SAINT VINCENT M A G A Z I N E
Spring 2018
FOREVER OUR NEIGHBOR SEE PAGE 7
This issue of Saint Vincent Magazine is dedicated to Fred M. Rogers, lifetime and cherished friend of the Benedictine community. In 1995, Fred wrote a tribute to Saint Vincent in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Archabbey. The cover of this issue features a new U.S. postal stamp honoring Fred Rogers, creator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. This issue also contains articles featuring alumus Bill Isler, C’68, who served as general manager of Family Communications, Inc., and Maxwell King, author of the forthcoming biography of Fred Rogers and this year’s commencement speaker.
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THE FINAL WORD IS LOVE
rom the road, Saint Vincent looks enormous and remote. But once we set foot within its community, we quickly discover how close it really is, and the only thing that’s enormous about it is its heart. Saint Vincent was part of my very first neighborhood. Growing up in Latrobe, I was always aware of its presence; nevertheless, the bonds of friendship are what made it real to me. Even though my family has always been Presbyterian, one of my grandfather’s good friends was Archabbot Alfred Koch. My mother and father were close to Archabbot Denis Strittmatter. And Douglas Nowicki and I were friends long before he became the present archabbot―so the tradition continues. I certainly hope that my sons and grandsons will be able to know the joy of friendships with the fathers and brothers of this extraordinary Benedictine community. Whether we talk about it or not, we human beings long to know that we are lovable, that we have value, that what we most deeply hope for is real. We want to be sure that the madness of violence, greed, hatred, even death itself is not the final word of our existence. We long to know that the final word is Love. God gives that Word for all of us who will receive it … through lasting friendships, through the trust of children, through the beauty and power of art and science, through forgiveness, through comfort in sorrow, through hospitality to a neighbor, and ultimately through Jesus the Christ our Lord. For 150 years Saint Vincent has been helping its neighbors to understand and to experience God’s Word. May it continue to grow from strength to strength and to share its hope and heart with our world which needs more than ever what Saint Vincent has to give.” —Fred M. Rogers, 1995
Departments
President’s 4 Message More Features 8 Bill Isler, C’68: “Mister Rogers was not an actor”; December commencement.
5 Fred Rogers’ Biographer Gives Address
Faculty
Six receive tenure; Dr. McMahon honored.
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News & Events 18
Upcoming events; President’s Award winner; awards, rankings, DCNR secretary visits.
Sports 25
10 Bettie Smith Center
Lacrosse success; golfers win PAC; swimming success; bowling and hoops updates; Creed Westfall Scholarship.
Alumni
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Endowment honors family; Richard Guskiewicz dies; Council expands outreach; Class news; endowment supports theatre.
21 Groundbreaking For Latimer Library S a in t V inc e n t M a g a z ine ARCHABBOT AND CHANCELLOR Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. PRESIDENT Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B. EDITOR Kim Metzgar svmagazine@stvincent.edu DESIGN Kim Metzgar & Jordan Hainsey PRINTING Laurel Valley Graphics ALUMNI NEWS COORDINATOR Mary Ann Dunlap PROOFREADER Carol Riddle
Spring 2018 Volume 15, Issue 3 Saint Vincent Magazine (United States Postal Service Publication Number USPS 5144-8000) is published by Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for alumni, parents and friends. Third class postage paid at Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Alumni Office, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Bendel Kathryn Klawinski Micaela Kreuzwieser Kim Metzgar Don Orlando Sports Information Office
Saint Vincent College reserves the right to accept or decline submissions of both information and photos for use in the Saint Vincent Magazine, based on content, quality, timeliness and suitability, at the discretion of the editor.
PHOTOGRAPHY Archabbey Archives Alumni Relations Office Alexander Byers Kim Metzgar Don Orlando Sports Information Office
Saint Vincent College subscribes to a policy of equal opportunity in the classroom, workplace and programs, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, veteran status, national origin, marital status, genetic history or disability. To learn more, visit: http://www.stvincent.edu/ Legal-Information/.
AD ARTWORK AND CAMPAIGN DESIGN George Fetkovich
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Cover: Commemorative U.S. Postal Service Display from the first day of issue of the Mister Rogers’ Forever Stamp. Photo by Walt Seng. Provided Courtesy of The Fred Rogers Company. See story on page 7 and other articles on Fred Rogers in this issue.
MESSAGE FROM THE
P R E S I D E N T
From left, Joshua T. Centore, Mitchell G. Farrell, Taylor A. Hanson, Douglas J. Hough, Claire C. Jackman
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FRED ROGERS’ LEGACY MOVES FORWARD
everal stories in this edition center around everyone’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers, with whom we were blessed to actually be neighbors. During this academic year we marked the 50th anniversary of the launching of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” with a discussion panel, and we await the forthcoming publication of Fred Rogers’ biography by our Commencement speaker, Max King, another good neighbor and former executive director of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media. I am most proud that his legacy is carried forward by our Fred Rogers Scholars, who perform research in his archive and make a difference in young lives—and their own—through the results. Among the five finalists for the President’s Award this year—winner Mitchell Farrell, Joshua Centore, Taylor Hanson, Douglas “D.J.” Hough and Claire Jackman. Two of those finalists, D.J. and Josh, were Fred Rogers Scholars. D.J., an early childhood education major with a minor in special education, took part in Neighborhood Music Visits to area schools, sharing a love of music with area schoolchildren. He will serve as a graduate fellow at Laurel Valley Elementary School while pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Saint Vincent. Josh, a biochemistry major and math minor who was president of the Chemistry Club and served as a Collaborative Learning Program facilitator, plans to attend Case Western Reserve University to pursue a Ph.D. in nutrition. The performance of our students on the stage this year was especially impressive, and in the spring student production of “Beauty and the Beast,” a range of majors—accounting, biochemistry, biology, communication, music and mathematics—played the leading roles, with some of our finalists among them. Mitch, a dual major in accounting and music, played the Beast in the spring musical, his fourth production. He was active in the Student Government Association all four years, took part in three service trips to Haiti and was an active volunteer for Campus Ministry. He will join Sisterson and Co. in Pittsburgh and pursue CPA certification. Taylor, a biology major who played Belle in the spring production, was deeply involved in theatre and served as president of the Gilbert and Sullivan Players as well as being a member of The Company theatre group and the SVC Players. The recipient of numerous academic honors, Taylor completed internships at the Humane Animal Rescue Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, among others. She will attend veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. Claire, also a biology major with psychology and mathematics minors, was very active in the Student Government Association, holding three officer positions including service as executive board president in 2017. She volunteered for Catholic Relief Services, Sports Friendship Day and took part in the China/Taiwan service trip. She will attend Kent State University to pursue a doctorate in psychology, focusing on behavioral neuroscience with research on animal cognition. These are just a handful of the many fine young men and women whom we are proud to call Saint Vincent College graduates. We look forward to their serving their neighborhoods, their countries and the world. As we finalize this edition, the campus is abloom with color, coming into its most beautiful time of year. We welcome you to come home for a visit! God bless, Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B. President
“Kindness ... is the single most important thing in the world.”
By Don Orlando
Maxwell King, biographer of the late Fred Rogers, gave the 2018 spring commencement address. His book, The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, will be released on September 4 by Abrams Press.
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“While most commencement speakers give graduates advice about going out into the world to be happy and successful, I am going to skip most of that,” King began after being welcomed to the podium with the music of Fred Rogers’ Won’t You Be My Neighbor? “The world you are going out to is extraordinarily complex, intense and fast-paced. I respect the challenges you face and the complex work you will do in all facets of society whether it is in business, entertainment, sports or other fields in this age of acceleration. “Today I want to focus on the counterpoint to that intensity and complexity—the value of human kindness. It may sound silly or simplistic but it is the single most important thing in the world. When you think back on the people who have made a difference in your life whether it was your parents, your teachers, a friend or a stranger, it is the human kindness that you most remember.” King, who is completing work on a biography of the late Fred Rogers that will be released in September, shared stories about people who had made a difference in his life and how Rogers had made a difference in peoples’ lives
axwell King, the president and chief executive officer
of The Pittsburgh Foundation and the former executive director of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College, told Saint Vincent College graduates and their families and friends at the college’s 172nd annual commencement ceremony on May 12 that simple human kindness can serve as a counterpoint in the current age of complexity.
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by always putting human Three hundred and twentykindness first. A story about six undergraduate and gradua little boy who approached ate degrees were awarded. Rogers in a quiet restauSince 2014, King has served rant with the news that his as president and chief execudog had died was embraced tive officer of The Pittsburgh by the graduates and their Foundation, a 73-year-old families after King told them philanthropic organization with how Rogers interrupted his more than $1.2 billion in total dinner to sit on the floor with assets and more than 2,200 the boy and explain death individual donor funds. The to him as kindly as he could. Foundation works to improve Another story was about how the quality of life in the PittsRogers stopped on his way to burgh region by evaluating and an appointment in New York addressing community issues, Margaret Ann King, wife of commencement City to talk with a homeless promoting responsible philanspeaker Maxwell King, Mrs. Joanne Rogers and person despite the fact that thropy and connecting donors Rick Fernandes, executive director of the Fred he was running very late. to the region’s critical needs. Rogers Center at Saint Vincent, listen to the Rogers’ widow, Joanne Byrd commencement address. At right is guest Mary Lou He earned a bachelor of arts Rogers, was a special guest degree cum laude from Harvard McLaughlin. at the ceremony. University in 1967 and attended Another story was about the Stanford Executive Program Steelers veteran Franco Harris who changed his plans on at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. a busy day to spend several hours visiting and showing King served for two years as executive director of the human kindness with a patient dying from cancer. Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Me“As you go through your life, I ask you to think about dia at Saint Vincent College. He said that what he missed what is really needed to meet all the challenges you most about Saint Vincent was the tranquility of the camwill face,” he concluded. “I ask you to think about livpus where he enjoyed long walks at lunchtime throughout ing intentionally, not accidentally or just responding to a the beautiful grounds and the hospitality extended to him request or deadline, but in the middle of it to live intenby the Benedictine monks. tionally and focus on sharing the crucial value of human King was recognized with the conferral of an honorary kindness.” doctor of humane letters degree.
Citation Honoring Maxwell King: “Maxwell Evarts Perkins King is the son of a mill worker, and the grandson of a book editor, who happened to have worked with Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Perhaps it was that unique upbringing that led him to view peoples’ lives through a different lens. His experiences as a merchant marine, a journalist and a philanthropic leader have shown him the challenges and opportunities individuals faced in the past and today. Upon graduating from Harvard University, he took his first job in journalism where he thrived in the process of gathering information, gaining deeper understanding of a problem, analyzing the situation and responding in a way that convinces people to take action. That journalistic process proved to be a great approach to run a large-scale philanthropic organization. As President of The Heinz Endowments for nearly a decade, Mr. King provided the leadership and vision in directing more than $500 million in grants to strengthen the southwestern Pennsylvania community. Mr. King’s desire to make a positive difference in the lives of children and improve their education and opportunities brought him to the Saint Vincent College community as the second executive director of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s media. Stepping down as director in 2010, Mr. King continued his work with the Fred Rogers Center as a senior fellow authoring the Fred Rogers biography to be released in September. But Mr. King wasn’t done making an impact in our region. His current undertaking is community- and donor-based philanthropy at The Pittsburgh Foundation. As president and CEO, he oversees a one billion dollar charitable fund. His work speaks to a deep, lifelong commitment to public service and civic good. His is a tribute to the inherent value of a liberal arts education and compassionate citizenship. His leadership has improved lives, educational institutions and the world around us through commitments to improving the environment. With all he has done, Mr. King still likes to think of himself as a newspaperman, but we like to think of him as a man of principles.” —Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B., president Saint Vincent Magazine
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Stamp Honors Fred Rogers Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor, was a guest at the first day of issue stamp dedication for the Mister Rogers postage stamp, held at WQED in Pittsburgh by the station and the postal service this spring. Rick Sebak, Pittsburgh documentary producer, emceed. Guests included Joanne Rogers, John and Jim, their sons, Jim’s wife, Jeannie, and Fred’s grandson, Ian. Cast members attending included David Newell, the speedy delivery man, Mr. McFeely, and Chuck Aber, neighbor Aber. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Pittsburgh City Council member Corey O’Connor also attended. Megan J. Brennan, the 74th and first female chief executive officer of the U.S. Postal Service, spoke during the dedication. “Fifty years ago, children across the country were introduced to the comforting lessons of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Brennan said. “They learned in a safe space how to be a friend and create relationships. They learned about being kind, understanding and a good neighbor. What could make you feel better about yourself than having Mister Rogers sing ‘It’s You I Like.’ When he did, you felt it was just for you. It was heartfelt and personal. “Fred Rogers had an uncommon sense about how young children absorb ideas about civility and morality. The gentle voice, the slow pace, the sense of security gave us the unmistakable feeling that Mister Rogers was a friend. It’s a feeling shared by our nation and it’s why we honor him today.” Brennan noted that “Mister Rogers and his Neighborhood of Make-Believe made the ups and downs of life easier to understand for the youngest members of our society. A trip to the doctor. Getting frustrated with a friend. Or with a sister. And other difficult serious topics were explored and made understandable. His characters and skits gave voice to the children people saw in their daily lives. He celebrated individuality and personality. From the world of Make-Believe, characters like King Friday the 13th provided context for the emotions children felt and created teachable moments. Mister Rogers’ interactions with Mayor Maggie Saint Vincent Magazine
Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor of Saint Vincent, attended the first day stamp dedication at WQED.
and Handyman Negri made the roles and rules in society more obvious. His friendship with officer Francois Clemens gave us indirect lessons about tolerance, equality and respect. And of course, the postal service has a special affinity for the speedy delivery man, Mister McFeely. “Mister Rogers asked America’s children a deeper fundamental question,” Brennan said. “‘What makes a good neighbor?’ Fred Rogers’ answer was to embody and personify the ideals of a good neighbor. A kind friend who cares about our families, our well-being and our aspirations. The concept of being a good neighbor is near and dear to the postal service. We live, work and serve in every community in America. We’re part of the fabric of daily life. And we visit millions of homes and businesses and have personal interactions with our customers, our friends and our neighbors every day. And we know that it’s important to be a positive, friendly person and active in your community. And no one was a stronger or more effective advocate for this ideal than Fred Rogers. And that’s a worthy legacy.” Describing the new stamp, she said, “You will also notice the words ‘Forever’ and ‘USA.’ These are the words of the postal service. They’re our way of saying that Mister Rogers represents the very best of America and will do so always.” To learn more about Fred Rogers and Saint Vincent visit http://www.fredrogerscenter.org/. 7
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“Mister Rogers Was The Real Deal” —Bill Isler, C’68, President The Fred Rogers Company
Isler has many humorous, heart-warming and touching stories to tell about the man who was his boss for 20 years. He told many of those stories in a lecture, “50 Years of the Neighborhood: Reflections on my Work with Fred Rogers.” The lecture was part of the Charles G. and Anita L. Manoli Scholarship Committee Lecture Series at Saint Vincent. “He was a genuine person,” Isler said. “He was the same in real life as he was on TV.” Isler, a Saint Vincent graduate and an early childhood educator, served in the military during the Vietnam era, pursued his undergraduate degree at Saint Vincent and his master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. He initially taught at an elementary school and day care, then served in administrative positions before becoming general manager of Family Communications Inc., the producers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, in 1983. He has been involved in different capacities with a number of nonprofits, at one time serving as executive director of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media. He is the co-chair of the Governor’s Early Learning Council. Under Isler’s leadership, the Fred Rogers Company produced “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Peg + Cat,” and “Odd Squad.” The shows have thus far won a total of 17
By Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller
W
illiam Isler, C’68, likes to tell one of Fred Rogers’ favorite stories about the time he was walking through the airport in Boston and a child’s mother pointed him out as the Mister Rogers of the famed PBS television series.The boy asked him, “How did you get out of the box?” He meant the television set. In his kind and patient manner, Rogers explained to the child that not everything on TV is real, but he said, “I am real.” The boy thought for a few seconds then asked, “How are you going to get back in that box?” Saint Vincent Magazine
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Daytime Emmy Awards. He liked jokes, especially practical jokes, and he did a lot “He talked to children about the challenges of childhood,” of them in the studio. But he would draw the line at humor Isler said. “He was talking about emotional intelligence long that degraded or embarrassed another person.” before that phrase was popular.” “Rogers used to say, ‘We make mistakes, but we are not Isler added that Rogers exposed children to values, our mistakes.’ He had a lot of laughs when he messed up creativity and conflict resolution. He let them know that dance moves in a skit on his show. they were loved, cared for and in a safe space when they “A few weeks ago someone asked me if there were [any] were watching his show. He made visits to factories and other Fred Rogers in the world,” Isler said. I said yes, there shops to show children the importance of “how people are lots, but maybe not on a daily TV program. There are made things,” not how things were made. many who share his concern for children, and who share “It was not the products, but the people,” Isler said. Fred’s values.” “Rogers addressed human emotions and the challenges Isler is a former member and president of the board that children face, of directors of the and often was Pittsburgh Public inspired by his Schools. He also conversations with served on the boards them. Once a little of Saint Vincent girl asked him College, Family what to do when Health Council she was so mad of Southwestern that she wanted Pennsylvania, to bite someone. Beginning with Based on that Books, the Pittsburgh question, he wrote Cancer Institute, the a song with the Roberto Clemente lyrics, ‘What do Foundation, the you do with the American Academy of mad that you feel, Pediatrics Partnership when you feel so for Children, the mad you could Grable Foundation, few weeks ago someone asked me if there were bite?’” The Forbes Fund, the The answer is Fred Rogers Company [any] other Fred Rogers in the world. I said yes, in the lyrics, Isler and Steeltown there are lots, but maybe not on a daily TV program. said: “‘I can stop Entertainment. He when I want to, was awarded the There are many who share his concern for children, and stop when I wish.’ Saint Vincent College That was typical who share Fred’s values.” —Bill Isler, C’68 Presidential Medal of of Rogers, to help Honor in 2004. children learn that In addition to they will have negative emotions, but that they can choose his leadership role at The Fred Rogers Company, he was a better outcome.” executive director of The Fred Rogers Center for Early Rogers was concerned about what children were Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College. exposed to on television, Isler said. He called some of the In 2016 he was recognized with the PBS “Be More” programming “animated bombardment” and said, “We don’t Award, an annual tribute that celebrates individuals who have to bop somebody over the head to make drama. We embody the spirit of helping all Americans to discover more, deal with things like going for a haircut.” to experience more and to “Be More.” Rogers stressed making goodness attractive by treating The lecture series honors the late Charles G. Manoli our neighbors as we wanted ourselves to be treated, Isler Sr., and his wife Anita. Charles was Saint Vincent College said. He added that Rogers would often ask for a moment of emeritus professor of history, taught at Saint Vincent silence so that viewers could think about who in their lives for more than 40 years, was a graduate of Saint Vincent enabled them to experience the good and positive. Preparatory School (class of 1945) and Saint Vincent “Fred had a great sense of humor,” Isler said. “When he College (class of 1951). He was honored by the college with was asked about Eddie Murphy parodying him in a skit on an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in 2005. He ‘Saturday Night Live,’ he said, ‘It was fun and not mean.’ died after a brief illness on Aug. 13, 2016, at the age of 89.
“A
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From left, Dr. Steve Jodis, dean of the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing; Dr. James Kellam, biology professor; Angela Belli, director of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent and the late Father James Salberg.
By Kim Metzgar
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he thwap of another branch hit the windshield of the Kubota inches from my face. By now I was prepared for it and for the laugh of Father Jim Salberg who was driving the machine on the edge of a cornfield. Angela Belli, director of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent, sat scrunched between us on the bench seat intended for two people but which seated the three of us. Father Salberg’s farm included a large mowed area along the winding entrance drive, a large house and two barns, a grassy field and several cornfields, along which we drove on the way to the woods that he called his managed forest. Every once in a while, he slowed so that the golf cart being driven by Dr. James Kellam, biology professor at Saint Vincent since Saint Vincent Magazine
2007, and Dr. Steve Jodis, dean of the Boyer School, his passenger, could catch up. Father Salberg stopped suddenly, pointed to some blue ribbons, marking a study spot for a college student, then accelerated to an intersection of paths where we all got out. He described the woods we were about to enter, his plans for the managed forest, how Saint Vincent students were already beginning studies there and his vision of all the various ways students could make use of the property. Then we were off along a bumpy trail down into the valley in the heart of the woods, pausing to look at an old foundation, some more blue ribbons, a black walnut tree, and to give Dr. Kellam, an ornithologist, a chance to look through his binoculars for any feathered friends. Father Salberg again paused at a stream that trickled through the valley, sprinkling the tour with anecdotes of the farm’s 10
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historic uses and excited about its future. Then we headed up the hill as the golf cart’s smoother tires slipped up the grassy hill for lunch, where the priest detailed more dreams. The 110-acre De Gustibus Farm he owned near Prospect in Butler County, was recently donated to Saint Vincent Archabbey by Father Salberg, a 1969 graduate of Saint Vincent Seminary. In addition to conserving the De Gustibus Farm for future generations, the gift benefits the environmental science program at Saint Vincent College by providing a place for undergraduate research. The focus of our visit last September was to talk about his vision and to bring Saint Vincent staff members together in this new collaboration. Father Salberg paused just before we got to the house to show us a neighboring tower where bald eagles nested, then drove on, quickly switching from the Kubota to his motorized wheelchair. He didn’t get around as easily as he used to, but his joy in showing it to us was evident. There was going to be a lot of work to do to create a field research station for college students and to develop a 15week immersion course for undergraduate environmental science and biology students. This, he said, was going to be a place where they can plan, conduct and analyze data from various research projects on the property. Father Salberg was a detail-oriented person, as were the people gathered around his table for lunch. Every
topic was an exciting new possibility, every suggestion considered with care. Plans for signage at the farm, which is now The Saint Vincent College Bettie Smith Center for Research and Education, in honor of his mother, were discussed as were plans for future visits. Then the cancer struck, suddenly, early this year and Father Salberg died on March 24, 2018, too soon, much too soon. But his vision continues thanks to his longstanding friendship with the Benedictines of Saint Vincent Archabbey and with Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. Father Salberg was a Pittsburgh diocesan priest who spent 21 years as director of the Institutional Chaplaincy Program at the State Correctional Institute in Pittsburgh, from 1976 to 1997. His time there had a great influence on him and he became a lifelong advocate for marginalized members of the community, including Dismas House, which supported former offenders transitioning to community life. Archabbot Douglas, in his funeral homily for Father Salberg, noted his friend once said to him, “I expect that many of my friends will come to my funeral Mass; but a lot of my friends are in jail.” In the mid-1980s he purchased the farm from the children of two beloved friends, the late Butch and Sylvia Howard. Butch Howard had been in the business of buying and restoring properties, in addition to owning and
At left, Father James Salberg, center, with Shannon Jordan, director of Archabbey and Seminary Development, left, and David Hollenbaugh, associate vice president for Institutional Advancement at Saint Vincent College.
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managing rental properties. While Butch Howard owned many properties, the farm became an important place for him, a place where he frequently spent time with Father Salberg. In 1986, the property, which borders Moraine State Park on one side, was for sale and Father Salberg purchased it to help out the Howard family, thus beginning his next adventure. Father Salberg was appointed pastor of Saint Andrew Parish in Butler while still ministering at the prison and remained at Saint Andrew until he retired in 2013. His devotion to the farm also led to his advocacy for protecting the environment, including his involvement with Pete Seeger’s Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Organization. He became a fan of Seeger after the singer visited Saint Vincent for a concert in the 1960s and frequently went to music festivals where Seeger and others performed. Father Salberg lived at his farm with his mother, caring for her for many years, until she died in 2012 at the age of 93. During our visit to the farm, his mother’s longest-serving caregiver and friend, Louise Emmett, spoke of Father Salberg’s devotion. Bettie Salberg Smith lost her first husband, Father James’ father, in 1946, then later married Robert W. Smith, who was a father to Father Salberg as well as to Elizabeth Scott, Michael Smith and Kevin Smith. Father Salberg’s way of honoring his mother was to create an environmental center named in her honor. The center includes a barn, which will be renovated for classroom spaces, and the creation of an exhibition area that will feature nature and ecological programming. Father Salberg noted that this center will provide an opportunity for students to study forest, stream and meadow ecosystems, in addition to farm ecology. Plans for the center include developing ways to protect and enhance the forests, maintain open pastures for insect and bird habitat, and research possibilities, as well as maintaining the streams, agricultural areas and creating and constructing a natural trail system. Father Salberg provided ongoing support for the Bettie Smith Center through designated funding from the Community Foundation of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. While Father Salberg lived to see his main goal accomplished—to protect the land from commercial development well into the future while coming under the stewardship of the centuries-old Benedictine heritage of respect for the environment—his plans will progress with his guidance from above. For friends and staff members who have had the pleasure of seeing and experiencing the farm as he navigated its bumpy trails and low-hanging branches, his voice is still heard and will continue to be heard, for years to come. Saint Vincent Magazine
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Eden Hall Foundation Director Honored
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By Don Orlando
ylvia Hill Fields, executive director of the Eden Hall Foundation, told graduates and their families and friends to “believe in yourself and trust your judgment” at the December 16 commencement. Fields, a graduate of Seton Hill University, began her talk with memories about her visits to Saint Vincent as a student riding the shuttle bus between the two campuses. “I have great memories of this place,” she said. “The institution from which are you to graduate today is one timehonored, 171 years of educating and preparing leaders to take their place in this new world. An educational institution with a network that spans the globe and is noted for academic excellence and service long before community service was cool. You have chosen well.” She advised the graduates to be good listeners, “since the most effective leaders are typically the best listeners. Acknowledge the contributions of others in your achievements. No one gets there without assistance.” Fields noted that she was the first in her family to attend college and that she was the daughter of a single mother and the great granddaughter of “some who had been enslaved in this country. “Don’t be afraid to adjust your course,” she said. “When you know better, do better. It is called correction. Every now and then you need to adjust your course, especially when your current course isn’t working. Get to know folks who are different from you. Be it that they worship differently or look different from you, you might find they aren’t so different after all.” Saint Vincent Magazine
Fields is widely known as a consistent champion for women leaders in Pittsburgh and as an exemplary and effective administrator whose work is well-respected for the impact it has made on the region and beyond. As the executive director of the Eden Hall Foundation, she is a veteran grant-maker and administrator who manages the legal and financial business of the Foundation with responsibility for the allocation of more than $10 million annually in support of community and regional programs that address issues in Southwestern Pennsylvania. “Sylvia Hill Fields has been a long-time friend of Saint Vincent,” said Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor. “She has been influential in establishing educational opportunities for young people throughout the region. In her role as a major grantmaker, she has provided wisdom and guidance in the establishment of effective outreach programs for children and youth. For this work, were are proud to honor her with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.” Fields was named one of Pittsburgh’s 50 Most Influential African-American Women by the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2006, 2008 and 2009. A past YWCA Tribute to Women honoree, she has also been honored with Seton Hill University’s Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award, the Governor’s Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania Award and the Greater Pittsburgh Athena Award. She is the current board chair of the YWCA USA, treasurer of the Allegheny Regional Asset District, where she is responsible for the allocation of $93 million in Allegheny County, and vice chair of the World Affairs Council of America.
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SIX faculty members re Six faculty members received tenure this year, including DR. DEVIN FAVA, assistant professor of psychology; BROTHER ALBERT GAHR, O.S.B., assistant professor of biology; DR. STACIE NOWIKOWSKI, assistant professor of education; THOMAS OCTAVE, assistant professor of music; DR. ANTHONY SERAPIGLIA, assistant professor of computing; and DR. MICHAEL URICK, assistant professor of business administration. —By Kathryn Klawinski.
THOMAS OCTAVE Degrees: M.M., Duquesne University; B.F.A., Carnegie Mellon. Courses Taught: Music Appreciation, Art and Music of Western Culture, Ear Training and Sight-singing, Saint Vincent College Singers and Voice Lessons. What do you like about Saint Vincent? The unique experiences and opportunities faculty members and students share in their learning processes and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Memorable moment: I truly couldn’t pick one—but one that stands out for me is conducting the music for the Arnold Palmer Memorial in the Basilica. It was a great honor and it was beautiful to have students, community members and the National Coast Guard Brass Ensemble working together! What is something that most people don’t know about you? I enjoy all things Disney and Harry Potter!
Degrees: Ph.D., University of Cincinnati; M.B.A., Duquesne University; M.S.,Duquesne University; B.S., Saint Vincent College. Courses Taught: Undergraduate: Introduction to Management, Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. Graduate: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management; Organizational Culture; Operations Management; Supply Chain Management; Communication, Conflict and Diversity; and Introduction to Research Methods in Management and Operational Excellence. I also direct the Master of Science in Management: Operational Excellence program. What do you like about Saint Vincent? I love the student interactions. Working with our students makes class fun. I also did my undergraduate degree at Saint Vincent, so teaching and researching here feels like home. Memorable moment: Every day is a great day, so for me to single out one moment is almost impossible. One of my most memorable moments was my first day in the classroom. It was overwhelming at first to teach in the same classroom that I sat in for so many classes. I was impressed from day one at how polite, studious and serious our students are. I also love experiencing learning outside of the classroom. Graduate students and I have traveled to work with the University of Kentucky as well as to present at the Academy of Management conferences. I’ve also been privileged to travel and learn with undergrad students on trips around the world including to Spain, Ireland and the Czech Republic. What is something that most people don’t know about you? I’ve played trumpet and sang vocals in a jazz/retrorock band since 1998 called Neon Swing X-perience. Over the past 20 years, we’ve toured through over a dozen states and have performed with or opened for Jerry Lee Lewis, the B-52s, Eddie Money, Max Weinberg, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. We released our 20th anniversary album at the Hard Rock Café Pittsburgh on April 13. The mayor even named that date “Neon Swing X-perience” day.
DR. MICHAEL URICK
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eceive tenure Degrees: Ph.D., Kent State University; M. A., Kent State University; B.S., Denison University. Courses Taught: Statistics I, Statistics II, Biological Psychology, and Health Psychology. In Fall 2018, I will be offering Sensation and Perception for the first time! What do you like about Saint Vincent? There is a great community here. Everyone I meet is really dedicated to undergraduate education first and foremost. I really wanted to work for an institution that prioritizes undergraduate education and where faculty directly worked with the undergraduates. Here, I can prioritize undergraduate education, and even bring undergraduates into my lab as research assistants. Memorable moment: When we opened our Animal Behavior Lab in the fall of 2013, I worked with my first undergraduate research assistant. We trained an animal for a few days to do a specific task, and when the animal began performing the task, she whispered “Science!” excitedly. It’s moments when I know that I’ve successfully passed on my enthusiasm for the subject matter that make this job truly special. What is something that most people don’t know about you? I’m a huge nerd. I enjoy science fiction, fantasy and everything in between. I’m a big fan of table-top games, board games and video games. I’m also the keyboardist in a band called “Phineas Gage” with Dr. Mark Rivardo and Dr. Michael Rhodes.
DR. DEVIN FAVA
Degrees: D.Sc., Robert Morris University; M.S., Robert Morris University; B.S., Allegheny College. Courses Taught: Fluency in Information Technology, Systems Analysis and Design, Intro and Advanced Networking, Intro and Advanced Cybersecurity, Information Systems Management, Databases, Intro to C++, The Science of Computing, and this summer I will also be introducing a new class on Cybercrime in conjunction with the criminology department. What do you like about Saint Vincent? The atmosphere of intellectual curiosity fostered by both the foundation of being a liberal arts institution and very strongly by the underlying Benedictine values that run through everything. Memorable moment: For the past six years I have held a liberal arts panel discussion in the fall where I gather five or six representatives from across the schools, and even Seminary, to discuss a general topic that most students might take for granted, they know what it is, and present them with differing views from differing disciplines. The second year is my most memorable moment. The topic was “Knowledge—What does it mean to you? Your Discipline? Your Faith?”—and at the start of the discussion there were over 100 people overflowing the Luparello Lecture Hall. It really did bring a tear to my eye to see that a philosophical topic for a discussion panel held by a junior faculty member from the CIS Department could draw that well. It proved to me that those tenets I mentioned above—“Philosophical Habit” and “Intellectual Curiosity” don’t just exist at SVC, but they truly are strong. What is something that most people don’t know about you? Since 1995 I have been involved as a master of ceremonies for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. In the 1990s I hosted “Jazz in the Afternoon” on WDUQ in Pittsburgh. Also, I originally thought upon leaving high school that I would end up as a sports writer in the vein of Roger Kahn and become a beat reporter for a baseball team—the Indians in a dream scenario.
DR. ANTHONY SERAPIGLIA
Saint Vincent Magazine
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receive tenure SIX BROTHER ALBERT
Degrees: Ph.D., West Virginia University; M.A., Saint Vincent Seminary; B.S., Saint Vincent College. Courses Taught: General Biology I and Lab, General Biology II and Labs, Cell Biology and Lab, Developmental Biology and Lab. What do you like about Saint Vincent? When I was a student here, I could see that this campus was different than the colleges that my friends were attending. At the time I may not have been able to exactly put my finger on what made it different, but after graduation and studying at West Virginia University, I began to understand that the community and the support of the faculty and the staff was the difference. Since returning, I have been able to understand that this sense of community draws from a true Benedictine aspect of the college. It is interesting that since coming back, how many individuals that I had gone to college with have either remained as part of the college community or have gone out into the world only to return. I have always suspected that unique community of Saint Vincent could not be duplicated elsewhere in the world. Memorable moment: There have been several occasions where I have been present when students have had a ‘light bulb moment.’ After spending almost an hour explaining a complex biological concept to a student, all of a sudden, the student’s eyes light up. It is as if a light bulb appears above their head. They finally understand and can explain back to you the concept that you have been describing to them. I have found that this not only helps the students but is often important for me to find better ways to explain the concept in the future. What is something that most people don’t know about you? Since coming to the community I have been able to continue some hobbies that I had before, including gardening, and have been able to develop new ones, such as brewing beer and knitting.
GAHR, O.S.B.
Degrees: D. Ed., Indiana University of Pennsylvania; M.Ed, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; B.S., Slippery Rock. Courses Taught: Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, Teaching of Math and Science for Middle-Level Learners, and Educational Testing. I also supervise pre-student and student teachers. What do you like about Saint Vincent? For me, the connection to SVC comes from the people. There is kindness, respect and a dynamic family connection that doesn’t end with graduation. So many of our students stay in contact, and we get to see the wonderful things they are accomplishing. It makes the experience lifelong and unique. Memorable moment: I love the pomp and circumstance of graduation and getting to see the students’ happiness at beginning their “new” lives, but my all-time favorite each year belongs to the SVC Wraps event that is sponsored by the Early Childhood Club, Education Department and the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau. Every year in December, the department’s students and faculty shop and wrap presents for underprivileged children. The spirit of giving that is in the air at that two-day event always brings the purpose of the holiday season into perspective for me. What is something that most people don’t know about you? I considered a career in music. I used to be very active in musical theater and choirs during my young adult years, performing in many of the community theaters of Westmoreland County. I was even an All-State Musician for Choir in high school, but then I found the classroom and realized that music was more of a personal love and hobby for me than something I wanted to do as my work. Saint Vincent Magazine
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DR. STACIE NOWIKOWSKI
SPRING 2018
DR. MCMAHON RECEIVES THOBURN EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
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r. Christopher McMahon, associate professor of theology, was presented with the Thoburn Excellence in Teaching Award at the annual Founders’ Day Honors Convocation on November 16, in recognition of his excellence in teaching, dedicated service to students and his commitment to the Benedictine values of Saint Vincent. The Thoburn Award is made possible by a gift from the late Thomas W. Thoburn Jr. and Tina Thoburn, D.Ed., Ligonier educators and philanthropists. Nominations for this award are made by alumni five to seven years after graduation. Alumni are invited to name one member of the faculty who has made a significant impact on them through their teaching and personal interactions. “This provides a clear indication of the long-lasting impact that our faculty members have on our students,” said Dr. John Smetanka, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean, who made the presentation, along with Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., president. McMahon earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and theology from the University of Scranton after serving in the U.S. Army infantry. He then earned a master of arts degree in theology from Saint Mary’s Seminary and University and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America. Before coming to Saint Vincent he was on the faculty at two other Benedictine Colleges, Mount Marty College, Yankton, South Dakota and the University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota. “At Saint Vincent, Dr. McMahon is a master teacher, award-winning coach and champion for service-learning both locally through his First Theology course sections and internationally with his course, ‘Living Theology in Guatemala’,” Smetanka said. “At the beginning of this semester, Dr. McMahon was called upon by his peers to address the entire first-year class. His talk was entitled ‘Making Time for What Really Matters.’ He certainly practices what he preaches. “In addition to pouring his all into his classes, Dr. McMahon has served as the assistant and then head coach for the women’s tennis team,” Smetanka said. “He was Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) coach of the year in 2012 while leading his team to secure the title of PAC champions. Dr. McMahon will be assuming the position of NCAA faculty athletic representative. Dr. McMahon’s students provide a window into his classroom. They routinely describe him as ‘very energetic,’ ‘enthusiastic,’ ‘engaging,’ ‘funny,’ and ‘able to keep us awake for those early morning classes.’ “A former student shared that ‘Dr. McMahon creates an environment in which controversial and possibly uncomSaint Vincent Magazine
President Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B., presents the Thoburn Excellence in Teaching Award to Dr. Christopher McMahon, associate professor of theology. fortable topics can be meaningfully addressed by everyone.’ Another shared that ‘I love the personal connections he makes and the positive preaching he integrates into the course.’ Finally, another graduate in First Theology wrote that ‘Dr. McMahon is wonderful—crazy, but wonderfully so—he stimulated my interest in theology and prepared me not just for the exams but for life as well’,” Smetanka said. “I learned early in my teaching career that ‘to teach is to fail,’ and sometimes to fail spectacularly,” McMahon said. “To the administration, my colleagues Jason King, Patricia Sharbaugh, Catherine Petrany, Nathan Munsch and to my former and current students, all of whom have given me permission to fail and thereby the opportunity to succeed, I would like to express profound gratitude for creating this community of learning and for allowing me to share in it.” McMahon has served as president of the Saint Vincent Faculty Council and is the author or co-author of several books including Understanding Jesus: Christology from Emmaus to Today, Reading the Gospels: Biblical Interpretation in the Catholic Tradition, Called Together: An Introduction to Ecclesiology and Finding Salvation in Christ. For the past nine years McMahon has also worked with Kelly King, the director of the Saint Vincent Office of Service Learning and Community Outreach, to lead annual service-learning trips to Guatemala. 17
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2018
Upcoming
Events
Saint Vincent Prep Reunion 1 p.m. Saturday, June 9
Pleasure Acres Farm, New Alexandria. Hosts: George & Barbara Martin, P’59 Contact: Alumni Office, 724-805-2568.
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre: Harvey May 24, to June 10 Robert S. Carey Student Center www.svst.org.
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre: Nunsense June 28 to July 15 Theatre Gala Friday, June 29 Robert S. Carey Student Center www.svst.org.
Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp
For dates: http://www.stvincent.edu/ community-events/events/pittsburgh-steelerstraining-camp.
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre: Leading Ladies August 2 to August 19 Robert S. Carey Student Center www.svst.org.
Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday, September 15
Bearcat Football versus Westminster at 1 p.m. Saturday at Chuck Noll Field. Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner at 6 p.m.
Occidental Gypsy, Jazz Saint Vincent College Concert Series 7 p.m. Saturday, September 22 Robert S. Carey Student Center.
McCarl Gallery History Dinner Theater: Alexander Hamilton 6-9 p.m. Friday, September 28
Fred M. Rogers Center Banquet Room A/B www.mccarlgallery.org.
Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend October 5 to 7 Alumni of Distinction on Friday, October 5. Bearcat Football versus Thiel at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 6 at Chuck Noll Field. Other activities throughout campus.
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre: Home for the Holidays, A Christmas-Style Concert December 14 to 16
MITCH FARRELL RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S AWARD President Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., presented senior Mitchell G. Farrell of Lower Burrell with the President’s Award at the annual spring Honors Convocation. Farrell is a 2014 graduate of Saint Joseph High School, Natrona Heights. Active in the Student Government Association, he has also served as a member of the Orientation Committee and the Middle States Committee. A Dean’s List student, Farrell is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Delta Mu Delta Honor Society and received a Student Leadership and Service Award. He has volunteered for three service trips to Haiti, serves as director of the Banana Project, is a member of the Saint Vincent College Singers and has performed in several productions by the Saint Vincent College Players. He has been featured soloist on many occasions on campus and played the leading role in Beauty and the Beast.
SCHOLARS PROGRAM FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE Saint Vincent College was awarded a $212,000 grant by the Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) program of the Henry Luce Foundation to increase the number of women who enroll and graduate as leaders in computing, engineering science and physics through the Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program. Saint Vincent is one of only 11 colleges and universities in the United States awarded grants this year. Four female students majoring in computing, engineering science or physics will be selected—two in 2018 and two in 2019—as CBL Scholars. CBL Scholars will participate in a summer research program or the Clare Boothe Luce Scholar STEM Module Development Summer Program. The scholars will work with a faculty member to develop modules for use in middle and high school programming that encourages young women to pursue STEM fields. For the research component, scholars can apply for a summer assignment through the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program or at a national laboratory initiative or will be paired with a faculty member conducting summer research. Scholars will serve as Collaborative Learning Program leaders or tutors. In addition, they will participate in activities the College hosts each year for high school students, such as the Pasta Engineering Bridge Competition or Cybersecurity Day. They also will participate in Get Acquainted Days to meet and talk with women interested in the selected majors. Each junior Scholar will mentor 1-3 first-year female students majoring in the CBL Scholars’ fields. Clare Boothe Luce (1903-1987) was instrumental in establishing the Atomic Energy Commission and was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Italy (1953), becoming the first American woman to represent her country to a major world power. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Luce to the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, and in 1983, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Robert S. Carey Student Center www.svst.org.
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MANAGEMENT PROGRAM RATED NATIONALLY The Master of Science in Management: Operational Excellence degree program has been ranked among the top 100 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Non-MBA Business Graduate Programs. The rankings assess master’s-level business degree programs that are not MBA programs including degrees in accounting, finance, insurance, marketing and management. The rankings are based on student engagement, admission selectivity, peer reputation, faculty credentials and training, student services and training, data reporting and peer assessments.
HOLOWATY RECEIVES WIMMER AWARD Thomas C. Holowaty, associate professor of accounting, was presented the Boniface Wimmer Award at the spring honors convocation. A certified public accountant, Holowaty taught updated tax courses for continued professional accreditation to area CPAs. He has his own accounting practice and is also a senior accountant with Richard B. Guskiewicz & Associates. He is presently the hockey coach of the Saint Vincent College Varsity Team.
SECRETARY DUNN: CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE Cindy Adams Dunn, third from left, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), visited Saint Vincent College recently for a talk about the department’s efforts to prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with potential climate impacts to Pennsylvania. Welcoming her were, from left, Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., president; Dr. Caryl Fish, professor of chemistry and chairperson of the integrated science department; and Angela Belli, director of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College. The talk was given in conjunction with a day-long Conversation on Climate and Conservation.
KOCIAN PRESENTED WITH QUENTIN SCHAUT AWARD President Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., presented Dr. Eric Kocian, assistant professor of criminology, law and society, with the Quentin Schaut Faculty Award at the spring honors convocation. Kocian recently presented the results of an opioid addiction research study conducted in Westmoreland County on how to effectively combat the opioid crisis in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. He received the award from Justin Hoffman, Student Government Association president.
Saint Vincent Magazine
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Bibiana Boerio Receives Presidential Medal Of Honor
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ibiana Boerio, an She learned the values executive with a of family, faith, hard work diverse international and education from her background in business, family, and recognized “the education and government, common good of strong received the Presidential communities.” Medal of Honor at the spring Her Catholic education honors convocation. A memadded more building blocks, ber of the board of directors including “outstanding of Saint Vincent College, she academic discipline in the is leading a special project sciences, math, English and to finalize plans for the new French languages. Another learning commons at the building block was the develLatimer Family Library. opment of new dimensions Boerio has served as a of faith—within the language senior automotive and finanof Vatican II. For me, sevcial services leader, as chief eral of those key dimensions of staff for a member of the were defined and later deU.S. House of Representaveloped at Seton Hill within Bibiana Boerio, a member of the Saint Vincent College tives and as interim presithe framework of Catholic Board of Directors, and Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B., dent of Seton Hill University. College president. social teaching.” A native of Latrobe, she lives Boerio started her career in Unity Township and serves as a member and officer in corporate finance with Ford, then moved into positions of several non-profit educational and community service of broader responsibility, including managing director of organizations. Jaguar. She became known on Capitol Hill as chief of staff Boerio earned a bachelor of science degree with highfor Congressman Joe Sestak, and was nominated by Presest honors in home economics with a concentration in ident Barack Obama to be the director of the U.S. Mint. merchandising, textiles and design from Seton Hill College Instead she came home to help care for her mother, and and was awarded a master’s degree in business adminthen to serve as the interim president of Seton Hill. She istration with a concentration in finance/accounting from made the decision to stay here in Latrobe, she said, “in the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business. large part because of the Saint Vincent Benedictine ComBoerio has served in a number of business, civic, munity—particularly Brother Norman, Archabbot Douglas government service and educational leadership posiand Father Thomas Curry. Through their support, I knew I tions including managing director of Jaguar Cars, the first really had come home again. woman to hold that post. She also was special adviser to “So what’s the point of this rambling about little steps the president and chief executive officer, Detroit Regional and big leaps? The message is that you never know what Chamber of Commerce; chief of staff for U.S. representamight come next; you never know how some piece of your tive Joe Sestak; and director of finance and other adminlife can serve as the next building block that opens up istrative posts, Ford Motor Company. She recently won the the next new phase. The call to action: You need to keep Democratic nomination for Congress in the 14th District of learning, be open to new possibilities and challenges.” Pennsylvania. Quoting President John F. Kennedy, who visited the Boerio gave the convocation address, titled “A Little Girl campus 60 years ago, she said, “‘I would urge therefore, from a Little Town—Or Who Says You Can Never Go Home that each of you, regardless of your chosen occupation, Again?” Tracing her life story from a 1995 move to Engconsider entering the field of politics at some stage in land to serve as finance director of Jaguar Cars Ltd., she your career. It is not even necessary that you be successsaid she found the equivalent of Latrobe in South Warful. I ask only that you offer your talents to the political wickshire, where she made her home. She described the arena, and to the critical problems of our society ... the journey as a series of small steps, “each one building on benefits of the talents which society has helped to develop the other. And coming from a foundation with two strong in you.’ He concluded: ‘It is the duty of the scholar ... to cornerstones—my family and my grounding in Catholic contribute his objective views and his sense of liberty to education through grade school, high school and college.” the affairs of his state and nation’.” Saint Vincent Magazine
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Architect’s concept of the expanded Latimer Library at Saint Vincent College.
Groundbreaking For Latimer Family Library Expansion Construction will be underway soon on the $22 million brary loan and bibliographic instruction, conventional and renovation and expansion of the Latimer Family Library. compact stacks, small-group study rooms, printer-copier Like other institutions sponsored by monks of the Order devices and an open social space at the entrance. of Saint Benedict, Saint Vincent has traditionally granted There will also be solitary study spaces, group study a place of honor to its library and has continued that rooms, library staff offices, three art galleries, a gallery tradition for more than 60 years by providing a climatevideo exhibit room, book exhibition and storage area. controlled repository of the institution’s bibliographic holdings and a continually growing resource in support of the college’s teaching mission. The expansion project will transform the library into a 21st-century learning commons and technology hub, leverage new technologies to enhance teaching and distance-learning capabilities, and improve the preservation and display of the College and Archabbey art and rare book collections. The project will add four new classrooms, a computer laboratory, service desk, Taking part in the recent groundbreaking for the Latimer Family Library $22 million open social space with Baris- renovation were, from left, Alan Hohlfelder, architect, MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni; ta Café, writing and tutoring Brother David Kelly, O.S.B., library director; Linda McKenna Boxx, member of the center, instructional technol- Saint Vincent College Board of Directors; Luke Latimer, representing the Latimer ogy offices, video production family; Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor; Bibiana Boerio, member of suite and small-group collab- the College board who is co-chair of the project steering committee; J. Christopher orative and study rooms. Donahue, chairman of the College board; and Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B., College There will be an expanded president. The library project is part of the Forward, Always Forward Campaign at Saint circulation area for interliVincent. Read more on the following pages. Saint Vincent Magazine
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Forward, Always Forward
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Library Project To Take Information-Gathering Into The Future
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t the Forward, Always Forward campaign announcement on Dec. 1, 2017, much of the excitement focused on the next step of the campaign: renovation of the Latimer Family Library into a technology information center for the entire campus. The transformation of the library will support the integration of technology within the context of the liberal arts, to foster more effective use of technology in the educational process and help our students meet the challenges and opportunities of our increasingly technological age. The renovation and expansion will bring together the content, tools and services of the library, the four Schools and the College’s Information Technology department to create a digital learning center along the academic corridor connecting the Dupré Science Pavilion with the Fred M. Rogers Center. The library will house a variety of media to support teaching and learning, research and scholarship, including expanded access to electronic resources and instructional technology, collaborative workspaces for faculty and students and interactive suites for small group study. Key elements of the library’s traditional role will be preserved, including access to selected print collections and the provision of climatecontrolled storage and display areas for Saint Vincent’s rare book and other special collections that are unique resources for scholars from the College and throughout the world. It will also feature an exhibit space for Saint Vincent’s collection of work by Roman Verostko, professor emeritus of Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the “grandfather of algorithmic art,” as well as pre-Gutenberg press books, an early copy of The Canterbury Tales and art from Bavaria brought by founder Boniface Wimmer. The rapid acceleration of digital resources has made thoughtful use of technology an essential skill in both teaching and research. While technology has immense potential to advance both education and society, there is a critical need for the principles and values of the classic liberal arts tradition to ensure that technology is used both effectively and ethically in the generations to come.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II addresses the audience during the campaign announcement on Dec. 1, 2017, at Heinz Field.
Scholarships Build Endowment
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ne of the highest priorities for Saint Vincent College is increasing our ability to provide for students who have financial need. Part of the Forward, Always Forward comprehensive campaign is designed to do just that through building the College’s endowment. The gifts that have been made to create our endowment serve as the principal for generating income—most of which is used to provide scholarship aid to our students each and every year. An endowed scholarship can begin at $25,000 and can be started by an individual, a family or a group. The College has separate endowed scholarship funds ranging from $25,000 to amounts in the millions. Endowed funds are often established in honor or memory of a family member, professor, Benedictine, graduating class or area of study. Recently, we have begun endowed scholarships such as: The Veteran Scholarship honoring military personnel who have served the United States; the Erik and Rebecca Agostoni Family Scholarship in honor and memory of their parents and grandparents; the Richard Guskiewicz Memorial Scholarship, established by many friends and former students in his memory; and the Professor Peter M. Hutchinson Scholarship, established by several members of the class of 2010 and other alumni and friends, in celebration of the retirement of Dr. Hutchinson, an outstanding economics professor and member of the Class of 1968. There are many, many others. Saint Vincent’s endowment, in total, currently amounts to a little more than $100 million. Through the Forward, Always Forward campaign, our goal is to add $40 million to the endowment. Of the $70 million raised to date, $23 million has been designated as endowed funds by donors. Whether you may like to support the general endowment of the College with a gift of any size, or establish your own endowed fund, please contact 724-805-2590 or david.hollenbaugh@stvincent.edu to discuss your gift. Funding Saint Vincent College’s endowment in all of these ways is vital support for providing for the education experience of our current and future students. Your help in increasing this important investment will make a difference now and for generations to come.
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SAINT VINCENT
A MESSAGE from the campaign director Dear friends of Saint Vincent,
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hen a company “goes public” on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ, there is celebration for everything that has taken them to that point and great excitement for future plans and goals. A capital campaign follows a similar course and is perhaps even more exciting since as alumni and friends, we are so closely tied to it. On Dec. 1, 2017, we celebrated Saint Vincent College’s “public launch” of our Forward, Always Forward campaign—it was a great day for the College. At that event, we were pleased to announce that we had raised $67 million of our goal of $100 million for building projects, endowment growth and current program funding. Today, with your help, we are moving beyond $70 million and climbing! You have likely read about the launch and the initiatives of the campaign in the fall and winter issue of Saint Vincent magazine and you may even have seen some of the spectacular media coverage highlighting our campaign announcement from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. (For media links please visit our website at www.stvincent.edu/forward. The public launch signifies for our entire Saint Vincent community that we are moving forward from a very active phase of planning, organizing, developing projects and gathering momentum in financial support, to a stage of growing awareness and highlighting the impact that these projects and initiatives will have for our College and our students. It is also an important time to invite you to join us to achieve our ultimate campaign goal of $100 million. We are grateful for the strong response we have received so far. Every gift makes a difference. As you read this campaign update and look forward to the future progress reports we will provide, please consider how you can participate with gifts or pledges, and help provide the facilities, academics, scholarship support and other programs that make Saint Vincent a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience. I welcome any questions you may have and I would be glad to provide you with any additional information you may need. We thank you and encourage your commitment in supporting the important components of our campaign for the benefit of our students and faculty, now and into the future. To discuss your gift, please contact me at 724-805-2590 or david. hollenbaugh@stvincent.edu. All the best to you from all of us at Saint Vincent. Sincerely,
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$71 Million Raised
If you would like to support the renovation and expansion of the Latimer Family Library, or any of our other campaign priorities, please contact David M. Hollenbaugh, associate vice president for Institutional Advancement and campaign director, at 724-805-2590 or david.hollenbaugh@ stvincent.edu. n n n n n n n n n
David Hollenbaugh Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
and Campaign Director
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FIFTY YEARS OF SAINT VINCENT SUMMER THEATRE PHONE FOR BROCHURE, SHOW TIMES AND BOX OFFICE DETAILS:
724-537-8900 | stvincent.edu/summertheatre
HARVEY
Make plans now to attend the 29th annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala on Friday, June 29, in the Robert S. Carey Student Center. It will be a festive evening of gourmet food and professional theatre hosted by a select committee of theatre supporters. All proceeds benefit the Saint Vincent Summer Theatre. To receive an invitation or obtain further details,contact the Saint Vincent Archabbey Events Office, 724-805-2901.
NUNSENSE
By Mary Chase
By Dan Goggin
“You don’t have to be Catholic to love Nunsense!”
“This winsome comedy about a lovable eccentric and his 6-foot-3 ½-inch-tall friend is sure to cast a satisfying spell.”
- Entertainment Tonight
– NY Times
Preview: June 28
June 29 to July 15
Preview: May 24
May 25 to June 10
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
LEADING LADIES By Ken Ludwig
A CHRISTMAS-STYLE CONCERT CELEBRATION
By Greggory Brandt
“Ludwig’s farce is so funny that it will make sophisticated and reasonable men and women of the 21st century cackle ‘til their faces hurt.”
This holiday revue will celebrate the Christmas season with more than 20 classic holiday selections!
– Houston Press
Dec. 14 to 16
Preview: Aug. 2
Aug. 3 to 19
Saint Vincent Magazine
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The Saint Vincent men’s lacrosse team lost to second-seeded Transylvania in the Ohio River Lacrosse Conference championship. The Bearcats finished with a 15-4 overall record, a new single-season high for the program. The Bearcats also put together a school record 12-game winning streak leading up to the championship game. Season highlights included Anthony Hogeback becoming the school’s all-time career leader in assists, in a 12-5 Bearcat win over Washington & Jefferson College. He tallied six in that game, surpassing the school record of 101 and finishing with 107. Jeremy Kennedy set a new single-season goals record in a 13-10 victory over Hanover College. Kennedy recorded five goals in the contest, pushing his season total to 56, helping him break Nick Pensyl’s old record of 52, set in 2015. He finished at 61, and also set a new single-season points record, surpassing Pensyl’s total of 75 and finishing with 84. He was named Offensive Player of the Week numerous times. The team scored a new single-game high goals record as they defeated Earlham College 32-0.
Lacrosse team members include seniors Michael Grus, Saint John’s Catholic Prep, Maryland; Anthony Hogeback, Brunswick, Maryland; Ian Irvin, Pine Richland; Connor McMillen, Medina, Ohio; Alex Mueser, Vincentian Academy; Hunter Sharp, Saint Thomas More, Maryland; Ryan Sosnak, Monroe Township, New Jersey; Granville Wagner, Fallston, Maryland and John Wohlin, Franklin Regional. Junior team members include Luke Falvo, Bethel Park; Ryan Filyo, Saint John’s Catholic Prep, Maryland; Keith Findle, Greater Latrobe; Jeremy Kennedy, Pine Richland; Ross Labuskes, Norwin; Michael Layton, Peters Township; Eric Seader, Cumberland Valley; Michael Sterling, York Catholic; Anthony Tommarello, Vincentian Academy and Zach Wisniewski, Gateway. Sophomores on the team include Anthony Abbondanza, North Allegheny; Nick Bohn, Saint Mary’s Ryken, Maryland; Frank Casile, Plum; Stone Haberstroh, Freeport; Jakob Lefchik, Plum; Jake Lex, Butler Area; Brandon Martin, Butler Area; Zach Novelli, Pine-Richland; Jared Panza, Shaler Area; Ben Price, Moon Area; Colton Scott, Trinity; Tyler Sosnak, Monroe Township, New Jersey; Jon Succop, Vincentian Academy and Kevin Tregoning, Paint Branch, Maryland. Freshmen on the team include Collin Batenga, Saint Vincent Pallotti, Maryland; Paul Dick, York Catholic; Kris Masiello, Grand Island, New York; Hunter Mixell, Red Land; Kyle Pope, Saint Maria Goretti, West Virginia; Matt Wilson, Trinity. The team is coached by Peter Tulk, head coach, and assistants Ryan Riesmeyer, Tom Duman, Vince Mangini and Mike Evans.
The women’s golf team earned its first PAC title with a convincing 32-stroke victory, and advanced to the NCAA National Championship for the first time in school history, finishing 24th. Sydney Ball shot an 87 in the final round, tied for the lowest score of the day, and was named All-PAC First Team. Angela Bialas was 6th overall on the day with a 91. Maddie Leya, Angela Bialas and Meg Birmingham (9th), earned All-PAC Second Team honors. Sara Norton was named All-PAC Honorable Mention and to the All-PAC Sportsmanship team. Bearcat head coach Tom Cline was named Coach of the Year. From left, the PAC champs are Meg Birmingham, Maddie Leya, Assistant Coach Laura Mallery, Head Coach Dr. Thomas Cline, Angela Bialas, Sydney Ball and Sara Norton.
Saint Vincent Magazine
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By Micaela Kreuzwieser
The Saint Vincent women’s swim team season came to a close with a runner-up finish against Grove City College in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships that ran from February 15 to 17 in Grove City. The team concluded the competition with an overall score of 713, the highest in team history, beating Westminster College, Chatham University, Washington & Jefferson and Bethany. Prior to the final meet, the team had reigned unbeaten for the entirety of the season before finishing in second place in Grove City. Josh Gurekovich, head swim coach, noted that “the team has worked extremely hard all season in the pool and weight room with (strength and conditioning) Coach John Bell. They have pushed each other to become better swimmers and athletes all year, and it has really paid off so far.” All swimmers attend at least six two-hour long practices a week in the
Women’s swimming team members included front, from left, Nicolette Smith, a sophomore from Willows Academy; Carly Grove, a sophomore from Bishop Carroll; Maddie Bartrug, a junior from South Fayette; Samantha Mears, a junior from Gateway; Casi Smith, a senior from Norwin; Carolyn Welka, a junior from Hampton and Jill Cline, a junior from Greater Latrobe. Middle, from left, Sarah Sheldon, a junior from Gateway; Ciara Lewis, a junior from Elizabeth Forward; Bayle Shreve, a junior from Connellsville; senior Chloe Faris from Laurel Highlands; Hannah Barkey, a junior from Franklin Regional; Judith Anne Purdy, a freshman from Carlisle and Gabby Bobak, a senior from Indiana. Back, from left, Jake Dacus, assistant swimming coach; Claire Kenna, a sophomore from Seton School; Skylar Piper, a sophomore from Ligonier Valley; Kelly Kramer, a senior from Bethel Park; Gianna Boburka, a senior from Our Lady of Sacred Heart; Tyla Jackson, a freshman from Elizabeth Seton; Marion D’Aurora, a freshman from Saint Marys Ryken; Mauriella Keith a freshman from Colonel Zadok Magruder; and Josh Gurekovich, head coach. Team members attaining Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) honors included Kramer, Bartrug, Sheldon, Lewis and D’Aurora, First-Team selections. Barkey, Kenna and Grove were lauded as Second-Team selections. water, in addition to two weight training days a week. “Throughout the year, we try to give them little goals to achieve each
Jonathan Prichard claimed his third straight conference Player of the Year award after winning the individual championship in first singles at the PAC Men’s Tennis Championships, which were hosted in Erie. Saint Vincent finished fourth in the team standings at the annual event. Prichard is the league’s first player to earn PAC Player of the Year honors in three-straight seasons since Grove City’s Patrick Donahue (2001-03). The team was 8-9 overall, 5-3 in the conference.
Saint Vincent Magazine
week. This helps keep each individual motivated so they can see themselves getting better throughout the season,” Gurekovich said. “At the beginning of the season, the women’s team had a meeting where we discussed our goal to be undefeated this season,” said team member Nicolette Smith, a sophomore English major. Smith swims in butterfly and individual medley events such as the 400 and 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly. 26
“Each swim meet, we raced to our best ability and it shows how hard we have worked this season,” she added. “I think I speak for all the girls when I say that all the hard work has paid off.” “We have had so many great swims this year and amazing meets by everyone on the team,” Gurekovich said. “I think our captains Gianna Boburka and Ciara Lewis have done a fantastic job of getting these women motivated and confident each week we had a meet.” SPRING 2018
By Kathryn Klawinski
The Saint Vincent women’s bowling team may only be a few months old, but the players are already leaving their mark. After one season of play, the team finished the season 25-26, almost breaking even. Coached by Jeff Zidek, the team is made up of eight bowlers, three freshmen, four seniors and one gradu-
ate student. The freshmen were recruited for the team, and the other five, since the team was new, joined despite little previous bowling experience. The two top bowlers for the year were Samm Firestone, C’17, who is a graduate student in Instruction Design and Technology, and Dani Koehler, a freshman engineering science major. One of the biggest
The men’s swimming team finished third in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and had eight men selected as all-league performers. The All-PAC swimming and diving teams are determined by a formula-based selection process using student-athletes’ individual and relay finishes at the conference’s annual championships. Leading the way were senior Alex Bolen, junior Jacob Davis and freshmen Zach Baum and John Martin. SecondTeam selections were senior Adam Gordish, senior Kam Faychak, junior Michael Marinchak and freshman Kevin Martin. Davis became the first swimmer in school history to qualify for the Division III NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. He earned the program’s first-ever PAC Men’s Swimmer of the Year Award after claiming conference titles in the 50 Free, the 100 free, the 200 free, the 200 free relay and the 400 free relay. He qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 50 free, with a school record time of 20.29. That time ranks as the eighth best nationally entering the NCAA meet. He also qualified for the NCAA Championship in the 100 free, after posting a school record and conference record time of 44.36. His time in the 100 free ranks as the seventh best nationally among the qualifiers for the NCAA Championship. By finishing in seventh place in the Men’s 100 Freestyle Championship Finals Davis becomes the first All-American swimmer in the 14-year history of the Saint Vincent swimming program. Davis helped Saint Vincent accumulate 12 team points to finish in 39th place out of 66 teams who were represented at the event.
Saint Vincent Magazine
matches was at a tournament in Buffalo during their first weekend. The Bearcats won 4-1 against undefeated Roberts Wesleyan College— which gave the team a confidence boost. For Firestone, that weekend was about more than the tournament. “It allowed us the time we needed to bond together as a team for the rest of the season.” Another major match was at the Saint Francis Invitational, where the keglers won three of five games against Kutztown State, a well-established Division II program. Firestone carried over her experience from the golf team. “We grew as a team and between the eight of us, we formed friendships that will last outside of the bowling team, which is what collegiate athletics is all about.” Koehler came as an experienced bowler to a brandnew team.
“I came in knowing this was a developing team. Coach Zidek kept saying our first year might be a little rough but by your junior year the team will be wellestablished. I did not regret this decision. I was able to place in the top seven in every tournament and won two. I’m very excited for next year.” She finished first and was the tournament most valuable player in the Brother Patrick Lacey Memorial, held at Hillview Lanes in Greensburg. The team placed third among eight teams. The team hopes to continue its success into next year. Even with few home matches, students and administrators have shown support for the team. Koehler hopes to lead the team as it moves past its freshman season. “I want my team to do well, but all I want is my team to give 110 percent.”
Senior Laurence Jaross set a new Presidents’ Athletic Conference record with a time of 1:52.50 in the 800 Meter Run at the PAC Championships, hosted by Westminster College. Jaross recorded one of three top-3 finishes for the Bearcats at the annual conference meet. Also in the 800, Frankie King captured third place with a time of 1:56.96, while Eli Urban took second place in the 1500, in 4:05.08. The women’s track team took part in a limited number of events at the PAC Championships, finishing 9th overall. The Bearcats recorded three third place finishes, two from Maggie Czapski and one from Jessica Brinker. Czapski captured third place in the 1500 meters in 4:54.08, which was a new school record. Czapski also finished third in the 5000, 18:46.05. Brinker finished third in the 3000 Steeplechase, crossing the wire in 12:11.00. Three events will occur following the semester’s end, including the Mideast Invitational on May 17.
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David Stephen, a freshman guard from Dr. Phillips High School, Winter Garden, Florida, was one member of a strong freshman class, averaging 7.0 points per game. The men’s basketball team finished the season 16-10, 13-5 in conference play, placing third behind Thomas More, 16-2, and Bethany, 14-4. Tom Kromka led the team with an 11.3 points per game average, followed by Matt D’Amico, 10.5 and Jason Capco, 7.4. Kromka also was the top rebounder, with 184,
followed by D’Amico with 88 boards. Mike Simmons scored 18 in a home opener win against Hiram, but the Bearcats were upset by Chatham in the PAC opener, 70-64. Victories over conference foes Washington and Jefferson, 77-62, and Waynesburg, 69-52, helped freshman Kyle Evans win the PAC
The name of Nicholas S. Troilo, C’52, was inadvertently omitted from the roster of the Tangerine Bowl Team in the last issue. Anthony Troilo, his son, notes that his father intercepted two passes in the bowl game and was named co-captain of the 1950 football team. Jack “Steck” Stechschulte, P’52, notes that Jack Heimbuecher kicked the extra point that won the Tangerine Bowl on January 1, 1950, and his name was also inadvertently omitted from the listing in the Athletic Hall of Fame recognition article.
Saint Vincent Magazine
Rookie of the Week award in early December. Four more conference wins over Bethany, Grove City, Thiel and Westminster put the Bearcats at a 7-1 conference mark and in a tie for the top spot with Thomas More in midJanuary. During that stint freshman David Stephen was selected as PAC and Eastern College Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week honors. After losing to Thomas More, the team returned the favor to Chatham, winning 62-46, then beat Washington & Jefferson, Geneva and Waynesburg before losing to Grove City. Evans took home his second Rookie of the Week honor. But losses to Grove City, Bethany and Westminster hurt, even with the team beating rival Thomas More 65-50 as the season’s end neared. The team concluded its season with a heartbreaking loss to Geneva, 80-78, in overtime with 1.4 seconds left in the first round of the PAC playoffs. Kromka was named First Team All-Conference for the second consecutive season. Kromka was the leading scorer for Saint Vincent in 10 different games this season, including when he tallied a career-high 22 points against Geneva in the quarterfinals. He also tallied four doubledoubles during the season. Sophomore guard Josh
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Duda was selected as the team’s representative on the All-PAC Sportsmanship team. Though listed as a senior this year, Kromka, a Gateway High School graduate, is expected to return for the 201819 season to finish his eligibility.
The men’s golf team wrapped up the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship with a fourthplace finish among eight schools competing. Nate Yackovich earned All-PAC First Team honors. Jimmy Dolan was named All-PAC Second Time and J.P. Duffy was named to the All-PAC Sportsmanship team.
The baseball team finished third in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference this year, with a 10-6 conference record, and 14-16 overall. In addition to receiving PAC Baseball Rookie of the Week honors, freshman pitcher Matt Evans was named Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) South Baseball Rookie of the Week. Junior Bobby Finn received conference Hitter of the Week honors during the season. Finn led the team with a .394 batting average, including nine home runs. Sophomore pitcher Jimmy Malone also earned PAC Pitcher of the Week honors. Malone and Evans both finished with 4-1 records. The team is losing only four seniors.
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The women’s basketball team completed a stellar season, finishing 19-10 and advancing to the quarterfinals of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament this spring. The team finished 14-4 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), third in the PAC behind undefeated Thomas More and a game behind Washington & Jefferson, 15-3.
The softball team had another stellar year, finishing 21-8 overall and 12-5 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, good enough for a third place finish. Freshman Alona Sleith, a Yough graduate, was a regular for the Rookie of the Week honor by both the PAC and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Sleith set a school record for home runs in a season, finishing with 11, and led the team with 38 runs batted in, 77 total bases and a .463 batting average. Freshman Erica Smiley also nabbed Rookie of the Week honors and senior Shelby Noel was named PAC Hitter of the Week for the sixth time in her career. Noel received Preseason All-American Second Team recognition from Fastpitch News. Noel finished with a .451 batting average, five homers and 27 runs batted in. Riley Assalone led the team with 8 victories on the mound, with only two losses, while Sleith finished 6-2.
The win over Pfeiffer was the 150th win for Coach Jimmy Petruska in his eighth season at the helm. Petruska holds a 150-66 career coaching record. It was the third appearance in the ECAC Tournament for the women’s basketball program. The Bearcats last competed in the tournament in the 2013-14 season falling 77-70 in the ECAC semifinals to McDaniel College. The Bearcats were led by two All-PAC performers in second team selection Mara Benvenuti and honorable mention pick Babette Sanmartin. Benvenuti was the first player to earn AllPAC honors four times since the team joined the conference. The Franklin native became the 27th player in program history to join the 1,000-point club. She led the team in steals, 58, and rebounds, 170. Sanmartin was lauded with All-PAC honors for the first time. The Gaithersburg, Maryland, native led the team in scoring, averaging 9.0 points per game. Junior forward Lucy Bujdos was selected as the team’s representative on the AllPAC Sportsmanship team. The All-PAC Teams and award winners were selected by a vote of the league’s 10 head coaches. Benvenuti is the first Bearcat to join the 1,000 point club since Taylor Mathers did so during the 2014-15 season. The team loses only Benvenuti and seniors Sanmartin and Kiara Arnold.
Saint Vincent Magazine
Mara Benvenuti takes a shot in the quarterfinal against New York University.
NELSON SETS FOUR NCAA RECORDS
Senior Maggie Nelson set single-season NCAA Division III records for goals and points as the women’s lacrosse team lost in the Ohio River Lacrosse Conference semifinals. She finished her career with 364 goals, surpassing an NCAA record for career goals that had stood since 2011. She set a new NCAA Division III single-season record for goals with 141, surpassing the previous record of 115 goals, set in 2009. Nelson also established a new NCAA Division III single-season high for points, breaking the previous record of 154 points that stood for 22 seasons, and finishing with 178 points. Nelson also set an NCAA Division III single-game points record with 19. During her four-year career, she tallied 364 goals and 489 points, which ranks her first in goals and second in points among Division III players all-time. She was just shy of the national record of 500 points. The women finished at 12-4 overall, 9-2 in the conference.
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Creed S. Westfall, C’32, Scholarship Fund
By Jim Bendel
Dottie and Marty Westfall have established a scholarship fund to honor the memory of Marty’s father, Creed S. Westfall, a long-time exemplary teacher and coach at Greater Latrobe Senior High School. The scholarships will be awarded to highly qualified students from Latrobe as they pursue a lifetime of personal and professional excellence. Creed “Westy” Westfall grew up on a farm in West Virginia. His ancestral roots in that area date back to 1640 when the Westfall clan first arrived in the New World. Along with his brother, Shirley, he worked the farm while they shared attendance through elementary and high school, giving them somewhat of a delayed start in emerging from farm work. Those challenging days served Westy well as he was a candidate to play football for a Division I college. However, because he “played for pay” as a baseball player, he was not able to fulfill his dream on the gridiron at a major institution. That obstacle quickly became an opportunity. The enlightened response by Saint Vincent College blossomed into a lifelong joyful and productive relationship between the Westfall family and the Benedictines. At Saint Vincent, Westy excelled at football, basketball and baseball, and one season led the time with a .500 batting average. His skills were exceptional in athletics, but his love of life and commitment to family were being nurtured by the Benedictine philosophy that was relayed to his own family and the student athletes that he served in his lifetime. And, more importantly, because of a timely occasion, Westy was introduced to the sister of Father Sebastian McKay, O.S.B. That loving lady, Cecilia, soon became the wife and life partner of Westy. Westy had one brother and three sisters, all of whom graduated from college. That drive for academic excellence carried over to his children. Blessed with his loving wife, who was a registered nurse, they raised four children, all of whom also became successful professionals. Westy always glowed when he spoke of his children: Marty, Tom, Dave and Mary Ann. In addition to Marty, C’56, Tom received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and Dave graduated from Brown University. Both Dave and Tom received doctoral degrees from West Virginia University, and taught in medical schools as chairs of departments. Mary Ann graduated from Slippery Rock University and taught elementary school for many years. Throughout his career as a teacher and coach, the students under his tutelage loved and revered Creed “Westy” Westfall. One of the greatest compliments repeated by numerous Latrobe High School graduates was clear and upliftSaint Vincent Magazine
At left, Creed S. Westfall, C’32. Above, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., with Dottie and Marty Westfall. ing: “Academic success was as important as athletic success to Coach Westfall.” When graduating from high school in Latrobe in 1952, Marty Westfall was fortunate in receiving a scholarship to Saint Vincent from the J.J. Mahady family. As Marty advanced in his professional career, he often thought of “how he could repay” the kindness of that gift. Upon graduating magna cum laude, Marty joined the international accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand, was admitted to partnership in 1966 and spent 40 years with the firm. He was elected to the firm’s executive committee and served as a vice chairman of the U.S. firm for 10 years and for four years as the senior managing partner in Europe, residing in Geneva, Switzerland. While in Europe, he was involved in having Al Juraid in Saudi Arabia and Lovelock and Lewis in India become full-member firms in Coopers & Lybrand International, and served on the board of the corporation in Russia. A college board member for more than 20 years, he currently serves on the Benedictine Society’s investment committee. Just as Westy and Cecilia Westfall were proud of the professional achievements of their children, so, too, are Marty and Dottie. Their son, Marty, is a graduate of Saint Vincent College followed by a master’s degree in accounting from The Ohio State University, leading to his becoming a certified public accountant. Kevin received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State and is a successful entrepreneur. Christopher received undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and is a partner in a money management firm. Laura attained her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan, and is an assistant vice president with the Chubb Insurance Group. Marty and Dottie are delighted to be in a position to create a lasting legacy of the life of Creed “Westy” Westfall. By creating this scholarship for students from Greater Latrobe High School, they believe they have provided the opportunity for current and future students to achieve their professional goals, just as he did in 1952 when he received the J.J. Mahady Scholarship. 30
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ALUMNI & FRIENDS LIBRARY OLD AND NEW
Ground was broken on April 25 for the Saint Vincent Latimer Family Library expansion, part of the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign (see pages 20-23). The project will provide space for art galleries and a technology information hub. For ways to help visit: http://www.stvincent. edu/alumni/supporting-saint-vincent/forward-always-forward. Does anyone recognize the students coming from the library in this photo from the past? Email: svmagazine@stvincent.edu. At right: original library construction.
ALUMNI EVENT SCHEDULE June 1, Alumni and Friends Golf Event, The Elks and Champion Lakes
August 3, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Benjamin’s Indiana
June 8, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Metten Room
August 10, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Metten Room
June 9, 1 p.m., Prep Reunion, Pleasure Acres Farm
August 17, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Carol and Dave’s in Ligonier
June 15, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Pittsburgh Marriott North
August 21, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Giannilli’s II
June 19, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Giannilli’s II
September 15, Athletic Hall of Fame, Saint Vincent College
June 22, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Vallozzi’s Pittsburgh
October 5, Alumni of Distinction, Saint Vincent College
July 13, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Metten Room
October 5-7, Homecoming Weekend, Saint Vincent College
July 17, Noon, Alumni Lunch, Giannilli’s II July 28, 2 p.m., Beauty and the Beast, Alumni Center, Benedum Center
Saint Vincent Magazine
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FAMILY’S ‘GREATEST GENERATION’ HONORED FOREVER Rebecca’s maternal grandparents, William and KatherWhen Rebecca Little and Erik Agostoni, C’94, first met, while Erik was attending Saint Vincent College in the ine Edsall, lived the quintessential small-town American summer of 1993, one of the first traits they came to apdream. After volunteering to manufacture much-needed supplies for World War II, they settled down in Derry preciate about one other was their admiration of their and owned and operated Edsall’s Store. This husbandgrandparents. Both Rebecca and Erik were blessed to and-wife team built a well-respected store where the have close relationships with their grandparents, which community would go to buy everything from appliances significantly influenced their values and shaped their and paints to groceries. They went above and beyond for lives. customers to make sure they were taken Rebecca and Erik agreed that at some point they wantcare of. Katherine pulled double duty as a ed to honor their grandparents, who full-time mother, and later grandmother, were part of the “Greatest Generaalways making sure the kids were welltion.” They lived their lives with grace fed. She was quick to slip them a few and integrity, focused on faith, famdollars. Both William and Katherine were ily, community and had a strong work also active leaders in their church, always ethic. It is in their spirit and honor that looking to help those in need in the comRebecca and Erik have established a scholarship endowment at Saint Vinmunity. Rebecca’s paternal grandparents Melcent College. Erik’s maternal grandparents Paul ville and Ethel Little, were quick-witted and Dorothy Gavelic grew up during and hard-working contributors to their the Great Depression. Paul lied about families and communities. Melville his age to join the Army. He spent years worked hard and eventually became in the South Pacific in World War II, the general manager of the G.C. Mursurvived the attack on Pearl Harbor and phy Store in downtown Pittsburgh. He the many sweeps he made throughpassed away early in life, leaving Ethel and their three children. Ethel worked out enemy infested islands. Paul then various jobs and taught her children settled back home, marrying the girl of and grandchildren that they could get his dreams from grade school, Dorothy, through anything with a positive attitude, and worked as a mining car welder by working hard, and by having a sense for decades. Dorothy was a full-time of humor and appreciation for the blessmother and wife, cooking wonderful Sunday family dinners and doing whatings in life. Rebecca and Erik have taken these lesever she could to help her family and those less fortunate in the community. sons learned from their grandparents and Erik’s paternal grandparents, Joseph are living their version of the American and Doris Agostoni, were selfless, dream on a small farm near Greensburg, hard-working parents of four, workraising their four sons. Rebecca took a break from her journalism career to be a ing many different jobs to make ends full-time mother. Erik works with a couple meet. Joe worked as a butcher, ice of local companies in the region. maker and store clerk. He always made “Rebecca and I have been blessed time to be a leader at his church and through faith and a lot of hard work to to tend to his many gardens, black be able to establish this scholarship enraspberries and fruit trees. Doris was a hard-working mother and a gifted dowment in honor of our grandparents. baker who also canned many fruits Our hope is that this scholarship will help and vegetables. Erik was scolded students of Saint Vincent College who remany times for eating raspberries and flect our grandparents’ values and spirit peaches faster than she could get them for generations to come.” in the cans. All of this hard work was Photos, from top to bottom, Paul and Dorothy Gavelic; Ethel Little; shared with family and friends in the William and Katherine Edsall and Joseph Agostoni. community. Saint Vincent Magazine
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+RICHARD GUSKIEWICZ, C’54, PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS FOR 41 YEARS Richard “Dick” Benjamin Guskiewicz, C’54, 85, of Unity Township, died Friday, October 27, 2017, peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He started teaching on the faculty at Saint Vincent in 1956 and educated multiple generations of business students. A Latrobe native, he was very devoted to his Catholic faith and was a lifelong member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Latrobe, where he taught CCD classes and was a council member and lector. In 1954, he received his bachelor of science degree in accounting from Saint Vincent College and successfully passed the CPA exam. He loved polka music and founded the Richard B. Guskiewicz polka band to put himself through college. He received his mas-
ter’s degree in accounting from Duquesne University, where he taught night classes in his early years. He also taught accounting at Robert Morris College, where he served as chair of the business department. Dick taught at Saint Vincent College for many years until his retirement in 1997. He received the Alumnus of Distinction Award from Saint Vincent in 2004. In 1962 he founded
Richard B. Guskiewicz Associates, a public accounting firm in Latrobe, where he practiced until his retirement in 2009. He was also a lifelong member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He was very active in community service and was a founding member of the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation, where he served as treasurer for many years. He served on the Latrobe Airport Authority, Latrobe School Building Authority, Saint Anne Home Board of Directors, Alex G. McKenna School Board of Advisors, and the Board of Governors of Latrobe Country Club, where he was a member for many years. He enjoyed planting flowers in Latrobe through The Latrobe Foundation Mini Gardens. He was a big sports fan and loved watching the Pittsburgh
DEGNAN NAMED TO HEAD AIA
ALUMNI COUNCIL NEWS In Alumni Council news, Katie (Macioce) Stevens, C’10, was appointed secretary and Joe Giacobbi, C’08, was appointed treasurer of Alumni Council. Each will serve a two-year term and be a member of the Alumni Council Executive Committee. Additionally, the Alumni Council evaluates its constitution and by-laws every five years, and the committee decided it was time to make several changes to the document. Some of the highlights of the changes made to the constitution included the addition of the position of treasurer, the eventual removal of the position of president-elect, condensing the council to three major committees (Membership, Student/Alumni Networking and Outreach, and Father Gilbert Burke, O.S.B. Alumni Scholarship Fund Committee), adding a detailed list of requirements for council members and reducing the number of council members from 60 to 30. —Kathryn Klawinski Saint Vincent Magazine
Penguins, Pirates and Steelers play. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna (McDonough) Guskiewicz, as well as three children, Laura Guskiewicz, C’93, Lisa (Rob) Psimas, C’97, and David (Dana) Guskiewicz; six grandchildren, Kiera, Rowan and Gavin Psimas and Adam, Christine and Marina Guskiewicz. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Joan (Herschel) Benjamin, Catherine (Leonard) Burlaga and Maureen (Donald) Stansell; brothers-in-law, Jack (Diane) McDonough and Dennis (Patricia) McDonough; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews, including his cousin, Dr. Robert A. Guskiewicz, M.D., C’72. Memorial contributions can be made to the Richard B. Guskiewicz Scholarship, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650.
John J. Degnan, C’66, D’16, has been named president and chief executive officer of the American Insurance Association (AIA), the national trade association for today’s leaders in the property-casualty insurance industry. “I very much appreciate the opportunity to lead the AIA,” said Degnan. “Property-casualty insurers play a very important role in providing peace of mind and protection for the things ordinary people care about, whether that’s a house, car, business or otherwise. The public policy environment in which these products are regulated is constantly evolving, and the AIA is best positioned to lead the industry through this change. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the AIA team and our members as they strive to fulfill the needs of their customers.” 33
SPRING 2018
SAINT VINCENT ALUMNI COUNCIL EXPANDS OUTREACH By Kathryn Klawinski
Christmas is a time for giving and giving back, as those in the Saint Vincent community know well. This past year, the Alumni Relations Department and the Alumni Council of Saint Vincent College partnered with the Foster Care Division at Pressley Ridge in Greensburg to provide a Merry Christmas for area youths. The alumni of Saint Vincent, and, specifically, the Alumni Office and Alumni Council, are always looking for ways to give back to the community. Shawn Gouch, C’09, alumni relations director, presented the idea of partnering with Pressley Ridge to the Alumni Council Board to buy gifts for children who were living in situations where no gifts were likely at Christmas. The council members were eager to lend a hand. Between 25 and 30 members of the Alumni Council and Saint Vincent staff members participated in the toy drive. Participants had the option of either receiving a wish list and shopping themselves or making a donation for the purchase of gifts. The items included socks and shirts to Legos and books, totaling over 40 sets of gifts. Alexandria Simmons, C’10, Alumni Council vice president, monitored the children’s wish lists, and the donations. She also worked with Gouch to ensure that each child got something that he or she requested. The shopping that hadn’t been taken care of by donors was done by Simmons and Gouch and Alumni Assistant Director Marsha Brasile. The three of them also made sure that the gifts were delivered. Gouch was especially touched by this last step. “I had the privilege of delivering the gifts to the children on the day of their Christmas party. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they opened their gifts made our efforts worthwhile. The smallest gift can mean the world to a child in need. I am grateful that the Saint Vincent College Alumni Council and the Alumni Office were able to participate in something so meaningful. It was truly heartwarming to see the overwhelming support.” One of the best things about the event was that it was an easy way to both participate as alumni of Saint Vincent and to give back during the holidays. Simmons said of the event, “This was a great project. It was easy for people to give back—they could donate in a variety of ways—we even had people shop online and have the gifts shipped directly to the Alumni Office. It’s really meaningful to give to those in need. I hope this experience helps council members build a foundation for ongoing charitable work. We were glad to help the children at Pressley Ridge.” Saint Vincent Magazine
Class News
1960s The name of Stephen G. Rodkey, P’63, was inadvertently omitted from the Prep Class of 1963 donors in the Honor Roll of Donors list published for the fiscal year 2016-2017 recently. We regret the error.
Ronald K. Blasé, C’62, represented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of Dr. Michael L. Frandsen as 15th president at Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, on Thursday, April 5, 2018.
Rev. Dr. William J. Hisker, P’65, C’69, S’05, has been appointed director of the Office for the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop Edward C. Malesic of the Diocese of Greensburg.
Richard V. Burkhauser, C’67, was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as one of the three members of his Council of Economic Advisers in September 2017. This agency within the Executive Office of the President is charged with offering the President objective economic advice on the formulation of both domestic and international economic policy.
Gretchen Gabos, C’92, wanted to make sure classmates learned of the death of her father, Dr. John “Jack” Gardner, C’68. She noted that he started in the class of 1967 but took an extra year, so he graduated with the class of 1968. She said most people may only remember him by his nickname, “Snake.” She notes he was a founding member of the Saint Vincent Summer Theatre.
his wife, Carlee, are pictured with Bishop Lawrence Persico of the Erie diocese. Joe is stationed at Our Lady of Peace Church in Erie.
1970s Michael P. Mann D.O., F.A.C.O.I., F.A.C.P, C’70, has retired from active practice as medical director of oncology services for St. Mary Medical Center, Bucks County. Michael and wife, Mary, are busy with their children Michael Jr., Matthew and Melissa. They divide their time between southern New Jersey and their farm in Pike County, Pennsylvania.
Thomas J. Campfield, M.D., C’73, represented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of Harry E. Dumay, Ph.D., MBA as the 11th president of the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee, Massachusetts, on Friday, October 6.
The Hon. John T. Robinson, J.D., C’73, represented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of Jonathan D. Green as the 15th president of Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, on Friday, October 20.
Joseph A. Yochim, Sr., C’69, and Dianne Yochim announce the ordination of their son, Joe Yochim, Jr., as permanent Deacon on May 26, 2017. He and
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Mark S. Kiselica, Ph.D., C’79, Dean of the School of Hu-
SPRING 2018
The class of 1997 celebrated its 20th reunion this past fall with a Friday night dinner at the Dupré Science Pavilion and a tailgate during the football game the day after. At the tailgate are John Sekuta, Petrice Sekuta, Marina More Mangerie, Melissa Shell Hayes, Michelle Zuppo Hill, Kelly Sheehy DeGroot, Eric Hoffman, Sarah Kostley Gilroy, Stephanie Solomon Deglau, Julie Sedivec Berarducci, Gino and Colette Pagano. In the science center are front, from left, Marla Ondek Timms, Colette Pagano, Michelle Misterkiewicz Wright, Ruthie McVay Straub, Julie Sedivec Berarducci, Lisa Remaley, Dan Doherty; middle, from left, Mike Burg, Gino Pagano, Vince Brooks, Stephanie Solomon Deglau, Sarah Kostley Gilroy, Eric Hoffman and back, from left, Kelly Sheehy DeGroot, Marina More Mangerie, Dorothy Zilic, Jason Plaza and Jeff Rohm. manities and Social Sciences at Cabrini University, will serve as acting provost/vice president for academic affairs at Cabrini University, beginning in June 2018.
Kevin J. Hayes, C’80, was named the director of Musical and Fine Arts at St. Francis de Sales High School.
Carl C. McManus, C’81, is CFO at Aerodyne Industries in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Colorado Springs. Aerodyne is an engineering and IT firm serving NASA, Missile Defense Agency and USAF customers around the United States.
Jeffrey A. Sheldon, C’84, retired from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office after 31 years, retiring as a sergeant/deputy sheriff. Continued his education after graduating in 1984. Obtained an M.A. in criminology in 1997 and attended the FBI National Academy, graduating in the 203rd Class.
Atty. Theresa M. Gough, C’87, and her son, Cameron S. Good,
published a book about World War I. It is available at this Amazon link: https://www.amazon. com/gp/aw/d/1476671621/ ref=cm_cr_srp_mb_bdcrb_ top?ie=UTF8 or https://www. u156book.com On Facebook, @U156book.
tion of Miguel Martinez-Sanenz, Ph.D., as 19th president at Saint Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, New York, on Saturday, January 27, 2018, on behalf of SVC.
1980s
Anthony A. Frazier, C’81, was recognized in the Indiana Gazette with the 2017 Male Civic Leader award for his volunteer work enriching the lives of others.
Paul N. Hodos, C’02, recently
C’17, attended the Inaugura-
James P. Paladino, C’87, (right) represented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of the new president, Mark R. Nemec, Ph.D., at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut, on Friday, October 20.
1990s
Computing and Information Systems Department at Saint Vincent College, and senior student, Rachel Baumann, came to speak to the Middle School students at Mother of Sorrows School about computer science and computer programming education and careers. This assembly was a part of DeGroot’s Hour of Code Training Camp that takes place every November. All students PK3-8th grade participated in the Hour of Code the week of December 4.
Michael C. Gerdich, C’98, is the new head coach for the Yough High School girls’ basketball program. Go Cougars!
Richard L. Jones, C’92, executive director of FAVOR (Faces, And Voices of Recovery) of Greenville, South Carolina, spoke on January 20 at contemporary service in Heritage United Methodist Church, on the Ligonier Diamond.
Kelly DeGroot, C’97, reports that Dr. Cynthia Martincic, associate professor and chairperson of the Saint Vincent College
Saint Vincent Magazine
2000s Andrea Redinger, C’01, was honored as a PA State Finalist in the 2017 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). She is now in the running for the White House’s Math and Science Teacher of the Year Award.
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Laurie A. Golobish, C’04, G’07, G’13, is the new director of pupil services at Greater Latrobe School District.
Joshua T. Morrow, J.D., C’05, was promoted to partner in Ranallo & Aveni Law Firm based in Mayfield Village, Ohio. He has experience representing clients in state and federal courts throughout the state of Ohio and is admitted in the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio.
Matthew P. Duran, C’06, has been promoted to market production manager for Movement Mortgage. Movement Mortgage is the 7th largest purchase lender in the country. The firm has two offices in the Pittsburgh area (Bethel Park and Murrysville). Jennifer Perestock Roberts, C’05, a four-year starter and senior captain on the women’s lacrosse team during her time as a student, has returned to Saint Vincent Athletics. She now runs
SPRING 2018
Births
Asher James Coates to Jamie Dunlap Coates, D.P.T., C’06, and her husband, Matthew Coates, on November 19. He joins big brother, Liam Matthew, 18 months.
Jackson Everett Kozak was born to Alexandra (Brunory), C’ 07, and her husband, Nicholas J. Kozak, C’07, on November 3.
Ava Geraldine Feigel to Kimberly N. (Stevens) Feigel, C’07, and her husband, Matthew J. Feigel, C’08, on November 22. Ava joins older siblings, Jacob and Madelyn.
Elliot Michael Schenck to Tara Kauffelt Schenck, C’08, and her husband, Martin Schenck, C’07, on April 13. He joins his big brother, Peter.
lacrosse tournaments and the Nike Girls Lacrosse Camp at SVC.
medical career with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Emergency Medicine.
Bethany L. Means, C’11, after serving as a long-term substitute for three years, is a first grade teacher at Grandview Elementary School in the Derry Area School District.
Morgan L. Stouffer, C’13, is teaching fifth grade math and social studies at Grandview Elementary School in the Derry Area School District. She has been a long-term substitute at Grandview for two years and was also a long-term substitute at Hempfield Area School District.
Andrew L. Walz, C’06, G’12, former Hempfield Township manager, is the new Township Manager for North Strabane in Washington County.
Julie M. Gulling, C’07, repre-
Lloyd M. Cheatom, C’09, C’13, co-founder and director of student affairs of 1Nation Mentoring, LLC, was named to the 2017 Pittsburgh Men of Honor Class.
sented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D., as the 15th president of Albright College, Reading, on Friday, October 27.
Amanda N. Kerila Barclay, C’09, G’12, G’15, is teach-
Britton K. Batschke, C’08,
Sherrie E. Dunlap Gallagher, C’09, is a recipient of a Falk
represented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls as the 15th president of William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, on Friday, October 20.
Ashlee D. Shearer, C’08, recently published a book, Soul Flame. It is the first in a series of books about breaking free from societal norms, finding one’s soulmate and the strength and trials in consciously creating a life together. The book is available on Amazon.com.
Dr. Abram D. Weimer, C’08, has decided to continue his
ing the Pre-K Counts Class at Grandview Elementary School in the Derry Area School District.
Robert M. Minjock, C’11, graduated with master’s and doctoral degrees in industrial and organizational psychology from Central Michigan University and is an occupational scientist and consultant with The Pittman McLenagan Group in Bethesda, Maryland.
Scholarship to attend The Falk School of Sustainability at Chatham University, where she was accepted to pursue the dual MBA and Master of Sustainability graduate degree program.
elected to serve as the president of the Westmoreland, Indiana and Armstrong Counties Funeral Directors Association for 2018-2019.
Saint Vincent Magazine
represented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of the Rev. Thomas J. Ascheman, SVD, as the new president at Divine Word College, Epworth, Iowa, on Friday, October 6.
Emily J. Satkovich, C’15, has finished at Trinity School of Medicine at St. Vincent Island and started a clinical rotation in Baltimore. https://www. trinityschoolofmedicine.org/ blog/trinity-school-of-medicinestudents-join-world-pediatricproject-surgeons-on-latest-urology-mission.
2010s Jason Brinker, C’10, was
Robert Kyle Matthews, G’14,
Carrie A. Dirisio, C’12, has a new book, Brooding YA Hero: Becoming a Main Character (Almost) as Awesome as Me. www.skyponypress.com
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Amy M. Bradley, G’15, Conemaugh Health System’s director of marketing communications, has been named president and CEO of the Cambria Regional Chamber.
SPRING 2018
Engagements Samantha L. Salata, C’08, to Jamie Gregan. A fall wedding is planned. Megan A. Zakraysek, C’08, to Nicholas Loughner. The wedding will be held on December 2. Megan L. Stouffer, C’13, to David Donahue. They are planning to be married on August 4, 2018. Cheri L. Falcon C’14, G’16, to Jordan F. Burnham. Anastasia Marie Harig to Nathan Harig, C’08, and his wife, Kristi Harig, on September 29 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Myers W. Miller to Brittany (Hall) Miller, Ph.D., C’11, and her husband, Myers Miller, on November 11.
Gabriella Grace Meyer to Ashley Schmitt Meyer, C’11, and her husband, Stephen Meyer, C’10, on October 23.
Condolences
Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher, C’09, and Hannah (Truong) Anderton, C’16, G’17, on the loss of their brother and uncle, respectively, Stephen J. “Bud” Stas, Jr., C 71, on November 2, 2017.
Mrs. Dzombak was the widow of the late SVC Professor William C. Dzombak, Ph.D.
Thomas W. Lantzy, P’44, on the loss of his wife, Mary Lantzy, on October 20, 2017. Mario I. Teza, C’49, on the loss of his wife of 65 years, Shirely (Duff) Teza, on January 5. Ray V. DeCesaris, C’50, on the loss of his wife, Anna K. (Mattock) Decesaris, on December 4, 2017. Charles Varsel, Ph.D., C’54, and his wife, Shirley, on the loss of their grandson, Cmdr. Seth Stone, a Navy Seal, on September 30, 2017.
F. Walter Vanderheijden, C’71, on the loss of his wife, Kathleen, on September 2, 2017. John N. Stevens, Jr., C’73, Kimberly N. (Stevens) Feigel, C’07, Michael A. Stevens, C’11, Matthew J. Feigel, C’08, and Katherine E. (Macioce) Stevens, C’10, on the loss of their wife, mother and mother-in-law, respectively, Leslie M. (Uphoff) Stevens, on December 30, 2017.
Col. Neil M. Larimer, C’55, and his wife, Dolores, on the loss of their son, Neil M. Larimer, IIIinois, on December 5, 2017.
John M. Lally, C’77, and his wife, Kiera, on the loss of their son, Shaun M. Lally, on October 9, 2017.
Charles W. Peters, P’56, C’69, on the loss of his wife, Judy Peters, on November 26, 2017.
Terence M. Antonacci, C’77, on the loss of his mother, Alma R. Antonacci, on November 10, 2017.
Robert G. Stefanik, P’61, C’66, on the loss of his father, John F. Stefanik, Sr., C’32, February 23.
SVC Board Member David A. Dzombak, Ph.D., C’79, Ivan G. Dzombak, C’83, and John C. Puccetti, C’82, on the loss of their mother and mother-in-law, respectively, Mrs. Agnes (Jo) M. (Reiter) Dzombak on Jan. 26.
Nicholas J. Stas, C 70, Mary Ann (Stas) Dunlap, C’12, G’15, Jamie Dunlap Coates, D.P.T., C’06,
Saint Vincent Magazine
Frank T. Susko, C’79, Elizabeth Susko, C’15, and Nathan Susko, C 11, on the death of their mother-in-law and grandmother, respectively, Helen Stefanek, on Sunday, February 11. Michael J. Mucci, III, D.D.S., C’82, on the loss of his father, Michael J. Mucci, Jr., C’54, on October 17, 2017. Thomas Maley, C’92, and John Maley, C’93, on the loss of their father, John F. Maley, C’65, on January 1. Richard E. Zemba, C 92, Brian J. Zemba, C’94, Rhonda RandallScruggs, D.O., C’94, Melanie Ryan, C’95, Danielle Zemba, C 21, and Kathleen A. Smith, retired SVC employee, on the loss of their grandfather and father, respectively, Lawrence F. McCracken, on November 1, 2017.
Richard E. Zemba, C 92, Brian J. Zemba, C’94, Rhonda RandallScruggs, D.O., C’94, Melanie Ryan, C’95, and Danielle Zemba, C 21, on the loss of their father and grandfather, respectively, Richard E. Zemba, on November 26, 2017.
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Volunteer!
Help our Alumni Recruitment Network spread the word about Saint Vincent in your area. For information call 724805-2568.
Laura A. Guskiewicz, C’93, Lisa M. Psimas, C’97, and Robert A. Guskiewicz, M.D., C’72, on the loss of their father and cousin, respectfully, Richard B. Guskiewicz, C’54, on October 27, 2017. Joseph T. Skoloda, C’97, and Theresa M. (Dannhardt) Skoloda, C’01, on the loss of their infant daughter, Alana Mae Skoloda, on November 15, 2017. Bridgette Ann (Wright) Trunzo, C’06, S’13, and Jarod L. Trunzo, former SVC employee on the loss of their brother-in-law and brother, respectively, Gregory T. Trunzo, on March 28, 2017. Robert Baum, dean of students, and Courtney Baum, director of the Career Center, on the passing of his father, Robert Roy Baum Sr., on January 11, 2018. Dr. Steven Gravelle, associate professor of chemistry, on the death of his father, John A. Gravelle, on November 2, 2017. Helene Paharik, S’05, faculty member in theology, on the death of her father, Joseph J. Karasek, on December 21, 2017.
SPRING 2018
SAINT VINCENT AT THE SENIOR TOUR
Peter C. Juliano, C’63, spent several days in March marshaling the Colo-Guard Classic golf tournament with the PGA Champions senior tour at the Tucson National golf course. He was volunteering near the 18th green and one of the Pennsylvania locals, Rocco Mediate from Greensburg, just finished his round. Pete notes that “I quickly put on my SVC sweatshirt over our volunteer’s uniform and asked him if I could get a photo with him. He kindly obliged me, and I told him that I graduated from SVC in 1963, the same year he was born! He did very well in the tournament, but came up short. He score was 1 under par after the first round but was -10 under when he finished after 3 rounds. Steve Stricker was -13 and won the tournament this year by parring the 18th hole. Stricker lost the tournament last year on the 18th hole after he drove it into the water, just in front of me when I was working that part of the fairway. So, another year and another tournament. This makes the 8th year in a row that I have been involved. Four with the Accenture Match Play at the Ritz-Carlton course up the hill from us. It is no longer played there, but it hosted the world’s top 64 golfers going head to head in a one-anddone tournament. Got to see a lot of great golfers there. The current one is for the >50 golfers, but they still have great golf games and are fun to watch. They are also a lot more personable and interact well with the gallery.”
Deaths
Michael J. Mucci, Jr., C'54, on October 17, 2017.
James P. McGinnis, Jr., C'59, on September 21, 2017.
John A. Savinski, P 65, C'69, on January 30.
John F. Stefanik, Sr., C’32, February 23.
Carl D. Burlas, C'55, on November 19, 2017.
Michael C. Bell, M.D, C'60, on October 15, 2017.
Francis W. DiBenedetto, D.O, C'66, on October 31, 2017.
Allen H. Weiss, M.D., C'44, in April 2017.
William N. Groppe, P'55, on November 10, 2017.
Charles H. Decker, C'61, on February 1.
James A. Nohelty, P'67, on October 27, 2017.
Ralph A. Maiorana, P'46, C 50, on July 6, 2017.
Rev. Peter R. Pilarski, C'55, S'59, on October 9, 2017.
Leo E. Ehrensberger, P'61, C'65, on November 28, 2017.
Gregory M. Comiskey, C'70, on January 6.
Leon T. Kendall, Ph.D., C'49, on September 11, 2017.
Joseph B. Zumello, P'55, on September 19, 2017.
Theodore H. Feindt, C'61, on November 2, 2017.
Stephen J. “Bud” Stas, Jr., C 71, on November 2, 2017.
Jesse T. Patton, III, C'50, on November 12, 2017.
Miles Buzzi, P'56, on March 21, 2017.
Stanislaus S. Jerich, C'61, on November 9, 2017.
Bernard L. Statler, Jr., C'72, on August 16, 2017.
William A. King, C'51, on January 25.
Peter M. Collard, C'57, on October 7, 2017.
The Hon. Paul J. Stakem, C'61, on August 29, 2017.
A. Robert Ridilla, C'74, on November 11, 2017.
Louis V. Pugliese, C'51, on January 10.
Carl A. Masciantonio, C'57, on September 1, 2017.
Charles E. Winschel, C'61, on August 26, 2017.
John P. DeBerardinis, C'84, on October 12, 2017.
Atty. Leo W. Dunn, Jr., P'53, C 57, on January 3
William R. Kosglow, C'57, in January 2017.
Andrew G. Verzilli, Ph.D., C'61, on November 29, 2017.
Mark "Sy" Straka, C'93, on December 28, 2017.
Atty. Frederick A. Boehm, C'54, on January 13.
Joseph P. Mangarella, P'57, C'61, on December 26, 2017.
James P. Foti, Ph.D., P'61, C'65, on October 22, 2017.
William T. Keegan, Jr., C'97, on December 1, 2017.
David P. Connolly, M.D., P'54, on December 13, 2017.
Robert K. Ashton, C'58, on January 26.
Walter F. O'Donnell, M.D., C'63, on January 9.
Michael R. Strickler, C'06, on October 11, 2017.
Richard B. Guskiewicz, C'54, on October 27, 2017.
Atty. Ed J. Belz, C'58, on November 26, 2017.
Richard F. Zula, C'63, S'66, on September 29, 2017.
Jeffrey K. Heberling, C'17, on December 29, 2017.
John D. Hickey, C'54, on December 17, 2017.
Wilfred J. Boyle, C 58, on November 17, 2017.
John F. Maley, Jr., C'65, on January 1.
Charles L. Moore, C'54, on January 7.
Charles E. Verostko, C'58, on March 15, 2017.
John “Jack” Gardner, C’68, on February 21.
Mary Ellen Lang, organist for Campus Ministry, on December 4, 2017.
Saint Vincent Magazine
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SPRING 2018
Marriages
Amy Janocsko, C’08, (below and at right) married Brian Bodle on December 10, 2016, at Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral in Munhall, Pennsylvania. A reception followed at the Rivers Club in Oxford Centre in Pittsburgh. Bearcats in attendance included, from left, Jim Vargo, C’10;
Anthony L. Morocco, C’98, and Viviana Tenorio on December 1 at Saint Vincent Basilica with Very Rev. Daniel C. Mahoney,V.F., S’70, as celebrant.
Denise M. McKernan, C’05, (at right, top) and John R. Galardi, C’06, were married at Saint
Jim Shope, C’83; Kate O’Toole, C’10; Taylor (Bianco) Breaden, C’08; Steve Dragan, C’08; Dave Baker, C’08; Greg Spelar, C’08; Laura (Fedor) Baker, C’07; Janelle (Kaufold) Lux, C’09; and Tony Duco, C’08. Danielle Miceli, C’08, was an attendee but
Augustine Church in Richmond, Michigan, on December 16, 2017.
is not pictured.
Jennifer J. Perestock, C’05, (at right) and Nathan Roberts, D.O., FACOS were married in 2017. The couple first wed on the island of Anguilla and subsequently had a Catholic ceremony at Saint Ursula’s Church in Allison Park. The newlyweds reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with their two dogs.
Crista Hill, C’08, and Randy Querriera were married on February 25, 2017, in Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, New Kensington.
GUARDIAN SOCIETY Guardian Society members are loyal alumni and friends who have remembered Saint Vincent College in their estate planning through bequests, insurance policies, trusts or annuities. Their stewardship guarantees a quality education to Saint Vincent students of the future. For information call 724805-2949.
Saint Vincent Magazine
Amanda M. Bertram, C’10, (at left and above) and Daniel Hatala on November 18 at Saint Vincent Basilica with
Father Thomas Curry, O.S.B., S’02, officiating. Members of the Class of 2010 in the wedding party included; Jessica
Pollock, Alé Simmons, Kelsey Bartato and Kristen Graham.
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SPRING 2018
Katie (Macioce) C’10, (bottom, left and below) and Mike Stevens, C’11, were married on July 29 at Saint Vincent Basilica. Reception was at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort. Alumni at the wedding included, front, from left, Amy (Platt) Gesso, C’10; Amber (Johnston) Ko-
rowicki, C’10; Amanda Hess, C’11; Allie Botti, C’10; Megan Mahoney, C’11; Natalie Neubert, C’10; Alé (Muzika) Simmons, C’10; Allie Bowman, C’10; Katie (Macioce) Stevens, C’10; Mike Stevens, C’11; Bill Fischer, C’08; and Wayne Hooper, C’08. In the second row, from left, are Kim (Stevens) Feigel, C’07; Matt Feigel, C’08; Darryl Gesso, C’10; Laura (Magnuson) Stelitano, C’08; Nick Stelitano, C’09; Jessica Kissel, C’16; Nate Piccolomini, C’10; Justin Petrovich, C’14; Steve Leuschel, C’08, G’11; Mike Hannon, C’11; Shane Simmons, C’10; Beth (Floro) Conway, C’06; Aaron Conway, C’07; Adam Smith, C’09; Ed Moss, C’10; John Bozek, C ‘09; and Dr. Andrew Herr, faculty member.
Kari Ann Maurer, C’12, (left and above) and Jeffrey Ansong Johnson, C’13, on October 21 with Father Vincent E. Zidek, O.S.B., C’85, S’91, officiating. John C. Scialabba, C’12, and Stephanie Grace Anderson on August 19 at Saint Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh. The couple is residing in Pittsburgh. Alumni in the wedding party included; Alexander Scialabba, C’16, as best man, Sean Sieg, C’12, and Ross Agagliati, C’12, ushers. Ashley L. Bellovich, C’13, and Sean M. Gallagher on September 15 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica with Father Jean-Luc C. Zadroga, O.S.B., S’00, C’13, presiding.
John Matta, C’10 and Rebekah Ferguson Matta were married recently. Alumni present at the wedding included: Justin P. Harris, C’10; Megan E. Harris, C’10; David W. Riehl, C’10; Ashleigh L. Riehl, C’10; Lenora Riehl; Shane D. Simmons, C’10; Alé Simmons, C’10; Van Schaeffer, C’10; Jennifer M. Emling, C’09; David R. Vergot, C’08; Stephen M. Witmer, C’09; Joe Kennis, C’09; Stephen Churilla, C’10; Jenna Churilla, C’09; Ryan Dreliszak, C’10; Ed Moss, C’10; Kevin Lehman, C’10; Mike Shanahan, C’10; Brandy Shanahan, C’10; John Zappone, C’10; John Matta, C’10; Jackie Hamman, C’09.
Saint Vincent Magazine
Stephanie A. Cheplic, C’13, (above) and Alexx Williams at Saint Vincent Basilica on October 21 with Father Rene Kollar, O.S.B., P’65, C’70, S’74, as celebrant. Alumna Susan Cheplic, C’08, was maid of honor; Matthew Cheplic, C’06, best man; and Heidi Hellmuth, C’13, bridesmaid. Michael Stephen Milko, C’13, and Natalie Alissa Morris on September 23 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. Alumni taking part in the wedding ceremony included Sean T. Murphy, C’13, groomsman, and John M. Szalewicz, C’77, organist.
Cameron S. Stumme, C’13, and Ann Elizabeth Jakubek on October 7. Alumni in the wedding party were Dr. Donald J. Jakubek, C’80, father of the bride; Kevin Wanichko, C’12, and Joshua W. Hooke, C’12, groomsmen. 40
SPRING 2018
Anna Lee Steighner, C’13, married David Paul Rupprecht, C’13, on June 3, 2017, at Saint Vincent Basilica. They celebrated with friends and family at West Overton Village in Scottdale. Pictured are Saint Vincent alumni and former students, from left, Mara Greiner, C’13, G’16; Emily Brant; Domenic DeYulis,
C’13; Bridget Fitzpatrick, C’13; Anna Rupprecht, C’13; David Rupprecht, C’13; Jacob Hendrick, C’13, G’16; Meghan Hendrick, C’13; Amanda Koch, C’13; Megan Schink.
Michelle A. Koenig, C’14, and Michael A. Parisi, C’14, were married September 3, 2016, at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica by Father Killian Loch, O.S.B., with concelebrants Father Rene Kollar, O.S.B., P’65, C’70, S’74, and
Father Canice McMullen, O.S.B., S’17. Fellow Bearcats Lauren Stanley, C’14; Stacie Sikora, C’14; Claire Shrontz, C’13; Eric Shearer, C’15; Patrick Wilkinson, C’14; and Mark Mannerino, C’12, were in the wedding party. Cantor was Joel Kankiewicz, C’17.
COMING THIS FALL:
SAINT JOHN PAUL II 40TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION ELECTED POPE OCTOBER 16, 1978 GALLERY.STVINCENT.EDU
Saint Vincent Magazine
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Matthew Mackey, C’14, and Michelle Mitchell, C’15, were married at Our Lady of The Wayside Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois, on August 12. Included in the bridal party were Anita Onufer,
Hannah Mai Truong, C’16, G’17, and Darren Patrick Anderton, C’16, on Saturday, October 7
C’17; Natalie Onufer, C’16; Ivy Schoonover, C’15; Anthony Altieri, C’13; and Jay Donoghue, C’14. Michelle is the daughter of Bill Mitchell, C’84, and Teri Granzeier Mitchell, SHU’84, and the granddaughter of the late Joseph Mitchell, C’52, and Mary Lou Louder Mitchell, SHU’52.
at Saint Vincent Aarchabbey Basilica with Father Killian R. Loch, O.S.B, and Reverend Christopher J. Mannerino, C’07, as concelebrants. Alumni assisting at the wedding included Shane J. Anderton, C’09, C’16, brother of the groom, best man; Craig M. Anderton, C’10, brother of the groom, best man; Matthew M. Crum, C’16, groomsman; Sabrina L. Filkosky, C’16, bridesmaid; and Jillian Kegg, C’16, cantor. Alumni attending the wedding were: Nicholas J.
Justin P. Petrovich, C’14, and Jessica L. Kissel, C’16, on November 18 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica with Father Maximilian M. Maxwell, O.S.B., C’07, S’14, as concelebrant. Emily Kathleen Fisher, C’15, and Patrick Michael Kenna were married on Saturday, September 9, at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. Alumni in the wedding were Sara Bartels, C’15; Evan Neely, C’15; and Alex Brydon, C’15.
Stas, C 70; Stephen J. Stas Jr., C 71; Mary Ann (Stas) Dunlap, C’12, G’15; Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher, C’09; Michael Nolan, C’16; Caitlyn Gess, C’16; Kathryn Klawinski, C’16; Andrew McBurney, C’16; Jordan (Bordonaro) McBurney, C’17; and Robin Picklo, G18. Faculty and staff members attending were Dr. Veronica Ent, Dr. Kathleen Beining, Dr. Janet Franicola and Joan Roach.
Melissa M. Oreski, C’15, and Derek M. Lingafelt, C’14, on September 2 at Saint Vincent Aarchabbey Basilica. Alumni in the wedding party included; Ryan Rozanski, C’14, as best man, and Matthew Jaspert, C’14, among the groomsmen. Bridesmaids were Emily J. Satkovich, C’15; Brenda M. Wateska, C’15; and Nicole Harris, C’14.
Samantha M. Harris, C’16, and John W. Yost, C’16, at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica on October 14. Alumni in the wedding party included Jessica L. Kissel, C’16; Alexan M. Reubi, C’16; Cole J. Gerber, C’16; and Michael J. Dargay, C’16.
Saint Vincent Magazine
Rachel J. Wheeler, C’17, (at right) and Michael R. Fogel, C’15, on October 7, 2017, at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica with Father Maximilian
M. Maxwell, O.S.B., C’07, S’14,
as celebrant, John Szalewicz, C’77, organist, and Timothy Waxenfelter, C’69, cantor. Alumni in the bridal party included Alexandra Lahoud, C’17, bridesmaid; Jared Baker, C’15, best man; Luke Daghir, C’15, and Benjamin Daghir, C’15, groomsman.
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MANGARELLA ENDOWMENT SUPPORTS THEATRE
S
itting with Joan Mangarella at the Beaver Street Café in Hastings, and discussing the storied life of her late husband, Joe, one sensed the profound impact he had on the lives he touched throughout his life. “Joe was a wonderful husband, father and community leader. He gave generously to causes that helped our community and youth throughout the country. And he loved his alma mater— Saint Vincent.” From the moment that Joan and Joe, P’57, C’61, forged a dynamic partnership five decades ago, they collectively and individually made a positive imprint in every endeavor placed before them. At the top of that list would be the rearing of three wonderful children, Joe Jr., Paulette and Michael. Having grown up in a small community outside of McKeesport, Joan was prepared for life in the country town of Hastings. There, she worked in tandem with Joe in advancing the family business, Carol Ann Apparel, a ladies garment factory. The success of their enterprise enabled Joe to carry out his passion to be philanthropically involved in his community. That passion was demonstrated in so many different ways, including his love for the work of the Benedictines at Saint Vincent. As a result of his passion for their mission,
Joe established two meaningful endowments at the college: the Matthew Mangarella Scholarship and the Mangarella Theater Endowment. Joe’s interest in theater was nurtured during his undergraduate days under the guidance of Father Thomas Devereux, O.S.B. As a student, Joe spent many hours “backstage” bringing life to theater productions. Joe’s legacy for fine theater productions continues today, states Greggory Brandt, the producing artistic director of the Saint Vincent Summer Theatre. “Joe’s gift of the endowment allows aspiring students to broaden and carry out their theatrical dreams in so many different ways.” Joe’s outgoing personality inspired many in his hometown. As Julia Cavallo, C’03, also a native of Hastings, noted: “Joe was genuinely a kind, decent and loving person.” Phil Petrulli, one of Joe’s best friends, summarized Joe’s life: “He was a thoughtful, kind, peaceful, gentleman, a scholar, a friend, a financial consultant respected and loved by all, and above all, a loving husband and father.” Future generations of students will benefit from the philanthropy of Joe and Joan. As Joan clearly states: “Giving back to the community is so important to making the world a better place to live.” There are many ways to support Saint Vincent College, just as Joe and Joan have done through their gifts. If you are interested in a memorial gift for a loved one or in discussion a way that is meaningful to you, please contact me at your convenience. —Jim Bendel, C’60, D’85, Planned Giving Director. For information please contact Jim Bendel, james.bendel@stvincent.edu, 724-805-2948.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE, MAKE A FUTURE Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement 724-805-2949 www.stvincent.edu/studentsfirst
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