URSINUS M A G A Z I N E
Life After Ursinus The Ursinus GOLD Council has launched a podcast to help young alumni navigate personal and professional life after graduation.
The Latest Episodes: “Brewing in our Backyard” (Live now!) John Stemler shares his favorite craft brew, tips for standing out in a competitive market, and more!
“Women in Medicine” (Coming this summer) In this two-part episode, Zeba Hussaini ’14 and Andrea McCoy ’82 discuss their career trajectories, the importance of mentors, and how they’re using their Ursinus experience, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the medical community.
Visit ursinus.edu/alumni/bears-go-digital for this and other virtual engagement opportunities.
VOLUME #129 | SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Ursinus Magazine is published seasonally three times a year. Copyright © 2020 by Ursinus College Editorial correspondence & submissions: Ursinus Magazine 601 E. Main Street Collegeville, Pa. 19426 610-409-3000 ucmag@ursinus.edu
DEAR READERS,
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Tom Yencho tyencho@ursinus.edu MAGAZINE EDITOR Ed Moorhouse emoorhouse@ursinus.edu CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dominic Monte dmonte@ursinus.edu GRAPHIC DESIGNER Erica Gramm egramm@ursinus.edu CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ISSUE Photography: Dan Z. Johnson, Mark Likosky, Dominic Monte, Dave Moser Editorial: Jacqueline D'Ercole, Mary Lobo ’15, Steve Neumann and Jennifer Meininger Wolfe MAGAZINE ADVISORY BOARD Jacqueline D'Ercole, Mary Lobo ’15, Rosemary Pall P’12, Pamela Panarella and Jennifer Meininger Wolfe URSINUS COLLEGE PRESIDENT Brock Blomberg SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Jill Leauber Marsteller ’78, P’18 ONLINE MAGAZINE (URSINUS.EDU/MAGAZINE) Erin Hovey ’96 The mission of Ursinus College is to enable students to become independent, responsible and thoughtful individuals through a program of liberal education. That education prepares them to live creatively and usefully and to provide leadership for their society in an interdependent world. Update your contact information at ursinus.edu/updatecontact.
When we broke for spring break in March, I’m not sure any of us could have predicted just how much our community would be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our usually vibrant campus became still and quiet as we shifted to online learning, while plans to conclude our yearlong 150th anniversary were put on hold. But our campus community persevered and adapted. We topped last year’s fundraising total during a virtual Bear2Bear Benefit & Bash; we welcomed prospective students to Ursinus during a unique online Admitted Students Experience; we shifted our annual Celebration of Student Achievement (CoSA) to a dynamic digital campus event; and we gave our graduating Class of 2020 a truly memorable tribute on the pages of our website. Most of all, I’m proud of how each of us did our part to ensure the well-being of all our faculty, staff, students and families. The Ursinus community rose to new heights in the face of uncertainty and it’s times like these where I’m proud to be your president. I’m excited to see all of you back on campus again soon. Sincerely,
BROCK BLOMBERG
President
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The Ursinus community rose to new heights in the face of uncertainty.
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CONTENTS
ON THE COVER This summer, construction on the Schellhase Commons, our new welcoming gateway and a vital connector to our local neighborhood and surrounding communities, will be complete. Be sure to come visit this fall and stick around for a cup of coffee in CafĂŠ 2020!
VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT
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The Class of 2020 was honored during a unique online ceremony with special video tributes and surprise guests.
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LENDING A HELPING PAW
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Now, more than ever, resources like the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund have proven vital. It has disbursed nearly $193,000 since its inception.
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A LEGACY OF GIVING
PROMISES KEPT
Joan and Will Abele ’61 have been supporting Ursinus philanthropically for many years. They talk about the importance of paying it forward.
The Keep the Promise campaign was Ursinus College’s largest comprehensive campaign. These are the supporters, students, faculty and staff who made it successful.
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CELEBRATING 150
CLASS NOTES
In the third part of a three-part series, Ursinus Magazine profiles the college’s unsung heroes and helping hands.
Catch up with news from classmates and wedding announcements.
THE GATEWAY
RESEARCH SUPPORT FOR UC SCHOLARS Two Ursinus faculty members gained support for major research projects this spring. Teresa Ko, an associate professor of BEARS SHARE modern languages, has been named a fellow of Personal Protective Equipment the American Council of (PPE) is in high demand during Learned Societies (ACLS) the COVID-19 pandemic and for 2020. The fellowship Ursinus Bears are doing their allows Ko to pursue her part to help. History major book project, Argentina: Tiffini Eckenrod ’20 used Race in a Raceless Nation. 3D printing technology and Meanwhile, Stephen Kolwicz, worked with Entrepreneuran assistant professor in-Residence Maureen of health and exercise Cumpstone ’79 and professors physiology who directs Casey Schwarz and Lisa Ursinus’s HaMM (Heart and Grossbauer to provide local Muscle Metabolism) lab, health organizations with received a two-year grant 60 adjustable head pieces from the American Heart that are used to keep plastic Association for his work on shields in place on users’ how ketogenic diets affect faces. Additionally, science the heart during obesity. and art and art history faculty provided unused equipment, like masks and gloves, to frontline health workers.
TURNING DEPOSITS INTO DONATIONS Ursinus contributed $100 to the Daily Bread Community Food Pantry in Collegeville for each deposit received during its Admitted Students Experience on April 21-23. The unique virtual event introduced admitted students and their families to Ursinus through live video panels and engaging sessions in order to guide their college decision from the comfort of their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, Ursinus donated $5,000 to the food pantry, which serves approximately 300 families each month.
TWO STUDENTS EARN WATSON SCHOLARSHIPS Tommy Armstrong ’20 and Garrett Bullock ’20 are recipients of the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Ursinus College is one of 41 partner institutions that can nominate students for the one-year grant, which fosters international research and exploration among its participants. The 52nd class of Watson Fellows includes 47 students from 20 states and eight countries.
(from left to right) Tiffini Eckenrod ’20, Stephen Kolwicz and Garrett Bullock ’20 and Tommy Armstrong ’20.
“It’s amazing what we can do if we simply refuse to give up.” —Octavia Butler
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ike many college seniors across the country, Ursinus students missed out on a traditional commencement ceremony this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But an online program, created with help from members of the Class of 2020, illustrated the strong sense of community in this graduating class. The page includes hundreds of photos and personal reflections that tell the story of these Ursinus seniors, including a video produced by Moorea Cioppa ’20; a “virtual gauntlet”
that presented well wishes from some 80 faculty and staff; and remarks by astronaut Christina Koch, who set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with a total of 328 days in space. In her remarks, Koch reframed the term “isolation,” and told the students, “As astronauts do in unexpected situations, you all will rely on your training and apply it in new ways. You will search it for lessons and theories that can be extrapolated to the unexpected.”
Visit ursinus.edu/commencement to see the virtual ceremony.
Ursinus Ursinus Magazine Magazine •• Spring/Summer Spring/Summer 2020
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THE GATEWAY
Welcome
Home F
or many Ursinus Bears past, present and future, the new Schellhase Commons will be more than a welcome center for campus— it will be home. Named by Will Abele ’61 and Joan Abele in honor of former assistant professor of religion, wrestling coach and executive secretary for the alumni association Richard T. Schellhase ’45 and his wife Kay Schellhase ’57, the Commons is an important new gateway to the college. Located at the intersection
of Main Street and Fifth Avenue, the modern structure—which incorporates historic Keigwin Hall— is a hub for activity and excitement complete with a coffeehouse, bookstore and a “home base” for our admissions team.
the Commons builds upon our designation as a destination campus and is a vital connector to our local neighborhood and surrounding communities as we invite guests from the region to experience our vibrant public events and activities.
But it will also connect generations of Ursinus students, serving as the place that prospective students and their families will come when they first step foot on campus, and a gathering spot for the thousands of alumni who return to Collegeville throughout the year. Additionally,
While the COVID-19 pandemic canceled our plans for a formal dedication ceremony in April, construction has resumed and will wrap up early this summer. We look forward to officially welcoming you to the Schellhase Commons later this year.
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Lending a Helping Paw: The Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund For many people throughout the U.S. and around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. Life on Ursinus’s largely residential campus certainly changed as well—601 E. Main Street has never been so quiet—and while many students adjusted to remote learning, some required additional assistance in unexpected ways.
Now, more than ever, resources like the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund have proven vital. “We have a lot of students at the college who rely on workstudy jobs or general on- and off- campus employment to help fund their educations,” says Ellen Curcio, director of student financial services. “The shutdown of campus as well as of many businesses across our region and the U.S. had a profound impact on these students and their families, creating additional stress and worry about the ability for them to continue their college educations.” Established two years ago by Will Abele ’61 and his wife, Joan Abele, the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund provides loanfree grants to students who are facing sudden financial hardship.
Since its inception, the fund has disbursed nearly $193,000, with more than $181,000 directed toward emergency grants. Students may receive up to $5,000, and currently, the average award is about $2,300. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year by a committee comprised of faculty and staff. To date, 91 grants have been disbursed. Students are eligible to receive funding twice within a oneyear period; however, the total grant cannot exceed $5,000.
“I know from speaking one-on-one with our students as they apply for assistance that having this type of resource is truly life changing for them…it also is inspiring for them to know that there are people out there who genuinely care about their well-being.”
Since late March, Ursinus has seen a steady increase in funding requests from students for situations directly related to this global health crisis. Bear2Bear is serving as a resource for those facing unemployment or furlough for themselves, their family members or their caregivers. Moreover, multiple study abroad participants applied for and received grants to cover travel expenses for their return to the United States. Depending on the departing location, these charges topped $1,000 and associated fees were often higher because of the short notice in securing flight accommodations.
“This entire COVID-19 experience was unexpected and certainly not something that our students could possibly see coming,” says Laura Cunningham, director of the Abele Scholars Program and head of the Bear2Bear Committee. “It has been very scary for them, as it has been for everyone. We’re fortunate to have the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund in place to help them and, in a small way, alleviate some of the stress of this situation.”
New this year, the fund also is supporting completion grants for students within a year of graduation who have an outstanding and unexpected financial gap between available financial aid and their remaining balance. One unique aspect of the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund is that it is entirely supported by donors. In addition to private contributions received throughout the year, the fund is also supplemented annually through the college’s Bear2Bear Benefit & Bash. Due to the pandemic, this spring’s event was moved online as a fully digital experience. And the Ursinus community stepped up in a big way. In total, more than $220,000 was raised from sponsorships, gifts and a mobile auction, topping last year’s fundraising outcome.
For students facing some of the most difficult challenges of their lives, the impact of the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund can be profound. “I know from speaking one-on-one with our students as they apply for assistance that having this type of resource is truly life changing for them,” Cunningham says. “It not only helps them with attaining their education, but it also is inspiring for them to know that there are people out there who genuinely care about their well-being.” —By Jacqueline D'Ercole
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A Legacy of Giving “You have been the beneficiaries of the American way of life, the system of free enterprise operating in the realms of the mind and of the spirit.” —Former Ursinus College President Norman Egbert McClure ’15
By Ed Moorhouse
T
he stunning view of Philadelphia from the Abele home includes an unobstructed look at Independence Hall—storied, historic and still prominent, even against a backdrop of modern buildings and amenities.
“I walk it every day,” said Joan Abele, surveying the city grid north of Walnut Street. “When I’m done, I like to look out and see where I’ve been.” That Joan and Will Abele ’61 live just over 500 feet from the birthplace of America is fitting—and intentional. Will, a proud Ursinus alumnus and member of its board of trustees, is deeply inspired by our country’s founding fathers. “Ben Franklin said after the constitution was signed, ‘We have a republic if [we] can keep it,’” Will Abele said. “We can’t have a strong democracy unless we have strong citizens. That’s one thing that an Ursinus education provides.” The Abeles, who have been supporting Ursinus College for decades, vehemently believe in that Ursinus education, so they want to ensure students have as clear a pathway as possible to benefit from it just as Will did. photo DAVE MOSER
“These days, too many college students are burdened by the millstone of unconscionable debt,” Abele wrote in an op-ed published by Philanthropy News Digest. In January, the entire Ursinus community joined the Abeles at the Innovation and Discovery Center for the announcement of the single largest private gift in the college’s long history. Their $11 million pledge supports the Abele Scholars Program, which helps to fill the financial gaps confronting many students from low- and middle-income families. In the absence of considerable debt, Abele said that students can “use their time and energy to build their social capital and form professional connections, which are just as valuable upon graduation as academic experience.” “For Joan and me, giving back to the college is critically important. This is about more than giving students an advantage. It’s about giving them opportunity,” Abele said. To truly understand where their philanthropic mindset comes from, it’s necessary to first have perspective, something given to Will Abele as a student by his mentor, the late Richard T. Schellhase ’45.
THE WELL “Dick turned to me and said, ‘You know, someday, this is going to be your responsibility. You’re going to come back as an alumnus and give back to this school.’” What was his reaction to being charged with this responsibility? “Well, as a 21-year-old, 60 years out seems like an eternity,” he said. “But I understood the weight of such a responsibility and the importance of acting on it. I think that even today, students understand the responsibility.”
Will Abele’s portrait in the 1961 Ruby.
“I was going across campus to the mailboxes—which were in the middle of campus at the time—during my junior or senior year,” Abele recalled.
Abele took the advice from Schellhase and decided to “pay it forward,” a credo of sorts and a callback to Ben Franklin. In fact, when the Abele Scholars Program was established in 2018, he asked that each of the students sign a copy of a letter from Franklin as a promise to not only give back to Ursinus one day, but to maintain a spirit of philanthropy and generosity throughout their lives.
In the letter, Franklin declines repayment of a loan and instead encourages the loan recipient to one day return the favor to someone else. “He wanted to keep the good deed going,” Abele said. “And the Abele Scholars that Joan and I have come to know personally feel that way, too. Whatever your capacity of giving is—whether it be monetary or in some other way—you feel a personal responsibility to be involved.” The Abele Scholars Program aims to support approximately 18 students every year from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The scholars get $65,000 to address the costs of a college education beyond tuition, room and board, and assist with student debt upon graduation. They receive $40,000 in tuition aid over four years; $2,000 for “startup” costs such as the purchase of a laptop or required books; $3,000 for
(above) Joan and Will with daughter Karen at the Bear2Bear Benefit & Bash. Photo by DAN Z. JOHNSON.
academically enriching pursuits such as internships, summer courses or academic conferences; $8,000 in loan forgiveness; and additional resources and opportunities valued at $12,000. Too often, additional expenses such as these keep a full college experience out of reach for some students. “When I was a student, we weren’t burdened with the kind of debt that students are burdened with today,” Abele said. Joan Abele added, “The most fun for me is speaking with the students and knowing just how much this is helping them.” Joan and Will met in Ocean City, N.J., and married in 1964. In 1972, Will joined Henry Troemner, LLC, and led the firm to its standing as a leading manufacturer of general laboratory equipment and precision weights, as well as a supplier of calibration standards in the global marketplace. He eventually became president and owner of the company before selling it in 2016. But their philanthropic efforts have always been a part of their lives. In addition to Schellhase and Franklin, the Abeles’ giving has also been inspired by the legacy of Stephen Girard, the namesake of another of Will’s alma maters, Girard College in Philadelphia. Girard’s model of philanthropy led the Abeles to seek out and support a variety of high impact priorities, including many at Ursinus. They’ve donated to the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund; campus safety; the U-Imagine Center for Integrative and Entrepreneurial Studies; the Abele Science Equipment Challenge; an endowment for the
An announcement about the Abele’s record gift to Ursinus appears in Times Square in New York City.
head wrestling coach position; and an annual essay prize in ethics named for Schellhase. Furthermore, as part of their $11 million gift (which took Ursinus past its $100 million Keep the Promise campaign goal), the new Commons has been
“We can’t have a strong democracy unless we have strong citizens. That’s one thing that an Ursinus education provides.”
named for Schellhase and his wife, Kay ’57. As Ursinus wraps up its 150th anniversary celebration and the largest comprehensive campaign in its history, the Abeles and their “pay it forward” mentality are inspiring future philanthropists. “Donors don’t give to places that have needs; rather, they give to places that meet needs. That is why the Abeles’ generosity is so inspiring,” said Jill Leauber Marsteller ’78 P’18, senior vice president for advancement. “Donors like the Abeles build relationships with students, often providing guidance and mentorship and a whisper in the ear about someday paying forward what they receive to future generations. It is a selfless act, and it helps pave the way for new generations of philanthropists.”
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Promises Kept By Ed Moorhouse, Jacqueline D'Ercole and Steve Neumann
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep.” —Robert Frost
that what matters are the connections that you make with other people, and how that can contribute to a better environment overall,” she says. Perez’s scholarship was created by Senior Vice President for Advancement Jill Leauber Marsteller ’78 P’18, whose steadfast leadership has guided Keep the Promise from its quiet phase in July 2012, to its public launch in 2016 and through the eclipse of the $100 million mark in January 2020. Marsteller has been impressed with Perez’s growth while at Ursinus, and the two have even become close. “I've seen her on campus, and I've watched what she's achieved,” Marsteller says. “It's one thing to say you want to create a scholarship for women that aspire, but then to watch how she has inspired others—even herself and her family— has been just ideal.”
Inspired by a Robert Frost poem and driven by a desire to vault Ursinus—and most importantly, its students—to new heights in its 150th year, the college’s bold and unprecedented Keep the Promise campaign was born. More than $100 million later, the Collegeville, Pa., campus is a hub of innovation and opportunity.
Jadidsa Perez ’21 is grateful. For the Ursinus College English major, attending college was an unknown. “Before Ursinus,” Perez says, “we had a family discussion about whether I should go to college or go to work; and I think that's a discussion that a lot of low-income families have.” It’s a reality many students face, especially as the cost of college and accrued debt upon graduation come under constant scrutiny. But, at Ursinus, Perez found opportunity. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Women’s Scholarship, one of 65 new endowed or Annual Fund scholarships that have been established during Keep the Promise, the largest comprehensive campaign in Ursinus history. Through the scholarship, Perez exemplifies the Ursinus promise of providing a purposeful education. She’s a proud Bonner leader—a member of the college’s signature service program—and speaks of the impact she makes working in the community with local nonprofit organizations. “As I began feeling more comfortable and gained more confidence, I realized
That Perez was able to attend Ursinus through a scholarship is precisely one of the factors that drove the campaign in the first place. It gets its name from a famous poem by Robert Frost: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep,” the final stanza goes, “But I have promises to keep/And miles to go before I sleep.” “This was a very apt phrase for us,” says Marsteller, who draws inspiration from poetry and often recites her favorites. “Our 150th anniversary was coming up, and we wanted to keep the promise of our original mission and values— to continue access to scholarship support, and to provide students with a high-level, rigorous liberal arts education.” The seeds of the campaign were planted when the late Ursinus President Bobby Fong picked up the mantle of his predecessor, John Strassburger, when Fong began his own strategic planning process. The goal was to organize the campaign into three priorities: advance academic innovation, invest in student success, and ignite the power of Ursinus’s people. After eight years, Keep the Promise has been a phenomenal success: More than $105 million has been raised by over 14,000 donors, some 6,900 alumni, 5,300 parents and nearly 7,700 first-time donors.
(above) Jadidsa Perez ’21 attends a recent scholarship celebration. Photo by DAN Z. JOHNSON.
THE WELL The impact is broad and sweeping, visible in nearly every corner of Ursinus’s Collegeville campus. “I think that the takeaway is that Ursinus is continuing to invest in a vibrant environment, both in terms of buildings and programming and curricula, to address the needs of today's students, as well as tomorrow’s students,” says Margaret “Peg” Williams ’80, Keep the Promise campaign co-chair. “In a time when a lot of other colleges are tightening their belts, we’ve made the decision to invest in our curriculum, our students and our facilities.” Donor giving has supported the college in innumerable ways and perhaps what is most evident to visitors to campus is the expansion of the college’s footprint. The Ursinus experience of 2020 begins at its new front doorstep, the Schellhase Commons, a welcome center, coffeehouse and hub for admissions that will be used by all members of the college and local communities. Across campus, the $29 million Innovation and Discovery Center—which was nearly half-funded through private philanthropy—now bridges Pfahler and Thomas halls, offering an interdisciplinary hub of science, policy and entrepreneurship. There have also been key renovations to spaces within the Wismer Center, Myrin Library and athletics, including the resurfacing of Eleanor Frost Snell Alumnae Field, made possible through the generosity of Adele Boyd ’53.
But the overarching focus of Keep the Promise was always on supporting and cultivating the growth of students, and increasing funding for financial aid, first and foremost, is a vital component to achieving this objective. In fact, 30 percent of the campaign’s goal was earmarked for this purpose. “My scholarship means a lot to me because there would be no other way for me to afford to attend college,” says Jacob Ross ’22, a history major who was the inaugural recipient of the S. Ross Doughty ’68 Endowed Scholarship. “It's really encouraging for what I'm hoping to do next.”
Eleanor Frost Snell Alumnae Field was resurfaced thanks to a gift from Adele Boyd ’53. Photo by David Morgan.
Ross will only be a junior next year, so he’s keeping his career options open; currently, he plans on going for his teaching certificate in history. He is the beneficiary of the generosity of more than 75 donors who collectively donated over $100,000 to establish an endowed scholarship to honor the late Doughty, longtime faculty member and chair of the history department. It was a grassroots effort led by current history chair Susanna Throop and an inspiring reminder of the power of hands united. Helping to bring students to campus is one thing, but the campaign also
promotes providing the most lifechanging educational experiences possible. This is achieved through the new Quest curriculum; the interdisciplinary learning that takes place in any of Ursinus’s three academic centers; athletics and extracurricular programming; and the hands-on and immersive learning opportunities that are offered through study abroad, internships and externships, PhillyX, the Summer Fellows program and other student/ faculty research initiatives. Each have been amplified through the generosity of donors during Keep the Promise. Vikki Rueda-Juarez ’21, a biochemistry and molecular biology major who is also the recipient of the Hermann A. and Sonia M. Lintner Fund, can speak firsthand about the impact of the full Ursinus experience. “Being a student at Ursinus has changed my life a lot,” says RuedaJuarez. “The interactions I’ve had have really shaped me and pushed me to be strong, and to be a leader, and not just blend into the group.” Last summer, she was one of only 18 undergraduate research fellows chosen by the Association for Psychological Science for STRIDE (Short-Term Research Education Program to Increase Diversity in Health-Related Research) because of her work in
(bottom) Keep the Promise has supported faculty and student research opportunities. Photo by DOMINIC MONTE.
“ In a time when a lot of other colleges are tightening their belts, we’ve made the decision to invest in our curriculum, our students and our facilities. ” Professor Beth Bailey’s lab, where she studies the heart’s response to the physiological stress of pregnancy. She was chosen from an international pool of applicants, and was the only fellow performing research at a liberal arts college. The opportunities that students like Perez, Ross and Rueda-Juarez speak of aren’t just a theme for this current generation of Bears. John Fessick ’85, senior vice president and commercial banking leader with Wells Fargo, is an alumnus and college trustee who believes in the importance of giving back to Ursinus because he credits the success he’s had in life to his time at the college. “I received a scholarship when I was here,” he says. “I could not have gone to Ursinus without it, and I feel very grateful and blessed to be able to give back and benefit students that are currently going to school today.” Fessick has donated toward a number of campaign priorities, including sponsoring the John M. Fessick ’85 and Cynthia Y. Fessick Annual Fund Scholarship, the Abele Science Equipment Fund, the Schellhase Commons and the Annual Fund. The latter represents the college’s unrestricted giving fund, a vital resource that provides flexible dollars for financial aid, infrastructure improvements, student life and much more. The growth of the Annual Fund was a major priority of Keep the Promise.
At the start of the campaign, the college was raising $1.5 million per year in unrestricted giving. Since that time, that number has grown substantially, with more than $2 million per year raised for the Annual Fund since fiscal year 2016. In fiscal year 2018, the college raised $2.9 million and should surpass $2 million again this year, despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has raised nationwide. Now, more than ever before, the Annual Fund has proven particularly important, given the current economic instability facing the higher education sector and our world market more generally. As the campaign reaches its formal culmination on June 30, the college aims to sustain this amplified level of donor philanthropy into the future. It will continue to be integral to the college’s success in the coming months and years as Ursinus seeks to educate future leaders and global citizens. “The Keep the Promise campaign may soon be finished,” says Ann (Helfferich) Mackenzie ’77, who serves as co-chair of the 1869 Society (individuals, corporations and foundations who make unrestricted annual gifts to Ursinus of $1,869 or more) with her husband, trustee Graham “Mac” Mackenzie ’74.
Keep the Promise Key Outcomes •
The 42,500-square-foot Innovation and Discovery Center.
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The Schellhase Commons, named for Richard T. Schellhase ’45 and Kay Schellhase ’57.
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A field resurfacing project at Eleanor Frost Snell Alumnae Field.
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The Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund, which provides special grants to students who are facing temporary financial hardship as a result of an emergency or crisis.
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The U-Imagine Center for Integrative and Entrepreneurial Studies, one of President Bobby Fong’s signature initiatives.
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The Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good, endowed by Don Parlee ’55 and Joan Parlee ’57.
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The Abele Scholars Program provides crucial financial assistance to students. Joan and Will Abele ’61 and the Abele Family Foundation committed the largest gift in Ursinus College history to support the program.
“But everyone has to remember to keep the promise forever by giving back to the college.”
(above right) Ursinus students participate in Summer Fellows research.
Ursinus Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020
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THE WELL
As Ursinus College’s 150th anniversary celebration comes to an end, so, too, does Ursinus Magazine’s tribute to the people who have helped shape its history. In the final installment of this three-part series, we’re proud to present a list of our Unsung Heroes— those who make a big difference within our community and beyond; and our Helping Hands—the “do-gooders” who are out there doing truly altruistic things. Each of these names came to us from faculty and staff, members of our 150th anniversary committee and by our readers. In our fall and winter editions, you read about some of our pioneers, philanthropists, mentors and thought leaders; and thanks to you, we’ve been able to highlight more than 120 Bears for Life who capture the true meaning and purpose of Ursinus. Ursinus Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020
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THE WELL
The
Unsung Heroes
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hen she received the Tortorelli Award in 2018, Ursinus President Brock Blomberg noted that Margie Connor, an administrative assistant for the English and history departments, “is referred to as the administrative nerve center for Olin 3. She is someone whose positive outlook, dedicated work ethic and friendly demeanor embody the Ursinus spirit.” The Tortorelli Award is presented annually to a staff member whose level of work performance, professionalism and commitment to the college is described as exemplary by their colleagues and supervisor. That sounds like an apt description for an unsung hero. It comes as no surprise that when Ursinus Magazine put out a call for unsung heroes, Connor was among the first and most popular names to appear, as well as Mary Ellen DeWane ’61, a fixture in the Ursinus advancement office for three decades. Among her roles, DeWane was director of alumni and director of special gifts. Known for her encyclopedic knowledge of Ursinus, her devotion, passion and enthusiasm for the college were her trademarks. And recently retired Val Nelson ’11 for many years worked behind the scenes in the dean’s office as a tireless advocate for faculty and students. When it comes to students, there are few who are as in tune with their passions as Todd McKinney, associate dean of student life and director of student activities, who for well over two decades has worked with the Ursinus Ambassador Program, new student orientation, Greek life, clubs and organizations, student
government and more. And no student’s Ursinus journey is complete without the steady guiding hand of longtime registrar Barbara Boris ’83 and the late Carol Williams. And for staff, Kelley Williams has been a pioneer in her own right, “building the current human resources program from the ground up,” as one nominator said.
“ No matter where you look, there are Ursinus Bears on campus and in every corner of the world looking to quietly make a difference. ” Our Ursinus alumni community is filled with unsung heroes. After graduating, Todd Wonderlin ’10 began teaching in low-income public schools, including his own high school, to “improve the quality of education in his hometown, and to give back to the school that defined his teenage years,” he said. Lauralee Lightwood-Mater ’11, a Peace Corps volunteer who served in Paraguay, dedicated part of her service to educating farmers on the best ways to use their resources to increase crop yield and teaching English and nutritional cooking to locals. And over the last few months, we’ve learned about proud Bears like Tu Pham ’14 who is among many Ursinus graduates working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
T
here may not be a more fitting description for a “helping hand” than the college’s archivist, Carolyn Weigel. She maintains the Ursinusiana collection on the second floor of the Myrin Library, but her vast understanding of all things Ursinus, in addition to her work with students (including those who take the “Bears Make History” course), is what makes Weigel such a revered member of the Ursinus community. When on campus, it’s not uncommon to run into a friendly face in facilities or campus safety, many of whom have gone above and beyond as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many alumni have fond memories of the late Gary Hodgson, whose booming voice and big, welcoming smile routinely greeted students with warmth and laughter. And speaking of warmth, it’s one of the endearing qualities most associated with safety officer Pete “Pedro” Looft, often seen traversing campus on his bicycle; and Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Wilcox
and Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management Carol McMillin ’85, both of whom ensure emergency preparedness on our campus. No list of helping hands is complete without the people who keep the Ursinus campus running day-to-day. When describing HVAC specialist Perry Kline, another Tortorelli Award winner, a colleague once said, “I have often seen Perry with his head in the ceiling or laying on the floor trying to solve a problem. He does it all with a smile and his good nature.” And locksmith Randy Markley, who recently celebrated 25 years at Ursinus, is often commended as a “go-to guy who is always willing to assist and to tend to campus community needs, even in the middle of the night.” Among our alumni, many Bears go above and beyond to meet the needs of the communities in which they work. Susan (Hartenstine) Wolf ’67 became a teacher at one of the first programs for the
deaf in New York City, and classmate Patty Earhart ’67, a volunteer at the St. James Episcopal Church Outreach House in Collegeville, created and manages the “Patty Packs” program, which provides food to local school students who are on a free lunch program for when they aren’t in school. Robin Talley ’72 founded Global Baby Steps in 2009 to help provide basic maternity and obstetrical care for women in rural Tanzania. Kimberly (Spolitback-Higgins) Love ’00 works with ex-offenders, helping them to reintegrate into society and obtain jobs, and Brianna Gaddy ’13 assists homeless and underprivileged people to improve their situations and have an impact on their community.
We still want to hear from you! If there is someone else you want to see here, or in any of our six anniversary categories, let us know by emailing ucmag@ursinus.edu. A complete list of names and all three stories are available at ursinus.edu/magazine.
No matter where you look, there are Ursinus Bears on campus and in every corner of the world looking to quietly make a difference. Many of them are unsung heroes, almost all of them, in some way, lend a helping hand, and each of them captures the Ursinus spirit in their work.
The
Helping Hands Ursinus Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020
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CLASS NOTES 1950s C. Ross Westley ’58 is now fully retired after 58 years in medicine. He thanks Ursinus for getting him started. He spent 22 years at American Indian Services and 33 years at the Allergy Clinic of Colorado Permanente Medical Group. Lora Strasser Frankel ’59 retired after 40 years as an arts administrator and makes frequent trips to Israel to visit her son and six grandchildren.
1960s James W. Wenhold ’60 writes that the recent editions of Ursinus Magazine have brought back a lot of good memories and he is looking forward to the next issue. Jan-Albert Dop ’64 shares that he celebrated his 75th birthday on April 2 at home with Myrna, his spouse of almost 50 years. In the morning, some 50 Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences colleagues sang “Happy Birthday” at the daily online coffee meeting, and in the afternoon, his family gathered to celebrate on the deck of his condo. An unusual, but happy day in times of coronavirus.
1970s Trudie Ellenberger ’72 has retired from the medical profession, but still does part-time urgent care work. She writes that she and Roger enjoy splitting their time between Lancaster and Long Beach Island.
Sandi Imboden ’76 writes that an illustration on the front of an Ursinus athletics program featured on the cover of the winter 2020 edition of Ursinus Magazine was drawn by her uncle, Lon Keller, who designed the logos for the New York Yankees and Mets. Lon is great-great-uncle to Imboden’s granddaughter, Diane Imboden ’23.
1980s Raine MacKinstry Fussner ’85 retired from Merck & Co. at the end of 2019 after more than 33 years. She enjoyed friends, coworkers and customers throughout her career and now looks forward to the next chapter, spending time with her husband, traveling, participating in triathlons and visiting her five children, who live throughout the United States. Rick Millward ’80 writes that he and Maj. Derese Getnet ’04 work together at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), where they develop health solutions for the military. They recently collaborated on a project involving a novel product that could help fight antibiotic resistant bacteria existing in wounds.
2000s Kevan P. Schaeffer ’00 has been awarded the 2019 Coaching in Excellence Award from the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Amber Frame Stephenson ’03, an assistant professor of management at the David D. Reh School of Business at Clarkson University, created a scale to measure women leaders’ experiences of gender bias. She and her research partners discovered six primary factors of gender bias and 15 sub-factors and the work was published in Human Resource Development Quarterly. Lori Trzcinski ’09 earned her MBA from Delaware Valley University.
2010s A Summer Fellows research paper by Roseangela Hartford ’18, “Investigating Female Indigenous Leadership in Latin America,” has been cited in the book, New Horizons in Positive Leadership and Change: A Practical Guide for Workplace Transformation.
Births Matt Stephens ’94 and Brooke Wilson welcomed their first child, a son, Koa Stephens, in January 2020. Caitlin (McGuire) Taylor ’06 and Randy Taylor ’06 welcomed sons Kellan (2016) and Kendrick (2019) to their family.
BEARS’ DEN
WEDDINGS 1
2
1
2
3
1 Nathan Uber ’04 and Megan Lustig were married on July 5, 2019. 2 Darrah M. Hewlett ’16 and Melvin L. Ellis ’16 were married on February 23, 2020. 3 Stephanie Belaires ’14 and Robert Stuke ’13 were married on October 5, 2019.
IT’S
easy
URSINUS WEDDING PHOTOS Ursinus Magazine publishes wedding photos in the magazine as well as online. Please send your favorite wedding memories. Digital photos can be emailed to ucmag@ursinus.edu. Ursinus College reserves the right to reject publication of photos that are not of publishable quality. We regret that we are not able to return print photographs.
TO FALL IN
AT Wedding packages are available for 2020! Alumni receive a 25% discount on space rentals!
Ursinus
Contact case@ursinus.edu or 610-409-3002.
Questions can be addressed to the office of alumni relations, 610-409-3585, or by emailing ucmag@ursinus.edu.
Ursinus Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020
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DEATHS 1940s
Bonnie L. (Barnhart) West ’54 died November 23, 2019.
Samuel N. Stayer ’64 died February 29, 2020.
Sarah Grace (McElwee) Wells ’41 died February 28, 2020.
James D. Bowers ’55 died August 25, 2019.
Richard L. Ott ’65 (Evening) died January 6, 2020.
Mary (Bressler) Cruz ’45 died February 17, 2020.
Roland W. Dedekind Jr. ’55 died January 21, 2020.
Linda (Deardorff) Moyer ’66 died January 8, 2020.
Marjorie (Seitz) Tridico ’45 died February 11, 2020.
Mary “Scotty” Gillespie Lohmann ’55 died in 2020.
Charles W. “Chuck” Yerger ’68 died December 25, 2019.
Kathleen “Deanie” (Sinclair) Pegg ’46 died April 2, 2020.
Ronald P. Owen ’56 died December 1, 2019.
Janis C. (Creamer) Yunker ’69 died May 31, 2019.
Edward F. Hirsch Jr. ’48, V-12 Program died February 28, 2020.
Harvey I. Salwen ’56 died January 21, 2020.
George Molden Jr. ’49 died January 2, 2020.
Marjorie (Dawkins) Garinger ’57 died December 11, 2019.
Rev. Dr. Donald E. Moyer ’70 died January 20, 2020.
1950s
Rev. Frederick E. Kurkowski ’57 died July 15, 2019.
Barry B. Hart ’74 died December 13, 2019.
Fred T. Beckhardt ’50 died December 31, 2019.
J. Robert “Bob” Marsden ’57 died January 14, 2020.
John B. Martin ’75 (Evening) died December 6, 2019.
Suzanne “Sue” (Letson) Fry ’50 died March 25, 2020.
Kenneth A. Bailey ’59 died January 10, 2020.
Dale L. Drake Sr. ’79 (Evening) died December 15, 2019.
Richard A. Berjian ’51 died December 9, 2019.
Janet "Bunny" (Alexander) Dippl ’59 died February 3, 2020.
Fred C. Geiger Jr. ’51 died February 4, 2020.
Patricia P. (Patterson) Rech ’59 died January 29, 2020.
John R. Leckey ’51 died November 19, 2019. John M. Ehnot ’52 died February 22, 2020. Harry M. Swartz ’52 died December 27, 2019. Bruno F. Dattilo ’54 died March 9, 2020. Helen (Gardner) Pearlstein ’54 died February 3, 2020. Betsy (Brodhead) Toohey ’54 died January 7, 2020.
1960s Barbara (McClure) Haas ’60 died January 8, 2020. Wilmer F. Burns III ’61 died November 15, 2019. H. Yvonne (Finnemeyer) Del Ciotto ’63 died November 12, 2019. Marie E. Devine ’64 died January 30, 2020. Gary L. Euler ’64 died November 23, 2019.
1970s
1980s David A. Tornetta ’81 died January 30, 2020.
1990s Michael A. Augelli ’97 died December 22, 2019. James P. Brett ’99 died March 11, 2020.
Friends of the College Ruth F. Huling died February 3, 2020. Nelson M. Williams died May 1, 2020.
BEARS’ DEN
IN MEMORIAM Richard T. Schellhase ’45 Richard T. Schellhase ’45, a former assistant professor of religion, wrestling coach and executive secretary for the college's alumni association, passed away on Sunday, February 23, at the age of 95. A Norristown native and California resident, Rev. Schellhase was a respected clergyman in the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and its successor, the United Church of Christ. In 1968, Ursinus bestowed upon him an honorary Doctor of Divinity. Rev. Schellhase's philanthropic career accomplishments included a decade as director of development for the Buddhist Churches of America Endowment Foundation. He also served as vice president for development at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, and as vice president for development at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He is survived by his wife, Kay Schellhase ’57.
Carol Williams Carol Williams, a mainstay in the registrar’s office and a familiar face to students, faculty and staff alike, lost her valiant battle with cancer on Friday, February 14. A devoted member of the Ursinus community for nearly 30 years, Carol came to the college in July 1991 as a member of the library staff before moving to the registrar’s office in 1993, where she became a fixture, lending a helping hand to countless faculty and students. Among her campus colleagues, Registrar Barbara Boris ’83 was more than a co-worker. She was her best friend and knew her better than anyone at Ursinus. “She was very proud of helping students start their journey and working with them through graduation. Carol always remembered students’ names and liked to remind those who were surprised by it that it was part of her job.” Born in Norristown, Carol was a graduate of Methacton High School. She lived in Schwenksville and loved spending time with her husband, Andy; sons, Ryan and Kyle (and Kyle’s wife, Amber); grandchildren, Keegan and Emery; and her beloved dog, Randall. Ursinus Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020
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LET’S GET SOCIAL! @UrsinusCollege asked you to share your remote work spaces on our social media channels. Andrew Stacy ’13 is currently completing his pharmacy residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Hannah Marshall ’16, who co-teaches middle school and high school classes, shared a photo of her home office.
ANDREW STACY ’13
HANNAH MARSHALL ’16
Super proud of these two HEP seniors. I’m sorry the department wasn’t able to give you the awards together in person. These seniors are two of the most committed and hardworking young people I know. I look forward to seeing where the future takes you!
@skm_lab_ursinus
Graduation, where you at? Oh wait, I forgot. Catch me in the medical department from now on
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@noellepearl_please
@dvlippe
@avery.sicher
7.75 semesters at Ursinus and 0.25 of a semester in our parents’ basement #Classof2020
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Officially a student yesterday, alumni forever Thank you to all of my friends and family who drove by to celebrate today! Can’t wait to celebrate with my friends on campus in October #bearforlife #ursinus2020
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BEARS’ DEN
@collegevilleitalianbakery
@ursinuscollege_cheer
During this difficult time, UC Cheer is reflecting on WHY they are staying home. We encourage all of our friends and family to #StayHome during this time and practice social distancing! Remember—social distancing does NOT mean social isolation. Set aside some time in your day to call a family member or friend and remind them that we are all together in this, even when 6ft apart! #UCcheer #BearsCare #Covid19 #SocialDistancing
Congratulations to the @ursinuscollege Class of 2020! We know it’s not the graduation you deserve out on the front lawn, but you should be so proud of all your hard work and accomplishments over the last four years. We certainly are! Don’t forget to come back and visit your bakery family! Go do great things, bears! #collegevilleitalianbakery #morethanabakery #Ursinus2020 #classof2020 #collegevillepa #classof2020strong
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@charley_lbd
@parkavepastries
For the new graduation celebration— Drive-by favors, individually wrapped! #ursinuscollege #ursinus2020
Follow us!
@ruthbeck2000
When you must go out, you make sure your face mask matches your shirt...and it doubles as a headband to hide the ever growing “color� #coronacation #coronabirthday2020
Got the chance to sit on the bear one last time, so of course we had to get a picture. Ursinus, it’s been a wild 4 years with more adventures than I could’ve imagined. I’m beyond grateful to say I’m done with my B.A. in International Relations, B.A. in Spanish, and a minor in Economics!
@UrsinusCollege #Ursinus Ursinus Magazine • Spring/Summer 2020
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Stay Tuned for
with Ursinus LAUNCHING JUNE 2020 Music on Main Live Concert Series featuring local bands and musicians. We hope to see you around Main Street soon, but—in the meantime—stay connected with us from your home. LIVE! On Main is your virtual destination for music, arts and culture. Our neighborhood is full of talented musicians, creative artists, bighearted restaurants, innovative entrepreneurs and experts on trending topics.
Kitchen on Main See what’s cooking in Collegeville.
Art on Main From studio visits to artists’ insights this series will appeal to your creative side.
Spotlight on Main Ursinus faculty and staff offer smart and accessible takes on popular topics.
To o u r d o n o r s w h o h ave co n t i n u e d to s u p p o r t o u r s t u d e n t s d u r i n g t h i s u n preceden ted t i m e
Phonathon callers and members of the Senior Class Gift Committee are “zooming� their thanks to you! Your generosity means the world to them.
If you are in a position to help and have not done so already, we hope you will. Your commitment will make an impact in the lives and educational experiences of our students, both now and in the future. Please consider donating before June 30, the end of our fundraising year. Give online at ursinus.edu/makegift, by returning the enclosed envelope or by calling 610-409-3585. A gift of any size will make a difference, and we are grateful for your support.
601 E. Main St. • Collegeville, PA 19426-1000 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED