 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and re-enactment of a “human conveyor belt” book transfer that occurred almost 50 years ago. Sisters and students lined up in the library and passed into the new facility, by hand, the last few books in the collection, which had been housed during construction in the Bruder Life Center. The human-chain book transfer replicated the 1965 method used to convey more than 23,000 books from Our Lady of Angels Convent to Neumann’s library when the University first opened.

The ceremony itself featured remarks

by Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president, and Tiffany McGregor, library director. University officials also unveiled a bust of St. John Neumann and a plaque thanking donors during the event.

“This is for our students,” said McGregor. “For years, we polled you and surveyed you and focus-grouped you and talked to you in the hallways to learn what you wanted . . . and this is it. I am beside myself with glee to welcome you.”

Dr. Mirenda called the renovated library “emblematic of our drive to be student-centered and student-focused.”

The eight-month, $3.5 million library renovation project began in December 2013 and was completed by August 25, the first day of fall semester classes.

Grants from the Connelly Foundation ($200,000) and the George I. Alden Trust ($100,000) assisted with the library refurbishing. The grants helped leverage the $1.3 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is awarded through the Delaware County Redevelopment Authority.

The renovated library space is modern and flexible, equipped with different niches and study areas. Groups needing to study together or collaborate on

Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, students and staff re-enacted a 1965 book conveyor belt to mark the opening of the renovated University library.

Many Sisters joined the library celebration. Some had participated in the original opening in 1965.

projects are able to take advantage of one of the new multi-media equipped study rooms. The Library Reading Room provides an area for quiet concentration.

The number of computers in the renovated space has increased, and visitors are able to log onto one from new and spacious computer clusters. Students wishing to use their own laptop or tablet find it easy to do so in the transformed library, which features strengthened

Wi-Fi access and numerous electrical outlets for charging devices.

According to McGregor, “A new multi-purpose room serves as the home for the Neumann University Information Literacy program, where librarians and faculty can 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 markets of the future.”

Winter 2015 7

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The Cat with Seven Names Wins Bock Book Award Neumann University presented The Cat with Seven Names, written

by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Christine Davenier, with the 2014 Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award for Children’s Literature.

The library hosted the presentation ceremony on October 10.

The book tells the story of a neighborhood cat who interacts with and positively affects the lives of a diverse group of people in his city neighborhood. They eventually come together to help the cat and learn his true identity.

The illustrations are bright and inviting, drawing readers into the environment where the story takes place. The Cat with Seven Names also touches on the Franciscan values of service, community, care for creation, and diversity.

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.

The award acknowledges Franciscan values in children’s books and gives each year’s winner a prize of $750, a plaque and a gold emblazoned emblem for the book. Criteria for the award include text that is values-oriented, interesting and stimulating for ages 3-8 years, and pleasing and aesthetic. The illustrations should

Greccio Celebration On December 7, students and faculty joined forces to re-enact the birth of Christ in front of the Mirenda Center. A 90-second video of the event, with a Christmas message from Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, was posted on the University website and sent to alumni and friends.

8 Accent Magazine

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.

Previous winners include The Sandal Artist by Kathleen T. Pelley, 2013; The Ocean Story by John Seven, 2012; Mama 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 Wiesmüller, 2003; Where Does God Live? by Holly Bea, 2002; Each Living Thing by Joanne Ryder, 2001; and Saint Francis and the Christmas Donkey

by Robert Byrd, 2000.

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Sleep-Out for the Homeless Despite temperatures that fell into the mid-20s, about two dozen students and staff spent the night in cardboard boxes outside the Mirenda Center on November 2 to bring attention to the plight of the homeless in America.

A film and occasional discussion groups in the Bayada Atrium provided some respite from the freezing weather.

Three Years Running: Named to National Honor Roll for Community Service For the third consecutive year, the University has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The 2014 recognition is for the University’s work in Chester, Pennsylvania; Camden, New Jersey, and Riverton, Wyoming. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

Nationwide, 770 colleges received this recognition from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Education.

Fifty-seven are in Pennsylvania.

“Neumann students are engaged in service programs to help rebuild communities, serve the poor and learn from their experiences,” explained Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president.

“Designation as a Community Service Honor Roll school is evidence that Neumann is committed to its mission, to educate students based upon the belief that knowledge, while valuable in itself, is a gift to be shared in the service of others.”

In 2013 – 14, there were 1,702 Neumann

students engaged in general community service and service learning activities, totaling 137,407 hours.

At Drexel Neumann Academy (DNA) in Chester, Neumann students tutored elementary school youngsters in reading, writing, art, music, and physical fitness.

Students majoring in education and athletic training as well as art students and members of the University Jazz band contributed 1,393 hours during the course of two semesters. Twenty-five faculty and staff members also volunteered at DNA. In Camden, as part of the Waterfront South revitalization, students supported the Center for Environmental Transformation (CFET) and Heart of Camden projects. For the Heart of Camden, a movement to improve the quality of life and provide affordable housing for residents of the impoverished area, Neumann students refurbished houses, cultivated an urban greenhouse and garden, and completed general clean-up projects. Students also tutored youngsters, worked at a local soup kitchen and thrift shop, and donated toys collected

at the University’s annual Breakfast with Santa event. As part of CFET, students educated residents about ways to support environmentally responsible living.

During a week-long service immersion trip to the Wind River Indian Reservation in Riverton, Wyoming, students painted, cleaned, landscaped, and sang to residents of a local nursing home. Wind River is the seventh largest Indian reservation in the country, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.

On and around campus, students volunteer their time to help at Elwyn, Inc. and Red Hill Farm, as well as participate in Adopt-A-Highway and Sandwiches for Survival initiatives. Service-learning is now integrated into two required courses, ensuring that all students will participate in service during their years at the University.

“Service and higher education go hand in hand,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “These schools are inspiring young leaders to roll up their sleeves and work alongside community members to solve problems.”

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The 2014 cast of Godspell, the show that launched the University Players 30 years ago.

The Christina Brame Gospel Choir performed after the Live Nativity in December.

The Concert Chorale treated a packed house to a selection of Christmas songs.

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On Stage: From the Spiritual to the Macabre Spiritual themes and tributes to legendary performers dominated the Meagher Theatre stage this fall — with a dash of the gruesome added just for fun.

The Neumann University Players presented a lively and moving production of Godspell to commemorate the group’s 30th anniversary. The show is the one that launched the players’ campus presence three decades ago. Through storytelling, comedy, dance and songs, Christ’s messages of kindness, tolerance and love came vibrantly to life once again.

After Thanksgiving, Christmas themes became the order of the day. Center Stage Productions offered Plaid Tidings, the best of Forever Plaid in perfect harmony with a Christmas bow on top. Dr. Yukiko Ishida directed the University Concert Chorale in a show entitled My Favorite Christmas Songs, and the Christina Brame Gospel Choir staged a Christmas Night of Praise and Worship.

The Cultural Arts Forum and International Ballet Classique brought traditional Christmas fare to life for audiences with Bah, Humbug!

Inside a Dickens Classic: A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. In the former, Steve Anderson explored the cultural history behind the Dickens story; in the latter, a marvelous ensemble staged the ballet in which toys come to life for Clara and her prince.

The Cultural Arts Forum launched the focus on legendary American music with American Songwriters of the Big Band Era, featuring faculty member and jazz clarinetist Mac Given, and A Tribute to the Cathedrals of Entertainment, featuring the New Horizons Senior Glee Club performing songs by Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Sophie Tucker.

The Delaware County Symphony added to the distinctly American flavor of the fall shows with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and a chamber concert entitled Classic Jazz, both under the direction of Tim Ribchester. The University Jazz Band completed the semester with its fall concert, a collection of diverse tunes from the big band, jazz, rock, and pop repertoires.

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Jeffrey Mudgett

Mudgett Wins One for the Ripper

International Ballet Classique staged four full productions and two abridged versions of The Nutcracker.

The grisly element in the fall agenda originated with two educational events: The Trial of Jack the Ripper and I Need My Mummy. In the former, attorney Jeffrey Mudgett attempted to prove that his ancestor, H.H. Holmes, was indeed the infamous London serial killer. In the latter presentation, Dr. Stephen Phillips explored the science behind ancient Egyptian mummies, explained how mummies are made, and speculated on the reasons for the modern fascination with mummies.

Attorney and author Jeffrey Mudgett presented his case, “The Trial of Jack the Ripper,” to an audience of 130 Neumann students and faculty on September 26, swearing everyone in as a “mock grand jury.” After the audience weighed the evidence, members voted that there is “probable cause” to bring H.H. Holmes, Mudgett’s great-great-great grandfather, to trial for the London murders committed by Jack the Ripper.

At age 40, Mudgett inherited diaries that belonged to his great-great-great grandfather, Herman Mudgett, also known as H.H. Holmes, one of America’s most notorious serial killers and an admitted murderer of 27 people in 19th century Chicago. He spent years investigating and piecing together details of his ancestor’s horrific past and wrote a book, Bloodstains, about his findings. In the book he goes into detail about the murders in Chicago and pieces together evidence and similarities between the two men that indicate Holmes may have been Jack the Ripper.

Mudgett presented nine pieces of evidence in detail. He discussed appearance and facial similarities between the two and noted that Holmes fit the Scotland Yard profile of the Ripper.

A handwriting analysis of letters left to him appears to confirm that the writing in Holmes’ letters is almost identical to the script in the Ripper letters. Mudgett also showed a letter written by his ancestor with a mention of the London weather, illustrating the possible presence of Holmes in Britain during the same time period.

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Sr. M. Margarella O’Neill, OSF, dean, and Mother Mary Everilda Flynn, OSF, president (first row, second and third from left), joined the Class of 1967 for a group photo.

After years of raising funds, the Sisters broke ground on May 17, 1964.

Celebrating 50 Years Congregational records show that the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia began discussions about the formation of a four-year college in the 1940s, although it is likely that the Second World War diverted attention from these discussions. Plans to establish a college would resurface later. In 1958, the congregation initiated contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction to explore the possibility of establishing a four-year college to educate Sisters and laywomen in the area who did not have access to a college in the vicinity.

The Sisters preferred not to borrow money for their college, and so they raised money in a number of ways. They solicited funds in the parishes in which they taught. They held bazaars and yard sales. They sold hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and snow cones in the fields next to Bachmann (now the student parking lot). They even recorded an album of their favorite sacred and secular songs, selling the records for $5 each.

Official documents indicate March 3, 1965 as the date the charter for Our Lady of Angels College was officially signed. When the doors opened the following September, 115 women religious comprised the student body. Faculty members totaled seven. And the capacity of the new Main Building? Fifteen hundred. Such scale may have appeared wildly optimistic in its day, but hindsight has proven it to be visionary planning.

The first group of 15 laywomen was admitted in 1966. Women of this era could also prepare for professions such as teaching and nursing without earning a four-year degree, but many women, after completing normal school or nursing school, would come back to get a college degree. More and more of those women came to Our Lady of Angels College. continued on page 14

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Ce l

The team photo of the 1972-73 Our Lady of Angels Nikes.

rs a e Y 0 5 g n ebrati

continued from page 13

From the beginning, Our Lady of Angels enrolled a significant number of first generation college students.

Whether Sisters or laywomen, many were the daughters of immigrants. For these students especially, a college education found them living the American Dream.

Societal changes in America and much of the world opened doors to new opportunities for women. One such opportunity was a college education, and more and more women returned to college — or began college for the first time — at a non-traditional age. Our Lady of Angels College responded to the trend.

In September 1971, the college launched a program for adult women who had put off their education. Deferred Opportunity Education — DOE — allowed adult students to earn a bachelor’s degree in an accelerated format using 6-credit evening courses meeting one night a week. It soon became clear that women needed safe, professional daycare for their children while they attended classes. A child care center opened on the third floor of the main building and soon evolved into the current Child Development Center (1973) accommodating preschool-aged children.

In 1980, the college’s Board of Trustees made the decision — the controversial decision, in the view of some — to admit men across the curriculum. The college continued to grow and change in response to the needs of those it served. The logic behind the decision, which was very much in sync with the core mission of the institution, carried the day.

Concurrent with the admission of men, the Board approved the name change from Our Lady of Angels College to Neumann College. The name was chosen to honor St. John Neumann who founded the Sisters of St.

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Francis of Philadelphia, purchased the property for the community and played a significant role assisting the Sisters in their early days as an order.

The decade of the 1980’s was a period of tremendous growth as Neumann College built on its successes and spread its wings. Campus organizations flourished.

Facilities were expanded and upgraded, notably The Bruder Life Center, which was built with money raised through the Forward Fund Campaign. The college fielded men’s and women’s NCAA Division III teams that became increasingly competitive. The Theater Ensemble (now the University Players) was founded.

Regular religious services and social outreach programs strengthened ties with the community.

In 1983, the first graduate program, Pastoral Care and Counseling, was approved and began the expansion to current programs: master’s degrees in Education, Nursing, Organizational and Strategic Leadership, Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Sport and Entertainment Management; and doctoral degrees in Education, Pastoral Counseling and Physical Therapy.

With the donation by the Sisters of 7.1 acres of land in the 1990s, Neumann College was poised for another historic transition: becoming a residential college. In the fall of 1997, the first Living and Learning Center was built. It transformed campus life with an influx of 177 under-graduates who didn’t simply go to Neumann College. They lived there.

The popularity of residence life spawned the opening of a second Living and Learning Center in 1999 and a third in 2002. Of course, with the influx of undergraduates came the need for more student services, more clubs and organizations, more opportunities for campus ministry, more academic programs, more artistic and athletic outlets. The College now offers more than 30 student clubs and organizations, eight performing arts groups, 21 NCAA Division III teams, dozens of regular religious services and social outreach programs, and scores of internships.

More recent good news includes an act of extraordinary generosity by an alumnus. In September 2003, Neumann dedicated and blessed the Rocco A. Abessinio Building, named after a 1979 graduate of Neumann (then Our Lady of Angels), whose generosity allowed the College to acquire the former home of Catholic Health Initiatives from the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. His gift is the largest ever given to the College by an individual, and the Sisters facilitated the sale to support their higher education ministry.

OLA became Neumann College, in honor of St. John Neumann, in 1980.

Homecoming 2009

In the history of any organization, there are watershed years, and 2009 was just such a year for Neumann. In March, the men’s October – 18team won the NCAA Division ice15 hockey III national championship. On April 23, Neumann was granted university status by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

In October, the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development opened.

“University status is the culmination of Neumann’s transformation. It will be a catalyst for enhancing scholarship, research and service to our community. At the same time, Neumann’s commitment to its mission, core values and personal attention to our students will remain the same,” said Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president, at the announcement of the news.

“Since our doors opened in 1965, Neumann has grown continually in careful, measured steps. Whenever we take an important new step forward, we pause to reflect on how far we have come and pray for continued good fortune in our future endeavors. Through it all, the people of Neumann celebrate our Catholic Franciscan tradition — rooted in faith, guided by optimism, and open to the possibilities.”

Accent

a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends

Vol. 37, No. 2 • Summer 2009

n’t We coulddone it have thout . . . wi

5962COVER.indd 2

1/14/15 3:30 PM

As seen on the cover of the summer 2009 issue of Accent, students and staff formed a "U" behind the Rocco Abessinio Building to celebrate becoming Neumann University.

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Winter 2015 15

50 Memorable Moments in Neumann University History 1964 Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia break ground for Our Lady of Angels College

1965 Charter for the College is signed 1965 Our Lady of Angels College opens with 115 students; Sr. Mary Everilda Flynn, OSF, is president

1966 First lay women are admitted (15) 1967 First class graduates (nine Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia; there were 12 faculty members that year)

1968 Women’s basketball becomes the first intercollegiate

1999 Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development is launched

1999 Living and Learning Center II opens 2000 First Scholarship Gala is held at Longwood Gardens 2000 First Evening in Vienna to advance the arts 2001 Total enrollment hits 2,000 students 2001 On the Wings of Angels, the first comprehensive campaign, is announced

2001 Sisters of St. Francis establish endowments for

Mother Francis Bachmann Scholarship Fund and Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies

athletic team and defeats Villanova, 53-30, in its debut

1971 Sr. Madonna Marie Cunningham, OSF, becomes the second president

1971 Alumni Association is established 1973 Child Development Center opens 1974 Adult education is launched with AIM Program (Adult Initiative Maximized)

1976 First males graduate (seven AIM and Allied Health students)

1976 Community Chorus is formed and begins performing 1980 Our Lady of Angels College becomes Neumann

2002 Living and Learning Center III completes the residential quadrangle

2002 Main building is named Bachmann Main Building in honor of Anna Marie Bachmann, who founded the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

2002 First million-dollar federal grant received from Health Resources and Services Administration

2003 The Rocco A. Abessinio Building is acquired, named, and dedicated

2003

College; men are admitted across the curriculum

1982 Men’s basketball becomes the first men’s intercollegiate athletic team

1983 Sr. M. Margarella O’Neill, OSF, is appointed third president

1983 Pastoral Care and Counseling becomes the first

graduate program (Today there are six master degree and three doctoral programs)

1983 Total enrollment hits 1,000 students 1984 Theater ensemble is established and opens with Godspell

1985 Life Center opens as a result of The Forward Fund Campaign

1989 Dr. Nan Hechenberger becomes the first lay president 1991 Performing Arts Guild is established 1993 Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education created (SEPCHE)

1994 Board of Trustees approves residential housing 1996 Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda becomes fifth president 1997 Living and Learning Center I opens its doors to resident students

1998 Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies is established and endowed

1998 Purchase and opening of the Ministry House on Convent Road

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n the Wings of Angels celebrates a record of $10.3 O million in gifts

2005 The Doctor of Physical Therapy becomes Neumann’s first doctoral program with the Ed.D. starting a year later

2009 Men’s ice hockey team wins first NCAA national championship

2009 Neumann achieves university status 2009 Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development opens

2010 Installation of statues of St. John Neumann and Mother Francis Bachmann complete St. John Neumann Circle, the new center of campus

2010

row to Inspire Campaign closes at $7.2 million, G surpassing $6.5 million goal

2011 The number of alumni hits the 10,000 mark at graduation

2011 The Buoni Building, housing 80 students, opens at the corner of Convent and Concord Roads

2012 Neumann included in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

2013 First Ph.D. program (Pastoral Counseling) launched in the fall

2014 University library renovation is completed in time for fall classes

A l u m ni P R O F I L E

Facing the Ebola Crisis with Love and Compassion Sr. Ann Kelly ’68 knows firsthand the sorrow and devastation caused by the Ebola outbreak in Western Africa for she is currently living in Liberia — the epicenter where the virus struck.

Sr. Ann is a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, a Catholic order that has homes in Bryn Mawr and Ardmore. She has been working in the town of Foya, Liberia, where the first cases of Ebola were diagnosed. Foya is in Lofa County which has had the most patients diagnosed and die from the virus in Liberia and among all of the five African countries affected to date.

“We are working with so-called safe villages to help them cope with the situation around them. One of the main areas we have been asked to address is the stigmatization of survivors. The villages are often unwilling to receive survivors back into the community,” Sr. Ann explained.

Another major issue that needs immediate attention is the growing number of children who have either survived the virus or have lost both parents to the virus. These children are often rejected by others in the village due to fear.

“We continue to trace families of children who have lost both parents to Ebola. In one of the villages over 175

people died. Over 100 children were left orphaned,” she said.

Ebola has become a way of life for those living in the midst of this devastating disease. Precautionary measures are being taken by everyone in the afflicted areas.

“Even the smallest child carries her or his bottle of chlorine/water everywhere they go. They pray that Ebola may not catch them,” Sr. Ann said.

There is a dire need for baby formula to feed the infants who have lost their mothers to Ebola or have mothers with the disease. Even if the mother survives Ebola, she will not be strong enough to breastfeed her baby for months. Sr. Ann and the other sisters have been able to provide this much needed formula.

Sr. Ann and her colleague Sr. Bridget Lacey are well aware of the daily challenge of taking the proper precautions to stay healthy. They have lost a few friends, including fellow nuns and a priest, who all had worked in the Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia.

The Ebola crisis has far-reaching consequences in Liberia. According to Sr. Ann, the country’s economy is at an all-time low. Prices have skyrocketed and carrying goods to other parts of the country is difficult due to the checkpoints along the way.

Many survivors of Ebola are stigmatized, and a growing number of children have been orphaned by the outbreak.

“There are so many sad stories to tell, but there are so many brave stories as well. There are stories of great compassion that lift up your heart and keep one going,” she said.

She told the story of a stranger arriving in a village being turned away in case she was infected. On her way out of the village a woman called and told her that she had emptied a room in her house where she could stay while they observed her for a few days. They alerted the health team who came to assess the woman and said that she was fine.

Sr. Ann gives enormous credit to the people of Liberia and their extraordinary capacity to pick up their lives and meet the challenge facing them head on.

“Their courage is humbling for those of us who are privileged to be on the path with them at this time. We no longer shake hands or hug each other. Yet being in Africa we still find moments to laugh and celebrate and trust that a new day will dawn,” said Sr. Ann. While email communication is erratic, Sr. Ann has been able to send two letters to her supporters which explain her life and daily struggles.

“It is your support that keeps us going, and it is your prayers and encouragement that are the greatest source of strength which helps us and the people of Liberia face each new day with hope,” Sr. Ann said in a recent correspondence.

Sr. Ann Kelly ’68 is fighting the Ebola outbreak in Liberia.

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A l u m ni ne w s

Alumni Share Their Favorite Memories Editor’s note: In honor of the University’s 50th anniversary, we asked alumni to share their favorite memory of Neumann.

Here are some of the best. To see more, visit www.alumni.neumann.edu/memories.

To submit your favorite memory, email alumni@neumann.edu.

Carol Dougherty ’86

Michele (Ott) Szkolnicki ’86 As we approach 50 years of Neumann University, I reminisced about when I was one of the actors in the Neumann College Players’ first production of Godspell. Thirty years later, Neumann would put on that production once again, this past November, in Meagher Theatre. In 1984, we did our production in “The Catacombs.” We literally constructed a theatre, including theatre seating, from scratch. Terence Gleeson was our director back then too! But oh how we still miss Stephanie Marek who was our musical director. It was a wonderful time as we did something that Neumann had not done before, and the play was a huge hit. I looked through a scrapbook that I did from my time in that play. Here is a shout-out to the cast (photo attached) of the Neumann College Players Godspell ­— 1984 edition: Deborah Brown, Andrew Cepis, George Ellis, Monica McNamara, Lynn Newton, Ellen Sarkissian, Ann Wood, Irene Zaleski, Greg Zangari, and me, Michele Ott (now Szkolnicki).

I know your memories of this time are as fond as mine are. I hope you are all doing well and wish you happiness!

The Pastoral Counseling classes of 1985, ’86 and ’87 recently celebrated one of our annual gatherings which was hosted

by Father Charles O’Hara ’85, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Spring City. This core group entered the program in its formative years and has sustained a deep bond of friendship for the past 32 years.

We come together every Christmas season to share and recall precious memories of a very special time and place along our life’s faith journey. Some of those memories include after-class discussions at Toby Tuttle’s, and creating the “perfect group” in Group Dynamics class as well as the support we have each given and received through the joys and sorrows that the years have brought us.

Jacki Herrington ’13

Janea Stevens ’09

My favorite NU memory was the ribbon cutting ceremony to open up the new softball field my senior year. I was a 4-year starter on the NU softball team, catcher and first baseman. After having played on the old field for a few years, seeing our new field finally unveiled was an inspiring moment. Having the NU community come out to commemorate the opening of the baseball and softball fields was something I will never forget. I was fortunate enough to be the catcher as Dr. Mirenda threw out the “first pitch.” I even have the ball and a piece of ribbon framed in my room.

I have so many wonderful memories of Neumann, but this one is definitely one of my favorites.

I was a Presidential Ambassador with Dr. Mirenda for a few years. I had a wonderful experience. The most beautiful thing about being a Presidential Ambassador is not only do you get to represent your college, but many of us would have never been able to experience events such as a black tie affair in such prestigious places, meeting wonderful people who care about your future.

Being a Presidential Ambassador taught me how to conduct myself in professional settings and have fun at the same time. It taught me how to be an adult and was by far one of the best experiences I have ever had.

I am now a mother to three-year-old twin boys and a twenty-month-old boy. I pray that the institution where they choose to go to college offers an opportunity such as being a Presidential Ambassador.

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Caitlin Lotty ’12 Ask those who know me best, and you will know how much I love Neumann! Neumann is even where my fiancé chose to propose to me because he knows how happy I am when I am on Neumann’s campus! It was hard to pick one memory that I treasured the most, but one stands out. On the first day of freshman year, I was lucky enough to meet my best friend, Kathleen Paulson.

Kathleen and I did everything at Neumann together, and we loved every minute. Even earning the nicknames “Sr. Cait and Sr. Kathleen.” Fast forward six years later, and Kathleen is going to be the maid of honor in my wedding next year. I could not be more grateful for the memories she and I experienced together.

We became adults at Neumann and started a life-long friendship.

A l u m ni ne w s

Kristi Phillips Moore ’90 Here is a brief description of how I met my husband at Neumann.

Long before the days of on-line registration, and back when Neumann University was still Neumann College, we all used to have to stand in line on designated days to register for our classes. On Wednesday, November 19th, 1986, at approximately 10:30 a.m., I had just attended a meeting with my advisor, Dr. Claudia Kovach (who was at that time Dr. Claudia Smorada), to choose the classes for the spring semester of my freshman year.

After the meeting I rushed to get in line to quickly register before my chosen classes filled up, but I knew I had little time to do so because I had a philosophy exam later that morning, also. When I walked up to the line I immediately noticed a tall, thin, handsome guy whom I had never met before, and I got in line behind him while wondering who he was. I struck up a conversation with him and with a female student in front of him, and then realized I was going to be late for my philosophy exam if the line didn’t move faster. I mentioned my worries to this nice guy in front of me, and he proceeded to not only allow me to cut in front of him in line but he convinced the girl in front of him to allow me to go ahead of her, also. After thanking them both, I registered and rushed up to class, making it to my philosophy exam just in time.

Well, the rest is history. Soon I began seeing this really nice guy more and more at Neumann, and our first official date was on Valentine’s Day of February 1987. And on June 2, 1990, two weeks after I graduated from Neumann, I married this wonderful man. In 2015, during Neumann University’s 50th anniversary, I will also be celebrating 25 happy years of being married to Edward John Moore, my Neumann sweetheart and the love of my life. Thank you, Neumann University, for giving me the most amazing life in so many ways!

Noelle Stack ’09 As I think about my fondest memory at Neumann, volunteering at the Assisi House comes to mind.

Each year, the members of the Student Nurses Association helped the Sisters with their Christmas cards. Although it was simple gesture, it was very much appreciated. This became a wonderful time to develop relationships, share stories, and simply treasure the love of God in our lives. This will always remain a fond memory during my time at Neumann University, especially around the Holiday season.

Jaimielynn Cooper ’13 My favorite memory of Neumann University didn’t happen on campus or even in the country.

Rather, my favorite memory of Neumann University happened in Paris, France, during the semester I spent abroad. It may seem strange that I choose this memory out of the countless other amazing ones I have that did occur on campus, but when I think back over my college career this is the one that makes me most proud to be a Neumann graduate. As most other students who have the priceless and life changing opportunity to see another part of the world and immerse themselves in another culture, I came back from Europe a different person — a more humbled, educated and invigorated person.

The attached photograph was taken the day I landed in Paris. It was taken at a moment when I stood on the precipice of who I was and who I was about to become. That transformation didn’t happen at Neumann, but because of Neumann. And because of that I am more aware and conscious of just how much this university shaped who I am today. Because I can pinpoint the exact moment, I was conscious of just how grateful I was to have been granted access to the education and resources that Neumann had to offer. And I can honestly say I reflect on that every single day.

So, in a way, rather than having one favorite memory AT Neumann, I will have a lifetime of them, BECAUSE of Neumann.

Charles Paterson ’10 (in an email to Karen Thomas, CMA faculty) I just recently was informed on the passing of Dr. LoMonaco, and I wanted to extend my condolences to the entire CMA faculty and NU community.

While I’m sure each CMA student has a story of how Marty impacted their time at Neumann University, I can honestly say that I don’t know if I would be sending this note from a Saatchi & Saatchi email address if it wasn’t for him. He found a way to reach and motivate a 2.0 GPA “clown” and make him an honor roll student by his junior year, simply by creating a relationship where I wasn’t solely concerned about my own grades, but more so afraid to let Dr. LoMonaco down (I’m sure he wouldn’t have liked me saying that, but anything less would be far from the truth).

He never had a closed door and seemed to enjoy staying behind classes to chat about anything and everything with a handful of students, but the trait that impressed me most about Dr. LoMo was his ability to teach through active conversation. There was often no lecture, but an engaging conversation in which he encouraged students to actively participate. There was seldom a right and wrong answer, if the answer could be justified; but most of all, he taught me that empathy and care can often lead to greater results than callousness, something I try to remember on a day to day basis.

It’s a true shame that more students won’t be able to learn from one of the best, but it would be a bigger shame for his legacy not to carry on through the classrooms and hallways of Neumann University. I’m certain this will not be the case.

Winter 2015 Winter 2015 1919

ho m eco m in g

Alumni Stars Honored at 2014 Homecoming Neumannfest 2014 was a four-day celebration, the highlight of which was the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner on October 18.

Six alumni were honored at the October 18 Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Recognition Dinner, one of the annual highlights of Neumann’s homecoming event.

Sr. M. Frances Cassidy, OSF ’70, received the Alumni Association John Neumann Award. Sr. Frances spent 27 years educating children in African missions. She helped establish the successful St. Clare Girls High School in Africa and then, with a colleague, supervised Lawson High School, built to educate children orphaned because of the AIDS pandemic in Kenya. Sr. Frances has returned to Neumann and is presently teaching math.

Carol A. Dougherty ’86 also received the Alumni Association John Neumann Award.

Recently “retired” after 25 years at Neumann, Carol serves as a counselor at Delaware County Community College and teaches in Neumann’s pastoral counseling program. She is a member of Neumann’s alumni executive board and the advisory board for the Division of Business and Information Management.

She is also VP of the Friends of the Delaware County Women’s Commission.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Jamal Green ’00, founder of Retroaction Sports, which provides support

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for young students in Philadelphia to earn good grades and receive opportunities for college entrance. Jamal and his wife are well known in the Philadelphia community for their tireless work with youth. He is helping youngsters reach beyond what they think is possible to pursue an education.

Patricia J. Kaeser ’87 received the Alumni Association Recognition Award. Patricia has held positions at the Resurrection School in the Cares Program of Chester, and at St. Clement-Irenaeus School and St. Ambrose School, both in Philadelphia.

She was principal of the Conshohocken Catholic School and was recently appointed as principal at St. James Regional Catholic School in Ridley Park. She has been a district team leader for seven years.

The President’s Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Joseph W. Neary ’09. Today, Joseph is retired from Johnson Matthey where he was a senior financial analyst. He serves on the Upper Chichester Township Board of Commissioners currently as chair of finance and administration. He is the finance counselor, usher, lector, and minister of the Holy Eucharist for Saint John Fisher Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe also serves on the Magee Rehabilitation Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Shirley Puccino ’09 received the Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year Award.

Shirley is currently the director of strategic initiatives at HTH Worldwide, a leading technology and insurance company. Shirley has served on the boards of Global Health Benefits Institute, National Foreign Trade Council and the National Adoption Center.

She also serves Neumann on two advisory committees as well as the Board of Trustees Strategic Committee.

Each year, the alumni executive board chooses an individual who did not graduate from Neumann but displays the pride and commitment to the University as if Neumann were his or her alma mater. The 2014 Honorary Alumni Award went to Larry S. Friedman, who dedicated the last twentysix years of his life to the University in his role as registrar and assistant professor of English and humanities.

Hall of Fame inductees included the 2007 volleyball team, Casey Geary ’09 and Mike Gooch ’09.

Athletic Director Chuck Sack likened the volleyball team’s 2007 Colonial States Athletic Conference championship to Villanova’s 1985 NCAA basketball victory over Georgetown. In the title match, the Knights defeated Eastern University, which was nationally ranked and had won ten consecutive CSAC volleyball titles.

According to Sack, the team “achieved a supreme moment of distinction by winning the program’s first conference championship

ho m eco m in g

Top photos, left to right:

and securing its first NCAA tournament bid.”

Casey Geary was a standout in women’s soccer.

In three of her four years, she led the team in goals scored, total points, shots, and shots on goal. She was recognized each year with All-Conference awards. Sack recalled her leadership. “Through her personality, her charisma and her moxie, she helped change the impression of the women’s soccer program.”

Mike Gooch made his mark on men’s ice hockey from the moment he arrived on campus.

He was named captain as a freshman and kept the “C” during his four years. He started 100 of 101 games during his time on the team and received All-Conference recognition each year. His #2 jersey was retired after he graduated.

Other Homecoming 2014 highlights included the Family Weekend Picnic, which drew hundreds of alumni back to campus on October 18 for food,

Casey Geary ’09, Hall of Fame inductee.

live music, games, tours and other activities.

The President’s Scholarship Reception and the King and Queen Homecoming Pageant were the main attractions on the evening of October 17. The reception provided the chance for students to meet the scholarship donors who sponsor their studies. The 2014 King and Queen were Richard Tutek and Jennifer Joseph.

The Ninth Annual PGH Nursing Lecture drew a crowd with Dr. Donna Sabella speaking on “Human Trafficking: Directions and Trends, Here and Abroad.” Dr. Sabella is an assistant clinical professor at Drexel University.

Other special events included the Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction Lecture with Dr. Nancy McWilliams, the Meet Ike and Mama Natalie Nursing Event, the Private Lives/ Public Moments genealogy discussion, and the Class of 1974 Fortieth Reunion.

Holding their alumni awards are Sr. Frances Cassidy, OSF ’70, Shirley Puccino ’09, Carol Dougherty ’86, Jamal Green ’00, Larry Friedman, Patricia Kaeser ’87, and Joseph Neary ’09.

The 2007 volleyball team was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Front row: Alyssa Brigg ’09, Rachel Sokolovich Lubberman ’09, Assistant Coach Matthew Verlinghieri, and Lindsay Buckland ’10. Back row: Sr. Marie Therese Carr, OSF, Head Coach Deana Jespersen, Rachele DiMichele ’09, Meghan Wilson ’10, Kristen Verone ’09, Melissa Haines ’11, Julia Tarloski ’10, and Athletic Director Chuck Sack.

Scholarship recipients gathered around Dr. Rosalie Mirenda for a group photo at the President’s Scholarship Reception.

Jennifer Joseph and Richard Tutek won the King and Queen Homecoming Pageant.

Mike Gooch ’09, Hall of Fame inductee. Pony rides, a petting zoo, and a picnic made Homecoming an enjoyable event for the whole family.

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deve l o p m ent

University Welcomes New Trustees Renold Capocasale is chief executive officer and founder of FlowMetric. He has more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development. He is an expert in polychromatic flow cytometry, cell sorting and immunology-based assay development.

Prior to establishing FlowMetric, Capocasale worked for more than 13 years at Centocor, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. He established the polychromatic flow facility at Centocor to perform polychromatic flow cytometry and cell sorting. His work at Centocor earned him five prestigious Johnson & Johnson awards for scientific excellence and innovation. He has worked on marketed compounds, Remicade® and Stelara®, has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and publications, and is co-author of one U.S. Patent.

Capocasale earned his undergraduate degree from Villanova University. He is also a board member of iPraxis, a not-for-profit educational institution focused on science and technology education, and an adjunct professor at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Teresa Coffey ’83 ’96 serves on the development committee. She has worked as the head nurse at Quadrangle Senior Living in Haverford, Pennsylvania, as the supervisor of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Philadelphia General Hospital and as an ICU nurse at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York.

She also previously worked at Presbyterian/ University of Pennsylvania Hospital and Beaumont Senior Living.

While raising her three children, Coffey continued her education by concentrating on the theological, philosophical and cultural aspects of humanity. Her advanced education centered on the psychological/spiritual aspects of the individual person. Her belief in the concept of body, mind and spirit has fueled her desire to encourage others in their personal quest of wellness.

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Coffey is the recipient of the 2000 John Neumann Award and serves on the Scholarship Gala committee. She holds a nursing degree from Philadelphia General Hospital, and a B.A. in humanities and an M.A. in counseling from Neumann University.

She is currently pursuing her doctorate in psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Deacon Daniel N. DeLucca, Pd.D., rejoins the Neumann University board of trustees where he previously served for twelve years. He is president emeritus of Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he served for seven years. Prior to his presidency at Alvernia, he was president of Spring Garden College for 13 years and served at St. Joseph’s University for 22 years as a faculty member, department chairman and assistant to the president and vice president.

Ordained a permanent deacon in 1986, he serves at St. Andrew the Apostle parish in Drexel Hill. He holds a BBA and a Pd.D. in pedagogy from Saint Bonaventure University, an MBA from New York University, and was awarded a doctor of humane letters from Saint Joseph’s University.

Deacon Dr. DeLucca has been a pioneer in business ethics for fifty years and received the Freedoms Foundation Award for his publication on business social responsibility.

He is the recipient of the Lindback Foundation Award for distinguished teaching. He was also bestowed the Papal Honor of the Cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.

Salvatore Mattera ’07 ’09 is the vice president of Store Operations for Wawa, Inc. His primary responsibilities include working with the nine regions of operations in six states. Mattera became VP of Store Operations in March of 2011 and has worked at Wawa for over thirty-seven years, starting as a part-time associate in stores. He previously held the positions of senior director of store operations

services, director of store effectiveness, and director of store operations.

He has worked with numerous crossfunctional teams including the Coffee Unplugged Project, store labor redesign, food service efficiency redesign, store-of-the-future, and the blueprint phase of the SAP start-up.

Mattera holds a bachelor of arts in Liberal Studies and a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership, both from Neumann University.

He serves as the Wawa corporate chair for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and co-chair for the National Adoption Center (NAC). He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the South Jersey Chapter of JDRF from 2001 to 2010 and currently serves on the Board of Chancellors.

Charles H. Ramsey was appointed police commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department on January 7, 2008. As such, he leads the fourth largest police department in the nation.

An internationally recognized practitioner and educator in law enforcement, he brings more than 40 years of knowledge and experience, having served in three major city police departments. Under his leadership, Philadelphia has experienced a nearly 14% reduction in violent crime and a 22% reduction in homicides.

In December 2014, President Barack Obama appointed him to co-chair a Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The task force will examine how to build public trust and effectively promote crime reduction. Ramsey is currently the president of the Major Cities Chiefs Police Association.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Ramsey began his law enforcement career, at the age of 18, as a Chicago police cadet. He rose through the ranks, receiving 13 departmental commendations and more than 200 honorable mentions. He was instrumental in designing and implementing the nationally acclaimed Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy.

Ramsey holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice (Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois), and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the National Executive Institute.

University Launches In the lush and beautiful setting of Longwood Gardens, the University launched In Giving We Receive, its 50th Anniversary Campaign, on November 15.

The ambitious $10 million comprehensive effort includes endowment, restricted and unrestricted funds, and capital projects that will advance Neumann’s mission and help its students succeed.

According to Henry Sumner, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations, “Gifts will help Neumann leverage $2.5 million in additional funding through matching RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) funds, reflecting Neumann’s tradition of wisely managed resources in anticipation of an expansive future.”

Every year, Neumann University offers more than 3,000 students a rich landscape of possibilities, helping them raise their sights about what is possible in their lives while they receive an outstanding education. Many have already reached new heights as the first in their families to pursue a college degree.

Ann and J. Mark Baiada, campaign co-chairpersons, addressed the crowd and underscored the importance of the campaign. “We believe in the character

In Giving We Receive

building that is accomplished in a valuesbased, Catholic education,” said Mark. “We admire so much the Franciscan identity that permeates Neumann’s campus. From the minute you park your car, you sense and feel the Franciscan mission. You know you are in a special place. We believe in helping these students — many of whom are the first in their families to attend college — as we were.”

In Giving We Receive, the 50th Anniversary Comprehensive Campaign, is designed to meet special capital and endowment opportunities, including: Endowment Funds A substantial endowment helps lessen the University’s dependence on tuition revenue and enables planning for the future, even during dynamic and challenging times.

A Neumann education is an investment that, without the assistance of endowment support, is out of reach for many young people. More than 85 percent of students enrolled at the University have financial need as identified by federal guidelines.

Leaders of the campaign were recognized at the Longwood Gardens announcement: James Delaney, chairperson of the board of trustees; Mark and Ann Baiada, campaign co-chairpersons; Sr. Kathleen Dougherty, congregational minister of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia; Mary and Rocco ’79 Abessinio; and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president.

The Neumann Fund The Neumann Fund is a key source of operating support that impacts virtually everything on campus. It includes the Annual Fund, which supports the areas of greatest need as determined by a collaborative process that includes the Board of Trustees; the Scholarship Fund, which provides additional merit aid to our students; and the Athletic Fund, which offers student-athletes opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Capital Projects Built in 1965, the University library was in need of being transformed to a contemporary space to serve the educational needs of students and the community at large. Now it is a powerful Learning Commons, a dynamic environment filled with state-of-the-art technology and flexible educational spaces.

Thomas A. Bruder, Jr. Life Center occupies a central campus location, an ideal setting for expansion and transformation into a center that will meet current student and community needs. This renovation project will include construction of a new 12,000-squarefoot addition, and several student spaces (presentational space, commuter lounge, Neumann Media) with enhancements to the technology, lighting and environmental infrastructure.

For more information, visit neumann. edu/50thanniversarycampaign.

Winter 2015 23

deve l o p m ent

16th Scholarship Gala Stays Close to Home The Priests will perform on March 28 at the 16th Annual Scholarship Gala.

24 Accent Magazine

Besides raising $1.5 million for student scholarships, the University’s Annual Scholarship Gala is also known as a moveable feast. Through the years, the event has been held at the Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Union League, Longwood Gardens, the National Constitution Center, and many other top-notch venues. This year, in honor of Neumann’s 50th anniversary, the event comes home.

The Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development is the site for the 16th Annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, March 28. Through a sophisticated decor and high-tech light show, the main hall in the Center will be transformed into a celebration of Neumann’s 50 years of Catholic education in the Franciscan tradition.

In addition, the golden anniversary will feature a special performance by one of the most recognized and successful musical trios in both the religious and secular worlds, The Priests.

Comprised of three Roman Catholic priests — Frs. Martin O’Hagan, Eugene O’Hagan and David Delargy, from Northern Ireland — The Priests have been singing together since they met in the 1970s as students at St. MacNissi’s College in Ireland. Their debut album The Priests (2008) set a Guinness World Record for “Fastest Selling Classical Debut Album of All Time,” and the trio was nominated for the internationally acclaimed Classical Brit Awards in the “Classical Album of the Year” category for three consecutive years. They have also performed before the British Royal Family, the Irish President, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis in the Vatican.

The Presidential Humanitarian Award will be presented to multiple recipients, including some longtime supporters of the University.

For information about tickets and sponsorships, please call 610-558-5513 or visit neumann.edu/gala.

A l u m ni ne w s

Alumni Executive Board Members of the Alumni Executive Board are (back row) Robert Fisher ’10, Annette (Crivaro ) Frawley ’92, Michael Billingsley ’10 ’14, MaryAnn Wallen ’04, Judi Stanaitis ’07 ’13, Tom Matys ’09 ’11, John Mancinelli Jr. ’07, Carol Dougherty ’86, and Michele Szkolnicki ’86; and (front row) Joanne Houck ’77, Jasmine Salgado ’10, Annette (Carabba) Pierdomenico ’87 ’09, and Chrisheena L. Boyd-Duncan ’10.

Not pictured are Richard M. Behr Jr. ’08 and Sandra P. Brunsberg ’79 ’90.

Black Alumni Chapter Formed

Members of the Black Alumni Chapter Executive Board are (back row) Marvin Payne ’05 ’11, G. Stephen Williams Jr. ’09, Tahirah Austin ’09, and Anthony A. Lee ’10; and (front row) Ciera A. McKinney ’09, Chrisheena L. Boyd-Duncan ’10, and Shantel E. Shaw ’13. Not pictured is Sharon Thompson ’10.

The Alumni Association Executive Board is proud to announce the Black Alumni Chapter, the University’s first official alumni chapter. The creation of this chapter started more than two years ago with the interest and motivation of Chrisheena L. Boyd-Duncan ’10, G. Stephen Williams Jr. ’09 and Anthony A. Lee ’10. After holding focus groups and multiple planning meetings, and gaining support from other black alumni, the chapter held its first meeting on November 19, 2014.

The Black Alumni Chapter was founded to foster and maintain a loyal and active relationship between black alumni and the University through networking, involvement and institutional advancement activities.

Its first members are currently creating the foundation that will lead to a stable and viable chapter which, in turn, will be a resource for alumni.

If you are interested in joining the chapter, please contact Chrisheena L. BoydDuncan by email (Sheena119@aol.com). If you are seeking a position on the executive board of the Black Alumni Chapter, please contact G. Stephen Williams Jr. by email (g.stephenwilliams@gmail.com).

Winter 2015 25

a th l etic s

Men’s Soccer Title Highlights Fall Season The men’s soccer team won the 2014 CSAC title and played in the NCAA tournament.

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Soccer

Volleyball

The men’s soccer team finished the 2014 season as CSAC Champions and represented the conference in the 2014 NCAA Tournament, ending the season with a 10-19-2 overall record and a perfect 9-0 in the conference.

Five Knights were recognized on the CSAC All-Conference teams. Brooks Skyers was named to the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) first team. This senior was a huge asset on the field and played in all 19 games this season. The defender scored four goals, one game-winner, and tallied two assists. He went 3-for-3 in penalty kicks.

Teammates Vince Cortese, Zach DiDonato and Jake McDevitt were all named to the CSAC second team. Tben Donnie earned Honorable Mention. McDevitt and DiDonato led the Knights with five goals each and Donnie netted four. Neumann University’s very own head coach, Kevin Sloan, was named the CSAC Coach of the Year.

The women’s soccer team qualified for the postseason for the fifth straight season in 2014. The Knights played to a 0-0 double overtime draw at Gwynedd Mercy in first round action. The Griffins advanced to the semifinals in penalty kicks, 3-1. Neumann finished the season 7-8-2 overall and 6-4-1 in conference action.

Ashley Hawkins was named first team All-Conference while Becca Burkhart and Tonia Russo received second team honors.

Brooke Harvey earned Honorable Mention.

Emily Sanders was named to the AllSportsmanship team. Burkhart received Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team for 2014.

Hawkins led the Knights with nine goals and four assists for 22 points. Russo, Sanders and Alexa DeRose each tallied six goals for the Knights. Briana King started all 17 contests in net. She had a goalsagainst-average of 1.57 and four shutouts.

The volleyball team made it to the CSAC Championship game, where they fell 3-1 to Cabrini College. They received an ECAC bid and defeated DeSales 3-2 in the first round. The Neumann Knights finished the season 23-14 overall and 10-1 in conference action.

Kelsey D’Imperio was named the CSAC Player of the Year and earned first team All-Conference honors. Anna Waltz and Kat Wolf earned second team honors. Julia Malseed received Honorable Mention.

Danielle Kwapisz was named to the Sportsmanship Team. D’Imperio was also named to the AVCA Honorable Mention All-America and the Mid-Atlantic AllRegion Team. Wolf earned Honorable Mention Mid-Atlantic All-Region honors.

D’Imperio led the Knights with 390 kills and 126 blocks. Waltz added 386 kills and 401 digs. Malseed tallied 595 digs. Wolf handed out 1,180 assists. Malseed and Wolf each notched 55 service aces.

26 Accent Magazine

Women’s Tennis The women’s tennis team went 8-6 overall and 6-4 in conference action.

Bre Klar was named to the second team in singles action. Teresa Kozin and Cherie Allen received Honorable Mention for their doubles play. Kozin was also named to the All-CSAC as well as to the All-Sportsmanship Team.

Klar went 10-4 overall in the first singles slot, including 8-2 in CSAC action. Sarah Schroeder went 7-3 in the third singles slot.

The duo of Kozin and Allen was 8-3 overall and 7-2 in the conference at second doubles.

At first doubles, Klar and Schroder were 8-5 overall and 7-3 in CSAC action.

Cross Country Bethany Lang led the Knights at the CSAC Championship and earned second team All-Conference honors by placing eighth out of 91 runners. She completed the 6K with a time of 24:11. Casey Darden led the Knights on the men’s side when he finished the 8K with a time of 31:33. Darden and Lang were named to the All-CSAC as well as to the Individual Sportsmanship team.

Lang represented Neumann at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship. She finished 119th overall out of 370 runners.

Field Hockey The field hockey team went 11-9 overall, the first time the program finished over .500, and 5-2 in conference action. The Knights qualified for the CSAC Championship and advanced to the semifinals.

Katie Bauer and Lindsey Spatola received first team All-Conference honors. Alexa McIntyre and Jillian DeFina were named to the second team. Carolynn Bacho and Summer Sklivas earned Honorable Mention. Bauer was also named to the All-Sportsmanship Award.

Spatola led the Knights with 19 goals this season, three of which were game-winners.

Jessica Harrell netted eight goals while Jordan Hopkins tallied eight. DeFina had three defensive saves, making her the career leader in this category. Sklivas played 14 games in net, starting in 11 of them, and had a goals-againstaverage of 1.84.

Kelsey D’Imperio was CSAC Player of the Year for the 23-14 volleyball team.

The women’s tennis team went 8-6 overall and 6-4 in CSAC play.

The field hockey team finished 11-9 (5-2 in conference) and advanced to the CSAC semifinals.

c l a s s note s

1960 Sr. Margaret Jones, OSF, ’69, B.A., passed away on September 6, 2014.

1970 Felisa Brady ’70, B.A., passed away on October 3, 2014.

Sr. Marie Colette Gerry, OSF, ’70, B.A., was elected by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia to be a part of the five-person congregational leadership team. At their General Chapter 2014 meeting, the Sisters set congregational directions for the next six years and elected a new leadership team to help move those directions into action.

Sr. Ruth Bernadette O’Connor, OSF, ’71, B.A., was elected by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia to be a part of the five-person congregational leadership team.

Sr. Patricia Smith, OSF, ’72, B.A., was elected by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia to be a part of the five-person congregational leadership team.

Geraldine Henwood ’74, B.S., received the Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 Life Sciences Award in Greater Philadelphia.

Henwood founded RecroPharma, a clinical-stage, specialty pharmaceutical company for developing nonopioid therapeutics for the treatment of pain.

Roberta Pichini ’77, B.A., is the recipient of the 2014 Women of Distinction Award, which recognizes 31 of the area’s most dynamic women. The Women of Distinction Awards are given each year to those who inspire growth and development through professional accomplishments and community involvement. She has also been selected by her peers for inclusion among the 2015 Best Lawyers in America®, one of the legal professional’s oldest and most-respected peer-review publications.

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

28 Accent Magazine

Wayland Gillingham ’78, B.S., passed away on February 16, 2014.

1980 Sr. Mary Katherine Farrell, OSF, ’85, B.A., was elected by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia to be a part of the five-person congregational leadership team.

Deborah Mantegna ’85, B.S., who works at Riddle Hospital, was a 2014 finalist for a Nightingale Award in the Community Nursing Category. The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania is a philanthropic organization whose purpose is to create, cultivate and support environments where professional nursing achievements are valued.

Thomas Wenger ’88, B.S., passed away on November 19, 2014.

Elizabeth Sushereba ’88, B.S., was honored this spring at Christiana Care’s Champions of Service Awards and was selected as a national winner at the 2014 Spirit of Women Awards.

Sushereba, who became Christiana Care’s first certified nurse midwife seven years ago, was named the Health Care Hero award winner for the way she empowers women every day, teaching that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes and encouraging women to take an active role in their health. Sushereba spends a great deal of her time away from her job on efforts to improve health care in developingworld countries. She has traveled to SubSaharan Zambia to help bring modernized medicine to a rural underserved area, setting up health care clinics, delivering babies and educating medical staff.

Michael Kaczenski ’89, B.S., is the CEO/ President of Sun East Federal Credit Union and his employer made the list of the top 25 credit unions, ranking 13 based on the total assets as of December 31, 2013, by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

1990 Richard Klineburger III ’92, B.A., in the October 2014 article of SJ Magazine, was asked “What makes you a good lawyer?” Klineburger responded: “A good lawyer takes the time to look at every angle of a case. From the moment a client comes in, it is my obligation to envision how the case will impact my client’s life as it pertains to other penalties and potential related matters. It is important to be thorough and tenacious when a client trusts me enough to handle such an important part of their life.”

Mary Ward-Donegan ’92, B.A., married Francis P. Donegan on May 3, 2014. The couple had lived two streets away and they had known each other for 25 years. Together, Mary and Francis have 16 grown children.

Neil O’Connor ’95, B.A., passed away on January 10, 2014.

James Wigo ’95, ’04, B.A., M.S., was named principal of Culbertson Elementary School in Newtown Square, PA, by the Marple Newtown School Board.

2000 Kathleen Kozak ’01, B.S., retired from nursing. She is now known as “The Real Estate Nurse.” She is licensed in Pennsylvania and affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Realtors. She is enjoying her new endeavor and the success she has achieved.

Frederick Miller ’01, B.A., recently appeared as an Amish deacon in “Amish Hauntings” on the Destination Channel.

Regina Strobel ’01, M.S., owner of Ridge Physical Therapy in Jeffersonville, PA, recently celebrated a decade of care.

Russell Dowlin ’03, B.S., passed away on March 8, 2014.

Denise Lepera ’03, ’06, B.S., M.S., was appointed president of Archbishop Ryan High School.

Roxanne Satterfield ’03, ’05, B.S., M.S., received her doctoral degree on August 4, 2014.

Mark Kramer ’04, B.S., passed away on July 29, 2014.

Kelly Mendenhall ’06, B.A., is engaged to George P. Feehrer III. The couple plan to wed in the fall of 2015.

Laura McGill ’07, B.S., was awarded a master’s of science degree in forensic medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on August 1, 2014.

Judi Stanaitis ’07, ’13, B.A., M.S., and family welcomed a daughter, Rylee Joy, into their hearts on December 14, 2013.

c l a s s note s Kylynn McNichol ’08, B.A., was appointed coach of girls’ basketball at Springfield High School, Springfield, PA. Ronald Tello-Marzol ’08, ’10, B.A., M.S., won the Trailblazer Businessperson of the Year award at the recent Hispanic Choice Awards in Philadelphia for his stewardship as editor general of Delaware Hispano.

Michael Hedden ’09, B.S., former member of the Neumann University men’s ice hockey team, won the 2014 Calder Cup as a member of the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL). The Texas Stars defeated the St. John’s Ice Caps in five games (4-1).

The final three games, all won by the Stars, were decided in overtime. In the deciding game, Hedden netted two goals on four shots.

Hedden played for Neumann during the 20052009 seasons. He was a member of the 2009 NCAA Division III National Championship team. A few days after winning the Calder Cup, Hedden signed with the Medvescak Zagreb (the Croatian hockey team) of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Denise Statham ’10, M.S., joined an interfaith group of people who gathered in prayer for the people of Ferguson, MO, and a Philadelphia delegation of clergy sent to the troubled town. She said they prayed for peace.

Francis Thomas ’10, B.A., was promoted to captain of Lower Merion Township’s Police Force. Recommending his promotion, superintendent Michael McGrath said Thomas has numerous letters of appreciation from citizens on file and has received two unit citations.

Ashley Paul ’11, B.A., received a position as national training administrator for Axalta NA. Judith Broadhurst ’11, B.A., and her Judy’s Homemade Ice Cream was voted one of the best by readers of the Delaware County Daily Times. Also, Judy’s Homemade Ice Cream was recently featured in the News of Delaware County.

Peter Balzano ’12, M.S., has been appointed principal of Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, PA. Lesley Carey ’11 graduated from the Clarion University Library Science program in December 2014. She received her MLS with an overall GPA of 3.98. Pictured below are Lesley (second from left) with Clarion faculty Dr. Simon L. Aristeguieta, Linda L. Lillard, chair, and Dr. YooJin Ha.

Regina Moran ’09, B.A., and her fiancé, Edgardo Jimenez, had their engagement photos taken on the campus of Neumann University.

A wedding is planned for August 15, 2015.

2010 Kayla Chamberlain ’10, B.A., Neumann University’s Head Men’s Tennis Coach, was named the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Coach of the Year.

Caitlin Lotty ’12, B.S., is thrilled to be engaged to Darren McMahon and couldn’t be happier that the proposal took place at Neumann.

Kevin Oleszewski ’12, B.S., recently became engaged to Gabby Leone.

The couple anticipates a November 2016 Disney World wedding.

Kelsey Mazur ’13, B.A., has been accepted to South Carolina State University’s Speech Language Pathology Graduate Program.

Dan Rowe ’13, B.A., recipient of the David Barton Sumner Award in 2013, just graduated from the Alaskan State Trooper Academy.

Victoria Sculli ’13, B.A., was hired by CBS Radio as an account executive.

Kaitlyn White ’13, B.S., accepted a nursing position at Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital, Wilmington, DE, on the surgical/transplant unit in May 2014.

Tiffany Connelly ’14, B.S., accepted a position at QS Pharma, a WIL Research company, as an analytical scientist.

Michael Durkin ’14, B.S., had been hired by Integrity Staffing Solutions as the national recruiter for the accounting and finance division.

Brittany Kostyk ’14, B.S., was promoted to the position of memory care coordinator at The Residence of Glen Riddle in Media, PA. Michael Marano ’14, Ed.D., was hired as the new principal for Bayard Rustin High School in the West Chester Area School District.

Scott Hammell ’12, B.A., was hired as head coach of Neumann University’s newly established club baseball team. Hammell stated, “I am looking forward to helping shape these student athletes into the best baseball players they can be, as well as assist them in their journey to becoming better men both on and off the field.”

Kathleen Poliski ’14, B.A., started K.Productions, LLC, a professional company with a fresh, new and innovative take on video production.

Christian Scorza ’14, DPT, is engaged to Rebekah Roland. An October 25, 2015, wedding is planned.

Stephanie Stupka ’14, B.S., accepted a position as a clinical laboratory scientist at Paoli Hospital.

Winter 2015 29

In Memoriam: Alumni and Friends Felisa Brady ’70 Sr. Anthony L. Cuneo, OSF ’70 Dr. Robert Donnelly Sr. Loretta M. Graham, OSF Sheila A. Hutchinson ’69 Sr. Margaret Jones, OSF ’69 Mark C. Kramer, Jr. ’04 Mary E. Maloney Justin S. Raja ’02 Anna Mae Tague Thomas J. Wenger, Sr. ’88

Martin P. LoMonaco, Ph.D. joined the Neumann community ten years ago and served with distinction as work group leader for Communication and Media Arts and as president of Faculty Senate. Martin received his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College; master’s degrees from Albany College, Hunter College, and Brooklyn College; a master’s certificate from Bloomsburg University; and a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

Deacon Martin was ordained for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, and was later incardinated as a Deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, serving at St. Agnes Church in West Chester, St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Newtown Square, and St. Jane Frances de Chantel Church in Wantagh, Long Island.

 For more information on any of the memorial funds or to learn how you can memorialize a loved one at Neumann University, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement and University Relations at 610-558-5513.

30 Accent Magazine

Faculty Publications, Lee DelleMonache ’05, director of the Institute for Sport, Spirituality & Character Development, and Clare Devine, coordinator of internal programming, presented “Mission Integration in Athletics” at King’s College Conference: The Idea of a Catholic College, September 2014. Also, she co-authored the article with ACCU president Michael Galligan-Stierle titled “Triple Play: Linking Sports, Spirituality and Catholic Higher Education” which appeared in the November 7, 2014, issue of the National Catholic Reporter and was also translated into Italian and appeared on the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture website.

David DiMarco, associate professor of mathematics, had his manuscript recently accepted for publication in European Journal of Management. It is titled “On Resistant Versions of the Standard Score” and co-authored by Blane Hollingsworth, Middle Georgia State College, and Ryan Savitz, associate professor of mathematics, Neumann University.

Guillermo A. Gómez, reference librarian, presented a poster at PaLA in September 2014. It was titled “Neumann University Library’s Acquisitions Workflows Update and Redesign.” After careful study, the University library acquisitions workflows were completely redesigned and updated with a unique metadatarich spreadsheet based on Bowker’s Book Analysis, improving all aspects of order entry, organization and follow-up.

Mehdi Hojjat, professor of finance and international business, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon of the 2014 International Academy of Business and Economics conference in Nevada on October 13, 2014. He also received the Best Paper Award at the conference for his paper, “The Present and Future of the Accounts in the U.S. Balance of Payments.” In July 2014, he was given the Fulbright Scholarship Award by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars.

Jacqueline Martin, senior academic advisor, and Dominic Lombardi, director of adult and graduate partnerships, presented “A Call to Service: The Parent University Initiative & Academic Readiness Summer Workshop Series” at Eastern University’s Navigating Success for Adult Students Conference, Saint Davids, PA, on October, 17 2014.

KUDOS

Conferences and Awards Sr. Suzanne Mayer, IHM, coordinator pastoral counseling, collaborated with Dr. Beth Toler, assistant professor pastoral studies, on October 20, 2014, for Neumann’s Faculty Convivum in which they provided a look at “Reflective and Contributive Processes in the Capstone Experience,” drawing on the pastoral counseling interdisciplinary seminar papers to offer models for the undergraduate programs to follow in their design and implementation of the required capstones.

Andrew Miller, history instructor, organized and sponsored a ceremony on October 16, 2014, commemorating United States’ victory in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Several World War II veterans attended, in addition to about 80 students, staff and members of the public. A reception was held afterward.

He also delivered a series of lectures on World War I at local public libraries including Middletown, Media, Helen Kate Furness, and Swarthmore. The series ran from September through December 2014.

Alfred Mueller II, dean of arts and sciences, presented the paper, “Mission-Driven Hiring in the Contemporary Catholic University” at The Idea of a Catholic College: Charism, Curricula, and Community held at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, on September 20, 2014. In addition, he presented “Care for Self” at the 49th annual conference of the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, San Antonio, TX, on November 6, 2014. He also presented the paper “Eisenhower’s Rhetoric of the Road” at the 100th annual conference of the National Communication Association, Chicago, IL, on November 21, 2014. ​ heresa Pietsch, associate professor T nursing, presented “Upside Down or Inside Out: Lessons Learned” at the American Association of College of Nursing, Baltimore, MD. This session discussed steps to successfully flip select nursing content, address the faculty and student benefits to teaching and learning in this environment, and examine the pitfalls that can arise. She is also the current chair of the Rehabilitation Nurses Certification Board. The Certified Rehabilitation RN program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification which is a peer review organization that accredits specialty nursing certification programs at a national level.

Marisa A. Rauscher, associate professor of education, presented along with two associates, “It takes a village to explore a dream: Experiential learning on a university campus,” at the July 2014 PA Community on Transition Conferences — Making Transition Happen: Dream, Believe, Achieve held at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, PA. Sr. Linda Marie Sariego, OSF, assistant professor of Spanish, presented “La memoria en Los siete libros de la Diana de Jorge de Montemayor: recuerdos fragmentados de un futuro integrante” at the South Atlantic Modern Language Association Conference on November 7, 2014, in Atlanta, GA. In addition, she published an interview with interviewer Pepe Pelayo (Hispanic author and humorist) on the topic of humor in literary studies/ works. She was also inducted as a member of the Saint Hubert High School Hall of Fame at Saint Hubert High School for Girls, Philadelphia, PA, on November 2, 2014​.

Ryan Savitz, associate professor of mathematics, published the paper “The Economic Implications of Climate Change:

Changes in Central Tendency and Variability” in the October 2014 edition of the European Journal of Business Research.

In addition, he gave two presentations with David DiMarco, associate professor of mathematics. The first was titled, “Stability — a new way to compare statistical measures” presented at the November 2014 meeting of the Mathematical Association of America’s joint meeting of the New Jersey and metro New York sections. The second was “The M-tile Deviation, A New Class of Measures of Dispersion: Assessing Learner Achievement” presented at the Mathfest, the August meeting of the Mathematical Association of America. Fred Savitz, professor emeritus of education, was a co-author on this paper.

Maria G. Traub, associate professor of French and Italian, is listed as translator in Tim McGrath’s latest book, Give Me a Fast Ship. She translated original eighteenth century documents, letters from Versailles, and letters of the Continental Navy, in America’s revolution at sea. The book is available on Amazon.com.

Mary Beth Yount, a theology professor, traveled to Vatican City to participate in

a November colloquium on the Complementarity of Man and Woman in Marriage and had the good fortune to greet the Holy Father.

Winter 2015 31

Investing in the success of our students for 50 years.

For more information on the Neumann Fund or on our Weeks 32 50 Accent Magazine of Giving campaign, visit www.neumann.edu/NeumannFund.

Support

Catholic Education in the Franciscan Tradition

with a Gift That Costs You Nothing in Your Lifetime Meet Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney who maximized her philanthropic giving with a bequest to Neumann University.

In the fall of 1970, Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney, a former broadcast personality, founded the Neumann University Cultural Arts Forum to foster cultural programming and enrich the educational experiences of the University and the larger community.

Today, the Cultural Arts Forum annually hosts six lectures, a high tea and a fashion show. Proceeds from these events benefit the Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship, established in 1984 in her memory. The Scholarship is awarded annually to a Neumann, non-traditional, female student who is 21 years of age or older, majoring in either liberal studies, liberal arts, or early elementary/special education, and who has completed a minimum of 12 credits and earned a GPA of at least 3.0. Qualifying recipients must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits per semester.

Learn more about how to include a bequest to Neumann University in your will or trust at www.neumann.plannedgiving.org/.

Winter 2015  33 

Nonprofit Org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 215 West Chester, PA

One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298

www.neumann.edu Change Service Requested

Sixteenth Annual

Scholarship Gala

50th ANNIVERSARY

C elebration

FOR NEUMANN UNIVERSITY

Saturday, March 28, 2015 with a special performance by

The Priests

34  Accent Magazine

(see pages 2 and 24 for more details)