Saint Vincent winter 2009
a papal present Saint Vincent Celebrates the Bicentennial of founder Boniface Wimmer’S Birth
quarterly
Message from P r e s i d e n t J i m T o w e y
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he single biggest reason I came to Saint Vincent College was the chance to work closely with the Benedictine monks who live here and comprise the largest monastic community in all of Roman Catholicism. Two and a half years have passed since the Board of Directors and Archabbot Douglas granted me this great opportunity, and I have to say that my admiration for the monks and the many sacrifices they made over the years has only grown. This issue of the Saint Vincent Quarterly takes us back to the 19th century birth of our founder, Father Abbot Boniface Wimmer and recalls the trip he and his 18 companions made when they left Bavaria, crossed the Atlantic, and arrived at Saint Vincent Parish on October 18, 1846. Wimmer took a leap of faith in venturing to the Laurel foothills and later left to his successors the work of shepherding what he had begun during his 41 years of service. Some of the fruits of his foundational efforts were foreseeable —missions built, new monasteries established, a flourishing of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and legions of students graduated. But I will bet some were not foreseen and would have surprised him. For example, I doubt he could have imagined that women would one day enroll at the college he chartered, as well as hold key leadership positions here. This year we celebrate 25 years of coeducation at Saint Vincent. Our campus population is basically now divided equally between men and women. Many good monks, including Archabbot Paul, Br. Norman, and Fr. Campion, pioneered this historic change. This semester we will welcome three new students from China. I kind of doubt Wimmer had that possibility in mind, either. This has been the story of Saint Vincent as it has grown and matured through time—God, in His wisdom and grace, has accomplished the unexpected and exceptional through the efforts and innovations of so many willing minds, hearts and hands.
Find President Towey’s blog at www.stvincent.edu/president/blog
Saint Vincent College
contents
quarterly Winter 2009 Volume 7, Issue 1
Archabbot and Chancellor Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. President H. James Towey
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feature Everywhere Forward For 163 years, Boniface Wimmer’s simple dream of educating native clergy has endured, and his Benedictine hallmarks continue to be carried on by the Saint Vincent College community as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of his birth.
vice president for Institutional Advancement Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B. Alumni Director James D. Bendel
The Staff
managing editor David Safin Director of Multimedia and Marketing assistant managing editor Fred Findley Assistant Director of Multimedia and Marketing layout/design Apollo Design Group Inc. George Fetkovich Art Director contributing writers Jim Berger Julia Cavallo Jessica Fick Donald A. Orlando Aliesha Pocratsky Theresa Schwab
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Alumni News Coordinator Mary Ann Dunlap Secretary, Office of Alumni Relations photographs courtesy of Multimedia and Marketing Public Relations Office Sports Information Office Office of Alumni Relations Archabbey Public Relations Office Jordan Bishop Mark Fields Nick LoPresto Phyllis Riddle Richard Saccone Jason Winters Ryan Zidek
18 Alumna Captures Prestigious Honor
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Saint Vincent Quarterly (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. Saint Vincent College subscribes to a policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability in any of its programs, admission or employment decisions.
Students enhance campus life by connecting through a variety of organizations.
Rebecca Snyder is named Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
25 Bearcats to Watch A host of athletes elevate the College’s
sports teams to winning ways.
42 Alumni News
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ON THE COVER: Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., presents the first copy of a forthcoming book featuring the letters of Boniface Wimmer to Pope Benedict XVI.
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forward, always forward, everywhere forward by T heresa S chwab
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s missions go, it seemed unlikely to succeed. A small group, led by a Bavarian monk, arrives in western Pennsylvania in 1846 with the dream of starting a school to train a native clergy for the German-speaking people of the area.
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Fr. Brian Boosel, O.S.B., teaches a class in Melvin Platz Garden.
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If freshmen wonder with a bit of apprehension what their college experience will bring—as mom and dad drive away—imagine the feelings of the tiny band of 19th century travelers led by monk Boniface Wimmer, as they survived a rough ocean voyage and tiring overland journey to arrive at the log cabin at the site of what is now Saint
conclude with next year’s Founders’ Day Mass, which will be attended by guests representing the parishes, schools and abbeys which grew out of Saint Vincent. Wimmer’s accomplishments included establishing 11 abbeys and priories that have operated dozens of schools throughout the U.S. Currently there are 32 abbeys and priories around the
Vincent. Other than their strong faith, they had little guarantee of survival, let alone success. Now 200 years after his birth, the achievements of Boniface Wimmer in establishing Saint Vincent, the first Benedictine monastery in North America, and the schools that became Saint Vincent College, Saint Vincent Preparatory School, and Saint Vincent Seminary, are being celebrated. A year-long schedule of events in 2009 will honor the accomplishments of Archabbot Boniface Wimmer and the Benedictine heritage of Saint Vincent. The observance will be launched on January 14, 2009, exactly 200 years to the day of Wimmer’s birth, and
world that are a part of the American Cassinese Congregation founded by Wimmer, who in recent years has been hailed as the greatest Catholic missionary of 19th century America. In Rome this past September, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., presented another great Bavarian spiritual leader, Pope Benedict XVI, with a specially bound collection of Wimmer’s letters. The celebration will underscore the fact that Saint Vincent has proudly worn the mantle of a Benedictine institution, mindful of its rich Catholic, Benedictine heritage and operating with the belief that a love of God and a love of learning go together.
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When John Paul II became Pope, he turned his attention early on to ensuring that the tradition of Catholic colleges and universities would be enriched and strengthened. He issued the apostolic constitution entitled Ex corde Ecclesiae (From the Heart of the Church), in which he articulated the identity and mission of Catholic colleges and universities. According to the document, “the renewal requested of Catholic universities will make them better able to respond to the task of bringing the message of Christ to man, to society, to the various cultures.� In recent years, the members of the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities drew up a common statement outlining the hallmarks that distinguish Benedictine institutions, and each member institution was encouraged to examine its practices and objectives in view of these hallmarks. A special five-member Committee on Benedictine Intellectual Tradition identified 10 hallmarks that distinguish a Benedictine institution: prayer, obedience, stability, discipline, stewardship, humility, community, hospitality, conversatio (formation and transformation) and love of Christ and neighbor. Students may not have the hallmarks memorized, but they come to appreciate their values. They learn about the community nature of the college and discover that Benedictine hospitality involves seeing Christ in everyone. The students learn that they are not just members of a campus—they are living in the home of the Benedictine
Br. Norman Hipps, O.S.B. greets congressman John Murtha.
be ne d i ct i ne s community and this special place where seminarians continue to be trained to serve as priests wherever they are called. “One thing I’ve always valued is the diversity of roles the Benedictines have played,” says Br. Norman Hipps, O.S.B., Executive Vice President and Dean of the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and
Computing. He points to the variety of roles played by Benedictines, including teaching in College and Seminary classes all across the curriculum, serving as administrators, living in the residence halls with the students, even serving as firefighters and groundskeepers. Br. Norman recalls that a student once told him how impressed she was that a
“There are 10 hallmarks that distinguish a Benedictine institution: prayer, obedience, stability, discipline, stewardship, humility, community, hospitality, conversatio (formation and transformation) and love of Christ and neighbor.”
Fr. Paul Taylor, O.S.B., speaks at the Chuck Noll Field Blessing and Dedication.
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Benedictine was willing to live with the students and “be present with us in our space.” Currently, 54 Benedictines serve as full-time and part-time faculty and administrators in the College and Seminary. In addition to Br. Norman, Fr. Rene Kollar, O.S.B., serves as Dean of the College’s School of Humanities
startled at first when they spy Br. Elliott Maloney, O.S.B., Professor of New Testament and Biblical Languages, wiping sweat from his brow as he works outdoors with his landscaping crew. Fr. Martin Bartel, O.S.B., earned praise from students for residing in Rooney Hall when he was president of the College (and surprised some
and Fine Arts, and Fr. Paul Taylor, O.S.B., serves as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. There are also Benedictines who serve as director of Athletics, campus ministry, the book store, the Gallery and Concert Series, and five who reside in the residence halls with the students. Some monks occupy more than one administrative role at the College, and some work for both the College and Seminary. The presence of the monks in the daily lives of students is bound to spark interest, however, whether they encounter the Benedictines teaching in the classroom, praying and singing en masse in the Basilica or even toiling on the grounds. Students are certain to be
when he was seen mowing the lawn in Sebastian’s garden). Fr. Rene, when he was living in St. Benedict Hall, did not shrink from taking his turn helping to clean the “pod”—to the amazement of the freshmen living there. The first time students take a walk in the cemetery, they are reminded of the long tradition of service when they see the sprawling lines of black crosses marking the graves of Benedictines. As members of the Saint Vincent community, students come to realize that the Benedictines are men of faith, but men who are also accomplished teachers, scholars, authors, scientists, artists, musicians, theologians, philosophers and more. They are
(Left) Marianne Reid Anderson, C’87 talks with Fr. Rene Kollar, O.S.B., at the Saint Vincent Block Party. (Above) Br. Mark Floreanini, O.S.B., teaches a class in fabric art.
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be ne d i ct i ne s men who may be called on to serve as tough taskmasters, but also to nurture students as carefully as any parent. They are spiritual guides who celebrate student success, and grieve with students over their losses. In the classroom, students are sure to be intrigued as Fr. Wulfstan Clough, O.S.B., of the English Department shares his fascinating explanation of Arthurian legends and playful love of science fiction, or as Fr. Mark Gruber, O.S.B., in an anthropology class, tells spellbinding stories about the desert life of the Coptic monks. And many students have fallen in love with history because of Fr. Rene’s entertaining stories (with sound effects) of the follies of the English kings. And many have pondered the great ethical issues of the ages in philosophy classes taught by Fr. Justin Nolan, O.S.B., who has been teaching since 1960, making him the longest serving faculty member. The school traditionally had a strong faculty in the sciences and mathematics and what greater tribute to this heritage could be demonstrated now that the College is planning on the largest building program in its history with the construction of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science complex that will house the Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing. Benedictines in the Computing and Information Sciences Department— Br. David Carlson, O.S.B., and Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.—and several of the novices bring science training to the community (with advanced degrees in genetics and neuroscience). Junior monk, Br. Michael Antonacci, O.S.B.,
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who took simple vows last summer, was a physics major graduate of the College who earned the departmental award for excellence. Drawn to the sense of community in the Monastery, he is now studying in the Seminary, but also tutors College students in physics. The sciences found their champions in some of the well-known Benedictine faculty of years ago—men such as Fr. Maximilan Duman, O.S.B., an internationally acclaimed botanist and Arctic explorer who had three plants named after him, and suffered the tragic loss of his 15,000-plant collection in the 1963 fire. There were many other Benedictines who were outstanding scientists—men such as Fr. Edward Wenstrup,O.S.B., who helped to start the biology department–and inspired their students to seek professional careers in medicine and the sciences. The spirit of Benedictine monasticism may spread further than expected, as when biology professor Dr. Cynthia Walter uses The Rule for her ecology classes to demonstrate the Benedictine view of stewardship of the land, or several years ago when The Rule was used as the text of emphasis in the Common Texts Project covering a number of classes. In the arts and music, these subjects were clearly an integral part of Wimmer’s strategy for education, says Br. Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., Gallery Director and Director of the College Concert Series. Despite the hardships and setbacks, bringing the arts was clearly a priority for Wimmer. Just seven years after arriving, Wimmer
Bicentennial Celebration JUNE 26-July 1 North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors Conference, Saint Vincent Archabbey.
JANUARY 14 Boniface Wimmer’s birthday, January 14, 1809. Official opening, Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, O.S.B. Vespers at 7 p.m., Archabbey Basilica, followed by reception in the Parish Center Assembly Room. MARCH 19 Threshold Lecture, Jerome Oetgen, “The Heritage of Boniface Wimmer,” 8 p.m., Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center. Reservations required: 724-805-2961. 21 Saint Benedict’s Day, commemorating the passing of Saint Benedict. Mass, Archabbey Basilica. APRIL 22 Honors Convocation, 1 p.m. Groundbreaking for The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Complex. MAY 28-30 Benedictine Pedagogy Conference, Saint Vincent College.
JULY 11 Saint Benedict’s Day, Solemnity of Saint Benedict, Solemn Profession of Monastic Vows. 27 Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer being designated Abbot and President for Life, 1866.
30 Boniface Wimmer arrives at Hart’s Sleeping Place, Carrolltown. OCTOBER 2-11 Benedictine Heritage Tour, Bavaria. October 9 the tour will visit and participate in a tribute to Boniface Wimmer in Thalmassing, his hometown. 18 Boniface Wimmer arrives at Saint Vincent, 1846.
10 Boniface Wimmer embarks for the United States, 1846.
NOVEMBER 19 Founders’ Day, Mass with Cardinal Justin Rigali, Wimmerfest. Official closing of the Bicentennial year. Bishop, abbots of foundations of Saint Vincent Archabbey, and all entities of Saint Vincent: Archabbey, College, Seminary, parishes, high school, missions.
SEPTEMBER 15 Boniface Wimmer arrives in New York City.
DECEMBER 8 Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer’s death, 1887.
17 Boniface Wimmer elected Abbot of the Saint Vincent community for the first time, 1855.
29 Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer’s solemn profession of monastic vows, 1833.
AUGUST 1 Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer’s Ordination to the Priesthood, 1831.
18-20 Oktoberfest event, Saint Vincent College Homecoming.
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Learn more about the Bicentennial Celebration: http://www.bonifacewimmer.org
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be ne d i ct i ne s wrote King Ludwig I of Bavaria to send art work and musical instruments so that German culture could be taught and appreciated. King Ludwig donated 300 paintings and musical instruments, including violins and other string instruments, brass instruments and even pianos. By this time, Wimmer had created an art collection for student
long-time faculty member, Fr. Campion Gavaler, O.S.B., a former College provost, acting president and dean of students. “It’s that all the faculty and administrators have that spirit, and that ties in with those hallmarks such as hospitality. It’s also helping each other, doing good, solid intellectual work and study, and it’s a spirit of prayer. It’s more
“The Benedictine spirit at the College does not depend in the end on the number of Benedictine faculty. It’s that all the faculty and administrators have that spirit, and that ties in with those hallmarks such as hospitality, helping each other, doing good, solid intellectual work and study, and prayer. and teaching students, as well as for decorating and furnishing churches and monasteries. He also had established a weekly choir and orchestra that performed Mozart, Haydn and Schubert Mass on Sunday. All of this was done before the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Museum, Pittsburgh Orchestra or Carnegie Museum of Art were even founded. Over the years, the community of Benedictines has been broadened to include more lay men and women in every aspect of the College, but there is a sense of community shared by all. “The Benedictine spirit at the College does not depend in the end on the number of Benedictine faculty,” says
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important that we live that kind of spirit.” During the Saint Vincent sesquicentennial in 1996, Fr. Campion edited the book Saint Vincent: A Benedictine Place, which offered a series of writings, a poem, and personal remembrances that touched upon this special Benedictine place on this hallowed hill. For the past several years, the College has re-instituted an old practice of presenting students with a copy of The Rule of Saint Benedict. The Archabbot personally presents a copy to students, as an introduction to the faith life of the community. A study of the Rule is included in the freshman course Exploring Religious Meaning, which
includes the study of Benedictine monasticism. In recent years, there has also been a Benedictine Heritage class, which helps students understand how Old World Benedictine-founded centers of spirituality, learning and culture made unparalleled contributions for nearly 13 centuries—not just to the dissemination of knowledge, but, at
come, they don’t quite understand what Benedictine monasticism is or what the attributes of Benedictine monasticism are, but by the time when they leave, it is in their heart. And, it’s not just the people in black robes who are Benedictine, everybody else is Benedictine also.” Fr. Brian recalled his own experience
times, to the very survival of Western civilization. “Everybody comes here, whether they articulate it or not, truly seeking God, seeking something beyond them—the divine, and at Saint Vincent we have the facilities here to help people in that search for the divine,” says Fr. Brian Boosel, O.S.B., assistant to the Archabbot, former Campus Ministry director and adjunct College History Department faculty member. “Being a Benedictine community means we welcome people as Christ, as Saint Benedict says. And that is extremely important.” While working in Campus Ministry, he came to realize that “when freshmen
arriving on campus as a student. “At 18, I didn’t quite appreciate the fact that I was going to a school located on the grounds of the largest Benedictine monastery in the world. I knew that I was going to a college with a strong academic program, and then I noticed that I had monks living on the floor – and that totally changed my college experience for the better.” Now living in St. Benedict Hall with the freshmen, Fr. Brian realizes that the Benedictine presence provides students with “a spiritual guide who lives, prays and works with them, and who is a spiritual support system for their betterment and well being.” From their first time on campus,
(Left) Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Chancellor, and Chair of the Board of Directors Christopher Donahue welcome Jim Towey upon his inauguration as 16th president of Saint Vincent College. Towey followed predecessor Jim Will as the College’s second lay president. (Above) Br. Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., encourages a student-athlete on the sidelines at a Bearcat football game.
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Br. Gabriel Myriam Kurzawski, O.S.B., creates a stained-glass window.
students notice the friendliness, “people smiling, saying hello, holding a door open for one another—that’s the beginning of the installation of Benedictine core values,” says Fr. Brian. “It is not pressed upon you, nor forced on you, it’s almost in the air, and I’m so proud when I read articles about our alumni who go out and become leaders in their disciplines. I know they will take this Benedictinism out into the world.” Fr. Brian, who taught a course on Wimmer this fall semester, is pleased that there is so much interest in the founder. “Wimmer was a great man, an untiring individual, hard working with saintly qualities, a holy man but very human. He had a great sense of humor, and showed wit and sarcasm in his letters, which makes the students chuckle.” Fr. Rene, who serves as School of Humanities and Fine Arts dean, and lived in St. Benedict Hall with the freshmen for five years, points out that at Saint Vincent, “we educate the mind and the spirit and help students develop as a whole person. I always tell my students they need to develop spiritually and intellectually, and have a physical activity—take care of your health, mind and soul.” “Campus Ministry offers a number of programs which enable students to become more familiar not only with Saint Benedict, but also with the Benedictine Order and the monastic community of the Archabbey,” says Campus Ministry Director Fr. Vincent Zidek, O.S.B. “Campus Ministry is
involved in many service programs, many of which reflect our Benedictine charism. The Benedictine appreciation for the environment is underscored when students plant bulbs and the campus Council of the Knights of Columbus cleans up the Brouwers Drive roadway it has adopted.”
Br. Elijah Cirigliano, O.S.B., performs at the Mother Teresa Conference with student Elizabeth Fox.
In the Rule, Saint Benedict writes about caring for the sick and the elderly, and Campus Ministry provides students with many opportunities to make visits to hospitals and nursing homes. Other special programs include the six-week fall program, Breakfast with Benedict, which is designed to help all members of the College community become more aware of the Benedictine charism. Students are also invited to embrace these values for daily living by becoming Oblates and by taking part in the Neighborhood to Neighborhood
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be ne d i ct i ne s program (which involves freshmen joining the monastic community for Vespers and later dining with the Archabbot). In recent years, students have embarked on numerous service trips, coming back bearing witness to the life-changing experience of helping the world’s poorest and neediest. Students continue to visit the Benedictine community in Vinhedo, Brazil to work at an orphanage; they have volunteered in Appalachia, and twice have made trips to India with College President Jim Towey. For students, attending a Benedictine institution is special. “I came to realize that being the first Benedictine college in America was not just a claim to fame, but a way of life,” says chemistry
Fr. Campion Gavaler, O.S.B., engages students in the classroom.
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major Judy Spelz. “It is a promise to all those in the local community, and to all students who pass through here, that the Benedictine traditions will be
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extended to them in the same manner as they have been for centuries. She points out that “from the day you enter, everyone extends their arms in welcome. Each group here on campus—the students, faculty, staff, administration and those belonging to the monastery—bring to the table what they have, taking, but mostly giving, back to the larger community to further the message of God. For me, coming to Saint Vincent is a far larger and grander experience than just being enlightened intellectually; it is being part of a community, sharing in common goals and partaking of this long-lived tradition that has brought people together for centuries.” Fine arts major Jordan Hainsey says that “there is a community life here unique to Saint Vincent. If you want to pray with the monks, they are always welcoming. It isn’t strange to see them walking around the cafeteria, or even to eat lunch with you. With the Seminary, the College and the Archabbey, there is an integration of communities working in harmony. To be a student of Saint Vincent means an active participation in a rich tradition founded in faith with the opportunity to be part of something great.” Fr. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., a former director of admission, now vice president for institutional advancement, wrote his Ph.D. dissertation on Wimmer’s view of education. For Fr. Paul what is especially valuable within Benedictine monasticism is its vow of stability that creates a sense of home, for not just the monks, but others as
well. In his contact with many alumni, especially the graduates of the former Preparatory School, there seems to be a strong lifelong connection with the institution. “When they needed someone to trust, they were helped by people in this community,” he says. And there is genuine grief with the death of a beloved Benedictine, such as with the recent passing of longtime Prep School headmaster Fr. Louis Sedlacko, O.S.B., theatre producer Fr. Tom Devereux, O.S.B., always smiling language teacher, Fr. Simon Toth, O.S.B., and Fr. Joseph Bronder, distinguished Chair of the Music Department and founder of the Concert Series. Mrs. Sandy Mellon of Ligonier said that she appreciated the leadership at Saint Vincent, especially that of Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B., and President Jim Towey, and the efforts of Saint Vincent “in reaching out to everyone in the entire area, no matter what religion.” She and her husband, Prosser Mellon, have been lifelong supporters and philanthropists, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation has provided enormous assistance to the development of the College. “It’s a very special place, and when you see what they are doing now with lots of new projects—like the Rogers Center—you see why they are getting enthusiastic support from people around the country and around the world. Saint Vincent is a wonderful institution; I can’t say enough good things about the Benedictines.” Most Rev. Bishop Donald Wuerl, formerly of Pittsburgh, now Archbishop of Washington, once observed about
Saint Vincent: “The dual qualities of academic excellence and faith-based values are but one more articulation of Saint Benedict’s well-known maxim ora et labora. I think if Saint Benedict were present today he would recognize his words “pray and work” well translated into the task of the College—educate the mind with knowledge, work at
offering the most academically excellent education you can provide and do so in the context of our faith in the wisdom of God.” Wimmer worked for 40 more years after establishing Saint Vincent, but he did recognize at life’s end, the value of his glorious achievements: “No one imagined us capable of accomplishing anything significant, and yet we did accomplish something. God’s grace was obviously with us. Our chief object—the establishment of the Order in America— has been achieved, and our second major purpose—training and providing a sufficient clergy for our German Catholics – is well under way. May unbounded thanks be given to God a thousand times, for He chose and made use of us as instruments for the execution of his designs.”
Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Vincent Zidek, O.S.B., talks with Dr. Jason Keefer.
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habitat for humanity
equestrian club
Campus Club Craze
Students Connect Through a Variety of Organizations by jessica fick
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Ballroom dance club
ultimate frisbee
“I can’t. I’ve got a club meeting.”
club listing
It is a common expression on any campus where the student body is extremely active and involved—but especially at Saint Vincent College. With more than 60 clubs ranging from artistic to political, physical to intellectual, there is something to offer every student. It is impossible to say that there is nothing to do on campus when there is a club meeting or event just about every night. Saint Vincent students join clubs to learn new skills, showcase their talents, and meet people of similar interests. Dances, fundraisers, movie nights, theater productions, and a broad range of other activities are commonplace. For example, glance down to the playing fields on any given night, in all sorts of weather, and you might see the Ultimate Frisbee Club in action, oblivious to the elements. Club activities also include service projects that provide students the chance to work in the community and stand up for what they believe in. As elevator doors slide open and bulletin boards come into view, brightly colored flyers boasting upcoming events show how active the clubs really are. “The clubs give us something to do on campus. They liven things up,” says Grettelyn Nypaver, a junior English major active in several clubs. Many students belong to at least one club. Some belong to several, evidenced by the fact that there are clubs with almost a hundred members. Sophomore elementary education major Andrea Plummer expresses her enthusiasm. “The clubs are a great way to bring students from different majors together to share common interests. You make so many friends from clubs that you would have never met just going to class.” Junior business major Khrystal Gresko adds, “Clubs give us the opportunity to learn skills we don’t pick up in class. They give us leadership opportunities, teach us valuable social and networking lessons and how to balance responsibilities. Working with my favorite clubs has gone a long way toward preparing me for a future in business.” Not to mention involvement in college that looks great on a résumé!
Advertising Club Alpha Lambda Delta Alpha Phi Omega Anthropology Club Art Club Ballroom Dance Club Best Buddies Bowling Club Cheerleading Chemistry Club Chess Club China Club College Republicans Commuter Club Dance Team Democrats Club Education Club English Club Enviromental Club Equestrian Club Fencing Club Finance Club Gilbert and Sullivan Club Global Experience Habitat for Humanity Health & Fitness Club History Club Holy Stitchers Human Rights Organization International Student Union Italian Club Kappa Delta Pi Life Science Marketing Club Minority Student Coalition Mixed Martial Arts Mock Trial Music Club Mythopoetic Society Pep Band Physics Club Politics Club Pre-Law Society PRSSA Psi Chi Psychology Club Respect Life Rock Climbing Club SCAB
Jessica Fick is a Junior English Major at Saint Vincent College.
SCEC Students for Social Justice SVC Radio SVC Shakespeare Club Swing Dance Club The Company Ultimate Frisbee
Watch videos featuring various clubs: http://www.stvincent.edu/multimedia_library/campuslife_clubs
Women In Business Women’s Outdoor Track Club
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2009 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Rebecca Snyder, C’96
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AlumNA shines A
Saint Vincent College graduate, Rebecca (Lopatofsky) Snyder of the class of 1996, has recently been named Pennsylvania State Teacher of the Year for 2009. She will represent the state’s 187,000 public educators in the next year, as a speaker for various civic groups, as a panelist for national educational initiatives, and as Pennsylvania’s entry in the competition for the National Teacher of the Year, to be selected in April of 2009. Snyder, a language arts teacher at Greater Latrobe High School since 1998, chairs the Language Arts Department and teaches literature and writing courses, including specialized classes such as film media and mythology. Her husband, Bill, is a tenured faculty member in the Department of English. Snyder is very proud of her accomplishments at SVC. While she majored in English with a certificate in education, she minored in music-piano performance, amassing 163 credits on her way to a Bachelor of Arts, and graduated summa cum laude. During her four years at Saint Vincent, Snyder served as prefect, and as a member of
SVC singers. She says, “While people think of Saint Vincent as a small place, I found as much opportunity as I needed to challenge and express myself. I was always busy, thanks to my demanding major and two minors. But when I graduated, I felt I had done a great deal. More than anything, I appreciate the fact that I made friendships with so
many persons that last to this day. I was so happy to find emails and notes about my Teacher of the Year designation from former classmates and former faculty. I was reminded of all of the terrific teachers who inspired me when I was on campus.”
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Internships
Student Academics Brittany Bennett
Junior – Communication/Sociology Major “My internship was at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pittsburgh, where I worked in the Legacy Modernization Department on the communication team. Our goal was to communicate updates from the department to all internal stakeholders. The experiences I had at my internship were priceless. I learned to communicate technical and specialized information in a way that all employees could easily understand. I worked on a great team and collaborated on projects with other teams in the department. I truly got a taste of working in the real world.” Dan Brett
Senior – Finance Major/Operational Excellence Minor “This summer, I was an intern in the Service Parts Department at Elliott Company in Jeannette. I worked in the warehouse and on multiple projects throughout the summer, including the design of a new warehouse layout for the thousands of parts Elliott supplies to customers across the globe. I used tools that I learned at the Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence in creating the layout and in the other projects. My internship experience could not have been any better. The real life experience of working in a manufacturing plant helped me realize that it was a field that I would like to get involved with. In my business classes this semester, I take the information I learn in class and apply it to what I experienced this summer. I learned how to work with people from all levels of a plant, and I’m grateful to Elliott Company for the experience.” Caitlyn Hoffmann
Senior – Psychology/Sociology Major “This summer I interned at Villa Maria Continuum in Baltimore, Md., an organization in partnership with Catholic Charities. It is a residential treatment center for children, mainly boys, with emotional and behavioral disabilities. I assisted counselors in a unit for ten boys ranging in age from 6-11 years, interacting with them during playtime, homework and athletics. This internship was not only a personally rewarding experience, it helped me gain knowledge in the field of work I wish to pursue. It made me confident in knowing exactly what I want to do after college.”
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Learn more about the Career Center: http://www.stvincent.edu/careers
Rachel Komarinski
Senior – Biology Major “I worked in the Biology Laboratory of Duquesne University under the supervision of Dr. Becky Morrow. My objective was to identify an infectious organism in the intestine of a cat using the techniques of DNA extraction, PCR analysis and gel electrophoresis. Hands down, this internship was one of the greatest learning experiences of my college years. I couldn’t have asked to work with more friendly and knowledgeable professors. The professors explained the experiment, let me voice my input and gave me independence in the lab. I felt as though I was working for a research facility. I met new people and most of all, I had a blast!” Zac Parkhill
Senior – Marketing Major “As the Promotions Intern at Heinz, I worked directly with brand teams and advertising agencies in developing a proposal to enhance their current internet marketing strategies. While interning in the Interactive Marketing Department at PNC, I developed a digital presentation system to support the launch of Virtual Wallet – a new online banking product. My priceless internship experiences would not have been possible without the tremendous help and support from dedicated professors and the entire Career Center team.” Ryan Retter
Senior – Business Management Major/Operational Excellence Minor “During the summer, I was an intern in the Lean Manufacturing Group (ATIBS-Primary Group), where I worked on several large projects, including International Sales, International Process, Systems and Organization Optimization Project, Procurement Process Improvement Project and various process improvement projects throughout the primary melt shop for Allegheny Ludlum, located in Brackenridge. At the completion of my internship I presented to the executive management group of ATI Allegheny Ludlum regarding my summer experience and how I impacted the company in the short time that I was there. My summer internship at ATI Allegheny Ludlum was a great experience for me; the real world application of the class work I have completed at Saint Vincent was perfect for the specialty metals industry. The people at Allegheny Ludlum were some of the most helpful and knowledgeable people in their fields. By sharing their own experiences they made me feel right at home from the very first day.
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Saint Vincent College Faculty Continue to Make Their Mark by J u l i a C a v a l l o
Publications Michelle Gil-Montero, Assistant Professor
of English, published 500 Years of Latin American Poetry: A Bilingual Anthology in December. She attended conferences in Minneapolis and New York City, where she gave readings and translations of Maria Negroni poetry. She was also recently published in several literary publications, including Third Coast, Almost Island and Exchanges. Dr. Melissa Cook (right), Assistant Professor of Communication, edited a book entitled, Philosophies of Communication: Implications for Everyday Experience. The book examines how philosophies of communication and communication ethics can shape and enhance human communication. Dr. Bradley C.S. Watson, Associate Professor of Political Science, published a book entitled, Living Constitution, Dying Faith: Progressivism and the New Science of Jurisprudence. Dr. Watson examines how the contemporary embrace of the “living” Constitution has arisen from the radical transformation of American political thought. CNN national political reporter Brian Todd interviewed Dr. Watson (above) on October 31 on campus regarding his views on the U.S. Presidential election in Pennsylvania. Dr. Veronica Ent, Associate Professor of Education, and Wanda Reynolds, Lecturer of Education, had an article published in Pennsylvania Teacher Educator entitled, “Teaching Preservice Teachers the Message Delivery Techniques of Fred Rogers.” The Westmoreland County Historical Society recently honored Dr. Tim Kelly, Associate Professor of History and Dr. Susan Sommers, Professor of History, with the Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Award for their work surrounding the Courthouse Centennial Commemoration. Dr. Kelly co-edited This American Courthouse and Dr. Sommers served as Centennial Committee Chairperson.
Grants
Through the work of the team of the Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence (KCOE) at Saint Vincent College – Steven Leuschel, Allan Edwards, Rick Kunkle, Rodger Lewis and David Adams – the
Dr. Richard Saccone, Assistant Professor of Political Science, published his eighth book, entitled The Unseen War in Iraq: Insurgents in the Shadows. His seven previous books tackled history, culture, business, negotiations and travel of both North and South Korea.
Kennametal Foundation awarded an additional $300,000 to expand and institutionalize the KCOE, a fiveyear-old signature initiative of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government. The Center assists regional businesses in achieving world-class performance by providing training, education and networking in cost-effective business strategies, tactics and tools.
Dr. Caryl Fish (right), Associate Professor of Chemistry, director, and coprincipal investigator, Dr. Matthew Fisher (not pictured) and Dr. Steven Gravelle (left), both Associate Professors of Chemistry, helped to secure a $148,373 grant through the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will fund laboratory and classroom activities for analytical chemistry and biochemistry that combine both project-based laboratory experiments and Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL).
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Presentations and Research Dr. Michael Rhodes
Fr. Rene M. Kollar, O.S.B., Ph.D., was the recipient of the 2008 Thoburn Excellence in Teaching Award at the Founders’ Day Honors Convocation in November. Alumni in their sixth year since graduation nominated the Dean of the School of Humanities and Fine Arts and Professor of History for his impact in the classroom and enthusiasm for teaching history. One nomination letter read, “his personal interest and guidance made me strive to meet his lofty expectations for my success.”
(right), Assistant Professor of Biology, collaborated with senior Daniel Ripepi and junior Natalie Gentile, both biology majors, to study the effects of commonly used Alzheimers drugs on stress hormones. The students presented the research at a conference in Harrisburg in October called Undergraduate Research at the Capitol-PA sponsored by the Legislative Office of Research Liaisons (LORL). Dr. Veronica Ent (right), Associate Professor of Education, presented her work on early learning at the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Dallas, Texas. Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., Assistant Professor of Computing and Information Science, is involved with a project called Grass Roots Science, which brings together academic researchers, farmers and young people in the service of food security through several initiatives. He is collaborating with researchers from Penn State University and Stanford University on the project. Julia Cavallo is the Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Saint Vincent College.
Fr. Mark Wenzinger, O.S.B., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Philosophy, presented a paper
entitled, “ ‘Philosophy Always Comes Too Late.’ Michel Henry on the Priority of Natural Consciousness,” at the biennial conference of the Centre of Theology and Philosophy of the University of Nottingham (UK). The conference, entitled “The Grandeur of Reason,” was held on the campus of the American University in Rome, Italy in September.
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Bearcats to Watch Men’s Basketball Joey Butler – Senior Fort Washington, MD/Gwynn Park HS
Joey was the premier point guard in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference a season ago. He finished in the top 10 in the league in a number of statistical categories, leading the PAC in steals (3.38/gm), finishing second in assists (4.92/gm), seventh in scoring (17.2 pts/gm), eighth in three-point percentage (.415), and ninth in free-throw percentage (.787). The brother of former SVC All-American Kenny Roberts, Butler scored over 20 points on 11 different occasions, including a career-high 29 on Feb. 2 at Waynesburg.
Women’s Lacrosse
Liz Louison – Sophomore Hauppage, NY/Hauppage HS
Last spring, Liz put together one of the finest freshman seasons in team history. She started all 12 games for the 7-5 Lady Bearcats, scoring 36 goals and adding seven assists to finish with 43 points. She scored at least two goals in every game, including four three-goal performances, three four-goal performances, and a career-high five-goal output against Wooster on April 26. In addition to her goal scoring, Louison also contributed by picking up 13 ground balls and winning 11 draw controls.
M e n ’ s Sw i mm i n g
Eric Clouse – Senior Butler, PA/Butler HS
Eric has enjoyed a phenomenal career in the pool for the Bearcats. Last season, his time of 53.50 seconds in the 100-yd butterfly was the fifth fastest recorded in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference on the year, and his 200-yd time of 2:06 was the ninth best in the PAC. Specializing in the butterfly and medley events, he owns three individual records and is also part of four school record-setting relay squads.
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Women’s Basketball Janelle Reed – Senior Saltsburg, PA/Saltsburg HS
Janelle, a guard, established herself as one of the top scorers in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference a season ago. She averaged 17 points per game, good for fifth in the conference, while knocking down a PAC-best 66 three-pointers, the second highest single-season total in SVC history. Reed set a school record on December 8 vs. Chatham with eight three-pointers en route to scoring a career-high 34 points. She was also one of the most accurate free throw shooters in the league, connecting on 45 of 51 from the charity stripe, while adding 54 steals and averaging 2.9 rebounds.
Softball
Mollie Stock – Senior Waynesville, OH/Waynesville High School
Ashley Whipkey – Senior Dunbar, PA/Connellsville Area High School Last season, Mollie and Ashley teamed up to form one of the most dominant pitching duos in small-college softball. Stock finished the season with 10 wins, 17 complete games, and a 2.38 ERA, while striking out 117 batters in 113 innings. Opponents batted just .214 against her, and she threw three no-hitters. Whipkey finished the year with a 12-5 record, third in the PAC, striking out 97 batters in 106 innings and allowing an opponent batting average of just .228. In addition, the pair also contributed offensively, with Stock leading the team in runs scored (26) and RBI’s (25), and Whipkey pacing the Lady Bearcats with 10 doubles and a .526 slugging percentage. baseball
Mark Shouey - Senior Franklin, PA/Franklin HS
Mark, a senior second baseman, enjoyed a fine 2008 campaign for the Bearcats, leading the team in hits (50), doubles (13), and runs scored (29), while batting .363, driving in 31 RBIs, and hitting two home runs. He began the season on a 16-game hitting streak, and finished with 19 multihit games, striking out just seven times in 156 plate appearances. For his efforts, he was one of two Bearcats to receive PAC all-conference Coaches Honors, and looks to be one of the top returning players in the PAC for the 2009 season.
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Keep up with all Bearcat Athletics: http://www.stvincent.edu/athletics
Getting Their Kicks In by j i m b e r g e r
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A Moving Experience
aking over a new college program is never an easy thing to do, but first-year Lady Bearcat soccer coach Becky Stewart has fully embraced her new job. Hired in March, Stewart, who graduated from Clarion before serving as an assistant at Mount Union and Bemidji State, knew that Saint Vincent was the place for her the minute she first set foot on campus.
“The campus is beautiful, there’s a lot of tradition, the community is tight and there is a lot of pride walking around. I never saw anything like it until I got here.” Though adjusting to the campus was not difficult for Stewart, there was a bit of a feeling-out process for both her and her players when pre-season camp began in mid-August. “It took some time for everyone to get
Kylie Simonini advances the ball during a recent soccer match.
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Goalie Kirstie Mills has emerged as a top keeper in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
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on the same page,” she said of her first practices as a college head coach. “A few of the players did know what to expect or what was expected of them, but it’s tough to go through a coaching change, especially for returning players. They all handled it well, and I couldn’t ask for more. They’re a great group of young women.” The Lady Bearcats struggled in the win/loss column this past fall, finishing with a record of 6-9-4, due in large part to an injury-depleted roster. Stewart’s squad began the year with 16 healthy bodies, but by the final few games of the season, that number had dwindled down to 12, often leaving the coach with just one available substitute. The injuries were especially costly considering all four were starters, including seniors Abby Chabitnoy and Katie Messinger. “I saw it coming,” Stewart said. “With a roster of 16, including three goalies, I was just praying that it wouldn’t happen. It was tough because we weren’t losing players for just one or two games. We lost two seniors for the year who both meant so much to the team. We were fortunate to last as long as we did, though, as basically each of our players was asked to play 90 minutes late in the year, after already being worn down from the season.”
Though the team may not have won as many games as it had hoped, the season did include a number of bright spots. Senior Kylie Simonini, who led the team in scoring in all four of her years in the green and gold, wrapped up her career as the school’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 44. She also became just the second player to record over 100 career points, finishing with 107. Freshman goalie Kirstie Mills burst onto the scene, becoming one of the top keepers in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. She finished third in the league in saves while posting five shutouts, the third highest singleseason total in team history. In her first offseason as SVC’s head coach, Stewart knows that she must add depth to her team, and plans on doing so by hitting the recruiting trail. “I’m going to bring in as many hardworking, dedicated, talented girls that I can,” she said. “I just hope I can instill the team’s and school’s tradition in those that I do bring in, and I hope they’ll graduate from SVC proud to be Bearcats.” Jim Berger is the Assistant Sports Information Director at Saint Vincent College.
Learn more about the Women’s Soccer Team: http://www.stvincent.edu/wsoccer Head Coach Becky Stewart
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News Briefs
The staircase of the Fred M. Rogers Center ascends to a grand view of the Basilica.
Saint Vincent Welcomes Fred Rogers Center To The Neighborhood
The Fred M. Rogers Center, a $14-million green building housing the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media, the Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery and the
College’s Conference Center, officially opened on October 2. The dedication ceremony and blessing took place at 7 p.m. with speakers including Wayne Godwin, Chief Operating Officer of the Public Broadcasting System; Joanne Rogers, Honorary Chair of the Fred Rogers Center Advisory
Board; and Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Chairman of the Board of the Council on Foundations. Visitors standing at the meadow entrance can look up and see the Basilica through the windows of the structure, an intentional design element
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that reflects how a core of Benedictine values runs through the heart of the mission of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media. The innovative, environmentally-conscious building fits beautifully into the scenic campus, and is poised to receive the “gold” rating in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification, a feature that Fred Rogers would have extolled. The Archive houses an extensive collection of papers, manuscripts, documents, artifacts and photos relating to the personal and public life of Fred Rogers, as well
as recordings of programs produced by him such as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and The Children’s Corner. Also on the ground floor, a gallery showcases the College’s extensive antique American coverlet (decorative bedspread) collection donated by Foster and Muriel McCarl. With over 300 pieces in an assortment of themes, the collection is one of the most comprehensive of its kind. A topsy-turvy ink-and-pen mural with whimsical designs greets visitors as they climb the staircase to the second floor. The mural was created by Roman Verostko, known
for his algorithmic pen and ink drawings. Upstairs, a free-standing interactive exhibit includes several iconographic items, like Fred Rogers’ sneakers, sweaters and even some puppet friends from the highly acclaimed Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as part of the display. PERFORMING ON STEINWAY PIANOS
The Department of Fine Arts Music Division has announced plans to do its teaching and performing exclusively on Steinway pianos. According to Br. Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., chair of
bearcats post historic win
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he Saint Vincent College Bearcat football team made history on September 13 by winning its first game since the program’s return, posting a 23-22 win over Gallaudet University on the road in Washington, DC. The Bearcats overcame a 17-point deficit to earn the victory.
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the Department of Fine Arts, the multi-year plan will greatly enhance the quality of instruments available to student musicians who are preparing for careers as music teachers or performers. Saint Vincent has upgraded the pianos in the Robert S. Carey Student Center practice rooms, music studios and Performing Arts Center through a lease program with Steinway Pianos made available by Trombino Piano Gallerie in Pittsburgh. The pilot program at Saint Vincent is the first of its kind for Steinway, and may be extended to other colleges and universities. The plan was developed by David Bridge, a graduate of Saint Vincent College who formerly worked for Trombino. At the end of the school year, some of the pianos will be purchased by Saint Vincent and the others will be
offered for sale to the public. The College’s hope is that alumni and other benefactors will help to purchase additional Steinway instruments so that, within a few years, it can join the 90 colleges and universities that are “All-Steinway.” The Steinway B concert grand piano used for the Concert Series and a Steinway upright were donated by the McFeelyRogers Foundation in 1973; and more recently, Joanne Rogers donated the Steinway grand piano that belonged to her late husband, and on which he had composed most of the music performed on the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood show, to the Fred Rogers Center. That piano was played at Saint Vincent for the first time by Michael Moricz, former music director for Mister Rogers Neighborhood, at the dedication of the Fred M.
Rogers Center on October 2. The Steinway Grand D piano, originally manufactured in 1920 and purchased by Fred’s grandmother in the 1940s, was completely restored and reconditioned recently at the Steinway factory in New York City. R. MARK METZ NAMED ALUMNI COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Saint Vincent College recently announced that R. Mark Metz, C’89, has been selected as president of the Saint Vincent Alumni Council. Metz graduated from Saint Vincent in 1989 with a bachelor of science degree in business management, and received his master’s degree in business from Duquesne University. He is currently an assistant
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vice president of National City Corporation in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association, and is also an honorary member of the Saint Vincent College Chapter of Delta Mu Delta, a national honor society for business administration. Metz
is married to the former Natalie Legin, and they have one son, Justin. ATTENDANCE SETS RECORD AT ALUMNI HOMECOMING WEEKEND ‘08
On the weekend of October 3, 4 and 5, more than 1,000 alumni and friends returned to
campus to enjoy Homecoming, sponsored by Hirtle, Callaghan and Company. The Alumni Hospitality Center, located in the new Fred M. Rogers Center, drew crowds all weekend. The festivities opened with a full house for the Alumni of Distinction Dinner with mistress of ceremonies Jennifer
DR. BOB MAZERO HONORED
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ore than 250 guests gathered at the Fred M. Rogers Center on September 7 for a dinner in tribute to Dr. Bob Mazero. The event was hosted by Archabbot Douglas and College President Jim Towey in cooperation with Nancy R. Crozier, Sandra Mellon, Arnold D. Palmer and Joanne Rogers. In recognition of Dr. Mazero’s lifelong service to the Latrobe area, Saint Vincent College invited the public to continue his legacy of excellence and education by contributing a gift to one of the two tribute initiatives: The Dr. John R. Mazero Science Education Building Fund, which will provide funding for the construction and renovation of the Dr. John R. Mazero Science
Education Center, and the Dr. John R. Mazero Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial help to needy students enrolled at Saint Vincent in the health sciences. The names of contributors to the Building Fund or Scholarship Fund will be inscribed on a Wall of Tribute, which will be created in the Dr. John R. Mazero Science Education Center. “It is a privilege for us at Saint Vincent College to join with Dr. Mazero’s many friends and associates throughout the community to give well-deserved recognition to this most remarkable man who has been such a prominent part of our community for so many years,” Archabbot Douglas said. “Since we first announced our intentions to offer a tribute to Dr. Mazero, we have heard many stories from those whose lives have been touched by him. These stories recall his youth as an outstanding athlete, his wisdom as a teacher and physician, and his leadership that enabled Latrobe Area Hospital to become a model community hospital for the nation. The stories recall his love of his wife, Rosemary, his family and his lifelong commitment of faith.”
Among those who attended the tribute to Dr. Mazero (second from right) were, from left, College President Jim Towey, Arnold Palmer, Sandra Mellon, and Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.
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ALUMNI HONORED AT HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
Saint Vincent College honored ten individuals as Alumni of Distinction and one as Young Alumnus of Distinction at a Friday evening dinner on Homecoming Weekend. The Alumni of Distinction awardees included Zachary F. Endress, C’38, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Pasquale (Pat) J. Greco, C’68, of Miele, C’00, Westmoreland County Bureau Chief for WTAETV, hosting the program. A traditional Bearcat dinner in the cafeteria, Fallfest carnival, comedienne Melanie Maloy, C’94, and entertainment by Pure Gold, managed by Henry DeLuca, C’68, highlighted the activities on Saturday. Alumni who would like to volunteer for Homecoming Weekend ’09 should contact the Alumni Office at 724-805-2568 or email alumni@stvincent.edu. 2008 Homecoming Queen Sherrie Dunlap and King Troy Smith.
Springfield, Virginia; Don Haile, C’63, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Peter M. Hutchinson, Ph.D., C’68, of Greensburg; Amy Panebianco, Esq., C’88 of Mars; Theresa J. Soisson Russo, Ph.D., C’87, of Cooperstown, New York; Loretta E. Scalzitti, C’83, of Jeannette; John N. Stevens, Jr., C’73, of Export; and Kenneth R. Strawberry, C’53, of Wilmington, North Carolina. This year’s Young Alumnus of Distinction was Mark J. Pincus, C’96, of Stewartsville, New Jersey.
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BEARCATS Online
On November 6, Saint Vincent College launched BearcatsOnline, a social networking site for alumni and current seniors of the College. BearcatsOnline offers members the opportunity to post photographs, link to
Facebook, MySpace or LinkedIn member pages and post blogs on their interests. Alumni will also be able to view other members’ photo albums, participate in discussion boards, use online chat and reconnect with former classmates. Alumni will also have the opportunity
to serve as mentors to current seniors. For further information, contact the Public Relations Office at Saint Vincent College at (724) 805-2010 or email bearcatsonline@stvincent.edu. Visit BearcatsOnline—http:// bearcatsonline.stvincent.edu/
FORBES NAMES SAINT VINCENT ONE OF ‘AMERICA’S BEST’
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orbes business magazine listed Saint Vincent among the top colleges in the nation in its first-
ever ranking of “America’s Best Colleges.” Saint Vincent was ranked in the top 10% colleges and universities in the U.S. (one of the top 300 out of more than 4200 institutions). Included among the top four Catholic colleges in the state, Saint Vincent was one of just three colleges listed in the Pittsburgh area– ranking higher than Duquesne, University of Pittsburgh and Westminster.
Forbes launched this first ranking of
America’s Best Colleges in conjunction with Dr. Richard Vedder, an economist at Ohio University, and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. “We believe that these rankings reflect, in a very real way, the quality and cost of an undergraduate education at a wide range of American colleges and universities,” Forbes noted. “And when families have to make a decision with a six-figure price tag and lifelong impact, we think they deserve all the information they can get.”
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judicial intern
Ben Lewis, a senior political science major at Saint Vincent College, was recently sworn in as a judicial intern by Judge William H. Baughman, C’71, of Cleveland, Ohio, whom he will serve during the coming year as an intern at United States District Court in the Northern District of Ohio. Lewis is from Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The internship is the second of a remote internship program between Judge Baughman’s office and Saint Vincent College. Instruction sessions will be done by Webex conference and telephone. Saint Vincent College’s Cooperative Education and Internship Programs are
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH JIANGXI UNIVERSITY
Saint Vincent College signed a cooperative agreement with China’s Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics on October 15 that will involve exchange of both students and teachers between the two schools.
management or healthcare leadership. The agreement will also facilitate faculty exchanges. Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics is a multi-disciplinary university,
Taking part in the signing are, from left, Professor Chen Rong, chairman of the Master of Business Administration School at Jiangxi; Dr. Gary M. Quinlivan; Professor Liao Jinqui, chairman of the administrative committee (chancellor of the college); and Professor Weihua Ye, director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation.
academic programs which allow students to work off campus to acquire career-related skills, earn academic credit, earn money and develop a professional network for future employment contacts.
According to Dr. Gary M. Quinlivan, professor of economics and Dean of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government, the goals of the agreement are for students from Saint Vincent to study at Jiangxi, while students from Jiangxi University would be able to enroll at Saint Vincent to finish bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees, or master’s degrees in education, business
established as a business school in 1923, focusing on economics and management. It also offers programs in science, humanity, engineering, law, forestry and education. The university is located near Nanchang, a city known for its scenic attractions and the home of many historical figures. It has established intercollegiate relationships with 34 universities, colleges and institutes from more than 10 countries.
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ANTIQUE COVERLET GALLERY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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he Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery is now open to the public in the Fred M. Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College. On view in the newly-completed gallery are 17 assorted antique bed coverlets from the collection of Muriel McCarl and the late Foster McCarl. The gift enabled the couple’s prized collection of antique American coverlets to have a permanent home at Saint Vincent. The coverlets express a range of themes, including marketing, patriotic, agriculture and animals, geometric patterns, botanical and oriental. The exhibition was directed by Sara Feldbauer, curator of the McCarl Coverlet Collection, and was designed and assisted by Lauren Lamendola, collections assistant. The Gallery is open on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, Thursdays 1:30 to 4:30 pm, and Fridays 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and 3:00 to 4:30 pm.
PREVENTION PROJECTS OBSERVE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
A reception, dinner and program on Thursday, October 16 at the Fred M. Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College celebrated Prevention Projects and its milestone of 30 years of service to the region. The Project’s mission is to create, promote and strengthen wellness in people and systems to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, violence and other socially destructive behaviors. Keynote speaker for the 36
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program, sponsored in part by Excela Health, was Dave Crawley, reporter for KDKA-TV and the popular presenter of KD Country features. Mrs. Phil Dymond, chairperson of the 30th Anniversary Committee and a member of the Prevention Projects Advisory Board and its Executive Committee for the entire 30 years, served as mistress of ceremonies. Dr. John M. Meighan, superintendent of the Kiski Area School District, extended greetings as
chairperson of the Prevention Projects Advisory Board and Executive Committee. Saint Vincent College President Jim Towey gave a welcome address in which he expressed the pride of the College in the Projects. Invocation and benediction were given by Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., Executive Vice President and Dean of the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing at Saint Vincent College.
ALUMNI, FRIENDS MAY BENEFIT FROM CHARITABLE IRA ROLLOVER
Saint Vincent College alumni and friends have been invited to take advantage of legislation that was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on October 3 that includes immediate and retroactive extension of the popular Pension Protection Act of 2006, which allows
taxpayers over the age of 70 ½ to make tax-free distributions from their traditional and Roth IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) directly to charities in 2008 and 2009. For more information about this important opportunity, contact Saint Vincent College Planned Giving Officer Edward Nemanic at edward.nemanic@ email.stvincent.edu or 724-8052948.
Editor’s Note: In the previous edition of the magazine, we mistakenly printed a picture of the Class of 1968 (above) in conjunction with text about the Saint Vincent College / Seton Hill University Union Reunion. We apologize for the confusion.
Saint Vincent College is now on YouTube.
Visit www.youtube.com/saintvincentcollege to find video footage of college events, interviews with faculty and students, and a new Office of Admission series called “Bearcat on the Street.” Sign up to YouTube and stay connected by subscribing to the Saint Vincent College channel.
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Archabbot Honored For Role In Catholic Education by donald a . o r lando
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he Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., was among those honored at the annual Gala Pittsburgh Sports Night at Heinz Field on October 16 for his distinguished record in raising scholarship funds for Saint Vincent College students as well as for high school students aspiring to pursue a college education. The event, now in its 11th year, has raised over $1 million for the Cardinal Wright Regional School on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The Gala is jointly sponsored by the Steelers, the Pirates and the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. Dan Rooney, chairman of the Steelers, and Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik made the presentation. “I speak to the whole blessing of Catholic education,” Bishop Zubik said. “I am proud of 37 years of formal Catholic education – 24 behind the student’s desk and 13 as an administrator and teacher. The contributions of all of the people who attend helped pave 38
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the way to success for so many young people on the North Side who may not know the promise of success. We are able to provide great opportunities for youngsters to really achieve great success in their lives. Mr. Rooney has spoken so openly about what Catholic education has meant for him growing up on the North Side and all of the benefits he received from a Catholic education.” “This is a great event,” Archabbot Douglas said. “Catholic schools have been an important part of the fabric of American society for a long time. This is paying tribute to all of those who keep alive this important aspect. Cardinal Wright School is a celebration of that great tradition.” The Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B., Minority Scholarship Fund for Saint Vincent College students provides an opportunity to honor Archabbot Douglas for his leadership and service to the College
From left: Duane Ashley, Reggie Butler, Juluis Thomas, Dr. Veronica Morgan-Lee, Melissa Parks, Archabbot Douglas and Mary Tran at Martin Luther King Day festivities at Saint Vincent College.
and the community, and especially for his commitment to minority students. Archabbot Douglas is the 11th Archabbot of Saint Vincent Archabbey and Chancellor of Saint Vincent College and Seminary. He is also the Major Superior of the Benedictines at the Priory and Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Georgia, and the Benedictine Priories in Brazil and Taiwan. In 1967, as a junior monk, he helped to establish Project Headway, a program for inner city youth from Pittsburgh’s North Side, where the Benedictines have served for 150 years. These young students came to Saint Vincent to participate in a variety of educational and motivational programs to learn skills that would prepare them to go on to college. The Archabbot’s interest in Pittsburgh’s inner city youths continues. Prior to his election, Archabbot Douglas served as Secretary for Education of the Diocese of Pittsburgh for five years and
as pastor of Queen of Peace Parish on Pittsburgh’s North Side, where he was actively involved with St. Peter’s School (now Cardinal Wright School). He was the Chair of the Saint Vincent College Department of Psychology for six years and served on the staff of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and also as a consultant to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. In his role as Chancellor of Saint Vincent College, Archabbot Douglas has worked with the Extra Mile Education Foundation and the Crossroads Foundation in the Diocese of Pittsburgh to provide minority students the opportunity for a quality education. Further details about the Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Minority Scholarship Fund are available by contacting Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690, phone 724-805-2527.
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GOLD PROGRAM MINING FOR FUTURE by donald a . o r lando
S
aint Vincent College’s Annual Fund is mining for GOLD—not the precious metal, but one that will become even more valuable in the future. Saint Vincent GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) are alumni who are
Saint Vincent Alumni gather for a paintball event.
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getting started with their careers and families and arranging the purchase of their first house, car and other major life expenses. The GOLD program was initiated three years ago as a way to assist young alumni in establishing the habit of making an annual gift.
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“The most important message we want to communicate to our younger alumni is that we understand the financial challenges you face after graduation,” said Jennie Miller, Director of Development and Prospect Management, who also coordinates the Annual Fund campaign. Jennifer Fazio Trigona, of the class of 1999, was the chair last year and did a great job of getting the program off the ground. Young alumni volunteers are invaluable in the effort. “We are not asking for a tremendous amount of money,” Trigona explained. “It is really doable for anyone. A lot of us would like to be in the Heritage Society but that is a challenge, especially for those who are only one or two years out. There are some graduates who had never given before and liked our approach.” Trigona, whose ties to Saint Vincent run deep, is married to Matthew Trigona, C’2000 and works as a consultant for Kevin Boland, C’79, at Donnelly-Boland and Associates. “I sent letters to every person in my class with personal notes on each,” she said. “I met my husband at Saint Vincent,
Graduates of the Last Decade as well as all of my best friends. I have received so much from Saint Vincent— an unparalleled education, lasting friendships and some of the best times of my life. As a proud alumna, I promote the school and its mission at every opportunity.” Young alumni can be hard to reach, according to Alicia Barnes, Phonathon Coordinator. “Recent graduates are tough to contact because they are no longer living at home and many are still in graduate or professional schools. They really like the social aspects of being an alum and enjoy keeping in contact with each other. When they come back to campus for Homecoming or other activities, they like to talk about their accomplishments.” “Young alumni are interested in helping current students as well,” Barnes added. “One of our phonathoners who is interested in a career in broadcasting called Jennifer Miele, C’2000, Westmoreland County Bureau Chief for WTAE-TV, and talked with her for a halfhour about her experience in the field. Young alumni have a lot to offer.” Chair of the GOLD program this year is Chuck Holland, C’2000, assistant director of alumni. “After a successful start in business, I came back to Saint Vincent to spread the word that Saint Vincent is a great place to support,” Holland said. “There is no such thing as a small gift, since every gift is valued. I hope our young alumni, who represent about a third of our total
Chuck Holland (right) engages alumnus David Safin in spirited conversation.
alumni population, will want to become part of the GOLD program. As newer graduates, we are a different generation of Saint Vincent alumni. We are tied to the College and to all alumni through a devotion to Saint Vincent College, but our world is affected by many factors that were not in the forefront decades ago. The GOLD standard of giving recognizes these different priorities. As the environment and sustainability are a crucial concern of so many young Americans, this program ensures donors that their funds are being utilized to promote green practices and to nurture an environmentally-friendly culture at Saint Vincent. This will help the College sustain its natural surroundings for future generations of Bearcats.” Don Orlando is the Director of Public Relations at Saint Vincent College.
Watch a video of Chuck Holland and the GOLD Program: http://www.stvincent.edu/annual_giving2/graduates-of-the-last-decade2
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class notes 1940s
Frank J. Luparello, M.D., Sc.D., C’49, D’87, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in October. Albert F. Pishioneri, C’49, announces his book Me, Mom and World War II, was published in May, 2008 and is in the Latimer Family Library. Joseph Wohar, C’49, is the proud grandfather of three SVC Bearcats; John Wohar, C’04, Maria Wohar, C 11, and Laura Wohar, C 12.
1950s
William L. Kochler, Jr., C’50, and his wife, Ann, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 27 with a special Mass at their home Parish of Saint Philip and James Church, Exton. Vincent N. Lepidi, C’50, and his wife, Josephine, celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on September 2. They were married on September 2, 1950 at Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensburg. Rev. Joseph J. Dascenzo, C’54, S’58, celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest this summer. Edward B. Murcko, D.D.S., C’54, and his wife, Bernadette, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 19 with a special Mass at the church where they were married, St. Mary Magdalene in Homestead. They marked the special occasion with a family trip to Rome, Florence and Prague, accompanied by their five daughters, spouses and grandchildren. Harry L. Vidmar, C’58, and his wife, Olga, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 13 with a dinner-dance party for family and friends at Hampton Banquet Hall. They were married on August 2, 1958 in Transfiguration Church, Russellton.
1960s
James R. “Jim” Ferry, C’60, has been married for 43 years to his wife, Mary Carleen Hogan Ferry. They have four children and 10 grandchildren. They maintain part-time residence in Pittsburgh. Jim is retired from Ferry Electric Company which is now 82 years old and in the third generation of family ownership and management and by the third Jim Ferry.
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alumni news
Charles J. “Chuck” McIntyre, C’60, and his wife, Marty, are delighted to announce the arrival of their latest grandchildren. The seventh arrived on the seventh day of the seventh month, and the eighth arrived in the eighth month of 2008. Chuck states, “God, not Planned Parenthood, is responsible for any seeming coincidence.” Nicholas J. Bruno, C’61, is still alive and kicking! Leonard J. Solo, C’61, has had another volume of poetry, The Magic of Light, published by Archer Books. Thomas F. Findlan, Jr., D.M.D., C 63, writes that his younger son, Derek, 27, recently walked 2,600 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. The trek took five months and he traveled the length of California through the Sierras, across Oregon, and through the Cascades of Washington. Derek reported it was the greatest summer of his life. His older son, Tom, recently opened his office for the practice of ophthalmology at Jefferson Hills Medical Center in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Fr. Leonard Stoviak, P’65, was appointed pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in North Huntingdon on October 30 by Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt. He had served the last eight years as pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Scottdale. Fr. Len was ordained in 1973 for the Diocese of Greensburg. He was pleased that five of the Prep Class of 1965 members attended the funeral of their Headmaster, Fr. Louis Sedlacko on October 13, and he sends his greetings to all of the class. Richard A. Stillwagon, P’65, C’69, was recently awarded the Fred Funari Mental Health Award of Distinction for volunteerism from the Mental Health America of Westmoreland County. It was named after Chip Funari’s father who was president of MHA in 1965-68. Chip is a 1972 alumnus of SVC. Chip’s son Bryan is a 1996 graduate of SVC also. It is an annual award presented by MHA and the Funari Family. Richard L. Welsh, Ph.D., C’66, was inducted to the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field on October 3. Joseph M. Schroeffel, P’63, C 67, retired as Controller of Phillips Production Company on July 4. He is now working for his wife at odd jobs!
1970s
Richard A. Gosser, D.A., C’71, founded Rich in Mercy shortly after he and his wife, Daneen, made a 1987 vist to Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti, where they encountered extreme material poverty. Since that time they have made over 50 trips to Haiti, although he admits he stopped counting a while back. Rich said that while the situation in Haiti borders on desperation, the people are rich in their hospitality, culture and faith. The next mission trip is scheduled for February 21-28, 2009. To contact the Gossers call 724-238-9204. Joseph H. Santanna, C’71, was recognized by the “Thoroughbred Times” as one of the top 10 individuals influencing American Thoroughbred Racing in the year 2008. Thomas J. Rennie, C.P.A., C’72, has been named president-elect of the Southwestern Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants for 2008-2009. Colonel Patrick J. “Bull” Sheets, C’73, has retired from the United States Air Force. He was the director of the Air Force Joint Test and Evaluation Program Office (AFJO), Nellis AFB, Nevada. He previously commanded an operational wing, group, squadron and flight. His last assignment was Deputy Director of the Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense Organization (JTAMDO) JCS/J-8. He also was the director of Nellis Combined Air Operations Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he spearheaded the stand-up of a new organization under the Air Warfare Center to execute training and support testing of the operational level of war. Colonel Sheets has served as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization joint staff officer and was a Federal Executive Fellow at Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C. Gregory A. Good, C’74, an associate professor of history in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is the 2008 recipient of the Mary C. Rabbitt Award. Presented annually by the Geological Society of America’s History of Geology Division, the Mary C. Rabbitt Award recognizes exceptional scholarly work that contributes to the understanding of the history of the geological sciences. It is named for a noted U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist and research historian who died in 2002.
James M. Papp, C’75, was named the Distinguished Human Resource Professional for 2008 by the Society of Healthcare Human Resource Professionals of Pennsylvania during their annual conference. Rev. Dennis J. Bradley, S’76, was installed as pastor of Saints Simon and Jude Parish in Scott Township.
insurance and loss prevention engineering technologies. Kevin J. O’Toole, C’85, has been named the Assistant Principal at North Hills Senior High School. James D. Skrine, C 85, is the Executive Director of Quality overseeing the Quality Assurance, Product Quality, Quality Control, Validation and Compliance Groups for Amgen Colorado. Andrew J. Germano, C’86, was appointed by INSIDE Contactless, a leading provider of advanced, open-standard contactless chip technologies, as vice president of sales and business development.
John G. “Jack” Hutchinson, C’78, and some Class of 1978 friends got together on September 13 at Hotel Loyal. The group included James M. “Jim” Ward, Angelo Tambellini, Joseph A. “Joe” Rossowski, D.D.S., Richard W.”Rick” Wilson, Joseph P. “ Joe” Dunn, Samuel “Sam” Minnitte, John Libertore and Jack.
Rev. Dennis A. Bogusz, S’79, was reognized as a Polonian of the Year during the 77th annual Polish American Day held at Kennywood Park. David A. Dzombak, Ph.D., C’79, was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) at its annual meeting held at the National Academies Buildings in Washington, D.C, October 5-6.
1980s
George Fetkovich, C’80 designed and artdirected A Unique Vision of Art, Second Edition, the Greater Latrobe School District Art Conservation Trust’s publication of the district’s art collection. The publication was a Platinum Award (highest level) winner from MarCom (Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals) for this year. MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals, and entries (over 5,000 this year) are judged for their excellence in terms of quality, creativity and resourcefulness. David M. Gaskill, C’83, was recently promoted to vice president, manager, products and systems development for FM Global, a Johnson, Rhode Island based company offering property
Ralph E. Rapa, Ph.D., C’87, is now in engine school at Veolia Transportation. He was added as a member of management, but will actually earn a seniority date as a Class I locomotive engineer in October. He is also a college instructor.
1990s
Michael J. Kozy, Jr., C’92, was awarded the Sam’s Club “Teacher of the Year Award.” Timothy S. Burns, C’94, is the chair-elect of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. He was the youngest recipient of the Cambria County Bar Association’s President’s Award for Community Service. Trina M. (Leonard) Gill, C’94, and Kevin Gill, C’93, are proud parents of a beautiful 7-year-old daughter, Lauren, who has Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). On June 21 they gathered a team for the 20th Annual Pirates Fun Run/Walk for Epilepsy held at PNC Park by the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania (EFWCP). You can read more about Lauren’s journey with Epilepsy at www. laurensmiracle.org and email the Gills at trinagill@comcast.net.
Lori T. Tedesco, C’94, is now a registered nurse and is employed as a labor and delivery nurse at Magee Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh. Mary Jo Sell, C’97, was the Laurel Highlands Autism Walk Chair, which was held Saturday, June 7 at Heinz Field. Gennaro (Jerry) Marsico, C’99, recently obtained the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation through The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Certified Financial PlannerTM professional and works as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Beaver. Brooke L. Pierce, C’99, G’05, has been named supervisor of curriculum and instruction at the Robert Ketterer Charter School.
2000s
Kevin C. Grant, C’00, is currently living in Perth, WA Australia. He works for Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., which is based in Cleveland, Ohio and is the largest Iron Ore Mining Company in North America. His current role is building financial planning, financial forecasting models and strategic finance models to be used for a large iron ore mining company that was purchased more than a year ago. Lucas J. Repka, C’00, has joined King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, Bethlehem as an associate. He will focus his practice in the firm’s education and special education law practice areas. Matthew H. Kelly, C’01, has accepted a new position with Guardian Investors Services, LLC. Matt currently serves as the Regional Sales Director for the state of Pennsylvania. Guardian Investors Services is a Fortune 500 company specializing in retirement planning and distribution strategies. Matt and his wife, Melissa, have relocated back to Pittsburgh from the Cincinnati area.
Frederick J. Findley III, C’05, (far right) along with fellow business partners, cuts ribbon during a grand opening celebration for MVP Events in downtown Greensburg. Frederick received his Master’s degree in Multimedia Technology from California University of PA in 2007 and is pursuing a Ph.D in Rhetoric at Duquesne University.
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Bryan M. Macuga, C’02, was appointed Steel Valley School District’s new Park Elementary principal. Gerious Tomas George, C’03, recently received the Sol Siegel Award and the Shane Joseph Johnson Memorial Award given to students with the highest grade point average at the Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Erika L. Gifford, C’03, has received her doctorate in physics from Virginia Tech. Lucia I. Soltis, C’03, earned her Doctor of Medicine Degree from Marshall University on May 10. Michael E. Neal, C’04, was hired in June as the Associate Director for Communications at The White House. Previously he served as the Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Ryan M. Tucek, C’04, has joined the teaching staff at Penn-Trafford and anticipates the completion of his master’s in physics education next summer at the University of Virginia. He will teach honors physics, physical science and earth/space science at the high school. Kate E. Barkowski, C’06, was named athletic administrator at St. Joseph High School on August 1. Zachary P. Dippold, C’06, has joined MetLife as a financial services representative in DuBois. Matthew P. Duran, C’06, has accepted a fulltime Latin position at Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. Last year, as a part-time Latin teacher he turned three classes of Latin with a total of 41 students into four classes including a student increase of more than double into the first-year Latin course. Matt will also be the faculty moderator of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), the NJCL (National Junior Classical League) and the student-run newspaper (The SLS Press). Dana M. Puglisi Winters, C’06, has earned a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Laura E. Krulikowski, C’07, will complete a Master of Arts Degree in History with a concentration in Public History from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May, 2009, and a Master of Science Degree in Library Science from Clarion University, by May, 2010. Michele Palumbo, C’08, joined the downtownbased accounting firm of Sisterson & Co. LLP.
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Engagements Michiko Akahori to J. Timothy Carey, C’97. They planned a Fall 2008 wedding in California. Jennifer A. Butler, C’98, to Mark Golen, II. A Fall 2008 wedding was planned in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Candice R. Sheetz, C’00, to Andrew J. Miller. A May 16 wedding is planned at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Greensburg.
Michelle L. Rauterkus, C’03, to Patrick Warren. Their wedding is scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas on April 11. Emily (Killian) Molina, C’03, will be the Matron of Honor. Rachel E. Gahan, C’04, to James Brandl, C’04. They planned a Fall 2008 wedding. Katie Hresko to Patrick R. Murtagh, C’04. Their wedding will be held in April. Briana L. Busko, C’05, to Jason Lovell. The wedding is scheduled for late summer 2009.
Amy L. Westover, C’01, G’03, to Paul Engel. The wedding will take place in the Outer Banks, North Carolina in June.
Jamie L. MacConnell, C’06, to Michael Skena. The couple is planning a July 17 wedding at St. John the Baptist Church in Plum.
Brandi J. Curci, C’02, to Eric Newill. The couple is planning an August 9 wedding.
Morgan R. Baxter, C’07, to Zachery A. Milton. They have selected September 6 as their wedding date.
Melissa Orosz, C 10 to Matthew P. Duran, C’06. The wedding will be held at Saint Vincent Basilica on June 29, with Fr. Paul-Alexander Shutt, O.S.B. as celebrant.
Kerri L. Thomas, C’07, to Joshua M. Bowser, C’01. A November 7, 2009 wedding is planned at Stonehenge Lodge, near Stahlstown. Jennifer Uhrin, C’07, to Jacob Harr. They are planning a July 2010 wedding in Latrobe. Leesa M. Pagano, C’08, to Thomas J. Dorchak, Jr. The couple will be married at North American Martyrs Church, Monroeville. Samantha Jo Mase to Jeffrey L. Bossart, C 09. They will be married in the spring of 2010.
Laura Kressly to Bradley Bachman, C’01 on June 28. SVC alumni attending the wedding, standing left, Dave Alexander, C’00, Chris Stiles, C’01, Ed Kanai, C’01, Jorge Cardona, C’99, Jeff Young, C’99, Brian Leier, C’02, Ryan Beiser, C’00, Adam Bechtell, C’01, Brandon Kazan, C’99, Luke Repka, C’00, Doug Kovach, C’01, Assistant Alumni Director Chuck Holland, C’00; sitting, Laura Alexander, C’02, Jayna Stiles, C’02, Missy Young, C’01, Jessica Bechtell, C’01, Kelly Repka, C’02, and Phil Graziano, C’01.
Marriages Dana M. Puglisi, C’06 to Jason M. Winters, C’04, on May 17 at Immaculate Conception Church, Washington with Fr. Brian D. Boosel, C’96, S’02, as celebrant. Other Saint Vincent
alumni included Albert B. Ciuksza, Jr., C’02, who served as Best Man; Andrew L. Walz, C’06, and Joseph K. Finau, C’06, were groomsmen. Following a honeymoon trip to all major league baseball stadiums on the West Coast, they are making their home in North Huntingdon.
Emily Rhine, C’08 to Anthony C.”Tony” Concannon, C’06, on June 21. Alumni in attendance were; Father of the groom, Michael Concannon, C’81; best man, Alexander Concannon, C’04; John Concannon, P’71, C’75; maid of honor, Ashley Martin, C’08; Timothy McKenzie, C’08; Tessa Winkler, C’08; Jeremy Celestine, C’08; Theresa Saglime, C’08; Michael DiGangi, C’06; Michael Urick, C’04; Daniel Quinn, C’08; Jessica Voloch, C’08; David Vergot, C’08; Bridget O’Keefe, C’08; and Ryan Fredo, C’08. Emily and Tony are making their home in New Stanton.
Jamie S. Bielecki, C’02, and Richard Quinn were married at Saint Vincent Basilica on July 19 with Very Rev. Paul Lisik, S’81, as celebrant. Pictured from left to right, Front Row: Rich Quinn, Jamie Bielecki, C’02, Father of the Bride Jim Bielecki, C’75, Fr. Paul Lisik, S’81, and Fred Findley, C’05 Back Row: Larry Becker, C’88, Jennie Becker, C’88, Roland Pouliot, C’91, Marianne Pouliot, C’91, and Gerard Solan, C’76.
Amy L. Tenerowicz, C’04, G’06, to Jeffrie Mallory, C’06, on June 21 at Saint Vincent Basilica with Fr. Brian D. Boosel, O.S.B., C’96, S’02, as celebrant. Other Saint Vincent College guests in attendance included; Tre’sor N. Kalambay, C 09, Kennon J. “Kenny” Roberts, C’05, Marc H. Duncan, C’07, Coach D.P. Harris, Jason A. Hasson, C’05, Justin Namolik, G’05, Raymar B. Byrd , C’07, James L. Ewing, C’08, Robert Husar, C’04, Jeffrey W. Street, C’07, Harry Morrison, Michael W. Medved, C 09, and Jonathon P. Hasson, C’06. Sarah E. Keehnle, C’06, to Adam M. Chverchko, C’06, on October 4 at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Washington Township, New Jersey. Serving as a bridesmaid was SVC alumna Sarah O’Connor, C’06. Participating in the wedding ceremony were SVC alumnae Tracy (Chverchko) Anderson, C’01, and Megan Chverchko, C’03, G’04. Numerous Saint Vincent alumni were in attendance to share in the joyous celebration. Following a Jamaican honeymoon, the couple is making their home in Pittsburgh. Karen Oldfield, C’07, to Scott M. Gillis, C’07. The newlyweds are living in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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Vanessa (Shepherd) Saxton, C’07, to Christopher Saxton on May 24. Participating in the service were Jan Byrne, C’07, Lindsay Reddington, C’07, Kristen Bernot, C’07, and Christy Kepins, C’06.
Jacqueline R. Halfhill to Jacob F. Hoone, C’07, on June 21 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Greensburg. Following a honeymoon trip on the Island of St. Lucia, they are making their home in Hempfield Township.
Rebecca Marie to Martin Kohler, C’96, and his wife, Theresa (Cesnalis) Kohler, C’96, on August 29, 2007. She joins older sister, Natalie Rose, at home in Cranberry Township.
Zia Kathrin to Lori T. (Martin) Tedesco, C’94, and her husband, Travis, on February 11.
Charleston Farah Denise to Kelly Sheehy DeGroot, C’97, and Joseph M. DeGroot on April 28.
Keira Elizabeth to Kevin Brogan, C’06, and his wife, Melissa Ann, on April 1. She joins big brother Konnor, 2.
Births Samantha Gabrielle Smallwood to Deborah (Doncals) Smallwood, C’88, and her husband, Edward, on July 22.
Winston Potter West, son of Amy and Kevin West, C’93, on August 30. Grandson of Jean and Leo West, P’46, C’51.
Mitchell Thomas to Melissa E. (Franck) McKay, C’98, and her husband Thomas B. McKay, C’98, on June 27.
Cassius Edward to Autumn (Coleman) Purdy, C’98, and her husband, Matthew, on August 15. Cassius joins big sister, Mariah, 4.
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Charles Zachary to Jennifer L. (King) Schellhaas, C’02, and her husband Charles Matthew on May 20. Aisley Rae Flynn to Patrick L. Flynn, C’03, and Briana Flynn on April 30.
Stephanie Zinovenko, C’08, to Nicholas Carroll on June 28 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset. Maid of Honor was Emily Rohosky, C’08.
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Abigail Lillian to Matthew R. Eckert, C’99, and his wife, Angela, on May 20. She joins sister Danielle, 5, and brother Matthew (MJ), 3.
Deaths John J. Arntz, P’32, C 36, in September. Rev. Louis S. Sedlacko, O.S.B., P’35, C’40, S’44, on October 10. Andrew F. Ceschini, C 42, on August 12. Michael T. Pavlo, C 43, on September 22. Charles Lucker, P 46, on September 1. Rev. Francis A. Nazimek, S’48, on July 30. William J. Walsh, C’49, on September 10. David J. McDonald, P’50, on September 5. Matthew J. Wargovich, C’52, on October 26. J. Regis Frola, C’53, on September 24. Rev. William G. Blough, C’54, S’58, on October 24. Rev. Joseph P. Bronder, O.S.B., P’60, C’65, S’69, on November 5. Terrence J. Fitzmaurice, Sr., P’61, on October 23. David Slatniske, C’64, on June 30. Louis J. Ferrara, C’68, on August 1. Gregory P. Goetz, C’70, on July 22. Bernard J. Laskowski, C’70, on June 19. Bruce Becker, M.D., C’73, on July 26.
Vincent R. Piccolo, P’54, on the death of his wife, Gloria Piccolo, on September 12.
A. Robert Ridilla, C’74, on the death of his mother, Theresa K. Ridilla, on September 10.
Frank L. McDonald, P’54, C’62, James R. McDonald, C’66, Patrick M. McDonald, C’70, and J. Anthony Glasstetter, P’50, C’54, on the loss of their brother and brother-in-law, respectively, David J. McDonald, on September 5.
Richard A. Grochmal, M.D., C’76, on the death of his mother, Genevieve Grochmal, in September. Rev. Frederick Byrne, O.S.B., S’82, on the death of his father, Frederick P. Byrne, on August 30.
Carl D. Burlas, C’55, on the death of his daughter-in-law, Stacy B. Burlas, on October 19.
Shawn G. O’Barto, C 84, on the death of his father, Andrew E. O’Barto, on August 27.
Rev. Francis P. Balestino, C’56, S’60, on the death of his brother, William J. Balestino, on October 3.
Amy Panebianco, Esq., C’88, on the loss of her cousin, Joseph Panebianco, Jr., C’95, on August 22.
Joseph P. Mangarella, P’57, C’61, on the death of his mother, Catherine Mangarella, 94 1/2 years, on July 17.
Amy M. (Walsh) Wallick, C’89, on the death of her father, William Joseph Walsh, on September 10.
George E. Martin, P’59, on the death of his mother, Bernice E. Martin, on October 7.
Drew Keys, C’90, on the death of his brotherin-law, Jamie L. Hauger, on October 31.
Rev. Msgr. William G. Charnoki, C’61. S’65, on the death of his brother, Joseph Charnoki, on November 2.
Rev. David J. Nazimek, S’93, and Jeremy M. Nazimek, C’97, on the loss of their uncle Rev. Francis A. Nazimek, S’48, on July 30.
Gerald J. Guz, C’63, and his wife, Bonnie, on the death of their mother-in-law and mother, respectively, Mrs. Alice Meyer, on September 10.
Martin Kohler C’96, on the death of his grandmother, Barberdeen Kaufman (Kohler) on December 21, 2007.
Anthony J. Pesavento, Jr., P’63, on the death of his father, Anthony J. Pesavento, on May 30. Ben J. Policastro, Jr., C’65, on the death of his mother, Helen J. Policastro, on October 3.
Gerald F. Sutyak, C’00, on the death of his mother, Francine A. Sutyak, on August 18. Robert N. Fuhrman, C’08, and Kristen E. Fuhrman, C 09, on the death of their mother, Mary Fuhrman, on August 27.
Rev. Mr. Patrick G. Wood, C’70, on the death of his mother, Audrey, on July 24.
William G. Case, C’78, on September 24. James J. Vargo, C 85, on October 1. Rev. Joseph C. Linck, S’94, on August 29. Br. Gerard J. Klaric, O.S.B. on August 4. Joseph Panebianco, Jr., C’95, on August 22.
Condolences Edward Halula, P’46, C 49, Joseph Halula, P’37, and Gervase S. Gumbita, P’55, C 59, on the death of their sister and aunt, respectively, Elizabeth M. Halula, on December 27, 2007. Joseph J. Rubino, C’50, D’93, on the death of his sister, Rose C. Rossi, on October 4.
w in t e r 2 0 0 9
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Omissions On The 2007-2008 Honor Roll Of Donors There are at least 308 Saint Vincent College alumni who are married. Congratulations to all of you, and sorry we missed one half of some of the couples when we prepared the 2007-2008 Honor Roll of Donors. The following alumni were omitted from the list published in the Fall 2008 issue of Saint Vincent Quarterly.
1985 Lt. Col. Thomas A. Summers
1986 Anthony F. Colosi
1987 Nicholas M. Melucci Connie L. (Kepple) Testa
1988 Margaret B. (Beam) Mancuso Natalie F. (Legin) Metz Thomas M. Tallarico
1989 Daniel L. Coldren, Jr. Diane M. (Dustolfo) Poznick
1990 John P. Beer Jeffrey P. Devlin Erin M. (Flavin) Klems Nicholas P. Matt
1991 Kristin M. (Konieczny) Fontana Carrie L. (Eperesi) Jablunovsky Carleen M. (Long) McGann Bryan K. Williams
1992 Vincent P. DelSignore James A. Frey
1993 Linda J. (Sharbaugh) Croushore John S. Ference Dolores K. Heinnickel Corinne M. (Roman) Leasure Kevin A. Rechenberg Katherine E. (Conroy) Scanga
1994 Brian W. Bieller Lisa R. (Homulka) Bradley David M. Kirkland Capt. Anthony L. Korbar II USAF DMD
48
s a in t v in c en t q u a rterl y
1995
2007
Leigh S. Bryan-Taylor Joseph C. Maddalon Decio P. Rapali
Stefany L. (Bollenberg) Grieco Bethany B. (Evans) Pajak
1996 Jamie A. Caridi Rebecca L. (Tovey) Lieb Scott D. Lieb
1997 Scott E. Avolio W. Michael Saul, C.P.A. Ruth Anne F. (McVay) Straub
1998 Robin J. (Bayne) Chirdon David W. Lyons Shawn M. Mulvay Valerie L. (O’Laughlin) Senko Melanie R. (Reda) Sirianni
1999 MaryAnn Cherubini Angela L. (Truswell) Gera Daniel W. Kunz, Esquire Elizabeth A. (Kovach) Kunz
GOLD Special thanks to Jen (Fazio) Trigona, C’99 for heading up our GOLD fundraising initiative in 2007-2008. We omitted Jen’s name along with these other Graduates of the Last Decade who were members of the GOLD Standard of Giving.
1998 Shawn M. Mulvay
1999 MaryAnn Cherubini Angela L. (Truswell) Gera Daniel W. Kunz, Esquire Elizabeth A. (Kovach) Kunz Jennifer A. (Fazio) Trigona
2000 Lynnann R. (Bash) Hald Andrew J. Stefanowicz
2000
2001
Lynnann R. (Bash) Hald Michael A. Mercolini Matthew D. Trigona
Valerie R. (Proto) Sirianni
2001 Valerie R. (Proto) Sirianni
2002 Keith P. Biskup Monica Lynn Owens
2003 Shannon M. (Congelio) Richardson
2002 Keith P. Biskup Matthew E. Richardson
2007 Stefany L. (Bollenberg) Grieco Bethany B. (Evans) Pajak
in memoriam
Fr. Louis S. Sedlacko, O.S.B. October 10, 2008 Fr. Louis S. Sedlacko, O.S.B., was born in Hostetter on August 17, 1917, one of six children of the late Stephen and Anna (Sobota) Sedlacko. Fr. Louis received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College in 1940, completed his ordination studies at Saint Vincent Seminary, and did graduate studies in mathematics and chemistry at Notre Dame University. He entered the Benedictine monastic Community of Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1937, and was ordained a priest by the late Hugh C. Boyle, Bishop of Pittsburgh, in Saint Vincent Archabbey Church on June 11, 1944. Fr. Louis taught Latin, algebra and chemistry at Saint Vincent Preparatory School from 1940 to1965, serving also as athletic director, prefect of studies, guidance director, and headmaster. At Saint Vincent College, he served as registrar and director of admission. He also served as pastor of Saint Boniface Parish, Chestnut Ridge. In 1991, he retired to the Archabbey where he was an avid gardener and rosary maker with beads grown in his garden.
Fr. Joseph Bronder, O.S.B. November 5, 2008 Fr. Joseph Bronder, O.S.B., had a passion for music in all its dimensions. He began music lessons at the age of five and in 1972 he was awarded a Master’s Degree in piano at Yale University. Afterward he continued to study with the best concert pianists, and gave at least 80 recitals during his performance years. Perhaps the highlight was his performance of Beethoven’s C Minor Piano Concerto, with orchestra under the direction of Richard Karp, founder and director of the Pittsburgh Opera. Fr. Joseph was chair of the Department of Music, founder and director of the Saint Vincent College Concert Series, director of the Saint Vincent Camerata, the Saint Vincent College Singers, the Saint Vincent College Troubadours and, as associate professor of piano, taught countless young people. He particularly enjoyed their successes when they were able to play in recital every spring in the Science Center Amphitheatre. He was a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Society, the College Music Society, and the American Music Scholarship Association. He was a past adjudicator for the Carnegie Awards of Carnegie Mellon University (1983–1987). Fr. Joseph was a son of the late Edmund and Elizabeth (Schuetz) Bronder of Pittsburgh. Born in Pittsburgh on March 18, 1942, he is survived by a sister, Ruth Bronder of Pittsburgh, and a brother, Edmund Bronder and his wife, Ann, of Washington, D.C. Memorial scholarships at Saint Vincent College are being established in honor of Fr. Louis and Fr. Joseph. For more information about how you can honor these men, please contact Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., Vice President for Institutional Advancement, paul.taylor@stvincent.edu or (724) 805-2895.
Save the Date! U p c om i n g E v ents of Inte r est to A l umn i an d F r i en d s Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Wimmer 200 Celebration: Opening Ecumenical Vespers Service, 7 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 12, 13 and 14, 2009 Prep Alumni Reunion
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept 18, 19, 20, 2009 Alumni Homecoming Weekend ’09
Thursday, March 19, 2009 Wimmer 200 Celebration: Threshold Series lecture on Wimmer Letters by Jerome Oetgen, 8 p.m. Phone 724-805-2961 for reservations.
Friday, June 26 to Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Wimmer 200 Celebration: North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors
Thursday, October 1, 2009 Bearcat Open Golf Tourney, Laurel Valley Golf Club, Ligonier
Saturday, April 25, 2009 Fr. Gilbert J. Burke, O.S.B. Easter Ball, 6 p.m.
Friday, July 10, 2009 Saint Vincent Theatre Gala, 6 p.m.
Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 11, 2009 Wimmer 200 Celebration: Benedictine Heritage Tour to Bavaria
Friday, June 5, 2009 Saint Vincent Alumni and Friends Golf Outing
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