W&J Magazine Fall 2014

FALL 2014

Washington C O L L E G E

Jefferson M A G A Z I N E

Change Agents The remarkable ways alumni are making the world a better place

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FALL 2014

Danielle Muehlbauer McKain ’02 and her son Jameson walk through the halls of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, where Jameson spent the first year of his life, having been born with a congenital heart defect.

To raise awareness of the disease, McKain established Jameson’s Army.

Washington C O L L E G E

Jefferson M A G A Z I N E

Change Agents The remarkable ways alumni are making the world a better place

PHOTO BY: ALIEU B. SANNEH

On the cover A passionate advocate for women’s rights and education, Emily Thompson ’11 works for GAMCOTRAP in the Gambia. She is pictured with children she is helping to gain an education through her fund, the Jarrol Project. ii

FALL 2014 MAGAZINE

Washington C O L L E G E

Jefferson M A G A Z I N E

FALL 2014

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4 news 13 feature 22 sports 27 alumni 33 class notes WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

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W&J

president’s message

A commitment to community There are five key characteristics to being a W&J student (or, as we say, a President): mastering the skills of global citizenship, improving the community in which you live, working in a diverse environment, building strong connections to pave your way in the world and leading with uncommon integrity.

W&J students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity over spring break.

In this issue of the alumni magazine, we highlight how graduates of W&J display all of these qualities—most notably by improving the community in which they live.

In many ways, this commitment to community dates from the founding of the College. As the first college west of the Alleghenies, W&J was established to educate the future leaders required by new communities as European civilization moved west across the plains and the mountains. And so the early professors shaped the minds and hearts of dedicated teachers, preachers and community leaders who would support the westward expansion. Because of this civic commitment, our alumni include individuals like John White Geary, who served as the first mayor of San Francisco and later as governor of Kansas and Pennsylvania; William Holmes McGuffey, whose elementary school readers taught morals to school children for many generations; Dr. Francis LeMoyne, a leader in the abolitionist movement in Pennsylvania; Jacob Lindley, the founding president of Ohio University; and James G. Blaine, who served as secretary of state under two different presidents and almost became president himself. I could go on and on. More recently, individuals like those profiled in this issue carry on this tradition of service to others.

More than a third of W&J students come to the College with a strong history of community service. They have coached disabled students in basketball, built houses through Habitat for Humanity, made anti-bullying videos and completed service missions in developing nations.

They continue that devotion to helping others by working with our director of community engagement, Justin Dandoy, who coordinates their efforts with numerous nearby groups. Some tutor elementary school students, others teach adults to read, some work in the City Mission and others mentor young people at the LeMoyne Community Center. Everywhere you go, you see W&J students devoted to making their temporary home here in Washington, Pa., even better.

One of my favorite service initiatives, now in its second year, is our health coaches program.

Through this program, students are trained by the physicians and staff at Allegheny Health Network Jefferson Hospital to act as patient advocates. They visit recently discharged patients in order to ensure that they take their medications, get appropriate exercise and eat the right foods. We have found that patients are more likely to tell a young person that they are not taking their pills or are cheating on their diet than they are to confess such sins to their doctors.

After all, the doctors prescribed their medicines and they do not want to seem disobedient.

But the health coaches, our students, pass this information to physicians who can then make treatment adjustments as needed. The program gives our students a chance to serve others as well as providing them an insider’s view of the health profession. It improves the quality of the patients’ lives, and it reduces readmission, thereby lowering health care costs.

Colleges are partners with the communities that are their homes. W&J students express that partnership through service while they are here and then take that commitment to the common good with them into the world. In so doing, they help us fulfill our mission to graduate people with uncommon integrity who are prepared to make a significant contribution to the world. They make us proud.

TORI HARING-SMITH, PH.D. PRESIDENT

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Want to hear more from the President? Follow Tori Haring-Smith on Twitter @wjpresident.

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Washington & Jefferson College Magazine FALL 2014

Editor ALLYSON GILMORE ’12

Editorial Assistant MORGAN MATTINGLY ’14

Contributors ERIN FAULK ’08 KERRI DIGIOVANNI LACOCK ’09 SCOTT MCGUINNESS ROBERT REID GEORGIA SCHUMACHER ’10 AMY WELCH

Student Assistants EMILY STERK ’17

Designer JEFF VANIK, VANIK DESIGN LLC

Photographers DENMARSH PHOTOGRAPHY ELLIOTT CRAMER ERIN FAULK ’08 ALLYSON GILMORE ’12 MORGAN MATTINGLY ’14 ALIEU B. SANNEH MARTIN SANTEK

Printer KNEPPER PRESS

W&J Magazine, published twice a year by the Office of Communications, highlights alumni and campus news about and of interest to more than 23,000 alumni and friends of the College.

To receive additional copies or back issues, please call 724-223-6074 or email wjmag@washjeff.edu.

Letters to the Editor W&J welcomes feedback from readers regarding the magazine or topics related to the College.

Submissions may be edited for style, length and clarity.

Email wjmag@washjeff.edu or mail a letter to: Editor, W&J Magazine Office of Communications Washington & Jefferson College 60 S. Lincoln Street Washington, PA 15301

Noted & Quoted People believe the Russian spin in one sense because there isn’t any counter to it, but in another sense it’s because they want to believe that we’re back in an era of superpowers and Russia is one of those superpowers.

SUSAN VDOVICHENKO, PH.D., ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF RUSSIAN1

Being the all-time hit leader at W&J is a really nice honor.

Ever since I was a little kid,

I’VE WORKED HARD TO

BE ABLE TO REACH

GOALS LIKE THIS. KELSEY CUNNINGHAM ’142

Bringing Pennsylvania liberal arts colleges into a consortium helps us leverage our collective strengths

to better serve our students.

TORI HARING-SMITH, PH.D., PRESIDENT3

There’s no question this will be a very strong issue. It’s a populist issue, arguing that corporations are not paying their fair share.

JOSEPH DISARRO, PH.D., PROFESSOR/CHAIR, POLITICAL SCIENCE4

I REALLY LIKE INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE.

I love watching people achieve their goals, and that is what keeps me coming back to work at the gyms every day.

LUKE ESPE ’095

ALMOST 50 PERCENT ATTENDING MEDICAL SCHOOL ARE WOMEN, yet not many of these women have assumed leadership roles. Women have intuition, compassion and sensitivity, and we need more of that in positions of authority or leadership.

As with other areas of personalized medicine, we would seek to create individual treatment and prevention plans for astronauts we believe would be more susceptible to cognitive deficits from radiation exposure.

MARCELA BÖHM-VÉLEZ ’75, M.D.6

CATHERINE DAVIS ’04, PH.D. 7

IT’S BEEN AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE.

ALONG THE WAY, I’VE HAD SOME WONDERFUL TEACHERS AND WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM TODAY WITHOUT THEM. I’D LOVE TO MAKE OPERA MY CAREER AND WANT TO SEE HOW FAR I CAN GO IN IT. JESSE KERUSKIN ’178

1. “MH17 And The Russian Media: Why The Kremlin’s Propaganda Machine Is So Effective,” Ellen Killoram, International Business Times, July 21, 2014 2. “W&J’s Cunningham sets hit record in DH sweep of Waynesburg,” Katie Roupe, Washington (Pa.) Observer-Reporter, April 22, 2014 3. “Ten Pa. liberal arts colleges create consortium,” Susan Snyder, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 2, 2014 4. “Gas tax could factor into Pennsylvania gubernatorial race,” David Conti, Washington (Pa.) Observer-Reporter, March 10, 2014 5. “Central Cambria grad prepping for national CrossFit competition,” Ed Sedlock, The Tribune-Democrat, July 13, 2014 6. “Spotlight on Women in Business: February 2014,” Pittsburgh Magazine, February 2014 7. “How Going to Space Can Mess With the Astronaut Brain,” Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, April 23, 2014 8. “W&J student Jesse Keruskin selected to study opera in Italy,” Dave Zuchowski, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 15, 2014

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Commencement 2014 ADP President tells W&J grads the rewards of hard work, integrity

“Because of our time here at Washington & Jefferson College we can go into the world audaciously and be sensational. We are the newest history makers and, whether we believe it or not, we are ready,” said Elizabeth Pace ’14 during her senior address to the Class of 2014.

Those attending Washington & Jefferson College’s 215th Commencement on May 17, 2014, celebrated the graduation of 307 students and the opportunities awaiting the new alumni along their chosen paths. Family, friends and faculty gathered beneath the tent on Olin lawn and watched as the students strode confidently across the stage to receive their diplomas.

These first steps toward future careers were noted by the keynote speaker, Carlos Rodriguez—president and chief executive officer of Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP).

Rodriguez offered his thoughts on the rewards of hard work and the importance of integrity—two characteristics highly valued by his parents, who fled Cuba for a better life in the U.S. He praised the qualities W&J students possess that will help them to succeed. “I am here today because there is something happening at Washington & Jefferson College that appeals to me. I am drawn

to your focus on hard work, integrity and a diversity of thought,” Rodriguez said.

Many Class of 2014 graduates have been accepted into highly competitive programs, including Teach for America, the Peace Corps and Fulbright.

Others will continue their education in graduate school, studying law, medicine, professional writing or veterinary medicine. And many more are joining the work force.

Confident in the future success of the graduates, President Tori Haring-Smith, Ph.D., said: “The members of the W&J Class of 2014 will find a cure for AIDS, will create energy sources that do not foul or deplete our fragile planet, will find a way to feed the hungry and negotiate ways for all of us to live peacefully. So carry your knowledge, your courage, your integrity, into the larger world. We are counting on you.

Go forth, dream big and create a self you can be proud of.”

Rodriguez, who worked his way through undergraduate and graduate school at Harvard, presented a generous donation to the College on behalf of himself and the ADP Foundation, to fund scholarships for future students.

Above: Allyse Corbin ’14 shows off her Whichi Coax spirit on her graduation cap. Bella, the dog of Samantha Taylor ’14, was ready to graduate as well!

Left: Quinn Marker ’14 celebrates with his parents, Jim and Carol Marker.

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Robert Dunn ’03, Ph.D., Bayleigh McMenamin ’14 and Leslie Dunn, Ph.D., celebrate after the ceremony.

Phi Kappa Psi brothers Kenny Roberts ’14 and Casey Smallwood ’14 celebrate their graduation together.

Right: Hope Snyder ’14 and her family show off their creative sign.

Honorary degree recipients included Rodriguez; Kyle Abraham, choreographer and dancer who began his training at the Civic Light Opera Academy; Her Excellency Dr. Rawya Saud Al Busaidi, Oman’s minister of higher education and first woman in the Sultanate of Oman to be appointed to full ministerial rank; Dr. Rita Colwell, distinguished university professor at the University of Maryland at College Park and Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health; and Rabbi Sarah Schechter, the first female rabbi to serve as chaplain in the active-duty U.S. Air Force.

Carlos Rodriguez delivers the keynote address to the Class of 2014.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

A believer in equality and civil rights, Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne helped effect great change in Washington, and at Washington & Jefferson College, during the 19th century.

An 1815 graduate of Washington College, LeMoyne was active in the anti-slavery movement decades before the Civil War; advocated for the education of women and freed slaves in a time when the status quo favored neither; and was a staunch defender of freedom of speech, even when that speech was unpopular.

LeMoyne was born in 1798 in Washington, Pa., where his father, Dr. John Julius LeMoyne, ran a medical practice, pharmacy and tavern.

In 1812, the family moved into the formidable stone house on East Maiden Street that still bears its name and, today, houses the Washington County Historical Society.

LeMoyne entered Washington College when he was only 12 years old. As an early sign of his intellectual pursuits, he helped establish the Washington Literary Society in 1814. The new group joined the existing Union Literary Society as one of the only approved extracurricular activities at the College.

After studying medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, LeMoyne returned to Washington and joined his father’s practice.

His initial foray into public service came in 1830 when he was elected to the board of trustees at Washington College. His election followed a difficult time. The College had just reopened after a two-year hiatus when internal politics left it without a president.

During the 35 years he spent on the board, the campus expanded, enrollment increased and Washington and Jefferson colleges united.

With the College on solid footing, LeMoyne turned his attention to women’s education. In 1835, he was part of the group that founded the Washington Female Seminary, and he served on its board of trustees as well. All five LeMoyne daughters eventually attended the school.

Around the same time, LeMoyne started to work publicly with anti-slavery movements in Washington County. Although slavery was abolished in the commonwealth in 1780, Washington was not always supportive of

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THE LEARNED T. BULLMAN ’48 HISTORIC ARCHIVES & MUSEUM

An Honorable Advocate abolitionist activities, and the doctor angered many with his work.

LeMoyne was often called upon to speak about anti-slavery issues, both locally and throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Liberty Party, which formed A postcard promoting specifically to work LeMoyne’s crematorium. for the end of slavery, nominated him as its candidate for vice president of the United States, an honor he declined. The party later nominated him three times for governor of Pennsylvania, in 1841, 1843 and 1847.

George P. Hayes, president of W&J and friend of LeMoyne’s, wrote a remembrance in the Washington-Jeffersonian after the doctor died in 1879. He said LeMoyne’s philosophy toward political office was unique. “You may nominate me for any office you please,” he remembered him saying, “and I will stand as candidate, as long as there is no possible danger of my being elected. Somebody must represent our principles, and I am ready to do that whenever you think it best, but I won’t accept any office whatsoever.”

He recalled the doctor as someone who stood up for the truth, regardless of personal cost.

He related that LeMoyne left the Presbyterian Church because he felt it did not live up to the Bible’s teachings on slavery. An ardent defender of free speech, he ruffled feathers by arguing during the Civil War that it wasn’t right for the North to coerce Southern states into remaining part of the Union if they wanted to secede.

Failing health forced LeMoyne to give up his medical practice in 1855, but he remained influential in Washington’s development. In 1868, he offered money to establish a public library—provided the town fathers would start a long-delayed project to build a new town hall.

In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant laid the cornerstone of the new building, and in 1870, Citizens Library was chartered. The library opened in the town hall in 1872 with 1,837 books.

LeMoyne remained committed to formal education as well. In 1872, he gave W&J $20,000 to establish the LeMoyne Professorship of Agriculture and Correlative Branches (a department known today as Biology). In 1879, he endowed a chair for applied mathematics and gave an additional $1,000 for both departments to buy equipment.

LeMoyne built the first crematory in the United States on Washington’s Gallows Hill.

Further afield, LeMoyne donated $20,000 to establish a school in Memphis, Tenn., for African-Americans who wanted to become teachers. The LeMoyne Normal & Commercial School opened in 1871 and was extremely successful. It still exists today as LeMoyne-Owen College.

Perhaps LeMoyne’s most infamous (at the time) contribution to society was his support for cremation. Concerned that graveyards full of decomposing bodies led to the spread of disease, he built the first crematory in America on Washington’s Gallows Hill in 1876. The first cremation took place in December when the remains of a Bavarian nobleman named John Henry Louis, the Baron de Palm, were brought from New York City to Washington. As the first cremation in a purpose-built crematory, the event brought reporters from more than 40 newspapers and made headlines on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Forty-one people, including LeMoyne himself, were eventually cremated at the site.

There are many other avenues in which LeMoyne’s influence was felt in and around Washington, but his impact is most effectively summed up by the epitaph his family placed on his tombstone at the crematory on South Main Street: “A fearless advocate of the right.”

– AMY WELCH WELCH IS THE ARCHIVIST AND OUTREACH LIBRARIAN AT W&J.

W&J students, professor publish article in national chemistry journal It’s evident from the time spent in laboratories, classrooms and advising sessions that Robbie Iuliucci, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at Washington & Jefferson College, is dedicated to the education of his students.

The Office of Community Engagement (formerly Volunteer Services) helps students to fulfill the College mission of becoming successful citizens of the world by educating and engaging these students in meaningful service opportunities that will inspire them to create change. The numbers below reflect W&J service over the past year.

Less obvious is that this dedication is driven not only by real-world needs, but also by the necessity of engaging undergraduates in specific research that will benefit them as students, and the study of chemistry at large, in the future.

Iuliucci and two recent W&J graduates are improving opportunities for undergraduate research.

An article by Iuliucci, Julia Pacilio ’14 and John Tokarski ’13 was published in the Journal of Chemical Education, a periodical dedicated to education, rather than research, in the field of chemistry.

By the Numbers: COMMUNITY SERVICE

Julia Pacilio, along with John Tokarski and Robbie Iuliucci, Ph.D., conducted extensive research for publication.

Iuliucci said the motivation for the publication was twofold. “I wanted a written material to help undergraduates get better trained to do research with me,” he said. “Most materials are pitched at the graduate level. Second, I realized a lack of information on my subject of interest. Thus, proposing an undergraduate laboratory experience would help solve both issues.”

In his research, Iuliucci uses a type of spectroscopy called nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study the structure of molecules in the solid state. He said magnetic resonance is used often in chemistry, physics, structural biology, biochemistry and materials science because of its success in structure determination.

“I am interested in ways to improve the use of NMR to solve structure,” he said. “I need to train students to operate an NMR spectrometer and to acquire NMR data.”

In this area, Iuliucci said, there is not sufficient literature to train students to be competent. The goal he, Pacilio and Tokarski set out to accomplish was to create those materials and make them widely available to other undergraduates.

It is complicated research, Pacilio said, but it’s a necessary thing for students to learn at the undergraduate level. “For undergrads, regardless of your area of chemistry, at some point you’ll have to test your molecule,” she said. “We needed a better way to show students that this is what you do and how you do it.”

Iuliucci said the primary research step for the paper was to design a laboratory experiment in which students learn those high-resolution techniques relative to the topic of polymorphism, the rule that many molecules exist with multiple structures in the solid state. NMR is commonly used to study polymorphism, particularly by pharmaceutical companies.

“Polymorphism is a problem for drug companies because the same molecule can have different chemical properties depending on what polymorphic form it is in,” Iuliucci said.

The group tested cimetidine, the active ingredient in Tagamet.

Pacilio acquired some of the initial NMR data and compiled background information on cimetidine, and later assisted with editorial work for the paper. Tokarski, with guidance from Iuliucci, wrote a tutorial on how to set up the experiment and run the spectrometer that is geared toward those who are not experts in the field and do not have experience in this area.

In addition to guides for students, there is a guide specifically for professors about how to run the lab.

Iuliucci said the work resulted in two major outcomes. The first is that Tokarski’s skills at running a spectrometer led to an independent study in the laboratory of Arno Kentgens at Radboud University, and he continues to study NMR at the University of Florida. The second is that the documents created for the journal can be used to train future students to conduct the type of research in which Iuliucci specializes.

“I could have selected a career path where my own research was the primary objective,” Iuliucci said.

“What I saw was a need for talented undergraduates to find the excitement in chemical research.

Therefore, I decided to specialize in undergraduate education, as opposed to going to a research university and developing a research program in a university environment.”

W&J Volunteer Corps students who completed 300 hours of community service

6

Participants in the first Student Community Health Coach Program with Jefferson Hospital

11

Communitybased organizations that partnered with W&J

Students who completed at least 20 hours of community service per academic term

156

Hours completed by Naomi Bick ’16, W&J Volunteer Corps Student Coordinator

450

Students who engaged in some form of community service

1,192

Approximate hours volunteered

27 19,000

– ERIN FAULK ’08

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A New Course

Four W&J Professors retire after leaving a lasting impact on the College community and their students R O B E R T D O D G E Professor of History

Years Teaching at W&J: 44, 1970-2014 Education: Ph.D. History, M.A. History and B.A. Russian Studies, Syracuse University What will he miss? Contact with students, recruiting for the athletic department and participating in ROTC. Fondest Memories: Trips to Russia and the former Soviet Union with his friend and colleague, John Mark Scott Jr. ’69, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Russian.

“We were able to take those students and really have an insightful experience in those basically two political cultures, the Soviet period and then the immediate post-Soviet period,” Dodge said.

Favorite Course: An Intersession course taught with Dr. Scott called “Stalin as a Historical and Literary Figure” that combined the historical biographies of Stalin and how Stalin appeared in contemporary late Soviet literature and post-Stalinist Soviet literature.

Did you know? Dodge served in the Army Intelligence and Security branch of the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1966. He was stationed in Germany for all of his active duty.

“I hope I’ve always had a positive connection with my colleagues in the history department and throughout the College.”

– ROBERT DODGE, PH.D.

R I C H A R D E A S T O N Professor of English Years Teaching at W&J: 44, 1970-2014 Education: M.A. University of Virginia and B.A. Notre Dame University Book: “A Real American” Post W&J Plans: Writing, traveling and acting as director of the new conflict and resolution studies concentration at W&J. “Retirement is about responsible giving to the community. For me that will be, as it has been in the past, giving to the W&J community—especially to help interested faculty and students learn more about conflict and resolution studies,” Easton said.

Fondest Memories: “Meeting my wife [Professor Patricia Easton ’74], having my son Matthew come here…Homecomings are always eventful, and all of the London trips. There has never been one that wasn’t a wonderful adventure… so I do have to say that the cultural life at the College has been amazing.”

“I love students, and I recognize that I won’t be part, probably, of many more freshmen’s lives.

That I’m going to miss very, very much.”

– RICHARD EASTON

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Did you know? At the conclusion of his final lecture, President Tori Haring-Smith, to the surprise and gratitude of Easton, announced that in recognition of his retirement, alumni raised over $70,000 in six weeks to endow the new conflict and resolution studies concentration.

E D W A R D G R E B Professor of Sociology Years Teaching at W&J: 39, 1975-2014 Education: Ph.D. Higher Education, University of Pittsburgh; M.A. Sociology and B.A. Psychology, Duquesne University Post W&J Plans: “Just staying alive right now…Will I go back to Japan? I hope so.”

Fondest Memories: Fostering international exchange and cross-cultural education.

“We [Americans] are roughly 320 million, so you’re probably going to deal with people in other countries in one way or another. So the more you know, whether that be in business or whatever, I think the better your chances are in being a success.”

OBSERVER-REPORTER

Did you know? Since 1987, nearly 200 students have accompanied Greb to Japan, and he has enabled many more students’ travel opportunities through the Edward and Barbara Greb Travel Award and the Phillippi-Greb Friendship Fund.

R O B E R T V A N D E K A P P E L L E Professor/Chair Religious Studies Department Years Teaching at W&J: 34, 1980-2014 Education: Ph.D., M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary; M.A. Indiana University Bloomington and B.A. The King’s College Books: “The Invisible Mountain,” “Blue Notes,” “Love Never Fails,” “Into Thin Places,” “Beyond Belief,” “Iron Sharpens Iron” and “Hope Revealed.”

Post W&J Plans: Travel, visiting grandkids, writing and teaching at W&J. “People say ‘but you’re retiring,’ but I don’t fully see it that way. I think it’s a transitional point but there are many transitional points in life, so I expect that I will continue to be busy and enjoy tomorrow and what comes after that.

W&J has been home for 34 years and I don’t want to say goodbye too quickly.”

Fondest Memories: “I’m a person [who] lives in the present. For me, what I’m doing right now is as exciting and as memorable as anything that I’ve done.”

Did you know? A master of nine languages, Vande Kappelle has traveled extensively through five continents.

ESTEEMED VICE PRESIDENT DEPARTS FROM W&J Since 1999, Alton Newell has been increasing enrollment at Washington & Jefferson College. From dean to vice president of enrollment, Newell has watched 5,674 students matriculate in his 14 years at W&J. Newell joined Royall & Company, an enrollment management group in Richmond, Va., and is now working on behalf of students and institutions using the skills and knowledge acquired over many years of working in college enrollment offices.

Under his tenure, the international range and diversity of the W&J student body has increased significantly.

Newell has traveled to China, the United Kingdom, Germany and

Italy to recruit international students and begun many initiatives in the United States, including the IMPACT partnership with YES Prep Public Schools in Houston designed to steer students from low-income families to success in higher education.

In the course of his duties as vice president of enrollment, Newell has overseen and guided the operations of the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid, coordinating the recruitment of undergraduate students through diversified marketing, personal attention and excellence in all services provided to prospective students and their families.

From overseeing campus visits to collaborating with Student Life to sustain high retention rates, Newell has played a key role in the college community as vice president of enrollment. He has supported the College vision and mission and achieved college-wide goals.

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Graduates earn Fulbright teaching opportunities abroad The prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) program places recent college graduates and young professionals as English teaching assistants in primary and secondary schools or universities overseas, improving foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States while increasing the U.S. students’ foreign language skills and knowledge of the host country.

RAJAN TO TEACH IN INDONESIA

TSE TO TEACH IN SOUTH KOREA

Bianca Rajan ’14 is the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship and plans to enhance the study-abroad experiences she’s already had in Bali, Thailand, Ecuador and Ethiopia by returning to Indonesia to teach English language and culture.

Amanda Tse ’14 appears destined to become a pediatrician, but the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship is first going to spend some time making a difference in the lives of others in South Korea as a teacher.

Rajan, an international studies and art double major, is from Hawaii and frequently visited Indonesia while growing up because her parents owned a business in Bali.

She has studied abroad several times through W&J programs, including the Magellan Project, which she used to study sustainability initiatives in Indonesia and Thailand. As a sophomore, she spent a semester in Ecuador studying similar topics, and during Intersession 2013, she completed an independent study on ethnicity and cultural identity in Ethiopia, where she shadowed Peace Corps workers.

The program includes an initial six-week orientation, in which Tse will learn the language and how to teach in the Korean classrooms, followed by a minimum of one school year teaching middle and high school students.

She will be certified in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

The cell/molecular biology major and Spanish minor will live with a host family while in South Korea and teach an English conversation class that focuses on, among other things, colloquialism and culture in the United States.

Rajan said her work with the Magellan Project in particular made her realize that if she didn’t understand another country’s language, she couldn’t do much productive work within that country. But it also made her think—how difficult is it for local people to find jobs when their native language is not spoken in their country’s main industry?

Bianca Rajan returns to Indonesia to teach English and gain a better understanding of the culture.

“One thing we can give to other cultures and they can give to us is the swap of languages, and that’s so important,” she said. “I think there’s a strong link between language and poverty levels because strong knowledge of multiple languages can help with jobs, particularly in places like Bali, where most jobs are tourism-related. It’s a huge advantage for them to use English and learn it correctly, because it can lead to jobs in that industry.

It’s empowering for them.”

For Rajan’s nine-month assignment, she will be an assistant to Indonesian teachers and will teach English language and culture alongside them in their classrooms. She also hopes to gain a stronger understanding of Indonesian language and dialects, as well as Indonesian culture, society and economic challenges because she hopes to continue working in the country throughout her career.

“What this is working toward is building a mutual understanding between societies,” Rajan said. “We represent the United States every time we leave our country, and here I’ll be teaching those cultural things, like how our families celebrate events, for example, and learning that about [Indonesian society].”

– ERIN FAULK ’08

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Amanda Tse hopes to sharpen her communication skills while teaching English in South Korea.

“The ETA program in South Korea will be extremely beneficial to my long-term career goals of becoming a pediatrician to work with children in underserved areas. This profession often involves preventative medicine, which occurs mainly through education of patients and parents. The ETA program will undoubtedly sharpen my teaching and communication skills that are so vital to being a successful advocate for children’s health,” Tse said.

Tse is a two-time Magellan scholar. She spent time before college in China, but in addition, her “search for global identity and purpose” has taken her to Peru, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

“While researching and volunteering abroad, I not only worked towards fulfilling my dream of becoming a physician, but also gained a better understanding of the human qualities that are constant across political and physical boundaries,” she said. “During my time in these countries, I learned a great deal about Latino culture, as well as myself.”

“This last natural break in my education is the ideal time to reconnect with my roots before jumping into the fast track of my career. The experience that I will gain by living abroad and teaching children and young adults would be invaluable in developing myself as a successful global citizen,” Tse added.

– ROBERT REID

Recent graduate and alumna connect over internship Upon graduation, Zoe Levenson ’14 was in the enviable position of choosing between a position with the corporate office of PNC, one of the largest banks in the U.S., and a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) master’s degree program in information systems management.

the time. Dorman noticed Levenson’s W&J pin and, mindful of the mentors and connections she forged through W&J, started a conversation.

She chose to go to graduate school as the first “Women in Transportation” fellow at CMU, looking at ways technology can be used to create safer roads, but said it was the internships she had as a W&J student that paved the way for her future.

Dorman said that she seeks certain qualities in job candidates at career fairs. She looks for people who are poised, prepared and have meaningful questions. W&J students often exceed the expectations of employers, she said. Levenson was no different. Dorman knew of an internship in database development and management available at Goodwill. She made a call to a colleague, and landed Levenson an interview.

“I was truly able to see how applicable what I am learning in the classroom is in the real world,” she said. “I can take the things I learned at W&J, go out and do things in my field that ultimately help other people.”

“It was great to help a fellow President,” Dorman said. “I remember what it was like to have someone actually care about my professional development. I hope I was able to give Zoe that same sense of connection and engagement.”

A double major in math and computing and information studies, Levenson was awarded three prestigious internships while at W&J— a summer fellowship at CMU, a six-week, independent internship at Goodwill Industries and an internship with Medtronic, monitoring devices used to help patients manage Type 1 diabetes.

Goodwill’s mission is, in part, to help “people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.” Levenson helped fulfill that mission, developing a database that moved previously handwritten reports from the Goodwill Assessment Team to a more efficient electronic system, allowing the company to get clients into the workforce more quickly.

Zoe first interned at CMU, helping to develop and implement an electronic visit tracking system for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Later, while at a career fair, she met fellow President Tabatha Dorman ’10, a human resources specialist for Goodwill Industries at

“This professional work experience was invaluable,” Levenson said, “I was able to get experience while leaning on the education I received here at W&J. Goodwill was very paper-heavy and I hope I helped

Tabatha Dorman (left), coordinator of Goodwill Cares, helped fellow President Zoe Levenson (right) receive an internship.

change the way they do their daily business so they can help others.”

Levenson’s appreciation for W&J and Presidents everywhere persists. “W&J has made a difference and I have learned so much here,” Levenson said. “Now, I want to do something to make a difference in the world.”

A lifelong advocate for civil rights, education July 2, 2014, marked the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act into law. Designed to outlaw segregation and discrimination, the law’s success was made possible through the dedication and bravery of hundreds of thousands of citizens throughout the civil rights movement. In honor of this anniversary, W&J recognizes Walter Cooper ’50, Ph.D., an emeritus trustee of W&J who has devoted a lifetime to community development and civil rights issues.

In Rochester, N.Y., Cooper bore witness to the race riots of 1964 and worked extensively to bring about peaceful change. He served as the president of the NAACP-Rochester and co-founded the Rochester Branch of the Urban League in 1965, serving on the board of directors into the 1970s. Cooper was also a board member of the Baden Street Settlement, a nonprofit organization working with northeast Rochester residents to improve their quality of life.

Some of Cooper’s greatest contributions have been in the realm of education. From 1959 to 1965, he served as chairman of the Education Committee of the NAACP. Working toward school integration, he aided in the Urban-Suburban transfer program between Rochester city schools and the Penfield School District in the late 60s to early 70s. Cooper also served as chairman of the Urban League’s education sub-committee and was a core leader of Project Uplift, the Urban League’s program for high school students. In 1988 he would become a Regent of the State of New York and utilize his knowledge of the power of education to work toward improving the lives and opportunities of young people. He continues those efforts today.

Above: Walter Cooper pictured as a senior at W&J in 1950. Below: Cooper has devoted his life to community development and the fight for civil rights.

– MORGAN MATTINGLY ’14

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH

Magellan

During their time at Washington & Jefferson College, students learn the importance of contributing to the world around them. Students are encouraged to engage globally through the Magellan Project, a competitive scholarship program that provides funding for students to take on prestigious internships, laboratory research or other fellowship opportunities—anywhere in the world. Each of the following Magellan recipients completed an independent research project that demonstrates their commitment to making a difference.

“I spent the last semester doing an independent study on what American poverty actually looks like, so I now understand the academic study of poverty—the statistics, the arguments regarding it, what has been done in fighting it—but my Magellan is offering me a chance to see the human side of it: what it looks like to be living in poverty in the U.S. and how people actually feel about their situation.

Second, I hope to show people that poverty in the United States is something worth fighting against.

I’ve been enthralled by poverty, inequality and the effects each of these has on the nation. I’ve continued to hear from people that poverty in the United States really doesn’t matter because of the deep poverty many suffer in the poorest countries in the world. I hope I can return from my Magellan with new answers that can’t be found in a textbook as to why we, as Americans, should care not only about the hungry globally, but those struggling daily in our own backyard.”

NICOLE ALLISON ’15, VARIOUS U.S. CITIES, “THE FACE OF AMERICAN POVERTY: AN EXAMINATION OF RELATIVE POVERTY,” SOCIOLOGY MAJOR

Colten Crawford with John and Beth McHoul, founders of the Heartline Ministry in Haiti.

“My main objectives and aspirations of my project were to see if the mission and NGO presence in Haiti has had a positive impact on the prevalence of major infectious diseases being faced in Haiti today, as well as trying to gain insight into the opinion of the affected Haitian people on the American mission and NGO presence. Working in a mission, visiting various hospitals, medical centers and speaking to Haitian doctors as well as afflicted patients, I was able to observe from an outside perspective and formulate my own inferences as to how the mission presence has impacted the affected local people. I definitely plan on going back to Haiti, but I want to first become a trained physician so I can provide medical care as well as any knowledge or insight I can offer to the local people to help them combat the major diseases faced in their society today.”

COLTEN CRAWFORD ’15, HAITI, “THE EFFECTS OF VOLUNTEERISM ON INFECTIOUS DISEASE,” BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR 12

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“I wanted to study the volunteer industry because one day I would like to work for a company that advocates for children’s rights. I learned much more from volunteering in Peru than I ever anticipated I would. While there, I worked in six different orphanages and a young women’s shelter that were all arranged based on the age and needs of the children. It surprised me how gracious and caring these kids were, despite their horrifying backgrounds. I learned a lot about the differences in the customs and laws of different countries and how that can play into the school system, orphanages and child care in general.”

Nicole Allison drove across the United States to witness American poverty firsthand.

Samara Silverstein sits in the Huacachina Desert in Peru.

SAMARA SILVERSTEIN ’16, PERU, “A PERSPECTIVE ON THE VOLUNTEER INDUSTRY AND ITS EFFECTS,” COMMUNICATION ARTS MAJOR

“Before going on my Magellan, I researched the warning signs that an ecosystem is declining due to climate change. Once in Australia and New Zealand, I looked for those warning signs in different ecosystems including the Great Barrier Reef and various rainforests. I also went to an animal sanctuary where I learned about threatened and endangered species. On top of my observations, I talked to professional divers about the health of the reef, locals about logging in their local rainforests and Dr. Fowler, professor at the University of Auckland, about climate change.

Grace McCarthy at the top of Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island reserve near Auckland, New Zealand.

After graduation I want to go into cancer research and drug design. Many drugs are made from herbs and plants: however, if we continue to poison the Earth with toxins, destroying diverse habitats and killing off species, we will never be given the opportunity [to make discoveries from these plants].”

GRACE MCCARTHY ’17, AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND, “EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON DIFFERENT ECOSYSTEMS,” BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR

Change Agent [n]: a person who acts as a catalyst for change.

One who looks to the future and works in the present to create change for a better tomorrow, and is motivated to create a stronger community.

Washington & Jefferson College strives to graduate people of uncommon integrity: people who are prepared to contribute substantially to the world in which they live. Inspiration for their contribution can come from any number of places—a tragedy, a belief, an experience. Whether fighting for women’s rights overseas in the Gambia or starting a nonprofit organization to raise awareness about congenital heart defects in Pittsburgh, the following five alumni have made it their mission in life to help others and make the world we all live in a better place.

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Leading the pursuit of equality

Empower [v]: to make someone strong and more confident, especially in controlling his/her life and claiming their rights

For most, the word “tradition” evokes cherished memories and customs, but for Emily Thompson ’11, tradition has come to signify something completely different—something to rise up against, a cause to fight for.

Thompson has always been an advocate for women’s rights, but she found her passion for the people of the Gambia during an internship with The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), a women’s rights organization that focuses specifically on the sexual and reproductive health of women and the girl child.

In sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East and Asia, tradition dictates that every year nearly three million girls are at risk or subjected to the harmful practice of female genital mutilation.

It also means that in the Gambia, women are unequal in many aspects of life, and are often victims of gender-based violence.

For the past 20 years, GAMCOTRAP, a nonprofit organized by the World Health Organization, has relentlessly worked to raise awareness about harmful traditional practices that are deeply rooted in Gambian culture, while celebrating what is unique and wonderful about other Gambian practices.

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Thompson, who just began a one-year appointment with the organization, has made it her mission to combat inequality and empower women. “Gender inequality is ingrained in most cultures in the world, and it is difficult to see an end to this fight,” she said. “It’s important to remember that progress is being made and that what you’re doing may not change everything, but it is changing something. Even if one person is helped, it’s a victory.”

GAMCOTRAP achieves victories through social mobilization and advocacy at the grassroots level, including providing community-based programs, training, research and educational support.

One of the most important training events the nonprofit holds is the educating of community circumcisers, where they are encouraged to “drop the knife.” Thompson had the opportunity to watch the transformation trainees went through during one of these programs and was inspired by their strength. “Circumcisers are very well respected, and on top of that, this was their income,” Thompson explained. “So for them to forgo this life for the sake of helping others was an incredible thing.”

Despite the progress the advocates and trainees are making, they are still contending with a

“I want to do my part in giving others the life they deserve to live.”

– EMILY THOMPSON ’11

about just giving money to these families; it’s about giving these children—and the Gambia as well, on a much larger scale—the opportunity to develop and make better lives for themselves,” she said.

The experiences Thompson has gained in Africa so far have helped her grow culturally and socially, teaching her to be more accepting and understanding, but also to be forever grateful for the life she has and that she has the opportunity to make a difference.

harsh political environment and culture that doesn’t encourage equal rights for women.

Thompson is continually motivated by the courage and determination of the people of GAMCOTRAP who work in the face of adversity. “They are so incredibly passionate about these causes and work tirelessly to improve the lives of women,” Thompson said.

During her time in the Gambia, Thompson also realized another prevailing issue in the country— lack of access to education. While traveling with a friend to his home village of Jarrol, she saw a young boy selling water at a bus stop. The boy explained to Thompson that he was selling water to raise money to go to school.

Families in the Gambia often have to choose between education and food, and when

multiple children are in a family, it is even more challenging.

Thompson knew she had to act and established the Jarrol Project, an educational fund to send children to school. The cost to send a Gambian child to school for a year is an amount most Americans would find minimal: $20 to send a child to primary school, $40 to send a child to junior school and $120 to send a child to secondary school. Currently, Thompson has raised the funds to send 55 children to school, and she will continue to grow the project for years to come, with the ultimate goal of providing an education for every child in the village.

Thompson hopes to help Gambian children escape poverty through education. “As far as education in the Gambia is concerned, it’s not

Her resolve to help others has also strengthened.

“Everyone deserves to have a happy, healthy, fulfilling life—a life without discrimination, disease, war, etc. But that won’t happen unless people step up and change things for the better.

I want to be a part of that. I want to do my part in giving others the life they deserve to live,” Thompson explains.

– ALLYSON GILMORE ’12

To learn more about GAMCOTRAP and the Jarrol Project visit: www.thejarrolproject.com www.gamcotrap.gm or email thompsonek88@gmail.com To donate to the Jarrol Project visit: www.gofundme.com/5h604o

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Having the heart

to fight Heart [n]: spirit, courage, enthusiasm Next year, Jameson McKain is hoping to play T-ball—a normal accomplishment and rite of passage into the sports world for a 4-year-old boy. But Jameson is not like most children his age. Jameson was born with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome; he was born without the left side of his heart.

Before Danielle Muehlbauer McKain ’02 could even properly meet her newborn son, Jameson and his father, Patrik, were on their way to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UMPC, where, at 5 days old, Jameson would undergo the first of six open heart surgeries and, eventually, a heart transplant.

McKain would live with her son at the hospital for the first year of his life, while her husband and eldest son, Colin, tried to keep some sense of normalcy at home. Being a Pittsburgh native, McKain had a local support system consisting of her friends and family (Jameson’s original army), but others at the hospital were not as lucky. McKain noticed that many people in the hospital were not local, and they didn’t have the opportunity to leave their child’s bedside even for small things like food or a toothbrush.

“Once Jameson was home and recovering, my husband and I knew we needed to give back and pay it forward to the institution that saved our child’s life and the families who might not be as blessed as my family was,” McKain said.

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“Amazing things can happen when people come together and fight a good fight.”

– DANIELLE MCKAIN ’02

In January of 2012, McKain, along with an eight-member board of directors, established Jameson’s Army to raise awareness about congenital heart defects and provide support to families and children affected by the disease. One out of 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect, and currently there is no cure.

Today, Jameson’s Army has 22 board members, including W&J alumna Susan Matz O’Leary ’03, and hundreds of volunteers all around the United States. The nonprofit volunteers its services primarily to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, but Jameson’s Army has worked with and supported numerous other organizations including the American Heart Association, Make-A-Wish, the Children’s Heart Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House Charities, among many others.

“Amazing things can happen when people come together and fight a good fight,” McKain said.

Bringing people together is one of the main accomplishments of Jameson’s Army. McKain organizes “Meals from the Heart” for families at Children’s Hospital on Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays so they don’t have to eat in the cafeteria alone. She also makes monthly wish list drops at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the Heart Institute at the hospital to provide basic necessities and non-perishable food items for the families.

Although Jameson’s Army has grown larger than McKain imagined, she still works to overcome a general lack of awareness about the disease among the general public. “Many people don’t know what a congenital heart defect is,” explained McKain, “which makes it difficult when we are trying to raise awareness and funds.” To spread awareness and raise money locally, each year Jameson’s Army holds events throughout Pittsburgh, including a 5K Shamrock Shuffle, a Green Heart Gala, a toy drive, as well as a Golfing “FORE” Little Hearts Outing.

Of all the ways Jameson’s Army helps others, McKain’s favorite is giving heart pillows to children battling congenital heart defects. “These pillows help in the recovery after surgery and also make a great keepsake for the child. They can hug the pillows when they have to cough and the pillows come with a pen for their doctors to sign.

When you’re in the hospital like that, your doctor becomes your hero. The kids love getting their pillows signed,” McKain explained.

Although all the charity items that Jameson’s Army provides to families are important, the greatest gift McKain gives other parents is hope, not only through the actions of Jameson’s Army, but through her personal story. “One of my favorite things is being able to look into the eyes of parents and say I’ve been there. I’ve done this. I have lived in the hospital for over a year. I have gone weeks without showering. I’ve gone days without eating.

I’ve watched my kid struggle to breathe. I’ve seen doctors question whether they can even help my son and through faith and through strength and family he came through,” McKain said.

The most important lesson McKain has learned through her experience with Jameson is that she’s not in charge—a difficult realization for a mother. Jameson’s Army allows her, though, to take charge of this disease in a sense and make a difference. “When the doctors said there is nothing more you can do, all you can do is just stop and pray,” McKain said.

– ALLYSON GILMORE ’12

To learn more about Jameson’s Army and how you can help, visit www.jamesonsarmy.org or email daniellemckain@jamesonsarmy.org.

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Hearing the call

and answering

PLAIN DEALER/LANDOV

Rev. Mark Johnson ’94 has game. If you asked the third-generation pastor 30 years ago what his calling in life was, he wouldn’t have said a man of the cloth.

Johnson’s plan was to become a professional athlete—a goal he accomplished by playing professional basketball in Europe from 1998 to 2001. However, it was during this period that he was summoned to preach full time, feeling a stirring in his heart his dad had described to him years before.

As a child, Johnson had seen firsthand the rigors of preaching from his grandfather and father. He had asked his dad how he would know if he was meant to be a pastor. “He told me you’ll develop a shepherd’s heart,” Johnson explained. “I didn’t know what he meant at the

time, until that moment came where my heart turned toward the people, really started turning for the cares and needs of the people. I began to see that pastoring wasn’t so much about the education. It wasn’t about how much money you make, but it was about your mission in life.”

Helping others is a mission he fully embraced after returning from Europe. Deciding to deepen his religious studies, Johnson was accepted into the Princeton Theological Seminary, where he earned a master’s degree in divinity and a master’s degree in theology in Christian education.

Johnson didn’t leave his basketball skills behind, though. He decided to put them to good use as a tool to reach youth during his ministry—a tool he still uses today as the senior pastor of the Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

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“Basketball was another avenue to connect with people and live out my faith,” he said.

As the pastor at Liberty Hill, Johnson uses his past experiences to help him improve the community he now lives in with his wife, Heather Williams Johnson ’95, who leads the women’s ministry at their church, and their four children.

Johnson’s first appointment after graduate school was as executive director of youth and young adult ministry at the Metropolitan Baptist Church of New Jersey, where he learned valuable lessons about youth development and empowerment. The church was next to a funeral home, and Johnson began to see young people congregate there every Friday. He realized that they were burying their friends after violent confrontations that could have been prevented.

The pastor used basketball to connect with the at-risk youth, and eventually formed strong relationships with many of them—Johnson even drove a young man who was accepted at Penn State to campus and paid his entrance fee, as his parents were not able.

Johnson learned to impart to young people what others had instilled in him—a belief that he was better than he knew. “What I do is not just helping people, but seeing them reach the greatness that is inside of them,” Johnson explained.

Expanding his ministry and concentrating on education, Johnson’s next appointment was as national best men program director for the Best Friends Foundation in Washington, D.C. This position allowed him to focus on character-based education in school districts across the nation, creating an environment that raises aspirations and promotes achievement among at-risk youth.

Ever since his time at Washington & Jefferson College, when he became the first African-American Commencement student speaker in school history, Johnson has believed in the power of education and the opportunities it can provide.

Johnson uses his own educational experiences in the Cleveland schools, where he established the One School, One Church program. When he first came to the area and volunteered at a school, he realized he was spending more time breaking up fights than anything else. Johnson asked the principal if he could have the sixthand seventh-grade boys for their last class of the day to work on character development. He thought churches could make an impact in the lives of these students if every church adopted a school.

Health education is another way Johnson helps students in his local area. Liberty Hill partners with Hough Health Center to provide health exams before school starts and also provide the children with health awareness.

Being a big presence in the community and making connections are integral parts of Johnson’s ministry, but you might not hear about him. “It’s not high-profile what I do, but underneath the surface,” he said. “You won’t see me in the news, you won’t see me in the

“A lot of people have different missions in life, and what I found was my mission in life is to help people be better.”

– MARK JOHNSON ’94

papers all the time, but just know that there is a pastor in your city, behind the scenes, in the neighborhood doing everything he can to lift the neighborhood up. That’s why my wife and I moved into our neighborhood.”

Although the spiritual well-being of his congregation and the community is of large concern to the pastor, he also realizes the importance of their physical well-being and has initiated numerous health and wellness programs. Johnson noticed a deficiency in the distribution of produce in his neighborhood and decided to partner with the Cleveland Food Bank to distribute 10,000 pounds of produce per month to his community. Johnson also started the Text4Wellness initiative, a partnership with the AVA Foundation in which they send messages to members to remind them to make healthy choices.

“A lot of people have different missions in life, and what I found was my mission in life is to help people be better,” Johnson said. “To help them achieve the great things that God has placed inside their heart. And that meant me being a whole lot of different things. I have to be a pastor. I have to be an educator. I have to be a counselor. I have to be, in some cases, an adviser. I have to be all these different things to help people. God places it inside my heart to do that for individuals.”

– ALLYSON GILMORE ’12

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Transforming the arts

with vision Changing the arts. Changing lives. Changing the world. These are the first phrases you’ll see upon visiting the website for Quest Visual Theatre, an organization run by Tim McCarty ’69 in Lanham, Md. They’re lofty goals but, in no small way, McCarty has already managed to accomplish each of the above.

In many ways, this event exemplified how visual theater can cut across global language barriers, extending even beyond the deaf community to create situations in which every audience member can speak a different language and still enjoy the same performance.

STAN BAROUH/TRIBES/EVERYMAN THEATRE

“When a new audience comes to see one of our works, I watch that audience coming in and I think to myself, in an hour, your lives will be changed,” McCarty said. “They are going to see theater in a way they’ve never seen it done before.”

McCarty first established himself as an agent of change while employed at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf at Gallaudet University, in Washington, D.C., initially teaching English, then drama, and later serving as the artistic director of the performing arts program.

During his 21 years at Gallaudet, McCarty found room to experiment, take risks and challenge the boundaries of what theater is and who must perform it. Through these experiences, McCarty concluded that we think mostly of theater as words spoken before an audience—a definition that limits opportunities for deaf artists and audience members alike. For McCarty, however, theater seemed to be much more.

“What if we take away the words? What is left?” he asked. The answer is visual theater.

In visual theater, information, relationships and emotions are conveyed primarily through movement—be that miming, dance, sign language, gesture, masks, puppetry or circus arts. In addition to welcoming deaf and hearing-impaired performers, visual theater allows all individuals to enjoy shows without an interpreter or captions.

Thus inspired, McCarty founded Quest Visual Theatre in 1997, with a mission to create, produce, support and present visual performances inclusive of diverse audiences and artists.

By 2002, Quest had attracted national attention.

That year, McCarty and his colleagues produced the opening ceremony for Deaf Way II, a six-day arts festival attended by over 9,500 individuals and featuring 400 deaf artists from more than 80 countries.

“There are different ways to learn. There are different ways to create theater.”

– TIM MCCARTY ’69

Without a doubt, McCarty’s work has made a major impact in the theater world. In the last 10 years, Quest has presented, contracted and produced more work by deaf/hard-of-hearing artists than any other U.S. theater—as well as assisted many other theaters in making their own performances more inclusive. In 2014, QuestFest—Quest’s biennial international arts festival—included over 50 performances of 15 unique productions along with educational programs for community organizations and local schools.

Even with his commercial success, McCarty remains committed to promoting visual theater as a valuable classroom tool and has helped to change the lives of countless students with TheatreBridge, the educational arm of Quest.

TheatreBridge is based on studies showing that individuals who visualize and act out a story demonstrate greater comprehension, literacy skills and interest in reading.

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“I love the training we do with teachers,” McCarty said. “It becomes this teaching lab, so we come in with the games, the education methodology and some of the research. But the teachers really come up with ways they can use the theater games we teach them.”

Recently, the U.S Department of Education funded a four-year study of Quest’s visual theater approach to teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing students, many of whom, McCarty writes in his research, “do not develop a foundation in a primary language during their critical early months and years” and thus struggle later in school. For these students, visual theater provides an opportunity to develop communication and collaboration skills, build confidence and express creativity through physical movement and expression.

As with his visual theater productions, McCarty’s work in education stems from a desire to make the world more accessible and inclusive of all. He said, “There are different ways to learn. There are different ways to create theater. There is not just one way. So we open people’s minds to those choices and give them the tools to do their work—whether they’re an actor, director, teacher or parent.”

– GEORGIA SCHUMACHER ’10

Improving the workplace

by educating Social psychologist Gary Namie ’74, Ph.D., and his wife, Ruth, have been fighting against workplace bullying for more than 15 years. It’s a battle they take seriously and a cause that is close to their hearts.

The crusade started in 1997 after Ruth was the target of abusive behavior while working at a psychiatry clinic. “We just had to react. I had to react,” Namie said. “So here we are all these years later. This is what we do.”

Following Ruth’s experience, the pair went searching for an organization that assisted with similar workplace situations. They were shocked to find that none existed in America—there wasn’t even a name for the phenomenon. Other countries, however, were discussing it—like Scandinavia, where people called it mobbing, and Britain, where it was labeled bullying. For the Namies, the term “bullying” resonated most closely with Ruth’s experience, and so it was included on the website for their new consulting firm, Work Doctor, which they organized to increase awareness and assist targets of bullying.

“There was nobody and still is nobody in the U.S. that does everything we do about bullying,” said Namie.

In 1998, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” asked the pair to help develop an episode about workplace bullying. When the show aired, it included the toll-free line they had established for victims, and the calls started to flood in.

“In the beginning, Ruth and I took all the calls, because we were it,” he explained. “We stopped counting at 10,000 callers.” Today, Work Doctor is a part of the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI), located in Bellingham, Wash., and a

“It is so validating because the people who contact us say, ‘Now I know what to call it.

I didn’t know what to call it,’” Namie said.

“When you find a word for what’s going on, it externalizes it.”

A former college professor of 21 years, Namie believes education is key to assisting targets of bullying. From conducting research to filming videos and producing podcasts from his home recording studio, he has established himself as an expert in the field. To date, Namie and his wife have published three books—“Bullyproof Yourself at Work” in 1998, “The Bully at Work” in 2000 and “The Bully-Free Workplace” in 2011. Namie has also appeared on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” “20/20” and NPR, and been featured in major newspapers like USA Today and The Washington Post.

WBI has conducted and published 42 studies on workplace bullying, exploring national prevalence, business leaders’ opinions, employer policies and the age, race and gender of

Resolve [n]: a firm determination to do something or make a difference licensed mental health therapist assists with many of the incoming calls.

targets—to name just a few topics. “I’m still a researcher at heart,” he explained.

At WBI, workplace bullying is defined as “repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons (the targets) by one or more perpetrators,” and according to their 2014 survey, 27% of Americans have suffered this type of abusive conduct at work—which often involves humiliation, work interference and verbal abuse.

With such strong expertise, it’s no surprise that consulting and speaking also take a significant chunk of Namie’s time. When he’s not traveling for an event, you might find him advocating for the Healthy Workplace Bill, designed to help targets of workplace bullying as well as encourage employers to prevent and properly manage abusive conduct in the workplace. He

“We just had to react. I had to react. So here we are all these years later. This is what we do.”

– GARY NAMIE ’74

also occasionally serves as an expert witness for cases on bullying and was recently retained in the Jonathan Martin case with the Miami Dolphins.

Still, Namie’s favorite activity is teaching, and the husband and wife team regularly hosts Workplace Bullying University, a three-day intensive program attended by professionals in mental health, law, education, consulting, human resources and more. Even groups of workers who’ve bonded together to address bullying attend, gathering knowledge to bring back to their companies and colleagues.

“It’s the only program of its kind in the whole country,” he said. “We take them through every aspect: the target experience, the perpetrator profiles, the interplay between the two, the extensive literature on co-workers doing nothing, the ostracism and the impact on the person’s health.”

Although it’s been a lot of time and effort over the last 17 years, today the Namies are proud of what they’ve accomplished. “We get the damnedest compliments—that we have saved a life, that we have clarified somebody’s goals, that we’ve allowed them to be reborn and survive, that we made sense of chaos.” he said. “Some people go their whole lives without hearing that from anybody, about anything. We’ve been blessed with hearing that a lot. We’ll take that as our legacy.”

– GEORGIA SCHUMACHER ’10

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RECORD BREAKERS

W&J SOFTBALL TEAM MAKES FIRST-EVER APPEARANCE IN NCAA TOURNAMENT The morning of March 16 marked the start of a storied softball season for Washington & Jefferson College in Clermont, Fla., at the National Training Center Games. Each year, the team travels to the Sunshine State to play 10 games during the school’s spring break. This time, the team’s trip to Florida would set the tone for the rest of the season and its first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament.

A 9 a.m. game with Otterbein was the Presidents’ third Florida contest. The game was tied for the first six innings before the Cardinals went ahead 6-5 in the bottom of the seventh.

According to Head Coach Nicole Vitello, W&J’s response in the bottom of the seventh helped pave the way for a memorable season. Third baseman Sadie Marak ’15 drew a leadoff walk and Abby Cunningham ’17, playing in just her third career game, lined a home run over the left field fence to set off a wild celebration.

One of the first teammates to greet Abby as she rounded third base was her sister and the team’s unquestioned leader, Kelsey Cunningham ’14.

“For a freshman to step up and deliver like that absolutely helped set the tone for this championship season,” said elder sister Kelsey.

“This was the first year in our playing careers that we were on the same team, and it was a special moment for us. Without question, that home run boosted us.”

The Presidents finished the Florida swing with a 7-3 record, making it one of the most successful trips in program history. Included in that was a 7-6 triumph over Dubuque, in which the Presidents scored six runs over the final two frames for another come-from-behind win. W&J finished the 22

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Madison Rotto ’14

year with six come-from-behind victories when it trailed in the game after four innings.

“The comeback wins, especially early in the season, gave us that never-say-die attitude,” added Vitello. “Our team realized that we could strike at any moment, and we learned to play hard until the very last out.”

W&J used that mentality to pull off its third Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) championship in school history (the other wins were in 1996 and 2006). The Presidents entered the four-team PAC tournament (hosted by Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, Ky.) as the No. 3 seed. W&J faced second-seeded Geneva, which had eliminated the Presidents from the 2013 conference tournament. Things appeared bleak after the Golden Tornadoes defeated W&J 5-2 in the tournament opener.

Later that day, W&J remained alive by eliminating Bethany 3-2. Jen Bahm ’15 produced an RBI single in the fourth, and Emily Watson ’16 added a two-run single an inning later.

The momentum continued with the biggest upset of the tournament the following day as right-handed pitcher Krista McCartney ’16 twirled a three-hit shutout and W&J knocked

top-seeded Thomas More out of the tournament in a 1-0 victory. Kelsey Cunningham delivered a run-scoring double in the top of the seventh to break the deadlock.

A year after Geneva had ended the Presidents’ season, McCartney made sure there wasn’t a repeat as she fired a four-hit shutout during a 1-0 W&J win in the first of two title games. The only run came during the first four batters of the game as Kelsey Cunningham led off with a single, moved to second on a Marak groundout and scored on a Watson base hit.

Since that was Geneva’s first loss of the tournament, W&J forced a second championship game. The winner would claim the PAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament. The Presidents were searching for their first-ever appearance in the national playoffs.

The Golden Tornadoes scored the first run, but the Presidents roared back with five runs in the third inning. Courtney Roperti ’17 and Abby Cunningham brought home runs on singles, and Madison Rotto ’14 capped yet another rally with a two-run double. Rotto was back on the field one day after being rushed to the hospital after the first game of the tournament. While

The Presidents celebrate another PAC championship win—the third in program history.

“I am so proud of what this team accomplished.

It had everything to do with hard work. We’ve preached that when you work hard on the field and in the classroom, we can become a great program.”

– HEAD COACH NICOLE VITELLO

“A thrilling season overall and a fulfilling moment for this group to play in the NCAA tournament,” noted Vitello, W&J’s all-time softball coaching wins leader with 129. “I am so proud of what this team accomplished. It had everything to do with hard work. We’ve preached that when you work hard on the field and in the classroom, we can become a great program. I’m just as proud of the work these women have put into their studies.”

Kelsey Cunningham ’14

attempting to reach a foul ball, she suffered a laceration above her eye, which needed stitches.

However, she was determined to get back into the lineup and it paid off with her key hit. She then added an insurance run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly.

Watson pitched the final two innings of a 6-3 victory, and the ultimate comeback was complete. Four victories in a little over 24 hours gave W&J its third PAC softball title and a spot in the national tournament.

Kelsey Cunningham, who led the team with a .381 batting average, agreed with her coach’s sentiments.

“This championship couldn’t have been a more perfect ending for my career,” noted Cunningham, who since graduation is working for attorney Roger J. Gaydos in Canonsburg, Pa. “I hope winning this title sets up our program to attract talented players to W&J. My sister has three more years left, and I plan on being there for every game.”

The Presidents were sent to Angola, Ind., for an NCAA four-team regional hosted by Trine University. The Thunder, who entered the national tournament as the nation’s sixth-ranked team, defeated W&J 7-1 in the Presidents’ NCAA debut. Rotto scored W&J’s first NCAA

Multiple come-from-behind wins helped the Presidents achieve a championship season.

run in the fifth inning on Kelsey Cunningham’s fielder’s choice.

W&J was eliminated from the tournament a day later by DePauw, by a score of 19-7; however, the score was knotted 5-5 heading into the seventh inning before the Tigers pulled away. Despite the losses, the national tournament experience was invaluable for a program on the rise.

“The experience meant everything to our program,” said Vitello. “We’ve been working to get to the national stage and now that we’ve accomplished that, we need to work harder to succeed once we make it back. Our seniors really established that hard-working mentality.”

Kelsey Cunningham was selected to the All-Great Lakes Region team for the second time in her career following the season. Cunningham was second in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference in hits (51) and doubles (14), third in runs (31) and total bases (77), and fourth in home runs (4) and slugging percentage (.575).

She played in 145 career games and produced a .388 career batting average. Cunningham set the W&J career records for hits (192), doubles (48) and runs scored (118).

Vitello was honored as the PAC Coach of the Year for the second time (2008) after leading the Presidents to a 25-12 overall record. Rotto and McCartney joined Kelsey Cunningham on the All-PAC first team. For her career, Rotto, a pitcher and first baseman, played in 140 games (tied for sixth in school history) and produced 125 hits (eighth all-time) and 86 runs batted in (third all-time). Her 25 career victories were one shy of third place in the school record books, and her 231 strikeouts rank fourth all-time.

– SCOTT MCGUINNESS

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Facing the strike zone PITCHING AND HITTING DUO LEAVES LEGACY FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

Washington & Jefferson College has enjoyed some of the best talent to play NCAA Division III baseball during the last decade. Head Coach Jeff Mountain and his assistant coaches work hard behind the scenes, battling many of the nation’s top programs in the recruiting arena.

Josh Staniscia ’14 and Eddie Nogay ’14 are the latest examples of standout players—and, most important, excellent students—to continue the rise of W&J baseball into a team that is considered capable of making the NCAA World Series. The Staniscia-Nogay duo helped the Presidents win 117 games during the past four years, including a school record-breaking run through the 2013 NCAA Mideast Regional, in which W&J placed third. They also were honored as the first three-time Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District players in the 124-year history of Presidents baseball.

“They’re going to be difficult to replace,” said Mountain following the season. “Josh and Eddie have been impact players from day one. They

Pat Kennedy ’11 (2010 second team) and Staniscia are the only baseball players in W&J history to earn the prestigious award.

A four-time, first-team All-PAC player, Staniscia was also recognized as a D3baseball.com first-team All-Mideast Region choice (third season in a row).

Staniscia finished his season with a .404 batting average with 44 runs batted in, and led all NCAA Division III active players with a school-record 251 career base hits. He also produced a school-record 18 career triples, which ranked 11th among all NCAA players in all divisions over the past four seasons.

For his career, Staniscia finished as W&J’s all-time leader in games played (176), at-bats (576), hits (251), triples (18) and total bases (346). He was second in the school record book

“Josh and Eddie have been impact players from day one. They are great people, great in the classroom and excellent leaders. Guys like them don’t come around very often.”

– HEAD COACH JEFF MOUNTAIN

are great people, great in the classroom and excellent leaders. Guys like them don’t come around very often.”

Staniscia, the 2014 Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Most Valuable Player, was one of 11 players and three outfielders selected to the Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-America Team. He was the only player recognized on the first team from a Pennsylvania college or university and the 31st student-athlete in W&J history named an Academic All-American. Sam Mann ’07,

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Eddie Nogay ’14

In the recruiting process, Mountain loved Staniscia’s athleticism and aggressiveness.

Staniscia received Division I interest late in his scholastic career at Franklin Regional High School, but decided to attend W&J, and his impact on the program was immeasurable.

“Josh brought a unique level of athleticism to our program that we’ve never had in my years here,” Mountain said. “Both Josh and Eddie were three-sport athletes in high school, and our program really values those types of athletes. They are introduced to different types of pressure situations, and once you reach the collegiate level that certainly helps.”

Nogay’s name can be found throughout the W&J pitching records after finishing his career with a remarkable 28-2 overall record. The 28 victories broke Mann’s school record.

In 2014, Nogay posted a 6-1 record with a 2.50 ERA in 68 1/3 innings and was chosen as the PAC Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season. He tossed three of his 10 career complete games this spring and added a school-record-tying sixth career shutout.

in career stolen bases (51), doubles (41) and games started (174), while ranking third in runs (155) and RBIs (143). Prior to graduation, Staniscia accepted a job as a biochemist for the Bayer Corp. in Robinson Township, Pa.

The 2013 ABCA/Rawlings and D3baseball.com All-American tied David Trushel ’12 for the W&J record with 53 career appearances and ranked second among all W&J pitchers in career ERA (2.59), strikeouts (162) and innings pitched (268).

“I think I’m a pretty aggressive hitter and I think that’s really helped me a lot through the years,” Staniscia commented to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette during the season. “The first fastball I see, I’m usually swinging at it. I’m not trying to walk or take pitches. I’m usually up there hacking away and being aggressive.”

“I’ve been extremely blessed to stay close to home and play baseball at a high level,” noted Nogay, a native of Weirton, W.Va. “I owe a lot of credit to Coach Mountain and to my father (Mike). They taught me the ability to focus and to be mentally tough. When I was in a jam and needed a key out, I felt ready for that defining moment.”

Josh Staniscia ’14

The W&J baseball team won four NCAA tournament games since 2012 and claimed the PAC regular-season championship all four years.

Although opposites on the field—Nogay earned his recognition for getting hitters out and Staniscia made his legacy by ripping fastballs from pitchers—they studied each other’s games to get into the heads of their opponents.

“I’d ask Josh what pitch he’d be looking for in certain situations and he’d pick my brain on my mindset against some of the best hitters we’ve faced,” Nogay said. “Why not educate each other to get into the mind of what our opponents could possibly be thinking in a key situation? Both Josh and I have that attack mentality. I wanted our fielders to know that I planned on going after hitters. Josh was a real spark for us because of his approach at the plate, and he taught me to bring an offensive-style approach to the way I pitch.”

With Nogay and Staniscia leading the way, W&J won four NCAA tournament games since 2012 and claimed the PAC regular-season championship all four years (2011 co-regular

season champs). The 2013 squad captured the PAC tournament title at Ross Memorial Park before the Presidents’ memorable run through the NCAA Mideast Regional.

“Coach Mountain provides and emphasizes an environment that promotes success,” said Nogay, who was one of 29 male student-athletes to receive a $7,500 NCAA postgraduate scholarship, which he plans to use at West Virginia University College of Law as he pursues a career as a trial attorney.

Mountain recognized that Nogay, Staniscia and their classmates had additional talents outside the lines and classroom. He has learned that some of the best recruiters were the current players enjoying the experience.

“We’ve tried to create a culture of finding like-minded baseball players who have the same

priorities and goals in life,” Mountain said. “Guys like Eddie and Josh have played an important role in the recruiting process. Chemistry is a key component for our program and while it is hard to create that as a coach, our current players have been able to identify recruits who they believe will be a good fit academically and athletically. The success of this year’s senior group has given us an opportunity to be in the conversation with top recruits, and for that we are forever thankful.”

– SCOTT MCGUINNESS

Dukett retires after 32 years of service As a football coach, track and field coach, golf coach, alumni relations and development officer and the director of athletics, Bill Dukett has made a lasting impact on the W&J community for the past 32 years.

During his time at W&J, Dukett has been an undisputable force in the athletic department. As associate head coach of the Presidents’ football team from 1982 to 1998, Dukett helped lead W&J to a record of 137-37-2, including 14 Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) championships and two appearances in the Stagg Bowl—the NCAA Division III national championship game.

He would also serve, from 1982 to 1992, as the head track and field coach and as the head men’s and women’s golf coach from 1992 to 2003. He established the first women’s golf team in school history in 1998. Under Dukett’s supervision the golf teams claimed six PAC titles, and he has been named PAC Coach of the Year six times.

In 2002, Dukett became the assistant director of alumni relations and a major gift officer in the development office. As a gift officer, Dukett promoted the funding of Ross Memorial Park and Alexander Stadium.

In 2006, he was named W&J athletic director, leading the athletic department to its current size with 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports, two water polo programs and rugby and ice hockey clubs.

Bill Dukett stands with Matt Szczypinski ’96 during the 20th-anniversary celebration of the Presidents’ appearance in the 1992 Stagg Bowl.

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Track and Field Cheyenne Mangold ’14 capped her standout career on the track for W&J by earning her third NCAA All-America award. On May 24 in Delaware, Ohio, she raced to eighth place in the 400-meter hurdle finals of the NCAA Division III Track & Field championships with a time of 1:02.56. As a junior, Mangold produced All-America finishes in both the 400-meter hurdles (third) and 400 meters (fifth).

finish W&J spring sports rise above competition Another record-breaking spring sports season is in the books for Washington & Jefferson College. A track and field athlete claimed her third All-America

In April, Mangold took home more hardware at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) championships after being selected as the Women’s Co-Track Athlete of the Year. She finished first in the 400 meters (57.35), second in the 400-meter hurdles (1:06.50), third in the 200 meters (25.71) and seventh in the 100 meters (12.91), while running as a member of W&J’s second-place 4x100 meter (50.01) and 4x400 meter (4:02.04) relays.

award, while three women’s water polo players earned All-America status, highlighting another banner

Cheyenne Mangold earned her third All-America award with an eighth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Track & Field championships.

season for the Presidents.

Women’s Water Polo

Men’s Tennis

Golf

W&J enjoyed its finest season in program history, finishing with a 17-8 record. The Presidents smashed the school record with 17 victories and finished as the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Conference tournament runner-up for the fourth consecutive year. W&J also produced a 10-match winning streak from March 20 through April 12, now the school record.

W&J placed third out of eight teams at the 2014 PAC championship tournament in Erie, Pa., the Presidents’ best finish since 2010. Head Coach Chris Faulk ’10 was selected as the PAC Coach of the Year, becoming the first person in league history to win both the PAC Player (2010) and Coach (2014) of the Year awards. Faulk helped W&J jump up four spots in the final team standings from the previous two league tournaments. The Presidents advanced into four championship finals flights. Renato Popovic ’15 and Chad Dille ’17 led the team with nine singles victories, while Popovic teamed with Christopher Fadil ’14 for a team-best 7-3 record in doubles competition.

The W&J golf teams continued to be two of the league’s most successful programs as the men took second and the women fourth in the PAC championship tournament series (36 holes in the fall at Oak Tree Country Club; 36 holes in the spring at Cedarbrook Golf Club). Hunter Bagiatis ’17 burst on to the regional scene during his freshman campaign as he earned medalist honors at the Saint Vincent Invitational in April at Arnold Palmer’s Latrobe Country Club. He then recorded runner-up finishes at the California (Pa.) Vulcan Invitational (he lost on the third playoff hole) and the PAC spring championship.

Jennifer Suder ’15, a two-time PAC Diver of the Year in the winter, placed third in the final tournament of the year at Cedarbrook to lead the women’s squad. She has been a first-team All-PAC golfer in each of her first three seasons with Hunter Bagiatis ’17 the Presidents.

Laura Travers ’17 was named the CWPA Division III Rookie of the Year after producing 14 goals and 11 assists. On the defensive end of the pool, she also notched 31 steals. Sara Boldt ’15 and Rachel Clauss ’16 were first-team all-conference choices, while Travers and Catherine Villa ’14 earned second-team laurels.

Boldt, Clauss and Villa were all later selected as Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches All-Americans, giving the Presidents three All-Americans for the first season since 2011.

Sara Boldt ’15

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Christopher Fadil ’14

W&J alumni W&J-OLOGY:

Old Guard, New Name Since 1930, honoring alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago has been a College tradition. However, the tradition was not formally organized until 1955 with the creation of the “Old Guard” by Joseph B. Leckie ’50, who was the director of alumni affairs at the time. He and President Crumrine Patterson ’23 wanted to honor the legacy and provide a social gathering for alumni whose classes were dwindling over the years.

Since that time, alumni are officially inducted into the Old Guard during Commencement. The Old Guard has come to represent the College’s most devoted supporters, strongest advocates and keepers of venerable W&J traditions.

The origins of the name of the Old Guard are unknown, and over the years, name changes have occurred, most notably in the 1960s and in 1981 (when the name was changed to “Loyal Guard”).

Following the suggestion of many graduates, the Class of 1964 will lead the transition from the name “Old Guard” to “Presidential Guard.” Although the name has changed, the values and tradition of the Guard remain the same.

The Class of 1905 was the first 50-year reunion class to be inducted into the newly appointed Old Guard in 1955.

Class of 1964 celebrates 50-year reunion “I am honored to welcome you home to Washington & Jefferson College. Since you graduated from W&J you all have gone on to achieve great things in your lives and careers,” said President Tori Haring-Smith, Ph.D., in her Commencement remarks to the Class of 1964. “Your success is a testament to our College’s national reputation for excellence and an inspiring example for today’s graduates to follow.”

More than 40 classmates, a record number for the 50th reunion, returned for their induction and a celebratory weekend in their honor.

They reunited over shared memories of their days at W&J and learned about life at the College today.

In honor of their reunion, members of the Class of 1964 donated more than $1,000,000 to the College. A portion of these funds established the Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will serve as a legacy of their class — creating a permanent gift that will help future W&J students.

With their induction, the Class of 1964 leads the way in the transformation of the “Old Guard” to the “Presidential Guard.” The Presidential Guard continues to recognize W&J alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago and serve as the College’s devoted supporters, strongest advocates and keepers of venerable traditions.

The Class of 1964 gathers to be recognized for its 50 years of service to the College.

“Thank you again for your contributions and loyalty to W&J,” concluded President Haring-Smith. “We honor your legacy.”

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Connections Across the Country OVER THE PAST YEAR, WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS CAME TOGETHER TO COOK, PAINT, TASTE WINE, NETWORK, LAUGH AND CELEBRATE THEIR W&J CONNECTION AT EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

PITTSBURGH Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers and friends have made it a tradition to reunite at the annual Hofbrauhaus event.

Front row: Mark Goydich ’79, Bob Urso ’77, Dennis Tolner ’77, D.M.D., Jeff Nunes ’77, Jay Nation ’80 Back Row: Bill Mihm ’81, David Landis ’82, Joe Weale ’82, Harry Gerstbrein ’79, Donald Dazen ‘79, D.M.D.

PITTSBURGH TO WASHINGTON D.C.

Brandon Morris ’07 and Nick Hunter ’09 displayed their cooking skills at the Cleveland-area cooking class.

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Harry Farmer ’54 and Dennis Tolner ’77, D.M.D., both served on their respective W&J reunion committees.

BOSTON While students at W&J, Chuck Roazen ‘52 and Bob Lefkowith ‘53 went on a double date for New Year’s Eve. The best friends and their wives have spent every New Year’s Eve together since; this year will mark 65 years. They attended the Boston event with their wives, Rhea Roazen and Rosalyn Lefkowith.

Joe Weale ’82 worked for the Red & Black like Mina Ademovic ’13.

CLEVELAND

CLEVELAND TO PITTSBURGH

WASHINGTON D.C. TO BOSTON

BOSTON TO PITTSBURGH

Dara Gold ’12 was in the W&J Spanish Club, as were Chuck Roazen ’52 and Bob Lefkowith ’53.

Chuck Roazen ’52 and Bob Lefkowith ’53 were both economics majors, like Stefanie Mogel ’13.

PITTSBURGH A picture is worth a thousand memories!

Alumni gathered to show off their artistic skills, painting portraits of the iconic Old Main.

From left to right: C.J. Corcoran ’12, Brittany Vogel ’12, Katie Steider ’12, Stefanie Mogel ’13 and RaeLynn Forsyth ’12

WASHINGTON D.C. TO PITTSBURGH

Dara Gold ’12 and Dana Drexler Allen ’08 were both members of the W&J College Democrats.

WASHINGTON D.C. Young alumni Drew Aloe ’09, Mina Ademovic ’13, Dara Gold ’12 and Aananthi Rajasekaran ’13 enjoy the annual DC event hosted by Patrick Correnty ’87, M.D.

PITTSBURGH TO CLEVELAND

CLEVELAND TO PITTSBURGH

Dennis Tolner ’77 has a daughter, Melissa Tolner ’07, in the same W&J graduating class as Brandon Morris ’07.

Brandon Morris ’07 and Trudie Homonai Kozar ’08 worked for the same company, Schneider Downs & Co., Inc., in their respective states.

CLEVELAND TO BOSTON

Bob Lefkowith ’53 and Nick Hunter ’07 were both members of the baseball team.

CLEVELAND President Tori Haring-Smith, Ph.D., and Ann and Harry Farmer ‘54 prepare the side dishes at the Cleveland-area cooking class.

WASHINGTON D.C. TO CLEVELAND

Drew Aloe ’09 was a theater major like President Tori Haring-Smith, Ph.D.

PITTSBURGH Alumni enjoyed a ghoulish evening at Kennywood Fright Nights in Pittsburgh. Front row: Larry ’08 and Ashley Carbaugh Latta ’08, Dana Drexler Allen ’08 and her husband Brent Allen. Back Row: Matt ’08 and Trudie Homonai Kozar ’08

EVERYONE WENT TO W&J! Plans are underway for the 2014-15 event season!

Visit www.jayconnected.com/events to find out when we are visiting a region near you.

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THEN

NOW

Washington & Jefferson College Presidents know the meaning of giving back. Our alumni volunteer as alumni mentors, admission volunteers, Greek advisers and more. Donald Dazen ’79, D.M.D., exemplifies the uncommon character of our alumni by giving his time and talents to students today.

Donald Dazen, pictured as a senior, now actively volunteers at W&J.

When Dazen first graduated, he was focused on establishing his career and wasn’t able to commit a large amount of time to volunteering with the College. “Even though I wasn’t involved at first, I knew I had received a great education at W&J. The foundation I received from W&J prepared me for my future,” Dazen said.

After establishing his dental practice, Dazen began attending local W&J events. At one event, he was approached about being a class chairman for the W&J Fund, and Dazen agreed. “It was then that I started giving back to the College in smaller ways—both financially and as a volunteer,” Dazen said.

Today, Dazen is the W&J Fund chairman, a member of the Alumni Executive Council, serves on his reunion committee and is an admission volunteer.

“By giving back to W&J, I can give students the same chance I had to achieve their goals and make an impact on society. The quality of our education and the memories and friends we made were priceless,” Dazen said.

Today’s students, like business administration and international studies double major Maylin Burns ’15, pay forward the generosity they receive by dedicating more than 19,000 hours to community service each year and participating in numerous organizations. Burns is the president of Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Get Involved in Volunteer Experience (G.I.V.E.) Club. She also is a member of Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity, Alpha Mu Gamma national foreign language society and the Asian Culture Association.

“If we want the College to grow and advance, we have to support it.”

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– DONALD DAZEN ’79

Why are you so passionate about volunteering at Washington & Jefferson College?

become closer to the W&J students, faculty and staff members but also the Washington community as well.

Maylin: By joining and being an active participant in these organizations, I have been able to become more connected with W&J, build a great community and discover my own passions, strengths and areas of improvement.

These organizations have opened my eyes to new experiences, opportunities and lifelong friendships. My involvement with various organizations has allowed me to not only

Donald: My passion for volunteering has been driven by the enthusiasm of the great staff in the alumni and development offices. Their involvement with the alumni through various events throughout the country shows me how much they care for the alumni. That makes me want to help them do whatever it takes to get the alumni to reconnect and rekindle old memories from their days at W&J.

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Maylin Burns is president of G.I.V.E. and an active participant in many organizations on campus.

What does it mean to you to be a W&J President?

Maylin: To be a W&J President means to not be afraid to define who you are. A W&J President can lead, serve and inspire others to follow their own paths and make a difference.

Donald: Being a W&J President is a reflection on the type of person I have become through the opportunities W&J gave me to grow and develop.

Why is it important for alumni to support today’s students?

Donald: If we want the College to grow and advance, we have to support it. When you realize the values you received from W&J and how financial support helps offer those values to today’s students and decrease the cost of education, you don’t think twice about giving.

How has alumni support impacted your time at W&J? Maylin: I had the opportunity to study abroad my fall semester, junior year, in Hong Kong.

Without the support of alumnus John Swick ’47, I would not have been able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime educational trip. I was awarded the International Fund scholarship through Mr. Swick, who helped cover my travel expenses. He allowed me to expand my learning from the W&J community to a community in China, and I could never thank him enough for him believing in me.

– KERRI DIGIOVANNI LACOCK ’09

Alumna funds liberal arts education for future Presidents The liberal arts education Lyn Dyster ’80, Ph.D., received at Washington & Jefferson College has always stayed with her.

“I do my job well because of my liberal arts training. My years at W&J began my career as a lifelong learner in very diverse subjects,” Dyster explained.

Dyster identifies her time at W&J as a transformational experience during which she was challenged academically and personally. A biology major, she realized while in the laboratory and with the assistance of her adviser, Dr. Richard Dryden, that her passion was in-depth research.

But Dyster found more than her professional passion at W&J. In Professor Hugh Taylor’s art history class her senior year, Dyster discovered her personal love of art and architecture.

FEBRUARY Naples, Fla. Sarasota Lyn Dyster, co-founder and senior vice president of Kinex Pharmaceuticals, regularly hosts W&J students as interns, imparting valuable knowledge and experience.

the College must morph and evolve over time, our core mission is preserved.”

Dedicated to seeing W&J’s mission preserved long into the future, she and John are shaping the lives of future Presidents by establishing the Lyn Celenza Dyster and John Dyster Endowment Fund.

Dyster has shown her gratitude to her alma mater by giving back in many ways, and helping to foster future generations of leaders.

As the co-founder and senior vice president of Kinex Pharmaceuticals, located in Buffalo, N.Y., a company dedicated to developing next-generation anti-cancer drugs that target the molecular basis of the disease, Dyster regularly hosts current W&J students as interns.

“With our gift, we hope to do our part to provide a liberal arts education to generations of future students,” Dyster said. “This is the type of education that creates better citizens, and that’s what we need.”

Through her ongoing relationship with today’s students, Dyster sees that while the curriculum may change, the core values of the W&J education remain the same.

“W&J is still the wonderful place it was when I was a student. The current faculty are as dedicated, wonderful and spirited in their work as the faculty we had,” Dyster said. “The College continues to produce young people of uncommon integrity who are lifelong learners. These are the people who will become successful in life. While

to a city near you.

JANUARY Dallas

“When I travel, I love to learn the history of a city through art,” Dyster said. “The knowledge I learned in Professor Taylor’s class will stay with me forever.”

Treating her alma mater with more than just affection, she has made W&J students a real part of her family, inviting them to reside with her and her husband, John, while they complete their internships at Kinex. Most important, she continues that mentoring relationship well beyond their time with her company. Her former interns often visit her home for long weekends and email her with exciting news in their lives.

THE PRESIDENTS ARE COMING

By creating the fund and supporting the College’s endowment, Lyn and John are opening new doors for future generations. They chose not to restrict the fund, allowing the College to use it for the greatest priorities within endowment funding.

MARCH Pittsburgh APRIL New York City New Jersey Chicago MAY Washington, D.C. Denver

For a full calendar of alumni and parent events, go to www.jayconnected.com/events.

“My goal is to keep the College thriving into the future. With our gift, we are telling W&J, ‘Do what is needed more. I trust you to do what is needed to keep it vibrant,’” Dyster explained.

Lyn and John continue to support the W&J Fund as well, recognizing the immediate assistance to W&J’s operations.

“A gift—no matter what size—helps the College provide today’s and tomorrow’s students with the same quality of education we received,” Dyster said. “We have to count on our alumni to support the College and its future.”

Alumni interested in learning more about financially supporting W&J may contact Michele Abate Hufnagel ’93, W&J’s associate vice president for development and alumni relations.

– KERRI DIGIOVANNI LACOCK ’09

To create your legacy at W&J, visit www.washjeff.edu/give-to-wj.

The Honor Roll of Donors, highlighting donors from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, will be available online beginning November 1, at www.jayconnected.com/honorroll.

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Exemplify Uncommon Character

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR ALMA MATER

The relationships you formed as a student at Washington & Jefferson College helped shape you. Perhaps it was a professor who took the time to guide you to your chosen career, or a coach who worked with you on the athletic field, showing you what it meant to be a leader. Many things may have changed since you graduated from W&J, but relationships remain the building block of student success. By volunteering your time in any number of areas, you can ensure that today’s students receive the same thoughtful mentoring you did.

The Alumni Executive Council advocates for alumni interests.

Admission Volunteer

Job Shadow Volunteer

Share your W&J experiences at admission-related events on campus and around the country.

Speak to current and prospective students about your experiences as they pertain to academics, extracurricular activities, athletics, study abroad opportunities, residential education and student life in general. You also can represent W&J worldwide at college fairs by becoming a college fair representative. You’ll answer questions about life at W&J and distribute materials provided by the Office of Admission.

Aid a student in gathering career-related information by hosting a job shadow. With each opportunity varying in length, students can take a tour of your organization, conduct an informational interview or observe projects on which you are currently working.

Alumni Mentor Program Gain a rewarding bond with a current student by becoming an alumni mentor. Designed as a long-term, committed relationship, it can help your protégé achieve success by sharing experiences, offering educational support and providing life, academic and workplace guidance.

Alumni Student Networking Dinner Volunteer Occurring monthly at the Barron P. McCune Alumni House, this informal dinner of 8-10 attendees (4-5 alumni and 4-5 students) is designed to give you an intimate opportunity to share your career experiences with students.

Reunion Committee Volunteers Assist W&J in organizing and celebrating class reunions by becoming a reunion committee volunteer. Help organize reunions from the 20th through 60th class reunions that occur in five-year increments as well as mini-reunions for special groups such as fraternities or sororities.

Advisory Council Volunteer Join or start an alumni advisory council and provide input to the College about its various programs from an alumni perspective and provide support for its numerous initiatives.

Established councils include the Alumni

Executive Council and the Pre-Health and Pre-Law Alumni Advisory Councils.

Inauguration Representative W&J regularly receives invitations to attend other institutions’ presidential inaugurations. We depend on our distinguished alumni to represent the College at these prestigious events and walk in the inauguration ceremony processionals.

Guest Speaker Share your professional knowledge and experience by speaking to a class. From discussing your personal career development to changes in your chosen industry, your experiences offer students a clear idea of what to expect when entering the workforce.

To volunteer, please contact Kaley Tomsic at 724-531-6864 or ktomsic@washjeff.edu.

Learn more about volunteering online at www.jayconnected.com/getinvolved.

Regional Chair Oversee other alumni volunteers in your area and serve as the first point of contact in your region for the Office of Alumni Relations by becoming a regional chair. Duties include recruiting local volunteers for various opportunities, organizing and leading volunteer training sessions and assisting with the interview process for the Alumni Mentor Program.

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Students are pictured with alumna Katie Falk ’04 (third from the right), who they received career advice from and networked with at the annual career dinner.

W&J class

notes

Nowak named a Legacy Laureate Arthur J. Nowak ’58, D.M.D., has been named a Legacy Laureate by the University of Pittsburgh for his outstanding professional and personal accomplishments. Nowak is a professor emeritus of pediatric dentistry and pediatrics in the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics and Carver College of Medicine. He earned his doctor of dental medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1961.

The University of Pittsburgh classifies a Legacy Laureate as one whose contribution of time and effort to the School of Dental Medicine has been exceptionally significant, beyond that which would normally have been expected. As a Legacy Laureate, Nowak has contributed to original research in the dental profession and has also attained high professional standards that have aided and advanced the art and science of dentistry.

Arthur Nowak was recognized for his outstanding professional and personal accomplishments by the University of Pittsburgh.

In recognition of Nowak’s many contributions to the field, the University of Iowa and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry established the Arthur Nowak Visiting Professorship and the Arthur J. Nowak Award of Excellence, respectively, in his honor. Nowak received the Distinguished Service Award and the Manuel M. Album Award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

He was named the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

1950

1956

1958

Walter Cooper, Ph.D., was selected as the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration speaker at Keuka College in New York. Upon his graduation from W&J, Cooper worked for Eastman Kodak for many years. Cooper has previously served as the Rochester branch president for the NAACP and co-founded the Rochester branch of the Urban League. In 2010, Rochester City School No.10 was named the Dr. Walter Cooper Academy in his honor. The school emphasizes research and interactive learning, the methodology Cooper promoted during his time as a Regent of the State of New York and as the education committee chair of the Urban League of Rochester.

Kenneth Bell, M.D., received a proclamation from the City of Long Beach in Calif., for recognition as an “Outstanding Leader in Healthcare.” Bell serves on the boards of numerous nonprofit community organizations, helping countless people. He was the chief medical officer for the Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics before retiring in 2013. Previously, Bell was the chief medical officer at CalOptima—medicaid managed care— and the medical director at Kaiser Permanente.

Cliff Nelson was honored as Orange Citizen of the Year in Orange, Calif., for a lifetime of community service. Nelson served as president of the Orange Rotary Club and the Orange North Rotary Club, and has been a Rotarian for 32 years. Nelson also served as president of the Orange Jaycees, the Community Youth Employment Service Board of Directors and the Orange Sister City Association.

1953 Robert A. McPeake, M.D., published a collection of stories about his experiences during his 50 year medical career, titled “Rewards.”

’56 Kenneth Bell received a proclamation from the City of Long Beach in California in recognition for his career in health care.

Dennis Must published a novel titled “The World’s Smallest Bible,” a darkly comic story about two young brothers trying to make sense of an increasingly bleak world in small town Pennsylvania during World War II.

1960 The Honorable J. Frederick Sharer was inducted into the Fort Hill High School Hall of Fame in Cumberland, Md. Sharer has served as chair of the board of trustees of Allegany College of Maryland, a trustee of the Cumberland Community Foundation, president of the Cumberland Jaycees and founder of the County Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.

Although retired, Sharer continues to serve in senior status with the Court of Special Appeals.

He began his law practice in Cumberland in 1963, serving as deputy state’s attorney for Allegany County and attorney for the City of Cumberland. In 1980, Sharer was appointed to the Circuit Court for Allegany County, where he served until his appointment to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.

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class notes

Botanical artist publishes children’s book on urban gardening education Author and illustrator Sandra McPeake ’78 has published a children’s book designed to help families learn how to garden. The book, titled “In the Garden,” includes growing information and detailed illustrations of 23 vegetables.

In the book, McPeake provides gardening tips, lists of supplies needed and a how-to about keeping a gardening journal.

An avid gardener and artist accustomed to sketching Sandra McPeake teaches families about the plants of neighborhood gardening in her new illustrated book. gardens, McPeake turned her expertise to publish a book to encourage kids “to connect with our splendid Mother Earth and all that she has to offer ...And most of all have fun learning, sharing and getting dirty!”

McPeake hopes the book will be used to inspire gardening among people of all ages, particularly within urban gardening, agriburbia or edible schoolyard groups. A portion of the profits from the book will

1965 James H. Duff retired as executive director of both the Brandywine Conservancy and the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pa., after 40 years of service. Appointed in 1973, Duff was the first director of the museum, internationally known for its collection of American art and illustrations, and he became executive director of the conservancy in 1976. During his tenure, the conservancy permanently preserved nearly 50,000 acres of open space and added almost 4,000 works of art to the museum’s collection.

1966 Jeffrey Siger received a nomination from Left Coast Crime, an annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, for his book “Mykonos After Midnight.” The novel was nominated in the category of Best Mystery in a Foreign Setting, 2014.

1968 Gregory Zeigler was honored by The Kiski School when his novel, “The Straw That Broke,” was chosen as the all-school book. Kiski is an 34

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be donated to urban edible schoolyard organizations across the country. “We must educate our children on how food is grown and with the interaction of family and the ‘seasoned’ gardeners, we can all get outside, plant and share time and food with each other. My donations will help to provide copies to children to begin their learning experience,” McPeake said.

As the creative director at McPeake Designs & Printing, Inc. in Canonsburg, Pa., McPeake is no stranger to the publishing experience. She credits part of her success in the industry to the combination of a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in economics. “My career has benefited with the education from both platforms of art and business. You must have the knowledge of creating, and know how to price and market that work to be successful.”

“In The Garden” is sold at Amazon.com and in Barnes & Noble bookstores. McPeake is also finishing her second book for children, “Pollee’s Dream,” about honeybees.

all-male private boarding school in Saltsburg, Pa., that selects one book each year to be read by all students, faculty and staff. The selection includes a presentation and book signing by the author.

1969 Robert F. Schultz has joined the Pittsburgh law firm, Leech Tishman, as counsel in the Employment Practice Group. His practice will focus on all aspects of labor-related legal representation. Schultz has more than 35 years of experience representing both union and nonunion private sector employers.

Previously, he served as the chief legal officer for Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation, working as vice president of industrial labor relations and senior counsel for more than 20 years.

1970 Dennis Slamon, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed to the board of directors of BioMarin

Pharmaceutical Inc., a global leader in providing therapies for rare genetic diseases. Slamon is currently director of clinical/translational research and director of Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also a professor of medicine, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and executive vice chair for research for UCLA’s Department of Medicine. Slamon is best known for development of the drug Herceptin, a treatment for breast cancer.

’70 Dennis Slamon has been appointed to the board of directors of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., a global leader in providing therapies for rare genetic diseases.

1977 Timothy Schieffelin has joined BNY Mellon Wealth Management in Greenwich, N.Y., as a senior director for business development.

Previously, Schieffelin was a senior advisor to JSBO Realty & Capital and Source Capital Group and a senior vice president and private client advisor at Bank of America’s Private Bank in Greenwich. Schieffelin spent the first 27 years of his career with Citigroup in New York.

1978 Cheryl Kuzy Albert has been named vice president and commercial banker for corporate banking at WesBanco in Parkersburg, W.Va. She will be responsible for business development and portfolio administration of banking services for commercial customers. Previously, she was employed by First Neighborhood Bank as senior vice president and chief credit officer.

1980 Daniel A. Martell, Ph.D., was named president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, a multi-disciplinary professional organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. Martell is the first forensic psychologist to become president of the Academy, and he is currently a forensic

neuropsychologist for the forensic litigation consulting firm of Park Dietz & Associates and the Threat Assessment Group, Inc. in Newport Beach, Calif.

’80 Daniel A. Martell was named president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

and advises clients on project planning and execution strategies. Bates is a fellow in the American College of Construction Lawyers and was named one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Attorneys for 2013 by Philadelphia magazine. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of arbitration, mediation, construction law and litigation. Bates serves on the board of directors of the American Arbitration Association, is a fellow in the College of Commercial Arbitrators and is a certified mediator by the International Mediation Institute.

1981

1984

Frank C. Botta has been elected secretary and treasurer of the Transportation Lawyers Association, an international bar association whose members provide counsel to companies and commercial users of logistics and transportation services. Botta is currently an attorney at the Pittsburgh law firm of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot, LLC, where he is a member of the labor and employment law practice and co-chair of the transportation group.

Joe Philbin completed his second full season as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Philbin has 30 years of coaching experience. Prior to becoming head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Philbin was the offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. He has also served as offensive line coach at the University of Iowa, offensive line coordinator/coach at Harvard University and Northeastern University and offensive coordinator at Allegheny College.

1983

’84

Albert Bates Jr., an attorney with Duane Morris LLP in Pittsburgh, has been appointed to lead the Duane Morris Construction Group.

Bates focuses his practice on the resolution of domestic and international construction claims,

Joe Philbin completed his second full season as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Doctor goes above and beyond as a family practitioner, founds free clinic Jeffrey Stamp ’82, M.D., was recognized by the Three Rivers Edition for his commitment to going above and beyond the duties of a family practitioner in the community of Lonoke County, Ark. Stamp has demonstrated his dedication to his community by helping to found a free clinic to meet the needs of those below the poverty level and volunteering at a nonprofit hippotherapy center.

Stamp began his career in the Air Force, serving for 12 years and attaining the rank of captain before pursuing his medical degree at the University of Arkansas. He joined the Cabot Medical Care Clinic, focusing on family medicine, in 2002.

In addition to his responsibilities working full time in the practice, Stamp helped found the Lonoke County Christian Clinic.

Established in an old city gym, the renovations necessary to create the clinic were made possible because of the commitment of the community. “We estimate we did about $1 million worth of work for about $100,000. So much was donated, and it really showed the generosity of the community,” he said.

Stamp, along with his wife, Beth, also works with Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit therapy center in Ward, Ark., that utilizes

horseback riding as a therapeutic tool for children with disabilities.

Stamp serves on the board of directors, manages finances and does many other tasks for Beyond Boundaries. “I’m also the gofer. I do anything from trimming hedges to cleaning up horse poop,” he said.

The nonprofit has nine horses.

Certified therapists work with the patients with the aim of improving their lives in various ways. For Stamp, the experience is very Jeffrey Stamp volunteers with rewarding. “It’s amazing what the nonprofit therapy center Beyond Boundaries. changes you can see in a kid from being on a horse,” he said. “That is something few physicians ever witness. There is a marked difference between a cerebal palsy patient with spasticity in my clinic and on a horse at Beyond Boundaries. I truly value getting to see that.”

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W&J honors alumnus with Waltersdorf Award Joseph Gibson ’86 has been honored with the Maurice Cleveland Waltersdorf Award for Innovative Leadership. The award recognizes Washington & Jefferson College alumni who attain a high level of achievement and exemplify the spirit and leadership qualities of Dr. Maurice C. Waltersdorf, who served as a professor and chairman of the department of economics for 32 years.

An innovator and leader in the manufacturing industry, Gibson is the founder and president of Gibson Stainless & Specialty Inc. in Greensburg, Pa., a leading provider of stainless steel conduits and fittings, primarily for the electrical industry.

Gibson began his career at C.C. Korns Company, an electrical manufacturing company now known as Korns Galvanizing Company, as a sales manager and then as the president/general manager. He credits his years at C.C. Korns for developing his “love for metals, machinery and manufacturing.”

When C.C. Korns Company was purchased, Gibson guided the company in assimilating the acquisition. It was during this time that Gibson recognized the increasing demand for the next step in corrosion-resistant electrical products and began to develop the concept for Gibson Stainless & Specialty Inc.

1987 Sean Bello joined the Pittsburgh office of Leech Tishman as an associate in the Energy Practice Group.

Previously, Bello was an attorney with Sadler Law Firm. His practice focuses primarily on oil and gas title examination.

1988 Terri Bolli Albertson has joined the Philadelphia office of BDO USA, LLP as an assurance partner. She has more than 25 years of experience providing auditing and consulting services, with a strong focus on the nonprofit sector. Albertson received the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction Award, and was named a SmartCPA by SmartCEO Magazine’s Reader’s Pick of the Region’s Top Accountants. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

1989 Mark Hamill is of counsel at Abraham, Fruchter & Twersky, LLP, a leading shareholder litigation firm. He works in the headquarters office in New York City, where he focuses on prosecuting private securities and antitrust claims on behalf of institutional investors and others who have been injured by unlawful conduct.

Bruce Yeager has been hired as a managing consultant for the specialty pharmaceutical 36

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management consulting firm, Viscadia Inc. Yeager has more than 23 years of experience in various senior-level commercial pharmaceutical roles including UCB, Amgen and Sepracor, Inc. (now known as Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). His sales strategies have resulted in increased product revenue and reduced commercial operating expenses throughout the companies that he has worked for.

1990 Joseph Alessandro, D.O., has joined Masonicare as associate medical director for its eastern Connecticut hospice region.

Alessandro will be responsible for the oversight and medical consultation of services provided to hospice and palliative care patients. He is one of the few physicians in Connecticut who are board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine. Alessandro is certified by the American Medical Directors Association, the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. Previously, he founded and ran a family practice in Brooklyn, Conn.

Aaron Mason, M.D., works for Weniger Plastic Surgery in Bluffton, S.C., where he performs pediatric work with the Medical University of South Carolina, in addition to adult cosmetic and reconstructive work that includes post mastectomy breast reconstruction.

Mason developed the first American Cleft Palate Association certified pediatric cleft and craniofacial program in San Antonio, Texas.

He is currently the only U.S. physician board certified in both pediatrics and plastic surgery.

President Tori Haring-Smith, Ph.D., congratulates Joseph Gibson on receiving the Waltersdorf Award.

1991 Paul Means, D.O., works as a family doctor in Connellsville, Pa. He is highly involved in his community and serves on the Highlands Hospital Board of Trustees, Bullskin Little League Board and Connellsville Area School Board. Means is president of the medical staff at Highlands Hospital and serves as medical director of Amedisys Hospice in Scottdale, Pa. Michael Robic was recently named associate general counsel for the Allegheny Health Network, a collection of eight hospitals with more than 17,500 employees throughout western Pennsylvania.

’91 Michael Robic was named associate general counsel for the Allegheny Health Network.

1992 Mary Blank DiCaprio became the owner and operator of the now fourth generation family business, Blocher Jewelers, in Ellwood City, Pa.

1996 Steven Richards has been named senior advisor to the director of the Division of Enforcement and Investigations of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Richards has served as a special advisor in the company and

JIM MCNUTT, OBSERVER-REPORTER

Attorney sworn in as common pleas judge After more than 20 years as an attorney, Michael Lucas ’89 has been sworn in as a Washington County Court of Common Pleas Judge.

While a student at Washington & Jefferson College, Lucas worked as a clerk for the Charleroi-based law offices of Bassi and Associates, now, Bassi, Vreeland & Associates, P.C. He returned to the firm as an attorney after obtaining his law degree in 1992.

Since that time, Lucas has established himself as an attorney of distinction. He has served Washington County residents in many capacities, including first assistant district attorney, gaining more convictions in serious felonies, including homicide cases, than any other Washington County attorney. Lucas also served as the appointed solicitor for Charleroi Borough, the Charleroi Area School District and the Canon-McMillan School District. In 2011, Lucas was awarded the Robert L. Ceisler Award for Excellence in Professionalism by his peers in the Washington County Bar Association.

Lucas told The Tribune Review that he sees his new position as a judge as a great way to finish his career as a prosecutor, and “to grow professionally and as a person.”

advised the chairman on all matters that came before the board. Previously, he was a managing director in the Forensic and Litigation segment of FTI Consulting Inc. in N.Y.

1998 Robert S. Bootay III has been elected mayor of Pleasant Hills Borough, Pa. Bootay currently serves as the senior member of Bootay Bevington & Nichols, LLC, and is the broker/ owner of All Pittsburgh Real Estate, LLC. Prior to being elected mayor, Bootay was a two-term elected councilman and served as an appointed member of the Borough’s Planning Commission.

Robert E. Frioni earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Pittsburgh after successfully defending his dissertation, which discussed the effects of school grade-level configurations. He is currently the principal of Fort Cherry Junior/Senior High School in McDonald, Pa. Christopher S. Musuneggi was presented with the 2013 National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Quality Award.

This award is an indicator of quality service provided to clients and is considered a mark of distinction for financial advisors.

Michael Lucas was sworn in as a judge and will preside over Family Court and Juvenile Dependency Court.

As he continues his career on the other side of the bench, Lucas says the lessons he learned as a prosecutor will serve him well, explaining “a prosecutor has a special ethical responsibility to see that the administration of justice is served. Your role is not just to succeed in the courtroom, but to seek justice. The same is true of a judge. There’s a duty to make certain that your decisions are just, fair and right.”

Lucas presides over Family Court (defendant’s last name Le-Z) and Juvenile Dependency Court in courtroom number six.

Musuneggi also recently completed the selective entrepreneurial fellows program at the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. The Musuneggi Financial Group, LLC, of which Musuneggi is vice president of business development, recently expanded through the addition of Tweardy & Associates.

1999 Nathan Frank earned his doctorate in education policy from the University of Maryland. Frank is currently serving as an assistant principal at Spring Grove Area High School in Spring Grove, Pa.

2002 John P. Friedmann opened his own law practice in Bentleyville, Pa. Friedmann plans to focus his practice on general civil matters, including wills and estates, real estate and property—including oil and gas laws—as well as civil, commercial and business litigation. He is an assistant district attorney in Washington County and continues to prosecute criminal cases part time. Prior to joining the District Attorney’s Office, Friedmann was an attorney for Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services, Inc. in Uniontown, Pa., where he represented victims of domestic violence in family law matters as well as low-income and disadvantaged clients in landlord-tenant, consumer and property matters. He began his legal career at McLaughlin & McCaffrey, LLP,

in Cleveland, Ohio, where he served as a defense attorney to clients charged with federal and state wire and mail fraud, money laundering, gambling and other white-collar crimes.

2003 Lindsey Bennett Daniello has been hired as the annual fund officer at W&J. Daniello was previously employed at California University of Pennsylvania as both a major gift officer and manager of the annual fund.

Tony J. Thompson has joined the associate board of the Sarah Heinz House in Pittsburgh. The Sarah Heinz House is a charter member of the Boys & Girls Club of America, which focuses on developing and strengthening leadership, character and life skills of children by providing recreational, social, educational and mentoring programs. Thompson is a business and trial attorney at Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP. He also serves on the boards of Rainbow Kitchen Community Services and Small Seeds Development, Inc.

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Imbarlina named principal of Hampton High School Marguerite Imbarlina ’03, Ed.D., has been appointed principal of Hampton High School in Allison Park, Pa. Hampton High School has consistently been ranked among the top five area high schools in the Pittsburgh Business Times “Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools.” As principal, Imbarlina hopes to maintain these high standards. “I’m excited to work with the community, faculty and staff to continue to move forward,” she told Trib Total Media.

Prior to becoming principal, Imbarlina served as secondary assistant principal and instructional coach. She began her career as an English teacher in South Fayette School District, moving to Hampton in 2004. She was named high school assistant principal in 2012.

2004 Jon Stehle is a senior analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Stehle received a GAO Meritorious Service Award in 2013 for contributions to GAO’s High Risk program and Key Issues website by leading colleagues across GAO in enhancing the use of GAO’s work by Congress and the public.

2005 Nina Irwin, a senior functional project manager for Datalliance, a software firm in Brussels, was featured in a New York Times slideshow article about Americans who live and work abroad.

Abigail Leslie successfully defended her dissertation titled, “Perceptions of Social Support in Male Victims of Child Sexual Abuse,” and graduated with a doctorate from the counseling psychology program at West Virginia University.

2006 Crystal Young, Ph.D, accepted a position as a biochemistry professor at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla.

2008 Mike Fitzgerald debuted his latest film, “If We Were Adults,” at the Maryland International Film Festival in Hagerstown, Md. Fitzgerald served as the director and screenwriter of the short film, a romantic comedy about the last unmarried couple in a sea of married couples.

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Maxwell Stanfield has joined Eckert Seamans Cherin and Mellott, LLC in Pittsburgh. As an associate in the Business Division, he will focus his practice on general corporate law and hospitality law matters.

2009 Anthony Burns is a sixth grade teacher at Ross Elementary School in the North Hills School District in Pittsburgh. Previously he worked for Prince George County Public Schools in Md., where he taught fifth grade science, social studies and health at Dodge Park Elementary School.

Jonathan D. Herpy is a partner at Hart & David, LLP in Chicago. Herpy focuses his practice on corporate/civil litigation, estate planning/asset protection and sports entertainment. Previously, Herpy served as a legal clerk for Dudley & Lake LLC before joining OGT Sports, Inc. as the agency’s in-house attorney. Herpy expanded his relationship with OGT Sports into his own solo practice before becoming a partner at Hart & David.

Justin Swank has been hired as the coordinator of publications and projects in the Office of Student Life at W&J.

2010 Amanda Bundick is an associate attorney for Jubelirer, Pass & Intrieri, P.C., a workers’ rights law firm in Pittsburgh. Upon her graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, Bundick was chosen by Pitt Law’s dean and faculty to receive the National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award.

SHARI BERG

Imbarlina has long placed an emphasis on education, receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from W&J before going on to complete a master’s degree in reading education and a doctorate in education at the University of Pittsburgh. She focused her Ed.D. on administrative and policy studies and completed her dissertation on an analysis of secondary schools’ and principals’ need to implement literacy instruction across subject areas. She also received certification as a K-12 principal and supervisor of instruction and curriculum while at Pitt.

Marguerite Imbarlina is the principal of Hampton High School.

Chris Faulk, W&J head tennis coach, was selected as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Coach of the Year, becoming the first person in league history to win both the PAC Player (2010) and Coach of the Year awards.

Lindsey Zubritsky graduated from Penn State College of Medicine with a doctor of medicine degree. She will complete her residency training in dermatology at the University of Cincinnati.

2011 Eric Efaw has joined CentiMark as a licensing and tax compliance associate in the Finance & Accounting Department. CentiMark Corporation, located in Canonsburg, Pa, is the largest commercial roofing and flooring contractor in North America.

Angela Jones graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in arts education. Jones was awarded the prize for Excellence in Secondary Education in Visual Arts prior to her graduation.

2012 Hannah J. Lott has been named head field hockey coach and assistant sports information director at Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Va. Previously Lott served as interim field hockey coach and assistant coach at Western New England University in Springfield, Mass., working primarily with the defense and midfielders and assisting with recruiting efforts.

Kelsye Milliron has been hired as a full-time fiscal assistant for the Greensburg City Council in Greensburg, Pa.

WEDDINGS

2010 Eric Chimenti and Kelli Deighan were married July 20, 2013, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh.

A reception followed at the Westin Convention Center. W&J alumni in the bridal party included Kelly Benson, Mike Falleroni, Mike Graysay, Jade Hasson, Tiffany O’Shea, Neil Pascarella, Jim Pasquine and Elizabeth Plummer. More than 50 W&J alumni attended the wedding. The couple resides in Oakdale, Pa. Nicole Rosellini and Stephen Hall were married Nov. 2, 2013, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bel Air, Md. The reception was held at the Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, Md. Kayla Curtiss and Anja Pen, a W&J Dutch exchange student, were among the bridal party. Other alumni in attendance were Rachel Cogley McBride and Valarie Orzechowski ’09. Rosellini is a histotechnologist and aids in the opening of pathology labs. Hall works for Lockheed Martin in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The couple resides in Annapolis, Md.

2003

2008

Kelly Skubick Airel and her husband, Doug, welcome their first child, Brandon Patrick, born Nov. 1, 2013.

Katie Lundie Hayden and her husband, Mike, announce the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Sarah, Dec. 11, 2013.

2004 Jamie R. Davis and her husband, Jeffrey, announce the birth of their son, Max James, Feb. 1, 2013. He joins big brother Caleb Jeffrey, June 8, 2010.

Brooke Helfer, Ph.D., and her husband, Richard Boggess, welcome their daughter, Evelyn Virginia, born April 18, 2013.

Valerie Paydo Shaw and her husband, Jason, announce the birth of their son, Carter, Nov. 24, 2013. He joins big brother Cameron, born Aug. 29, 2011.

2005 Cassandra Nicastro Matthews, Ph.D., and her husband, James Matthews, announce the birth of their son, James Thomas, Oct. 18, 2013.

2006 NEW ADDITIONS

1973 Dennis Kovalsky welcomes a daughter, Mira, born Dec. 2, 2013.

1997 David Smydo and Jocelin Los Smydo ’02 announce the birth of their son, Declan Cruz, March 11, 2014.

1999 Molly Nicotra Jeffers and her husband, Jeffrey Jeffers ’00, announce the birth of their son, Maddox Jay, March 25, 2014.

Amanda Stanonik McGuinness and her husband, Scott, announce the birth of their daughter, Maysen Helen, Nov. 25, 2013. She joins big brother Colman. Scott is the co-interim director of athletics at W&J, after acting as the sports information director for 13 years.

2007 Nadia Mills and Andrew Grover welcome their second daughter, Kiara Juliette, born April 12, 2014. She joins big sister Leila.

Danielle Witucki Skowronski and her husband, Rick, welcome their daughter, Madeline Rose, born December 18, 2013.

2009 Sean Salsbury and his wife, Rebecca Seliga Salsbury, announce the birth of their daughter, Cadence Juliet, Oct. 19, 2013.

IN MEMORIAM The Rev. Dr. Hugh M. Miller ’38, Dover, Del., died Jan. 6, 2014, at age 97. Prior to his retirement in 1981, Rev. Miller was a minister for the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover, N.J. Rev. Miller devoted himself to his community throughout his lifetime, serving in various positions in the Memorial Fire Company of Slaughter Beach, Del., the Housing Development Corporation of Milford, Del., the town council and the Milford Ministerium. He was a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as a Navy chaplain in the European, Pacific and American Theatres.

J. Murray Freund ’40, Westlake Village, Calif., died Jan. 10, 2014, at age 95. Mr. Freund was an award winner in Toastmasters International.

He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge and received the Bronze Star.

Alfred H. Magness ’43, M.D., Coshocton, Ohio, died Jan. 20, 2014, at age 92. Dr. Magness practiced at Coshocton Hospital for many years, serving as chief of staff and chief of surgery.

He was a fellow of both the American and International College of Surgeons, and as a member of the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Magness became the first Coshocton physician to be certified by a specialty board.

’43 Alfred H. Magness, M.D., was the first physician in Coshocton, Ohio, to be certified by a specialty board, the American Board of Surgery.

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The Rev. Robert B. Scott ’44, Paradise, Calif., died Nov. 23, 2013, at age 91. Prior to his retirement, Rev. Scott served as a Presbyterian minister in Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California. Rev. Scott was an active member of Chico Rotary, SIRS, Enloe Volunteers and the Presbytery of Sacramento.

Joseph P. Ames ’45, Washington, Pa., died March 18, 2014, at age 90. Mr. Ames was the owner and proprietor of McNary Jewelers for 68 years.

Theodore B. Thomas ’45, M.D., Bethel Park, Pa., died June 14, 2013, at age 92. Dr. Thomas ran his own medical practice in Bethel Park for 62 years. He was an active member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Association and enjoyed piloting, auto racing and reading.

William H. Keeler III ’48, M.D., Gainesville, Fla., died Dec. 23, 2013, at age 85. For more than 50 years, Dr. Keeler worked as a surgeon, specializing in joint replacement. He was the head of orthopedics and chief of staff at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. Dr. Keeler served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Richard H. Barnhart ’49, Hatboro, Pa., died May 2, 2012, at age 90. Mr. Barnhart served as an electrical engineer at the Naval Air Development Center at Johnsville Naval Air Station for 30 years.

Robert A. Gayvert ’49, Charlotte, N.C., died Dec. 11, 2013, at age 94. Mr. Gayvert was an agricultural economist and worked at the University of Georgia as a poultry marketing specialist for many years. He later became a dairy marketing specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Minneapolis, Minn., where he worked until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Gayvert served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a master sergeant during World War II. He was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone.

Joseph Dale Kniseley ’49, Port St. Lucie, Fla., died July 3, 2012, at age 89. Mr. Kniseley worked as both a teacher and a guidance counselor in the Dade County school system for 30 years. For seven years, he worked as an Army education counselor in Hanau, Germany.

During his retirement, he was an avid volunteer for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and the Soundsations singing group. Mr. Kniseley served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Thomas J. Koval ’49, Vestaburg, Mexico, died Feb. 10, 2010, at age 88. Mr. Koval devoted his professional career to his work as a caseworker in Washington County, Pa. Mr. Koval served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a staff sergeant during World War II. Robert Edward Peters ’49, Louisville, Ky., died April 19, 2014, at age 91. Mr. Peters served

as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1951 to 1975, and as a field supervisor of the Louisville office from 1965 to 1975. After his career in the FBI, Mr. Peters worked as an investigator and recruiter for the Central Intelligence Agency. Mr. Peters served overseas in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, France, Germany and Austria.

’49 Robert Edward Peters served as a special agent with the FBI for more than 20 years.

James R. Shaw ’49, Sandy Springs, Ga., died Dec. 25, 2013, at age 91.

William G. Snodgrass ’49, Pensacola, Fla., died Jan. 2, 2014, at age 88. Mr. Snodgrass worked as a hospital administrator at Highland View Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio until his retirement.

Mr. Snodgrass was a veteran of World War II, serving in the European Theater, and was decorated with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Thomas R. Carter ’50, Portland, Maine, died Nov. 24, 2011, at age 84. Throughout his life Mr. Carter worked for such companies as

Roger T. Abelson (1935-2014)

Devoted W&J supporter and student mentor Roger T. Abelson ’57, a dedicated alumnus and generous supporter of W&J students, died May 24, 2014, at the age of 78.

While at W&J, Mr. Abelson was an active participant in many organizations. From the Phi Lambda Delta Fraternity to ROTC, he explored many subjects outside of his economics major. The liberal arts education he enjoyed at W&J introduced him to a variety of backgrounds, ideas and beliefs. These lessons would remain with him as he founded MBS-Multimode, a leading marketing service and marketing research bureau, and into his retirement.

A devoted alumnus, Mr. Abelson was a past member of the W&J Development Council and Development Council Executive Committee, his 50th Reunion Committee and the Old Main Society.

Mr. Abelson contributed greatly to his passions. A lover of music, travel, cowboy poetry and American Indian art, Mr. Abelson would found October Art, Ltd., a New York City gallery specializing in Native American art, and offer support to Carnegie Hall and the Smithsonian Institution. He also contributed to the enrichment of others while serving as a board member for Futures for Children, a group that supports Native Americans in completing high school and post-secondary education. He and his wife, Camille, were recognized

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with the Future for Children’s Leadership Celebration Award in 2012 in honor of their support.

The Abelson Endowed Roger Abelson and his wife, Camille, with Rosanna Scholarship, a W&J Tsatie before Commencement 2013. scholarship designed to provide necessary funds to natural-born citizens of the United States of underrepresented populations—particularly Native American students—was made possible by the generous support of Roger and Camille Abelson.

Rosanna Tsatie ’13, one of the students who benefited from Mr. Abelson’s endowment, said: “I am very fortunate to have known a great humble man like Roger. His assistance really got me through W&J. I am grateful to have known Roger and be able to have his guidance while I attended W&J. Everything he did for me is forever cherished.”

COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Lawrence D. Romboski, Ph.D. (1938-2014)

Professor emeritus and talented basketball player A professor emeritus at California University of Pennsylvania who enjoyed a 30-year career as a statistics professor, Lawrence D. Romboski ’59, Ph.D., died Jan. 22, 2014, at the age of 75.

Dr. Romboski’s passion for teaching began at Washington & Jefferson College, where he was an instructor from 1962 to 1964. His time at W&J led him to pursue graduate studies full time in order to obtain his doctorate in statistics and become a professor. In 1969, Dr. Romboski achieved his dream and became an associate professor at California University of Pennsylvania. He was later promoted to full professor in the mathematics and computer science department, where he stayed until his retirement in 2002.

After retirement, Dr. Romboski was the editor of the Journal of Quality Technology, the statistical journal of the American Society for Quality. He was a member of numerous organizations including the American Society for Quality, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the American Statistical Association and the Mathematical Association of America.

Throughout his career, Dr. Romboski earned many awards, including the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

Calgon in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Reactive Metals in Ashtabula, Ohio; Fasson (now Avery Dennison) in Painesville, Ohio; and Monarch Marking in Miamisburg, Ohio. He was an active member of the community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club. Mr. Carter served in Japan for the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947.

Cal G. Griffith III ’50, Hollidaysburg, Pa., died Dec. 12, 2013, at age 86. Mr. Griffith served as president of the Cal G. Griffith Jr. Agency Inc., an insurance company founded by his grandfather in 1900, for 63 years. He was a twotime Blair County Republican Chairman and also served on the Altoona Area School Board and Altoona Area Public Library Board. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and served as the sports editor, and later editor, of the Bainbridge Mainsheet.

The Rev. Charles Willard Hoover ’50, Corona del Mar, Calif., died April 10, 2014, at age 85.

He received his bachelor’s degree in theology from Boston University School of Theology in 1953 and dedicated his services to the church and the members of its community throughout his life. Rev. Hoover had served as pastor of Senior Ministries at Corona del Mar Community Church since 2003. He also led several weekly bible studies and served on several boards and committees.

Donald C. King ’50, D.O., Norwalk, Ohio, died March 10, 2014, at age 84. Dr. King retired from practice after 44 years of service to Sandusky

Exceptional Academic Service Award and the Dixon Award for meritorious service from the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania.

A talented basketball player in college, Dr. Romboski played on W&J’s varsity team throughout his four years at W&J, starting in all 73 games during that period. In 1956, he set the single game scoring record with 43 points, which still stands today.

In 2003, Dr. Romboski was inducted into the W&J Sports Hall of Fame, having already been inducted into the Washington-Greene County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Lawrence Romboski was a longtime professor at California University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Romboski served as a lieutenant from 1959 to 1962 in the U.S. Army, and with his longtime passion of basketball, he co-captained the National Army Air Defense Basketball Team.

Memorial Hospital and 31 years of service to Fischer-Titus Medical Center. He had served as chief of staff, chairman and member of the board of trustees at both Sandusky Memorial Hospital and Fischer-Titus Medical Center.

Dr. King was a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the Ohio Osteopathic Association and the 5th District Academy of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. Dr. King served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

’50 Donald C. King retired from medical practice after 44 years of service to Sandusky Memorial Hospital and 31 years of service to Fischer-Titus Medical Center.

Elliott B. McGrew Jr. ’50, Ph.D., Poway, Calif., died Dec. 9, 2013, at age 86. Dr. McGrew taught English for seven years at the Hotchkiss School while working toward his doctorate. He served as the principal of Athens College in Athens, Greece for seven years. Upon his return to the States, Dr. McGrew worked as the director of admissions and college placement at HarvardWestlake School in Los Angeles for 13 years and

later taught English for 13 years at Campbell Hall. He served with the Marines in the 1940s.

Robert L. Shaughnessy ’51, Pinehurst, N.C., died May 8, 2014, at age 86. Mr. Shaughnessy worked with Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania and later retired as vice president of personnel with AT&T. After his retirement, he became active with the Tin Whistles, Knights of Columbus and the Foundation of FirstHealth. Mr. Shaughnessy served in the U.S. Army after World War II. Richard L. Brower Jr. ’52, Kinderhook, N.Y., died Dec. 3, 2013, at age 83. Mr. Brower worked for the Irving Trust Company as a commercial loan officer, eventually retiring as a vice president in 1989. Afterwards, he worked with his wife and daughter at Blackwood & Brouwer Booksellers for 20 years. Mr. Brower served in the U.S. Army for two years.

William Tokar ’52, Beaver, Ohio, died April 9, 2014, at age 84. Mr. Tokar had a long career in the paper recycling industry. He served in the Army during the Korean War and continued his military career for 28 years as an Army Reservist, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. An avid fisherman, Mr. Tokar was a member of the Lyre Lake Club and the Centerville Rod & Reel Club. While at W&J, he lettered in basketball and participated in the ROTC program.

Edward C. Friedrichs ’53, Bent Tree, Ga., died April 8, 2014, at age 84. Mr. Friedrichs was employed by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel

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class notes

Corporation for 37 years. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity while at W&J. Frank S. Johnson Jr. ’53, Falls Church, Va., died Jan. 12, 2011, at age 80. Mr. Johnson was a public relations and communications executive for corporate, financial and nonprofit organizations. He led various public affairs departments under three U.S. presidents: the Labor Department under Nixon, the U.S. Postal Service and NASA under Reagan, and the U.S. Information Agency under H.W. Bush. During the Korean War he served in the Marine Corps as a combat correspondent, and after the war he served in the Marine Corps Reserve for two years.

Russell E. Alden ’55, Hatboro, Pa., died April 12, 2014, at age 80. Prior to his retirement in 1988, Mr. Alden was employed in the accounting department of the Fischer & Porter Co., a leader in the design and manufacture of process instrumentation.

William C. Thornberry ’55, East Liverpool, Ohio, died March 7, 2014, at age 81. For 38 years, Mr. Thornberry worked with the Ferro Corporation and worked his way through positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as the company’s national sales director.

During his college career, Mr. Thornberry played on the W&J basketball team for four years as a letterman, and was the captain his senior year.

Mr. Thornberry served in the U.S. Army.

James R. Duncan Sr. ’57, Houston, Texas, died April 2, 2014, at age 84. Mr. Duncan received his Master of Arts (Theology) from the Princeton Theological Seminary and was an ordained Presbyterian minister who served in North Dakota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. Mr. Duncan was an Army veteran (1952 to 1954) and worked in the IT Department at LTV Steel Corporation. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Irene M. Duncan and his two children, who also graduated from W&J, James R. Duncan, Jr. ’77 and Katherine M. Duncan Borner ’83.

John C. Lauffer ’57, Rochester, Minn., died April 3, 2014, at age 80. Mr. Lauffer served in the Lutheran church for 12 years after earning his masters in theology from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa. After retiring from the ministry, he sold real estate. Mr. Lauffer served in the Army as a second lieutenant and was honorably discharged in 1957.

Robert W. Meyers ’57, Fredericksburg, Texas, died Jan. 23, 2014, at age 78.

Joseph B. Barton ’58, Coastside, Calif., died Nov. 28, 2013, at age 83. Mr. Barton worked in sales at Allied Chemical for 30 years. He was a member of Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce and the California Huntsmen. Mr. Barton served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

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Howard A. Zwald ’58, Elizabeth, Pa., died Jan. 28, 2014, at age 82. Mr. Zwald retired from DeChicchis Construction after many years of service. Mr. Zwald served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant during the Korean War. Nelson M. Ferg ’59, Hendersonville, N.C., died Feb. 20, 2011, at age 73. Mr. Ferg held executive positions with Rockwell International, Schwitzer Household Company and W.P. Hickman. He was also the owner of Asheville Acoustics. Mr. Ferg served as chairman of the board of directors for St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Asheville Regional Airport Authority.

’59 Nelson M. Ferg held executive positions with Rockwell International, Schwitzer Household Company and W.P. Hickman.

Leonard E. Marshall ’59, Placentia, Calif., died Feb. 2, 2012, at age 77.

Trevor L. McKissick ’59, M.D., Pittsburgh, Pa., died Dec. 16, 2013, at age 76. Dr. McKissick completed his residency in pathology at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Afterwards, he served as a captain in the Air Force Medical Service during the Vietnam War at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

William L. Sturm ’59, North Strabane Township, Pa., died Jan. 25, 2014, at age 80. Mr. Sturm was president of Accounting Resources, Inc., and president of the Peters Township School Board. Mr. Sturm served as a U.S. Army sergeant first class during the Korean War. He was honored with the National Defense Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Daniel J. Antion ’60, Ph.D., Cayce, S.C., died March 23, 2014, at age 78. Dr. Antion worked as a science educator at the University of South Carolina in Columbia for 28 years. He held positions as assistant and associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, associate provost of the university and associate director of the Intellectual Property Office. Dr. Antion was elected president of the South Carolina Academy of Science two times and president

’60 Daniel J. Antion, Ph.D., had a long and fulfilling career as a science educator at the University of South Carolina for 28 years.

of South Carolina Section of the American Chemical Society three times. He was a charter member of the South Carolina Science Council.

Dr. Antion served in the U.S. Army where he worked as a finance and personnel specialist and taught military subjects and training. He achieved the non-commissioned officer rank of sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Dr. Antion was honorably discharged in 1961.

Richard L. Johnson ’60, Ph.D., Myrtle Beach, S.C., died March 21, 2014, at age 75. Dr. Johnson worked as a research chemist with the DuPont Company for more than 35 years.

Dr. Johnson enjoyed working on his farm and raising cattle.

Roger A. Deal ’61, Livingston, Texas, died Jan. 3, 2014, at age 74. Mr. Deal worked as a chemist for the majority of his life and was the owner and president of Bard’s LLC. Eric J. Spirer ’61, Naples, Fla., died April 19, 2014, at age 74. Throughout his life, Mr. Spirer held many positions as a stockbroker and financial advisor.

John Michael Brinsko ’73, M.D., Ocala, Fla., died Feb. 14, 2014, at age 62. He was a pediatrician with Ocala Pediatrics until his retirement in 2010. Dr. Brinsko served in the U.S. Navy.

Robert S. Korneke ’76, D.M.D., Ligonier, Pa., died April 26, 2014, at age 60. Dr. Korneke was a commissioned officer in the National Health Service Corps from 1982 to 1985, and he later practiced dentistry until his death. Dr. Korneke was active in his community and served on the board of the Ligonier Valley Endowment and the Ligonier Valley YMCA. Robert P. Hagan ’79, Brentwood, Pa., died May 20, 2011, at age 53.

Lynn Keener Reardon ’83, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 27, 2013, at age 75. Ms. Reardon expressed great pride in her genealogy, and had traced her family history all the way back to the original West Virginia and western Pennsylvania land grant.

Diane Hoak Burton ’93, Bethel Park, Pa., died March 11, 2014, at age 57. Ms. Burton worked as a quality control chemist at Calgon Carbon for 30 years. She enjoyed traveling and spent a lot of time at her cabin in Confluence, Pa. Michael James Forslund ’96, Youngsville, Pa., died Jan. 28, 2014 at age 39. Mr. Forslund was the owner and operator of Results Rehab and Fitness in Warren, Pa. He enjoyed sports and was an avid football, basketball and baseball player in high school. One of Mr. Forslund’s favorite pastimes was coaching little league.

FRIENDS Dorothy J. Lestan Caffrey, Chartiers, Pa., died April 6, 2014, at age 92. Ms. Caffrey was involved with many local theater groups and enjoyed attending the plays at W&J. E. Paul Day Jr., Washington, Pa., died March 19, 2014, at age 93. Mr. Day worked as an insurance agent at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. for many years, and later became the manager of insurance for AAA Motor Club until his retirement. He was a member of the Church of the Covenant in Washington, Pa., and served as an elder and Sunday school teacher. Mr. Day attended W&J. George W. Gift, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 25, 2013, at age 83. Mr. Gift worked as chief chemist at the Washington Steel Corporation for 30 years. Mr. Gift was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 175, the American Chemical Society and the Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh. Mr. Gift served in the U.S. Marine Corps and received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations

Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1960. Mr. Gift attended W&J. James I. Maguire, Washington, Pa., died Nov. 27, 2013, at age 92. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Maguire worked at Mobay Chemical Company (now Bayer USA) as the treasurer. Afterwards, he ran a small business program at W&J that provided professional alternatives to those affected by steel industry downsizing. Mr. Maguire served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict and retired as a lieutenant commander.

John E. Malik, Lancaster, Va., died March 24, 2014, at age 86. For more than 30 years, Mr. Malik worked as a civilian employee for the Department of the Army in budgeting and management analysis. He served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Malik attended W&J. Harold E. Moore Jr., Washington, Pa., died Jan. 20, 2014, at age 84. For 30 years, Mr. Moore worked as an engineer for the Washington Steel Corporation and was a member of the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers. Mr. Moore served in the U.S. Army

during the Korean conflict under the rank of corporal. Mr. Moore attended W&J. Robert T. Murray III, Newtown, Conn., died January 7, 2014, at age 46. Mr. Murray excelled in sports and played football throughout his life, including at W&J in 1987 when the football team placed second nationally for NCAA Division III. He was a dedicated coach of a Pop Warner football program in Newtown. Prior to his retirement, he held sales positions in companies such as Boar’s Head and Red Bull. Mr. Murray attended W&J. Louise Hatcher Nelson, Milledgeville, Ga., died Nov. 22, 2013, at age 100. She was an associate professor of math at Georgia College for more than 40 years. Mrs. Nelson attended W&J. Roberta Rae Stevenson Novick, Hickory, Pa., died Feb. 11, 2014, at age 74. Mrs. Novick worked as a registered nurse at Washington Hospital and Beverly Health Care for 20 years.

Mrs. Novick was an active member of her church. She attended W&J. Thaddeus J. Paterra, Canonsburg, Pa., died Dec. 9, 2013, at age 33. Mr. Paterra worked in sales and was a U.S. Army veteran. He attended W&J.

Tim Murphy (1962-2014)

Cherished professor, mentor and colleague Director of W&J’s Entrepreneurial Studies Program, Tim Murphy, of Upper St. Clair, died May 15, 2014, at the age of 51. An associate professor at W&J since 2002, Mr. Murphy possessed a passion for teaching and his students that motivated him to continue to teach through the spring 2014 semester despite serious illness.

A distinguished academic, Mr. Murphy appreciated the value of higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a juris doctorate from Rutgers University Camden School of Law. He also held extensive entrepreneurial experience as managing partner of Delaware Specialty Holdings, director of entrepreneurship and venture capital at Pennsylvania State University, director of new business development at start-up company, EIEICO, strategic planning adviser at Arco Chemical company and plant controller for various other companies. Nicholas Cavoti, Ph.D., professor and department chair of psychology, described Mr. Murphy as “a dedicated professor who loved his students, his courses and his program” in which he taught students “to take an idea and convert it into something tangible.”

Despite the difficult material and challenge of his courses, Mr. Murphy was always kind to his students and displayed a wonderful sense of humor. T. Scott Frank ’71, professor of communication arts who once team-taught entrepreneurship in the arts with Mr. Murphy, recalls that “at the beginning of every semester, he’d announce to all the young men sitting in the back row of his classroom that a certain percentage of them would fail the course—for geographical analysis had shown him over the years that it was dangerous for a young man to sit in the back of the classroom, especially with his ball cap turned backwards on his head.”

Professor Tim Murphy was the director of the entrepreneurial studies program at W&J.

A man committed to honoring his duties as a professor and who managed to maintain normality in the face of significant challenge, Mr. Murphy will be remembered by students and colleagues alike.

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class notes

Tom Reiter (1953-2014)

Dedicated and enthusiastic basketball coach Tom Reiter, one of W&J’s finest basketball coaches, died Jan. 24, 2014, at the age of 61. For nine seasons Mr. Reiter guided the Presidents, becoming one of only two coaches to take W&J to the NCAA tournament.

COURTESY OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY

Mr. Reiter began his career as a dedicated coach with W&J during the 1993-94 season, having previously served as assistant basketball coach at Purdue University from 1986 to 1993. During his time at W&J, Mr. Reiter made a lasting impact on his players.

One of his biggest accomplishments as head coach was leading the Presidents to the NCAA Division III Elite Eight in the 1993-94 season. Mr. Reiter had a 92-125 career record with the Presidents, but his players did not merely admire him for his coaching abilities. Mr. Reiter served as a guide for W&J students in all aspects of college life, including academics and athletics. He was known for his enthusiastic coaching methods, and was often able to lift his team during a rough game.

Remembering Mr. Reiter, Kenyon Bonner ’94 told the Observer-Reporter, “He was the kind of coach who could take us to the next level. He brought a Big Ten mentality to us.”

After his service to W&J, Tom worked as the assistant athletics director for Purdue University from 2006 to 2010. He was promoted to associate athletics director in 2011 and held this position until his death.

Tom Reiter was one of only two coaches to take W&J to the NCAA tournament.

Not only was Reiter a skilled coach, he was also a talented writer. He published three books: “Inbound Attack,” “Basketball Offensive Sets” and “Basketball’s Secondary Fast-Break Offense.” Mr. Reiter will be remembered for his great contribution to athletics, education and the lives of W&J students and friends.

“He was the kind of coach who could take us to the next level.”

– KENYON BONNER ’94 Tom Reiter (far left) pictured with the 93-94 W&J basketball team.

Patricia L. Patterson, Marco Island, Fla., died Feb. 20, 2014, at age 78. Mrs. Patterson served on the Altar Guild at her church and was a member of the Police and Fire Foundations of Marco Island. Mrs. Patterson was an evaluator for the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools for several years and had received recognition for being a top evaluator. She is survived by her husband John L. Patterson ’56.

Frank Allison Phillips Sr., East Finley, Pa., died Dec. 6, 2013, at age 83. Mr. Phillips served as the assistant manager of W&J’s maintenance department for 29 years. He enjoyed deer hunting and playing his guitar. Mr. Phillips served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Genevieve A. Pasierbek Popeck, Washington, Pa., died April 19, 2014, at age 87. Along with

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her husband, Mrs. Popeck owned and operated the Silver Maple Inn in Washington until 1969.

Mrs. Popeck later worked at W&J as the manager of the student center concession for 19 years.

Charles W. Prine Jr., Mt. Lebanon, Pa., died Jan. 11, 2014, at age 87. Mr. Prine and his wife, Betsey, were supporters of W&J in the form of the James A. Waite Memorial Scholarship Fund, given in memory of Betsey’s father.

Turney William Ross, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 21, 2013, at age 72. For many years, Mr. Ross worked at Washington Steel as a foreman. He was governor of Moose Lodge 22 in Washington and was a member of the Elks Lodge. He served in the U.S. Navy, achieving the non-commissioned officer rank of petty officer first class, during the Vietnam War. Mr. Ross also attended W&J.

Bessie E. Andree Shimek, McDonald, Pa., died April 18, 2014, at age 82. Mrs. Shimek worked as a registered nurse for Washington Hospital in the emergency room and pediatric ward.

She later worked at a nursing home until her retirement. Mrs. Shimek attended W&J. Jacquelyn Jo Mosier Smith, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 6, 2013, at age 76. Mrs. Smith worked in W&J admissions for many years. She was very active in the Washington County Fair and Trinity Band Parent Organization.

Diana J. Trusz, Norfolk, Va., died Jan. 15, 2014, at age 62. Mrs. Trusz was the widow of Michael Trusz ’70.

Celebrating the reunions of the classes of: 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989 & 1994

We invite you to return home to your alma mater and your W&J Family to relive your days at Jay!

Register for the Welcome Reception & Dinner, Tailgate Lunch and Fifth Quarter, and celebrate your W&J bonds.

Register today at: www.jayconnected.com/homecoming WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

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Washington & Jefferson College 60 South Lincoln Street Washington, Pennsylvania 15301-4801

GRADUATES TAKING OFF Washington & Jefferson College celebrated its 215th Commencement ceremony May 17th as 307 members of the Class of 2014 marked their transition from students to alumni. For more Commencement coverage, turn to page 4.

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