summer 2010
Wj Washington & Jefferson College Magazine
Building Tomorrow’s
INNOVATORS
W&J students take advantage of the abundant white board space in the John A. Swanson Science Center. To learn about their groundbreaking research, turn to page 16.
On the cover John Swanson and students from professor William Sheers’ physics class gather in the atrium of the John A. Swanson Science Center hours prior to its official dedication in April. The brand-new building secures the College’s future in developing the next generation of innovators.
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PERIODIC TABLE OF
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Washington & Jefferson College Magazine
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news
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feature
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sports
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alumni
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class notes
W&J
president’s message
A worthy investment What a joy it is to take people through our new John A. Swanson Science Center and see them marvel at its soaring columns, its state-of-the-art laboratories, and its many “green” features. Walk into the building, and you see an airy lounge where Tori Haring-Smith honors the generosity faculty and students can share a cup of of donors like E. Ronald Salvitti ’59 (left) coffee together. As you venture down the and John A. Swanson (right) during the Salvitti Teaching Wing, motion-activated dedication of the science center in April. lights magically herald your approach to seamlessly integrated labs and classrooms that are filled with the kind of sophisticated equipment that our students need to do their ground-breaking research. Turning down the Coen Research Wing, you pass clusters of faculty offices surrounding informal study lounges before reaching a semi-circular seminar room at the end of the hall with a bay of windows that provides an attractive view of campus. And throughout the building, you pass plaques proudly proclaiming that this laboratory, classroom or office was made possible through the generous support of a W&J donor.
summer 2010 Executive Editor MEGAN MONAGHAN
Associate Editor ROBERT REID
Contributors KERRI DIGIOVANNI ’09 REBECCA KEENAN SCOTT MCGUINNESS GEORGIA SCHUMACHER ’10
Design JEFF VANIK, VANIK DESIGN LLC
Editorial Assistant PAMELA NORRIS
Student Assistants
With all of these impressive features, the Swanson Science Center will help ensure that W&J’s heritage for excellence in the sciences endures. Indeed, the strength of our science program already has been recognized nationally and internationally. Three of our faculty members have been named Faculty for the 21st Century by Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL), a prestigious national organization dedicated to improving college education in math and science. In fact, PKAL has featured W&J as a model for college science programs.
AMANDA BUNDICK ’10
Internationally, one of our chemistry professors has forged an alliance with Radboud University in the Netherlands, and one of our biochemistry students was invited to present his research at the World Vaccine Congress in Beijing (see p. 16). Our students are regularly published alongside graduate students, professors and seasoned researchers. You can find their articles in recent issues of Tetrahedron Letters, Arkivoc and The Journal of Chemical Physics. The last article was featured on the cover of the journal, and the cover art for that issue was created by another W&J student—a fine example of art and science linked together as an expression of the liberal arts.
MARTIN SANTEK PHOTOGRAPHY
W&J has been ranked third in the country (per capita) for graduating future physicians and medical researchers. (We also have been ranked first in the country for producing future attorneys, but that is a story for a different time.) By educating well-trained, entrepreneurial scientists, W&J is helping address our desperate national need for scientists, physicians and engineers who can maintain our country’s competitive edge globally. And those entrepreneurial scientists, those original thinkers, will come from colleges like W&J, where they have been challenged in small classes and where they have learned to think in an integrative manner, making creative, new connections among ideas and disciplines. While the John A. Swanson Science Center rests upon a firm foundation of stone, its real foundation is the people who support and inhabit it—the donors who made this magnificent building possible; the professors who have dedicated their lives to challenging our bright and talented students; the students whose curiosity and intelligence will drive them to new discoveries; and the alumni who have pioneered new fields, created new medicines and moved the frontiers of science forward, establishing W&J’s outstanding reputation as an incubator for sharp-minded scientists.
TORI HARING-SMITH, PH.D. PRESIDENT
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SUMMER 2010 MAGAZINE
MICHELE KRASNESKY ’12
Photography ELLIOTT CRAMER, DENMARSH PHOTOGRAPHY STACY HERRICK ’06 MIKE MUNDEN PHOTOGRAPHY TEANCA SHEPHERD
Printing KNEPPER PRESS
W&J magazine, published twice a year by the Office of Communications, highlights alumni and campus news about and of interest to more than 12,000 living alumni and friends of the College. To receive additional copies or back issues, please call 724-223-6531 or e-mail wjmag@washjeff.edu.
Letters to the Editor W&J welcomes feedback from readers regarding the magazine or topics related to the College. Submissions may be edited for style, length and clarity. E-mail us at wjmag@washjeff.edu or mail a letter to: Editor, W&J Magazine Office of Communications Washington & Jefferson College 60 S. Lincoln Street Washington, PA 15301
Noted & Quoted “The six students who visited W&J loved it. They loved Pittsburgh and they loved Western Pennsylvania. It has a Midwest feel to it, and our students got along well with everyone. The personal connections with the student hosts were also very strong.” DONALD KAMENTZ, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE INITIATIVES FOR YES PREP SCHOOLS IN HOUSTON 1
“IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW YOU GET IN THAT DOOR. JUST GET IN THAT DOOR.
THE LESSON: SEIZE EVERY OPPORTUNITY.” ROGER GOODELL ’81, NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE COMMISSIONER 2
“The biggest advantage of this building is it very much brings us into the 21st century from an old building that was barely in the 20th.
THIS IS THE MISSING PIECE TO THE PUZZLE.” STEVE MALINAK, PH.D., ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF CHEMISTRY 3
“IS THIS A REFERENDUM ON NATIONAL POLITICS? I THINK SO. IS IT SOMETHING THAT WE CAN SAY IS A PRELUDE TO THE FALL? OH, YES.” JOSEPH DISARRO, PH.D., PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE 4
“We’re not building to attract new students, even though that’s what happened.
WHAT WE’RE DOING IS ENHANCING
THE VALUE OF THE DEGREE STUDENTS EARN HERE.” TORI HARING-SMITH, PH.D., PRESIDENT 5
“Our own history shows that
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST, WE TURN TO YOUNG PEOPLE.” THE HONORABLE THOMAS H. KEAN, CHAIRMAN OF 9/11 COMMISSION 6
“I never dreamed I would have the chance
to travel halfway around the world.
WHAT A WAY TO EXPAND MY LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION.” TAYLOR EDDENS ’11 7
“WE KNOW FOR A FACT THERE ARE SOME KIDS WHOSE LIKELIHOOD OF PERFORMING WELL AT W&J IS NOT REFLECTED IN THEIR STANDARDIZED TESTING.” ALTON NEWELL, VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT 8
1 “Washington & Jefferson joins program to educate underprivileged students,” Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 4, 2010 2 “Goodell’s leadership could be main key in avoiding job action in 2011,” Peter King, Sports Illustrated, June 1, 2010 3 “W&J’s new science center ‘brings us into the 21st century’,” Scott Beveridge, Washington (Pa.) Observer-Reporter, March 29, 2010 4 “Specter’s loss, Paul’s victory shake up murky political map,” CNN wire staff, CNN.com, May 19, 2010 5 “Enrollment inspires expansion at Washington & Jefferson,” Chris Ramirez, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, May 9, 2010 6 “Speaker challenges W&J grads to avoid apathy, embrace service,” Dawn Goodman, Washington (Pa.) Observer-Reporter, May 23, 2010 7 “Junior biochemistry major at W&J sees research presented at World Vaccine Congress in Beijing,” Liberal Arts College News at collegenews.org, April 26, 2010 8 “You have made it into college, now here’s what to do,” Eleanor Chute, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Feb. 9, 2010
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W&J news
W&J graduates largest class in school history The pouring rain did not dampen the spirits of the Washington & Jefferson College community as proud professors and parents came together to witness 351 graduates—the largest class in school history—parade across campus beneath a sea of umbrellas to mark the College’s 211th Commencement. The Class of 2010 was addressed by the Honorable Thomas H. Kean, chairman of the 9/11 Commission and former governor of New Jersey, who challenged the graduates to go out into the world as ambassadors of change. “All of you have the power to affect our community,” Kean said. “You’re prepared to raise the bar in our society. You’ve prepared for something better than business as usual.”
The Honorable Thomas H. Kean, chairman of the 9/11 Commission, addressed the Class of 2010.
Kean, who received an honorary degree in public service, led the largest intelligence reform in the nation’s history as chairman of the 9/11 Commission, investigating the causes of the terrorist attacks and offering recommendations to prevent future attacks on American soil. Also receiving honorary degrees were oceanographer Sylvia Earle, doctor of science; TIAA-CREF President and CEO Roger Ferguson, doctor of public service; and Lieutenant Commander Abuhena Saifulislam, doctor of divinity. John Mark Scott ’69, Ph.D., professor of modern languages, and Lisa Culbertson, Parkhurst associate, were presented with the senior awards to faculty and staff. David M. Carroll ’10, who delivered the senior address, recalled the day, four years prior, his classmates sat under the same tent as freshmen at their matriculation ceremony. “We were sitting here four years ago as complete strangers who grew into friends,” he said. “Today, we’re ultimately leaving as family.”
David M. Carroll ’10, business administration and psychology major, delivered the senior address.
Before the graduates were invited to march together one last time as a class to a standing ovation from the faculty, President Tori Haring-Smith offered indispensable words of advice. “We are counting on you to be bold, be thoughtful, be respectful and be courageous,” she said. “Go forth and create a self that you can be proud of.”
“You’ve prepared to raise the bar in our society. You’ve prepared for something better than business as usual.” – THE HONORABLE THOMAS H. KEAN
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Want to see more? Connect with W&J online for additional Commencement coverage. Go to: youtube.com/wjcollege ickr.com/wjcollege WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE
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Highmark CEO elected chairman of W&J board Kenneth Melani ’75, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, has been elected chairman of Washington & Jefferson College’s board of trustees. Melani succeeds Charles T. (Tuck) Nason, retired chairman and CEO of the Acacia Group, who served in this capacity since 2007. “Ken Melani is a dedicated member of the board of trustees and extremely committed to the continued success of his alma mater,” President Tori Haring-Smith said. “I welcome him as the new chairman, look Highmark President and CEO Kenneth Melani ’75 is “very honored” to serve as chairman of the W&J board of trustees.
forward to his leadership, and thank Tuck Nason for his years of service in this capacity.” In his position at Highmark, which he assumed in 2003, Melani oversees the daily operations of one of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans in the country, serving 32 million people through the company’s health care, dental, vision and customized supplemental health products businesses. “W&J always has been a very special place to me,” Melani said. “My student experience here was invaluable in helping me achieve many of my personal and professional goals. I’m very honored to serve as the new chair of the board of trustees and I’m looking forward to working with the board, faculty, staff and students to continue the outstanding work that’s taken place at W&J.” Melani holds a bachelor’s in chemistry from W&J and a doctorate in medicine from the Bowman-Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. He completed his residency in internal medicine at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in 1982.
W&J welcomes new vice president for academic affairs James C. White II, Ph.D., interim provost and associate professor of physics at Gettysburg College, is the new vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Washington & Jefferson College. White succeeds Jan Czechowski, Ph.D., who is retired but remains part of the W&J faculty.
James C. White II, Ph.D., comes to W&J from Gettysburg College.
“Dr. White brings to W&J an incredibly strong academic background and an enthusiasm and commitment to liberal arts education that makes him a perfect fit to join our leadership team,” President Tori Haring-Smith said.
In this role, White aims to enhance the College’s status as a liberal arts institution of the highest rank and to further develop its “inclusive and vibrant intellectual climate.” “Washington & Jefferson College is an important institution, one that for nearly 230 years has provided a superb education to individuals who affect, move and change the world,” White said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join W&J’s students, faculty and staff in this important endeavor.” White holds a bachelor’s in physics from Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s and doctorate in astronomy from Indiana University Bloomington.
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A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY The study-abroad opportunities provided to students at Washington & Jefferson College have been recognized as award-winning by the Institute of International Education. A recipient of the Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education, W&J was named a co-winner in the study-abroad category. Particular mention was given to the Magellan Project, a one-of-a-kind initiative that provides internal funding for students looking to pursue internships or independent travel during their college careers. To date, Magellan has helped fund the experiences of more than 70 W&J students, including Nathan Graf ’10 (pictured above) who traveled to Ecuador and Guatemala to provide medical support and equipment to rural health clinics.
Red, Black and Green? W&J NAMED ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SCHOOL Red and black long have been identified as the official colors of Washington & Jefferson College. Now it is also recognized for being green. The Princeton Review, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, includes W&J in its “Guide to 286 Green Colleges”—a comprehensive guidebook that recognizes environmental and sustainability programs at colleges and universities across the country.
RAISING THE ROOF W&J students traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C., to volunteer with Horry County Habitat for Humanity during an Alternative Spring Break trip in March. Here the students are pictured sitting on top of one of the three houses they helped construct. “The combination of helping volunteers construct the houses, being welcomed into the community and meeting the future home owners was an eye-opening experience,” Leah Herzog ’11 said. “We were able to see the direct impact we had on the community members.”
“W&J truly is committed to pursuing and implementing initiatives that are environmentally friendly and we are proud that our efforts are being recognized in this way,” Dennis McMaster, vice president of business and finance at W&J, said. “It is a joint effort among the entire campus community.” W&J showed the most environmental progress in its building projects and dining services. The brand-new John A. Swanson Science Center is in the process of attaining silver-level LEED certification for its environmentally friendly design. Plans also are underway to renovate existing buildings, such the Dieter-Porter Life Sciences Building, to implement advances in energy efficiency. To enhance the freshness and quality of its food offerings, W&J works with an organization called FarmSource to purchase food from local growers and producers. In addition, takeout food is served in biodegradable containers, used fryer oil is recycled into biodiesel fuel, napkins are made from recycled paper, seafood is sustainable, and the cafeteria promotes “trayless” service to save on resources and energy.
LENDING A HAND W&J students volunteer at the Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living Center (above) and the Washington Historical Society (below) as part of the College’s inaugural First-Year Day of Service in April. More than 250 students participated in the inaugural event, which matched students with non-profit organizations in the Washington, Pa., community.
In addition, the College is incorporating environmental courses into its curriculum, including a first-year seminar titled, “Sustainability.” Books on the syllabus include Fast Food Nation and The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Outside the classroom, students participate in organizations like The Green Club and Students Active for the Environment. W&J is one of 27 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania that made the list, which can be downloaded at princetonreview.com/greenguide.
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W&J
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State-of-the-art equipment enhances scientific research Thanks to a $143,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, the John A. Swanson Science Center is home to an atomic force microscope that will introduce students to materials research and nanoscience in preparation for graduate school. “The microscope will play an integral role in both our research and curriculum,” Jennifer Logan, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, said. “This instrument allows surfaces to be scanned at the atomic level and will be used in research involving nanodroplet wetting, polymer template formation and synthetic cell preparation.” Faculty members will integrate the microscope into physics and chemistry classes, as well as in general education courses on nanotechnology for non-science majors. Logan added that the microscope will impact local high school students through W&J’s science education outreach programs. To help make the microscope more user-friendly and accessible, a virtual instrument was developed by Nobu Matsuno, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry. It allows students to practice with computer simulation before using the actual instrument. Marissa Milchak ’12 and Jennifer Logan, assistant professor of chemistry, experiment with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer in the Swanson Science Center. Funded by the Davenport Family Foundation, this new piece of equipment can be used to identify different substances in test samples, including beverages, fragrances and soils.
The microscope was funded through the NSF Division of Materials Research and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Joining Logan in securing funding for the grant were Matsuno and Michael Pettersen, Ph.D., professor of physics.
National intelligence expert and W&J graduate speaks to campus A renowned leader in the national intelligence community, David Kier ’65 returned to Washington & Jefferson College in March to speak to students and faculty members about new developments and challenges in missile defense. Boasting a 35-year career in federal service, Kier has held prominent assignments with the Central Intelligence Agency and U.S. Department of Defense. After serving a four-year term as deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, he retired from the government in 2001, exactly 41 days before Sept. 11. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have retired,” he said. Kier’s career path was inspired by his experience at the National War College, which he calls “the best year of my life.” He attended the College alongside influential figures from the military and government, including two Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. “The National War College pointed out how big of a mess the world was and that I wasn’t doing a whole lot to help,” he said. “So I decided to find a job where I may be able to help.” That job was with the CIA, where Kier designed, developed and operated U.S. satellite systems. More than 20 years later, the techniques he used to collect information from space remain highly classified. “In this case, the collection of information is only successful if conventional wisdom says it can’t be done, and you go ahead and do it,” he said. In honor of his many achievements, Kier is one of the few individuals in the country to receive Distinguished Service Medals from both the CIA and Intelligence Community.
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Today, Kier is CEO of Areté Associates, an advanced science and engineering company that provides innovative solutions to some of the most challenging technical problems faced by the U.S. While 70 percent of the organization’s work is classified, one of its public focuses is oceanography. “From the way waves behave as they come on shore, they change characteristics,” Kier said. “From measuring them very precisely, we can tell you what the bottom of the ocean looks like.” The same method is used to measure river currents, resulting in extremely detailed maps that are used for maritime navigation. Hollywood also has benefitted from Areté technology. “All the water scenes in the movie Titanic were created from our software,” Kier said. “I have a quote from James Cameron on the wall of my office that says, ‘Areté technology saved Titanic.’” Kier’s company also has handled the water scenes for major movies like Castaway and Pearl Harbor. Kier credits his liberal arts background at W&J with giving him the skills to be a successful leader in a variety of fields. “W&J gives you a solid foundation that can take you just about anywhere you want,” he said. David Kier ’65 visited his alma mater in March to speak to students and faculty about missile defense.
INSIDE The Making of a Landmark From Students to Pioneers Young Alumni in Action
Building Tomorrow’s
INNOVATORS
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7KH 0DNLQJ RI D
/DQGPDUN NEW FACILITY STANDS AS TRIBUTE TO W&J’S COMMITMENT TO SCIENCE
)
raming the corner of East Maiden and Lincoln Streets, the John A. Swanson Science Center is a majestic sight
to behold. The classic structure of brick and stone, capped off with a crown of gleaming copper, ground the building in rich tradition; while the soaring columns of windows draw your eyes to the sky, pointing to the possibilities that exist when the liberal arts and sciences converge. Inside, a grand atrium adorned with Italian marble reverently links the teaching and research wings that house state-of-the-art laboratories and lecture-style classrooms. A seal of two towers on the ground floor ties the building to an extraordinary history, abundant with tales of students turned scientific pioneers; and a staircase spirals upward toward a spectacular view that inspires us to achieve even greater things.
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Students walk across the lawn of the John A. Swanson Science Center, which officially opened for campus use this spring.
Yet to Washington & Jefferson College, the Swanson Science Center represents more than exquisite architecture and advanced technology. Rather, it represents the donors who invested generously in transforming the building from a vision to a reality; the faculty members who, through tireless teaching and hands-on research, continually challenge students to reach their fullest potential; and the young men and women who leave W&J armed with the kind of innovative thinking necessary to change the world. Which is why, on a warm spring evening in April, it was only fitting that these groups gather together to ceremoniously dedicate the building to which they are so deeply committed.
A noteworthy namesake Before the red ribbon wrapping the doors to the campus entrance could be cut, President Tori Haring-Smith searched for the right words to sufficiently thank the building’s namesake, John A. Swanson, Ph.D., who unassumingly stood with his wife Janet among the crowd of spectators. “How can we thank you enough for your generosity, your friendship, and for making such a profound difference to Washington & Jefferson College for generations to come?” Haring-Smith asked. “I believe the best way to express our thanks will be to steward your gift well, to use this building to inspire us all to do our best work, and to promise that here we will produce many vibrant new generations of inquisitive, ethical and community-minded scientists.” A lofty ambition, but Swanson raises the bar high. An internationally regarded engineer and entrepreneur, his name stands alongside those of Alexander Graham Bell, Orville Wright and Thomas Edison as a recipient of the prestigious John Fritz Medal. Swanson revolutionized engineering when he developed computer-coded software to enable the virtual design and testing of products before manufacture. To take the software to the next level, he founded Swanson Analysis Systems, now called ANSYS, headquartered in nearby Canonsburg, Pa. Today, companies across the globe rely on ANSYS to help them evaluate whether their concepts will work in real-world situations, advancing the design of products from soda bottles to jet engines. “I saw a need and I developed a product to meet that need,” Swanson said matter-of-factly about his success. “It has changed the way engineering products are made.” It is the same reason why Swanson readily got behind the construction of a new science center at W&J—to respond to a college-wide need brought to his attention as a member of the board of trustees. “I needed to see the integration of science and liberal arts, and this building is the center point for that,” he said. “I wanted W&J to have the facilities that its reputation deserved.”
Recognizing a need Perhaps no one understood this need more than fellow trustee E. Ronald Salvitti ’59, M.D., who prepared for his medical career in the very facilities that, 50 years after his graduation from W&J, had remained unchanged. “The classroom buildings were adequate in preparing many of us for careers in medicine, dentistry and health sciences,” Salvitti said in a speech during the building’s dedication. “But it was clear that a new science center would be paramount to recruiting future generations of students and preparing them for their life-long ambitions.” Now these students are invited to follow in the footsteps of alumni like Salvitti, who reinforces W&J’s strong reputation in the sciences by pioneering new methods in cataract and refractive eye surgery. His legacy is honored by a wing in the building dedicated to teaching—long-recognized as the core of a W&J liberal arts education. Salvitti, whose professors played an integral role in his own college experience, particularly valued the dedication of Dr. Homer Porter, whom he fondly remembers as an “excellent teacher and motivator.” Salvitti carries on the tradition of faculty members like Porter by stressing the importance of lifelong learning in his career. A teacher himself, he has trained many young doctors in his Southwestern Pennsylvania Eye Center, and surgeons from across the world have come to Salvitti to observe his groundbreaking techniques. “A college education is just the beginning of the learning process,” Salvitti said. “You must constantly strive to come up with better and newer ways of performing and accomplishing a task. This is what leads to progress.”
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“It was clear that a new science center would be paramount to recruiting future generations of students and preparing them for their life-long ambitions.” – E. RONALD SALVITTI ’59, M.D.
The teaching wing and atrium are dedicated to the legacy of E. Ronald Salvitti ’59, a W&J graduate and internationally renowned eye surgeon.
A campus treasure It was this innovative way of thinking that transformed the Swanson Science Center from a building into a College landmark. What started as an idea 10 years ago steadily evolved into a reality that has exceeded even Swanson’s expectations. The day before the grand opening, Swanson was driving to the College from the East when he saw the building for the first time and immediately was impressed by its grand size and the way it beautifully framed the campus.
President Tori Haring-Smith invites John Swanson to cut the ribbon wrapping the campus entrance, officially opening the science center. Students pictured from left: Brian Szabo ’12, Dan Springer ’10, Troy Lowry ’10, Bridget Piko ’11, Lauren Mazza ’11 and Kayla Pringle ’11.
Yet the original design of the building called for a different structure—a smaller, L-shaped building with two wings that joined at a main entrance on Maiden Street. But Salvitti envisioned something greater. “As the plan for the science center moved forward, I kept thinking, ‘We’ve got to do better.’ We’re going to do this one time, and we can’t let an opportunity pass us by,” he said. “I thought we could make it a grander facility by placing an atrium between the two wings, which would be much more attractive to students and make the space as magnificent as it could be.” Salvitti, who recalls using the science facilities on campus only for class and lab time, wanted
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“I wanted W&J to have the facilities that its reputation deserved.” – JOHN A. SWANSON, PH.D.
The building’s namesake, John Swanson, raises the bar high for aspiring scientists at W&J.
the atrium to give students a place to study and collaborate with one another—and to get as much use out of the building as possible. The view from the top floor also was enhanced with the addition of the two-tower College seal on the ground level—another one of Salvitti’s special touches. “When you look at this, you know it’s not just a beautiful building—it’s a beautiful building that belongs to Washington & Jefferson College,” he said. “It is a treasure of the campus.” Another distinguishing quality of the Swanson Science Center is its environmentally friendly design, which is in the process of receiving silver-level LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. One of the building’s most impressive green features is a 5,000-gallon grey-water containment tank on the ground floor that collects and recycles rainwater for use in flushing toilets throughout the facility. A self-proclaimed “energy person,” Swanson would not have the building constructed in any other way. As the owner of a solar-powered house and hybrid car, Swanson tries to leave a “reasonably low carbon footprint” and encourages others to do the same. “Being environmentally friendly has gone from being
far-out to being expected,” he said. This especially rings true for colleges like Washington & Jefferson that are striving to set an example for future generations.
Packed with potential Today, the Swanson Science Center stands as a spectacular testament not only to Washington & Jefferson College’s commitment to the sciences, but to what can be accomplished when passionate and dedicated individuals come together to achieve a common goal. It is now up to the College’s top-notch faculty members and students to take this gift and use it to its fullest potential. “What you all have built is more than bricks and mortar and marble, it is more than beakers and scales and NMRs. It is a place where young minds will be stimulated, problems will be solved, passions ignited and young scientists nurtured,” Haring-Smith said to those alumni and friends of the College who invested in the science center’s creation. “Together, your work has secured the future of the sciences at W&J.”
help, Swanson believes it is his responsibility to give to others because so much was given to him. “That’s how the system works,” he said. “Those of us who have received the benefits of education have to provide for the next generation to go through that process. Fortunately, because of the business I was in, I have been able to provide significant support.” It is a philosophy that has shaped Swanson’s way of life, as he has given loyally to his alma maters, the University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University, and to Washington & Jefferson College—an institution he strongly believes in, because, as he says, “W&J does science right.” “You know the saying, ‘Give ’til it hurts’? That does not apply to me. I give ’til I smile,” Swanson said after examining a white board filled with equations scribbled by W&J students. “You’ll see me smiling a lot today.” – MEGAN MONAGHAN
For a philanthropist like Swanson, that is all the thanks he needs. As a scholarship student who could not have gone to school without financial WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE
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“Here we will produce many vibrant new generations of inquisitive, ethical and community-minded scientists.” – PRESIDENT TORI HARING-SMITH
President Tori Haring-Smith raises a glass to the alumni, faculty, staff and students who played an integral role in making the Swanson Science Center a reality.
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By the Numbers:
54,000 square feet in size
72
JOHN A. SWANSON SCIENCE CENTER
steps from ground level to top floor
10,000 pound
Five Thousand
33
$
ON MILLI TAG PRICE
cupola adorning the roof
GALLON TANK FOR RECYCLING RAINWATER
196
windows with a view
Ninety -Two feet in height
stories of italian marble in atrium
One
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE
New facility builds on long-standing tradition in science The opening of the John A. Swanson Science Center stands as a milestone in Washington & Jefferson College’s renowned history in the sciences. It is a heritage that dates back to the start of the 19th century, when early catalogues from Washington College listed courses in chemistry and natural philosophy as requirements for upperclassmen.
By 1901, the expanding disciplines of physics and chemistry became required study. Students entering medicine were required to take organic chemistry, while students studying law were encouraged to take at least one elective science course, reinforcing the value W&J placed on a true liberal arts education. – REBECCA KEENAN
During that period, all science classes were held in Old Main until the Thistle Physics Building was established in 1912 to house physics classrooms and laboratories. The fourth floor of Old Main was devoted to chemistry until 1940 when the Lazear Chemistry Hall opened on the south end of campus. Records boast that the building featured “45 rooms devoted to laboratory, classroom, office and service purposes designed for modern methods of instruction in chemistry.” As the need for laboratory equipment increased among students and faculty members, a separate fee of $1 was implemented in 1868 for use of the laboratories. By 1880, students electing to take analytical chemistry paid a “materials and breakage” fee of $7.50, which would amount to $165 for today’s students. That same year, the course description for physics stated that it was the College’s “aim to keep up with the rapid development of this branch of science.” The Samuel Jones Prize in Physics and Chemistry, which still exists today, was established in 1883 to offer $100 to the senior with the best examination in subjects assigned by the faculty. The subjects selected that year were “The Non-Metallic Elements” and “Electricity,” a cutting-edge topic considering that electricity was not installed on campus until 1893.
W&J students from the Class of 1898 use a lab in Old Main.
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FROM STUDENTS,
TO PIONEERS
Future W&J scientists take research to next level Can coffee grounds be recycled and used as biodiesel fuel? This is the question Nicole Shamitko ’10 explored as a senior chemistry and business major at Washington & Jefferson College. After presenting a scientific article on the concept to her class, her professor, Patricia Brletic ’75, Ph.D., encouraged her to pursue it as an independent research project.
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She turned coffee grounds into a potential energy source
Taylor Eddens ’11, Nicole Shamitko ’10 and Sean Maddock ’11 are three W&J science students applying their education outside the classroom.
He spent the summer in Paris performing optics research with lasers
“Many chain restaurants like Starbucks just dump their old coffee grounds, so I thought this would be a good way to recycle them,” Shamitko said. Experimenting with coffee grounds from the campus’ Barista Café, Shamitko first extracted oil from the grounds to use as biodiesel fuel, a process that took nearly six months to complete. She then tested the viscosity, or the flow, of the product and compared the results to other biodiesels like vegetable oil. What did she discover? “The coffee oil tested well as a biodiesel, but unfortunately, it takes a lot of coffee to make a little biodiesel, so it’s not a viable solution in the real world,” she said. While automotive companies won’t be manufacturing coffee-powered cars in the foreseeable future, the scientific research process was an invaluable learning experience for the aspiring chemist. “The professors at W&J teach you more than class work,” Shamitko said. “They encourage independent research in the labs where you’re on your own. That is where the real learning happens.” Shamitko, along with 12 other W&J students, was given the opportunity to present her findings at an American Chemical Society conference in San Francisco, where she networked with chemists and professors from across the globe. During her time at W&J, she gained additional experience as an intern at California State University Fullerton and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, giving her a head start on a promising career. “As an undergrad, I wanted to gain experience in the academic, industry and government sectors to get a feel for what I liked best,” she said. After graduating in May, Shamitko traveled to Germany to secure industry experience at Continental AG, an international tire manufacturer. Here, she put her analytical chemistry skills to use by studying the rubber particles released into the air during tire production. Shamitko, who returns to the U.S. in the fall to pursue her doctorate degree at West Virginia
University, hopes to find a job where she can combine her passion for chemistry with her love of travel. Joining Shamitko in Europe this summer was physics major Sean Maddock ’11, who spent nine weeks in Paris studying at the Institute of Optics Graduate School at École Polytechnique. As one of eight undergraduate students selected for the program, Maddock was given the opportunity to perform research with ultrafast lasers in some of the finest optics laboratories in the world. Called “Optics in the City of Light,” the program is funded by the National Science Foundation and exposes future physicists like Maddock to the collaborative efforts taking place among institutions ranging from the University of Michigan to the Louvre. Maddock, a dual citizen of the U.S. and France, applied his second major—French—to adapt to his surroundings for the summer. Not that he is any stranger to leaving his comfort zone—the pre-health student traveled 800 miles from his home in Kansas to attend W&J. Impressed by the College’s strong reputation in the sciences, he particularly appreciated the small class sizes and the personal attention given to each student. “Some of my classes have no more than seven to nine students,” he said. Maddock, who also excels on the W&J soccer field, plans to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree after graduation. The rigorous coursework combined with independent research will give him, as he put it, “the best of both worlds.” It is the same philosophy adopted by Taylor Eddens ’11, a biochemistry major who welcomes the wide range of career opportunities available to M.D./Ph.D. candidates. “I can practice medicine and be qualified to teach at any given time as well,” he said. He received parallel advice from Dr. Roy Curtiss III, a member of the prestigious U.S. National Academy of Sciences who spoke to Eddens about his future plans during the World Vaccine Congress in Beijing. As the only undergraduate student at the conference, Eddens embraced the
“Seeing research with my name on it presented to an enormous audience was such a humbling experience.” – TAYLOR EDDENS ’11
opportunity to network with Curtiss and other worldwide leaders in immunology. Research that Eddens co-authored with W&J alum Kerin Fresa-Dillon ’79 was presented at the event to nearly 100 scientists. “Seeing research with my name on it presented to an enormous audience was such a humbling experience,” he said. Eddens collected data for the research—which examined a vaccine for a major cause of pneumonia—while interning with Fresa-Dillon at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. When the World Vaccine Congress accepted Fresa-Dillon’s proposal to present the research in Beijing, Eddens was determined to go. Thanks to the College’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant and additional funding from the administration, he was able to achieve his goal. Eddens is grateful to W&J for giving him this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “When I told people how I paid for the trip, so many said, ‘my institution never would have done anything like that.’” With one year left in his W&J career, Eddens is excited to take full advantage of everything the campus’ new John A. Swanson Science Center has to offer—from its state-of-the-art laboratories to its brand-new equipment. “Before, we were limited in resources,” he said. “Now, nothing stands in our way.” – MEGAN MONAGHAN
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YOUNG ALUMNI IN
ACT ION
W&J graduate returns to classroom as physics professor Michael McCracken ’04, Ph.D., might be found in Newport News, Va., at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility studying the excited nucleon spectrum and the missing baryon problem. If he is not there, try the John A. Swanson Science Center, where he might be in front of a physics class or in his new office, room 100B, chatting with a student about a homework problem. He is at home in either location. When McCracken joined the W&J faculty in fall 2008, he already was familiar with the campus. He first arrived eight years earlier as a freshman pursuing math and physics majors. He originally planned to teach high school but soon aspired to instruct at the college level. “Within weeks of being here, I realized I liked the college environment—especially the student and faculty interactions and discussions that occur on college campuses,” he said.
Michael McCracken ’04, assistant professor of physics, takes advantage of the abundant white board space in the John A. Swanson Science Center for problem solving and reviewing concepts with students.
In his undergraduate time at W&J, McCracken formulated an image of the teacher he strived to become, using professors Easton, Caffrey, Kline and Sheers as models for inspiration. He admired their passion for their subjects and students, especially the “childlike wonderment” demonstrated in one professor’s lectures—a fascination he also exhibits for physics. After receiving his master’s and doctorate degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, McCracken learned of an opening in the W&J physics department. “The College has the type of teaching environment that attracted me—small, student-based, but also allowing and encouraging research,” he said. Despite job offers elsewhere, he preferred W&J for several reasons—including the upcoming construction of the Swanson Science Center. The high-caliber students, a familiarity with faculty, and the freedom to research various topics also weighed in on his decision. McCracken teaches introductory and advanced physics lectures and labs and will teach his first Intersession course in 2011, taking students to the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. He also taught a first-year seminar on science and technology in science fiction, which allowed him to explore topics outside his norm and introduced him to working with freshmen. McCracken credits his smooth transition from student to professor at W&J to the faculty who he claimed were “way more welcoming and supportive than I ever could have predicted.” His only problem was a small one: “It was strange to call professors by their first names—I kept forgetting.” As a physics professor, McCracken delights in the benefits of the new facilities—including improved lab availability, storage, and teaching and board space. “The new building really encourages top-notch teaching,” he said. He also enjoys meeting students in his new office, a first-floor room near the coffee shop, which he described as “a great space to talk.” What McCracken likes best about the building are the students’ responses to their new surroundings. “They’re floored,” he said. “That alone—the students’ excitement for going to class here, for completing labs, for staying late to discuss homework—makes me more excited to be here. The students deserve this; they work so hard.” – GEORGIA SCHUMACHER ‘10
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“...the students’ excitement for going to class here, for completing labs, for staying late to discuss homework— makes me more excited to be here.”
National fellowship granted to promising W&J chemist Lindsay Leone ’09 joins the ranks of Google founder Sergey Brin, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and 30 Nobel Prize winners as a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF). With a history of honoring those who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers, the GRF is given annually to students across the country who plan to earn research-focused master’s and doctorate degrees in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. “There is no doubt that this is a very prestigious honor,” Steve Malinak, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the chemistry department, said. “The National Science Foundation reports on its website that the success rate is about 10 percent, so Lindsay is in a very select group.”
“Lindsay is not just a scientist. She is exactly what you would envision a liberal arts education at W&J producing.” – PATRICIA BRLETIC ’75, PH.D.
Leone, who is pursuing a doctorate in chemistry at Columbia University, will receive $30,000 in annual stipends for three years plus a $10,500 allowance for education and travel costs. This funding will allow her to take on more projects and ultimately, more risks. She also will have the opportunity to travel to conferences and other schools to share her research. A graduate of W&J’s chemistry program, Leone completed independent research under the supervision of Patricia Brletic ’75, Ph.D., professor of chemistry. “Working on my Chemistry 500 project, I learned to come up with my own research plan on a topic of interest and carry it through,” she said. “It was definitely a challenge, but in the end, I felt like I matured as a scientist.” Impressed by the wide range of skills Leone demonstrated in the lab, Brietic is confident in her former student’s ability to succeed. “Interpersonal skills are one of Lindsay’s best strengths,” Brletic said. “You can be a tremendous researcher, but if you cannot communicate, you won’t go far. Lindsay will go far.” Leone first discovered her passion for scientific research in the summer of 2007 working for the Bartl Group laboratories in Utah. She spent the following summer at Columbia completing an internship funded by the National Science Foundation. Upon graduation, she instructed a summer laboratory at W&J. “Lindsay is not just a scientist,” Brletic said. “She is exactly what you would envision a liberal arts education at W&J producing.” Today, a year into her studies at Columbia, Leone has completed her master’s in chemistry. She credits the faculty at W&J with preparing her well for a career in scientific research, adding, “The W&J chemistry department inspired me to be where I am today.” – KERRI DIGIOVANNI ’09
Lindsay Leone ’09 at work in a Columbia University laboratory where she is pursuing her doctorate in chemistry.
W&J
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For additional coverage of the John A. Swanson Science Center grand opening, visit www.washjeff.edu/science.
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W&J sports NCAA Division III provisional long-jump qualifier Taylor Hockman ’12
W&J athletics enjoy electrifying season Led by the men’s track & field and women’s golf teams, who captured Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships, Washington & Jefferson College’s athletics program enjoyed one of its most successful spring seasons in recent history. The Presidents won 55 percent of their games in the spring and had two student-athletes honored as ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
Track & Field W&J claimed its first-ever PAC men’s track & field title in the 55-year history of the championship meet. W&J totaled 165 points to edge Grove City (147.3) and Waynesburg (86) for the championship. Led by PAC Coach of the Year Mark FitzPatrick, W&J had five male student-athletes win individual championships. Josh Buckley ’12 won the high jump (6’4”) and was selected as PAC Field Athlete of the Year for the second-straight season. Taylor Hockman ’12 claimed the long jump at 23’4”, four inches, and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships. Another second-year performer, Greg French ’12, was victorious in the triple jump (32’6 1/2”) and 110-meter hurdles (15.75), while Scott Ryan ’13 won a pair of titles after crossing the finish line first in 1,500 (4:07.16) and 5,000 meters (16:10.00). Benjamin Kopchick ’13 claimed the final conference title in 10,000 meters after
Sophomore high-jumper C.J. Corcoran ’12
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collecting a time of 35:48.06. The women’s squad was paced all season by Michelle Wuenstel ’11, who earned her first career PAC titles in the 200 (25.93) and 400 (57.51) meter events.
Women’s Golf The Presidents continued their PAC domination in women’s golf as Leslie Walker ’10 helped W&J claim its fifth consecutive title. Walker joined Lynne Szarnicki ’04 as the only players in school history to win four individual PAC championships. W&J amassed a 72-hole total of 1,428 strokes (374-347-369-338), 51 shots ahead of runner-up Westminster. Four-time PAC Player of the Year Leslie Walker ’10 W&J’s final round score of 338 was the second-lowest team score in school history. In the final 36 holes at Oak Tree C.C., Walker tied her career-low round with an opening-day round of 75 and followed that with 76 strokes to win the medalist award by 11 shots. All five golfers earned all-conference status, including Catherine Schlegel ’13, who landed with Walker
on the First Team All-PAC squad. Head Coach Sean Dove was chosen as PAC Coach of the Year following the spring tournament.
Men’s Golf The men’s golf team saw its four-year run as conference champions end when Thomas More (1,211 strokes) edged the Presidents (1,227) by 16 strokes in the 72-hole event (36 holes during fall and 2010 PAC Player of the spring). Ted Year Ted Marron ’11 Marron ’11 earned the PAC Medalist award after shooting back-to-back rounds of 72 in April to finish the final 36 holes at two-over par 144. Brad Cieslinski ’11 finished as PAC runner-up for a second consecutive year after carding 148 strokes (76-72). Cieslinski, 2008 PAC Medalist, became the first player in school history to win the Mid-Atlantic Regional at Hershey C.C. He shot 146 (75-71) in the two-day event, outdueling Nazareth’s Dylan Bedy (73-76) by three strokes.
Women’s Lacrosse The 2010 season will long be remembered as a turning point in W&J women’s lacrosse history. Competing in just its third NCAA Division III season, the Presidents amassed a 13-4 record and finished as the runner-up in the ECAC Mid-Atlantic Tournament. Head Coach Kate Scattergood guided W&J to 11 straight W&J’s first women’s victories away from lacrosse All-American Alexandre Stadium Cayla Grodtozke ’12 prior to a 12-8 loss to FDU-Florham in the championship match in Madison, N.J. Defender Cayla Grodotzke ’12 spearheaded the defensive unit which ranked 13th in the nation in fewest goals allowed. She became the program’s first All-American and earned First Team All-West Region accolades. Attacker Courtney Schrock ’11 and defender Brittney Oake ’12 also were All-West Region selections. Goalie Julia McLellan ’13 was named to the ECAC All-Star Team and was one of 16 freshmen named to the Womenslacrosse.com National All-Rookie Team.
Baseball Head Coach Jeff Mountain and the Presidents earned their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament in May. W&J was placed in the Mideast Regional in Marietta, Ohio, and although W&J lost to Adrian (9-7, 10 innings) and Marietta (11-1), the Presidents became the first PAC team to earn an at-large bid to the championship event since 1984. W&J posted a 32-12 overall record and its 16-2 mark in conference play brought home another PAC
Two-time PAC Player of the Year Jim Pasquine ’10
regular-season title. Outfielder/pitcher Jim Pasquine ’10 concluded his storied career with his second-straight PAC Player of the Year award. Pasquine batted .456 this spring with eight home runs and 58 RBI. He owns seven career records, including batting average (.432), hits (221) and runs scored (165). Pat Kennedy ’11 had a 7-0 record on the mound and his 3.94 GPA (chemistry major) helped him become the 26th Academic All-American in W&J athletics history.
Men’s Tennis Christopher Faulk ’10 capped his career in dramatic style by winning the PAC No. 1 singles championship at the Pennbriar Fitness & Racquet Club in April. Faulk joined Gary Tan ’06 and W&J Hall of Famer Mike Kluska ’89 as the only Presidents to accomplish the feat in the past 40 years. Faulk defeated Grove 2010 PAC No. 1 singles champion Christopher City’s Ricky Garrett (6-0, 6-3) in the No. 1 Faulk ’10 singles championship match. Faulk led W&J to a third-place team finish and wrapped up his career with a 25-12 overall record in singles matches.
Women’s Water Polo The 2010 season marked the first at W&J for Head Coach Greg Jones, who took over both water polo programs in December. Jones guided the Presidents to a 10-11 overall record and a fourth-place showing at the Two-time ESPN The Division III Eastern Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American Championships. Jessica Barby ’10 Jessica Barby ’10 once again was named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA First Team Academic All-America Squad in June. She is the 11th student-athlete in school history to earn two national academic All-America awards during a career and joins former cross country standout Allison Evanoff ’92 as the only W&J women to earn first-team academic All-America distinction. Barby enjoyed a record-breaking senior year as she became W&J’s single-season goal scoring leader after firing in 69 goals this
spring. Following the season, Barby was selected as the Collegiate Water Polo Association Women’s Varsity Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Men’s Lacrosse The W&J men’s lacrosse program recorded its second-straight winning season after posting a 7-6 record. The Presidents played a number of wild games during the year, including four matches which went into overtime. Mark Ringeling ’12 scored the game-winning goal in doubleFreshman midfielder overtime versus Tom Kozlowski ’13 Fontbonne at Alexandre Stadium (9-8 final score), while Andrew Wallick ’12 netted the game-winner three weeks later during an 11-10 triumph over Trine (Ind.). Wallick ranked among the nation’s leading scorers all season and finished with 29 goals and 27 assists.
Softball A young W&J softball team produced 12 victories during the 2010 season. The team had four freshmen and three sophomores in the everyday starting lineup. Pitcher Georgia Schumacher ’10, center fielder Sarah Jolley ’10 and third baseman Victoria Doerschner ’11 provided key leadership. Doerschner was a Second Team All-PAC honoree after hitting .322 with five homers and 26 RBI. Schumacher, an Academic All-District selection with a 4.0 grade-point average, finished her four-year pitching career with 26 wins and 259 strikeouts.
Senior Academic All-District pitcher Georgia Schumacher ’10
– SCOTT MCGUINNESS
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A TWIN
TRAINING
TRADITION Lesako brothers exemplify strong reputation of W&J sports
“The Lesakos epitomize everything that is right about Division III sports. Their commitment to excellence was, and remains, unparalleled among their peers. I can’t imagine W&J athletics without them.” – LUKE RAVENSTAHL ‘03, MAYOR OF PITTSBURGH
Freshman student-athletes at Washington & Jefferson College are required to tackle a number of unique challenges during their first varsity season—planning out the best times to use the gym, becoming acquainted with new coaches and teammates, and determining whether Mark or Mike Lesako is the one taping their ankle. Since 1999, the twin brothers have become synonymous with W&J athletics as the head athletic trainers in the sports medicine department. To help tell their story, W&J Sports Information Director Scott McGuinness sat down with the Lesakos to discuss how they work as a team to manage athletic training at W&J. Describe a typical fall day in the sports medicine office. Mark: The fall is our busiest time of the year and the days can be quite long and stressful. We have more than 400 student-athletes and offer 24 varsity sports, so the two of us are usually pulled in many different directions during the course of the day. I teach CPR/First Aid in the fall, so I am usually in my office by 8:30 a.m. I teach my class and then start doing rehabilitation on the student-athletes. When practices start around 4 p.m., I head to the soccer fields and prepare for the event occurring that particular evening. After covering the sport, I stay after the event to do post-game or post-practice treatments. Most days in the fall, I am at work for 11-12 hours. They are long days, but I love my job and I truly enjoy every part of it.
Mike, you are the main contact for athletic training for the football team. How does it feel to be responsible for the health of nearly 150 young men each day? Mike: It is a stressful atmosphere at times, but like Mark said, I truly love what I do. There is always something going on at practice or during games. A player needs taped, another athlete needs stretched, someone gets hurt—it is very busy to say the least. To know that the coaches, parents, and most importantly, the student-athletes trust me with their health says a great deal. Players are always getting bigger, faster and stronger it seems, so you constantly must be watching for any signs of possible injury situations. There is no greater feeling, in my opinion, than helping someone in need get healthier. To have a student-athlete think that his or her career is over and to help push them through rehabilitation is very gratifying.
What is the best aspect of your job? Mark: I love sports. I feel very fortunate to work at such a great institution with remarkable coaches and the best student-athletes in the country. One aspect about my job that I find truly interesting is watching the young men and women come in as freshmen and maturing during their four years. But my favorite part of my job is helping an injured student-athlete recover and return to play. The look on their faces when they return to enjoying what they love is very rewarding, and to know that I played a small role in their success is a humbling experience.
What interests you most about Division III athletics?
Mike and Mark Lesako
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Mike: I like Division III for a few reasons. Most importantly, the level of play is genuine. By this, I mean that the student-athletes do not get athletic scholarships. They play for the love of the game. These student-athletes are passionate both in the classroom and on the field, and that says a lot about the kind of student-athletes we have here at W&J. As an athletic trainer, I also like this level because we can cover more than one sport. At the higher NCAA divisions, you sometimes only oversee one or two sports.
What are some work accomplishments that you are proud of? Mike: I would say seeing the W&J sports medicine program continue to be recognized as one of the best in NCAA Division III. I think Mark and I have kept that tradition alive as we have received awards and have been quoted in newspaper articles and featured on the cover of magazines. Most importantly, we have gained the trust of the College and the athletic department because the student-athletes here know we have their best interests in mind.
What changes are occurring in the athletic training field? Mark: Athletic training is an “evolving” profession. There are always new techniques and products; bigger, stronger and faster athletes; and, of course, the technological advancements. One of the main concerns right now is trying to determine the appropriate protocol for handling concussions. As we all know, concussions are becoming more and more prevalent and each case should be taken seriously. In our profession, lives are at stake, so it is imperative that they are handled appropriately.
What is the strangest injury you have encountered during your years? Mike: I am not sure if you could call it an injury, but it was definitely the first time I had ever heard of this ailment. We had a men’s basketball player (Matt Drakeley, featured on page 24) who was complaining of numbness and tingling in his left arm and hand. He said he noticed it first in high school. Our doctors ran some tests and thought it was a pinched nerve in the elbow, so he had surgery to repair it. When the symptoms were still there, we ran further tests and it was determined that he was suffering from a Chiari type I malformation, an uncommon and complex neuromuscular deformity that is present at birth. Extensive surgery was required as the
cerebella tonsils, a piece of his skull and his C1 vertebrae needed to be removed. Only 49 days after surgery, he returned back to practices and games. It was a remarkable recovery and story.
What advice do you give to anyone looking to stay healthy and reach their peak performance level? Mike: You are never too old to exercise and eat right. I am trying to practice what I preach and incorporate a diet and exercise into my daily schedule. A healthy diet in combination with an exercise routine will help keep you in shape and obtain that healthy lifestyle. The balance of both is crucial in order to reach your peak performance. Dedication and willpower are two of the main components. If you have the desire, it can happen.
What is it like working with and sharing an office with your brother every day? Mark: It’s funny, because we get this question asked to us all of the time. It’s great! I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. Not many people can say that they work with one of their best friends, but I can. Mike is an extremely hard worker and he takes a lot of pride in what he does. Together, we are a great team and we are very fortunate to work together, watch each others’ families grow up and spend our days together doing what we love at such a great institution. Mike: It is different when you can work with someone that you know and trust so well. At the end of the day, you know things were done correctly and the way they should be done. It definitely lessens the stress that we have on a daily basis. I truly enjoy coming to work each day knowing that I will get to spend time with my brother. We make a good team.
Mark Lesako attends to 2009 PAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year Emily Hays.
“Mark and Mike are the glue between the student-athletes and our athletic teams. Their contributions are immeasurable to the institution, student body, and athletic department.” – MIKE ORSTEIN, HEAD SWIMMING AND DIVING COACH
Mike and Mark Lesako catch up with former W&J football player and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl ’03 at Homecoming.
The W&J sports medicine staff helps an injured player during a Presidents’ football game.
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sports An NCAA scholarship recipient, Matt Drakeley ’10 excelled on the basketball court and in the classroom.
NCAA honors W&J basketball’s Drakeley POINT GUARD IS 1 OF 5 MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYERS SELECTED IN COUNTRY The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) awarded Matt Drakeley ’10 with a $7,500 postgraduate scholarship. Drakeley, who graduated with a 3.98 GPA with a degree in biochemistry, was one of 58 student-athletes (29 male, 29 female) from all NCAA divisions to earn the scholarship for the winter athletics season. The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by rewarding the Association’s most accomplished student-athletes through their participation in NCAA championship sports. The Washington, Pa., native will attend medical school at Temple University to study anesthesiology.
He averaged 8.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists this winter. In 102 career games, Drakeley amassed 611 points, 210 rebounds and 207 assists. In February, Drakeley also was selected to the ESPN The Magazine/ CoSIDA Academic All-District team for a second-straight year.
“The NCAA postgraduate scholarship is a really great honor,” Drakeley said. “All of the hard work I put into basketball and academics paid off. The money will help pay off medical school. I couldn’t be happier with the way things worked out.” Drakeley was one of five student-athletes playing NCAA men’s basketball this season to earn the scholarship. The award caps a remarkable comeback for the 5-foot-10 point guard after he underwent Chiari type I malformation surgery prior to his junior season. Drakeley is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He also was named to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Spring Academic Honor Roll during each of his four years on campus. Drakeley wrapped up his career with the most victories (60) by a W&J men’s basketball player in school history. His squads appeared in two Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship games and the 2008-09 Presidents won the ECAC Division III South Tournament Championship.
“Matt exemplifies everything Division III is about. He worked hard in the classroom, overcame a rare surgery and graduated with the most victories by a W&J men’s basketball player.” – BILL DUKETT, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
MVPs honored at sports banquet The most valuable players—or in this case, Presidents—from the 2009-10 athletics season at Washington & Jefferson College received red-carpet treatment at the third annual PRESPYs event in May. The PRESPYs, a spin-off of ESPN’s annual ESPYs awards show, was founded three years ago by the W&J Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to recognize teams, coaches, faculty and staff members who made outstanding contributions to the W&J athletics program throughout the year. Here are this year’s winners: Behind-the-Scenes Award: Richard Stevens (Equipment Manager)
Greatest Game of the Year: Baseball versus Thiel (May 9, 2009)
Most Spirited: Liz Bendick (Soccer)
Comeback Athlete of the Year: Nathan Harmotto (Football)
Rookies of the Year: Alyssa Oursler (Basketball) and Scott Ryan (Cross Country and Track & Field)
Honorary President: Darrel Johnson (Parkhurst Dining Services) W&J student-athletes’ number one fan
Old Main Award: Steve Anderson (Student Life) An individual dedicated to supporting the academic and athletic lives of W&J student-athletes
Assistant Coach of the Year: Tim Fusina (Men’s Basketball)
Play of the Year: Tessa Slifka’s dramatic dig (Volleyball)
Head Coaches of the Year: Sean Dove (Women’s Golf) and Jeff Mountain (Baseball)
Professor of the Year: Tiffani Gottschall (Economics, Business and Accounting)
Academic Athletes of the Year: Spencer Ahrenholtz (Soccer and Golf) and Mitch Erdely (Football)
Tessa Slifka ’12 and her dramatic dig on the court earned the W&J volleyball team the Play of the Year award.
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Athletes of the Year: Jim Pasquine (Baseball) and Kennan Killeen (Women’s Basketball)
W&J alumni Class of 1960 celebrates 50th reunion On June 11, 1960, Boyd Crumrine Patterson, then president of Washington & Jefferson College, handed out diplomas to the graduating senior class. Fifty years later, 35 members of the Class of 1960 and their guests returned to campus in May to commemorate their milestone reunion and induction into the W&J Old Guard.
Dave Cox and Sanford Marcus join their classmates in a “whichi coax” cheer.
To celebrate this special occasion, members of the Class of 1960 rekindled friendships, shared memories and reacquainted themselves with W&J during a weekend of campus tours, dinners and receptions. President Tori Haring-Smith officially inducted the class into the W&J Old Guard before an audience of graduating seniors and their parents at the Commencement ceremony. Before leading the class in a “whichi coax” cheer, she reminisced about the news headlines of their college years, including the election between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, Rosa Parks’ stand during the Civil Rights movement, the early days of space exploration, and the rising popularity of pop culture icon Elvis Presley. In honor of their 50th reunion, members of the Class of 1960 raised $304,421 in gifts and pledges from 51 percent of the class in support of W&J. A portion of these funds established the Class of 1960 Endowed Scholarship Fund, leaving a lasting legacy and providing permanent support for students at W&J.
Ted Madzy and Layton Wise don’t let the weather dampen their good spirits.
Bob Jones and Dick Schwirian share an umbrella at their class reunion.
We are your biggest fans. NOW YOU CAN BECOME ONE OF OURS. Want to stay connected after graduation? Join the W&J Facebook community today to participate in monthly trivia contests, share favorite memories, and learn about campus news and events.
Facebook.com/wjcollege
Other ways to stay in touch: Register for events, check out reunion photos, and update your information at jayconnected.com Network with alumni at linkedin.com. Search “Washington & Jefferson.” Get the latest W&J news in 140 characters or less at twitter.com/wjcollege.
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Alumni connect from coast to coast c
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From Los A to New York ngeles Washington City, College alum & Jefferson and friends ni, parents events from gathered at to rekindle coast to coast make new cofriendships, become acqu nnections and the College ainted with today.
TO: Washington & Washington Jefferson College , Pennsylva nia 15301
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b 1974 classmates Phil O’Connell and Pete Ross enjoy each other’s company at Philadelphia’s Ristorante Panorama. c Trina ’93 and Kevin ’92 Fullard catch up with Adam ’93 and Stephanie Zollinger at a cocktail reception at Charlotte’s Bentley’s on 27th. d Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers and roommates Ed Fox ’67 and Mike Bittenbender ’67 reminisce with President Tori Haring-Smith at the Milford, Conn., event. e Guy DuBois ’70, host Patrick Correnty ’87 and Keith ’77 and Lisa Ghezzi enjoy a spring evening in Washington D.C. f J.C. Morrow ’77, Cheryl Leydig ’81, faculty member Joseph DiSarro, and Al Lindsay ’68 at the Phipps Conservatory event in Pittsburgh. g 1964 classmates York Yochum and Roger Golomb see one another for the first time in 45 years in Bradenton, Fla. They are joined by Lorraine Golomb. h 2008 graduates Max Stanfield, Juliana Novak and Ashley Phillips enjoy the San Diego area alumni and parent event at Juliana’s home. i Arnold ’64 and Linda Cushner enjoy wine and W&J camaraderie at A Day of Wine and Roses, a special event at the Hershey Rose Gardens. j Ed Dalglish ’57 befriends the Habursky family at an Erie SeaWolves’ baseball game. Joshua Habursky ’14 (second from right) is attending W&J in the fall. 1) Mark Yecies ’79 enjoys the summer-like evening with event host John Pendleton’81 at his home in Mountain Lakes, N.J. 1! Young alumni gather together at the annual Washington, D.C., event. Left to right: Megan Goodman ’06, Jason Hilliard ’08, Julian Muganda ’08, Brittany Basilone ’07, Matthew Scheller ’03, Mike Lukach ’07 and Jonathan Betz ’04. 26
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f Alumni who generously opened their homes to host events included: Dana ’73 and Debbi Devereux in Cleveland; Juliana Novak ’08 in San Diego; Joanie and Shelly Weinstein ’59 in Dallas; Donn ’74 and Shelley Atkins in Lighthouse Point, Fla.; Joe ’50 and Betty Leckie in Bradenton, Fla.; John ’81
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and Mary Ann ’80 Pendleton in Mountain Lakes, N.J.; Walter ’63 and Judith Flamenbaum in New York City; David White ’76 and Jackie Jones in Milford, Conn.; Patrick Correnty ’87 in Washington, D.C., and Jerry ’66 and Shirin Angell in Milton, Mass.
h Here is just a sampling of snapshots from this past year’s regional events. To see if W&J is coming to a city near you, visit jayconnected.com.
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THEN & NOW The friendship shared between Linda Hunt Wagner ’85 and Abbey Musial ’12 is anything but typical. One boasts an impressive resume highlighting her leadership experience in the financial services field, while the other is building her resume as an international business major and student leader. Paired together through the new Alumni Mentor Program, Linda and Abbey have connected on their passion for W&J and the educational and social opportunities their alma mater has provided them.
Why did you choose W&J? Abbey: I chose W&J for the small class size, the architecture of campus, the close-knit community feeling, and because it was close to home. Linda: I have an older brother who went to W&J and it piqued my interest. I chose W&J for a lot of the same reasons as Abbey—location, small class size, beauty of the campus and good location.
What do you remember from your first week as a freshman? Abbey: I remember eating macaroni and cheese in my dorm with my new roommate. We didn’t know how The Commons [cafeteria] worked. We weren’t sure of the routine and times to eat so we ate in our room. Linda: I remember taking in the whole experience—walking into my first class and thinking it was a lot different than high school. I had a good first week.
“Treat W&J like a nine-to-five job.” – ABBEY MUSIAL ’12
“You leave W&J feeling prepared to talk to people on all different levels.” – LINDA HUNT WAGNER ’85
What advice would you give to the incoming freshman class? Abbey Musial ’12 shares an umbrella with Linda Hunt Wagner ’85 on a rainy spring day at W&J. The pair was introduced through the Alumni Mentor Program.
Linda: Even if they feel overwhelmed when they first start at W&J, they should just try to relax and enjoy it. They may be looking at four years of hard work, but it also will be one of the best times of their lives for so many reasons and it goes by so quickly. Abbey: Treat W&J like a nine-to-five job; prioritize and get your work done first and then enjoy the social aspects of W&J.
Who is your most influential professor? Abbey: Dr. Cavoti. I had him my freshman year for organizational behavior management. He was funny, friendly and warm. I still go to him today for recommendation letters. He always 28
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asks how I’m doing and never hesitates to become interested in what I’m doing. Linda: Dr. Crabtree. I took a lot of his courses. They were informative and he made them interesting and enjoyable. I probably could have been a psychology minor because I took so many courses. They helped me when I went into the business world. Abbey: I agree; I loved my psychology course. Linda: Psychology is so key to the business world. It teaches you to communicate with different types of people.
How has W&J prepared you for the future? Abbey: W&J teaches you interpersonal skills. You have to talk to your professors; you have to work hard and interact with others. Linda: The curriculum lends itself to give you exposure to everything you need as you go out into any field. Like Abbey said, you develop interpersonal skills. I never felt hesitant to talk to a professor. You leave W&J feeling prepared to talk to people on all different levels.
What do you hope to get out of the mentoring program? Abbey: Already, I have found someone I can talk to so easily. After our first meeting, we hugged! We talked for two hours in the Ski Lodge. She is another person, in addition to my parents, whom I can go to and talk. She is a great source of encouragement. Linda: I’m here to help Abbey with anything she needs. We were fortunate. We are a great personality fit. She helps me, too. I have daughters in high school and I have learned a lot about preparing for college, like the cost of a college textbook. We have a relationship where we can talk when Abbey needs me. Abbey: When we met, she asked me what I want to do and it really made me think! What do I want to do? Linda: If anything, I’ve learned that when you get into your career, find something you really want to do and that you love. Going into work every day, you really have to enjoy what you do. You get out what you put in.
The Alumni Mentor Program, a project of the Alumni Executive Council, was launched this year with seven pairs of alumni and students. The program will be expanded in the 2010-11 school year. If you would like to mentor a W&J student, more information is available at www.jayconnected.com/ mentorprogram. – KERRI DIGIOVANNI ’09
ALUMNI BLOG:
In Your Own Words:
MY SUMMER IN EUROPE
TO THE CLASS OF 2014 As members of the Class of 2014 prepare to arrive on campus in September, W&J magazine conducted a Facebook poll asking, “What piece of advice do you have for the incoming freshmen?” Read on for some inspiring words from your fellow Presidents. Matt Rudzki takes in the Austrian scenery at the top of Hochlecken during one of his many European travels.
Matthew Rudzki ’08 spent his summer in Germany taking law courses and interning with a professor at the University of Cologne. When he wasn’t hitting the books, he was traveling across Europe and blogging about his adventures. In the following entry, Matt describes his visit to Maastricht, Holland. To follow his entire journey, visit Matt’s blog at http://matthewrudzki.com. On Saturday, I made a short trip with my friend Charlotte to Maastricht, Holland—where in 1992, the Treaty of Maastricht was signed to create the European Union and the Euro as we know it today. We made the trip to see a good friend and fellow W&J globetrotter Jess Kurtz ’08. Jess has been in Holland since the beginning of the year, studying law at the University of Maastricht through a program offered by the Penn State Dickinson School of Law. After a one-hour train ride and bus ride, we met Jess at the main train station in Maastricht. While catching up on the last few months, we ate pommes frites with curry ketchup, mayonnaise and saté sauce, and enjoyed the endless sun and warm temperatures in the city square. There were a few options which presented themselves to us during our day trip, including taking a city tour, a river tour or a three-hour tour consisting of a river trip to the St. Pietersberg caves, which lay just outside the city. The caves, interestingly enough, were originally mines. During World War II, the mines were converted into a bomb shelter that contained a mini-city, including a bakery and a chapel. However, because of time restraints, we decided against the caves. We decided to take the boat tour on the river Maas, which took us to the Belgian border, and back again to port. Following the boat trip, we meandered through the city streets and took in some of the sights, including the city center, city hall, numerous churches and the former city fortifications. The most simplistically beautiful, and I believe the oldest church we saw, was actually a basilica—Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). The original church was built around the year 1000, and then was subsequently added to in the Gothic and Romanesque styles. While walking along the former city wall, we encountered the oldest standing city gate, Helpoort (Hell’s Gate), which was built in 1229. Because of the strategic location of Maastricht between the low countries and the position it held on the Maas, the city needed to be heavily fortified against foreign invaders. In fact, during the course of time, Maastricht has been besieged at least 22 times.
Challenge yourself and keep an open mind. – ARLAN HESS, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH
Be receptive to opportunities. Have a positive attitude. Combine studies with sports and exercise and a social life. Although you may think that you know where you’re headed, you may be surprised! – THOMAS PRICKETT ’72
SAVE YOUR PENNIES SO YOU CAN GO ON AT LEAST ONE INTERSESSION TRIP! – MELISSA WEBBER COOK ’90
Spend as much time on campus as possible. The best nights are when you have nothing planned but something magical happens! – MEGAN DUBOIS ’09
Don’t be afraid to take the “difficult course” or the “tough professor;” they’ll be some of the greatest classes and professors you’ll ever have. – MARISSA STEVENS ’10
Go outside of your comfort zone, at least once. – MICHELLE JENKINS ’10
Jess also brought us to her favorite cafe and ice cream parlor, where we enjoyed ice cream and shakes. After dessert, we said our goodbyes and made our way back to the train station to catch our bus back to Aachen. WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE
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1930 W&J graduate celebrates 103rd birthday Larry Crawford ’30, the oldest known alumnus of W&J, celebrated his 103rd birthday March 6, 2010, by cutting into a cake adorned with a mountain in honor of his passion for hiking and camping. Friends and family attended the party at Shepherd of God Assisted Living facility, where he is the oldest resident and very well respected among his peers. After graduating from W&J in 1930, Crawford moved to California to start a family with his new wife. He began a career in education, teaching and coaching at several small country schools, eventually working his way up to principal. He moved onto Merced Junior College where he taught tennis and Russian classes until turning 92. Crawford, who never can get enough of the outdoor air, hiked his favorite trail to Half Dome in Yosemite Park, a 17-mile round-trip that takes 10 to 12 hours to complete, every year until age 94. He also hiked the 40-mile Vogelsang Loop every summer, and served as a lifeguard at Lake Yosemite, where he swam across the half-mile-wide lake in the evenings when he was off duty. His last solo lake swim was at age 80.
1955 Arthur A. Sohn, along with other members and spouses of the Class of 1955, assisted in providing earthquake relief for 200 families airlifted from Haiti to Sarasota, Fla. Butler Waugh ’55 and his wife Joanne organized the
group of friends who meet yearly for a W&J reunion. Joan and Lt. Alan Friedman ’55, who are both conversant in French/Haitian dialect, were placed in charge of communicating with the Haitians. Tutoring services for English as second language also were provided. Food was supplied by Meals on Wheels, and Drs. Don Kamerer ’55 and Paul Smilow ’55 set up a free clinic with the help of local hospitals. The three company presidents in attendance—Steve Oliphant ’55, Bob Simonin ’55 and Arthur Sohn ’55—directed the work opportunity programs while Victor Wood ’55, Pinellas County table tennis champion, led the indoor recreational support for the Haitians.
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Larry Crawford, W&J’s oldest known living alumnus, celebrates his 103rd birthday. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLIE UNKEFER, MTSHASTANEWS.COM.
Even at his current age, Crawford remains active and exercises on a stationary bike almost daily. Besides enjoying the outdoors, Crawford’s other hobbies have included traveling and playing the trombone and accordion. He has made several trips to Europe, Russia, Greece and Israel, and in the process, has acquired knowledge of seven different languages. He also treasures his time with his family, including two children, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He attributes his long life, in which he witnessed five wars and the inauguration of 18 U.S. presidents, to his healthy lifestyle and a combination of good genes, a good wife and a good diet, frequently involving his favorite food, spaghetti.
R. Victor H. Wood Jr., president of Wood Commerical Enterprises Inc., was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for his successful career in corporate real estate and the publication of his autobiography, Polishing the Old Brown Shoes. Wood is a retired U.S. Navy commander who spent 30 years in corporate real estate acquisition and development. He held senior management positions at the McDonald’s Corporation, Burger King Corporation, Burger King Canada, Payless ShoeSource and other large companies. Wood, a member of the board of directors and a founding member of National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives, was inducted into the group’s hall of fame in 1996. In 2004, he was the first inductee into Retail Construction magazine’s hall of fame. Wood lives in Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., where he is active in local government, the Military Officers Association of America and several community organizations.
1959 Michael R. Zimmerman, M.D., worked in the United Kingdom as a visiting professor teaching paleopathology at the University of Manchester’s KNH Centre for BioMedical Egyptology during the winter quarter of the
2009–10 academic year. While there, he donated and cataloged his 40-year collection of mummy materials to the Centre’s International Mummy Tissue Bank. Zimmerman is a collaborator with the Centre and the Natural History Museum, London, on a three-year Wellcome Trust grant. Stephen Tily III and his wife Janet hosted a dinner at their home in Vero Beach, Fla., in January 2010 with W&J Phi Delts. Attending the dinner were Sharon and Frank “Buck” Braden III ’60; Lee and William Roger Davidson ’60 who live in Bermuda; and Jane and Ron McKenzie ’55. A wonderful time was had by all.
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enthusiast, Janoff enjoys riding his new Yamaha 1300 V-Star cruiser on the Nevada roads.
James A. Garrettson, M.D., has been recognized by the Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) in Indiana, Pa., in the creation of the James A. Garrettson Award for those demonstrating the characteristics he has displayed in his 37 years of service. Garrettson is recognized for his professional manner; high-quality patient care; participation in community service, leadership roles, committees and department meetings; frequent receipt of positive feedback from satisfied patients; commitment to professional development of self and others; and promotion of the IRMC values and mission.
Janoff, who is very active in sports, took up tennis in his 30s, and has since won a total of eight gold medals in various Senior Olympics events. At age 50, Janoff began the Fabulous Fifties 4.0 U.S. Tennis Association senior team in Pittsburgh, which he captained for 11 years. Janoff taught college courses in Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand to American troops during the Vietnam War. He later taught in Germany and Turkey, before returning to teach in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh and, currently, Las Vegas.
1963 Bruce L. Janoff, originally of Charleroi, Pa., has traveled across the nation and abroad, but has settled in a Las Vegas suburb with his partner Carole Amendola. A motorcycle
Mark J. Goldberg retired from his Pittsburgh law firm of Goldberg, Gruener, Gentile, Horoho, & Availli, P.C., to join a private mediation firm. Since co-founding his namesake firm, Goldberg has helped grow it into one of the area’s best firms in family, matrimonial, estate and trust law. He now will associate with Scanlon ADR Services. Goldberg is a fellow of the American Academy of
Matrimonial Lawyers and a former president of the Pennsylvania Chapter, as well as a previous member of the National Board of Governors. Goldberg was instrumental in the drafting and passage of the Pennsylvania Divorce Code of 1980 and the 1988 amendments to the code. He has since been involved in passing other important family law legislation.
1965 John J. Bagnato was elected to a three-year term on the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Board of Governors, where he will represent lawyers from seven counties. A member of the PBA House of Delegates and the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation Board of Directors, he has been named a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer” since 2005 and listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2004. He is the recipient of the PBA’s Irvin Stander Memorial Award for dedication to the practice of workers’ compensation law, the Chief Justice John P. Flaherty Award, a PBA Special Recognition Award for his leadership as co-chair of the PBA Health Care Task Force, and a PBA President’s Award for his efforts to strengthen relations between PBA and its
Renowned financial leader accepts new role at MIT John S. Reed ’60 has been nominated to serve as the next chair of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Corporation, a position in which he will be responsible for ensuring that the Institute is financially stable, well-managed and performing at its full potential. Reed, a life member of the Corporation, says he is “honored and delighted by the prospect of serving in this important role.” Reed, who has been involved with MIT for many years, also is chair of the Mathematics Visiting Committee. After receiving his undergraduate degree in engineering at W&J, Reed served for two years as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He then earned his master’s degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1965 and shortly thereafter joined Citibank. At Citibank, Reed aided the company’s expansion into Asia and Latin America, while also assisting in important banking innovations in the U.S. In 1984, he became Citibank’s chairman and chief operating officer. When the company became Citigroup after a merger with Travelers Co., Reed held the same positions until his retirement in 2000. He then served as chairman of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) from 2003-2005, helping to form governance rules as the NYSE became a public corporation. Reed recently has been involved in supporting reforms that safeguard the American financial system.
John S. Reed ’60, former CEO of Citigroup and former chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, accepts nomination to chair the MIT Corporation.
In addition to his experience with MIT, Citigroup and the NYSE, Reed has held extended tenures on the boards of Philip Morris, United Technologies and Monsanto. He has served as director, chairman and trustee of multiple research, education and non-profit organizations, including the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences, the Russell Sage Foundation, the Spencer Foundation and MDRC, a non-partisan social policy research organization. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society and is an overseer for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
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educational arm, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Bagnato is active in his community, serving on the YMCA board of directors and as a legal advisor and member of the Continuing Physical Education Committee of the Cambria-Somerset Council for Continuing Education for Health Professionals.
communications at BellSouth before retiring in 2006. While living in Atlanta, Betz has played major roles in many fundraising efforts and numerous non-profit organizations.
job, he was president of Saint-Gobain Abrasives, a business with 70 factories in 38 countries. Because of his work and personal interests in travel, he visited a total of 45 countries.
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J. Gaven Hurley was chosen by the Rotary Club to lead a group study exchange to Finland in May 2010. He also was elected to be the Rotary District Governor for the 2012–13 term in the Finger Lakes district of upstate New York.
David J. Cohen recently visited Joanne Hine, the widow of his cousin John Hine ’64. She is doing well and would enjoy hearing from John’s friends. She can be reached by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations.
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Stephen D. Marriner Jr. was honored at the Washington County Bar Association’s 2009 annual banquet. Marriner was president of the Washington County Bar Association in 1988, and is a partner at Marriner, Jones & Fitch.
James N. Hammett, D.O., has been named the new medical director at Living Independence for the Eldery Lutheran Services in Chambersburg, Pa. Hammett is the medical director at Genesis Gettysburg Center, Green Acres Nursing Facility, and the Fairfield Fire and EMS. Hammett also has served as medical director in four other locations and has an extensive background in long-term care.
Richard Kent Schwab joined the operating board of directors for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC). For several years prior, he was a member of the board of directors for the BWMC Foundation. Schwab also was co-chair and a major contributor to the medical center’s recent capital campaign which led to improvements such as a new patient care building, a new emergency department and a new obstetrics program. Schwab also is active in an annual fundraising golf tournament that contributes nursing and allied health scholarships grants through his Allstate insurance business.
Jeffrey Siger held a book-signing at Mystery Lovers Bookstore in Oakmont, Pa., in March for his second novel, Assassins of Athens, which has received excellent reviews. This book is a sequel to Murder in Mykonos, a 2009 international best-seller. Siger has visited many U.S. and Canadian cities while promoting his latest novel, and, during a trip to San Francisco, the mayor of the city awarded him a certificate of honor recognizing his contributions to the literary world. He recently was featured as a guest blogger on Murder is Everywhere, a blog run by a group of international mystery writers. He is working on his third and fourth novels.
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Thomas S. Mason has become a certified contributor and member of The Academy of Science and Art of Pittsburgh for his photography in 2010. Mason also is a certified tree tender in Allegheny County.
Dennis Betz was named one of four new board members for the Foundation of Wesley Woods. Betz worked for 35 years in the telecommunications industry, eventually becoming vice president of corporate
Joseph H. Menendez, formerly of Donora, Pa., is living in London, England, and working as the chief operating officer of The Vita Group where he is responsible for 80 factories with 5,000 employees in 20 countries. Prior to this
Edward V. Weisgerber, a member of the K&L Gates Law Firm in Pittsburgh, was named Health Care Lawyer of the Year in the 2010 edition of Pittsburgh’s Best Lawyers. These lawyers are chosen from 2010 version of The Best Lawyers in America, the preeminent guide to the U.S. legal profession. The book lists attorneys in 79 specialties who were evaluated and recognized by their peers.
1975 David A. Drabkin, Esq., has been named director of acquisition policy for Northrop Grumman. Before joining Northrop Grumman, Drabkin served as acting chief acquisition officer/deputy chief acquisition officer and senior procurement executive for U.S. General Services Administration and held several executive positions at the Department of Defense. Drabkin was awarded the Presidential Meritorius Rank Award in 2009 and previously has been given the Federal 100 Top Information Technology Executive Award and the Leadership Award in Acquisition & Procurement.
To submit your class note to W&J magazine: Ä“ĆŽ !* ĆŽ!(! 0.+*% ((5ĆŽ 0ĆŽ& 5 +**! 0! Ä? +)ĆŽ+.ĆŽ!Ĩ) %(ĆŽ (1)*%Ĺ€3 /$&!Ă´Ä?! 1Ä? Ä“ĆŽ 4ƎÞÚÝĨÚÚúĨßÚÞÿÄ? Ä“ĆŽ %(ĆŽ0$!ĆŽ ò !ĆŽ+"ĆŽ (1)*%ĆŽ !( 0%+*/ĎƎýáƎ Ä?ĆŽ %* +(*ĆŽ 0Ä?ÄŽĆŽ /$%*#0+*ÄŽĆŽ ƎøßúáøÄ?
Edward C. Morascyzk was presented with the Robert L. Ceisler Professionalism Award at the 2009 Washington County Bar Association’s annual banquet. This award honors attorneys who exemplify the Working Rules of Professionalism and who encourage others to do the same. To receive this award, attorneys must be recommended by the Young Lawyers’ Division.
For photos, please send one of the following: ēƎ .%*0ƎĴ +(+.Ǝ,.!"!..! ľ ēƎ (! 0.+*% Ǝþ(!ƎĴ Ǝ+.Ǝ Ǝþ(!ĎƎ 0Ǝ(! /0ƎúááƎ ľ
1978
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If sending a photo via e-mail, please scan the image at its actual size. If sending a photo via postal mail, please include your name, address and telephone number on the back of the photo if you would like it returned. Photos of substandard quality will not be used. Don’t forget to include your name and class year on all correspondence!
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Nick Karazsia began his position as Linton-Stockton School superintendent in January 2010. Karazia has served as Linton-Stockton High School principal since 1993. He also has worked as a Linton-Stockton
High School teacher, coach and athletic director, as well as an assistant principal at Owen Valley High School.
and finance positions at Wyndham Worldwide, Sunrise Senior Living, Marriott International and Ernst & Young, LLP.
Gary Silverman has been recognized as one of the Top Doctors for 2010 by Pittsburgh Magazine. The selection process is conducted through Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a health care research and information company founded in 1991 by a former medical college board chairman and president to guide consumers to top doctors and top hospitals on the national and regional levels.
Sallie Updyke Mundy was elected to serve on the State Superior Court, becoming the first person from the Northern Tier to serve on that court in more than 100 years. Before receiving this honor, Mundy worked as a litigator for the law firm McEldrew and Fullam in Philadelphia. She also has served as a volunteer public defender in Tioga County and a defense attorney in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, working mostly on behalf of the Hershey Medical Center and Penn State University with the firm of McQuaide Blasko.
1980 Edward McCracken has been promoted to chief operations officer at RenewData. McCracken has more than 25 years of services and management experience. Prior to joining RenewData in 2007, McCracken worked at Global Data Systems, Inc. and held various management positions at Dell Financial Services. McCracken is a Pennsylvania Certified Accountant.
1981 Jerry Morosco, a member of the American Institute of Architects professional association, was the featured speaker in The New York Times Designer Seminar Series at the Architectural Digest Home Show in New York City in March 2010. The seminar about maximizing existing spaces for kitchens and baths was followed by a book-signing of his critically acclaimed book, How to Work with an Architect.
1983 Albert Bates Jr., a member of Duane Morris Law Firm in Pittsburgh, was recognized as Construction Lawyer of the Year in the 2010 edition of Pittsburgh’s Best Lawyers. These lawyers are chosen from the most recent version of The Best Lawyers in America, the preeminent guide to the U.S. legal profession. This book lists attorneys in 79 specialties who have been evaluated and recognized by their peers.
1984 Christopher J. Feeney has been named chief financial officer of Delaware North Companies, a global food service and hospitality provider. Feeney previously has held senior management
1985 James W. Rush Jr. joined Premier Retail Networks, Inc. (PRN), based in New York, as vice president of sales. Rush has 20 years of experience in media, particularly in the areas of radio, outdoor and digital signage. Prior to PRN, Rush worked at Van Wagner Communications and Sherwood Outdoor selling digital signage at large-scale venues such as Times Square. Rush also has worked as general manager of Sporting News Radio WSNR and national sales manager at WFAN Radio in New York.
1986 Susan M. Key has been elected the 2010 Chairwoman of the Board of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. She has been a board member for four years. Key is a partner in the law firm Peacock Keller & Ecker, LLP, where she focuses on estate planning and administration, estate litigation and elder law issues.
1987 COL Frank King was promoted in a ceremony at Ft. Monroe, Va., in April 2010. He is the deputy staff judge advocate for the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command. Pictured are King and his wife, Cindy Sherensky King ’88, their sons Scott and Matthew, and LTG Valcourt.
Valerie Weber, M.D., has joined the Commonwealth Medical College as founding chairwoman of medicine. In the newly established department of medicine, Weber will oversee the development of education, research, practice models and community partnerships. She also will participate in the senior leadership team and lead the establishment of the internal medicine department. Weber is board-certified in internal medicine and is completing a master’s in health care administration from the Harvard School of Public Health. LTC Edward P. Wojnaroski Jr. has been promoted to colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. Col. Wojnaroski is an operations officer with the Marine Air Ground Task Force staff training program at Quantico, Va., and has been a Marine for more than 22 years. He also is a certified financial planner and lawyer. For his service in Iraq and Kuwait, Wojnaroski received the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device. While there, he commanded the Military Police Company, 1st Force Service Support Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and supervised enemy prisoner of war operations. Steven P. Woratyla, M.D., is living in Lancaster, Pa., where he serves as a vascular surgeon at Lancaster General Hospital. His three children are 9, 13 and 17. Woratyla wishes to share his appreciation of his education and experience at W&J.
1988 Barbara H. Lange began her position as executive director of The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), the leading technical society for the motion imaging industry, in January 2010. Lange joined the SMPTE from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the world’s largest technical association, where, as staff director of product management and business development, she was awarded the Joyce E. Farrell Staff Award for outstanding service in 2002. Lange also has served in product and sales management positions at Springer-Verlag and Sherex Chemical Company and has spoken at numerous technology professional and academic meetings.
1990 Benjamin T. Buttriss has entered into a career in real estate investing and home reporting after teaching middle and high school history for 14 years. Buttriss says he enjoys being his own boss and living in Nashville, Tenn. He has been married for almost 13 years and has two children: Halle (9) and Bryan (5).
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Local entrepreneur gives career and retail advice
Jennifer Carota ’92, founder of Virtual Public Relations and The Black Pants Project, is one of Pittsburgh’s sought-after experts on shopping and gift-giving.
Jennifer Melnick Carota ’92, author of Shop Smart, Give More, has been chosen as a featured lifestyle contributor for workherway.com, a website designed to provide advice to modern working women on balancing their careers and personal lives. Carota works under the guidance of the site’s founder, Carolyn Kepcher, executive vice president of the Trump Organization. Carota is most recognized as the “gift therapist,” advising others on when, where and what to buy as well how much to spend on holidays and special occasions, with a goal of helping people reduce shopping expenses while giving more thoughtful and memorable gifts. The advice on her blogs and personal website is based on her theory of “giveology”—the idea that people should spend less while giving more to people and causes for which they are passionate. The “gift of three,” in which one main gift is paired with two related smaller ones is one fundamental technique described in her booklet, “Giveology: A Gift-Giving Survival Guide.” Carota also owns and operates Virtual Public Relations, a sole proprietorship that focuses on public relations and social media consulting. Carota’s business success landed her a January 2010
Along with her public relations and gift therapy careers, Carota is a dedicated volunteer in southwestern Pennsylvania. She is the founder and director of The Black Pants Project, a non-profit organization that supplies disadvantaged women with at least one business suit for interviews and two professional outfits upon finding a job. The organization, which is run by volunteers and funded through donations, was founded upon the idea that women will have more confidence and perform better at interviews and at work when they feel good about how they look.
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2002
Kelly Kimberland joined UPMC Health Plan as the director of social marketing and strategic planning. Her duties include indentifying, executing and measuring strategic communication campaigns for the UPMC Health Plan and its business units.
Jennifer Palashoff opened Learning Express, an educational toy store with 140 locations across the country, in Robinson, Pa., in November 2009 with her twin sister Julie Toussaint. Their mother Cindy also works in the store. During their first month, the sisters hosted a charity night in which they donated 20 percent of the night’s sales to the local chapter of the Autism Society of America. Plans for a fundraiser to benefit a local school’s PTA are currently in discussion. Palashoff has two children, Nicholas (7) and Paige (3), who enjoy visiting their mother’s store.
Kristen Cochran Ickes, D.O., accepted a faculty position with Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Fla. Ickes recently completed an internship in internal medicine at Carillion Clinic in Roanoke, Va., where she served as chief medical resident and was named Resident of the Year. While at Carillion, Ickes also started and chaired the Resident Practice Improvement Committee and was elected by her peers to serve on the Graduate Medical Education Committee for two years.
1992 Robert Brooks, M.D., co-owner of the Wheeling Nailers (the Pittsburgh Penguins AA team), poses with his family beside the Stanley Cup. Pictured from left to right are Shelli DeCarlo Brooks ’94, Rob Brooks ’92 holding daughter Camille born Feb. 16, 2009, Sue Brooks, Karyn Brooks ’95, Bob Brooks, Jim Brooks holding son born Aug. 20, 2009, and Melissa Brooks.
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feature in Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Women in Business Spotlight.” In 2009, Carota served as a consumer advocate and contributing expert to Pittsburgh’s WTAE News, KDKA Radio and “The Jennifer Antkowiak Show.”
SUMMER 2010 MAGAZINE
1998 Clancy J. Atkinson has been named vice president and relationship manager for PNC Wealth Management Group in northwestern Pennsylvania. Prior to accepting this position, Atkinson was a financial planner for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and Mellon/Citizens Bank. Atkinson is a certified financial planner. He and his wife Amy have three children, Liam, Sammy and Claire.
Michael Pehur has accepted a position as a development services manager with GSP Consulting in Pittsburgh. Pehur previously served as project finance coordinator at Allegheny County Economic Development.
2003 Amanda Bucher was selected as marketing/ communications manager at the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Prior to accepting this position, Bucher was an executive at Howell, Liberatore & Wickham and project coordinator at Potomac Communications Group.
2004 Michael Calder, at age 26, was sworn in as the mayor of Export, Pa., in January 2010. After graduating from law school in 2007, Calder began work at Rosen, Louik, and Perry P.C. in Pittsburgh. Catherine (Katie) Davis competed in St. Anthony’s Triathlon in April with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. The Olympic distance triathlon included a 1-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and a 10-kilometer run. While training, Davis raised money to support blood cancer research and to help those suffering from leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma to live longer and healthier lives.
WEDDINGS
1974 William S. Jersey and Nancy Tulli married Feb. 2, 2010, in Costa Rica. The wedding party was held in Hershey, Pa., Feb. 12, 2010. Alumni in attendance were Conrad Tselepis ’74, Louise Kirkpatrick Ross ’74, Dr. Peter Ross ’74 and Brad Jersey ’82.
2006
1999
Emily Bloom joined the Center for Coalfield Justice as a community organizer for Washington County, Pa., where she will focus on documenting and addressing long-wall mining impacts. Bloom previously served in AmeriCorps through the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Freshwater Conservation Program and worked as a nutrient management specialist and agricultural conservation technician with the Indiana County Conservation District.
Amy Lynn Callipare ’99 and Brian Thomas Rose were married March 27, 2010, at St. Joseph Chapel, Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa.
2008 Monica Justin spent the spring 2010 semester studying abroad in Spain. She is attending the Granada Institute of International Studies graduate program.
2009 Aaron C. Devoe, Navy seaman, completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. Justin Swank accepted a job at Consol Energy as administrator of media development and Consol TV, an in-company television network.
Emily Taylor and David Casleton were united in marriage June 18, 2009, in Kollweiler, Germany.
2005 Tara L. Wilmus married Jason A. Smith Sept. 26, 2009, at a ceremony at All Saints Polish National Catholic Church in Carnegie. W&J alumni in the wedding included the bride’s brothers, Todd Wilmus ’03 and Michael Wilmus ’06, as well as Jennifer Joyce O’Shea ’02 and Lauren Slampak ’07.
Vanessa L. Mirkovich, D.V.M., received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in a ceremony held June 2009.
Samantha L. Malone completed her master’s degree in public health at the University of Pittsburgh. Malone also is certified in public health.
is the controller and social director at the Youghiogheny Country Club in Elizabeth, Pa. James Tanner Burd ’03 was a groomsmen.
2000
2007
Autum Foster and John Kissinger ’02 were married Aug. 16, 2008. W&J alumni in attendance included bridal party members Chris Kissinger ’88, Matt Haydo ’02, Dave Spagnolo ’02, Heather Lapinski ’00 and Tasha Johnston Gesacion ’01. Post-ceremony photos were taken on campus where the couple met.
Frank Rocchio and Natalie Schuler ’08 were married Jan. 2, 2010, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh. Frank is employed by the U.S. Secret Service, and Natalie works at the Center of Legislative Archives at the National Archives and Records Administration. Members of their wedding party included Alexis Defilippo ’06, Eric Taslov ’07, Lauren Mahoney ’08 and Carley Riggin ’09.
2003 Brent Alan Rockwell and Tawnya Lee Zucatti were married June 13, 2009. While at W&J, Brent was a member and captain of the baseball team. Currently, he is finishing his master’s degree and is employed with the Intermediate Unit as a special education teacher in the Connellsville Area School District. The bride
2008 Kayla Galbraith married Michael McCormley Aug. 1, 2008, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Duquesne, Pa. Kayla is a substitute teacher in various area school districts and Michael is employed by the United States Steel Corporation at the Edgar Thompson Plant in Braddock, Pa.
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NEW ADDITIONS
2002 Betsy Diflippo Moore and Brian Moore ’03 welcomed their daughter Madilyn Ann on Dec. 27, 2009. Betsy writes, “Madilyn is a blessing. Our lives are forever changed!”
1972 Walter Hertenstein and his wife Ginny are the proud grandparents of Luke Cameron Hertenstein, born March 9, 2009.
1993 Tom McNabb and his wife Mieko are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Minoa Louise, born Dec. 21, 2009.
1994 Jim McKenzie and Kelly McCoy-McKenzie welcomed their son, James Finnegan, on March 11, 2010. Finn joins Meghan (6) and Jack (4) and is the grandchild of Jane and Ron McKenzie ’55.
American Medical Association and the Uniontown Hospital.
James R. Slagle and his wife Erin are pleased to announce the birth of Evan Jay, born April 6, 2010. Evan’s sister Ryan (3) warmly welcomes her new brother.
2003 Erica Adamire, her husband Dwight, and their daughter Lily (3), welcome the newest addition to their family, Cooper James, born May 13, 2009.
IN MEMORIAM J. Paul Knestrick ’34, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 11, 2009, at the age of 97. He was a math teacher at Washington High School for 43 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
2000 James Bittner IV and his wife Jamie proudly announce the birth of their daughter Eleanor Lynn, born Sept. 24, 2009. Ben Scott and his wife Elena welcomed a new daughter into their family Nov. 10, 2009. Sophia Lilianna joins her sister, Angelina (3). Paternal grandparents are Judy Rush Scott and John Mark Scott ’69, professor of modern languages at W&J. Maternal grandparents are Alfonso and Aida Garrido of Intag, Ecuador.
2001 Joanne Stanley Frye and her husband Henry announce the arrival of their son Henry William II, born Nov. 3, 2009.
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Nathan Norton Landay ’35, Oak Ridge, Tenn., died Jan. 15, 2010, at the age of 97. He worked in New Deal funded programs until Army conscription in World War II. He served as head of the instrument department at the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1977. John C. Welday ’39, Smithfield, Ohio, died April 1, 2008. Known in his community as “Apple Jack,” he took over the family orchard in 1973 and always participated in the Annual Smithfield Apple Festival. Thomas E. Ellwood Jr. ’40, North Franklin Township, Pa., died Feb. 13, 2010, at the age of 91. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and then raised beef cattle on the family farm. In 1957, he built the first all-electric home in Washington County. He worked at West Penn Power Company for more than 40 years and retired in 1979. Thomas M. D’Auria, M.D., ’41, Uniontown, Pa., died Dec. 19, 2009, at the age of 89. He served in the U.S. Navy. As a well-known pediatrician, Dr. D’Auria was involved in many professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics,
Joseph H. Dunlap ’42, Toledo, Ohio, died March 28, 2010, at the age of 88. Mr. Dunlap served in the U.S. Air Force in World War II. His career included positions as a stockbroker, a sales representative and, most recently, a real estate sales agent. While at W&J, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. James H. Kranich ’42, Strasburg, Va., died Jan. 20, 2009, at the age of 91. Tracy K. Boyer ’43, Keedysville, Md., died Jan. 14, 2010, at the age of 89. He served as chaplain in the U.S. Navy and went on to be the pastor in several different churches. Frederick A. Dimit ’43, Tulsa, Okla., died Jan. 10, 2009, at the age of 86. Mr. Dimit was a retired realtor. Gerald R. Marshall ’43, Jacksonville, Fla., died Dec. 16, 2009, at the age of 88. He served in the U.S. Air Force in World War II and the Korean Conflict. After serving in the military for 24 years, he retired and began a second career in higher education. He retired at age 64 to Florida. Nicholas C. Russin, Ph.D., ’43, Kingsport, Tenn., died April 14, 2010, at the age of 83. He worked for 35 years as a research chemist, and was an exceptional violinist who played in the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra for more than 30 years, serving as president and board member for the group. Dr. Russin held various leadership roles at his church in his 44 years of attendance. He also was active in many community organizations, and he was the Sullivan County Commissioner and former Worshipful Master of the Kingsport Masonic Lodge. A talented athlete, Mr. Russin turned down an offer with a minor league baseball team to join the U.S. Navy during World War II. While at W&J, he earned Phi Beta Kappa honors. Robert Bryan, Ph.D., ’44, Galesburg, Tenn., died April 13, 2010, at the age of 87. Dr. Bryan was a professor emeritus of mathematics at Knox College, where he worked for 28 years and won some of the college’s highest faculty awards. He was honored in 1989 by the Illinois Section of the Mathematical Association of America with their Distinguished Service Award. He was part of the American Mathematical Society, Sigma Xi—The Scientific Research Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Lt. Col. Robert E. Keegan ’44, Corrales, N.M., died June 22, 2009, at the age of 87. Lt. Col. Keegan was a highly decorated World War II veteran, receiving the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, after flying 35 missions over
Europe. He later became a weapons specialist, once briefing President John F. Kennedy about new technology. After retiring from the Air Force, Keegan worked for Litton Industries and GTE in product research and development and became involved in multiple military and historical preservation organizations.
served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, and, from 1955 until retiring in 1995, he practiced obstetrics and gynecology. During his career, he served as president of Rahway Hospital, president of Union County Medical Society, and member of the Rahway school board.
Orville I. Wold ’44, Rice Lake, Wis., died Sept. 22, 2009, at the age of 86.
William H. Eisenberger ’48, LaVale, Md., died June 25, 2009, at the age of 82. He retired from Kelly-Springfield Tire and Rubber Company as director of advertising in 1988.
Rev. Mark H. Caldwell ’45, Redford, Pa., died April 24, 2009, at the age of 85. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his service, he was a Presbyterian minister for more than 41 years. Ray W. Forquer Jr. ’45, Connellsville, Pa., died Jan. 4, 2010, at the age of 86. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, and pursued a career in education, serving as a teacher, athletic director and basketball coach at several Pennsylvania high schools. In 1989, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He also was inducted into the Swissvale High School Hall of Fame and the Washington County Hall of Fame. While at W&J, he, along with his twin brother Ralph, participated in the basketball team that played in the 1943 National Invitational Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York. The team placed third in the tournament to complete the season with an 18-5 record. During this period, the tournament was the nation’s most exclusive post-season basketball tournament. Jack M. Nelan ’45, Upper St. Clair, Pa., died Nov. 27, 2009, at the age of 88. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a Purple Heart recipient. Clyde W. Orhman ’45, Ft. Myers, Fla., died July 14, 2009, at the age of 86. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He retired after 40 years in the field of engineering program management and product design for the Boeing Company. Edward E. Long Jr. ’46, Southport, Conn., died Jan. 9, 2009, at the age of 84. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He was active in the community participating in Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and transportation of cancer patients. John Calvin Meloy ’46, Tucson, Ariz., died Feb. 5, 2010, at the age of 86. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aviation intelligence officer. Mr. Meloy dedicated 37 years to the employee benefits division of Aetna Life & Casualty where he held a number of management roles. He also served on the executive committee for the W&J board of trustees. John J. Sprowls, M.D., ’46, Rahway, N.J., died March 16, 2010, at the age of 85. Dr. Sprowls
Robert Wayne ’48, Merced, Calif., died Nov. 9, 2009, at the age of 86. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. He was one of the founders of the Teachers’ Credit Union in 1954 and became the credit union’s full-time manager. Mr. Wayne also was the former president of the Merced Symphony Association. Robert J. Bissell ’49, Longwood, Fla., died Jan. 18, 2009, at the age of 83. Mannie Brenner ’49, Belmont, Mass., died Oct. 26, 2009, at the age of 82. Stephen Warren Hunt Jr. ’49, Forest Hill, Md., died April 23, 2010, at the age of 86. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and 32nd Degree Master Mason, serving as master of his lodge in 1973. Mr. Hunt worked for Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. for 37 years before retiring in 1986. Albert G. Rieck ’49, Mt. Lebanon, Pa., died Jan. 12, 2010, at the age of 89. He served in the U.S. Marines Corps during World War II. He was a popular language and drama teacher at Chartiers-Houston High School. R. Ray Van Nuffelen, O.D., ’49, Laguna Woods, Calif., died May 13, 2009 at the age of 85. John Alexander Woods ’49, Nashville, Tenn., died April 20, 2008, at the age of 83. He served in the Korean Conflict and afterward moved to Tennessee to become owner of Woods Equipment Company. James Howell Corwin II, M.D., ’50, Washington, Pa., died Feb. 18, 2010, at the age of 80. Dr. Corwin was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was president of the Florida Surgical Society from 1989 to 1991. He also published articles related to surgery, taught as a clinical professor of surgery, and was a commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Dr. Corwin donated much of his free time to community groups and served on the board of directors for many educational and research organizations. James William Ewing ’50, Lynchburg, Pa., died Jan. 27, 2010, at the age of 86. While at W&J, he was active in Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the college radio station and the Spanish club,
with whom he travelled to Mexico and had their trip documented in the Washington (Pa.) Observer-Reporter. Mr. Ewing then pursued a career in nuclear energy and helped to start the Babcock & Wilcox facility on Mount Athos, Pa. He specialized in mass spectrometry and focused on furthering the understanding of nuclear energy. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. David D. Faunce Jr. ’50, Farmington, N.Y., died April 4, 2010, at the age of 83. William A. Fowler ’50, McLean, Va., died Aug. 8, 2009, at the age of 82. While at W&J, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. Andrew T. Mikula ’50, Butler, Pa., died Jan. 27, 2010, at the age of 82. He taught in various schools for a total of 36 years before retiring in 1987. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II. Milton Rinzler ’50, New York, died Nov. 2, 2009, at the age of 80. He was an active member of the New York State Bar and a leader in the New York real estate mortgage industry for more than 50 years. He was employed by Hartman & Craven. John Strathen ’50, Clearfield, Pa., died March 14, 2010, at the age of 85. He was employed by the American Window Glass Co. as plant manager at multiple locations. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II. Howard Franklin Townsend ’50, State College, Pa., died Feb. 21, 2010, at the age of 83. Prior to his retirement in 1991, he worked for the public affairs division of Allegheny Power, in Greensburg, Pa. He also was the chair of running campaigns for the United Way for many years. Mr. Townsend was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. Richard G. Kelley ’51, Poland, Ohio, died Jan. 20, 2009, at the age of 79. Prior to his retirement in 1992, Mr. Kelley worked for Comdoc as vice president of sales for 40 years. Mr. Kelley was also a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Korean Conflict. Mario D. Ottaviani ’51, Scott Township, Pa., died Dec. 7, 2009, at the age of 83. Mr. Ottvani worked at Teledyne Columbia Summerill in Carnegie, Pa., for more than 36 years. He also was a World War II veteran and a Civil War enthusiast. Harvey B. Schwartz ’51, Boyton Beach, Fla., died Dec. 2, 2009, at the age of 81. George E. Tucker ’51, Albuquerque, N.M., died March 2, 2009 at the age of 79. Mickael Tukdarian ’51, Auburndale, Fla., died Nov. 1, 2009, at the age of 87. After working WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE
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for American Airlines, Mr. Tukdarian served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He later was employed as a chemist and owned multiple businesses in New Jersey. After retirement, he served as a consultant for the National Executive Service Corp of New York City and the U.S. Census Bureau of New York City. He also was a member of the JFK Tariff Commission, the head of a Masonic lodge, and an accomplished oil painter, stained glass artist, and furniture and model sailboat builder. David B. Miller ’52, Erie, Pa., died April 28, 2010, at the age of 80. Mr. Miller served in the U.S. Army and served in a tour of duty in Korea. He retired in 2006 from a career in sales. Burnet H. Weinsweig ’52, Pittsburgh, died Feb. 11, 2010, at the age of 79. Arthur Cohen ’53, Henderson, Nev., died Oct. 18, 2009, at the age of 77. Mr. Cohen was a retired retail manager and former president of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
John C. Guyon, Ph.D., ’53, Carbondale, Ill., died March 17, 2010, at the age of 78. Dr. Guyon was chancellor at Southern University Carbondale (SIUC) for nine years, giving him the second longest tenure in SIUC history. He arrived at the university in 1974 as a professor of chemistry, eventually becoming the first dean of the College of Science. Other titles he held included associate vice president for research, dean of the graduate school, acting vice president and vice president for academic affairs and research. In 2009, the John C. Guyon Auditorium in the SIUC Morris Library was dedicated in his honor. Before joining SIUC, Dr. Guyon taught and chaired chemistry departments at two other colleges. He also worked as an analytical chemist and served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. Rev. Dr. John C. Inglis Jr. ’53 died April 11, 2010, at the age of 78. Rev. Inglis served with the U.S. Army as a chaplain and paratrooper. He ministered at Presbyterian churches for 30 years and also served as president of Five Acres, a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children. Rev. Inglis volunteered
in many service-oriented organizations and was president of the Board for Family Service Association in Redlands, Calif. Roy E. Summers Jr. ’53, Ross Township, Pa., died Feb. 16, 2010, at the age of 78. Mr. Summers was employed as a chief radiation physicist in the oncology department of Allegheny General Hospital until retiring in 1983. Paul L. Wrigley Jr. ’53, Wadsworth, Ohio, died March 5, 2010, at the age of 78. While at W&J, he was member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Mr. Wrigley served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was retired from Packaging Corporation of America. Kenneth W. Mateer ’54, Phoenix, died Dec. 25, 2009, at the age of 77. In 1968, Mr. Mateer began work in California as a patent attorney for Teledyne, Inc. He was passionate in his support for civil rights and the advancement of the Democratic Party. John Paul Brown ’55, Woodstock, Md., died Nov. 17, 2009, at the age of 76. Mr. Brown
John P. Murtha (1932-2010): Celebrated Congressman and W&J Advocate J John P. Murtha ’55, Johnstown, Pa., died F Feb. 8, 2010, at the age of 77. Murtha was a representative of Pennsylvania’s 12th D District, a position he had held since 1974, m making him the state’s longest-serving m member of Congress and the chamber’s eeighth most senior member. T Throughout his career, Murtha was iinfluential in many aspects of domestic and fforeign policy. Abroad, he was involved in m monitoring the fairness and legitimacy of iimportant elections in Panama, El Salvador, h Philippines Phili i d Bosnia B i and worked with Charlie Wilson in the the and 1980s to fund the Central Intelligence Agency’s delivery of weapons to anti-Soviet fighters in Afghanistan In domestic policy, he helped to diversify local industries and bring many jobs to his district and constituents in western Pennsylvania. Murtha co-founded the Congressional Steel Caucus to aid in the preservation of the remains of America’s steel industry, and also was a long-time supporter of alternative energy research and technology. He fought for health-care benefits for miners and veterans, among other groups, and also ensured funding for research on diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer, securing $2.5 billion for breast cancer research. Furthermore, he was an advocate for Pennsylvania heritage preservation and tourism, obtaining funds for sites such as Fort Necessity, Fallingwater, Gettysburg National Military Park and the Flight 93 National Memorial. Before joining the U.S. House
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of Representatives, Murtha served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1969-1974. Murtha had a decorated career with the U.S. Marine Corps, joining in 1952, and retiring as a colonel in 1990 from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He was well-known for being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress and often was sent to assess the situation of U.S. troops in locations including Lebanon, Panama, Somalia and the countries of the Gulf Region. Though always an advocate for the military, he was one of the staunchest Iraq War critics on Capitol Hill, initially supporting the Iraq invasion but calling for a swift exit in 2005. Born in New Martinsville, W.Va., Murtha attended W&J before he enlisted with the Marines. He later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. John Murtha regularly invited W&J students to 2%/%0Ǝ$%/Ǝ+ò !Ǝ 0Ǝ the U.S. House of Representatives. Pictured from left: Seth Johnston ‘02, Kevin Rogers ‘03, Joseph DiSarro, Jessica Sustrich ‘02 and Buba Misawa.
served in the U.S. Army and was a long-time employee of Aetna Life and Casualty. Anthony Samuel Mastrian, M.D., ’55, Neshannock Township, Pa., died Feb. 17, 2010, at the age of 74. Dr. Mastrian retired as a commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, and then opened his own surgical practice. He served on many committees and as president of the medical staff at both St. Francis Hospital and Jameson Hospital. Though he retired in 1993, Dr. Mastrian continued serving the community as a physician at a local jail and at the St. Francis Hospital psychiatric ward. Joseph Rosario Comberiati ’56, Brookhaven, W.Va., died April 18, 2010, at the age of 87. He served in World War II as a communications expert and received six Bronze Stars. After W&J, he served in the U.S. Department of Energy for 36 years as a research chemist, where he received a patent for his work on coal/gas liquefaction. Donald W. Soyka ’59, Ingram, Pa., died April 12, 2010, at the age of 76. Michael D. Moore ’60, New York, N.Y., died Oct. 18, 2009, at the age of 71. David P. Day ’61, Conover, N.C., died April 3, 2010, at the age of 73. Mr. Day was employed for 33 years by Corning Glass Works and Siecor Corp. Joseph Nagel III ’65, Whitehall, Pa., died Dec. 28, 2009, at the age of 67. Bruce H. Scagel ’70, Lower Nazareth Township, Pa., died Dec. 29, 2009, at the age of 61. Mr. Scagel was owner of Treeline Training in Nazareth and was involved in sales and management training for more than 30 years. He previously worked for M&M Mars and Scott Paper Company. Daryl E. White, M.D., ’75, Chambersburg, Pa., died Aug. 28, 2009, at the age of 56. Dr. White began his medical practice in 1983 and served his patients for 26 years. Jospeh N. Pagano ’77, Arlington, Va., died Feb. 11, 2010, at the age of 54. Mr. Pagano worked in the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) as digital media project coordinator, leading the Library of Congress’ website analytics program. He began work at the Library in 1998 as part of the Congressional Research Service, specializing in automation information resources. He later was employed in the Network Development and MARC Standards Office of Library Services and in the OSI Web Services Unit. Prior to joining the Library of Congress, Mr. Pagano worked for seven years at the National Library of Medicine. Martin Lloyd Ware ’78, Washington, Pa., died Jan. 19, 2010, at the age of 53. Mr. Ware co-founded Washington Green Alternative Residential Services, where he served as
president for 23 years, and founded Chances Inc., a non-profit organization serving individuals facing developmental challenges. He also was a certified public accountant and owner of Clark and Co. and a former Washington city controller. In 2008, he was honored by the Greater Washington County Food Bank. Tim E. Salsberry ’91, Washington, Pa., died March 14, 2010, at the age of 57. Mr. Salsberry was employed in the safety division of Thermo Fisher Scientific and also worked for the Fairmont Supply Co. for 25 years. Brian R. Shok ’05, Meadville, Pa., died March 18, 2010, at the age of 26. He graduated from W&J with honors and was enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. He was a musician who greatly enjoyed playing his guitar in his spare time.
FRIENDS Ethel Mae Anderson Griffin Asbury, Washington, Pa., died Feb. 12, 2010, at the age of 96. She worked for a number of years at W&J. She also established Tom_Et Glass Etcetera with her husband Thomas in Washington, D.C., and was very involved in collecting, selling and showing antique glass. Michael W. Brim, Asbury Park, N.J., died April 8, 2010, at the age of 63. Mr. Brim attended W&J and worked for 38 years in advertising and marketing management with CATS Magazine and Cat Fanciers’ Association, and as a technical assistant to the media in the fields of cat pedigree and history. He was co-founder, former vice president and a member of the board of directors for the Cat Writers’ Association. In 2004, Mr. Brim entered the real estate industry and joined several realtor associations. He was active in many community organizations. William Harry Crosier Jr., Washington, Pa., died March 13, 2010, at the age of 74. He attended W&J and then, after 43 years of service to the U.S. Army Reserves and the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania, he retired with a rank of sergeant major. Mr. Crosier also retired as a foreman for Washington Steel Corporation after 31 years. Verna Mae Martin Evans, Washington, Pa., died April 20, 2010, at the age of 98. She was a former cook at W&J and a nurse at Manor Nursing Home on Beau Street. L. Wayne Hancher died Nov. 29, 2009, at the age of 62. Before joining the W&J community in the maintenance department, he served as a Specialist 5 in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
He received several sets of Aviation Wings, a Vietnam Service Medal and a Sharp-shooter Rifle Badge. He retired from W&J after 20 years of service. Anne M. Johnson, Washington, Pa., died Nov. 8, 2009, at the age of 85. She enjoyed knitting, needlepoint and decoupage and was involved in the W&J Tapestry Project. Frank A. Johnson Jr., Washington, Pa., died Jan. 21, 2010, at the age of 41. Johnson was employed by Aramark as a groundskeeper at W&J and was owner of Johnson Landscaping. Marjorie Louise Simpson Koscho, Lone Pine, Wash., died April 9, 2010, at the age of 88. She was an avid lover of Appaloosa horses and joined in the annual bird counts with W&J. Marian Leake, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 25, 2009, at the age of 81. She was employed as a nurse at Shadyside Hospital and was active with W&J programs and concerts. James A. McConnell, Houston, Pa., died Feb. 16, 2010, at the age of 88. McConnell had a lifelong passion for painting and his work highlighted several buildings on the W&J campus. His artwork also has been exhibited at the College. Fred J. Mencer, Horicon, Wis., died April 13, 2010, at the age of 86. He attended W&J in 1947 before attending seminary and later becoming a librarian. Julius S. Nyikos, Washington, Pa., died March 7, 2010, at the age of 90. He immigrated to the United States in 1949, with an education in the phonographic Hungarian orthography and a mastered knowledge in the writing of Latin, German and Finnish. He was a professor of German and general linguistics at W&J and was the founder/president of the New English Orthography Institute. Glenda J. Rence, R.N., Winchester, Va., died Oct. 29, 2009, at the age of 75. She received her nursing degree from W&J, and worked as a registered nurse for 27 years before retiring in 1988. Stephen H. Romanoff, Penn Hills, Pa, died Jan. 29, 2010, at the age of 71. He attended W&J and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. He was co-owner of Ace Sporting Goods in Washington for 14 years and owner of Allegheny River Arsenal in Verona for 20 years. William Vance Roney, Hagerstown, Md., died Feb. 20, 2010, at the age of 84. He served in World War II in the U.S. Navy and received an honorable discharge in 1946. Mr. Roney then attended W&J and finished his degree at Strayer College. He was active in the community and a
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class notes
charter member of the Suburban Kiwanis Club of Hagerstown for 51 years. Frank Sarris, Canonsburg, Pa., died March 1, 2010, at the age of 78. He was the founder and president of Sarris Candies Inc. and was honored by the Pennsylvania Small Business Association as Small Business Person of the Year in 2001, by W&J as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002, and by Washington County Community Foundation as Philanthropist of the Year. Grace E. Hart Sellman, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 5, 2009, at the age of 86. She was a housekeeper for W&J for 23 years, retiring in 1985.
John W. Stitt, Washington, Pa., died April 18, 2010, at the age of 86. He attended Adjutant Generals School at W&J before serving in the European Theater and receiving the Bronze Star during World War II. He also owned J.W. Stitt Furniture Store for 44 years. Garry F. Vorhees, Cincinnati, died Jan. 11, 2010, at the age of 83. He attended W&J and then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. From 1954 to 1987, Mr. Vorhees worked at the television station WTRF and retired as vice president of programming. He was a charter member and one of the founders of the National Association of Television Program Executives, and, in
2007, was inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Vorhees also was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a past board member of Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, a former chairman of the Wheel Salvation Army Advisory Board, and an eightyear member of the Wheeling Police Civil Service Commission. Nat Youngblood, West Middletown, Pa., died Dec. 18, 2009, at the age of 92. He is a widely recognized artist for his work of the American West, sweeping landscapes, and regional images created for The Pittsburgh Press. He received an honorary degree from W&J in 1999.
Remembering cherished W&J professors The W&J community reflects upon the distinguished careers of four longtime professors dedicated to the chemistry, English, history and political science departments. Edward Carl Laun, Ph.D., East Washington, Pa., died Feb. 10, 2010, at the age of 74. He was a professor of English at W&J for 35 years, retiring from the College in 1998. He greatly enjoyed engaging in discussions with students and colleagues and developing ideas for his Intersession courses, including courses on 1950s movies, the Holocaust and collaborative novel-writing. Dr. Laun also ran a film series for students at W&J for a decade. In 1977, he traveled to Romania as a visiting Fulbright Scholar in American Literature. In his spare time, he enjoyed critiquing television shows and movies, traveling, reading and spending time with his family, often playing tennis with his sons on the courts at W&J. Allen B. Lee, Ph.D., Fredericktown, Pa., died Dec. 19, 2009, at the age of 79. He was a W&J professor and chairman of the political science department and social sciences division until retiring in 1995. A frequent traveler to Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Dr. Lee was particularly interested in international affairs and was instrumental in establishing the Royal Holloway and Bedford New College exchange program. He also advised the Pre-Legal Society and Phi Sigma Alpha. He was listed as “A Notable American of the Bicentennial Era” and received a number of distinguished teaching awards. An active member of the Republican party, he also served on regional political science committees. Dr. Lee was a World War II veteran and Christian minister.
Edward Carl Laun, Ph.D.
Adlai Eldon Michaels, Ph.D., Okeechobee, Fla., died Feb. 27, 2010, at the age of 96. Dr. Michaels joined the W&J faculty in 1959 after working at the Esso Research and Engineering Company for 16 years. At W&J, he served as secretary of the faculty, president of Phi Beta Kappa, faculty adviser to Delta Tau Delta social fraternity, and campus representative for the Fulbright Program, Rhodes Scholarship and East-West Foundation. He also was named as one of two consulting faculty members to the Distinguished Faculty Awards Program of the state Department of Education. He retired in 1983, after 24 years of service, and was appointed professor emeritus of chemistry. Walter Stanley Sanderlin, Washington, Pa., died Feb. 12, 2010, at the age of 89. He was a professor at W&J in the history department for 39 years, serving as chairman for 21 years until his retirement in 1985. He also coached W&J tennis, leading the team to be undefeated in the conference for four consecutive years, and advised the Moffat Debate Forum. He published more than two dozen scholarly articles on a variety of topics, a book on the Potomac Valley for secondary school students, and, in 1961, co-founded W&J’s annual journal Topic: A Journal of the Liberal Arts. He was a historical consultant to the National Park Service, a member of the Washington County Historical Society and a two-time Fulbright visiting professor.
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SUMMER 2010 MAGAZINE
Adlai Eldon Michaels, Ph.D.
W&J Homecoming & Reunion Weekend OCTOBER 8-9, 2010
TOP 10 REASON S TO COME HOME AGAIN IN 2010 1.
Honor fellow class mates’ achievemen ts and see who br Homecoming dinn ings home the Cl er, a sell-out even ass Cup at the t each year. 2. Forty years ag o, 125 women mad e history when th students. At Hom ey enrolled at W&J ecoming, we are ce as full-time lebrating this mile graduates of the stone with specia early 1970s. l events for our 3. Do you miss early-morning le ctures on campus? stimulating talks Relive your college from experts in th days by attending e legal and medic in your seat at th al fields. You will e back of the class want to trade for a spot in the fro nt row. 4. College tours are not just for pr ospective studen J-Walkers show yo ts. Let one of our u around campus knowledgeable to see what’s new, Science Center. like the John A. Sw anson 5. Bring the kids , and your appetit e, to the family-s inspired by Weste tyle tailgate lunc rn Pennsylvania h with a menu traditions. (Yes, yo u can have fries wi 6. Reconnect wi th that.) th classmates, team mates and profes reunions taking so rs at one of the m place on campus. any class Don’t forget to m class photo! ark the occasion by smiling for the 7. Cheer on the Presidents in an exciting game ag celebrate 40 year ainst St. Vincent s since W&J prod College as we uced its first PAC championship fo 8. See familiar fa otball team. ces and make new friends over food Quarter event. Th an d dr inks at the ever-p is is a party you wi opular Fifth ll not want to miss the tent on the O – just listen for th lin lawn. e music under 9. “Jump around ” at the ’90s Danc e Party, where th songs of the deca e DJ will be spinni de at this first-of-i ng your favorite ts-kind bash. Grad uates of all classes 10. While you ar are welcome! e in Washington, make a weekend and see what the out of your stay to Most Livable City visit Pittsburgh in America has to www.visitpittsbu offer. For ideas, go rgh.com. to
Register today at
jayconnected.com /homecoming
Washington & Jefferson College 60 South Lincoln Street Washington, Pennsylvania 15301-4801
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 1183
Cert no. SW-COC-002281
A BRIGHT BEGINNING The John A. Swanson Science Center casts a warm glow across the W&J campus on the night of its grand opening. President Tori Haring-Smith compared the building to a lantern, “burning bright as the students pore over their books and experiments inside.�