J W &
Making Their Mark Spring 2009
C e l e b ra t i n g O u r Yo u n g A l u m n i
president’smessage
TORI HARING-SMITH
spring2009 Executive Editor Emily Trifaro Associate Editor Robert Reid
Commencement is always a bittersweet day for me. As I watch our graduates cross the stage and I hold out their diplomas to them, I know how much we will miss each of these students; students who undertook challenging research projects, who traveled abroad and brought back wonderful stories, and who asked those difficult questions in seminars. But I also think of everything that lies ahead of them as they walk down those steps off of the stage, out of the tent, and into the real world. They are entering a world that is unpredictable, a world that will test their minds and their spirits. But I am also confident that W&J has prepared them well to meet these challenges and to excel.
“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth.” —Benjamin Disraeli
In this issue, we drop in on some of these young alumni a few years after graduation to see how they are faring. And the news is good. Roughly 86 percent of our students have jobs or graduate school admission offers when they graduate, but they also continue to develop and evolve, following the passions that they nurtured at W&J. Those who struggled through organic chemistry become groundbreaking researchers. Those who spent late nights reading history and writing literature papers become brilliant lawyers. Those who painted and sang and dreamed of starting their own businesses are following their dreams. Their stories are what excite me about W&J. This is a place that truly transforms lives. What impresses me most about the alumni featured throughout this issue is the diversity of fields and breadth of interests that these young professionals are pursuing. Did you know that statistically today’s freshmen will change careers on average nine times in their lifetimes? At this point in their lives, one alumnus featured here is a songwriter, another is a telecommunications entrepreneur, another is a politician, another is an outstanding surgeon, and yet another co-founded a fly-fishing company. At least, that is what they are doing today. But I think they are also prepared to grow and evolve in their individual life journeys. Through W&J’s liberal arts education, these alumni learned not only how to think critically, write clearly, and speak persuasively, but also how to learn. Armed with these skills, they are poised to become leaders and to move agilely from one career to the next. Where will their lives take them? The possibilities are endless. What a joy it will be to watch them develop over time as they assume new positions of leadership and help to drive forward bio-medical research, the practice of law, the field of journalism, and the art of the pierogi. Whatever your age, I hope you find these stories of young alumni doing great things as inspiring as I do. Please join me in admiring their early years and wishing them well on their way.
Contributors Kerri DiGiovanni ’09, Michele (Abate) Hufnagel ’93, Rebecca Keenan, Jami Klingensmith, Scott McGuinness, Georgia Schumacher ’10, Heather Smith ’03, Sarah Sperry Design The VisuGroup, Martina Thomas Editorial Assistant Pamela Norris Student Assistants Jessica Cooper ’09, Stephanie Ohrt ’09 Photography Stacy Derrow ’06, Lake Fong, Michelle (Abate) Hufnagel ’93, Stephanie Ohrt ’09, Martin Santek Photography, Robert Reid, Sarah Sperry
W&J magazine, currently published twice a year by the Office of Communications, highlights alumni and campus news about and of interest to the more than 12,000 living alumni and friends of the College. To receive additional copies via postal mail of the current issue or a back issue of W&J magazine, please call 724-223-6531 or e-mail wjmag@washjeff.edu.
On the Cover
W&J
Making Their Mark Spring 2009
C e l e b ra t i n g O u r Yo u n g A l u m n i
A culinary entrepreneur, a musician, and a journalist—Lynne Szarnicki ’04, Paul Luc ’03, and Andrew Tabler ’93, respectively—are just three of many young alumni who are making their mark by pursuing interesting and varied careers with passion, dedication, and success. For this, we celebrate.
tableof contents
SPRING 2009
Making Their Mark: Celebrating Our Young Alumni ............................. 12
Sports Talk ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Alumni Connection .......................................................................................... 24 Jay Today ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Class Notes ....................................................................................................................................... 29 Through the Years ................................................................................................... 40
lettersto the editor W&J welcomes letters from readers regarding the magazine and its articles. Letters to the Editor solely express the views of the writers, and not W&J. The editor reserves the right to edit all letters for space and clarity. Please direct all letters (250 words or fewer) for publication to: Executive Editor, W&J Magazine Washington & Jefferson College Office of Communications 60 S. Lincoln Street Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 wjmag@washjeff.edu
The following letter references “Images of Jay,” which was featured on the back cover of the fall 2008 issue of W&J magazine, “Professors Who Inspire.” The picture from the back cover of the fall 2008 W&J magazine was taken in 1962 or 1963. It was during the Phi Gam FIJI ISLAND party weekend and took place at a lake outside Washington, Pa. Bill “Fog” Tranter ’64 (back row, far right) was about to be thrown in the lake by, from left to right: Doug Buchheit ’65, Charlie Eaton ’64, John Yauch ’63, and Melvin “Bud” Hayes ’64. Needless to say it was a great weekend for everyone, except for Bill. Charles Eaton ’64 1
jaytoday
stopthe press!!!!!
W&J Fall 2008
orrssWho fesso ofe Prro
inspire
h r ial Teache : The Influent Dave Newhall vague Remembering there. I had a echanical ow why I was m kn d an n’t ry, did y ist all em 49, I re I ath, ch in the fall of 19 eer, but first semester m rest of that academic year rived at W&J gin e When I first ar nted to be some kind of en ll precipitously, and for th fe notion that I wa killed that idea. My grades opping out of school. ly to dr year drawing quick consideration ed a required us rio se ing dule that includ Who just drifted, giv th a class sche est in studying philosophy. d into wi d te ee gr I walke ver, to be test inter ? Who cared? returned, howe d not the sligh The next fall I sophy. I was furious—I ha vid H. Newhall. Who was heest. ilo ot Da ph pr . r Dr rn de te of Wes y named there un oulder. I was With some gu . I studied hard needed that? th a definite chip on my sh into the course wi ss cla rst fi y s soon drawn ived an “A” from Dave, my m wa I d an r, he o good a teac e second semester I rece cause of Dave g. Dave was to of th ve Newhall be It didn’t last lon in college, and at the end ters of philosophy from Da in my thinking and writing). e es ts tim m g eight se ntial elemen for the first wound up takin Logic, which became esse him first at W&J. I hics and I got to know Et g din clu (in fall of 1950, so on or another (usually Newhall as I joined in the re ich e on wh r , fo am e te us et tennis e I m Dave’s his ho s coach of the imes came by to dinner, wher Dave also wa . I guess because I somet I was occasionally invited ss outside of cla tra day to hand in a paper), d Sarah (Suki). an ex children, Eric to beg for an but because he, d his first two great teacher, er wife, Gerry, an use he was a lf in life. Dave was a Quak his ca be t jus t No . se ise e was profound w one should conduct him acter. I never heard him ra m on e nc ue ho ar his ch odel for Dave’s infl was the key to nderful role m was such a wo ace and non-violence. That gry. an pe k to loo ed at him dedic e fall of 1952, saw oach to life; th ne, and never voice to anyo e Dave’s appr s, 35-20. The campus went m to ed fi pli of em e in many year W&J really ex to the chagrin in particular at ch in football for the first tim onday to celebrate, much y that day— One incident on M empt ol re egie Te ho rn we sc s Ca e om th at ro be to shut down n recall, virtually all class when W&J dents decided crazy. The stu administration. As far as I ca d an lty ing me—a the facu students, includ Newhall’s. did most of his class. However, the so except Dave d an , ain any Old M rst not to attend ning class, in of students bu up for his mor s enormous peer pressure with that. A sizable group W&J cheers. Dave showed wa g up e t din er pu th lea to r d fo , ing an go sk him real tribute to r that’s what it was) wasn’t ally jumping on Dave’s de tu student mob (fo room, one cheerleader ac ss cla ie. r him, a “B” mov into Dave’s was normal fo ene, worthy of t they didn’t. As ained steady, and bu , ve A really wild sc lea to s m student thing re d the intruding ice never went up, his brea ver, I noticed that his neck rs, Dave aske vo r a while, howe tained an outward calm. After the chee reasoning with them. His te Af . ob m e . main d th th Dave then trie laxed pose as he spoke wi his feelings. Otherwise, he ry for Dave, to my thinking re of victo he stood in a only indication e mob. But it was a moral e th d— re et had turned be lly gave in and left with th na te the His students fi lf-control. r, but also to no ment. se nderful teache on vir wo a en I admired his to ge n lle itio a small-co e recogn not only to giv on a student, especially in t only taught me many n writing this is no life. As you ca My reason for nce that a teacher can have W&J, and Dave Newhall at ose in his daily monstrated th . profound influe ixed-up kid when I arrived de o als t bu es m er I was a pretty lues in his philosophy class ind more than 55 years lat m lessons and va ught me is still fresh in my ta see, what he ve. Thank you, Da rises Ph.D. ’53 Shakti Enterp hwimmer, George Sc Creative Producer, Phoenix d an r de un -fo Co
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Dear W&J Magazine Editor, You left out from your last publication Dr. Terry Sandelaw. Dr. Sandelaw made Constitutional Law and American History come alive. He made you feel like you were in the room with the draftsmen of the Declaration of Independence, and made you proud to be an American. Then, of course, there was Dr. William Stein. A tenured professor and noted critic, Dr. Stein had time to encourage me to improve my writing, and had me do a theme every other day which he personally reviewed. This was way above and beyond anything he had to do as a full-blown professor, but he viewed himself as a “teacher.” Last, but certainly not least, was Dean Richard May. Dean May was outspoken, clear, and precise. Hence, when presented with the dilemma my senior year of whether to matriculate to one of the nation’s finest law schools, which gave me no scholarship, or to other very well-regarded institutions that gave me lots of scholarship money, Dean May looked up from his desk and said, “How early in your legal career do you want to become a whore?” Suffice it to say; early on he pointed me in the right direction! Sincerely Yours, Robert A. Stein ’68 Principal, Robert Stein & Associates, PLLC
W&J Honors Melani, Evans as Entrepreneurs of the Year
2009
Washington & Jefferson College honored Kenneth R. Melani, M.D. ’75, President and CEO of Highmark, Inc., and John Evans, an internationally recognized expert in the telecommunications industry perhaps best known as one of the co-founders of C-SPAN, as Entrepreneurs of the Year at its 23rd annual Entrepreneurial Leadership Dinner (ELD) on April 29 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh. As president and chief executive officer of Highmark, Inc., a position which he assumed on January 1, 2003, Dr. Melani oversees the daily operations of one of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans in the country. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Melani served as executive vice president of strategic business development and health services and president of Keystone Health Plan West, Highmark’s managed care subsidiary. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s strategic planning, marketing, informatics, and e-business development. Dr. Melani is board certified in internal medicine (ABIM) and is a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Medical Society, and the American Society of Internal Medicine. He is chairman of the board of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust; Holy Family Social Services; and Variety, the Children’s Charity of Pittsburgh. He also serves on the boards of Highmark Inc.; the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; Allegheny Conference on Community Development; and Washington & Jefferson College. Mr. Evans is chairman and chief executive officer of Evans Telecommunications Co. and The John D. Evans Foundation and a leader in technological innovation. He has turned considerable amounts of his energy toward consulting and speaking on the future of new technology and its impact on media and society. Mr. Evans served as chairman of C-SPAN in the early 1990s, and continues to serve on its board and executive committee today. Mr. Evans’s growing interest in the application of technology to medical problems and social issues also has led him to an interest in AIDS and other issues facing society. In 1995, he was appointed by Robert C. Gallo, co-discoverer of the AIDS virus, to the Advisory Board for the Institute of Human Virology, a leading international scientific and clinical research center for AIDS located at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. As founder of The John D. Evans Foundation, Mr. Evans is committed to HIV/AIDS research, protection of the environment, and improving the quality of life through technological innovation, education, and the arts. “I’m pleased to be honoring these two individuals as we commemorate our 23rd year,” said Tim Murphy, director of the entrepreneurial studies program at W&J. “It is important to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs to society and the hard work it takes to succeed. It is equally important for our students to see what can happen when they have a goal, stay focused, and work hard.” The evening also recognized three seniors as 2009 Hardy Scholars: Michael Frank, Kelli Hartman, and Brendan O’Mahony. The scholarship, created by Joseph A. Hardy Sr., founder of 84 Lumber Company and a long-time supporter of W&J’s Entrepreneurial Studies Program, celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by providing financial assistance to students enrolled in the program based on academic excellence. W&J began its Entrepreneurial Studies Program in 1986, employing its liberal arts tradition to cultivate the spirit and vision vital to the free enterprise system. Over the past two decades, the College has honored a variety of regional business builders for their success as entrepreneurs. —Robert Reid Image: 2009 Entrepreneurs of the Year Kenneth R. Melani, M.D. ‘75 and John D. Evans.
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notedand quoted “WE UNDERSTAND THE NERVOUSNESS THAT OUR CURRENT TURBULENT ECONOMY CREATES. BUT, IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT A COLLEGE EDUCATION REMAINS PERHAPS THE BEST INVESTMENT OF A LIFETIME.” – A letter to the editor published in the December 28 issue of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette entitled, “Our Schools are Committed to Providing Access and Assistance,” signed by Al Newell, vice president for enrollment at W&J along with chief enrollment officers at Allegheny College and Carnegie Mellon University, which addressed misconceptions the public may have about access and affordability in higher education.
“Infrastructure and commercialization are essential components of scientific research, but education is the catalyst that drives it forward. And now, more than ever,
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE INVEST IN OUR COLLEGES,
“This is an honor I accept on behalf of our entire community, including our students who volunteer as well as our faculty and staff members
– Jourdin Barber ’10, one of a group of W&J students who traveled to Washington, D.C. in January to attend the inauguration of President Barack Obama, in a story on WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.
who serve on the boards of local community organizations and
universities, research institutions, and talented researchers as tools to create new technologies, products, and businesses that will help us grow our economy and open the door to new
support our local charities. Service
opportunities.”
liberal arts education to work.”
– Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, in a March 16 PRNewswire story about W&J being among 18 institutions of higher education, academic medical centers, and research institutions that will be able to recruit top faculty researchers, thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Keystone Innovation Starter Kit program.
“I’m expecting to see a lot of energy and emotion, and I’m really looking to the older generation. I want to see how they’ll react to this. I know that older generations have gone through a lot and this is the pinnacle of everything they could have hoped for, black and white.”
to the community is an important way in which our students put their
– President Tori Haring-Smith, in an article on www. collegenews.org and in the Washington Observer-Reporter in February announcing W&J’s selection to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts to America’s communities.
“This gives us more credibility. How many doors will it
“You did not get dessert and you couldn’t leave the table until you’d argued the proposition. And this could be an hour and a half. The propositions were things like, ‘The United Nations is inhibiting rather than promoting world peace. Argue.’” – President Haring-Smith, in an article entitled “Smart Leaders: Agreeing to Disagree,” in the March issue of Smart Business Pittsburgh magazine. Haring-Smith was discussing that, as a child, she earned her dessert with dinnertime debate, thanks to her father.
open? I don’t know. I hope a lot. What we’ve been able to do during a three-year run is very good, but what we’re trying to build here is still in its infancy stages.
WE WANT THE TYPE OF PROGRAM AND TRADITION THAT CAN STAND THE TEST OF TIME.”
– W&J Men’s Basketball Coach Glenn Gutierrez, in an Observer-Reporter article about the team after winning its first postseason tournament championship in school history—the 2009 ECAC Division III South title in Radnor, Pa., on March 8.
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“The new scope is so user-friendly. My freshmen on the eighth day were using it themselves. I was just sitting there watching. They’re like, ‘I can’t believe I’m driving a quarter-million-dollar piece of equipment.’ Yeah, you are, and you’re doing fine.” – Associate Professor Candy DeBerry, in a February 10 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article focusing on science education. W&J biology students are using a sophisticated, research-grade microscope paid for with a $227,062 grant from the National Science Foundation.
Teaching the Teacher Growing W&J Education Program Prepares Tomorrow’s Teachers in Record Numbers
For James Longo, Ed.D., professor and chair of the Education Department at Washington & Jefferson College, the philosophy is pretty simple: “The way to learn to teach is to teach.” W&J has been educating teachers throughout its long history, but never before this semester have there been as many as 31 seniors out in the community student teaching. In fact, three years ago, the number stood at 13. W&J students are teaching—and doing so in record numbers. And quality, Longo added, is not taking a back seat to quantity. “School district superintendents are calling us, telling us they ‘want what we have to offer,’” Longo said. “W&J is being represented by remarkable teachers, and they are great ambassadors.” The interdisciplinary program at W&J focuses on preparing students in both elementary and secondary education. Rooted in the traditional liberal arts, it blends psychology with “a little bit” of science, music, and art, among other things. Longo said W&J students get a chance to teach from the start of their sophomore year. Students in each class intern at local schools: they have done so in 20 different school districts over the years, totaling approximately 15,000 contact hours each year in a variety of districts, from rural to suburban, wealthy to poor.
Tim Wagner ’07 currently teaches second grade in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program at Streams Elementary School for the Upper St. Clair School District. He said there are several hallmarks of the W&J Education Department that are rewarding as an undergraduate as well as beneficial in terms of career growth and development. “First, the array of weekly internships opportunities at multiple grade levels each term is important in exposing future teachers to the developmental differences and unique characteristics of learners across a broad age range. Additionally, a component of the elementary education certification program that is highly valuable and allows W&J graduates to stand out in the field is the strong link with the Department of Psychology. The study of social, cognitive, and developmental psychology provides a theoretical lens through which content in education courses can be viewed and applied,” Wagner said. Wagner will complete his master’s in applied developmental psychology with a specialization in school-based behavioral health at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall, and will commence work on his Ph.D. in administrative and policy studies at the University in the fall term 2009.
Longo has taught at every grade level through 12th grade. Rosalie Carpenter, Ed.D., associate professor of education and founder/director of the elementary education program at W&J, has been at the College since 2002. She specializes in early childhood development, elementary education, and students with special needs. “When I first came here, our students did not have empathy for the exceptional child, the kids who did not learn like them,” Carpenter said, noting that in the last couple of years, special education classes have required students to complete tasks with handicaps including, this semester, spending 24 hours in a wheelchair. “Students are learning how things are taken for granted. It has been the most eye-popping experience for many of them. As teachers, it is making them be more accommodating, more adapting, getting them thinking in a different frame of mind.” For now, Longo and Carpenter look forward to continued growth and success in the department. In 2008, the number of W&J students teaching grew to 17; that number was 24 last year. “Great teachers are born. And we can make them better,” Longo said. —Robert Reid
Images (left to right): Anthony Burns ’09; The Education Department’s Class of 2009 Student Teachers; In a course called The Exceptional Learner, education majors took on roles of students with special needs to better understand the theory and practice of effective instruction for both gifted and handicapped students; Thelana Baker ’09 5
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Opening Doors of Opportunity Couple’s Smart Giving Helps Current—and Future—Students
GIVE TO THE Washington & Jefferson College W & J
The philanthropy and careful gift planning of Walter Flamenbaum, M.D. ’63 and his wife, Judith, to Washington & Jefferson College is a powerful example of how alumni and friends are making a difference in the lives and aspirations of current and future students. “When I attended W&J I was fortunate to receive financial aid. Providing the resources necessary for student scholarships allows Judith and me to help the most deserving students,” said Walter. “It gives us tremendous joy to meet the recipients of these scholarships.”
F U N D
Thanks to the Flamenbaums’ foresight and generosity, W&J will have additional student aid in the years to come. “We have been fortunate over the years and would like to make sure that our intentions continue for as long as possible into the future. Planning—whether it is for an individual, a family, or a college like W&J—is an important element. By leaving a bequest to W&J in our will, we are able to continue our year-to-year commitments and are assured that they will be maintained for a longer period of time.”
W&J has many rich traditions—but none is more important than the continuing and generous support of alumni and friends. After more than 225 years, the liberal arts education offered at W&J continues to help launch lives of challenge and
“It’s important for us to give back something of what we were given . . .” - Walter Flamenbaum, M.D. ’63 ur membership Won’t you join us? Yo ety will help preserve ci So n ai M ld O e th in ucational experience W&J’s exceptional ed future graduates and enrich the lives of me. for years to co
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n please contact: For more informatio nning Officer Susan Oglinsky, Gift Pla 66 724-503-1011 ext. 52 du soglinsky@washjeff.e
accomplishment as our students become leaders in their respective careers and communities.
Become a link from our illustrious past to our bright future by supporting the W&J Fund. Your continued support provides the vital resources for some of our most important programs, including financial aid, student activities, and athletics.
www.washjeff.edu/give
Giving Peace a Chance Through a Model United Nations (UN) course, a group of W&J students now know what it might be like to serve on the UN Security Council, representing their “homeland” and working on a resolution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Gaza.
Offered during the January Intersession semester for just the second time, the three-week course provided students with the opportunity to study the basics of the UN and the Security Council, represent member countries, learn parliamentary procedures, and analyze different aspects of the conflict through a two-day simulation of a meeting of the Security Council held at the end of the course. Taught by Zheya Gai, Ph.D., director of the international studies program and associate professor of political science at W&J, the course involved reading, research, writing, and oral presentation, with each student representing a different Security Council member state during the simulation. Gai began coordinating the Model UN course in the fall of 2006 when the international studies program at W&J was offered for the first time. “I was looking for something that would be interesting to the students pursuing international studies, while also growing the program,” said Gai, who launched the course with the help of fellow professors Buba Misawa, Bob Dodge, and Constinia Charbonnette, along with a group of enthusiastic students. “The course helped the students greatly in their understanding of the UN Security Council and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It has been a wonderful experience for the students involved and for me as well.” David Malacki, a senior political science and international studies major who also served as an intern for Gai, was the moderator for the meeting of the Security Council.
“The role of the Security Council is to ensure peace and stability within the world and to prevent the outbreak of war,” Malacki said. “The goal for this meeting was to reach an immediate cease-fire between the two parties, Israel and Hamas.” Malacki said the students drafted nine separate resolutions during the course, with the final goal in mind: passage of a resolution that garnered support from the five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as four of the remaining 10 members. “The class enabled everyone involved to really explore what the UN is like. International issues are more complicated than many people realize,” said freshman Warren Schultz, who represented China. “There has to be compromise so that peaceful and workable solutions can be accomplished, but some nations are unwilling or unable to do that. I personally discovered a different outlook on the world. The Chinese policy may not be the same as that of the United States, but both countries have the same driving force. They want what is best for their nation.” A total of 15 students represented W&J at the 55th session of the Harvard National Model UN held February 12-15, 2009 in Boston, Mass., including five students who participated in the Intersession course. Malacki served as head delegate. Each year, nearly 3,000 college and university delegates from the United States and more than 30 countries around the world attend the event to discuss a multitude of issues at the forefront of international relations. This is the third year that W&J students have participated in the event,
having represented the countries of Sierra Leone, Djibouti, and Cambodia. “We hope to expand participation in the Harvard National Model UN here at W&J,” Malacki said. “It is a unique learning opportunity to represent these countries and to put yourself in their shoes.” Through the experience, students gained insights on how the UN works through a true hands-on approach. They learned, for example, that even though the large and powerful countries often prevail within the UN, small countries can make a significant difference if they have good ideas and the skills to persuade others. “Our students learned to appreciate the qualities and skills needed in diplomacy and international negotiations, such as persistence, patience, flexibility, compromise, and hard work, among others,” said Gai. “They gained a sense of being a part of a world community, a sense of confidence and optimism about the world, and a sense that they can become future leaders and make a difference. It was such an exciting and uplifting experience for our students to be part of this community, discussing world issues and socializing with young people from all over the world. I’m looking forward to next year!” —Emily Trifaro
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Turn the Radio Up
WNJR (91.7 FM), W&J’s student radio station and alternative radio for Washington County, has won five Pittsburgh Achievement in Radio (A.I.R.) Awards, which recognize local talent and achievement in radio and was recognized in the following categories:
and talented,” said Anthony Fleury, associate professor of communication and faculty advisor for the station since 2006. “I am fortunate to be associated with these remarkable people. This recognition for their efforts is well deserved.”
Best College Radio On-Air Personality: Eric Holmberg ’09, Hangin’ with Holmes – Crossing the Street.
WNJR is a co-curricular program of the Department of Theatre and Communication which celebrates and advocates the twin values of diversity and curiosity. Twelve students work part-time for the station, as well as approximately forty student and six faculty/ staff volunteers who host weekly shows. As a noncommercial educational station, WNJR offers a thought-provoking mix of music, news, talk, and sports to Washington County.
Best College Radio Sports Reporting or Play-by-Play Announcer: Jon Pennline ’10, 2008 W&J Football vs. Grove City College. Best College Radio Station Promo: Dave Singer ’10, DaveFM show promo. Best College Radio Editorial: W&J’s Distracted Driving Campaign, a series of public service announcements that warn listeners about the dangers of distracted driving, especially cell phone use. Contributors included Stephanie Smith ’10, Justin Lemmo ’09, Drew Guthrie ’10, Peter Dehoff ’10, Bayard Solomon ’10, Brian Foye ’10, Nate Terry ’10, and Leigha Scheller ’09. Best College Radio Station Web site: www.wnjr.org Other finalists included Kim Urcho ’09 for on-air personality and Mike Rush ’10 for sports announcer. A group of WNJR students attended the awards ceremony in Pittsburgh on November 19, 2008. “The WNJR student staff and volunteers are dedicated
“Because W&J does not offer a major in journalism, the radio station is not a broadcast journalism-based, pre-professional program. It’s an open format, which encourages students, regardless of major, to find ways to connect with their audiences while honing their communication and technology skills,” Fleury added. In the fall, WNJR will be introducing an alternative residential experience to the W&J community, WashPa Radio. Each week of the academic year, the new learning community will produce a radio magazine about life in Washington. WashPa Radio will feature local news, sports, events, music, and interviews with members of the community. “WashPa Radio is independent journalism that no other group on campus has done before,” Fleury explained. “It’s a way to nudge students beyond their
comfort zones and get them ‘out of the bubble’ by providing co-curricular activities so they can see what living in the local community is really like.” In October 2011, WNJR will be celebrating 50 years of organized radio at W&J, an impressive milestone for the station which has dramatically changed and evolved since its inception back in 1961. However, one thing has remained the same through the years—WNJR is not ‘just another’ activity to add to a resume. “It is the one place on campus where you can meet, learn, and interact with people from different walks of life, with different majors and interests,” said Rush, a junior economics major and accounting minor who serves as sports director for the station. “When I’m not at WNJR, I’m thinking about WNJR!” Singer, a philosophy major and communication minor, is involved with several radio programs, including Coffee Breath on Wednesday mornings, and works as a production manager for the station. He will serve as station manager during the 2009-10 academic year. “I first got involved with the station just for the fun of doing a radio show,” he said. “But it’s become more than that. I love working with the staff and volunteers. They care about what they do, and winning the A.I.R. Awards is proof of it. WNJR is a demonstration of the utility of a liberal arts education.” —Emily Trifaro
Images (left to right): Celebrating at the Pittsburgh A.I.R. Awards Ceremony (from left to right): Kimberly Urcho ’09, sponsorship manager and host of WashPa Radio; Michael Rush ’10, sports director and host of Club Dub; Eric Holmberg ’09, host of Hangin’ with Holmes, winner of Best College Radio On-Air Personality; Jon Pennline ’10, sports announcer, winner of Best College Radio Sports Reporting. (From left to right): Douglas Edwards ’10, W&J Assistant Professor of Philosophy Hannah Kim, and David Singer ’10, production manager for WNJR engage listeners during a fall 2008 program entitled Citation Please, run by the Philosophy Club. (From left to right): Jeana Rifici ’09, Drew Aloe ’09, Jarel Settles ’09, Cara Fornella ’10, Maggie Lang ’09, Gretchen Perschke ’10, and Adriana Palangio ’11 present “Always Room at the Top,” the first in a series of live, half-hour radio dramas as part of Dr. William Cameron’s theater workshop course.
Were you involved in W&J’s Student Radio as a student? WNJR would love to hear from you! Share your stories with the staff of WNJR at 724-223-6039 or via e-mail at wnjr@washjeff.edu. Want to find out what’s new at the station? Visit WNJR on the Web: www.wnjr.org. 8
Find WNJR on Facebook®! Search W&J Student Radio, WNJR 91.7 FM.
One student traveled to Europe for an independent study of the Holocaust, while two seniors spent a couple of months in Cyprus analyzing healthcare in the region. Yet another was one of just three students nationwide, and the only student attending a college outside of the state of California, to land a marketing internship with Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company. These are just a few of the experiences of a lifetime that a number of students have pursued, thanks to the Magellan Project, a new initiative designed to allow W&J students to pursue their dreams. The project offers students the opportunity to travel, to learn, to thrive, and perhaps most importantly, to set them apart from others as they look to the future. “The Magellan Project is a program that allows students to put their liberal arts educations to work, to apply their classroom educations outside of the classroom, and to test their professional aspirations,” said W&J President Tori Haring-Smith. “Because students who complete a Magellan Project write their own curriculum—they plan their study and carry it out—they learn the self-confidence and self-direction that are crucial entrepreneurial characteristics.”
focused on comparing and contrasting the European and Cypriot healthcare systems with American healthcare. In addition, he was able to shadow many different types of physicians and discuss their views on medicine. “These experiences have fortified my existing knowledge based on American healthcare and interactions with different physicians in the United States,” said Varacallo, who plans on attending medical school and has already been accepted at the Penn State College of Medicine. Aside from his studies, Varacallo traveled around the island of Cyprus and visited many of the historical, religious, and secular sites that comprise the ancient country. His travels also included a three-day excursion to Cairo, Egypt where he toured the Egyptian Museum, as well as a cruise down the Nile and a camel ride around the ancient pyramids. Varacallo’s unusual experience in Cyprus was a critical factor in his acceptance into medical school.
Senior Staci Kubiak was a recipient of the Kelso Award. She spent the weeks during the summer of 2008 in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, and Hungary studying the Holocaust. “The most significant and moving sites I saw were the concentration camps,” Kubiak said. “I visited four camps, including Auschwitz–Birkenau, and learned that each camp was designed to serve a specific purpose. All the camps were preserved and memorialized in a different way. Along with sites pertaining to the Holocaust, I was also able to immerse myself in the cultures of the places that I visited.”
“I talked a lot about my experience this summer,” he said. “Talk about setting me apart from the pack? I know this experience scored me a lot of points with the committee. It definitely set me apart from the competition.” The Magellan Project includes mentoring with the Magellan Project Coordinators and proposal design workshops to assist in writing compelling project proposals and personal statements, and a one-stop referral location for other sources of funding/support. The Magellan Award competition takes place in the early spring. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Magellan Project assures that the opportunities to travel the
globe and to accept unpaid internships are equally available to all of our students,” said Haring-Smith. Ferdinand Magellan’s life was about voyages and discoveries; he was an entrepreneur who pursued his dreams literally to the end of the earth. At W&J, the Magellan Project provides opportunities of a lifetime. —Robert Reid
Images (top to bottom): Staci Kubiak ’09 visits Old Town in Prague, Czech Republic, just one of her many stops while studying the Holocaust in Europe. Senior Matt Varacallo ’09 and Elaina Sendro ’09 enjoyed a camel ride around the ancient pyramids in Egypt during a summer spent studying the healthcare system in Cyprus.
With help from Joseph Moser, assistant professor of German, and invaluable guidance from Haring-Smith, Kubiak’s idea to study abroad as part of a formal program turned into an independent adventure she said she will never forget. In addition to seeing the historical and physical elements related to the Holocaust, she says she “gained a lot of confidence in, and a lot of knowledge about, myself.” Kubiak added that during her trip, she was able to learn about one of the darkest aspects of the continent’s past as well as the most beautiful elements of each individual country’s history and culture. Senior Matt Varacallo joined classmate Elaina Sendro in Cyprus for seven weeks last summer taking a course entitled “Healthcare Management.” Varacallo
The Magellan Project provides W&J-based support through assisting students in crafting and in telling compelling stories of curiosity and achievement that will be useful throughout their college years and their subsequent transition to life after W&J. Learn more about the Magellan Project and how you can help give W&J students the opportunity of a lifetime at www.washjeff.edu/magellanproject.
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jaytoday
Professor William Cameron’s Award-Winning
Violet Sharp Opens For Six-Week Run at Beverly Hills Theatre
William Cameron, professor of theatre and communication, has long been fascinated with the notorious 1932 Lindbergh kidnapping case and, in particular, the family’s domestic servant who became a suspect early in the investigation. So much so that Violet Sharp, the 27-year-old British woman who became a suspect in the disappearance of the Lindbergh’s infant son, is the subject and title character of Violet Sharp, Cameron’s award-winning play that opened for a six-week run at Theatre 40’s Reuben Cordova Theatre in Beverly Hills, Calif. on February 7. Based on his extensive research, Violet Sharp mixes fact and speculation to credibly dramatize actual events. “There are still some people today who feel Violet Sharp was involved,” Cameron said. “She admitted she initially lied to police during questioning, but there is no evidence that suggests that she had anything to do with the case.” Cameron adds that he feels Sharp created her own situation by the way she responded to the police investigation. He said she was a young woman “who did not want to be a servant,” and became increasingly unhappy doing in the United States what she had been doing in Great Britain. A little more than four years after the kidnapping,
Bruno Richard Hauptmann was executed at New Jersey State Prison for the abduction and murder urder of Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr. “The story I tell is about the police interrogation on that forced Violet into a desperate and tragic circumstance,” Cameron said. “I spent a lot of time doing research, developing contacts, and learning all I could about Violet Sharp. I have visited the house where the play takes place and the room where Violet may have lived.” Cameron completed a first draft of the first act in early 2004. During a sabbatical that summer, he finished the first draft of the play. It has since taken additional research, input, and feedback from W&J students and staff, including Scott Frank, associate professor of theatre and communication, and some subsequent re-writing, to complete the play. Violet Sharp was produced by Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Theatre Department; IUP was invited to present this same production of the play at the American College Theatre Festival Region II Conference in Philadelphia. Cameron has entered the play in nearly 30 different competitions and workshops, winning the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild 2007 Julie Harris Playwriting Award. In addition to several productions of the play, there have been several readings, including one at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh last summer.
“It has to be one of the most satisfying professional experiences I have ever had,” Cameron said. “You are so intimately involved in the writing…you put your heart and soul into it. To sit in the audience is a pretty remarkable experience.” Cameron traveled to California to attend the opening-night performance. “I think it is a story of a very interesting young woman, who by all accounts, had a very rich fantasy life. It is a story that has never really been told before, at least not with Violet as a main character,” Cameron said, noting that his play begins and ends with the kidnapping and her suicide, respectively. As for his decision to return to play-writing, Cameron said, “It keeps me engaged and connected to professional theatre, which I have not done in some time. I love to work with our students, and writing this play has ‘recharged my battery.’ I have very high hopes for Violet Sharp.” —Robert Reid
Los Angeles Theatre Reviews: Violet Sharp Iris Mann, February 11, 2009 “An uncooperative suspect and a zealous police investigation form the basis for this exploration of the notorious Lindbergh baby kidnapping and murder case that occurred in 1932. If William Cameron’s script lacks an element of suspense, it nevertheless reveals a fascinating story with characters that are expertly drawn by the playwright and played with precision by a strong cast.
Violet is a waitress in the home of Anne’s baby, Charlie. When the child is taken, the police question all the family servants. But carefree, adventurous Violet has secrets, so she is evasive and arrogant during her interrogation, fabricating the details of her whereabouts on the night of the kidnapping. Inspector Harry Walsh becomes suspicious and begins to hound Violet, subjecting her to repeated interviews, but Anne and Charles Lindbergh staunchly come to her defense…
Director David Coleman orchestrates the proceedings to maximum effect, deftly staging the action at an unwavering pace that keeps the viewer constantly engaged. He choreographs his actors to give a sense of constant motion, while the use of stills and film in rear projection is a touch that adds flavor and context to the events…”
Images (top to bottom): Professor William Cameron celebrates with the cast of Violet Sharp during the play’s six-week run at the Reuben Cordova Theatre; (from left to right): David Hunt Stafford (Lt. Walsh), John T. Cogan (Charles Lindbergh), Meredith Bishop (Violet Sharp), Shawn Savage (Detective McGrath), Christine Joëlle (Anne Lindbergh), and Cameron. 10
IN MY OWN Working for a New University in the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ As an intern at the Embassy of Croatia in Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2005, I had little idea that, three years later, I would be living and working in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It seemed likee more than a coincidence when I met the former Croatian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Miomir Zuzul, while studying for a master’s degree at the London School of Economics, shortly after completing my internship at the embassy. Dr. Zuzul offered me a position at the first private university in Croatia, Dubrovnik International University (DIU), which I quickly accepted.
As one of seven research assistants at DIU, my job is both challenging and unique. Since DIU plans to open in September 2009 with two undergraduate programs in international relations and international business, the research assistants are responsible for the initial communications, an advertising and recruiting campaign, as well as the admissions process. As the only native English speaker working for DIU, my job is to prepare all communications materials being released to the public in English. I have been working at DIU for just over six months now and I continue to be amazed as to how beautiful Dubrovnik is. Situated between the rocky Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik, dubbed the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ by Lord Byron, is located along the Dalmatian coast in the southernmost part of Croatia. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik has amazingly well-preserved monasteries, churches, and palaces from the Renaissance era. Dubrovnik has both a unique and turbulent history. Originally called Ragusa, Dubrovnik was a wealthy maritime power from the 7th century onwards and managed to maintain its independence through skillful diplomacy. During the Yugoslav War in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik was heavily damaged by artillery fire and shelling in a siege that lasted roughly seven months. Although the restoration process was very thorough, there is still some evidence of the war, such as bullet holes in buildings, small indentations in the streets from shrapnel, and the ruins of a ski lift that used to take tourists to a fortress on the hilltop. Based on both its beauty and unique history, it is not surprising that Dubrovnik was chosen as the location for a new university focused on the study of international affairs. I have learned some interesting facts about education in Croatia since arriving in Dubrovnik
Words
adyy that make me appreciate, even more than I already ugh h do, the education that I received at W&J. Although students can go to private schools in Croatia, manyy nd attend universities where class sizes are large and many students are unable to graduate within a reasonable period of time. Applying to foreign schools is also a possibility for these students; he however, many cannot afford the tuition and the rts cost of living at a school in the U.S. or other parts of Europe. Additionally, one aspect of educationn in Croatia that I found particularly interesting is that the concept of ‘liberal arts’ is unfamiliar to Croatians. Students are expected to choose their field of study at the very beginning of their undergraduate education and it is quite unusual and, in fact, frowned upon, if a student decides to pursue another field at some point in their lives. It is very exciting to work at DIU because a new and unique education will be available to those living in the region of South Eastern Europe. Students at DIU will receive a similar education to what students at W&J receive. They will have small classes and guidance from their professors as well as an interdisciplinary and flexible program that will allow them to continue their studies in Croatia or abroad. Although I plan to continue my graduate studies in international security at The Elliott School of International Affairs in the fall, I hope to continue to be involved in the development of DIU. It has been both an enjoyable and a beneficial experience to work at a new university that will provide more opportunities and a better international education to students in South Eastern Europe. I hope the first generation of students at DIU will receive the same quality of education and support from their professors that I received at both W&J and the London School of Economics. —Heather Smith ’03
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Making Their Mark C e l e b ra t i n g O u r Yo u n g A l u m n i
Meet W&J’s young alumni. They’re smart. Creative. Ambitious. And making a name for themselves from coast to coast and around the world.
Though they represent only a mere handful of young alumni doing great things, these twelve are pursuing interesting and varied careers with passion and enthusiasm. May you appreciate the diversity of fields and breadth of interests, achievements, and talents that they represent and take pride in the role that W&J had in preparing them to launch exciting and successful careers.
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Danielle Clarkson ’97 Danielle Clarkson’s philosophy on life is simple: approach each day with a smile and impact at least one person in a positive way. As a senior associate in the Dallas law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., she is able to do just that, serving her clients with enthusiasm and joie de vivre on a daily basis. Clarkson concentrates her practice in the firm’s labor and employment law/litigation sections. From drafting and negotiating employment contracts, advising clients on day-to-day policies and decision-making that affect a company’s employee morale and bottom line, to litigating labor and employment issues in court or arbitration, she handles all matters that affect the employee/ employer relationship. In her nine years with Fulbright & Jaworski, Clarkson has valued the relationships she has developed with the variety of clients she represents. “Whether it be a supervisor or plant worker of a local manufacturing plant operated by one of my firm’s clients, or the CEO of a high-tech international corporation, it is fascinating to interact with so many different people at all levels of an
organization who are so diverse in business and personality,” she said. “Everyone has different life experiences that make them unique, and those inherent differences directly affect how we each approach our work and personal lives. They make my work, and quite frankly life, interesting and fun.” Clarkson utilizes daily the business and client development skills that she learned in her economics and entrepreneurial studies courses, which are a constant reminder to her of the quality of education she received at W&J. She considers herself lucky to have had many mentors throughout her life, including professors John Gregor (economics) and Joseph DiSarro (political science), who possess what she considers a rare and special gift of mentoring the mind and spirit. “The enthusiasm with which they approached the gift of learning and teaching has always amazed and inspired me,” she concluded. “I can only hope that as I mentor and teach young associates throughout my career, I am able to do so with the enthusiasm, joy of challenge, and compassion that they did.” —Emily Trifaro
Ian Davis ’91 Since his childhood summers spent in the Catskill Mountains, Ian Davis has always enjoyed fishing. From a simple hobby, Davis has created a career and is now the co-owner and the Bahamas Program Director at Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, which organizes fly-fishing trips to more than 20 regions around the world. After graduating as the only art major in 1991, Davis studied landscape painting at the Art Institute of Chicago. He still paints and sells landscapes in his spare time, but also uses his artistic abilities to create marketing materials and take photographs for the company’s catalog and Web site. Davis entered the fly-fishing industry as a guide in Colorado in 1993. Soon he became owner of Breckenridge Outfitters, a fly shop and outfitting business so successful that it won “Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year” three times. While managing Breckenridge Outfitters, Davis met Jim Klug, who later founded Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures in 2001. In 2004, after deciding to leave Colorado, Davis called Klug to ask how he liked living in Montana.
“We got to talking, and the next thing I knew I was the Bahamas Program Director for Yellow Dog and a partner in the young company. Since then, Yellow Dog has become one of the largest travel companies in the fly-fishing industry,” Davis said. Over the past four years, the company has doubled annual sales and has quadrupled the number of available travel destinations from 20 to more than 80. In the Bahamas alone, the number of destinations has increased from two spots on one island to more than 20 locations on eight islands. Davis constantly strives to find “the next great fly-fishing destination” by visiting, researching, and fishing at each potential spot. Though his job requires dedication and hard work, Davis explained, “There is no better office than floating down a river.” This passion for fishing and Davis’ devotion to his customers remain essential to his success. “Teaching people to fish is my favorite part of the job. Life is stressful, and fishing is a wonderful way to relax. Having the ability to relieve the pressures of life for my clients is truly satisfying,” Davis said. —Georgia Schumacher ’10
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w&jmaking their mark
Rebecca Fletcher ’06
Fletcher willingly took on these challenges.
Rebecca Fletcher has made a name for herself coaching volleyball at the State University of New York Institute of Technology (SUNYIT) in Ithaca, New York. While at W&J, Fletcher excelled as a student-athlete and was honored with multiple awards.
“I knew that I would be able to see the programs grow and develop if I was willing to put in the time and energy. I never expected the improvements to come as fast as they did,” she said.
Shortly after graduation, Fletcher accepted a position as a graduate assistant women’s volleyball coach at Utica College. “Honestly, I fell into coaching,” said Fletcher. “It was not a career ambition or lifelong dream; it was a way to pay for graduate school and take some time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. One year has quickly turned into three, and now I know that I want coaching to be a part of my future.” In 2007, Fletcher became head coach of the women’s and the men’s volleyball teams at SUNYIT. When she arrived, only five girls were signed up for the women’s team and she recruited the rest of the players from students on campus. The team had not won any matches in the previous year and had won only 11 matches in their entire history. In addition, the men’s team was in its inaugural year.
Fletcher led her female athletes to 21 victories in 2008, including a regular season conference championship and a perfect 6-0 record in the conference. In postseason play, the team was runner-up in the conference tournament and made its first-ever appearance at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship Tournament. The men’s squad also won an impressive five matches in its first season. In 2008, Fletcher was selected as Coach of the Yearr in her conference, one of only 50 female coaches invited to the NCAA Women’s Coaching Academy, and one of four Division III coaches to receive the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Thirty Under 30 Award. Fletcher truly is at the top of her game. —Georgia Schumacher ’10 .
Lauren Hurley ’02 Lauren Hurley calls her decision to continue her education in Russia following graduation the “most monumental” of her life. Considering she has since earned a degree in teaching foreign languages from the International University of Moscow, makes her home in Russia, met and married her husband, and had her first child earlier this year, who can blame her for her enthusiasm? Now an alumni program officer with the Future Leaders Exchange Program, a U.S. governmentsponsored program of the American Councils of International Education for secondary school students from 10 of the republics of the former Soviet Union, Hurley recalls speaking very little of the language after taking only one Russian class at W&J. A history major, she spent her senior year in Russia teaching and attending school in Moscow through a sister school exchange program, the first W&J student to study there. That experience changed everything. “I just stayed and continued to study and learn, and the decision has changed my life so dramatically,” 14
Hurley said. “The school is 100 percent Russian-based; everyone speaks Russian. The first two years, I learned the Russian language. The last three years, I was integrated into the Russian classroom and was student teaching at Moscow State University, along with two W&J students studying abroad.” Hurley taught for a year at Moscow State University before joining American Councils, where she works securing grants and coordinating language programs, among other things. She met her husband in Russia during a trip to Sochi, host site of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Their daughter, Leila, was born in Lauren’s hometown of Carlisle, Pa., in January. While her husband returned home the following month, mom and baby returned to Russia in early May. “I really did not know what I was going to do after my first semester learning Russian,” said Hurley, an honors student in Russia. “It has been an awesome experience, to see how I have learned and developed. Being there, I understood the language. I could master the language.” —Robert Reid
Mark Johnson ’94 For Mark Johnson, owner/host/producer of “The Mark Johnson Radio Show,” the journey began with just a prayer, a microphone, and keen creativity. What started as a simple podcast show in March 2007 with a mission of sharing inspiring stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things has grown into much more since then. “The Mark Johnson Radio Show” has received rave reviews from listeners worldwide due to Johnson’s decision to take the show to iTunes shortly thereafter. “The response was overwhelming,” he said. “I thought people would be interested in hearing these stories, but I didn’t anticipate the magnitude of their interest. iTunes took our listening audience from hundreds to thousands in a matter of months. Before long, we had organizations interested in becoming group sponsors. It really just took off from there.” The instant popularity led to the decision to add music to the show, spotlighting unsigned Christian artists. In February 2008, the show was picked up by a leading Christian radio station, Harvest Radio WKMB, which reaches more than 1.2 million listeners throughout central and northern New Jersey and parts of New York.
Beyond the sound booth of his radio station, Johnson has been an advocate for today’s youth through a number of organizations since graduating in 1994, including his currentt involvement with the Best Friends Foundation, a youth development organization dedicated to the physical and emotional well-being of adolescents. nts. “We go into the classroom, help give these kidss a positive focus, and really find where they belong,” ng,” he added. “I’ve been energized through watching ng these young people aspire and achieve great things. hings. When I see them be successful, I celebrate with h them as if it were me.” But the journey hasn’t ended there. A graduatee of the Princeton Theological Seminary, Johnson was recently named senior pastor of the Liberty Hilll Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, a church which hich values family life and, according to Johnson, has “great potential.” “I’ve always believed in building up the family through education,” Johnson concluded. “Everything has led up to this moment. This is where I am supposed to be.” —Emily Trifaro
Paul Luc ’03 Singer and Songwriter Paul Luc is well known in the Pittsburgh music scene and gains more fans with each show he plays. Luc, whose most prized possessions include his original vinyl Bob Dylan records, describes his music as having many influences. “If you put elements of Tom Petty, Dylan, Van Morrison, Ben Folds, Ray Lamontagne, Wilco, and David Gray in a blender, then you’d probably create a mixture that sounds like my band’s music,” Luc explained. Luc learned to play his first musical instrument, the trumpet, in second grade. In 1994, he received his first guitar and began writing music. Today, Luc plays the guitar and the harmonica, sings, and writes his own lyrics. The band, which includes drummer Kevin Mulcahy ’04, formed during their years at W&J. Though his major was economics, Luc’s true passion was music, and he was rarely found without his acoustic guitar. Upon learning that Mulcahy was a drummer, the rest, as they say, was history. “We started rehearsing together at Olin, and things just unfolded from there,” he said.
Soon, the twosome was performing acoustic sets at campus events and locally at Hungry José’s. Bass guitarist Jake Horwat and piano player John “Whitey” Rokosz, both students at Duquesne University, later joined Luc and Mulcahy. Luc and his band have performed in Washington, D.C., Ann Arbor, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, and have supported nationally-known groups such as Ingram Hill and Eric Bachman. The band is currently working on a new album which will be mixed in Los Angeles by Brian Scheuble, who has worked with artists such as Tom Petty, Elton John, and Dave Matthews. Over the last few years, the band has received well-deserved praise. Their most recent record, Shelly Street Anthems, was released in 2007 and was named by The Pittsburgh City Paper as “one of the best local singer-songwriter albums” of the year. Radio station 91.3 WYEP regularly plays Luc’s songs, broadcasts live performances, and has called him “one of the top five local artists.” As for the future, Luc has no plans to stop creating music, so there can be no doubt that Pittsburgh will be hearing more of Luc’s original lyrics and musical style. —Georgia Schumacher ’10 15
w&jmaking their mark
Kelly Lynn McCoy, M.D., F.A.C.S. ’94 A U.S. Navy surgeon for more than a decade, Kelly Lynn McCoy, M.D., F.A.C.S. proudly wears the Fleet Marine Force Officer Insignia earned by Navy officers assigned to the Fleet Marine Force of the U.S. Marine Corps on her uniform. Around her waist is a first-degree Black Belt recognizing her as a master in unarmed combat, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity, and rifle and bayonet techniques, thanks to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Accomplished, for sure, but McCoy does not hesitate to credit others for her success. “My parents told me I could be whatever I wanted to be and provided enthusiastic encouragement throughout my life,” McCoy said. “They have both always had a tireless work ethic, incredible attention to detail, and the utmost respect for their peers. Jim (husband Jim McKenzie, J.D., M.B.A. ’94) has provided unfaltering support since our freshman year and has made each accomplishment possible and more meaningful. Our children, Meghan (5)
and Jack (3) are infinite sources of inspiration who motivate me to be a better person.”
yourself that you will accomplish your goals in order to have the success that you hope for.”
McCoy said she has had many mentors who motivated her to accomplish her goals, including Alice Lee, professor of biology at W&J, who “was an immediate role model for me, and without exception, offered support and advice.”
—Robert Reid
McCoy is an endocrine and general surgeon with the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and assistant professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. From February through September 2008, she was n deployed to Iraq as a trauma and general surgeon in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. When she leaves the Navy in 2010 after 12 years on active duty, McCoy hopes to practice endocrine surgery in an academic setting. “My W&J education obviously helped prepare me for my medical training, but the more intangible lessons learned while there are what help me to manage the busy life that I love,” she said. “I believe that you have to have 100 percent confidence in
Chris Mosley ’01 C F Chris Mosley, who was recently hired as the For aassistant offensive line coach for the NFL’s Tampa B Bay Buccaneers, the first step he took onto W&J’s ffootball field10 years ago was the beginning of a jjourney that has taken him to many football fields aacross the country.
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Photo and logo courtesy of
the Tampa Bay Buccanee rs.
M Mosley’s first foray into coaching was in strength aand conditioning, serving as an assistant at N Notre Dame (2001-03) and with the Cincinnati R Reds (2003-04). Then, a call from Head Coach M Mike Sirianni brought Mosley back to W&J as an aassistant, helping to lead the 2004 Presidents to a school-record 12 victories and a trip to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals. Mosley returned to the Division I ranks as an assistant coach at the University of Akron (2005) before moving on to Villanova (2006) as the secondary coach, which soon vaulted him into the assistant offensive line coach position at Boston College (2007) under Head Coach Jeff Jagodzinski. The seemingly never-ending job shuffle continued last year when he was hired by Princeton University as the tight ends coach. Mosley grew tired of the numerous changes, but knew he had to build a resume if he wanted to continue to climb the coaching ladder.
“I have learned from a lot of terrific coaches,” said Mosley. “I worked my tail off at every single job I had. Many people told me that the hard work would eventually pay off.” When Jagodzinski was hired as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, one of the first calls he made was to Mosley to offer him a position. Mosley handles a ton of film preparation for the team and will spend game days relaying personnel information to Jagodzinski on the sidelines. Mosley has learned that establishing relationships is important in advancing a coaching career. “Be a good person and treat people with respect,” he said. “That goes a long way. If you make the right connections and don’t burn any bridges, you can achieve just about anything you want to if you are willing to work at it.” Mosley started his career dreaming of becoming the head football coach at the University of Georgia. If he continues his climb up the professional ladder, he may still end up as a head coach in the Peachtree state—for the Atlanta Falcons. —Scott McGuinness
Tom Rooney ’93 U. S. Congressman Tom Rooney has spent more than four years in the United States Army JAG Corps, worked as an assistant attorney general, and was elected to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives—proof that a lot can be done in just a few short years.
by Governor Jeb Bush to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County Board of Directors. Having a lifelong interest in politics, Rooney next decided to run for Congress. “It was one of those moments where I realized if I ever wanted to do something big, this was my only shot,” said Rooney.
During his time in the JAG Corps, Rooney served as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at Fort Hood, Texas, prosecuting all civilian crimes on post.
Winning 60 percent of the vote, Rooney was elected on November 4, 2008 to represent the 16th Congressional District.
“My great uncle died in WWII and the Army has always held a sentimental place for me,” said Rooney. “When I was in law school, I had a conversation with a recruiter, and decided to join. I felt it was the perfect career for me, being able to serve my country as well as practice law.”
Rooney still reflects on his W&J education and important lessons learned in Dr. Joseph DiSarro’s political science classes.
Upon returning to Florida, Rooney became active with “The Children’s Place at Home Safe,” a home for abused and neglected children. Not long thereafter, he became its CEO and began addressing budget concerns within the organization as well as helping it become a community partner. Because of his work at Home Safe, Rooney was later appointed
David Steinberg ’91 Shortly after his graduation from W&J in 1991, David Steinberg received a gift certificate in the mail for a free cell phone. Curious, he went to pick it up. “The sales representative started explaining the promotion to me, and moments later, I walked out and said, ‘I’m in the wrong business,’” he said. Maxing out more than one credit card and making use of a parental loan, Steinberg founded Sterling Cellular, Inc. in 1993 in the basement of his Bethesda, Md. home, which he grew into one of the East Coast’s largest wireless retailers. In 1997, he then founded Sterling Communications, a successful communications telemarketing company. “I’m a gadget guy,” Steinberg admitted. “My grandfather was very technologically savvy. I got into the wireless business because of him.” Capitalizing on opportunities provided by the Internet, he sold Sterling’s retail chain and telemarketing operations and founded InPhonic, which was the largest online seller of wireless phones and communications products and services,
“Dr. DiSarro ideologically thinks like I do, but was never biased in class. He didn’t use class as his stump; instead, he gave us the facts,” he said. “W&J gave me the opportunity to grow on my own and figure out who I wanted to be—a large part of who I am today as a person is a result of the experiences I had there.” —Kerri DiGiovanni ’09
with annual sales in excess of $400 million. InPhonic was ranked by Inc. 500 as the fastest growing private company in 2004, the year the company also went public.
know,” he advised. “Surround yourself with people who are experts in what they do, and learn from them. Work harder at what you do than anyone else out there, and you’ll find success.”
For Steinberg, technology met marketing, and he found his niche.
—Emily Trifaro
“Marketing and a love of technology have driven me more than anything else,” he said. “That and a lot of luck.” In October 2007, Steinberg stepped down as InPhonic’s chairman and CEO to raise capital for his next venture, CAIVIS Acquisition Corp., an investment firm which acquires and consolidates small e-commerce companies and uses its marketing, capital, and expertise to maximize their opportunities. The company has since found its niche in the online education space when it merged four small organizations into XL Education Corp., a leading Internet marketing firm that connects students and educational institutions. Steinberg admits there isn’t a secret formula for success, but that hard work does pay off. “If you want to be successful, learn what you do not
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w&jmaking their mark
Lynne Szarnicki ’04 Pierogi. Stuffed cabbage. Haluski. Anyone with a penchant for ethnic Polish fare covets these mouth-watering dishes, especially when they are of the homemade variety. Lynne Szarnicki, owner of Zum Zum LLC and PolishPierogi.com, would know—she’s been learning about, cooking, and eating Polish food her entire life. Learning how to make pierogi during her childhood from a group of older ladies in the basement of her church struck a chord for Szarnicki.
Lake Fong
“I saw how much money the ladies at church could make,” she said. “I was amazed at how they could just sell pierogi to support an entire congregation. I thought, ‘I can do that too.’” She finally got her opportunity, when, as part of her senior project, Szarnicki wrote a business plan for Zum Zum. Three months later, she opened her company in New Kensington, Pa. What began as a purely in-store retail business has evolved into PolishPierogi.com, a dynamic online company that can send the taste of Pittsburgh to anywhere in the country, while also focusing on the areas of wholesale/fundraisers and catering.
Andrew Tabler ’94 A journalist and researcher, Andrew Tabler has achieved an unparalleled insider’s perspective of Bashar al-Assad’s Syria and its people in his 14 years living in the Middle East. “On the surface, the average Syrian is very similar to the average American—family-oriented, relatively conservative, and personally very warm. Many Americans don’t understand that; they still have a view of a Syria under the authoritarian rule of Hafez al-Assad,” Tabler said. His long-term residence in the region began in 1994 with graduate studies in comparative politics and Arabic at the American University of Cairo. After editorships with the Middle East Times and Cairo Times, Tabler joined the Oxford Business Group (OBG) as senior editor and director of editorial for Lebanese/Syrian studies. In this role, he personally oversaw the first comprehensive report on Syria conducted in English in more than 30 years, which created a renewed hope for reform in the country. “The U.S. may have its flaws, but we do have rule of law, presidential elections where we do have the freedom to remove a public figure from office, and 18
“Catering, I like it. We get a lot of requests because we have a product that most caterers just don’t do,” Szarnicki said. “We’re one of the only ethnic caterers in the Pittsburgh area.” Since Szarnicki opened Zum Zum in 2004, the company has experienced tremendous growth, doubling in size over the past couple of years. Owning her own business has taught her a lot about herself. “You have to be a different kind of crazy to own your own business,” she admitted. “You need to be able to think on your feet and have a solution to the problems that come up every day. To have the confidence in yourself and your product is definitely challenging at times. But it’s been worth it.” Despite the challenges of owning a business, Szarnicki thoroughly enjoys it. “People say that when you love what you do, you don’t ever have to ‘go to work’. Because I love what I do, I don’t ever have to go to work,” she concluded. “It’s a labor of love for sure.” —Emily Trifaro
checks on authority, among others,” Tabler said. “These things don’t exist in places like Syria or the Middle East, where there is a lack of democracy and reform.” Having developed several contacts in Syria, Tabler soon left OBG to serve as media consultant for the country’s nongovernmental organizations under the patronage of Syrian First Lady Asma al-Assad. With her support, he co-founded and served as editor-in-chief of Syria Today, the country’s first private-sector English-language magazine. Tabler left the Middle East last year and returned to Washington, D.C. as a Soref fellow for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where he focuses on how to engage Syria in a way that best advances a balanced understanding of American interests in the Middle East. His experiences in Syria taught him a lot about himself and his limits. “I learned how very resourceful I could be under pressure,” he said. “Pressure causes people to change, and definitely changed me while I was there. I had to make many decisions there that I wouldn’t have had to make back at home.” —Emily Trifaro
sportstalk Megan Ferderber ’09 Adds Name to NCAA Postgraduate Success List The W&J Department of Athletics prides itself on recruiting the best and brightest student-athletes to compete in one of 24 NCAA Division III varsity teams. Each year, the NCAA awards 174 postgraduate athletics scholarships to deserving student-athletes among all divisions who have experienced great success on the field and in the classroom and are looking to continue their education in postgraduate study in an accredited graduate degree program. This past March, W&J senior women’s soccer player Megan Ferderber was awarded one of those prestigious scholarships. Ferderber was one of 29 female student-athletes to earn the national honor for the fall season, which takes into account athletics and academic achievements, as well as campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities, and demonstrated leadership. Ferderber graduated as a cell and molecular biology and Spanish double major and plans to continue her education in medical school. The senior defender was the first W&J student-athlete to receive the NCAA scholarship since baseball player Sam Mann in 2007, and became just the third W&J student-athlete to receive the honor this decade.
Ferderber was a 2008 First Team All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference choice after leading W&J to its first-ever PAC Women’s Soccer Championship. Ferderber also helped the Presidents record the first NCAA Division III Tournament victory by any women’s sport at the college after W&J knocked off Marywood (Pa.) on penalty kicks in the NCAA first round at Alexandre Stadium. During the season, Ferderber also received ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District laurels. Ferderber was one of the leading forces behind the Presidents’ impressive defensive unit in 2008. The backline recorded a school-best 13 shutouts, giving up just over one goal per game (1.01). She was named the PAC Defensive Player of the Week on October 6. Ferderber played in 82 career games for W&J and made 75 starts. She joined her senior teammates as the most successful senior class in school history with 44 victories. Ferderber’s defensive units were also a part of 36 team shutouts during their careers, another school record. —Scott McGuinness
W&J Wrestling Alumni Reunite at the 2009 PAC Championships Washington & Jefferson College Wrestling Head Coach Jay Robison and the 2008-09 Presidents hosted wrestling alumni for a reunion prior to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships at the Henry Memorial Center on February 14. A large number of alumni returned and took part in the festivities. The current W&J wrestlers were able to meet some of the top wrestling talent in school history. W&J has won five PAC Team Championships during its illustrious wrestling history, including the 1962 title. Members of that 1962 team were in attendance for the reunion.
Pictured, from left to right): Don Murray ’64, Frank Mika ’63, Marty Reilly ’64, Al Lindsay ’68, Pat Benic ’70, President Haring-Smith, Ken Getty ’66, George Zannos ’64, W&J Head Wrestling Coach Jay Robison, Ron Snee ’63, Jim Pareso ’66, John Yauch ’63, and W&J Assistant Coach Jarrad Turner. 19
sportstalk
Always Playing to Win W&J Football Continues Its Proud Tradition in 25th Consecutive Winning Season The 2008 Presidents won each of their first
ever-changing with big money television
seven games by double digits before the season
contracts, lucrative bowl games, and incessant
reached a turning point following a 35-29 loss
Although the Presidents’ season ended a week
coverage on major television networks.
at Thomas More. The senior class had worked so
later in Texas versus Mary-Hardin Baylor,
hard for a shot at one final PAC Championship
W&J received numerous postseason awards.
College football is big business these days, which
which would have been the 23rd in school
Swallow, W&J’s career passing touchdown
often overshadows the real intrigue of the
history.
leader with 104, earned his second-straight American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)
game. Hardworking student-athletes meet for training camp every fall and share one goal—the
“Our seniors could have packed it in after that
All-America Award and was one of 10 finalists
chance to hold a trophy up to their fans at the
loss,” Sirianni added. “However, they worked
for the Division III Player of the Year Award, the
end of a season.
even harder. They knew if we won our final two
Gagliardi Trophy. He broke NCAA Division III
games, we would have a good shot at a bid to
records for fewest career interceptions thrown
the NCAA playoffs. That is what they did.”
with a minimum of 600 attempts (1.47 percent)
A total of 629 colleges or universities in Division
and career completion percentage record
I (FBS and FCS), Division II, and Division III began with the same goal last August. Out of
A week later, W&J crushed Bethany 54-7
(minimum 1,000 attempts) after hitting on 68.1
those programs, only 20 boasted more overall
on Senior Day, and then topped local-rival
percent of his career passes.
victories than Washington & Jefferson College.
Waynesburg 42-9 on November 15. The next
Wittenberg University led the Division III list
day, the Presidents received the good news and
Senior wide receiver David Ravida graduated as
with 677 wins. W&J was tied with Mount Union
were heading back to the NCAA playoffs. Even
the school’s all-time leading receiver with 191
College for second place in the NCAA Division III
better, W&J received home field advantage and
receptions, while Gitlitz etched his name in the
record books with 657 all-time victories, while
would face Christopher Newport (Va.).
school record book as the second-leading tackler in history with 318 stops. Jones also posted the
also owning the 11th-best winning percentage The senior offensive duo of quarterback Bobby
second-highest single-season scoring total with
Swallow and running back Curt Jones led
144 points. His 24 touchdowns were more than
The faces inside the helmets may change, but
W&J in the first-round 35-29 victory over the
that of legendary NFL Hall of Famer “Deacon”
one constant has remained. That winning
Captains. Swallow passed for 258 yards and
Dan Towler during his illustrious 1948 season
tradition continued in 2008 as the Presidents
three touchdowns, while Jones rushed for 141
for the Presidents.
made a deep run in the NCAA Division III
yards and two scores.
among all NCAA divisions.
“I am proud of the way our team played in
playoffs and finished the year with an 11-2 The win catapulted W&J into the NCAA second
2008,” Sirianni concluded. “There are high
round and a trip to Jackson, Miss., for a game
expectations when you become a W&J football
The Presidents, led by Head Coach Mike Sirianni,
against the nation’s third-ranked team, Millsaps.
player. We want to be winners in the classroom
posted their 25th consecutive winning season
Few gave the Presidents a chance to stick with
and on the football field.”
this past fall. W&J earned an at-large invitation
the high-powered Majors’ offense, but Jones
to the NCAA Division III playoffs, its 20th playoff
stole the show and rushed for a career-high
Sirianni will be without 23 decorated seniors
bid in the past 25 seasons.
208 yards and four touchdowns. The Presidents’
when the next group of freshmen arrives on
overall record.
offensive line, led by seniors Dave Bucar and
campus this fall for the 118th season of football
“A winning culture was built at W&J, and we
Matt Houy, dominated the Millsaps defensive
at Washington & Jefferson College. Those new
expect to win every year,” said Sirianni. “When
front and opened holes for Jones’ big day.
faces will quickly learn that when you suit up in the Red & Black, magical moments happen on
we step on the field each August, our goal is to win a national championship. Our program
Millsaps quarterback Juan Joseph, who was
hasn’t reached those heights yet, but we are
named the state’s top football player among
working hard to bring that national title to
all NCAA divisions, was bothered all day by
W&J.”
senior linebackers John Fahey and David Gitlitz. Sophomore Craig Sedunov recorded a
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team-high 13 tackles.
The NCAA college football landscape is
Saturdays at Cameron Stadium. —Scott McGuinness
David Gitlitz ‘0 9
Curt Jones ‘0 9
w ‘09 Bobby Swallo
vida ‘09 David Ra
Dave Bucar ‘09
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sportstalk
On the Rebound Matt Drakeley ’10 Helps Lead the Presidents to a Historic Season Matt Drakeley walked off the basketball court in February 2008 with mixed emotions. He had developed into one of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference’s top point guards and was equally successful in the classroom with a 3.97 cumulative grade-point average. However, he couldn’t shake a strange tingling sensation in his left hand and numbness throughout the left side of his body. He was a healthy student-athlete, playing the sport he loved—but something just wasn’t right.
better. I just felt blessed and lucky. I was hoping to get back to classes and to not get far behind in school.”
A month later, Drakeley was undergoing elbow surgery. Still, the sensations remained six months after the surgery and doctors believed it was possibly a pinched nerve. In actuality, it was worse.
“If you would have asked me September 16 if this was possible, I would have said, no way,” added the junior biochemistry major. “It was pretty unbelievable. The doctors and staff did a great job. My dad helped me through the struggles. My mother, like any mom, was a wreck, and I wanted to be strong throughout the whole process for her. I couldn’t have gotten through it without them.”
Neurosurgeon Raymond Sekula, M.D. informed Drakeley and his family that he was suffering from a Chiari type I malformation, an uncommon and complex neuromuscular deformity that is present at birth. Fluid-filled sacs were lining his spinal cord which pinched off a nerve to his left arm. Extensive surgery was required as the cerebella tonsils, a piece of his skull, and his C1 vertebra needed to be removed. “Outwardly, I appeared strong, but I was pretty torn up inside,” said Drakeley. “Everything I had worked so hard for was put on hold.” The September 16 surgery did not provide any guarantees and the damage already done could have been permanent. His family and a group of friends conducted a prayer service at his church. The goal of the surgery was to recover fully over the following six to twelve months. Two days after his surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Dr. Sekula informed Drakeley that his recovery was the quickest he had witnessed. His remarkable recovery continued two weeks later and the inevitable question was asked, “Can I play basketball again?” Dr. Sekula immediately said a return to the court wasn’t an option, as practice would begin on October 15. His improvement continued and so did Drakeley’s hopes. “My hand was feeling a lot
Six weeks later, Dr. Sekula walked in the room with a smile on his face. Matt Drakeley was going to play basketball again…immediately. On November 4, only 49 days after his surgery, Drakeley walked into the Henry Memorial Center and started dribbling, passing, and shooting with his teammates.
Drakeley’s father, Tom, a 1977 W&J graduate, joined Head Coach Glen Gutierrez’s coaching staff this season as an assistant, which he had planned on doing even before his son’s surgery. Having his father around every day was a great asset to Drakeley’s recovery. Drakeley also needed to get readjusted to his academic schedule. W&J allowed him to continue to be a full-time student despite having to drop two classes. Faculty members gave him the opportunity to make up for the missed class time. “Dr. Michael McCracken and Professor Emily Taylor were very generous to me,” said Drakeley. “I missed two tests and a lot of the class work. But I had intrinsic motivation. Everyone gave me a free pass to fail, but I refused. I wanted to earn my grades.” The Presidents opened the season in Hoboken, New Jersey on November 15 and Drakeley played 17 minutes. He scored five points and although W&J lost to Manhattanville, his comeback was complete. “I just stayed focused and this has turned out to be the best year of my life,” he said.
W&J finished the h season with i h iits second-best db win total in school history with a 20-10 record. The Presidents earned an invitation to the ECAC Division III South Championship Tournament and knocked off the top three seeds en route to bringing home the first postseason title in men’s basketball history. Drakeley played in 29 games and averaged 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per contest. Even more impressively, he maintained his lofty grade-point average and was honored by ESPN The Magazine and the College Sports Information Directors of America as a First Team Academic All-District performer. That ballot included all men’s basketball players in NCAA Division II, Division III, or NAIA in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. “Winning our last game and the ECAC Championship was the greatest feeling I’ve ever had,” he said with a smile. “The academic award was also a great accomplishment. I worked hard to perform well in basketball and even harder to keep my grades up. For other people to notice all that hard work was very gratifying.” The awards continued to pile up as Drakeley received two leadership and service awards at W&J’s 2009 Honor Convocation. He was presented with the Paul L. Reardon and David K. Scarborough Leadership awards. With his dramatic year behind him, Drakeley has a clear focus on his future. He plans on taking the MCAT and applying to medical school to concentrate on anesthesiology. He also has big plans for himself and his teammates. “We want to bring a PAC Championship back to W&J,” he concluded without hesitation (the Presidents’ last conference title came in 1995). “Our goal is to get that championship and earn the NCAA Division III Tournament bid.” After everything Drakeley has overcome this year, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect the Presidents to be cutting down the nets in the Henry Memorial Center next winter. —Scott McGuinness
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alumniconnection
Then& Now Abbey Ross ’04
knowing when to laugh at yourself.
Major at W&J: French Minor: or: History
If I knew I couldn’t fail, I would… … become a photographer.
My philosophy on life and work:
remember moving in with the help of Greek Life, meeting my freshman roommate, partying on the Gateway Clipper, and becoming familiar with the college campus. I also made powerful connections with friends that have lasted throughout the past four years.
“Yesterday is over my shoulder.” --- Jimmy Buffett
Three words to describe myself: Open, honest, and sarcastic
My mantra:
I have worked very hard throughout my college career, and making Dean’s List has most definitely been the icing on the cake!
“It’s better to have bad taste than no taste.” --Diana Vreeland
My mentors along the journey:
My advice for an incoming freshman: Not long ong after graduation graduation, Abbey entered th the fashion industry as a senior accessories lead and sales associate for Polo Ralph Lauren. She currently assists the head designer for Women’s Blue Label Design at Ralph Lauren in New York City.
W&J was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Enjoy every minute you can—it will fly by.
College Activities: W&J Swimming and Diving
Major at W&J: Child Development and Education ucation
and Water Polo Teams, Kappa Alpha Theta sorority
Thelana Baker ’09
Why I came to W&J: I came because of the athletics program (swimming), as well as the familiar atmosphere; my parents, Peter and Louise (Kirkpatrick) Ross, are both alumni, class of 1974.
Success is: Measured not by how much money you make, but by the positive influence one person has on another. Henry Ford once said “To do more for the world than the world does for you—that is success,” and I agree wholeheartedly.
…be a supermodel. During my college career I’ve tried out for America’s Next Top Model twice and I’ve gone to New York City multiple times to pursue modeling.
My philosophy on life and work: Since high school I have lived by the motto, “Hard work brings about good results.” After graduation, aduation Thelana hopes to obtain a primary (K-3) teaching position in the Washington or Pittsburgh areas. To advance her marketability, she plans to return to school to obtain principal, superintendent, ESL, and Special Education certificates.
Three words to describe myself: Goal-oriented, fashionable, and hard-working
My mantra:
College Activities: During my four years at W&J, I have been involved in a plethora of activities both on and off campus.
“‘Can’t’ never could do anything” is the motto of my life! There are so many times when I doubt myself and feel like nothing ever turns out the way that I’ve planned. I have learned that saying “can’t” defeats a person even before an attempt has been made.
Why I came to W&J:
My advice for an incoming freshman:
Mrs. Teresa Cavoti, Coach Mike Orstein, and my parents.
I was originally recruited to W&J to run track, but unfortunately never joined the team. W&J was my first-choice school because I was really interested in the liberal arts experience and small student-faculty ratio.
Be willing to keep an open mind, be unafraid to experience new things, and take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Always keep academics first, learn how to effectively manage time, actively seek out assistance from others, and make valuable first impressions.
Success is:
My best college memory:
The proudest moment of my career so far has been: Living and working in London for six months after graduation. While there, I worked at Jeroboams Wine and Fromagerie, a London-based retailer of wines, cheeses, and other fine foods. It was a really great experience.
My mentors along the journey:
Feeling comfortable in your own skin—and 24
My mom has always been my support system, encouraging and believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Other mentors include Joseph Grimes, various faculty members, host teachers and principals, family, and friends.
If I knew I couldn’t fail, I would…
My best college memory: While I have way too many to consider the best, I do have one memory that I am particularly fond of. When I was in 1st grade, my parents took my sister Katie and me to a homecoming football game at W&J, and then to 5th Quarter. While Katie and I ran around on the front lawn of Old Main, my parents spent time with their old friends. Later in the evening, Dr. and Mrs. Nick Cavoti babysat us while Mom and Dad went to the “D&U” to enjoy more good times and reminisce!
The proudest moment of my college career so far has been:
My best memory was freshman year. I vividly
A great year for W&J events! The 2008-2009 regional events calendar was a full one, with parents and friends of the College joining alumni in rekindling friendships, forging new ones, and reconnecting with the W&J of today. Although each region and its corresponding event are diverse, the commonality is a shared affection for Washington & Jefferson College and the desire to maintain the strong bonds formed while students at W&J.
Autumn brought with it several home and away football game tailgate events, where fans of all ages enjoyed the game-day atmosphere. Throughout the year, the Office of Alumni Relations hosted cocktail receptions in Virginia Beach, Va.; Cleveland, Ohio; Fort Myers and Bradenton, Fla.; Fall Hills, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Chicago, Ill.; and Washington, D.C. Brunches were held in Columbus, Ohio; San Francisco, Calif.; and Boca Raton, Fla., while guests enjoyed dinner events in Dallas, Tex.
and Detroit, Mich. Alumni in Philadelphia, Pa. and Seattle, Wash. enjoyed art exhibitions, while Pittsburgh alumni enjoyed musical productions of RENT and Wicked, and brought their families to the Children’s Museum on a cold February day. Included here is just a sampling of photos from this past year’s regional events. The Alumni Office invites you to join the camaraderie in the future. Please keep your eyes open for an upcoming y alumni event near you!
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alumniconnection
Climbing the Political Ladder W&J’s Rising Young Politicians It’s no secret that many W&J graduates seek out successful careers in the field of law after graduation. More than 90 percent of students who apply to law school are accepted, an impressive statistic against the national average of 67 percent. Many become attorneys who practice law in a variety of areas, while others serve as judges at the trial, appellate, and administrative levels of justice.
order to grow the economy, stimulate employment opportunities for local residents, and implement ways to stop corporate welfare. “When I returned home after graduating from college to get a job, I knew I would either have to accept the way things are, or work hard to change them,” he said. “There is a need for change and I want to be a part of the new generation that will bring about that change.”
Just as notable are those graduates who take their political science—and even business administration— degrees from W&J and find success quite early in their careers in public office. The sky is the limit for these three young alumni who are making names for themselves as public servants on the local and state level in Pennsylvania.
Knowing that reform in Harrisburg doesn’t happen overnight, White has also focused his efforts on challenges back home in his district. He recently set up an economic resource center—complete with a grant writer—to help municipalities and non-profit groups learn what resources are available to them. “I’ve always been a problem-solver, and I love the challenge of finding new ways to help people,” he said. “It really feels like I’m making a difference.” S i hi Serving his secondd tterm iin th the PPennsylvania House of Representatives is Jesse White ’00, (Democrat, 46th District, Washington/Beaver/Allegheny counties), who, in November 2008, won re-election in the 46th District with 64 percent of the vote. Born and raised in Washington County, White is focused on property tax reform and promoting southwestern Pennsylvania as a wonderful place to live and work. “A lot of my classmates have moved away from the region to pursue jobs elsewhere. I’m working to create an environment where young families will want to live and raise a family, so that local children have the opportunity to stay in the area when they are ready to join the workforce,” he said.
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JJoining i i Whit i ti ’0 White iis Ji Jim Ch Christiana ’06 (Republican, 15th District, Beaver County), who, on January 6, 2009, was sworn in as the youngest member of the 203-member state house of representatives.
When White was first elected to office back in 2006, he was the 3rd youngest member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. A strong advocate of legislative reform, he has been termed a young, aggressive representative with ‘fire in his belly.’
Prior to being elected as a Pennsylvania state legislator, Christiana’s public service began when he was elected, as a college senior, the youngest councilman in the history of Beaver Borough. Christiana is a strong proponent of a fiscally responsible government. As councilman and chairman of Beaver Council’s finance committee, he sponsored and delivered a property tax cut for Borough residents.
“I’ve had to take a stand to prove that I am legitimate and that my age doesn’t mean I’m going to sit back and not do anything,” White said.
Christiana wants to help working citizens and small business owners during his two-year term. He hopes to lower the tax burden on job creators in
LLuke k R t hl ’03 continues i Ravenstahl to serve as the 59th mayor of the city of Pittsburgh, to which he was elected on November 6, 2007. He holds the distinction of being the youngest mayor of a major metropolitan city in the United States, a position he first assumed on September 1, 2006 upon the untimely death of Mayor Bob O’Connor. Ravenstahl’s efforts to create a city with a vibrant economy, 21st century job growth, and restored financial stability are helping Pittsburgh to weather the storm during the economic downturn. Under his leadership, progress can be seen throughout the city with more than $4 billion in development and booming construction projects. His work to build a new multi-purpose arena for the City and the 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins has led to a $290 million development opportunity for the struggling Hill District neighborhood, while also keeping the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Dr. Joe DiSarro, professor of political science, is proud of what W&J graduates continue to achieve in political office, particularly at such young ages and so early in their careers. “W&J students are very dedicated and focused on being successful and making a difference in the world,” DiSarro said. “To see our graduates in these roles says a lot of W&J and our campus community. I could not be prouder of our students and what they are accomplishing.” —Emily Trifaro
The Value of A Mentor
When Geno McCourt ’12, the first in his family to attend a four-year college, started at W&J this past fall, he bought a book titled Making the Most of College, hoping it would provide him with some much needed guidance. In the first couple of chapters (which is admittedly all he read), the author stressed the importance of networking and good mentoring. When McCourt received an invitation to dinner with a handful of students and alumni at the W&J Alumni House, he took the author’s advice and jumped at the offer. As a result of the connections he made at the alumni dinner, McCourt is now taking part in a pilot group, started by the Alumni Executive Council (AEC), of alumni/student mentorships. “I mentor second and third grade students at Washington Park School, and they look up to me a great deal,” he said. “Having an alumni mentor made my freshman year less stressful and more beneficial.”
As an economics major with hopes of either working for a large corporation or starting his own business, he’s been paired with Dana Devereux ’73, president of Oakpoint Partners, Inc., a private corporation formed for the purpose of private equity portfolio management and investment in franchise businesses. The mentorships were the brainchild of Devereux. As president-elect of the AEC, one night he discussed with his wife the fact that W&J has a population of first generation college students at or surpassing 25 percent. “These students could benefit greatly from alumni advice. What’s the best way to offer it?” he thought. Following that discussion, Devereux brought his idea for a Big Brothers Big Sisters-type mentoring program to the programming committee of the AEC. The mentorships would pair students and alumni for the purpose of career advice and networking during each of the students’ four years
at W&J. The AEC thought it was a great idea, and many jumped on board to pilot the program. While this mentorship program is still in its formative stages, it has enormous potential for positively affecting the lives of future alumni. After experimenting for a short while with students and AEC members, the Office of Alumni Relations hopes to expand the program to the general alumni body. In the meantime, alumni can keep an eye out for other invitations to participate with students through the Office of Alumni Relations’ expanded student/alumni programming. On the horizon, the plan includes inviting more alumni back to campus for networking events, volunteer opportunities, expert panels, and residence hall programming. We hope that all of these activities will reengage alumni in the life of the College while teaching students how to be involved and active alumni once they graduate. A win/win for all involved! —Sarah Sperry
Images (left to right): Alumni learned about current student work at the Trelka Symposium held in October; Students and alumni made connections at the Black Student Union Brunch; Career connections were made between alumni and students over Homecoming Weekend 2008; Members of the AEC were paired together with students at the AEC Networking Lunch.
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alumniconnection
A Network of Meaningful Connections As an alumnus or alumna, you may have received a call from the W&J Career Services Office in the past year, asking if you would be willing to volunteer your expertise as a career mentor, or offer internship opportunities to a current student. To date, there are more than 100 alumni who have already agreed to assist students through the Career Resource Network (CRN). The CRN is a resource that Career Services, in conjunction with the Offices of the President, Alumni Relations, and IT Services, launched in the summer of 2007. It is a searchable Web site that current students can use to connect with alumni who are willing either to be a career resource or to provide an internship. This June, Steven Barringer ’10 will begin an internship in the sales department of Arthur J. Gallagher & Company, in Glendale, Calif. He will work with Mark Knepshield ’92, gaining valuable experience in the sales arena. Steven is extremely excited to have the opportunity to complete an internship with an alumnus, as well as to have the opportunity to work in sunny California.
The Career Resource Network is an easy way that alumni can get involved. If you can provide an internship, wonderful; if not, would you be willing to share your story and a bit of advice with current students? Please let us know at CRN@washjeff. edu! For questions or more information, please contact our office at 724-229-5126. The Office of Career Services looks forward to hearing from you!
“This internship will forward my career to new levels that I could never have anticipated without the help of an alumnus,” Barringer said. “I definitely encourage other students to check out this valuable tool.”
—Jami Klingensmith, W&J Assistant Director of Career Services
In addition to Barringer’s internship, other W&J students are benefiting from opportunities that alumni can provide. In the spring of 2008, Matt Toldero ’09 came to the Career Services Office searching for an internship in the legal field. He was directed to the CRN, and secured a great experience with District Magistrate Anthony Saveikis ’89. During his internship, Toldero read case briefs, observed the corresponding court hearings, and discussed the rulings with Magistrate Saveikis. He also sat in on first-time meetings between public defenders and their clients, jury selection, night court, and the Court of Common Pleas at the Allegheny County Courthouse. The internship confirmed his desire to pursue a legal career. Toldero will begin law school at Wake Forest University this fall. “Going into this internship I had an idea that I wanted to work in the legal field, but I wasn’t given the opportunity to see what each job offered,” Toldero said. “Now that I have seen the legal process in action, I know that this is the career field that I want to pursue.” Who would be better to help a current W&J President than a past President? Students’ interests vary widely from law and medicine to international studies, technology, psychology, and education, among others. For those students not yet certain about their career choice, speaking with someone who has already pursued a similar path can prove quite beneficial. 28
classnotes 1950
Action for a Better Community, and New York State regent emeritus. Cooper was the first African American to earn a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University. He has published more than 25 scientific papers and obtained three patents in polymerization during his three decades with Kodak. He serves as a trustee emeritus on the W&J Board of Trustees.
1952 Theodore Beadle discontinued his employment with the Montgomery County court system after 10 years of service. Walter Cooper, Ph.D. received the Frederick Douglass Award from the University of Rochester and its Frederick Douglass Institute for African and American studies in recognition of his continuation of the famed abolitionist’s battle for equal opportunity. He is a retired research scientist from Eastman Kodak Company, one of the founding members of the Rochester chapter of the National Urban League and
Reed Day taught the International Law course in W&J’s Department of Political Science during the 2009 spring term on behalf of Buba Misawa, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, who spent the semester abroad teaching at the University of the Gambia in Banjul, The Gambia.
1953 George Schwimmer, Ph.D. produced A Heart Full of Love, an animated DVD for young children of divorce. He is also the author of The Search for David (1996) and Adventures in Consciousness (2006). Schwimmer has had numerous articles published on metaphysical subjects, written metaphysically-themed screenplays, and recently completed a modernized version of Hamlet, entitled Hamlet Dead. He is also the co-founder and creative producer of Phoenix Shakti Enterprises.
‘A Day to Remember’ It’s not every day that one gets to be at the forefront of a history-making event such as the swearing-in ceremony of the 44th President of the United States. But for Pat Benic ’70 and Tom Benic ’67, January 20, 2009 was just that day. Pat, who is chief photographer for United Press International, was one of nine “pool” photographers in the center media tower capturing history on film at the U.S. Capitol. Hired by his brother for the day as an assistant, Tom occupied one of the most highly coveted spots on the south media platform, a true bird’s-eye view of the swearing in of President Obama. The Benics’ day began at 3 a.m., long before the public got its first glimpse of the Obamas making their way into St. John’s Episcopal Church for pre-inauguration services. By 5 a.m., they were cleared by security and wading through a crowd already gathering along the National Mall. It would be seven more hours before Chief Justice John Roberts conducted the swearing-in ceremony on the platform of the U. S. Capitol, and the half-day’s wait gave Tom an appreciation for the work at hand. “It was 20 degrees, the wind was blowing, there was no food, and we were just standing there,” he says. “Then the sun came up, you look out, and 1 million people have already gathered. You realize you’re 50 feet from the podium, and that was a moment.” Pat, who lives in Washington, D.C., has been a globetrotting professional photojournalist for the past 40 years, boasting a portfolio of high profile events over the decades, from the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square massacre, to major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics, to a number of presidential inaugurations. “As a news photographer, I always look to the next experience or next picture as possibly the best, so it’s very difficult to rank events,” said Pat, reflecting on his experiences over the years. “I remember showing up in Chicago for Obama’s election night rally in November and saying to other photographers that I would rank it in my personal top five. I see the inauguration as an extension of election night, so it’s definitely right up there with the election rally. The electricity of the crowd made both events extra special. It is always a privilege to have the opportunity to witness and record history.”
Tom Be n ic
’67
Pat Benic ’70
29
classnotes
1964
1957 1955 Lee McCormick, M.D. is proud to announce that there are now three W&J generations of McCormicks. He is joined by his son, Lee McCormick Jr. ’79, and his granddaughter, Leah Herzog ’11. Arthur Sohn ’55 along with his wife and six couples who happened to be on Florida’s west coast in February and March, met in Sarasota to catch up with one another and take advantage of some of the athletic competition that is sponsored by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. In tennis, Turbi and Paul Smilow ’55 swept the doubles competition without losing a set, and Carol and Don Kamerer ’55 made it to the semifinals. Entrants in the beach volleyball competition were Beryl and Vic Wood ’55, Nell and Bob Simonin ’55, and Judy and Steve Oliphant ’55, all who won their early heats. The heavy winds off the Gulf Coast proved to be a blessing for the wind surfing team of Joanne and Butler Waugh ’55. Sohn writes, “We are open to other classmates who might want to join in on the festivities. For the new members, we will waive the initiation fees!”
While vacationing in Italy, Rachel and Tom Gladden of Washington just “happened” to run into four W&J couples. Pictured in the photo from left to right are: Charles “Tuck” Nason ’68 and wife Beth, Saundra Stout, James Knepshield, M.D. ’59, William Stout ’64, Ron Sandmeyer ’57, Barbara Knepshield, Rachel Gladden, Judge Tom Gladden, and Elaine Sandmeyer.
Frank Vandall, professor of law at Emory University, recently attended conferences at Widener Law School, the University of Richmond Law School, and Northwestern Law School. He also published three articles in 2008: “The Criminalization of Products Liability: An Invitation to Political Abuse, Preemption, and Nonenforcement,” Catholic University Law Review; “Why We Are Outraged: An Economic Analysis of Internet Gambling,” Richmond Journal of Global Law and Business; and “Should Manufacturers and Sellers of Lethal Products be Subject to Criminal Prosecution?” Widener Law Journal.
1965
1963 Ronald Snee, Ph.D. was elected to the International Academy for Quality, the most prestigious international organization in the field of quality management. Snee is a principal with Tunnell Consulting.
Richard Crosbie and Bruce Campbell, Esq., both members of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, along with their wives recently met for lunch in Madison, Connecticut. Crosbie is a retired chief chemist for Nike International and Campbell practices law in Killingworth. Bruce displays his W&J pride on his license plate.
John “Jack” Walther Jr., M.D. retired in 2007 as staff physician at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio, but not before receiving the MVP award from the hospital’s Family Medical Center. He attended the 21st Cardiology Update in Michigan. Walther served as the chair of the class of 1963’s 45th reunion at Homecoming 2008. He and his wife, Audrey, are planning a permanent move to their newly-built home in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Allan Goodrich was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Archivist of the United States, Allen Weinstein, at the National Archives’ College Park building. A précis of the citation reads, “No individual in the history of the Kennedy Library has been more central to its archival mission than Allan Goodrich. Beginning in 1969, he organized the Library’s audiovisual collections. In the 1970s, he helped design the building, advocating for the world’s first cold
The Verdict Is In: Trailblazing Litigator Finds Success in the Courtroom In the first criminal prosecution of its kind in the United States, M. Gerald Schwartzbach ’66 won an acquittal in the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court for Dr. Hootan Roozrokh on December 19, 2008. The verdict closed a case that had drawn widespread attention to the medical, and ethical, complexities of organ transplantation. Dr. Roozrokh, an organ transplant surgeon, was charged with attempting to hasten the death of a potential organ donor. The prosecution received international media attention and Dr. Roozrokh’s exoneration has been widely viewed as both restoring confidence in the system of organ transplantation and making a significant contribution to the treatment of suffering in end-of-life care. “I think this verdict is going to help save lives,” Mr. Schwartzbach said. “I believe this is the most important case I have ever tried in my career because of the implications to organ donations.” Listed in the publication The Best Lawyers in America®, Mr. Schwartzbach has been 30
a trial lawyer for 39 years, specializing in criminal defense and general civil litigation. He is a recipient of the Skip Glenn Award, presented for outstanding service in defense of a client by California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, a statewide organization of more than 2,000 criminal defense attorneys. Mr. Schwartzbach has lectured extensively on a variety of subjects related to trial practice and the criminal justice system. He has also testified in capital murder habeas corpus proceedings as an expert on the competence of counsel, and has served on the boards of numerous professional organizations.
Coming Together to Bring Down Rising Health Costs On Monday, May 11, 2009, President Barack Obama held a landmark meeting at the White House with a wide array of leaders in the health care field—insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and providers—which marked one of the most promising signs for health reform to date. Among the key individuals present who pledged to work together and take major steps to control costs in health care to the tune of $2 trillion in savings over the next ten years were (pictured on far left) Thomas Priselac ’73, president and chief executive officer of Cedars-Sinai Health System, and (second from left) Richard Clark ’68, president and chief executive officer of Merck & Co., Inc. Mr. Clark said that Merck is prepared to do its part to achieve comprehensive health care reform. “Merck will continue working with President Obama’s administration and Congress to achieve real health reform this year and to resolve the affordability and access barriers that deny too many people medical care,” said Mr. Clark. “We believe health reform, if done properly, will be good for patients and align perfectly with our mission.” The meeting underscored several serious proposals already put forth by Merck. The company has been advocating for health care reform and has taken positions on
storage film vault to run at zero degrees (F) and 30 percent RH. For years, he oversaw the AV Archives Division before being named chief archivist. As a career capstone, he plays an integral role in the library’s groundbreaking digitization effort. In his unassuming way, over his 40 year career, Mr. Goodrich has made an immeasurable difference to the library and the public it serves.”
1966 Mark W. Eger, O.D. was elected 44th president of the American Academy of Optometry. He has been a practicing optometrist since 1968.
the controversial issues that must be addressed to bring about comprehensive reform this year. “Successful health care reform will Photo courtesy of the White House. build on and improve on our existing public-private system that is uniquely American,” said Mr. Clark. “I’ve seen how market competition can lower costs in the pharmaceutical sector, and the goal of systemic health reform should be to foster greater market competition around quality and price.” President Obama closed the meeting making clear that this was just the beginning, and certainly no stopgap measure, to health care reform in the United States. “The steps that are being announced today are significant. But the only way these steps will have an enduring impact is if they are taken not in isolation, but as part of a broader effort to reform our entire health care system.”
Kentucky, while Wasicek practices rheumatology in Watertown, New York.
Companies. He and his wife, Mary Lu, reside in Mt. Lebanon.
1969
1972
George Kennedy and his wife, Marcy, traveled to Ireland in May, accompanied by his fraternity brother, Robert Walker, Ph.D. They also plan to attend Homecoming 2009 in celebration of their 40th reunion. “We wish to extend a special invitation to all alums of this era, especially Kappa Sigmas, to join in the celebration,” they said.
M. Terrace Simon, D.O. was presented the annual Family Physician of the Year award by the Ohio State Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, at its 110th Ohio Osteopathic Convention in June 2008. He was honored for not only his excellence in clinical practice, but also for his involvement within the community, participation in Society activities, dedication to advancing the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine, and his overall support of the profession. Simon practices at Family Practice Associates and Dover Family Care in Massillon and Dover, Ohio, respectively.
1971
1968
1973
Charles Wasicek, M.D. and Jeffrey Hilb, M.D. held their own personal W&J 40th reunion in the fall. After a 40-year gap in communication, the long-time friends, discovered they had a mutual interest in hiking, and together climbed Mt. Marcy, the highest peak in New York. Wasicek is actually a “46’er,” meaning he has climbed the 46 mountains in New York that are more than 4000 feet. Hilb recently retired from his solo internal medicine practice in Louisville,
James Denny, (pictured on left), president of the Pittsburgh Alumni Association of Phi Kappa Psi, which came into existence in 1852 at Jefferson College, accepted the Outstanding Alumni Association Award on behalf of the Pittsburgh Association at the 74th Grand Arch Council meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. Subsequently, Denny was appointed director of alumni relations and associations for the National Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Outside of his fraternity responsibilities, Denny is managing director of the Cygnet Group of
R. Burke McLemore Jr. was appointed to the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He is a partner at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP in Harrisburg. He was previously cited in Best Lawyers in America® and is recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer. McLemore is former chair of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Council and former president of the Dauphin County Bar Association. In addition, he was the 2007 recipient of the Dickinson School of Law’s Outstanding Alumni Award, and a coach and tournament director for soccer and baseball teams in the area. McLemore currently serves in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s House of Delegates. 31
classnotes
Rising Through the Ranks of Justice Kevin A. Ohlson ’82 is at the heart of some of the U.S. Government’s most sensitive and controversial national security decisions. In February 2009, Mr. Ohlson was appointed as chief of staff and counselor to U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. Upon graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1985, Mr. Ohlson was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army where he served both as a judge advocate and as a paratrooper. In 1989, he was appointed as a federal prosecutor, but in 1990 he was recalled to active duty and was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions overseas during the Persian Gulf War. At the conclusion of his military service, Mr. Ohlson resumed his duties as an assistant U.S. attorney. In 1997, he was appointed as chief of staff to the then-deputy attorney general, Mr. Holder.
1974 Paul D’Orazio, Ph.D. was appointed as one of four experts of the ILeader Panel at Instrumentation Laboratory (IL) as part of the company’s “50 and Forward” program in celebration of its 50th anniversary. D’Orazio has 30 years of experience in the critical care industry and worked as a scientist and supervisor of Sensor Technology for Bayer Diagnostics prior to his employment at IL. He holds 12 patents in the field of chemical sensors, has served on the boards of the AACC Critical and Point Care Testing and Industry Divisions, and is a member of several CSLI committees, as well as being an ongoing contributor to many leading industry publications.
1976 Andrew Walker was named president of the New College Foundation, where he previously held the position of international director of trustee programs for The Nature Conservancy in Arlington, Virginia. He also served 12 years as executive director of Conservancy chapters in New York and Tennessee.
1977
The group had an enjoyable time staying at the Quinnipiack Club with banquets, pizza, and lobster, and finished off the weekend with seeing the Grateful Dead in concert. In attendance were David White ’77, Douglas McBride ’77, George Alter ’75, Anthony Solomita ’75, Thomas Hardecker ’74, Alan Evelyn ’75, Andrew Aloe ’76, Daniel Aloe ’77, Bill Booth ’77, Tom Craig ’80, Paul Medvedo ’77, Gary Balionis ’77, Kurt Menges ’77, Bruce Kelsey ’77, and Ray Schmeh ’74. Keith T. Ghezzi, M.D. joined Alvarez & Marsal as a managing director in the Healthcare Industry Group and will work out of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. He has been a board certified physician in emergency medicine for more than 20 years, and is an accomplished healthcare consultant.
1981 Randy Berenfield was honored for “Best Brochure” and “Multi-media Campaign” by the South Florida Writers’ Association. He resides in Boca Raton and is involved with various philanthropic endeavors. David A. Damico was selected for the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in America 2009® in the area of railroad law. He is employed by Burns, White & Hickton, LLC, in Pittsburgh.
1982
Fraternity brothers from Beta Theta Pi recently reunited for a weekend in New Haven, Connecticut.
32
William T. Dymond Jr. of the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. has been included in The Best Lawyers in America 2009® in the area of real estate law.
Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Ohlson served as director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) at the United States Department of Justice, to which he was appointed in 2007. Previously, he had served as board member with the Board of Immigration Appeals from 2001-2003, and as EOIR’s deputy director since September 2003. Among Mr. Ohlson’s responsibilities as a gatekeeper is to be sure the attorney general is being well served by all of the professionals in the Department of Justice. “As counselor, I have the privilege of being able to have the ear of the attorney general before any conversation begins and at the conclusion of any meeting,” he said. “At the proverbial end of the day, the attorney general asks me to provide him with my confidential opinion, and I give him my advice.”
1983 Carolyn M. Gatty was named as a rehabilitation manager at Genesis Rehab Services.
1984 W. Alan Torrance Jr., a shareholder in the Pittsburgh-based law firm of Dickie, McCarney & Chilcote, P.C., has been included in The Best Lawyers in America 2009® in the area of business torts and commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on construction law.
1985 Matthew M. Shaffer was named senior vice president for the Major Group Unit at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. He will be responsible for sales, marketing, underwriting, and operations for all large group and national account customers. Shaffer joined Wellmark in 2002 as president of Wellmark Health Plan in Iowa, a subsidiary HMO. He served on the Iowa Business Council, the board of the Iowa College Foundation, and the board of the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center. Shaffer was also commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he attained the rank of captain, serving as a flight platoon leader and pilot of the Army’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
1987
1996
Joseph B. Sobel, M.D. was promoted to chief medical officer at BlueChoice® HealthPlan of South Carolina. He previously served for four years as associate medical director and prior to that he was in clinical practice. In addition to board certification by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, Sobel is a fellow in the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. He is also a member of the American College of Physician Executives, the American Medical Association, and the South Carolina Medical Association.
Jason Mauser has been appointed to the position of national sales manager by The National Ticket Company’s board of directors. Mauser joined the company in 1999 as an account manager for the Pittsburgh and Midwest territories. He resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Tracy, and their children, Zakhary, Landon, and Peyton.
1991 Shannon L. Crew was elected as a director of Houston Harbaugh, P.C., where she concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning and estate administration. She has extensive experience drafting various trust instruments, wills, and other estate planning documents; implementing estate and business succession plans; and administering decedents’ estates. Kelly Kimberland was elected president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She is the public relations manager for the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Kimberland previously worked as the global industry analyst relations manager for Marconi Communications and as a corporate communications specialist and a customer service liaison with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania. She also served as an adjunct professor in advanced public and media relations at Duquesne University.
1993 Alexander J. Chotkowski, Esq. was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service during the U.S. military humanitarian assistance effort in Burma following the disaster caused by Cyclone Nargis that struck the coast of Burma in May 2008. During the mission, called Operation Caring Response, Major Chotkowski served as a logistics officer for the U.S. relief effort that was headquartered in Korat, Thailand. He recently earned a master’s degree with a concentration in public policy from the University of Pennsylvania in December 2008. He is a civil litigation attorney at MacElree Harvey, Ltd. Chotkowski was also re-elected as director and president of the Board of Directors for the Valley Forge Chapter of the Military Officer’s Association of America.
Megan (Lulich) Zerega was promoted as a partner at Burns, White & Hickton, LLC. She focuses her practice in the areas of occupational illness litigation and toxic torts in the transportation field. She is also a member of the American, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny County Bar Associations and the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel.
was employed by 84 Lumber and was a member of a disposition team that sold 130 store locations, freeing up more than $50 million in capital.
2007 Steven Berk has been accepted into the Peace Corps. He departed for Paraguay in late September to begin training as an agricultural development Peace Corps volunteer, where he will serve for two years. Rebecca Barrett entered her first year of studies at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg.
1997
2008
Drew Chelosky was promoted to the position of charitable relationship manager at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Maxwell Stanfield is attending Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California. He says he “misses his friends at W&J, but not the cold weather!”
Maj. Adrian Spevak graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School on July 25, 2008. He completed a 90-day TDY train up to go to Afghanistan as a military transition team leader to train the Afghan National Army. He deployed in November.
2002 Matthew D. Haydo joined the law firm of Spilman Thomas & Battle as an associate focusing on litigation.
2003 Amanda Bucher is as an account executive at Howell, Liberatore & Wickham of Elmira, New York, a full-service marketing and business communications company. As an account executive, Bucher works with clients to develop and implement strategic communications plans, conduct media outreach, and organize events that are designed to meet their specific needs. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America.
2005 Aaron Krepps was hired as the new football coach for the Belle Vernon Area School District. While at W&J, he was a two-time All-American and three-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference first-teamer.
2006 1994 Michael Supak has been hired as the head wrestling coach at Plum Borough Senior High School in Pittsburgh.
Benjamin Musial joined NAI Pittsburgh Commercial as an associate in the firm’s industrial brokerage department and will be responsible for agency and tenant representation assignments. He previously 33
classnotes
Marriages
Births/Adoptions
1972
1996
2000
Paul A. Stephens Jr. and Carol Ann Lepley were married on February 13, 2008, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Paul is a senior attorney with the Social Security Administration and Carol is the director of nursing for a nursing home in Stone Mountain. The couple resides in Lilburn.
2002 Matthew Campbell and Christy Sultan were married on September 17, 2005, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta, Georgia.
Jonathan F. Buncke, D.C. and Jennifer M. Cloonan are “over the moon” to announce the American debut of their first child, Kira Nicole Buncke. She was born in Qinzhou City, Guangxi Province of China on April 9, 2007, and she came home to Pittsburgh on August 6, 2008, where she was greeted by more than 40 friends and family at the airport. Cloonan writes, “Going from ‘zero to toddler’ is like being shot out of a cannon! She is an answered prayer, and we are the luckiest parents in the entire world to have Kira as our bright, funny, strong-willed, beautiful daughter.”
Theresa (Gray) Bachofsky and her husband, Nicolas Bachofsky, announce the birth of their daughter, Lila Grayce, on May 22, 2008.
Sara Jane (Pagliari) Byard and Jeff Byard were married in Las Vegas on August 2, 2008 in a private, romantic ceremony. “We are so happy,” writes Sara.
2005
Jarrod Ward and his wife, Tomoko, announce the birth of their first daughter, Leia Marie, on July 2, 2008, in Smyrna, Georgia.
Michelle (Novak) Couture and husband, Chris Couture ’04, announce the birth of their daughter, Ava Lynn, on January 25, 2008. She joins her two older sisters, Olivia (4) and Mia Bella (2), who “are delighted with our new addition; however they keep asking for another sibling, a brother this time!”
1997 Nicole S. (Sray) Bilodeau and Sam Bilodeau were married on August 23, 2008, at Duquesne University Chapel. Nicole is a fourth grade elementary teacher, and Sam is the owner of S.A. Construction, Inc.
2006 Amanda (Niebauer) Dunn and husband, Greg Dunn Jr., announce the birth of their second daughter, Erin Elizabeth, on February 9, 2008. She weighed 1 lb. 12 oz. and was in the hospital for 88 days. She is now at home with her big sister Riley (3). Dunn writes, “She is our little miracle!” Drew Chelosky and wife, Erin, announce the birth of their daughter, Caroline Joy, on February 16, 2009.
Rachel Murphy and Brian Sweeney were married August 9, 2008 in Allison Park. W&J alumni who were members of the bridal party included Jennifer Fisher ’06, Leah Bevilacqua ’06, Jeff Bender ’06, and Pat Plunkett ’05. They reside in Rockville, Maryland.
34
Jason E. Luckasevic and his wife, Kelly (Gablick) Luckasevic ’00 announce the birth of their daughter, Alexis Kennedy, on June 30, 2008. She joins her sister, Addison Grace (1).
Ryann (McClain) Heverly and her husband, Mark, announce the birth of their daughter, Lauren Magee, on February 4, 2009. Heverly writes, “She is doing wonderful and is such a delight.”
2001 Douglas P. Sebelia and his wife and welcomed their second son, Joseph Douglas, on September 25, 2008. He joins big brother Matthew Aden (2).
2002 Matthew Campbell and his wife, Christy, announce the birth of their daughter, Cori Leigh, on March 7, 2007.
Alex Steurer and his wife, Abby, announce the birth of their son, Nolan Jay, on May 27, 2008. He joins his older sister, Mackenzie Ryenn (2½). Steurer writes, “She is the best big sister! We are very proud of her!” Chrissy Stott-Jurik and her husband, Shawn, announce the birth of their daughter, Carissa Lynn, on July 21, 2008.
2003 Luke Ravenstahl and his wife, Erin, announce the birth of their son, Cooper Luke, on October 31, 2008. Ravenstahl said, “This is the happiest day of our lives. Both Erin and Cooper are healthy and doing great.”
Send Us Your Class Note! To have your news appear in an upcoming issue of W&J magazine: • Go to www.jayconnected.com to submit your class note electronically with any accompanying photo(s); • Fax your note to 724-223-6081; or • Mail your note to the Office of Alumni Relations, 60 S. Lincoln St., Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 Photos can be submitted for class notes. Send one of the following: • Print (color preferred) • Electronic file (300 dpi tif or jpg file) 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 sent if you’d like it to be returned. Photos of substandard quality will not be used. Be sure to include your name and class year on all correspondence. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-223-6079 or alumni@washjeff.edu. 35
classnotes
Mermoriam Harry J. Mills ’29, Hendersonville, North Carolina, died August 9, 2008, at the age of 100. He was employed for 30 years with RCA as an engineer and manager. He was an 80-year member of the American Radio Relay League, a founder and past president of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, Chapter 76 of Hendersonville, and a fellow of the Radio Club of America. Mariano Garcia ’39, Pompano Beach, Florida, died November 27, 2007, at the age of 89. Wray G. Brady Jr., Ph.D. ’40, Forest Hills, New York, and Ajijiic, Mexico, died November 17, 2008, at the age of 90. He was a professor of mathematics at W&J. Loyal L. Conrad, M.D. ’40, Albuquerque, New Mexico, died December 27, 2008, at the age of 89. During WWII, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps with a reconnaissance squadron attached to the 12th Armored Division in the European Theater, and was awarded the Bronze Star. For more than 20 years, he was a member of the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine faculty and was later a professor of medicine at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Conrad became the second physician at Cardiology of Tulsa, and practiced there and at St. Francis Hospital for more than 30 years. He was a past president of the Tulsa County Heart Association and served on the board of the Oklahoma Heart Association. Albert E. Cornelti ’40, died September 1, 2008, at the age of 89. He served his country during WWII and was honorably discharged as a technical sergeant with the Army Air Corps. He taught at numerous high schools and colleges around the country, finally retiring as an English professor at University of South Carolina Aiken in 1979. Donald Wilson Jacobus ’41, died September 20, 2008, at the age of 89. He began working in Pittsburgh with USS Steel and was later transferred to Downers
Grove, Illinois, where he lived with his wife, Caroline, for 25 years. They returned to Pittsburgh where he joined American Express until his retirement at age 75. He also served in the U.S. Navy and was decorated with the Silver Star for gallantry as a naval gunfire liaison officer. Mr. Jacobus was an active member of Rotary International and received the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was also a founding member of Good Samaritan Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. Howard V. Kuder, M.D. ’41, Canonsburg, died at the age of 87. After serving in WWII as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he received specialty training in pediatrics. Dr. Kuder was certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the section on Pediatric Pharmacology, and the American Federation for Clinical Research. He practiced pediatrics in Muncie, Indiana, and joined the medical research division of Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis in 1957, retiring in 1982. Joseph S. Bryner II ’42, Pompano Beach, Florida, died February 9, 2009, at the age of 88. He worked as a research metallurgist for Dow Chemical Company, International Nickel Company, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. He had published reports in national and international technical journals and held five patents. Bryner was also a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and a member of ASM International. Thomas E. Kramer ’42, Vero Beach, Florida, died January 24, 2009, at the age of 87. His entire working career was spent in the aluminum foundry industry. After 30 years of service, he retired as CEO of Ross Aluminum in Sidney, Ohio. Mr. Kramer was active in his community and served on many civic boards. Johnson N. Lau, D.D.S. ’42, Honolulu, Hawaii, died October 14, 2008, at the age of 88. Dr. Lau was a retired dentist and retired U.S. Army dental officer.
James L. Faran Jr. ’43, Lincoln, Massachusetts, died June 4, 2008, at the age of 87. Robert C. Bartram ’44, Irondequoit, New York, died April 15, 2008, at the age of 85. Rev. C. Richard Brown ’44, Albuquerque, New Mexico, died October 6, 2008, at the age of 86. In 2006, he celebrated 60 years of ministry working in the Philippines, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Texas, and Pennsylvania. From 1957 to 1973, he served on the board of Christian Education of Presbyterian Church, USA in Philadelphia. He was also a volunteer at Hospice and at Ware Health Center. Gilbert L. Anderson Jr. ’45, Wyncote, died November 19, 2008, at the age of 84. Frederick E. Mueller ’49, Upper St. Clair, died January 16, 2008, at the age of 88. He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII and the Korean War as a navigator on B-24’s and B-29’s, achieving the rank of captain. He was active in the Boy Scouts and the Nocturnal Adoration Society as well as being an original and active member of St. Louise de Marillac Church. Louis L. Parisse ’49, Franklin, died February 28, 2009, at the age of 86. He served as a technician 3rd grade with the U.S. Army during WWII as a heavy artillery mechanic with the 249th Ordinance Company. Upon his honorable discharge from active duty, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the European-American Theater Service Medal, and Victory Medal. He joined Kopper’s of Oil City in 1950 as a plant chemist, being promoted to lab supervisor and then to chief chemist in 1962, a position which he held until his promotion to general foreman of the company in 1977. Parisse was also awarded several U.S. patents on the processing and purification of chemicals related directly to the Oil City Plant.
Melvin D. Brewer ’37 (1913-2009): A Heart of Red and Black Melvin D. Brewer of Upper Arlington, a long-time board member and supporter of W&J, passed away on February 25, 2009. He was 95 years old. Brewer graduated from W&J in 1937. During his senior year, he was offered the position of alumni secretary and continued in that staff position at the College for three years. Brewer was promoted to dean of freshmen and director of admissions, a position that he held until 1944, when he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, serving in the U.S. and Philippines until 1946. Ever loyal to his alma mater, Brewer returned to W&J as assistant to the president and remained at the College until 1948, when he became affiliated with Marts & Lundy, Inc., a firm specializing in fundraising for colleges, universities, churches, medical centers, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions.
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During his time at Marts & Lundy, he was widely recognized for his work in fundraising, having promoted legislation in a number of states to eliminate unqualified or unworthy causes. Brewer helped draft one such bill in the state of New York on philanthropic giving, which then became a successful model for law-making in more than 40 states. After more than 30 years of service, he retired in 1978 as chairman of the board of Marts & Lundy, Inc. Brewer served Washington & Jefferson College as a life trustee beginning in 1965, and became a trustee emeritus in 1985. That same year, W&J recognized his lifetime achievements and dedication to the College by conferring on him an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Contributions may be made to W&J or to the Sustaining Fund, c/o First Community Village, 1801 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43212, in his memory.
James A. Elliott ’68 (1946-2009) James A. Elliott ’68, a loyal alumnus and trustee of the College, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 3, 2009, at the age of 62. Upon graduation from W&J in 1968, Elliott was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. From 1969-1970, he served in the Korean Demilitarized Zone as platoon leader, executive officer, and company commander before being honored with the Army Commendation Medal and attaining the rank of major in the U.S. Army Reserves. Following service to his country, he earned an M.B.A. from Rutgers University and accepted a position as an investment analyst for the Ford Motor Company. He continued to seek out knowledge and education, earning a Master of Arts degree in economics from Eastern Michigan University in 1977. Elliott and his family moved to Dallas in 1980 where they have resided ever since. After serving as vice president for institutional sales for Salomon Brothers and also at Credit Suisse First Boston, Elliott joined Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. in 1994 as the first vice president for investments, a position he held until his death. Active in his community, Elliott served in many philanthropic positions in Dallas, including Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Hope Cottage, and The Hockaday School.
Alexander R. Travis ’49, Clinton, Ohio, died December 28, 2008, at the age of 86. He was employed at Goodyear Aerospace for 20 years, before retiring in 1987. He was also a proud U.S. Army Air Force veteran, having served in WWII. John Plummer ’50, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, died December 24, 2008, at the age of 80. He enjoyed a long career in restaurant, food service management, and hospitality education where he worked primarily in Chicago as an executive with Langford-Cooney, Service Systems, and Marriott. In 1987, he joined the Culinary Department at Joliet Junior College where he taught hotel restaurant management for nine years before retiring in 1996. Ross D. Resciniti ’50, Washington, died December 20, 2008, at the age of 83. During his career, he was employed as a history teacher at Claysville High School and as an assistant principal and guidance counselor in the Trinity School District. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Resciniti was also a charter member and officer in the Washington County Counseling Association, a PIAA wrestling official in the Tri-State area for more than 30 years, and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Douglas Ross Robertson ’50, Waynesville, died October 29, 2007, at the age of 81. Philip L. Bachman ’51, Fairfax County, Virginia, died January 4, 2009, at the age of 79. He was a principal engineer for Melpar E-Systems in Falls Church before retiring in 1991, as well as a founding member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax.
Throughout his career, Elliott remained dedicated to his alma mater. A true ambassador of W&J in the state of Texas, he was the unofficial leader of the Dallas alumni group, hosting events in his home on numerous occasions, and served on the committee for the Class of 1968’s 40th Reunion. A member of the W&J Board of Trustees since 1984, Elliott was a term trustee and chair of the finance committee until his death. In recognition of his military service, professional accomplishments, and commitment to the College, W&J honored Elliott with its Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Elliott is survived by his wife, Linda of 39 years; three daughters, Landice (Alexander) Fox, Courtney (Gregory) Itson, and Bethany (Stephen) Holloway; three grandchildren; his mother, Betty; brother Harry; two sisters, Kathy Krygier and Diane Shea; as well as many other beloved relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Washington & Jefferson College and The Hockaday School.
Walter E. Maxwell ’51, died February 11, 2008, at the age of 86. William Henry McGoughran Jr. ’51, Colombia, Maryland, died December 8, 2008, at the age of 81. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was later employed by A.O. Smith Corporation where he worked until his retirement in 1989. A passionate thespian, he delighted audiences with his talents at numerous Pittsburgh community theaters for many years. He later became a respected local stage director and published many of his short stories in New Bern, North Carolina and Pittsburgh periodicals. He was a member of Phi Delta Gamma fraternity at W&J. Clifford W. Hellberg ’52, Fox Chapel, died March 9, 2009, at the age of 83. He was employed by Schlage Lock Company in Detroit, Michigan, and later joined Gardner Display Company in Pittsburgh as a salesman. He eventually acquired an ownership position and in the early 1970s, he formed Creative Productions, which he successfully managed until it was sold to a national competitor in 2000. Robert K. Duffy Jr. ’53, Chalfont, died April 11, 2008, at the age of 76. Henry A. Leslie ’53, died September 19, 2008, at the age of 80. Edward G. “Jerry” Guckert ’55, died December 4, 2008, at the age of 75. He was a member of the College’s ROTC and spent eight years as a reserve officer, including one year of active duty in Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He received his designation as a certified public accountant as well as serving as deacon and church treasurer at the Cranberry Baptist Church which he and his wife helped to establish.
A. Samuel Kaufman ’55 died October 28, 2008, at the age of 75. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Reserves for 28 years, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was an instructor in the Army’s Command and General Staff School. Kaufman worked as an insurance salesman for a few years before going back to school to earn a master’s degree in education. He taught social studies at Baldwin High School for 26 years before retiring in 1990. William S. Polen, M.D. ’59, Glenshaw, died February 24, 2009, at the age of 71. He had been employed as an emergency room physician at the former Passavant Hospital of Pittsburgh. He later went into private practice and maintained an office for many years in Allison Park, before retiring in 1992. Polen was also a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was awarded many decorations for his service, including the Purple Heart. John A. Carr ’63, Delaware County, died March 2, 2009, at the age of 67. He was a mechanical engineer with Battelle Memorial Institute for 34 years until his retirement in 2004. During his career, he worked on the Alaska Pipeline, as well as in South Korea and Chernobyl. Harvey I. Cohen, D.D.S. ’64, Oil City, died January 14, 2009, at the age of 66. He was a dentist in the Kendall area for more than 37 years. William “Bill” Goaziou ’65, died April 20, 2008, at the age of 68. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, an elected official, a certified public accountant, and an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough College. An avid supporter of soccer, Goaziou was named to the Florida Youth Soccer Hall 37
classnotes
Anne R. Humphreys ’86 (1963-2008): A Life Lived to the Fullest Anne R. Humphreys ’86 of Upper St. Clair passed away on December 2, 2008 in Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was 45 years old.
she was diagnosed with cancer, even after cancer became part of her life, it never defined her.”
Humphreys was a faculty member at the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). She received her master’s degree in professional writing in 1994, as well as a master’s degree in communication planning and design in 1996, both from CMU.
In an e-mail to Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff announcing Humphreys’ passing, Donald Marinelli lauded his colleague at the Entertainment Technology Center, where she became a professor in 2006.
In 1996, she joined the technical staff of Carnegie Mellon’s Learning Systems Architecture Lab, becoming co-director in 2000 until April 2006, when she joined the ETC.
“She was a born teacher who aspired to be a guide, mentor, and sounding board for students,” wrote Mr. Marinelli, co-founder of the ETC.
For nearly a decade, Humphreys courageously battled cancer but never let it get in the way of her tireless devotion to family, college teaching, hobbies, and helping others. An accomplished marathoner and ultra-marathoner, she competed in two 12-hour races and one 50-kilometer race after her first bout with breast cancer. An avid gardener and antique collector, she led or participated in numerous patient support groups for UPMC and headed up Carnegie Mellon’s internal organization devoted to members of the university who had been touched by cancer.
In 2002, Humphreys was awarded the Source of Life award by Magee-Womens Hospital for her work as a peer counselor. She founded the “Fighting Spirit” Web site—www.fightingspirit.org—a resource for cancer survivors.
“To me, what made my sister stand out was she always gave so much to everything she did in life,” said one of her sisters, Helen Humphreys of Ben Avon. “Even after
of Fame in 2001 and served as treasurer for the United States Soccer Federation from 1994 until 2007. Martin H. Nelson ’66, Boston, Massachusetts, died August 22, 2008, at the age of 63. He was a licensed practical nurse for 20 years. A jack of all trades, Nelson worked for VISTA, as a Good Humor man, a bicycle messenger, warehouse worker, English teacher, social worker, trash collector, minister, and encyclopedia salesman. He was also an award-winning songwriter who recorded and performed as the lead vocalist for the local punk rock band, Vas Deferens. Charles P. “Pete” Wasovich, Esq. ’69, Altoona, died February 12, 2009, at the age of 61. He was an attorney with Wasovich & Mears and had served as an assistant district attorney in Blair County. He was also a member of the Blair County Bar Association and served his country as a captain in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. While at W&J, Wasovich was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Bayard W. “Wick” Heath, Esq. ’70, Gainesville, Florida, died October 3, 2008, at the age of 61. He had been an anti-trust litigation consultant for Info-Tech from 1988 until his death. Previously, he served as an assistant state attorney and worked with the Attorney General’s Office. Jill D. (Lefler) Feller ’80, Mount Lebanon, died February 21, 2009, at the age of 51. She was manager of Laboratory Information Systems at St. Clair Hospital. Debra J. Graham, M.D. ’81, died September 24, 2008, at the age of 49. She was an associate professor of surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and served as director of residency 38
Memorial contributions may be made in Anne Humphreys’ name to the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 1133 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15218, or to Anne Humphreys’ Memorial Fund at Carnegie Mellon University, c/o Sharon King (assistant director of gift accounting), 5000 Forbes Ave., PPG 6, 11th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213.
education. She also served as chief of the general surgery section and chief of surgical services at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Lt. Col. Ralph J. Marino Jr. ’84, Fort Worth, Texas, died September 14, 2008, at the age of 46. He was a member of the ROTC at W&J and joined the U.S. Army after graduation. His final duty was Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was assigned to U.S. Army Central Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He previously served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm and in Afghanistan. The Army awarded Marino with the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Hugh Paul Lyle Jr. ’89, Greensburg, died November 29, 2008, at the age of 42. Mary L. (Petrosky) Umstead ’90, Washington, died February 2, 2009, at the age of 68. She sold real estate and was a substitute teacher at Trinity Middle School and St. Hilary Catholic School. Along with her husband, Umstead raised and showed American saddlebred horses. She was also a member of the McMurray Art League, where she formerly served as its treasurer. Brian “Bunya” Retzloff ’95, Cecil, died February 26, 2009, at the age of 36. He was W&J’s most outstanding senior athlete for the 1994-95 academic year. He was a four-time honoree first team All-President’s Athletic Conference and PAC Most Valuable Player in 1994. He was a member of Beadling Boys Soccer Club and the National Soccer
Coaches Association of America, and served on the staff for Pennsylvania Olympic Development and the Region I Olympic Development Program. Retzloff also held his U.S. Soccer Federation “B” coaching license. He was employed as a sales representative for Elizur Orthopedics, Pittsburgh, and also served as an assistant coach for Mt. Lebanon and the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer teams. Aaron M. Gould ’04, Portage, Indiana, died unexpectedly on April 18, 2009, at the age of 26. In 2004, he became a member of Laborers International Union of North American, Local 81, and since that time had worked as a union laborer. While attending W&J, Gould was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Kevin A. Mathews ’09, Upper St. Clair, died unexpectedly on April 12, 2009, at the age of 23. He was a senior business administration major and a four-year letter winner for the W&J Football Team as a running back and kick returner. A superb athlete, he set a school record with 7.1 yards per rushing attempt in 2007, was a two-time All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference selection, and scored 23 career touchdowns for the Presidents.
Friends Lyman Guy “Sandy” Barton, Wappingers Falls, New York, died August 1, 2008, at the age of 65. He attended W&J and spent his entire career in the Wappingers Central School District as an elementary teacher and an administrator. During his tenure as principal at Fishkill Elementary School, he helped develop programs which led to the school being awarded the 1988 National Drug Free Model School Award, which was presented to Barton in the Rose Garden by President George H. Bush. Dennis Bryant, North Side, died February 1, 2009. He taught ROTC at W&J and was a decorated Vietnam veteran who served his country for 27 years in the U.S. Army. He was a paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade and also a member of San Antonio Area Sky Soldiers. Bryant worked at the North Side Post Office for 13 years. Richard E. Crow, Sacramento, California, died March 25, 2007 at the age of 81. He attended W&J. Shortly after graduation, Crow put his education on hold to pursue a career with the FBI during WWII, having been assigned to Los Angeles and Sacramento and working undercover in Bolivia. After returning to the U.S., he resumed his studies and soon began his law practice in Los Angeles in 1947, moving to Sacramento in 1954 to open The Crow Law Firm. He was past president of both the Sacramento Bar Association and Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers and was one of the founders of Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association. Cornelius Curran, Hickory, died August 23, 2008, at the age of 84. He attended W&J. In 1943, Curran entered the U.S. Army with the 5th Air Force in the Pacific Campaigns. He received the WWII Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, European/African/ Middle Eastern Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars. He was employed by ITT North Electric Company in Galion, Ohio, for 35 years as chief engineer and director of sales. During his career at ITT, Curran worked on the original communications system for Cape Canaveral and the Mercury Space Program. Kersey Ringgold “Danny” Dever Jr., Glenburn, Maine, died December 20, 2008, at the age of 78. He attended W&J for one year. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served stateside during the Korean War. Dever retired from Pepperell Mill in Portland, Maine, where he worked in its maintenance department.
two children that graduated from W&J, Bill ’81 and Juliann ’92. His son Bill writes, “He really was proud to be a friend of the College.” Kay Hunt Ghrist, Claysville, died October 31, 2008, at the age of 92. She was a life member of the W&J Auxiliary and a volunteer with Washington Hospital Auxiliary. Philip Smyth Haring, Ph.D., Nantucket, Massachusetts, died September 27, 2008, at the age of 92. He served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the USS California, which was hit when Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor. He was employed at Employers’ Liability Ltd. and worked in the Boston University Public Relations Department. Haring received his doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago before arriving at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois in 1954, where he taught political theory until his retirement in 1980. Haring was the father of W&J President Tori Haring-Smith. Jennie Isabell Wyeth Kennedy, Washington, died February 10, 2009, at the age of 85. During World War II, she worked as a welder in a shipyard on Neville Island. Later in her life, she worked in W&J’s cafeteria for 20 years, from which she retired at the age of 76. Warren Knowles Killen Sr., Washington, died November 25, 2008, at the age of 88. He attended W&J before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served as a teletypewriter installer and repairman. Killen was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European-AfricanMiddle Eastern Service Medal with five bronze service stars, the Meritorious Unit Emblem, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was discharged from the U.S. Army with a rank of staff sergeant. Killen was employed by Bell Telephone Company for 34 years, first as an installer and then as an instructor in the plant center, until his retirement in 1975. Dora Kuhn, Washington, died August 14, 2008, at the age of 81. Kuhn worked as a clerk for the city of St. Albans, West Virginia for 15 years. She was the mother of Stephen Kuhn, W&J Associate Professor of Accounting. William Harrison McCoy, Pensacola, Florida, died at the age of 83. He served as a chemistry professor at W&J for eight years. McCoy served 27 months in the U.S. Army Infantry during WWII and received three battle stars and the Purple Heart. He also worked for 20 years as scientist-administrator in bureaus of the U.S. Department of the Interior and was the author of several articles appearing in technical publications on chemistry.
Robert F. Dinges died November 14, 2008, at the age of 70. He was an educator for more than 30 years, teaching, coaching, and serving as an administrator in four Western Pennsylvanian school districts as well as at W&J.
H. Mark Mesta III, Washington, died December 28, 2008, at the age of 61. He attended W&J and was employed by Jessop Steel before becoming a sales manager for the Observer Publishing Company until his retirement. Mesta was an active member of the Arms Club, having served on its board of directors.
Thomas Fritz, died January 25, 2008, in an accident in Argentina. He was a great friend of the College, having arranged numerous internships for accounting majors at Ernst & Young, guest lecturing during Homecoming, and providing financial support for academic travel for W&J’s Department of Political Science. Fritz has
Wilson W. “Bill” Moss died January 6, 2009, at the age of 90. He attended W&J before serving his country honorably in WWII as a medic in the U.S. Air Corp. Moss also worked in the clothing and real estate industries in Pittsburgh.
Eugene Oliver, Houston, died September 16, 2008, at the age of 80. He served with the Chartiers Township Police Department for 22 years and was chief of police from 1978 until his retirement in 1991. He also worked as former manager of Pine Lawn Home in Houston and was employed in the painting department at W&J. Oliver was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Army. He was an honorary member of the Chartiers Township Volunteer Fire Department. Alvan Donnan Osbourne, Washington, died January 27, 2009, at the age of 93. He attended W&J and served as the vice president of operations for Union Barge Line. He was a founding director of National River Academy in Helena, Arkansas, as well as a past president of Propeller Club, Port of Pittsburgh. He also served in WWII in the U.S. Coast Guard. Osbourne was a member of the National Model Railroad Association and raised American saddlebred horses. Anthony Pawlosky, Hickory, died August 8, 2008, at the age of 92. He attended classes at W&J. Pawlosky began his 60-year career in the coal mining industry at the age of 17, having earned numerous mining certificates. He owned and operated two coal mines in McDonald and Sturgeon and was later appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania to the position of state mine inspector, working in this capacity until his retirement in 1991, and was a life member of National Mine Rescue Association. Lt. Harold H. Pinder, McCandless, died October 21, 2008, at the age of 86. He attended W&J before working as a draftsman for a number of Pittsburgh companies, including what is now Ruthrauff Sauer Inc. He was the pilot of a B-24 bomber that was shot down in the Ardennes by German fighters in January 1944 and spent the rest of WWII as a prisoner of war in Belgium. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Star. George LeRoy Riggle, Washington, died February 11, 2009, at the age of 77. He was employed as a custodian at W&J for 25 years. Andrew Rockwell, Mayo, Maryland, died October 24, 2008, at the age of 59. He attended W&J and was a natural entrepreneur, having founded and sold his first business, Rockwell Personnel, before becoming a national accounts sales executive with American District Telegraph Security Services (ADT), where he remained until his death. Joyce Elaine Shook Swart, Cecil Township, died January 21, 2009, at the age of 62. She was employed by W&J before becoming a sales clerk for Dahlkempers in Waterford.
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Dr. Karen Bush
Celebrating 20 Years of Freshman Forum Implemented in 1989, Freshman Forum introduced W&J students to the liberal arts. Initially, the mandatory freshman course was presented as a five-year trial program designed to “demonstrate to students the connections between modes of inquiry and to develop students’ expertise as students.” It combined standard classroom lectures with a Lyceum of cultural and intellectual events. Dr. Karen M. Bush served as the first Freshman Forum coordinator. A new advising system was also developed in which Forum faculty served as academic advisors and as mentors, assisting their students to devise an educational plan which would combine the liberal arts education with a major field of study. The goal of The Freshman Forum was to expose “students to the many ways in which
the traditional academic disciplines are interrelated.” A component of Forum was a series of “master lectures” by a Distinguished Visiting Professor. Among the visiting speakers has been Dr. Robert Qualters, a renowned artist; Dr. M. Patrick McCormick ’62, head of Aerosol Research with NASA; Dr. Nancy Neuman, professor of political science and former national president of the League of Women Voters; and Dr. Yvonne Noble, a specialist in 18th century literature and culture and gender studies. The theme and structure of the course were modified through the years as The Forum evolved, but the overall goals of encouraging “entering students to look at themselves, their neighbors, and the world around them from a number of different perspectives” remained the same. Among
The Forum’s themes were historical constructs used to make sense of the world, study of “self,” gender studies, women and work, and sports in society. A highlight of the course was the annual trip to a production of the Pittsburgh Opera. Forum continues to evolve and to provide a shared experience for freshmen while introducing them to the academic life and expectations of the College, and its vision of the liberal arts. A new component introduced in 2008 is the First Year Seminar, centered on unique topics devised and taught by individual faculty. This component served as the pilot of the new Freshman Seminar program, unveiling in Fall 2009, which provides an intensive study of a focused topic while continuing to introduce incoming students to the intellectual life of W&J.
If you have a historical image or other materials that you would like to share with the College or readers of W&J magazine, please contact the Office of Communications at 40
724-223-6531 or communications@washjeff.edu. Specialofthanks theand U. Grant To view photos from Commencement and listen to the speeches Eboo to Patel PrimeMiller Minister Barzani to Library Staff for providing research and archival materials for “Through the Years.” the graduating class, please visit the online gallery at www.washjeff.edu/commencement2008.
Images of Jay Do you recognize your fellow alumni in these photos? You should, if you were a student in ’70, ’78, ’82, ’85, ’91, or ’94! Extra credit if you can tell us the real story behind one of these Pandora photos. We’d love to hear it! Reminisce with us at alumni@washjeff.edu!
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w&j homecoming 2009 got memories? Join us for Homecoming Weekend 2009 October 2–3
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