Saint Vincent Magazine Fall 2019 by Saint Vincent College

SAINT VINCENT M A G A Z I N E

Fall 2019

“Forward, Always Forward.” —Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B.

2019 2020

Upcoming

Events

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

The McCarl Gallery History Dinner Theater Celebrate Pennsylvania! A History In Story And Song 6 p.m. Fred Rogers Center

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

Saint Vincent Camerata Sixth Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols 7:30 p.m. Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica www.saintvincentarts.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Thomas Octave, conductor Saint Vincent College Singers and Festival Choir 7 p.m. Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 SAINT VINCENT FAMILY SONGFEST

Thomas Octave, conductor 7 p.m. Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica www.saintvincentarts.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

Technological Textiles: Computing History and Decorative Textiles Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery Opening Reception: 5-7 p.m. Through June 12 www.saintvincentarts.org

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 MARK SCHULTZ CONCERT

7:30 p.m. Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica www.saintvincentarts.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 NATHAN LEE, PIANO SAINT VINCENT CONCERT SERIES

7 p.m. Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center www.saintvincentarts.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 PENNSYLVANIA PIPES! THREE PENNSYLVANIAN ORGANISTS IN CONCERT: DONALD FELLOWS, J. CHRISTOPHER PARDINI, WESLEY PARROTT SAINT VINCENT CONCERT SERIES

7 p.m. Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica www.saintvincentarts.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 THRESHOLD LECTURE DOUGLAS DODDS Victoria and Albert Museum 7:30 p.m. Fred Rogers Center

HONORS ACCRUE FOR DR. RICHARD C. MILLER By Jim Berger

Over the course of a distinguished 30year career in medicine, Dr. Richard C. Miller, C’79, has earned a host of professional and personal honors. His two most recent accolades came in rapid succession.Shortly after Miller learned that he was named a 2019 Saint Vincent College Alumnus of Distinction, he received word that his hospital, Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, would be included in U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list of Best Hospitals for 2019-20 in the areas of obstetrics and diabetes. In his 25th year as a physician at Saint Barnabas, Miller is currently the chairman of its Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and was thrilled to learn that his unit received the honor. “It was very, very rewarding to see that,” he said. “We always do our best to put our patients first and make sure that their outcomes are our number one priority.” The annual U.S. News Best Hospital rankings are designed to assist patients in making informed decisions about where to receive care for both challenging health conditions and common elective procedures. While he is now the head of one of the most respected medical departments in the U.S., Miller hadn’t always planned to embark on a career in medicine. Though he always had an interest in science, he did not declare a major upon enrolling at Saint Vincent. “My plan was to get a sense early on as to what I wanted to pursue,” he recalled. “I decided to take a sampling of different things that first semester. One of the courses I took was an introductory, non-major biology course and I realized that this is what I should be focusing my interests on. It grew from there and second semester, I became a biology major.” Upon declaring a major, Miller originally planned to pursue graduate school in biology or virology. However, his favorite professor intervened, and the rest is history. “Dr. James Taubler was brilliant,” Miller recalled. “He was such a dedicated and deliberate teacher and mentor. His mastery of his field inspired me. He was always interested in what your next steps were going to be and how to best proceed.” Miller worked diligently in preparing for medical school and credits the rigorous and broad-based education he received at Saint Vincent for his eventual acceptance into the Georgetown University School of Medicine. “I studied molecular biology and biochemistry and majored in chemistry; this broad overview of the sciences really helped me nail the MCATs and succeed from there.” In addition to practicing medicine, Miller has also garnered extensive teaching experience and currently serves as a professor in obstetrics and gynecology at both Rutgers University—Jersey Medical School and at Saint George’s University Medical School in Grenada. Read more about Miller and his fellow 2019 Alumni of Distinction on page 12.

i els

Departments

President’s Message

More Features 12 Alumni of Distinction, Recent Alumni Achievement awards.

9 Helsinki: Rogers Center Top Honors

Faculty

Six new members join the faculty.

News

Core curriculum refresh.

Sports 22 Athletic Hall of Fame; fall sports roundup.

10 Arnold Palmer Remembered

Alumni

Prep alumni honored with achievement awards; alumni events; alumni news, weddings, engagements, births, deaths; Ruhl family has strong tie to Benedictines.

16 Dr. Cornel West

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 Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B. SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Michael Hustava EDITOR Kim Metzgar svmagazine@stvincent.edu DESIGN Kim Metzgar PRINTING Laurel Valley Graphics ALUMNI NEWS COORDINATOR Mary Ann Dunlap

FALL 2019 Volume 17, Issue 1

PROOFREADER Carol Riddle

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 Jim Berger Julia Cavallo Kim Metzgar 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 Alexander Byers Archabbey Archives Alumni Relations Office Seth Harbaugh 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

Cover: College President Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., students faculty and staff members embody the theme, ‘Together’ at Saint Vincent. Together, they share their thoughts about the charism of Saint Vincent. Cover photo: Alexander Byers.

MESSAGE FROM THE

P R E S I D E N T

“FORWARD, ALWAYS FORWARD”

EAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, Since its founding, Saint Vincent College has provided an education for students of all economic and ethnic backgrounds. Our unique history began with the faith-vision of Abbot Boniface Wimmer, our founder, whose motto was “Forward, Always Forward, Everywhere Forward.” For Wimmer, education was the access point to a meaningful and productive life. And what a success that vision has been. Economically, socially, culturally, and spiritually, our graduates have experienced the benefits of the American Dream and used their talents to help others realize their dreams. As I begin my service as the President of Saint Vincent College, I am committed to build upon the foundation of Wimmer which has inspired my predecessor, Brother Norman Hipps, and the other presidents of the college, along with our highly-credentialed faculty and administration. Together we work to enhance the intellectual skills needed in a highly-technical world as we seek to help students develop the moral and spiritual values which will enable them to have meaningful and productive lives. With energy and enthusiasm, we will continue to move forward with a readiness to face the challenges of these critical times for colleges and universities. While there is much work that lies ahead, it is with your support that we move forward to prepare our students not only for successful careers, but also to lead meaningful lives rooted in faith, learning and service to others. The success of the Saint Vincent College experience was recently affirmed by a study conducted by The New York Times. In its May 23rd edition, The New York Times identified Saint Vincent College as one of the top-performing institutions in the nation in terms of graduation rates. The article noted that the top-performing schools such as Saint Vincent “deepen students’ connections to other people on campus including their classmates, professors and advisers.” As noted in the article, “the bottom line is connection—feeling like somebody cares.” At Saint Vincent, caring for others is rooted in our Benedictine hallmark of hospitality where every person can thrive in an environment that fosters growth and development, in and out of the classroom. As many of you have experienced when you come to Saint Vincent, you belong. While each of us has our own journey through life, we walk alongside each other, supporting one another, working to encourage those around us and holding true to the motto, “Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat.” Recently, our Forward, Always Forward capital campaign goal was increased by the Board to $110 million. We hope to exceed that benchmark in order to respond with greater help to our students and to provide a state-of-the-art environment for their education. The $22 million renovation and expansion of the Dale P. Latimer Library, Art, Technology and Learning Center continues to progress. The library expansion includes enhancements, collaborative and individual study areas, new art galleries and critical traditional and electronic resources for cultivation of the life of the mind. Our faculty members are also conducting a thorough review to strengthen and improve our core curriculum, which will positively impact our students and ensure we are providing them with the skills, experience and faith-based values needed to compete in a rapidly-changing world. This edition of Saint Vincent Magazine highlights many accomplishments of our current students, faculty members and alumni. When they are successful, Saint Vincent is successful. We look forward to the coming months and years, as together, we rise to embrace new challenges and forge ahead into a bright future for Saint Vincent. “Forward, Always Forward.” God Bless,

Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B. President

“Together

SAINT VINCENT”

any alumni call Saint Vincent “home.” The friendships they make while at Saint Vincent—with fellow classmates, faculty members and Benedictines—last a lifetime. Together, those friendships are part of the charism of Saint Vincent. Our cover story—and the theme of the presidency of Father Paul Taylor, O.S.B., who will be inaugurated on November 22—is how “TOGETHER” everyone at Saint Vincent becomes part of the Bearcat family. Together, faculty members, students, employees and Benedictines reflect on what Saint Vincent means to them.

FATHER MICHAEL ANTONACCI

KELLY KING

DR. DANA WINTERS

By Jim Berger

For some members of the community, when they say Saint Vincent is home, it really is. MICHAEL ANTONACCI, C’07, S’14, came to Saint Vincent fresh out of Hempfield High School in 2003. Four years later he earned bachelor of science degrees in mathematics and physics, and shortly after graduation he entered the novitiate at Saint Vincent Archabbey. Saint Vincent Magazine

DR. Fall 2019 STEPHEN JODIS

“S

aint Vincent means hospitality and respect. Everyone at Saint Vincent, whether student, faculty or staff member, respects one another and loves one another. We really get along. We like to ask each other questions and seek out help, whether on a personal, professional or academic basis.”

DR. JAMES KELLAM

—DR. JAMES KELLAM, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

PRESIDENT, SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE FACULTY COMMITTEE

Four years after that he professed vows for life as a Benedictine monk, and in 2014 he became Father Michael. Aside from a five-year stint at the University of North Carolina, where he earned a doctorate in physics, he is at Saint Vincent for life, now teaching physics on the faculty of Saint Vincent College. “Saint Vincent has been a home for me, where I’ve been able to learn and grow, both in my faith and my scientific experience,” he notes. KELLY KING, director of service learning and outreach, has been at Saint Vincent for 12 years, and loves working with the students. “They’re all so creative and so innovative,” she said. They always make me laugh. It can be challenging at times, but I love seeing a student come in as a freshman and leave as a senior, having absorbed all of the great aspects of Saint Vincent. That transformation is what I love most.” DR. DANA WINTERS, C’06, assistant professor of psychology, returned “home” to Saint Vincent as director of simple interactions and academic programming at the Fred Rogers Center, just four years ago. She met her husband, JASON WINTERS, C’04, at Saint Vincent. “What Saint Vincent means to me,” Dana Winters said, “is community— not just our inward, internal community, but the external community as well. How we make sure that we are outward-focused and focused on bringing people together through the work that we do both on and off campus—that is what it means to be a Bearcat through and through.” “From the renovation of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion to the construction of the James F. Will Engineering and Biomedical Sciences Hall to developing new programs of study with our faculty, Saint Vincent has given me countless experiences that continue to allow me to learn and grow,” said DR. STEPHEN JODIS, dean, Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing. He counts his two sons, CHRISTOPHER AND MATTHEW, both 2018 graduates, as part of the Saint Vincent family. “My family had always belonged to Roman Catholic diocesan parishes, but thanks to the Benedictine community, which is the foundation of Saint Vincent,” Stephen Jodis said, “we have had the opportunity to learn about the Benedictine way of life as part of this wonderful community.”

Saint Vincent Magazine

SAMANTHA ZOURELIAS

MICHAEL TURNER JR.

DR. PHYLLIS Fall 2019 RIDDLE

To DR. JAMES KELLAM, an associate professor of biology on the faculty of the Boyer School, “Saint Vincent means hospitality and respect. Everyone at Saint Vincent, whether student, faculty or staff member, respects one another and loves one another. We really get along. We like to ask each other questions and seek out help, whether on a personal, professional or academic basis. SAMANTHA ZOURELIAS, C’18, G’19, G 22, a graduate assistant in the office of institutional advancement, noted that “Saint Vincent has provided me a lot of friendships and connections throughout my first six years here. In addition to the relationships, there have been so many opportunities that I did not foresee occurring when I first came to Saint Vincent but have occurred since, such as internships and community service.” “I’m from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, which is 16 hours and a thousand miles away,” said MICHAEL TURNER JR., a junior criminology, law and society major and member of Saint Vincent football team. “The minute I arrived at Saint Vincent, I felt an immediate connection and a strong sense of family in the way that professors, staff members and coaches take care of students. They have made Saint Vincent a home away from home.” DR. PHYLLIS RIDDLE, professor, sociology and anthropology, said she was attracted to Saint Vincent “by both its emphasis on academic excellence and its family atmosphere. My goal has always been to help continue to make Saint Vincent a place where everyone feels welcomed.” “For me,” said DR. SARAH DALY, assistant professor of criminology, law and society, “Saint Vincent is a place where those from all different backgrounds can come together to not just learn about facts in the classroom but to learn about other people’s experiences and the world around us.” “I enjoy recruiting students to Saint Vincent College because I believe in the mission and the high-quality education,” said CHRISTINA ANDRAE, assistant director of admission. “Saint Vincent is also a special family, where many different layers of the community—students, faculty, staff members and Benedictines—all work well together and care for one another. Having worked here for more than 13 years, I have grown to love and appreciate Saint Vincent more and more.” “Saint Vincent is a beautiful place. It has been a source of great hope for me, and of which I have a great hope for its future,” said DR. MARGARET

DR. SARAH DALY

CHRISTINA ANDRAE

DR. MARGARET WATKINS

“S

aint Vincent is a second home to me. It’s a place where I can come and be myself, alongside so many friends whom I now consider to be a part of my family. I will always call Saint Vincent my home.” —JOEL SANTORO, SENIOR BUSINESS ECONOMICS MAJOR PRESIDENT, STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Saint Vincent Magazine

JOEL Fall 2019 SANTORO

“G

rowing up in a military family, home was much more a concept than a physical location... My family and I knew that as long as we continued to love, support and challenge one another, we’d always be at home... I found that same love, support and challenge here at Saint Vincent.”

DR. GARY QUINLIVAN

—CATHERINE VOTOVICH, JUNIOR HISTORY EDUCATION MAJOR

WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM MEMBER

WATKINS, dean, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and associate professor of philosophy. “Saint Vincent is a second home to me,” said JOEL SANTORO, a senior business economics major and president, Student Government Association. “It’s a place where I can come and be myself, alongside so many friends whom I now consider to be a part of my family. I will always call Saint Vincent my home.” DR. GARY QUINLIVAN, dean, Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics and Government, has been at Saint Vincent since 1981. He notes that “it is wonderful to know that I have made a positive contribution to our alumni’s preparation and that they have gone on to have outstanding careers and rewarding lives. As the dean of the McKenna School, I have been able to hire numerous dedicated professors who share my vision. I also was fortunate to have Father Paul Taylor as a student, and he represents all that is good about Saint Vincent College.” TIMOTHY CHAVEZ, a junior management major echoed those sentiments. “Saint Vincent has offered me a home away from home and such a strong sense of community, where I have made so many new friends and family.” “Saint Vincent College is quite literally my home,” said CATHERINE VOTOVICH, a junior history education major and member of Saint Vincent women’s lacrosse team. “Growing up in a military family, home was much more a concept than a physical location. I never lived in one place for more than three years. My family and I knew that as long as we continued to love, support and challenge one another, we’d always be at home, no matter where we were. I found that same love, support and challenge here at Saint Vincent. My professors and advisers are truly invested in my future and my success and I have teammates and coaches whom I can rely on to challenge me in the best ways possible.” DWIGHT COLLINS, a freshman communication major, opportunity program student and member of the football team, was also quick to pick up on the same theme. “Saint Vincent means home. By coming here, I knew that I was going to be comfortable and be able to focus on my academics, while making my family proud.”

Saint Vincent Magazine

TIMOTHY CHAVEZ

CATHERINE VOTOVICH

DWIGHT COLLINS JR. Fall 2019

HELSINKI: ROGERS CENTER RECEIVES TOP HONOR The Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Simple Interactions is to encourage, enrich and empower Media at Saint Vincent College’s Simple Interactions colhuman interactions around children and their helpers, it is wonderful to see that human connection and laboration has been recognized as a world-class relationships are valued in a global community of program benefiting individuals who serve chillearners as well as the communities of practice that dren and youth. The practice-focused, strengthsthe approach has fostered.” based approach to professional development was “HundrED Spotlights are designed to identify 10 of chosen during a recent focus on Pittsburgh as a the most inspiring innovations that focus on a localeader in education. Pittsburgh is the first U.S. city to have been tion or theme, and then share those with the world selected for an international spotlight on educato help spread what’s working in education,” said Lasse Leponiemi, executive director and co-founder tion innovation by renowned global non-profit Dr. Dana Winters of HundrED. “These selected innovations have been HundrED, which seeks and shares inspiring proven locally, but they are also inspiring in global context.” ideas in K-12 education with the goal of scaling them The selected innovations will be featured on HundrED’s worldwide. The Fred Rogers Center’s Simple Interactions global platform www.hundrED.org, highlighted in a comapproach was one of 12 educational innovations chosen for the HundrED Spotlight on Pittsburgh, which identifies the prehensive report of education innovation in the Pittsburgh most innovative, impactful and scalable programs invented region and featured in short case study videos. Winters by educators in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern will also be invited to HundrED’s annual three-day InnovaWest Virginia. tion Summit in Helsinki, Finland, in November. The Simple “To be considered an inspiring innovation is an honor,” Interactions approach integrates Fred Rogers’ emphasis on said Dr. Dana Winters, director of Simple Interactions and building relationships and finding what ordinary people do academic programs at the Fred Rogers Center and assistant extraordinarily well with children in simple, everyday moprofessor of child and family studies. “Given the mission of ments on a day-to-day basis.

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Saint Vincent Magazine

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Fall 2019

Arnold Palmer 90: SAINT VINCENT joined the nation and the

Students gathered on the college’s UPMC Field decked out in their best green and gold school colors and sipped Arizona

world in commemorating the 90th birthday

beverages’ Arnold Palmer iced tea while music blared on

of Latrobe native and world-renowned golfer

quietly waiting for the celebration to begin.

Arnold Palmer on September 10, 2019. Amy Palmer Saunders, daughter of Arnold Palmer,

speakers around them. They texted, chatted, and took photos, Based in Connecticut with offices in New York and Belgium, Pilobolus Dance Company was on hand to work with them to stage an Umbrella Project (UP) event on campus. The UP has

joined hundreds of students and friends in

only occurred in Maine; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Baltimore,

paying tribute to Arnold Palmer, affectionately

the 90th birthday of famed golfer and noted philanthropist the

called the King. The internationally-acclaimed

It was fitting that this production of the dance company’s

dance group Pilobolus was on cam-

company’s 90 umbrellas were specially lit with LED lights inside

the dance tribute which incorporated 90 students

green and red logo was a colorful golf umbrella. The dance and controllers designed at MIT’s Robotics Laboratory. The controllers enabled dancers holding the umbrellas to change the colors of lights under the umbrella canopy to red, green, blue, and then, by leaving combinations of each control button on, to yellow or purple. With the help of a large screen, a camera operator on an

with colorful LED

overhead crane, and speakers with music and instructions from

umbrellas

color, shapes such as a smiley face, and ultimately the famous

the dance company, students were directed to form patterns of

Palmer umbrella logo, the numbers 9 and 0 in honor of Palmer’s

Massachusetts

green and gold.

Institute of Techa senior art education major

late Arnold Palmer. Umbrella Project paid tribute to Palmer, whose white, yellow,

pus to orchestrate

Second Place photo Paisley Adams,

Maryland; Singapore and Brooklyn. On this occasion it honored

nology as part of the celebration.

Saint Vincent Magazine

birthday, “AP” for Arnold Palmer, and then the letters “SVC” in Members of the Arnold Palmer Enterprises staff working on the project included Reade Tilley, brand director; Scott Curry, interactive business manager and Cori Britt, C’96, vice president of strategic affairs. Pilobolus staff members included Matt Kent,

Fall 2019

Tribute To The King artistic director; Anna Bate, production manger and Greg Laffey,

phase of photography, the week’s assignment, “Light at Night,”

art director.

fit perfectly with the dance event. The top three vote-getters, as

“Pilobolus studies the ways that people can work together as a

chosen by the class, are among those featured on these pages.

team,” Kent told the students. “So that’s something we’re going to do here tonight.” It took some practice, though. “Keep dancing, but think about

The Saint Vincent event, which was staged on behalf of the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation, was one of a number of events that took place throughout the country in honor of

it,” Kent instructed. “You’re about to do that thing where you

Palmer’s birthday. Since the golfing legend was born at 7 a.m.,

chase the person of the same color ... Get ready… one, two,

there were ceremonial tee shots at that time at his two home

three, go … green get in the middle … get ready to exit … All

courses, Latrobe Country Club and Bay Hill Club in Florida.

right!”

The colors of Palmer’s umbrella logo were also displayed on

To music such as Abba’s “Dancing Queen” and the Bangles’

a 400-foot-high Ferris wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, while

“Walk Like an Egyptian,” functioning as individuals in a group but

the Empire State Building in New York City was also lit in his

working together, the students were able to see themselves on

signature colors.

the screen working together to create brightly-colored shapes with their umbrellas. And while 90 of the students danced with their umbrellas, a larger group of students observed the event. A small group mingled among the dancers, capturing the event for Brother Placid Sellers’ digital photography class. Learning about each

“As I started learning more and more about all that this great man achieved, where he came from and what he did with his success to help others,” Kent said, “we are honored to be a part of this tribute.” For additional photos of this event, please visit: https://bit. —Kim Metzgar

ly/362aPJ3..

First Place photo Levi Keys, a sophomore politics major Saint Vincent Magazine

Third Place photo Zelie-Marie Hummer, a senior chemistry major 11

Fall 2019

Pictured, front, from left, are Dr. Leonard Burrello, C’64; Alexandria Simmons, C’10; Atty. Kimberly Colonna, C’94; William Laird, C’69; College President Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., C’87, S’92. Back, from left are Shawn Gouch, C’09, alumni director; Dr. William Hisker, P’65, C’69, S’05; Judge Robert Lesnick, C’74; Jason Winters, C’04; Dr. Richard Miller, C’79; John Perchak III, C’69 and Ryan Retter, C’08, president of the Alumni Council.

2019 ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION, RECENT ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Saint Vincent College honored 11 alumni with the presentation of Alumni of Distinction or Recent Alumna/Alumnus Achievement Awards recently. The awards are given by the Saint Vincent Alumni Association in recognition of meritorious service and commitment to Saint Vincent College. ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION DR. LEONARD C. BURRELLO, C’64

Dr. Leonard C. Burrello, of Tampa, earned bachelor of arts degrees in both history and psychology. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Burrello was class president and a three-year letterwinner on the Bearcat football team. Burrello was named head coach of the first cross country team in school history and led the squad to a third-place finish at the conference championship. Upon graduating, Burrello moved to Philadelphia, where he taught special education at the middlehigh school level while earning a master’s of education from Temple University. He earned a doctorate in education from Syracuse University before embarking on a career in which he became a renowned figure in education and educational leadership. In 1970, he joined the faculty at the University of Michigan as an assistant professor of education and program director for special education, then associate professor of education in school administration and special education. In 1976, he joined the faculty at the University of Indiana in Bloomington Saint Vincent Magazine

as associate tenured professor of education. There, he served as chair of education leadership in its School of Education, director of the National Academy on Principalship and Special Education, a program director within the University Council for Educational Administration’s (UCEA) Center on Special Education Leadership Practices and executive director of the Forum on Education, which became The Center on Appreciative Organizing in Education. In 2007, he was named professor emeritus and given the International Council of Special Education Administrator’s Harrie Selznick Outstanding Service Award, the Indiana Council for Educational Administration’s Career Award and the UCEA’s Jay Scribner Mentoring Award. In 2008, he joined the faculty at the University of South Florida as a professor of education, serving as chair for adult, career and higher education and educational leadership and policy studies. He remains a professor at USF, while since 2014, he has served as executive director of the Appreciative Organizing Center. Burrello has co-authored eight books and has regularly presented at national conferences and conventions, including a 2014 presentation to Saint Vincent College education students. Burrello and his wife, Dena, have two children, Elizabeth Opie and Jotha, three stepchildren and five grandchildren. They write an educational blog together and are working on a new book on direct leadership. ATTY. KIMBERLY M. COLONNA, C’94

Kimberly M. Colonna, Esq., of Harrisburg, graduated with highest honors, earning a bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in education. She was a member of the Orien12

Fall 2019

tation Committee, played intramural athletics and served as a prefect in Aurelius Hall. She was recognized with the Award for Academic Excellence in Secondary Education. She earned her juris doctorate from the Dickinson School of Law and is currently a partner at the law firm of McNees, Wallace and Nurick LLC in Harrisburg, where she chairs its Education Law Group and practices in the Litigation Group. She represents colleges, school districts, charter schools and other providers of educational services, providing counsel on matters involving student and faculty rights and assisting with policy development. A member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, Colonna was a past president of the Program for Female Offenders, while she was twice recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer® and was the 2015 recipient of the Local Legal Leaders Award. She served on the Saint Vincent College Alumni Council for six years, and currently serves on the Saint Vincent College Board of Directors. Colonna has run two half marathons, one in Iceland and one through parts of Switzerland, France and Germany. ATTY. ARTHUR T. DOWNEY, C’59

Arthur T. Downey, Esq., earned a bachelor of arts degree in history. He then attended Villanova University Law School, where he earned a juris doctorate, then received an LL.M. degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Downey served as class president as a sophomore and junior, and was news editor for The Review and associate editor of The Tower. Downey embarked on a career that began with a oneyear stint as assistant professor of law at Gonzaga University Law School, Spokane, Washington. He was hired in 1964 by the U.S. State Department as an attorney, working in both Washington, D.C. and Berlin, Germany. He served on Henry Kissinger’s National Security Council staff from 1969 to 1972, where he worked on European affairs and international narcotics matters. From 1972-75, he was an associate for the Washington law firm Morgan Lewis, representing international clients, before spending two years with the U.S. Department of Commerce as deputy assistant secretary for eastwest trade. He was a partner in the Washington law firm of Sutherland, Asbill and Brennan from 1977-90, during which time he also served as an adjunct professor of international law at Georgetown University Law Center. From 1990-92, he was a partner in the firm of Johnson and Gibbs, before being named corporate vice president Saint Vincent Magazine

of the Houston-based energy firm Baker Hughes Inc., a position he would hold for 12 years. After serving as interim vice president for ethics at Dresser Industries in Texas from 2004-05, Downey embarked on a career as an author and has had three books published; Civil War Lawyers: Constitutional Questions, Courtroom Dramas and the Men Behind Them, The Creole Affair: The Slave Rebellion that Led the U.S. and Great Britain to the Brink of War, and The Cold War: Lawyers, Spies and Crises. Downey has served on the Board of Trustees of The American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, the Board of Governors of the United Nations Association of the U.S.A. and the Board of Directors for Springfield Hospital Center. Downey has three children, three stepchildren and nine grandchildren, and lives in North Bethesda, with his wife, Mary. DEACON WILLIAM J. HISKER, PH.D., P ’65, C’69, S’05

Deacon William J. Hisker, Ph.D., of Greensburg, earned the Saint Vincent Award for Academic Excellence in Sociology upon graduating, and then earned a master’s degree in regional and city planning from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the Saint Vincent faculty in 1973. From 1973-81, he taught and later chaired the department of sociology and anthropology. Since 1981, he has taught in the business department, having chaired the departments of management, marketing, accounting, finance and economics from 1995–2018. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in business ethics, management, leadership, quantitative analysis and research methods. He has received Saint Vincent’s Boniface Wimmer Award for Teaching. In 2005, Hisker was ordained a Catholic permanent deacon after earning a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary. He is enrolled in a doctor of ministry program at the Aquinas Institute at the University of Saint Louis. He is assigned to his home parish of Our Lady of Grace, Greensburg, and serves as director of permanent diaconate for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg. Hisker and his wife, Vera, reside in Greensburg and have three children and five grandchildren. WILLIAM G. LAIRD, C’69

William G. Laird earned a degree in business administration. As a student, the Greensburg native was a member of the SVC Business Forum, played varsity baseball and intramural basketball, football and softball. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps reserve program and was honorably discharged in 1975. He began his career in 1970 by spending eight years at Price Waterhouse as an audit manager, working in Chicago and Pittsburgh offices, 13

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while earning his CPA. He was director of international accounting for Rockwell International, a position he held for eight years. He spent 10 years as controller and assistant treasurer at the University of Pittsburgh, including six years as chief financial officer of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. In 1996, he became associate vice president for finance at Carnegie Mellon University. In 2003, he became vice president for finance, chief financial officer and treasurer at Loyola University Chicago, then was senior vice president for finance. He planned, directed and controlled the financial accounting, planning and reporting practices, and oversaw investments in excess of $600 million. A finalist for the 2013 Financial Executives Chicago CEO of the Year Award, he retired in 2014 and is now an independent consultant specializing in best practices in higher education, personal financial planning and taxation. A member of the Saint Vincent College Board of Directors he was previously on the boards at Saint Xavier University (2010-13), Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center (2010-14), The National Aviary in Pittsburgh (1992-2002) and the Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association (1983-94). Laird and his wife, Laurel, of South Fayette, have five children, Christopher, Farrell, Michael, Ryan and Kara, and six grandchildren. JUDGE ROBERT J. LESNICK, C’74

The Hon. Robert J. Lesnick graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in economics. He was student body president as a sophomore. He earned his juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1977. He began his career in private practice in Kansas City, Missouri, as a corporate tax attorney with the firm of Smith, Gill, Fisher and Butts, now Brian, Cave, and represented major clients including H&R Block and United Press Syndicate. In 1979, he joined the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor and worked in Kansas City, Denver and Washington, D.C. He represented the department on discrimination labor, and mine health and safety matters, among other issues. From 1990-94, he was a Special Trial Counsel with the U.S. Treasury Department during the Savings and Loan Crisis and his team was responsible for enforcement actions taken against officers, directors, accountants and attorneys associated with Lincoln Saving and Loan Association, the largest failure in history. In 1994, he was first appointed as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge, serving for four years as Chief Judge of the Pittsburgh office for Social Security Administration. From 1999-2003, he served with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Pittsburgh hearing office, having one of his authored deciSaint Vincent Magazine

sions appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld his initial ruling. He is presently chief judge for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. Notable cases for Lesnick, whose father and grandfather were coal miners, include the Quecreek Mine inundation in Somerset and the disaster at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia. He was named Senior Fellow to the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) and served for 25 years in the Federal Administrative Law Judges Conference (FALJC), being named its president in 2019. He has volunteered with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, CYO soccer, basketball and baseball. Lesnick and his wife, Kathryn reside in Alexandria, Virginia. They have two sons, Bobby, and Alexander, and four grandchildren. DR. RICHARD C. MILLER, C’79

Dr. Richard C. Miller, of Chatham, New Jersey, graduated with highest honors with a bachelor of science degree in biology and minor in chemistry. He enrolled at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine, graduating with honors in 1983. He was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and received the Mario Molliari Award for Outstanding Academic Performance in Microbiology. He completed residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland in 1987. Fellowship training in maternal fetal medicine followed at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, finishing in 1991. He spent four years as director of maternal fetal medicine at the National Naval Medical Center and faculty at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development-Human Genetics Branch. In 1995, he moved to Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, where he is presently chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and vice president of New Jersey Perinatal Associates. He was a clinical instructor and clinical assistant professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine. Miller is currently clinical professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Rutgers University—New Jersey Medical School and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Saint George’s University Medical School in Grenada. Honors include the Meritorious Unit Commendation at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (1983), the National Defense Service Medal (1991), The Council for Residency Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology Award for Excellence in Resident Education (1999), the Life is Great Global Foundation, Inc.—Founders Award (2015) and Saint Barnabas Medical Center Residency Staff Teaching Award (2018). He and his wife, Anna Marie, of Chatham, New Jersey, have three children, Christopher, Katherine and Andrea. 14

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JOHN R. PERCHAK III, C’69

John R. Perchak III, of Alamo, California, graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. A regular selection to the College’s Dean’s List, Perchak played varsity golf for the Bearcats and took part in intramural basketball and football. A native of Donora, he was a military policeman in the United States Air Force upon graduation, before relocating to the San Francisco area, where he founded Perchak Property Management in 1973. Under his leadership and vision, it has grown into a full-service company that manages single family homes, townhomes, condominiums, apartment complexes and commercial real estate across the Bay area. Perchak and his wife, Laurie, created the Perchak Family African Community Scholarship Fund aimed at supporting the education of African monks and nuns at Sant’ Anselmo, the international Benedictine University in Rome that was established by Saint Vincent College and Archabbey founder Archabbot Boniface Wimmer. The Perchaks are the parents of three adult children, John, Mike and Alaina. DR. RICHARD S. SEPESY, P’48, C’52

Dr. Richard S. Sepesy, of Monroeville, graduated with honors in history and philosophy, then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served on the frontline as a cryptographer in the Army Security Agency during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the U.S. Army Special Commendation Medal for his linguistic and codebreaking contributions. He then entered the dental profession, enrolling at Duquesne University. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1960. He opened a dental practice in Braddock, then moved to Monroeville, where he presently shares the practice with his son, Dr. Richard Sepesy Jr. He was responsible for five family members attending Saint Vincent, including his brother Joseph, son Richard, sonin-law Frederick Klorczyk, nephew Joseph and great-nephew Alexander. A member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania, he and his wife, Norine are the parents of three children, Richard, Lynne (Sepesy) Klorczyk and Janette (Sepesy) Regola, as well as proud grandparents and great-grandparents. RECENT ALUMNA/ALUMNUS OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS ALEXANDRIA C. SIMMONS, C’10

Alexandria C. (Muzika) Simmons earned bachelor of arts degrees in communication and psychology. A native of Uniontown, she served on the Student Government Association and was president of the class of 2010. A member of the Alpha Lambda Delta, Psi Chi and Lambda Pi Eta honor societ-

Saint Vincent Magazine

ies, she was on the orientation committee, was a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, was a finalist for the President’s Award. She began her career as a legal assistant at the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission in Pittsburgh, before joining the staff of K&L Gates, LLP, as business development manager for six years. Currently, Simmons is the business development manager for Clark Hill PLC in Pittsburgh. She works with attorneys and practice groups on developing business plans and marketing strategies while advising on public relations and marketing activities. She has served on the Saint Vincent College Alumni Council, and is presently vice president, as well as a member of the Father Gilbert J. Burke Alumni Scholarship Committee. She volunteers as a member of the Buddy Walk Committee with the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh and regularly supports other non-profits. She is a member of the Legal Marketing Association. Simmons and her husband, Shane, C’10, reside in Jefferson Hills. JASON M. WINTERS, C’04

Jason M. Winters, of Hempfield Township, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in computing and information science. He was president of the student theater group The Company, member of the Student Government Association and the College Republicans. A member of pep band, Winters was inducted into the Mu Beta Psi National Music Honor Society. He earned a master’s degree in higher education from Geneva College and worked in Student Affairs at Saint Vincent for eight years, beginning as residence hall director in Gerard Hall before becoming director of campus life, twice winning the SGA Administrator of the Year Award. In 2012, he was hired as the director of parks and recreation for Hempfield Township, before being named township manager in February 2018. He oversees the township’s day-to-day operations and supervises the township’s finance and administration, parks and recreation, planning and code, public safety and public works departments. Winters has been a member of the Saint Vincent Alumni Council for 13 years, recently finishing a two-year term as president. He is also president of the Parent Teacher Group at Mary of Nazareth Catholic School and chairperson of the Saint Angela Merici Parish Festival. Winters has worked as a high school and college softball and volleyball official, and is the district deputy commissioner for USA/ASA Softball and a co-director of softball operations for the Collegiate Softball Umpire Association. Winters and his wife, Dana, C’06, are the parents of two daughters, Clare and Anna. 15

Fall 2019

Dr. Cornel West: Arts as Prophetic Witness

The Saint Vincent College Threshold Series continued on October 17, when Dr. Cornel West, professor at Harvard, professor emeritus at Princeton and noted scholar, author and social activist, addressed a captivated crowd of nearly 500 in the Robert S. Carey Student Center’s Performing Arts Center. West’s lecture, entitled “The Arts as Prophetic Witness in Times of Suffering and Despair,” was jointly presented by the Ann Kinzer Clark, M.D., Memorial Lecture Series in cooperation with the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation. He was introduced on the stage by close friend and colleague Dr. Andrew G. Clark, director of choral activities and senior lecturer of music at Harvard, Latrobe native and the son of the late Dr. Ann Kinzer Clark and Mr. Douglas Clark, former head of Excela Health in Latrobe. West, who is a professor of the practice of public philosophy at Harvard, has also taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Princeton and the University of Paris. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in three years and obtained both an M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton. A prominent and provocative democratic intellectual, West has written 20 books, including Race Matters, Democracy Matters and his memoir Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. A frequent guest on CNN, C-SPAN and MSNBC, West has appeared in more than 25 documentaries and films, including The Matrix, Examined Life, Call + Response, Sidewalk and Stand. After opening his lecture by praising and thanking Clark, West talked about the importance and influence of The Rule of Saint Benedict. “I’m here to follow the first word of The Rule of Saint BeneSaint Vincent Magazine

dict,” he said, “and that is to ‘listen.’ I’ve always considered myself a jazz man in the world of ideas and a blues man in the life of mind, but you can’t be a jazz man or a blues man unless you learn how to properly listen.” He would then went on to lament the current state of society, saying that “We live in a grim moment, a moment of spiritual collapse and moral meltdown,” while emphasizing the importance of self-evaluation, critical thinking, education, family and unconditional love and acceptance. Throughout his presentation, West cited the works of a number of philosophers, scholars, musicians, playwrights and artists from throughout history, many of which have proven prophetic and remain relevant, including Plato, Socrates, Tennessee Williams, Stephen Sondheim, Eugene O’Neill, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Anton Chekhov, B.B. King and Ella Fitzgerald. “Dr. West delivered a thought-provoking lecture,” said Saint Vincent College president Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., “which was certainly appreciated by our entire campus community and all who attended. His opening remarks, which drew directly upon The Rule of Saint Benedict and the importance of listening, were particularly impactful as we reflect on our own lives and the relationships we cultivate. “As we examine the world around us, it is important that we not simply hear, but truly listen to others—a theme Dr. West carried throughout his work. We are grateful for his words and presence as part of this lecture series.” West’s lecture can be viewed in its entirety on the Saint Vincent College YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/2qDnJNp. —Jim Berger 16

Fall 2019

SIX NEW FACULTY MEMBERS IN 2019-2020 Saint Vincent College welcomed six new faculty members for the 2019-20 academic year. Father Michael Antonacci, O.S.B., C’07, S’14, will serve as an assistant professor of physics in the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing. Father Michael graduated from Saint Vincent College with bachelor of science degrees in both physics and mathematics, before earning a master of divinity from Saint Vincent Seminary. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in physics. His dissertation and research work at North Carolina involved developing methods for using xenon-129 as an MRI bioprobe for temperature and molecular structure. Prior to his graduate and doctoral work, Father Michael was also published with Dr. Anis Maize on using theoretical calculations of atomic polarizability as a teaching tool for undergraduates. Dr. Lucas Briola, C’13, is an assistant professor of theology in the Saint Vincent College School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Briola, who has previously served as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Vincent, has bachelor of arts degrees in theology and history. He went on to earn a master of theological studies degree from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, before earning his Ph.D. in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Briola’s scholarly interests include integral ecology and Laudato Si’, scholasticism, theological responses to the opiate crisis and the Second Vatican Council. Dr. Matthias P. Hühn has joined the staff in the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics and Government as the Mary S. Carey professor in ethics and Catholic social thought. Hühn received the bulk of his schooling at the University of Saint Gallen in Switzerland, where he earned a Ph.D. in management, a master’s of philosophy in management, economics and politics and a master of letters in literature and society. He also earned a diploma in business economics from the University of Hannover in Germany. He has held previous teaching positions at University of Navarra, China-Europe International Business School (CEIBS), University of Witten/Herdecke, Saint Vincent Magazine

the British University of Egypt and the European Business School (ECSP). Hühn’s research involves the philosophical foundations, epistemic and ethical, of management and economics. In 2016, he was awarded the Emerald Literati Award for a paper on management education, while he serves as an editor for Frontiers in Organizational Psychology and Business Ethics: A European Review. Dr. Katie Leckenby has been hired as an assistant professor of education in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Leckenby attended Slippery Rock University for both undergraduate and graduate studies, earning bachelor of science degrees in music therapy and elementary education and a master’s degree in special education. She holds education certification and teaching experience in elementary (grades K-6), special education (N-12), mid-level English (7-9) and mid-level mathematics (7-9), while she is a board-certified music therapist. Her doctoral dissertation addressed suburban middle school educators’ perception of students’ mental health. Dr. Whitney Liske has joined the Boyer School faculty as an assistant professor of mathematics. Liske holds a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from the College of Saint Benedict, while she earned both a master’s and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame. Liske has previously taught at Notre Dame and was recently named a fellow for Project NExT, a professional development program for new or recent Ph.D. recipients in the mathematical sciences. Her doctoral dissertation was entitled “Defining Equations of Rees Algebras of Artinian Gorenstein Rings.” Carla Tomas will serve as coordinator of the bachelor of science in nursing collaborative program between Saint Vincent College and Carlow University. Tomas, who earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in nursing from Waynesburg University, has been a full-time faculty member in Carlow University’s nursing program since 2013. With a strong background in trauma, she specializes in critical care. Her research interests are in nursing student retention and persistence. 17

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COMMITTEE TASKED WITH REFRESHING CORE CURRICULUM new generation of students. I am hopeful that By Julia Cavallo, C’03 we can emerge from this process with a stronHave you ever had an “aha” moment when ger sense of what it means to be this particular you realized how something impacted your Catholic, Benedictine, and liberal arts institulife? If that something was your core education tion, and that the conversation continues.” at Saint Vincent, we would like to hear from The committee has been diligently working you. to interview key stakeholders about the core As a Saint Vincent alumna myself, I have curriculum including the chancellor, president, realized how my liberal arts and sciences eduvice president for academic affairs, faculty cation has influenced all aspects of my life— members, staff members, and students. Addiprofessionally and personally. It seems that tionally, several listening sessions are ongoing, I am not alone in this “aha” moment. I often focusing on the three-pronged mission (Cathohear from fellow Bearcats who observe that Dr. Margaret Wtakins lic, Benedictine, liberal arts and sciences) and our liberal arts education impacted their life and its relationship to the core curriculum. career but they had not realized it until years after gradu“We form students for a meaningful, successful life and ation. Alumni report that the effect of their core classes career; this is really the goal. The core is very important to has positively influenced their professional career, civic crafting leadership skills, developing depth of thought and engagement, personal development and family life. awareness of other cultures. It’s important to get students At a critical moment in American higher education, Saint out of their comfort zones,” Father Paul Taylor noted during Vincent College is committed to continuously improving a recent core conversation with committee members. and providing the best possible education to students. In Dr. John Smetanka, vice president for academic affairs, that spirit the college has formed a committee to review has taught science courses in the core curriculum since he and revise the core curriculum over the next 18 months. joined the college faculty in 1997. He commented, “The This review is an opportunity to respect the past, be incore curriculum is the most important part of the Saint formed by the present, and embrace a renewed emphasis Vincent education. It is the essential element because it is on the values inherent to a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal what makes us unique. The core should enable students arts and sciences education into the future. to make a difference in their chosen vocational paths and Dr. Margaret Watkins, dean of the School of Arts, Huin their personal lives, as well as to understand the decimanities, and Social Sciences, is the chair of the commitsions they make. Such decision-making requires historical, tee. She is joined by faculty members, Drs. Jessica Harvey philosophical, theological and scientific context. Students (communication), Philip Kanfush, O.S.B. (education), also need an operational awareness of different disciplines James Kellam (biology), Jason King (theology), Jerome of the liberal arts and how they can be applied to solve the Foss (politics), and Michael Rhodes (biology), as well as problems that we are all facing.” administrators Julia Cavallo (assessment and institutional Besides the stakeholders listed above, the committee research) and Dr. Nancy Rottler (assistant vice president wants to hear from you—Saint Vincent alumni. The alumni for student success). perspective is very significant to this important process. The committee’s charge is to study curricula used at The committee wants to learn about your experiences with other institutions (both similar and different from Saint the core curriculum. How has a diversity of classes impactVincent) while respecting the unique characteristics and ed your personal and professional life? What are essential values of a Saint Vincent College education in reviewing skills and knowledge needed in today’s job market? If you the core curriculum. The process will include a review of were creating a new core curriculum, what is the one comthe Saint Vincent educational program goals, the estabponent it should have? Send all feedback to Dr. Watkins lishment of new student learning outcomes (SLOs), and a (margaret.watkins@stvincent.edu). proposal for a curriculum revision to meet the new SLOs. As Boniface Wimmer wrote about his vision for a BenedicIt is critical to the mission and effectiveness of the college tine order in the United States in an 1845 article in the Gerto embark on this revision process to ensure that a Saint man newspaper Augsburger Postzeitung, Benedictines have Vincent education will integrate students’ professional aims played a key role at different points in history and have with the broader purposes of human life in today’s global been pivotal in holding society together. The role of stability and complex world. as a Benedictine hallmark does not mean stagnation. If we Dr. Watkins explained, “We have an opportunity here for apply Wimmer’s words to today’s higher education reality, a community-wide conversation about what we think the this core curriculum revision is an opportunity to adapt the essential Saint Vincent education should provide to our Saint Vincent education to the needs of the time. Saint Vincent Magazine

Fall 2019

FACULTY MEMBER AND WIFE EDIT NEW BOOK ON FRED ROGERS By Jim Berger

Edited by Saint Vincent College assistant professor of philosophy Dr. Eric Mohr and his wife, Holly, the recently released book Mister Rogers and Philosophy: Wondering through the Neighborhood examines the philosophy behind the teachings of Fred Rogers as well as the impact that the legendary television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood has made over the past four decades. Released in October, Mister Rogers and Philosophy: Wondering through the Neighborhood is a collection of 30 essays written by philosophers from across the world. The writers share their own memories and experiences of watching the show, compare Rogers’ goals and teachings to those of a number of noted scholars, psychologists and educators and examine Rogers’ masterful way of teaching his young audience about sensitive—and often frightening—topics through his careful, simplified language and by the use of the puppet inhabitants of the Neighborhood of Make Believe. Along with a number of examples from episodes from throughout the show’s 41-year run, the authors also Saint Vincent Magazine

frequently include anecdotes from The Good Neighbor, Maxwell King’s biography of Rogers, as well as clips from the award-winning 2018 documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Saint Vincent is well-represented among the book’s contributors. Mohr co-authored an essay with current junior Sydney Ball, a biology major, English minor and Fred Rogers Scholar from Pittsford, New York, while English professor Dr. Sara Lindey and theology professor Dr. Jason King also collaborated on a chapter. Mister Rogers and Philosophy: Wondering through the Neighborhood is the 128th volume in Open Court Publishing’s “Popular Culture and Philosophy” series. The series began with the book Seinfeld and Philosophy: A Book About Everything and Nothing, with subsequent editions covering popular television series, movies and musical acts including The Simpsons, Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, The Planet of the Apes, Tom Petty and Jimi Hendrix. Released on October 15, the book is available on Amazon (paperback and Kindle) and at booksellers nationwide. 19

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Forward, Always Forward n n n n n n n n n

n n n n n n n n n

A MESSAGE from the campaign director Dear alumni and friends,

ou are amazing! Thank you for your support and encouragement in every way, as we have reached new levels of achievement through the Forward, Always Forward Campaign. At the announcement of our 18th President, Father Paul Taylor, we raised the goal for this transformative effort to $110 million to provide muchneeded financial help to our students to enable them to have the Saint Vincent Bearcat Education experience. Through the Forward, Always Forward comprehensive campaign, alumni and friends have provided critical funding for student scholarships and financial aid, faculty research, support, new construction and renovations to existing facilities, and vital funding for programs and projects focused on students and their educational development, in and out of the classroom.

Please support the expansion of the Dale P. Latimer Library and art galleries or any of our other campaign priorities: 1. Student Aid 2. Endowment 3. Infrastructure 4. Current Programs

With your help, we continue to move with momentum toward our new goal of $110 million. Today’s competitive landscape of higher education requires us to raise the funds to provide essential tuition assistance, upgrade existing facilities, create new ones, and inspire students through innovative programs in health care, business and the humanities that prepare them to address the challenges and opportunities of our age with the moral values and ethical principles which our world desperately needs. We will continue to raise these valuable resources so that we can equip our students to take what they have learned and experienced during their time at Saint Vincent and make a positive impact in our world. This progress, centered on providing a unique and excellent Saint Vincent College experience for our students, is a testament to our history and tradition, and is only possible through your involvement and giving. We will continue to update you on the progress of our campaign here and at www.stvincent.edu/forward.

For information on how you can help, please contact David M. Hollenbaugh, vice president for Institutional

If you have supported Saint Vincent through our campaign—Thank you for your generosity. If you have yet to give in support of Saint Vincent’s growing impact and influence, please consider making your best gift and a real difference in the lives our students. All the best,

Advancement and campaign director, at 724-805-2590 or david.hollenbaugh@ stvincent.edu

David M. Hollenbaugh Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Campaign Director

New York Times Study Ranks SVC Among Nation’s Best In a study released by The New York

Times,

Saint

Vincent

College

ranked

lofty ranking is well-deserved. “Saint

Vincent

has

always

relationships formed between students

done

and faculty members have played a large

among the nation’s best in six-year

well when the big-picture metrics of

part in the school’s success with retention.

graduation rate.

institutional educational effectiveness are

Rottler said that the Saint Vincent faculty

In an article entitled “The College

measured,” he said, “namely retention,

is proactive in identifying students who

Dropout Crisis,” Times journalists David

graduation rate and alumni salary. When

may be having difficulty, which leads to

Leonhardt and Sahil Chinoy analyzed

you look at student performance measured

early intervention.

data from 368 colleges from across the

by things like graduation rate, medical,

Rottler noted that Saint Vincent’s efforts

U.S. and used factors including students’

law and graduate school admission and

in retention go beyond just the monitoring

income, race, gender, age and test scores

successful job placement, Saint Vincent is

of a student’s academic performance

to create an expected graduation rate for

a top performer as The New York Times

and said that a number of different

each institution. The statistics also take

highlighted.”

departments on campus play a role.

into account students who transfer and go

As Smetanka noted, Saint Vincent has

As noted by Smetanka, students receive

on to earn a degree at a college they did

performed well historically in terms of

this attention for the duration of their time

not originally attend.

retention and graduation rate. He feels

at Saint Vincent.

Vincent

that this success stems from the personal

College’s expected rate was determined to

Using

this

formula,

Saint

relationships that students form early in

intervention services for a student’s entire

be 74 percent. However, SVC significantly

their collegiate tenures with faculty and

college career,” said Rottler. “We are

outperformed this projection, with its

staff members.

constantly evaluating their progress and

“We

provide

these

academic

2011-12 freshman class posting an actual

“Saint Vincent is characterized by close

making recommendations based upon

six-year graduation rate of 88 percent.

interactions with faculty and staff,” he

their strengths and weaknesses. We want

This difference of 14 percentage points

said, “as well as personalized advising

to ensure that each and every student

was the seventh-largest among all schools

that starts with academic orientation

succeeds.”

surveyed, third-largest among private

for students before they begin their first

colleges and the largest among institutions

year and continues up to graduation.

article, retention and graduation rates of

in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

We continually ensure that students are

minorities, students with limited income

taking the appropriate steps.”

and those with lower test scores have been

Dr. John Smetanka, vice president for

Nationally,

noted

the Times

academic affairs and academic dean at

Dr. Nancy Rottler, assistant vice president

below average. Rottler notes that this has

Saint Vincent, was not surprised by the

for student success and retention at Saint

not been the case at Saint Vincent, thanks

findings of the study, and feels that SVC’s

Vincent, also feels that the personal

in part to special programming in place.

Make A Year-End Gift to Saint Vincent College A year-end gift can provide meaningful support to Saint Vincent College in many ways. • Gift of Cash: There is no easier way to garner a year-end charitable deduction than a gift of cash to support the Student First Fund, or the Forward, Always Forward Capital Campaign. • Stock: A gift of appreciated stock can offer a charitable tax deduction. • IRA Charitable Distribution: Give a charitable gift and receive a tax benefit through a distribution from your IRA. Your financial planner or money manager can help make this an easy and effective way to give. • Real Estate: Sale of real estate during the current fiscal year could mean a sizeable capital gains tax. Offset that tax by making a charitable contribution to Saint Vincent. • Life Income Gifts: Establish a charitable gift annuity for Saint Vincent and receive life income and tax benefits. After lifetime income for you and/or a loved one, remaining assets become a gift to the College. Help students become successful alumni by “paying

it forward” today!

For Additional Information: Contact David M. Hollenbaugh• Vice President for Institutional Advancement • 724-805-2590 • david.hollenbaugh@stvincent.edu Saint Vincent Magazine

Fall 2019

Members of the 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame class were, from left, Dr. Terrance Smith, C’05, basketball; David J. Suski, C’06, soccer; Edward R. Sagan, C’87, soccer; Kenny J. Roberts, C’05, basketball; Tony L. Washam, C’05, basketball; Daniel E. Consuegra, C’06, G’15, baseball; Nicole H. Karr, C’04, G’13, softball; Patricia J. Chabala, C’88, softball; Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., president.

2019 Athletic Hall Of Fame Saint Vincent College inducted eight individuals and one team into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 28, in the Fred M. Rogers Center. “The Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest level of recognition presented to student-athletes, coaches and teams at Saint Vincent College,” said Shawn Gouch, director of alumni relations. “Each year, Saint Vincent formally recognizes student-athletes and teams who not only excelled in the classroom and on the field of athletic competition during their collegiate careers, but also excelled once leaving Saint Vincent. Those individuals and teams that are selected to be members of the Hall of Fame exemplify the lessons they learned in athletics and through their Benedictine education.” PATRICIA J. CHABALA, C’88, SOFTBALL

Patricia J. Chabala earned a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts, with a sociology concentration. A native of Bridgeville, she was a member of the first softball team in Saint Vincent College history and put together an impressive four-year career in the pitcher’s circle despite never having pitched before enrolling at SVC. Chabala was a four-time All-NAIA District 18/Keystone Empire College ConSaint Vincent Magazine

ference honoree and authored both the first no-hitter and perfect game in program history. The Bearcats posted a winning record in all four of Chabala’s seasons, going a combined 45-24. The team’s 15 victories in 1986 remained a school record until 2008. Following her graduation, Chabala enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as a member of its search and rescue team. She earned a masters degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently employed as a licensed social worker and special needs coordinator at the Francis F. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She has traveled to Uganda on several occasions to volunteer with missionary teams, while she is also a volunteer at the Comea House homeless shelter and serves as a foster home for Cheyenne Animal Shelter. She recently completed a 200-mile running relay in Colorado with a team comprised of active duty and veteran military women. DANIEL E. CONSUEGRA, C’06, G’15, BASEBALL

Daniel E. Consuegra earned a bachelor of science degree in management, then master’s degrees from Saint Vincent in both curriculum and instruction and school administration. A native of Damascus, Maryland, Consuegra was the Bearcat baseball team’s most decorated player over the winningest four-year span in team history. He is the team’s only two-time All-America selection, earn22

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ing the accolade following his freshman and senior seasons, while he was a three-time All-American Mideast Conference (AMC) honoree and three-time NAIA All-Region selection. Consuegra spent the first three years of his career as a middle infielder before moving to catcher as a senior and graduated as the team’s all-time leader with 188 career hits, which currently ranks second in the team’s history books. Over the course of his 150-game career, he batted .395 with 12 home runs, 35 doubles, 98 runs scored and 135 RBI. During his freshman season, the Bearcats won a team-record 27 games, before following that up with a 26-win campaign in 2004 that resulted in the team’s only AMC title and a trip to the NAIA Region IX finals, where they finished one game short of advancing to the NAIA World Series. The team topped the 20-win mark and reached the AMC playoffs in each of Consuegra’s final two seasons. He is currently the principal at Apollo-Ridge High School. He and wife Kristin (Hozak), C’08, reside in Plum with their children, Tyson, Paxton and Lucy. NICOLE H. KARR, C’04, G’13, SOFTBALL

Nicole H. (Hinerman) Karr of Irwin received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology education and early childhood and elementary education, before earning a master’s degree from Saint Vincent in curriculum and instruction. A native of Greensburg, Karr was a four-year starter and three-year captain for the Bearcat softball team and remains the program’s record-holder in nearly every offensive category. As a freshman she hit a then-school-record 13 doubles. As a junior, she earned All-AMC accolades after batting .415 with 34 hits, setting school records with six triples and 15 doubles. As a senior she led the AMC with a .538 batting average and 21 doubles, both of which remain school records, while she also set school standards with a .925 slugging percentage and .583 on-base percentage. She was a recipient of the Saint Vincent athletic department’s E. Albert DeLuca Award for dependable and responsible leadership. After graduating, she remained with the Bearcat program as an assistant under head coach Kristen Zawacki, before being named the third head coach in team history in 2006. She has since built the Bearcats into a national power, leading the team to 257 wins over her 13-year tenure, which has included Presidents’ Athletic Conference titles and trips to the NCAA Division III national playoffs in both 2016 and 2019. Saint Vincent Magazine

KENNY J. ROBERTS, C’05, BASKETBALL

Kenny J. Roberts earned a bachelor of arts in communication with a minor in sociology. A native of Falling Waters, West Virginia, Roberts was among the top point guards in the nation during his four-year career with the Bearcat men’s basketball team. Roberts started all 121 games at point guard over the four-year span, scoring 1,704 points, the fourth most all-time in team history. He also ranks second in team history with 467 career assists and 249 steals, while his 192 career three-point field goals rank in the top five all-time among SVC players. Roberts was twice named NAIA All-America, earning the honors as a junior in 2004 and a senior in 2005, while he was a four-time All-AMC selection. With Roberts at point guard, the Bearcats went a combined 97-24, reaching the NAIA National Championship Tournament in each of his four years. In 2003, Roberts hit one of the biggest shots in team history, a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of regulation that lifted SVC to a 71-68 win over Geneva in the AMC semifinals. Less than 24 hours later, the Bearcats defeated Ohio Dominican to win the conference title and earn a trip to the national tournament. Roberts played professionally in England, while also serving a stint as assistant coach on D.P. Harris’ staff. Currently, he resides in Inwood, West Virginia and is employed by Grafton Integrated Health Network as a direct support professional and is a regional director for ACN. EDWARD R. SAGAN, C’87, SOCCER

Edward R. Sagan Jr., holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and minor in mathematics. A four-year starter in goal for the men’s soccer team, Sagan played a major role during the most successful era in the team’s history. A two-time all-conference honoree, Sagan remains among the program’s all-time leaders in nearly every significant statistical category. He earned 39 wins in goal over his four-year career, a program record more than 30 years after his graduation. As a freshman in 1984, Sagan recorded six shutouts, which remained a program record for more than 20 years and still ranks second in a single season in team history. His 23 saves in a 1985 bout with Geneva are also the second most in a single game in the 53-year history of SVC men’s soccer. After helping the Bearcats to a school-record 12 victories in 1984, Sagan played an integral role a year later during the most successful season in team history. The 1985 Bearcats went 17-3 overall and a perfect 9-0 in conference play, advancing to the NAIA National 23

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Tournament. In the first round, SVC defeated AlabamaHuntsville by a 2-1 score in overtime, before suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat in the second round to Fresno Pacific, a team that eventually reached the national championship finals. Sagan earned a spot on the NAIA National Championship All-Tournament Team, and was named Small-College All-America by the National Soccer Coaches Association. A season later, he helped the Bearcats reach the regional championship game and went on to receive All-America accolades for the second consecutive season. He remains one of just two players in team history to be named All-America in two different seasons. Following his graduation, Sagan earned an MBA from Ohio University. He has remained active as a youth soccer official and coach and has run six Chicago Marathons as part of Team World Vision, which raises money to provide clean water to villages and children in Africa. He and wife, Chris (Gray), C’89, have two sons, Jack and Matthew. DR. TERRANCE D. SMITH, C’05, BASKETBALL

Dr. Terrance D. Smith graduated in 2005 with a bachelor of science degree in business management, and has subsequently earned an MBA from Grantham University and a doctorate of business administration from Walden University. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Smith enjoyed a prolific four-year career for the Bearcat men’s basketball team, as he was twice named NAIA All-America while also earning three All-AMC honors. Smith graduated as the Bearcats’ all-time career scoring leader with 1,819 points, which still ranks second in team history, while he also totaled 173 career three-point field goals and averaged 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists for his career. During his career, the Bearcats posted a four-year record of 85-42, winning conference championships and advancing to the NAIA National Championship Tournament in both 1998 and 2000. Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of chief warrant officer 2. Over his 12-year military career, he served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan and earned a number of honors, including a Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals and Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Combat Stars. Smith then returned to SVC to serve as assistant men’s basketball coach while also joining the faculty in the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics and Government. During his five-year tenure as assistant coach, the Bearcats posted a record of 101-35, twice winning PAC titles and advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs. In April 2019, Smith was elevated to head coach, and will begin his first full season at the helm this fall. In the McKenna School, he serves as an assistant professor of manSaint Vincent Magazine

agement, teaching courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, while he serves as the executive director of the McKenna School’s Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence. Smith resides in Latrobe and has four children: Kobe, Maya and twins Cadence and Kyra. DAVID J. SUSKI, C’06, SOCCER

David J. Suski graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in communication. A native of Donora, he started every game over his fouryear career with the men’s soccer team and remains the program’s all-time leader in both career goals (56) and points (137). Named both NAIA All-America and NSCAA/Adidas All-Region following his 2005 senior season, Suski was a four-time All-American Mideast Conference (AMC) honoree. Suski scored at least 10 goals and 27 points in all four of his seasons and was the team’s leading scorer in each of his final three years. He twice netted 16 goals in a season, which remains the third-most in a single season by a Bearcat player. The total also ranked first in the AMC in 2005, a season in which the Bearcats won 12 games—second most in a season in team history—and advanced to the NAIA Region IX semifinals. Suski was named the recipient of the 2005-06 Bearcat Athletic Club Award, given to the College’s most outstanding athlete. He currently works as a senior analyst for procurement for Seneca Resources in Pittsburgh, while he is an active volunteer with the Cranberry CUP, an organization of homeowners’ associations in the Cranberry Township area that raises funds for those who have experienced severe financial stress due to medical or other hardships. He and wife, Shelly, have two children, Greyson and Oaklynn, and they reside in Cranberry Township. TONY L. WASHAM, C’05, BASKETBALL

Tony L. Washam graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in communication and minor in sociology. A New Castle, Delaware native, he remains the most decorated player in Saint Vincent men’s basketball history. A three-time NAIA All-America and four-time First Team All-AMC selection, Washam scored a school-record 2,747 points over his four-year career, averaging a program-best 25 points per game. He also holds career records for steals (289) and free throws (1,029), while his 971 career rebounds rank second in the team history books. As a freshman he averaged 23.0 points and 24

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7.5 rebounds per game, with his season highlighted by a 47-point performance in a December meeting with Cedarville. As a sophomore in 2002-03, Washam averaged a conference-best 23.4 points while grabbing 8.9 rebounds per game to earn AMC Player of the Year and NAIA AllAmerica accolades for the first time. In 2003-04, despite missing 10 regular season games due to injury, Washam earned All-America honors yet again, averaging a schoolrecord 28.3 points per game and leading the Bearcats to the AMC tournament title and a third straight trip to the NAIA National Tournament. As a senior he again led the AMC in scoring with an average of 25.2 points, being named AMC Player of the Year for the second time while earning his third straight NAIA All-America honor. His 757 points during the 2004-05 season remain a team record. With Washam on the team, the Bearcats went a combined 97-24, reaching the NAIA National Championship Tournament in each of his four years. Following graduation, Washam embarked on a 14-year professional career, playing in Israel, Brazil and Argentina and he currently is involved in a number of civic activities as a volunteer with at-risk teens and an advocate for mental health. Washam is the father of one daughter, Kaylee. 1994 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM

In 1994, the Saint Vincent College women’s volleyball

team reached the NAIA National Championship Tournament for the first time in program history, finishing with a 26-7 overall record. After losing in the Keystone Empire Collegiate Conference championship match to archrival Westminster, the Bearcats exacted revenge by defeating the Titans on their home court in the championship match of the NAIA Northeast Regional tournament to earn a trip to the national tournament in Chattanooga, Tennessee. At the opening ceremony in Chattanooga, SVC players Angie (Hopwood) Shepard and Amy (Anderson) Earnest teamed up to sing the National Anthem. Though they were eliminated early from the tournament, Saint Vincent was given the NAIA National Championship Sportsmanship Award. The trip to nationals was the culmination of a stellar season, during which SVC was consistently ranked in the top three of the Northeast Region, and a number of Bearcats earned postseason recognition. Head coach Sue Hozak was named both the KECC and Northeast Region Coach of the Year, while four players—Amy DeLisa, Melanie (Pachuta) Carnot, Kim (Brozinski) Siwula and Becky Pekala—earned All-KECC accolades. DeLisa and Pachuta were also named All-Region and NAIA All-America, while DeLisa and Hopwood were recognized as NAIA AllAmerican Scholars. The 1994 squad remains the only team in SVC volleyball history to reach the national tournament.

Volleyball team members attending the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, are pictured with Alumni Director Shawn Gouch, left, and Athletic Director Father Myron Kirsch, O.S.B., second from left, and President Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., right. They are, from left, next to Father Myron, Sue Hozak, head coach; Robin Klimke, ’94 assistant coach; Melissa Blough Baker, C’98; Melanie Pachuta Carnot, C’95; Lori Grum Closson, C’97; Amy DeLisa, C’97; Amy Ricciardi Geibel, C’95; Jennifer Spozio Keaveney, C’96; Angelica Hopwood Shepard, C’96 and Kim Brozinski Siwula, C’96.

Saint Vincent Magazine

Fall 2019

SPORTS BRIEFS Saint Vincent baseball

Academic Team Award honors

player Bobby Finn, C’19, was

from the United States Track

named a Google Cloud Aca-

& Field and Cross Country

demic All-American by the Col-

Coaches Association for the

lege Sports Information Direc-

2018-19 season.

tors of America. Finn earned

The Bearcat women,

Second Team national honors

coached by Kevin Wanichko,

after being named First Team

finished the year ranked #1 in

All-District. Finn was named to the Presidents’ Athletic

Freshman Zachary Gibbons

fourth-fastest time ever for a Bearcat, behind three perfor-

was selected as the Men’s

mances by former SVC star

Soccer Rookie of the Week as

Ivette Mejia, C’11.

he made five saves in a recent

The Saint Vincent men, led

1-1 draw with Chatham. His

by Will Greene, who finished

51 saves thus far had him

second overall, finished 8th

ranked fourth in the PAC.

among 40 schools, while the

*****

women were 19th out of 44.

Freshman Angela Popovich

He was named the President’s

was honored as the Women’s

the nation among all Division

Athletic Conference Men’s

Tennis Rookie of the Week recently after going 4-0 recently.

Conference First Team. On the

III schools with a 3.79 cumulative team grade point aver-

Runner of the Week for his performance.

The Greensburg native is 7-2

field, he led the team with a

age. The SVC men, coached

.365 batting average, a school

by Andy Herr, had a team GPA

single-season record 12 home

of 3.53, among the top 10 in

runs, 43 runs batted in, and

the United States.

a .997 fielding percentage as

In all, 297 teams were

the team’s starting first base-

honored by the association for

man. In the classroom, the

their academics, 184 women’s

accounting major finished with

teams and 113 men’s pro-

a 3.78 grade point average.

grams. This is the first time

***** The Saint Vincent golf teams

that a Bearcat team was ranked #1 in the nation.

concluded the fall portion of

*****

the Presidents’ Athletic Con-

Sydney Green became the

ference Golf Championships.

second-fastest female cross

Both the men and women are

country runner in school his-

in third place.

tory, covering the 6K distance

***** The Saint Vincent men’s and women’s track teams earned

in 22:48 at the recent Paul Short Invitational, hosted by Lehigh University. It was the

*****

at No. 2 singles thus far this

Junior quarterback Lorenzo Cota finished the day 9-for-

season and sports a perfect 5-0 mark against PAC com-

20 passing for 163 yards and

petition. The team concluded

a touchdown against Thiel

the season with an 8-5 record,

College for the football team’s

but fell to Geneva in the first

first victory of the season, 41-

round of the PAC playoffs.

18. It was also the first victory for new head coach Aaron

***** The Saint Vincent women’s

Smetanka. Cota also ran for

bowling team opened the

47 yards and two scores in

2019-20 season with a 3-0

his first collegiate start. Junior

sweep over Penn State-Al-

Mike Stasko ran for 126 yards

toona on the road.

on the day on 24 carries.

*****

Senior Sam Nowicki caught

A total of 73 Saint Vincent

four passes for 83 yards, while senior Braden Hone had two

student-athletes were named to the Presidents’ Athletic

catches for 51 yards, and one

Conference Spring 2019 Aca-

carry for 21 yards.

demic Honor Roll.

*****

Bearcat Stadium Last issue included this old photo of the old Bearcat stadium, which was located behind the Sauerkraut Tower. Tom Eckenrode, P’53, C’58, from Durango, Colorado, called to share his memories of the picture, which he said was taken in September 1950. Saint Vincent was playing Duquesne and Vince Sundry played his heart out, he said. He believed the game was a 14-14 tie.

Saint Vincent Magazine

Fall 2019

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

2019 HOMECOMING

Members of the 2019 homecoming court included Keely Cain, a finance major from Hawley, Minnesota; Gianna Detore, a management major from North Huntingdon; Ashley Krause, a communication major from Uniontown, Paige Montrose, an economics/mathematics major from Seven Fields; Helena Zrile, an anthropology major from Mercer; Jake Clark, a history major from Jefferson Hills; Will Greene, a marketing major from Westminster, Maryland; Jack Kilkeary, a management major from Latrobe; Joel Santoro, a business economics major from Indiana; and Joel Trentin, a history education major from Greensburg. Zrile and Clark were named queen and king. For more photos of the event visit: https://bit.ly/340SdaE.

Lost & Found:

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

Pictured is the University of Pittsburgh trophy for the state high school debate contest, which Saint Vincent Prep won in 1942, the final year it was awarded. After being lost for many years, the trophy was recently found and purchased at a garage sale, then returned home to Saint Vincent. Also pictured with the trophy are a printing block of the frontside of the Benedictine medal and a bell, donated to Saint Vincent for safekeeping by Lawrence C. Korchnak, Ph.D., Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;64, during the 2019 Prep reunion weekend. Saint Vincent Magazine

FALL 2019

From left are, Atty. William A. Goyette, P’61; G. William Wolf, P’56, C’61; Richard L. Pedzwater, P’65; Lifetime Achievement Awardee, Rev. Vernon A. Holtz, O.S.B., C’58, S’62; Timothy E. Ungvarsky, P’64; Ronald G. Rosemeier, Ph.D., P’70, C’74; Prep Benedictine Legacy Awardee, Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., P’61, C’66, S’69; Benedict A. Lieb, P’70, C’74.

2019 PREPARATORY SCHOOL ALUMNI HONOREES Eight alumni of the former Saint Vincent Preparatory School were honored during Prep Alumni Reunion Weekend June 7-9. FATHER VERNON A. HOLTZ, O.S.B. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Father Vernon A. Holtz, O.S.B., professor emeritus at Saint Vincent College, held a variety of roles at Saint Vincent Preparatory School. From 1958-72, he impacted hundreds of lives as a highly-regarded prefect, teacher, counselor, basketball and soccer coach, while he also served a six-year stint as assistant headmaster from 1962-68. After graduating from Lock Haven University with a bachelor of science degree in education, Father Vernon joined the Benedictine community and made simple profession of vows July 2, 1956, solemn profession of vows July 11, 1959, and was ordained a priest on June 2, 1962. He went on to earn a master of arts degree in counseling psychology from the Catholic University of America, a master of arts degree in theology from Saint Vincent and a doctorate in existential phenomenological psycholSaint Vincent Magazine

ogy from Duquesne University. From 1971-75 he was director of the Counseling Center at Saint Vincent College, while also directing the monastic formation program for Saint Vincent Archabbey from 1971-74. From 1965 through 2018, he was professor of psychology, winning the Dean’s Faculty Award (1994), the Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award (1999) and the Thoburn Excellence in Teaching Award (2001). In 2010, he was honored by the Mental Health America Association in the field of recovery counseling, while in that same year, he was instrumental in founding and implementing the popular Saint Vincent College lecture series “Aging and Spirituality.” Beginning in 1998, he was involved in ongoing research through the University of Missouri at St. Louis showing the impact spirituality has on the physical healing process while he is currently studying the relationship between psychology, spirituality and religion. In addition to the myriad teaching honors that he has received, Father Vernon received the Saint Vincent Preparatory School Hall of Fame Award in 2010 and was inducted into the Saint Vincent College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. A native of Hastings, Father Vernon enjoys reading contemporary issues in theology, psychology and spirituality, including a wholesome interpretation of religion. 28

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DR. FRED L. SOISSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dr. Ferdinand “Fred” L. Soisson, P47, C’51, of Mechanicsburg earned a bachelor of arts in biology. He went on to graduate from medical school at Georgetown University in 1955 and completed his residency while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Soisson delivered more than 15,000 babies during his 40 years of medical practice in Johnstown. At the College’s 1982 commencement, Soisson received the honorary doctor of humane letters degree for serving humanity in the practice of life-giving and life-saving medicine, as well as for his personal involvement and charitable assistance to biology and pre-med students. Following his retirement, Soisson was elected county commissioner for Cambria County, and was named Pennsylvania Commissioner of the Year in 2000. A member of the Knights of Columbus, Soisson won the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Distinguished Service Award in 2002 and the Cambria County Medical Society and Community Foundation’s Apollo Award for Civic Service in 2003. Soisson and his late wife, Dorothy, are the parents of nine children: Andrew, C’77; Ann; Mary; Karen; Michael; Amy; Laura, C’85; Theresa, C’87; and Tim, C’94. He is a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg. WILLIAM A. GOYETTE ALUMNUS OF DISTINCTION

William A. Goyette, P’61, of Pittsburgh was a standout basketball and baseball player at the Prep. He earned a bachelor of arts from John Carroll University before graduating with a J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law. He is a self-employed attorney with a practice in Pittsburgh that specializes in probate and estate law. A member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Goyette, who has served on the Saint Vincent Preparatory reunion committee, is involved in a number of volunteer initiatives and sits on the board of directors of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh that offers a variety of individualized services aimed at fostering community inclusion for people with disabilities throughout the Western Pennsylvania region. He is a member of Saints Simon and Jude Roman Catholic Parish in Greentree where he sits on the finance council and serves as a reader and Eucharistic minister. He is a Saint Vincent Magazine

Passionist Associate at St. Paul of the Cross Monastery in Pittsburgh. He and wife, Regina, are the parents of four children: John, Theresa, Mary and Patti. DR. RONALD G. ROSEMEIER ALUMNUS OF DISTINCTION

Ronald G. Rosemeier, Ph.D., P’70, C’74, of Monkton, Maryland, earned a degree in physics from Saint Vincent College. He continued his education at Johns Hopkins University, from which he earned a master of science degree in engineering and a doctorate in materials science. He is founder, president and CEO of Brimrose Technology Corporation in Sparks, Maryland, which has developed advanced technologies utilized by the Department of Defense, the NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. Recently, Brimrose developed the Near-Infrared Volatiles Spectrometer System (NIRVSS), which detects the nature of hydrogen it encounters. Having already been used by major pharmaceutical companies and the food industry for analysis, the spectrometer has been ordered by NASA as part of the agency’s efforts to send new technology to the surface of the moon. In 2020, the instrument will be taken by a commercial moon lander to determine the presence of water and hydroxyl within the moon’s surface to gauge the possibility for man to live on the moon. A native of Cokeburg, Rosemeier is a 2011 inductee into the Saint Vincent Preparatory School Hall of Fame. A member of Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Parish in Cockeysville, Maryland, he and his wife, Jolanta, have two children, Nicole and Cory, and six grandchildren. GUSTAVE W. WOLF ALUMNUS OF DISTINCTION

Gustave W. Wolf, P’56, C’61, of Gibsonia earned a degree in history from Saint Vincent College, and continued his education at Penn State University, where he earned a master’s degree in counselor education as well as teaching certificates in German and special education, before earning a certification in school psychology from Duquesne University. He began his career by spending five years as a Latin and German teacher, then worked as a school and college counselor for 27 years. Wolf has served as a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Allegheny County and as benefactor of the Elk County Community Foundation Scholarship Fund, as he sponsors the Gus and Helen Wolf Memorial Scholarship in 29

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honor of his late parents. In addition to his current work with the scholarship fund, Wolf serves as a volunteer ombudsman for the Allegheny County Department of Aging. A native of St. Marys, Wolf currently resides in Gibsonia, and is a member of Saint Alexis Roman Catholic Parish in North Hills. BENEDICT A. LIEB HALL OF FAME

Benedict A. Lieb, P’70, C’74, of Cherry Tree earned a degree in math education from Saint Vincent College. He began his teaching career at Marion Center High School, while also coaching the junior high basketball team, before changing career paths to build custom homes for 10 years. He then moved on to work as general foreman for a scaffolding company at various power plants throughout the region. Lieb has been involved in various civic initiatives. He helped organize a local community center and traveled to Haiti for a mission trip. For the past 35 years, he has hosted a suicide prevention picnic at his home, with proceeds going to causes dedicated to prevention. He has remained connected to Saint Vincent, as he regularly attends Steelers training camp and reunion picnics, even hosting one at his home. A native of Nicktown, Lieb was a standout soccer and basketball player while at Saint Vincent Prep, before going on to earn four letters on the soccer field for Saint Vincent College professor and coach Father Vernon Holtz, O.S.B. Lieb and his wife, Susan, are the parents of four daughters: Caroline, Angela, Audrey and Natalie. RICHARD L. PEDZWATER HALL OF FAME

Richard L. Pedzwater, P’65, of York went on to attend Duquesne University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force and during his work career, he earned both a master of education degree in counseling from Duquesne University and a master of social work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. During his career, Pedzwater worked in counseling and social work, specializing in child welfare, mental health, academic counseling and sexual assault and domestic violence prevention. He earned a host of honors during his career, including the Distinguished Civilian Service Award and Distinguished Career Service award from the Defense Logistics Agency. He volunteered for Allegheny County United Mental Health, Saint Vincent Magazine

starting support groups for families of the mentally ill, before spending 15 years as a volunteer for Access-York Domestic Violence Services and serving on the York County Task Force on Domestic Violence. Pedzwater and his wife Vanessa frequent Sun City Center, Florida, and are the parents of Meagan, Devin, Dan, Georgia and the late Angel and Elaina. He is a member of Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in York. TIMOTHY E. UNGVARSKY HALL OF FAME

Timothy E. Ungvarsky, P’64, of North Versailles, went on to earn a degree in sociology from Virginia Tech. As an undergrad at Virginia Tech, Ungvarsky was a member of its Corps of Cadets, serving as communication and public information officer for squadron N. He was active in the Air Force ROTC, completing initial flight training and earning induction into the Arnold Air Society for outstanding ROTC cadets, while he participated in numerous service projects as a member of the Sigma Mu Sigma national service fraternity. Upon graduation from Virginia Tech, he accepted a position with the U.S. Social Security Administration as a claims representative in its McKeesport office, a position he held for 41 years until his retirement in 2011. Ungvarsky presented at numerous training sessions and seminars, both locally and regionally. He also advised the office of U.S. Rep. Joseph Gaydos on social security matters and was awarded by the office a flag that had flown above the U.S. Capitol. Ungvarsky is also a highlyrespected soccer referee. At the high school level, he has officiated more than 100 playoff contests, including two District 7 (WPIAL) championship matches and 20 PIAA state playoff games. He is also a highly-regarded futsal (indoor soccer) referee, officiating thousands of games throughout the region over the past 30-plus years, including various regional and national championship contests across the eastern U.S. He was responsible for starting the youth soccer program in the East Allegheny Athletic Association (EAAA), introducing the game to thousands of children, many of whom continued to play throughout high school and college. He was active as a volunteer coach, official and administrator for the EAAA for more than three decades, culminating in a six-year stint as the president of the association which serves more than 1,300 children in soccer, baseball, football, softball, basketball and cheerleading. A member of St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Parish in East McKeesport, Ungvarsky and his wife, Sally, have three children, Christopher, Robert and Erin, and five grandchildren.

Fall 2019

Cross Country Alumni Front, from left, Nate Dippold, C’10; Kevin Wanichko, C’12; Linnea Stager, C’17; Brandon Holmes, C’15; Kevin Augustine, C’18; Thad Pajak, D.O., C’07; Justin Petrovich, Ph.D., C’14; Andrew Razanauskas, C’14; Shane Simmons, C’10; Aaron Seckar, C’12; Wayne Hooper, C’08; Lucas Briola, C’13; Genie Wanichko, C’14; Carly Meholic, C’15; Kayla Jackson, C’13; Gina Valotta, C’17; Rachel Glatt, C’18; Brittany Fidazzo, C’11; Ryan Detsch, C’17; Dr. Andrew Herr. Back, from left, Sara Sylvester, C’09; Bethany Pajak, D.O., C’07; Atty. Tony Kovalchick, C’99; Josh Hooke, C’12; Bill Fischer, C’08; Nate Sylvester, C’07; Aaron Conway, C’07; Paul Straka, C’88; Joseph Baughman, C’18; Josiah Stickles, C’19; August Sander, C’17; Brandan Moretton, C’17; Adam Smith, C’09; Alex Krieger, C’18; TJ Black, C’05; Adam Tucek, C’11; Matt Robson, C’06; Laurence Jaross, C’18; Eric Roberts, C’07; Amanda Roberts; Tausha Varner Clark, C’10; John Urban, C’01; Ron Monack, C’17; Rachel DeNino, C’16; Nick Lee, C’19; Christine Reisz, C’11; John Paul Depew, C’19; Vince Tonzo, C’16; Eric Porter, C’15; Mike Bender, C’16.

Other Alumni Gatherings

Recent gatherings included alumni and friends golf outings, where the Harbert Cup, named after long-time coach Tom Harbert, and the Folby Cup, named in honor of the late Sam Folby, P’38, were presented. Top, left, winners of the Harbert Cup (Champion Lakes) pictured with Tom Harbert (center), from left, James Pitassi; Frank J. Kubus; Jr., C’81; Richard Carpinelli; John Carpinelli. Bottom, left, winners of The Folby Cup (Latrobe Elks), from left, with Sam Folby Jr.; Daniel Bryan, C’10; Matthew Bryan, C’12; Matthew Mornak, C’10; Derek Lingafelt, C’14 Above, football alumni turned out for the coaching debut of Aaron Smetanka, C’12, including, from left, Marc Gonzales, C’10; John Bell, strength and conditioning coordinator; Joe Mylant, C’11; Brandon Unferdorfer, C’10; Lorrie Quadro, manager of football operations; Shane Smith, C’11, G’13; Steve Shore, C’11; Nick Burgo, C’10; Aaron Jones, C’11; Bill Yanicko, C’08; and Matt Houston, C’08.

Saint Vincent Magazine

Fall 2019

Retired Professor Michael Gainer Dies

Pictured, from left, Shawn Gouch, C’09, Saint Vincent director of alumni relations; Jason Winters, C’04, Alumni Council outgoing president; Father Paul Taylor, O.S.B., C’87, S’92, Saint Vincent College president; Ryan Retter, C’08, newly-elected Alumni Council president; and Alé Simmons, C’10, Alumni Council president-elect.

Michael Kizinski Gainer, retired

The Saint Vincent Alumni Council elected a new president and vice president, welcomed new members and held a gavel and awards ceremony at its recent quarterly meeting. Ryan Retter, C’08, was installed as president, accepting the gavel from outgoing president Jason Winters, C’04. Retter and his wife, Jennifer, reside in New Kensington. He is employed as the continuous improvement manager at ATI Flat Rolled Products in Natrona Heights.

professor and the former chair of the Saint Vincent College Department of Physics, where he taught for 35 years, died on July 25, 2019. He was the author of several astronomy books. As a passionate educator, Gainer continued teaching astronomy well into his retirement at the Lifelong Learning Institute at Carnegie-Mellon University. He also served in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his seven children, Kathryn (Ronald “Red”) Baughman, Thomas, C’81, (Pamela), John, C’82 (Gioconda), Mary (Scott) Corliss, Cynthia (William) Matrisch, Suzanne Gainer, C’89, and Daniel (Margaret) Gainer; seventeen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; brother Thomas and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his former spouse Julia Scarcelli Gainer, his eldest son, Michael, C’79, infant son Paul, brothers Patrick and Nicholas; sister Miriam Goder and two infant grandsons.

Alumni Council Elects New Officers Alé Simmons, C’10, of Jefferson Hills, was named president-elect. She is the business development manager for Clark Hill PLC in Pittsburgh and is married to Shane Simmons, C’10. Renold Sossong, C’12, was named secretary. He works as an associate for Reed Smith LLP in Pittsburgh. Council members re-elected include David Braum,

C’04; Bill Casey, C’90; Jack Cherubini, C’75; Charlie

Cleveland, C’72 and Hannah Kahn, C’16. Newly-elected council members include

Domenic DeYulis, C’13; Megan Farrell, C’19; Mitchell Farrell, C’18, Olivia London, C’18; Jerry Marsico, C’99; Carey McMonagle, C’70; and John Wojtechko, C’18. The Saint Vincent Alumni Council meets quarterly and council committees assist with various initiatives including homecoming, Easter Ball, student-alumni relations and other projects.

Class News

1940s Sharon White, C’88, sent notice of the death of Albert F. Pishioneri, C’49, on May 13, 2019. She notes he was a World War II veteran, flying on more than 35 combat missions as an air cadet. He was a former recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award and an author, “to just name a few,” she said. After the war he came to Saint Vincent, earning a degree in American history, then taught high school for nearly 40 years, in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He authored the book Me, Mom

Jason Winters, C’04, (left) with George Martin, P’59, 2019 recipient of the Father Camillus Long,

and World War II.

O.S.B., Award for dedication and outstanding service to Saint Vincent alumni relations.

Saint Vincent Magazine

Fall 2019

Alumni and friends met recently in Palm Beach, Florida. The Beach Club event was hosted by Kay and Art Rooney Jr. Above, at left, Arthur Rooney Jr., C’57, took a few minutes to talk football with Saint Vincent’s head coach Aaron Smetanka, C’12. At right, Mrs. Kay Rooney and Art greet Blase Prosperi, C’12. The entire group is pictured below.

Artwork Given to SVC Arthur Rooney, Jr., C’57, who was inducted into the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor in 2018, has been donating Steeler-related artwork to Saint Vincent College for a number of years. Above are some samples of his more recent gifts to the college.

Class News

1950s Members of the Class of 1950 may remember Mrs. Mary O’Hara Smith, wife of the late

Dr. Perry Smith, P’46, C’50. She died on August 22, 2019.

Karl David Ludwig, M.D., C’52, was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who.

Joseph Kloss, M.D., C’53, retired from 50 years of practice in general and pediatric dermatology in Akron, Ohio. He and Lina recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary!

1960s Leonard C. Burrello, Ed.D., C’64, represented Saint Vincent

Saint Vincent Magazine

College at the Inauguration of Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D., as tenth president of Saint Leo University, St. Leo, Florida, on October 11.

Francis L. Whitson, C’64, represented Saint Vincent College at the Inauguration of Dr. Steven R. DiSalvo as seventh president of Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts, on September 27.

Timothy J. Waxenfelter, C’69, recently received a Fourth Diamond Key Award from the National Forensic League at an event in Dallas, Texas. He has achieved multiple awards for his work in speech and debate as well as high school mock trial. He has won nine Pennsylvania State Championships in mock trial, and has placed as high as

Fall 2019

national runner up, a feat never accomplished by any other Pennsylvania team.

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. He and his wife, Mary, are busy with their children, Michael Jr., Matthew and Melissa and divide their time between southern New Jersey and their farm in Pike County.

Michael D. Hart, C’74, is retiring after 43 years as the athletic director at Salesianum High School, Delaware. Raymond “RT” Levay, C’79, the Westmoreland County chief financial auditor, has retired after 40 years of service.

Mark Kiselica, Ph.D., C’79, was appointed director of the

Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, effective July 1.

1980s Paul M. Bigaj, C’84, represented Saint Vincent College at the Installation of Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D., as fourth president of Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York, on September 27.

William E. Amatucci, Ph.D., C’86, a research physicist, headed a team at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Plasma Physics Division that, along with the Spacecraft Engineering Department, developed SPADE, (The Space Plasma Diagnostic Suite.)

1990s Victor J. Emma, C’93, has joined the executive management team of Chiesa

Shahinian & Giantomasi PC (“CSG”) as the firm’s director of facilities and operations.

Jennifer L. Ball, Ph.D., C’94, received a promotion to associate professor of history and social documentation in humanities and social sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences at Clarkson University, New York.

Attorney Joshua A. Gray, C’98, of Chartwell Law, was selected for inclusion in 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® list in the category of Workers’ Compensation.

Christopher Pecoraro, C’99, accepted the role of associate director of web development at Rollins College in Winter Park,

David M. Roderick, 1924-2019

In 1953, he became assistant comptroller of the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company and the Union Railroad Company. In 1959, he joined U.S. Steel Corporation, working his way up the corporate ladder to become chief executive officer. Under his leadership, the company was transformed from primarily a steel company into a major energy company, and in a diversifying merger with Marathon Oil Company, U.S. Steel became USX Corporation. He worked closely with Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush to make the steel industry stronger. He was co-founder and chairman emeritus of the U.S.-Korea Business Council and chairman of the International Environmental Bureau.

Saint Vincent Magazine

2000s Angela M. Abreu, Esq., C’00, was named corporate vice president, loss mitigation manager of Northwest Bank.

Bradley D. Bachman, C’01, earned the 150th victory of his coaching career. Bachman, in his 13th season as head lacrosse coach at Easton Area High School and 15th with the program, is the longest-tenured lacrosse coach in the Lehigh Valley.

Mark F. Owens, Ph.D., C’01, was promoted to associate professor of economics at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

Adam L. Bryner, C’03, is senior vice president and senior loan officer of Shippensburg-based Orrstown Bank.

He was appointed to the President’s Commission on Executive Exchange and to the Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations.

David M. Roderick, retired chief executive officer of U.S. Steel, and an ardent supporter of Saint Vincent College and Seminary, died October 5 at the age of 95, at home in Latrobe. He joined the U.S. Marines at 17 in 1942, and served as a platoon sergeant in the Pacific until 1945. Upon returning stateside, he rejoined Gulf Oil, where he had been employed, and attended Robert Morris College at night, earning a degree in accounting and law. He also gained a bachelor of science degree in economics and finance from the University of Pittsburgh.

Florida, near the city of Orlando.

Along with his corporate achievements, Roderick was also very active in civic arenas, including medicine, education, sports, the environment and the Boy Scouts. At Saint Vincent, his contributions included helping fund the Elizabeth J. Roderick Center at Saint Vincent Seminary, named in honor of his late wife, completed and dedicated in 1997. He also was responsible for helping raise funds to create the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College to honor the wife of his friend, the late Arnold Palmer. He served four consecutive terms on the Saint Vincent College Board of Directors, from 1996 to 2008. Roderick is survived by Rebecca C. Fisher, a dear companion for 23 years; a brother, William D. Roderick (Nancy) of Pittsburgh; three children, David M. Roderick Jr. (Nancy) of Ligonier; Patricia Roderick Morton (Thruston) of Charlotte; and Thomas K. Roderick (Susan) of Orlando; six grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. A Memorial Service was held at the Saint Vincent Basilica on Thursday, October 10, 2019.

Fall 2019

Vince DeAugustine, C’03, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame (PWCA)

James S. Berger, C’04,

and domestic public policy, political engagement, the PPG Political Action Committee (PPG PAC) and related compliance activities.

represented Saint Vincent College at the inauguration of Hilary L. Link as the 22nd president of Allegheny College, Meadville, on October 18.

Victor J. Pocius, C’08,

George A. Jakubek, D.O., C’04,

Sherrie E. Dunlap Gallagher, MBA, MSUS, C’09, was

was promoted to commander in the Navy.

Stacy L. Thompson, C’06, is the executive director of LivableStreets Alliance, a group that advocates for equitable solutions to transportation problems in Boston.

Emily Elizer, C’08, joined PPG as director, government affairs. In this role, Elizer will lead the company’s government affairs activities, including international

Condolences Thomas J. Tarka, P’65, C’69, on the loss of his mother, Mary Ann Tarka, on June 11, 2019.

Anthony Sutherland, C’66, and Thomas Sutherland, C’02, on the loss of their wife and mother, respectively, Mrs. Anna Sutherland on July 29, 2019.

David Donatelli, C’76, on the loss of his father, Frederick Donatelli Jr., on May 6, 2019. Michael J. Gans, D.M.D. C’82, and Amanda M. Gans, C’14, on the loss of their father and grandfather, respectively, Andrew Gans on January 31, 2019.

Richard J. Vernino, D.O., C’82, on the loss of his uncle, Arthur R. Vernino, C’56, on May 17, 2019.

received his master of business administration degree in December of 2018 from Arizona State University.

recently hired by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to serve as the first corporate relations manager for the Butler Region.

Dr. Lauren (Ziegenfus) Watty, C’09, recently graduated

obstetrics and gynecology at Inspira Health in Vineland, New Jersey, and accepted a job with Wayne Womens’ Clinic in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

College Department of Theology, recently served as the principal speaker at the 2019 commencement of Bishop Canevin High School in Pittsburgh.

2010s

Stacey Pydynkowski, C’13,

Katherine M. Varga, C’11, represented Saint Vincent College at the inauguration of Wendy E. Raymond as 16th president of Haverford College, Haverford, on September 7.

Simon Stuchlik, C’12, was promoted to executive director of brand management at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and recently earned an executive master of business administration degree with a 4.0 grade point average.

from residency training in

Lucas Briola, C’13, faculty member in the Saint Vincent

Edward C. Saliba, C’89, on

Mandy Welty Zalich, C’02, on

the loss of his father, J. Edward Saliba Sr., on June 19, 2019.

the loss of her grandmother, Doretha B. “Dee” Welty, on April 29, 2019.

Scott L. Leasure, C’93, and Tammy Marsh, administrative Assistant, Herbert W. Boyer School, on the loss of their father, W. Donald Leasure, on August 6, 2019. He was also the father-in-law of Corinne M. Leasure, C’93; and grandfather of Carly L. Marsh,

C’13; Cristy M. Marsh, C’19 and Chelsea Gross, C’15.

Reed W. VanDeusen, M.D., C’98, and Patty (Malingowski) VanDeusen, C’98, on the death of their father and fatherin-law, respectively, Henry “Hank” Reed VanDeusen III, on May 22, 2019.

Lisa Sisak, C’88, on the loss of her brother Thomas R. Oleyar, on August 1, 2019. He was also the uncle of Robert J. Sisak,

C’17.

Saint Vincent Magazine

Heather (Messmer) Bly, C’06, on the loss of her father, Daniel Messmer, on August 3, 2019.

Jared Bundy, C’08, on the loss of his father, Joseph M. Bundy, C’83, on June 16, 2019. Judith (Spelz) Haas, C’10, G’12, on the loss of her mother, Mrs. Ada Spelz, on August 22, 2019.

Blaise R. Werner, C’17, and Donna Werner, post office staff, on the loss of his grandfather and her father, Blaise Forish, on May 12, 2019.

Christopher Jodis, C’18, and Matthew Jodis, C’18, and Dr. Stephen Jodis, dean of the Boyer School, on the passing of their grandmother and his

showcased a new series of introspective paintings, “Rain or Shine,” during the month of May at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. To view some of her artwork please visit https://thoughtsinpaint.com/. Eckert Seamans welcomed

Gretchen Panchik, C’14, as an associate in the firm’s Pittsburgh office and Litigation Division. She has experience in general commercial

mother-in-law, Araceli D. Pama, on July 20, 2019.

Greggory Brandt, faculty member in fine arts and director of the stage and summer theatre, on the loss of his father Glenn C. Brandt, on August 17, 2019. Dianne Dunlap, admissions office receptionist, on the loss of her mother, Yvonne Joyce Schmucker. Rabbi Jason Edelstein, professor emeritus of theology, on the loss of his wife, Eva Edelstein, on August 22, 2019. Dr. Caryl Fish, chairperson of Integrated Sciences, and her husband Daryle, on the loss of her mother, and his mother-in-law, Barbara Leedy, on June 28, 2019.

Dr. Margaret Watkins, dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, on the loss of her mother, Billie Cox Watkins, on August 1, 2019.

Fall 2019

litigation matters, including commercial contract issues and representing defendants in actions involving wrongful death and serious injuries. Prior to joining Eckert Seamans, Panchik served as an assistant district attorney for the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, where she wrote appellate briefs and argued in the Pennsylvania Superior Court on a wide variety of cases. She previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Michael T. Clark of the Indiana County Court of Common Pleas. Panchik earned her J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 2017. She is a member of the Allegheny Bar Association.

Alexander Billy, C’15, was recognized in May by the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., with the Philip M. Dearborn Fellowship. He received the fellowship for a chapter of his doctoral research, titled “Policing for

Sean M. Kett, C’15, G’17, has been named an assistant coach for the 2019-2020 men’s basketball season at Saint Thomas University, Florida, with head coach and assistant athletic director, D.P. Harris,

Engagements

C’13.

Profit and Asset Forfeiture: Evidence from the Equitable Sharing Suspension.” The award is given by the Economic Club to three Ph.D. students in the greater Washington area. At this year’s keynote event, Dara Khosrowshahi, chief executive officer of Uber, and club President David M. Rubenstein introduced the winners and their work before discussing the future of the ride-sharing business. Billy is a fourth year doctoral student in the Department of Economics at Georgetown University and resident of Arlington, Virginia. He applies microeconomic tools to study the interaction of law and economics.

CHALLENGE PROGRAM – at –

Alexandra M. “Ali” Mientus, C’15, graduated with a doctor of medicine degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine, and is now beginning a pediatrics residency at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hannah Wojtowicz, C’16, is the business owner of Blushtan Pittsburgh, an organic spray tanning studio located in the East End of Pittsburgh.

Christine B. Sundry, C’97, of North Huntingdon is engaged to Kevin M. Goss of Butler. Sundry is a career counselor for the Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University, and Goss is a Pennsylvania State Trooper. A Spring 2021 wedding has been planned.

Joel F. Kankiewicz, C’17, has joined Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. as an administrative assistant.

Taylor Hanson, C’18, was awarded the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society’s Dorothy Anderson Graduate Fellowship for the 2019-2020 academic year. Hanson is currently enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Alan Stouffer, C’19, graduated

The Challenge Program is a one-week academic, theme-based summer event, held each June, for young people, ages Preschool through 12th grade, originating in the Education Department at SVC. Registration opens late fall. For further information visit: www. stvincentchallenge.org or contact: Dr. Kathleen Beining, kathleen.beining@stvincent.edu or 724-805-2981.

Saint Vincent Magazine

from basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, on August 8, 2019. He graduated basic training as a specialist due to his four years of schooling at Saint Vincent, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, with a minor in business law and criminology.

Alec Howard, C’13, and Shelbie McCurdy of Elizabeth were engaged on December 22, 2017. They were married at Saint Vincent Basilica Parish on October 26, 2019.

Matthew Crum, C’16, to Eden Henry. Their wedding was set for September 14, 2019 at Saint Mary’s Church, Hollidaysburg.

Fall 2019

Births

Marie (Swallop) Jaffe C’01 and Thomas A. Jaffe ‘C98, welcomed a son, Jonathan Michael, born on February 13, 2019. He joins his big sister, Julianne. Jonathan was baptized at Saint Vincent Basilica by Father Jean-Luc

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 724-805-2949.

Elliana Noel Stuchlik to Jillian (Bush) Stuchlik, C’09, and her husband, Simon Stuchlik, C’12, on December 26, 2018. She joins big brothers, Alex and Noah.

Deaths Father Daniel C. Wolfel, O.S.B., 91, P’46, C’50, S’54, on September 12, 2019.

Zadroga, O.S.B., S’00, C’13.

Albert F. Pishioneri, C’49, on May 13, 2019.

Frederick H. Ruff Jr., C’52, on May 4, 2019.

Gervase S. “Jerry” Gumbita, P’55, C 59, on August 27, 2019. Annelise Elizabeth Gonzales to Marc Gonzales, C’10, and his wife, Jenna Gonzales (Ohio Northern University 2010) on April 15, 2019.

Arthur R. Vernino, D.D.S., C’56, on May 17, 2019. Francis X. Paulin, Jr. P’58, C 62, on July 18, 2019. Father Thomas M. Lukac, C’59, S’63, on June 13, 2019.

Lucas Watty to Dr. Lauren (Ziegenfus) Watty, C’09, and her husband, Derek Watty, on January 28, 2019.

Lawrence E. Burd Jr., C’60, on May 13, 2019.

Thomas R. Kelly, C’60, on

Volunteer! Help our Alumni Recruitment Network spread the word about Saint Vincent in your area. For information call 724-805-2568.

April 27, 2019.

George A. Conti Jr., C’61, on May 9, 2019.

Kennedy Ann Rupprecht, born to Anna L. (Steighner) Rupprecht, C’13, and her husband, David P. Rupprecht, C’13, on April 17, 2019. She was baptized on June 2, 2019 at Sacred Heart Parish in St. Marys.

Saint Vincent Magazine

Robert J. Fray, C’62, on April 18, 2019.

William “Bill” “Jolly” McGee, C’68, on June 24, 2019.

Father Joseph J. Kleppner, C’68, S72, on March 19, 2019. Robert “Bob” Schule, C’68, on June 16, 2019.

David E. Mizak, C’70, on August 6, 2019.

Eric Xavier Culleton, C’74, on July 1, 2019.

James V. Miller, C’76, on June 8, 2019.

Paul E. Watkins, C’78, on August 27, 2019.

Donald A. “Roach” Rothrauff, Jr., C’79, on April 8, 2019. Joseph M. Bundy, C’83, on June 16, 2019.

William L. Coxson, C’84, on October 24, 2018.

April J. Claiborn, C’11, on July 26, 2019.

Adam Fernando Antalik, C 15, on June 15, 2019.

Brother Mark Evans, O.S.B., director of the Saint Vincent College bookstore for 48 years, on September 16, 2019.

Fall 2019

Marriages

Natalie Hozak, C’11, and Nicholas Calhoun on July 6, 2019, at Saint Vincent Basilica with Father Myron

Kirsch, O.S.B., C’69, S’73, as celebrant. The bride is the daughter of Coach Sue Hozak, G’11, and Mr. Mark Hozak. Other SVC alumni in the wedding party included matron of honor,

Kristin (Hozak) Consuegra, C’08, sister of the bride, and bridesmaid Taylor L. Guido, C’12, G’15. Alumni pictured include Taylor Guido, C’12, G15; Kate McCauley, C’15; Dennis Bassich, C’11; Ashley Bassich, C’11; Tom Devereaux, C’12; Chelsea Miller, C’11; Kristin Consuegra, C’08; Dan Consuegra, C’06, G’15; Kaytie Costic, C’11; Colleen Watkins C’94; Anna Wasick, Sullivan, C’09; Kristy Weber, C’11; Stephanie Benkowski, C’01; Scott Wisneski, C’07; Sara Bruschi, C’06, G’17; Tammy Stenson, C’94; Gina Shell, C’94; Rob Erdely, C’85.

Julie Barnett, C’05, and AJ Gasparatz on May 11, 2019 in Greensburg. Saint Vincent College alumni in attendance included, from left,

Jessica Voloch, C’08; Todd Barnett, C’03; Julie (Barnett) Gasparatz, C’05; Christine (Robson) Demorest, C’04; and Jessica Morrell, C’04.

Michael Demetrius Orange, C’16, and Noelle Lynn Patrick, C’17, on June 22, 2019 at Saint Vincent Basilica with Father Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., C’07, S’14, as celebrant. They are both alumni of Megan Katherine Lucas, C’14, and Brody Vincent Ruffner, C’15, on July 6, 2019 at Saint Vincent Basilica with Father Thomas P. Curry, O.S.B., S’02, as celebrant.

the Biology Department. From left are, groomsmen: Nathan Patrick;

Brandon Snyder, C’15; Shawn Conway; Trevor Octavio; Adam Stynchula; Mitchell Magiera, C’16; Jonathan Pauley, C’15; James Orange, C’13; bridesmaids: Hannah Bearer; Christine Sopata-Silva; Ashley Whited; Sarah Patrick; Tressa Holodnik, C’18; Anna Orange; Belle Orange; Maggie Bahm.

Saint Vincent Magazine

Fall 2019

Bride and groom, Bill and Connie Ruhl, with Gracie McCarten and Walt Ruhl; Michelle, Bill, Connie and son Bill; Bill, Connie and son Bill; and Bill visiting the grave of his grandfather, a World War I veteran.

Ruhl Family Has Strong Connection to Benedictines

“I

wanted to go to high school where my father went to school.”

support Saint Vincent, and also, to provide some financial seThroughout his childhood, Bill Ruhl, P’56, curity for both of them, always remembers having a photo of Saint Vinthey decided to create a cent in his bedroom. His strong connection to Charitable Gift Annuity. the Benedictines arose from often accompanyThey set aside a portion ing his father to a variety of events on campus. of their funds, wrote a check to When Father Louis Sedlacko came to Saint the college, and then for the remainder of both Bernard’s in Mount Lebanon on a recruiting of their lives, they will have a defined income to trip while Bill was in eighth grade, making the aid them in their retirement years. decision to go to the Prep School made sense. Charitable Gift Annuities are one of many His Dad had only one directive: “Be sure to ways that alumni and friends are able to aid bring home a loaf of Bearcat bread when you the educational programs at Saint Vincent. If come home for vacation!” you have any thoughts about creating a lastBill and Connie Ruhl “I cherished my days at Saint Vincent. The ing legacy, contact me and I would welcome the Benedictine values that became part of me clearly occurred opportunity to identify the method that makes sense as it meets because of the guidance by those men of the cloth, especially your vision and the Mission of Saint Vincent, just as Connie and Fathers Ronan, Claude and Ronald. When Ed Dunn and I hitch- Bill Ruhl have done. hiked back home, we sure did have quite a bit to talk about.” Supplement your own retirement income or that of someone When Bill attended the Prep School, his mother and father else with a charitable gift annuity. With a charitable gift annuhad to make some sacrifices in their life style. They wanted to ity you can make a generous gift to Saint Vincent, receive an make sure that Bill was able to complete his dream by graduatincome tax deduction for the charitable portion of your gift and ing from Saint Vincent Prep. eliminate capital gains tax at the time of the gift when the trust Today, Connie and Bill are very proud of their three children. is funded with appreciated assets. Cash, securities or other apBill and Michelle share the same enthusiasm for life, gentle napreciated property can be transferred into a charitable remainture and commitment to being kind to others that was modeled der trust. The trust pays either a variable (unitrust) or fixed for them by Bill’s father. Bill speaks with love about his son, Joe, (annuity trust) amount each year to you, or another beneficiary who has gone on to his eternal reward in Heaven. if you choose, for a lifetime or a term up to 20 years. When the Just two years ago, when Bill and his wife, Connie, were term is up, the balance goes to Saint Vincent. talking about his days at Saint Vincent and what that education meant to both of them, they decided to make a gift to the —Jim Bendel, C’60, D’85, Planned Giving Director Mission of the Benedictines. After reviewing the various ways to james.bendel@stvincent.edu, 724-805-2948

MAKE A DIFFERENCE, MAKE A FUTURE Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement 724-805-2948 www.stvincent.edu/studentsfirst

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UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE ARTS AT SAINT VINCENT

2019 | DECEMBER SAINT VINCENT CAMERATA SIXTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 5 Saint Vincent Basilica HANDELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MESSIAH Thomas Octave, conductor Saint Vincent College Singers and Festival Choir 7 p.m. Saturday, December 7 Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica SAINT VINCENT FAMILY SONGFEST

Thomas Octave, conductor 7 p.m. Saturday, December 14 Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica

2020 | JANUARY MARK SCHULTZ CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 21 Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica SAINT VINCENT CONCERT SERIES NATHAN LEE, PIANO

Bronder Prize for Piano Winner 7 p.m. Saturday, January 25 Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center

For Tickets and other information please call 724-805-2177 or visit: www.saintvincentarts.org