West Chester University Magazine, Winter/Spring 2014 by West Chester University

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West Chester University magazine

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Becoming More:â&#x20AC;? An Unveiling

On the cover

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President Greg R. Weisenstein

Vice President for Advancement and Sponsored Research Mark Pavlovich

Editor, Director of Public Relations and Marketing Pam Sheridan

Design and Layout JoAnne Mottola

27 | WCUAA Board of Directors Candidate Biographies

West Chester University Council of Trustees

The West Chester University Foundation Board of Trustees

Barry C. Dozor ’71 Thomas A. Fillippo ’69 (chair) Christopher Franklin’87 Jonathan Ireland ’95, M’03 Christopher A. Lewis J. Adam Matlawski ’80 (vice chair) Marian D. Moskowitz Eli Silberman Christine Costello ’04 (secretary) Robert M. Tomlinson ’70 Skye Hisiro ’14

Officers Keith Beale ’77 (president) John N. Nickolas ’90 (vice president) Christopher J. DiGiuseppe ’89 (treasurer) Sandra F. Mather ’64, ’68 (secretary) Richard Przywara (executive director) Trustees Frank Branca ’70 Matthew Bricketto, ex officio Millie C. Cassidy Deborah J. Chase, ’76 Kate Cipriano ’00 Thomas A. Fillippo ’69 (Council of Trustees representative) Cheryl Fulginiti ’80 David A. Gansky ’88 Carol Gersbach ’70 John A. Gontarz Maury Hoberman David P. Holveck ’68

Kathleen Leidheiser Donald E. Leisey ’59 Emily Jane Lemole Donald R. McIlvain Thomas E. Mills, IV ’81 Mark P. Mixner, ex officio H. Viscount Nelson ’61 Michael O’Rourke John R. Panichello ’83 Mark G. Pavlovich, ex officio Paula D. Shaffner ’80 John Stoddart ’93-’99 MBA Christine Warren ’90 ’99 Greg R. Weisenstein, ex officio

West Chester University Alumni Association President Jeffrey Stein ’91

Vice President Rick Loughery ’06, M’10

Treasurer Mark Drochek ’86

Secretary Andrea Pavone ’07, M’12

Immediate Past President Edward Monroe ’89

Directors

Emeriti

E-mail Addresses

Kerry Acker ’05 John Beatty ’66 Michael DePrisco ’92, M’95 Mark Drochek ’86 Dean Gentekos ’07 Jamie W. Goncharoff, Esq. ’82 Matt Holliday ’09 Melanie Holwood ’08, M’10 Richard Knorr ’75 Rick Loughery ’06, M’10 Robert Malone ’08 Maria Milkowski ’09 Edward Monroe ’89 Andrea Pavone ’07, M’12 Scott Reid ’96 Jennifer Slavin ’04, M’10 Amy Miller-Spavlik ’90, M’92 Jeffrey Stein ’91 Denise Bauman Trigo ’98

Carmen Evans Culp ’52, M’64 Janice Weir Etshied ’50 (deceased) Karl Helicher ’72, M’82, M’87 Richard D. Merion ’59, M’69 John F. Murphy ’43 Luther B. Sowers ’49

For Class Notes and other alumnirelated information, e-mail Diane Everett at alumni@wcupa.edu. Letters to the editor can be sent to: psheridan@wcupa.edu or Pam Sheridan, Director of Public Relations and Marketing and Editor of the West Chester University Magazine.

The West Chester University Magazine is published three times a year for the alumni, families, students and friends of West Chester University of Pennsylvania. We welcome letters concerning magazine content or issues pertaining to the University. Letters must be signed and kept to one typed page. Please include address and daytime phone number. We reserve the right to edit. Send correspondence to: Editor, The WCU Magazine, West Chester University, West Chester PA 19383

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

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university news

A Venetian Setting Approximately 400 guests, who attended this year’s Presidential Scholarship Community Gala on March 22 were treated to

fine dining by New Street Catering and music by the band, “Midnight Hour,” in an 18th century Venetian garden setting. The black tie affair included a silent auction with close to 100 items, a casino and a special champagne and diamond drawing for a one-of-a-kind diamond

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necklace designed and donated by Kaplan’s Fine Jewelry. The event’s co-chairs, W. Patrick Scott and Lisa Lucas, as well as countless of volunteers, oversaw the arrangements in the amazingly transformed field house. Since 1983, the gala has raised over one million dollars and awarded more than 124 Presidential Scholarships to incoming students with outstanding academic achieve-

ment. Renewable four-year awards, the Presidential Scholarships are one of WCU’s largest and most prestigious scholarship awards funded entirely by private donations. This year’s recipients were Cameron N. Cooper, a pharmaceutical product development major, Kelly A. Dennin, a pre-occupational therapy major, and Jane E. Peterson, a music education major.

WCU FACULTY MEMBER ADVISES RUSSIAN ACADEMY This past January, Jeffrey Osgood, chair of the Department of Public Policy and Administration spent 15 days in the small Russian city of Krasnogorsk, just north of Moscow.

As part of a select group of scholars and professionals in the Fulbright academic exchange program, Osgood had been selected to help the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration develop and assess its public administration curricula. In addition to training faculty, he led seminars and presented graduate and undergraduate lectures on such subjects as transparency, accountability and empowering citizens to develop a sense of ownership in the political process. “As Russia transitions to a post-Communist society, there has been a renewed interest in public administration education, and in making this field more efficient, effective and participatory,” says Osgood. Plans are underway to develop a formal relationship between West Chester University and the Academy. “I’m very excited at the prospect of growing WCU’s international presence, and this program provides that opportunity,” he adds.

WCU NAMED TO KIPLINGER’S BEST VALUES UNDER $30 K West Chester University, which for a seventh year is on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance list of the 100

top public colleges and universities, is also included in the magazine’s latest ranking. This year, West Chester is the only Pennsylvania school among Kiplinger’s top 25 best college values, whose tuition is less than $30,000 a year – listed at #14 out of 22 public universities in the country, representing, as the magazine’s website notes, “…the most academic bang for your buck.” w i n t e r / s p r i ng 2 014

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university news

Biology Students Earn Competitive Research Prize Creating sustainably produced biofuels from waste may eventually become a greener, less energy-intensive process thanks to work by a group of West Chester University biology students. Undergraduates Joseph R. Mossman and William Schultz and graduate-level student Zehra Zaybak were honored with an international award for their project “Enhanced waste-to-fuel conversion with a bioelectrochemically controlled autotrophic bioreactor.” The students promoted the formation of biogas – combustible methane and non-combustible carbon dioxide (CO2) – by introducing a minute electrical stimulus into wastewater. Next, algae actively growing in a second chamber used sunlight to convert inorganic CO2 to organic matter. The methane passed through for collection to be used as fuel. WCU microbiologist John M. Pisciotta says his students’ experiment is the first he knows of “that couples autotrophic biogas processing with electrically enhanced biogas production.” (L to r): Nichole Russo, William Schultz, Dana Charitonchick, Professor John M. Pisciotta, Joseph R. Mossman, and Zehra Zaybak Guided by Pisciotta, the students measured real-time rates of CO2 and methane production and removal using sensors and other gas analysis technology from BlueSens, a German manufacturer. The company offers an educational loan of equipment and sponsors an international competition for universities that use its products. The West Chester students placed second behind a team of graduate students from Clemson University’s departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Bioengineering. The breakdown of organic waste matter – from food scraps to sewage – is a long process. Pisciotta explains that the use of anaerobic digestion is just starting to take off in North America, but it is already popular in Europe for production of renewable bio-methane for fuel. Unfortunately, separation of the CO2 portion from the combustible bio-methane usually requires energy-intensive mechanical processing. “We applied voltage to environmental bacteria to promote breakdown of the waste into biogas,” adds Pisciotta. In a second stage, algae biologically scrubbed out CO2 by converting it to living cellular material. “The liquid nutrients that are left behind by this process can be used as a low-cost fertilizer, says Pisciotta. “The matured algae can in turn be used as a protein-rich animal feed or can be converted into other products, like biodiesel.” With their prize money, the team plans to further develop this promising technology at West Chester.

FOOD AND PHYSICS: MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY One delicious way to learn physics at West Chester University is in physicist Kevin Aptowicz’s new course on “Food, Fire and Physics: The Science of Cooking.”

This spring, Aptowicz invited Michael Coble, District Chef of Aramark, to demonstrate how to use liquid nitrogen to prepare a variety of foods. Coble’s cooking demonstrations are designed to reinforce the critical science concepts discussed in the course and demonstrate the latest in modernist cuisine or “molecular gastronomy.” This new course explores food and cooking from a physical science perspective. In particular, Aptowicz uses concepts of soft matter physics (such as intermolecular forces, diffusion, elasticity, viscosity, polymer physics) to help students gain insight into food and cooking at the microscopic and molecular level. Topics range from why ice melts to the latest techniques found in modernist restaurants. In one demonstration, Coble showed phase transitions (when matter transforms from one phase or state to another) using liquid nitrogen, which at a temperature of -321 degrees F (-196 degrees C) will flash freeze food it touches. As it boils 4 West Chester University

(L) Michael Coble and Kevin Aptowicz

away at room temperature, it gives off a dense fog that can add atmosphere and drama to food preparation . Coble dropped grapes, strawberries, citrus, dried fruit and marshmallows into a bowl of liquid nitrogen. Aptowicz surprised his students when he popped a frozen marshmallow in his mouth, and let fog escape his mouth with each bite. The water vapor in his breath was being cooled by the marshmallow, undergoing a phase transition into water droplets or fog leading to this dramatic effect. For his grand finale, Coble whipped up instant ice cream. The liquid nitrogen quickly cooled the ice cream solution, forming only minuscule ice crystals that give the finished ice cream a particularly smooth and creamy texture – a texture the students were happy to taste themselves.

A member of WCU’s nursing faculty has been selected by the National League for Nursing to

participate in a leadership development program on the use of simulation technology in the classroom. Associate Professor of Nursing Christine Thomas was chosen from a national pool of applicants to study under an international expert on simulation in nursing education. One of only 20 nurse educators selected for the League’s leadership initiative, Thomas has been using high-fidelity simulation teaching methods in her undergraduate nursing courses for over six years. With three high-fidelity and three medium fidelity manikins in the University’s nursing resource learning lab, clinical simulation scenarios are integrated at the upper levels of the nursing undergraduate program. Through her research, Thomas has found that simulation increases student confidence both in their assessment and implementation of patient care. During the Nursing League’s yearlong program, Thomas will study under Pamela R. Jeffries, internationally known for her research and work in developing simulations and online teaching and learning. The author of numerous schol-

Christine Thomas

WCU FACULTY MEMBER CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM arly articles on the subject, Jeffries is professor of nursing and vice provost for digital initiatives at Johns Hopkins University. She edited the second edition of Simulations in Nursing Education: From Conceptualization to Evaluation and Clinical Simulations in Nursing Education: Advanced Concepts, Trends, and Opportunities. Thomas will examine key issues related to simulation, attend leadership development webinars; exchange ideas and best practices with other participants, review existing scholarly research, and visit simulation centers around the country to evaluate resources and operations. She also will consult with representatives from Laerdal, a major manufacturer of medical equipment and training products, and contribute to a group project to be posted on the Simulation Innovation Resource Center (SIRC) website.

University Administrator Selected for Fulbright Program WCU’s assistant director of International Programs, is about to experience some of the same challenges international students face when coming to the U.S. For two weeks this summer, Angela Howard will travel with nine other university administrators to Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto under the auspices of the highly selective International Education Administrator’s Fulbright program. While she has travelled throughout Spain, Italy, France, England, and within the United States, she has not been to Asia. “I have never been to Japan,” says Howard, “but I really wanted to challenge my assumptions and perceptions not only as a foreigner, but as an African American in a culture I’ve never experienced.” In their travels to the three cities and seven universities and colleges, Howard and her colleagues

will undergo a total immersion, participating in both academic and non-academic activities. In meetings with Japanese higher education officials, they will exchange information and ideas about their respective educational systems – their similarities, difference and challenges. During her 15-year career in higher education administration, Howard has worked in admissions, social equity, alumni relations, and special events. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College Counseling Association, the National Association for Foreign Student Advisors and the National Education Association. Howard holds bachelor degrees in Office Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs both from West Chester.

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university news

101 Uses for Plastic Bottle Caps You could become passionate about reusing bottle caps if you spent time with charismatic West Chester education professor Donna Sanderson. With the help of WCU education majors, Sanderson has been collecting, cleaning, sorting and labeling plastic caps from milk jugs, juice and soft drinks, to be repurposed as learning aids.

Once washed, dried and sorted by color, each cap gets a circular label printed with a letter, a single-digit number, or a mathematical symbol. The “cap kits” are packaged in clear plastic zip bags, each containing 126 caps along with an instruction manual or DVD. Sanderson distributes kits free to local elementary schools and child care centers. These small educational tools “are hands-on, sensory learning materials” that make a big impact in children’s literacy, reading and math skills, she says. It’s partly their simplicity that makes the cap kits effective, allowing teacher, parent and child to invent learning games to play solo or as part of a group. Donna Sanderson’s visit to elementary schools in Costa Rica Key to the project’s success are West Chester students. Senior Honors College where she distributed her caps kits student Lisa McMahon fanned the spark of an idea Sanderson mentioned in one of her early grades preparation courses. Now, for each of the past three semesters, a dozen or more education majors have enthusiastically volunteered their evenings labeling, counting, sorting and zipping the completed caps and their resource guides into plastic bags. Sanderson and her students also provide free instruction to teachers and parents on the use of the cap kits and how to make the kits. At Fern Hill Elementary, teacher Christine Miller expressed her appreciation for a recent workshop conducted by Sanderson, noting that the WCU students were “very professional and thoughtful in their interactions with the children and parents … [and] flexible in quickly adapting activities to meet the needs” of individual children. As Sanderson points out, not everyone has access to a computer and these very basic kits fill a need for in-class learning resources at these and other sites such as domestic violence centers and literacy programs. Not only can parents use the kits at home to reinforce and enhance skills learned in school, but sometimes a child might help their parents learn English. The benefits of the caps kits are diverse: they are developmentally appropriate for a variety of age groups and grades; the exercises support the state’s Pre-K core standards; the project enhances the teacher/candidate dynamic. One of Sanderson’s students even said she’d bring a kit to job interviews to show future employers the creativity she can bring to their school. An added bonus, Sanderson says: “The caps come free with a drink, they aren’t recyclable, and now they’ll stay out of the landfill.” Her creativity earned Sanderson this year’s E. Riley Holman Award “for innovative teaching and fostering student creativity.”

Cokie Roberts Presents an Insiders View of Washington In early March, award-winning reporter, columnist, and author Cokie Roberts provided an “Insider’s View of Washington” to a near-capacity audience in Asplundh Concert Hall. The journalist’s appear-

ance was part of the President’s Speakers Series, which began in the fall with a talk by Washington Post associate editor Bob Woodward. A senior news analyst for National Public Radio, Roberts also provides political commentary for ABC News and analysis for all network news programming. From 1996-2002, she and Sam Donaldson co-anchored the weekly ABC interview program, “This Week.” 6 West Chester University

Roberts also is the author of bestsellers We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters, about women’s roles and relationships throughout American history, Founding Mothers and Ladies of Liberty. In her more than 40 years in broadcasting, Roberts has won countless awards, including three Emmys. An inductee into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, Roberts was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting. In 2008, the Library of Congress named her a “Living Legend,” one of the very few Americans to have attained that honor.

Cokie Roberts with President Weisenstein at Tanglewood during her March appearance at WCU

Two West Chester University alumni were honored at this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. brunch in mid-January. Proceeds from the

brunch support the University’s Frederick Douglass Society Scholarship Fund, which underwrites book purchases for selected full-time undergraduates. Gregory G. Shannon’86 and Ellen D. (Walton) Flamer’74 were named this year’s “Drum Majors for Justice ” in recognition of their career and community achievements. The term “drum major for justice” originated in a sermon by Dr. King in which he raised several themes, including love and seeking greatness through service. He explained how he wanted to be remembered:” Say that I was a drum major for justice…a drum major for peace…a drum major for righteousness. I just want to leave a committed life behind.” A lifetime educator, Shannon advanced through various leadership positions within the School District of Philadelphia and is now superintendent for the Chester Upland School District. Flamer, a role model and leader in the CharlotteMecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, N.C., continues to volunteer and teach civic engagement as a volunteer during her retirement.

Drum Majors For Justice (L to r): Provost Linda Lamwers, Katherine Norris, director of the Frederick Douglass Society, Gregory Shannon’86, Ellen Flamer’74, and Skip Hutson, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs

GORDON NATURAL AREA: A WILD PLANT SANCTUARY Now in its 40th year as a protected site, the Robert B. Gordon Natural Area on the University’s south campus recently was designated as a Wild Plant Sanctuary by the Pennsylvania

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program recognizes the University’s commitment to preserve the approximately 100 acres of woodland, wetland, stream and meadow habitat. The Gordon Natural Area not only provides habitats for more than 340 species of native plants and trees but a multitude of fungi, fauna and invertebrates. It also is a dynamic living classroom for more than 1,200 WCU students each semester. Few suburban universities possess such a resource. Students conduct labs and research in the Gordon Area for such classes as biology, ecology, environmental health, geography, geology and Trillium cernuum philosophy. They use the trails for cross-country team practice and hiking; they volunteer for annual invasive weed pulls and cleanups. The DCNR identified a number of locally uncommon native plants in the Gordon Natural Area that make it an important reservoir of biodiversity, among them autumn bluegrass (Poa autumnalis), a Pennsylvania endangered species, and nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum), a proposed Pennsylvania threatened species. In December, West Chester President Greg Weisenstein annexed approximately 11 acres of University open space to the Gordon Natural Area, linking the two parcels that were separated by South New Street and further protecting Plum Run, the creek that traverses the Gordon. The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program recognizes landowners who agree to protect native plant sanctuaries on private and municipal lands and educate others about the importance of such sanctuaries. The DCNR in return offers the land stewards technical support, assistance with a management plan if needed, and ecological monitoring. w i n t e r / s p r i ng 2 014

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university news

Cottrell Gives Talk on a Generation’s Leadership In February, the man for whom the Dr. Edwin Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center is named returned to West Chester University

to offer his views on entrepreneurial leadership– not, as he said, to provide advice on starting a new business or preparing a resume, but to talk about how the experience of World War II changed his generation and America. Quoting from Tom Brokaw’s The Greatest Generation, Cottrell pointed to the striking statistics of dead and wounded soldiers throughout the world conflict. He also described some of his own experiences, from the time he register for the draft in 1940 to the end of war. Cottrell served as a fighter pilot in Europe during World War II with the 48th Fighter Group and flew 65 combat missions. He received the air medal with eight clusters plus unit and battle citations. After 28 years in the Air Force Reserves, he retired as a Lt. Colonel having served as a liaison officer to the Air Force Academy. Cottrell joined the West Chester University faculty in 1955 and became associate dean of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. He taught in both the undergraduate and graduate programs and was head golf coach for 20 years, leading West Chester to 196 wins, including two PSAC Championships and a number of individual PSAC titles. A class of 1943 graduate of Slippery Rock University, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his doctorate from Penn State University. Later, Cottrell served as instructor at Duke University Golf School, Duke University Junior Golf Camp, and Pine Needles Country Club in North Carolina, and stayed involved in many professional and academic organizations. He was a member of and an educational consultant for the National Golf Foundation, which honored him in 1987 with the Joe Graffius award for his contributions to the educational development of golf.

(L to r): Harry Hammond, WCU men’s golf coach, Scott Vandergrift’74, Dr. Cottrell, Doug Hendricks’82, and WCU women’s golf coach

An inductee into the Golf Coaches of America Hall of Fame as well as both the West Chester and Slippery Rock Halls of Fame, Cottrell was named Outstanding Physical Educator in Pennsylvania by PSAHPER, was a member of the National Golf Coaches Association, and served as chair of the Concord (Pa.) Country Club golf committee where he was the club champion. Thanks to the support of Gary Daniels, the Cottrell Center serves as a catalyst for regional economic development by promoting entrepreneurship at the University and throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. (Cottrell was Daniel’s golf coach when the 1975 alumnus attended West Chester.) WCU and the Center were recently honored by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship as one of only three educational institutions in the nation selected as a finalist for USASBE’s Special Recognition in Entrepreneurship Education Innovation Award.

Forensics Team Brings Home the Gold A year of hard work came to fruition as WCU’s forensics speech and debate team dominated the Pennsylvania State Championship Tournament at Bloomsburg University in mid-February. The team bested second-

place finisher Lafayette College by 429 points. WCU speakers took home gold medals in 10 of the 12 individual events, and boasted the top four pentathlon speakers. Special recognition goes to Jillian Heagerty who earned first place in persuasive speaking and thereby earned a place in the Interstate Oratorical Competition, the longest-running speech competition in the United States. Coach Mark Hickman and graduate assistant Kelsey Hockenberger are looking forward to achieving victories this month at the American Forensics Association National Tournament and the National Forensics Association National Tournament.

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sports

WCU Football Coach and Running Back Honored by Maxwell Club West Chester University’s football head coach and senior running back were honored this March at the 77th Maxwell Club National Awards Gala at the Revel

Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. The Maxwell Club, the oldest football club in America, and presenting partner Philadelphia Insurance Companies, honored Bill Zwaan as the winner of the Club’s 16th Tri-State Coach of the Year and Rondell White as the Club’s 13th Brian Westbrook Tri-State Player of the Year. Zwaan completed his 11th year as head coach of the Golden Rams, having put together one of the most impressive seasons in school history. West Chester’s 2013 campaign came to a close in the NCAA Division II national semifinals on Dec. 14 with a 42-14 setback to Lenoir-Rhyne in Hickory, N.C. However, the Golden Rams set a new school record for wins in a single season, going 13-2 overall. As a result, West Chester was ranked Head WCU football coach Bill Zwaan fourth in the final AFCA coaches’ poll. White, a 5-11, 190-pound senior was one of the top players in the country at the Division II level this season. He rushed for 1,989 yards and 21 touchdowns on an NCAA Division II-record 406 carries. White also caught 75 passes for 843 yards and an additional three touchdowns. For the season, he accounted for 3,107 all-purpose yards, a 207.1 average per game, which ranked fifth in Division II. His 3,107 all-purpose yards is second highest in a single season at the Division II level behind only Danny Woodhead’s total of 3,159 for Chadron State in 2006. White is the second WCU football player to be honored by the Maxwell Football Club. Former quarSenior running back Rondell White terback, Bill Zwaan Jr., was named the tri-state player of the year after his senior campaign of 2007.

WCU Full Back Meets His Bone Marrow Match West Chester University senior fullback Jared Bonacquisti received a “Gift of Life” Award from the

Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation at its annual Mardi Gras Bash on March 8 at Villanova University. At the ceremony, Bonacquisti had the opportunity to meet Sigitas “Iggy” Sleckus, the man whose life he saved when he donated stem cells after he was found to be a match, as Sleckus was fighting against leukemia in 2011. On Sleckus’s 33rd birthday, the foundation arranged for Sleckus, his wife and child to meet Bonacquisti – the man he calls his hero. Bonacquisti does not believe he is a hero, but says the experience has been life altering for him as well. Bonacquisti entered the bone marrow donor program during his freshman season at West Chester. Head coach Bill Zwaan has had his football team get involved every year since Villanova football head coach Andy Talley helped spur the movement across the college football community nationwide. Bonacquisti donated his DNA over a year ago when he was found to be a match. At the time, the Rams’ fullback did not know anything about the individual, who was to receive his stem cells. After a year passed, however, Sleckus gave his consent to meet the person whom he credits for saving his life.

Senior Jared Bonacquisti, who joined the Bone Marrow Donor program.

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cover story

10 West Chester University

West Chester President Weisenstein had a particularly special message for the nearly 400 alumni, friends and members of the campus community who attended this year’s Presidential Scholarship gala. For what will be the University’s most ambitious fund raising campaign to date, President Weisenstein announced the launch of a $50 million capital campaign –its theme, “Becoming More,” aptly describing what has been achieved at the University over the last several years and what is hoped for in WCU’s future. Spearheaded by the West Chester University Foundation, the Campaign begins its public phase having already raised nearly $22 million, including two of its largest gifts to date – an anonymous $2.6 million endowment gift and a $1.49 million gift toward English and music scholarships from the estate of alumni and lifelong educators Herbert and Gloria Mitchell. In his announcement that evening, President Weisenstein noted that “The ‘Becoming More’ Campaign’s $50,000,000 goal – including support for new and renovated facilities, program development, outreach, and scholarship and general endowment – will allow WCU to continue on its upward trajectory ensuring that future generations of students have access to an outstanding and affordable education.” In the Campaign video that followed his announcement, the president pointed to the University’s accomplishments, including its rise in national rankings and unprecedented increase in student applications: “We can be proud of what we’ve accomplished together. And, now we’re poised for even greater success.”

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The largest campaign in the University’s 133year history, “Becoming More” exceeds a previous capital campaign, which surpassed its $35 million goal by over $500,000. Since then, un-

dergraduate and graduate enrollment has increased by 11.5% to 15,845 from 14,211 students, making WCU the largest university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and the fourth largest in the Philadelphia region. In a recent comprehensive strategic plan, the University community established its priorities over the next ten years. Entitled, “Building on Excellence,” the plan focuses on assuring academic excellence, supporting student development, advancing inclusion, strengthening relationships with external stakeholders, and promoting the University’s sustainability as well as that of society, the economy and environment. These institutional priorities form the basis for the following “Becoming More” goals :

Business and Public Affairs Center: $6 million Construction of a new home for the College of Business and Public Affairs, whose high demand programs include accounting, criminal justice, economics and finance, geography, management, marketing, political science and social work. In addition to accommodating rapidly growing enrollment in these areas, this new building’s design will provide opportunities for local and regional community partners and businesses to collaborate with faculty.

When I arrived at West Chester University, I found exactly the right place to build the foundation of my success. My support for the Business and Public Affairs building will give students the kind of world class learning environment they need to succeed in this fast changing world .

“

— J ohn Stoddart ’93-’99 MBA, Chief Investment Officer¸Wealth Management, DNB First

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Architectural rendering of the Business and Public Affairs building

Facility improvements and renovations: $3 million Funds to support improvements to instructional, research, athletic and recreational facilities, and residence halls. Funding also is sought to continue the University’s campus-wide conversion to geothermal energy.

New art studio in the renovated E.O. Bull Center for the Arts

Program development and resources: $4 million Support for new graduate programs such as the doctor of nursing practice, along with the expansion of programs in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. These funds also will provide support for more student leadership experiences, opportunities for study abroad, applied research, and additional support for developmental programs.

Higher education is always evolving as knowledge and needs change. My support means that West Chester University can be entrepreneurial in serving students and the community.

“

— Christine Warren ’90, ’99 M.S., Director of Operational Metrics & Client Services, ebay, Inc.

Devan Kowalek, attending a student leadership program in Paris w i n t e r / s p r i n g 2 013

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The future of health care will depend on practitioners who are technically proficient and have the ability to find and apply new knowledge. My support means that West Chester University students and faculty will have access to the best health care learning and research environment to take care of all of us tomorrow.

“

— J oe Tankle ’74, CEO, Upper Mainline YMCA

Health Science Building expansion: $5 million An addition to the existing Health Sciences building as the first phase of a $25 million expansion to address current space needs, particularly in areas such as nursing, public health and nutrition, kinesiology and communicative disorders.

Scholarship endowment: $8 million A source of income that will provide scholarships in perpetuity to help students with financial need, academic merit, and interests in high demand fields of study to attend WCU.

Many of our students work two or three jobs to finance their education. I established a scholarship to honor my mother’s memory and help future generations of students become more.

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— May Van ’89, MBA, Vice President of Finance, Agilent Technologies (ret.)

Community and cultural outreach: $700,000

Academic and administrative equipment: $4 million

Funds will enhance the University’s cultural arts programs as well as initiatives in partnership with and that serve the community.

To provide resources for the latest learning tools from science equipment and instructional technology to library resources, recreational and athletic equipment, and musical instruments.

General endowment: $7 million To help secure a permanent source of support for academic excellence and innovation.

Annual Fund: $11.8 million Gifts for current operations and scholarships to minimize tuition increases and the impact of declining state support.

For decades, West Chester University relied on the State for its support. Those days are gone. My gift means that WCU will help generations of students become more.

“

—T homas Fillippo ’69, President and CEO of Devault Foods

“The ‘Becoming More’ campaign was launched to help fund the University’s ambitious strategic plan, ‘Building on Excellence.’ With the support of alumni, friends, faculty and staff, ‘Becoming More’ will fuel the bright future of an institution dedicated to providing outstanding, affordable education to our nation’s future leaders.”

— Meredith A. Sossman, Associate Executive Director of the West Chester University Foundation and Campaign Director

The Campaign is expected to conclude by fall 2018.

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Alumnus profile

DRUMROLL, PLEASE!

Fred Morrison ’77 Directs World Class Junior Drum and Bugle Corps

On a snowy, cold day in January 1978, Fred Morrison left Clifton Heights, Delaware County in a pick up truck packed with his life belongings and headed to San Antonio, Texas. Although he

had recently earned his bachelor’s from West Chester in elementary education, Morrison decided to take a chance working for a Texasbased startup business that produced fuel for race cars. Meanwhile, back in West Chester, a junior drum and bugle corps called the Crossmen was working hard to build membership to compete against regional and national corps. The Crossmen, established in October 1974 and named for a World War I veteran, formed when two rival American Legion Post drum and bugle corps from Delaware County decided to merge. “The corps and my family are actually connected both from the East Coast and here in San Antonio,” recalls Morrison, the Crossmen’s executive and corps director. “It’s funny but I didn’t know the Crossmen existed when I lived in Delaware County and while I was going to West Chester.” This year, the Crossmen embarks on its 40th national tour as a perpetual finalist in the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championship. The nonprofit musical organization’s mission is to shape the lives of young musicians through music education and the performing arts. The corps auditions more than 600 high school and college students for 150 positions. Crossmen members, staff and volunteers spend 60 days on the road from June through early August, entertaining at community events and competing against other drum corps throughout the country. Many of its members aspire for careers as drum and bugle corps directors after college; others are studying to enter demanding fields in engineering or medicine. “Our young people are the hardest working people you’ve ever come across,” notes Morrison. “We call them ‘musician athletes’ because not only do they have to play their instruments at a high level, they need to march at very high speed with great precision. We have 80 days to perfect our show and the members work 10 to 12 hours each day.” Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! Fred Morrison never envisioned a second career managing a drum and bugle corps. “I was totally into cars. I worked my way through college at an auto body shop which focused on Corvettes. The owner was a drag racer. We traveled around the country and that’s how I met my future business partner who developed VP Racing Fuels based in San Antonio.

16 West Chester University

“ My boss at the auto body shop had a race car and he was one of the first distributors of the fuel. I jumped at the chance to move to San Antonio and help get VP Racing Fuels off the ground. Basically, we were two guys in our early twenties traveling around and working out of a pick up truck.” From those humble beginnings, VP Racing Fuels expanded into a $35 million business, employing 100 staff across the country. Founded in 1975, the company manufactures and supplies high performance fuel blends and products to motorsports of all classes and categories. “All of those years managing the fuel business helped to prepare me for a second career running the drum corps and the nonprofit,” notes Morrison, the fuel company’s former co-owner, president and CEO. After selling his share of the business, Morrison was “retired” but ready for another challenge. He accepted the role as executive director of the Crossmen in 2006 and the organization’s headquarters moved to San Antonio from its base in Allentown, Pa. And the Drum Corps Marches On The challenge for the Crossmen, and most of the 40 remaining competitive drum and bugle corps nationwide, is to remain financially sound for the long term, especially during fiscally demanding times, notes Morrison. The organization has a $1 million annual budget. “Running this drum and bugle corps is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, but these young people are so inspiring,” says Morrison, “and it’s very rewarding. New members come together as strangers and establish relationships that last a lifetime.” Morrison adds: “It’s funny when I look back, I sometimes think what would have happened if I had not gone to West Chester? Everything would be completely different. “West Chester was a great place for me to get a good education and set me up for success in life. I feel that from my education as elementary school teacher to my business experience with the fuel company prepared me to run a nonprofit dedicated to young people.” As a student, Morrison met his future business partner through the auto body shop. A friend introduced him to his wife, Maureen, while he was in college. They have two adult children, Amy and Erik. “My wife has been my right arm for many years with the racing fuel business and now with the drum corps. I have so many connections to West Chester that affected my life. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world!” The Crossmen will perform at the John A. Farrell Stadium at West Chester University on July 30, 2014, en route to the DCI World Championship Finals in Indianapolis, Indiana. To learn more about the Crossmen, visit, www.crossmen.org.

WCU Alum Nominated for Helen Hayes Award A 1998 West Chester University theatre graduate has been nominated for a Helen Hayes Award, one of the country’s most prestigious cultural honors. Kimberly

Gilbert garnered an “Outstanding Supporting Actress” nomination for her performance in Aaron Posner’s Stupid F---ing Bird, a free-spirited rewrite of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull with the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. In a short ceremony onstage at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. on January 27, Bird claimed eight Helen Hayes Award nominations, leading the field.

A Woolly Mammoth company member since 2006, Gilbert was previously nominated in 2007 for “Outstanding Lead Actress” for her work in Martha, Josie, and The Chinese Elvis, also produced by Woolly Mammoth. After completing studies at West Chester, Gilbert went on to earn an M.F.A. in Classical Acting at George Washington University in 2001. A member of the Actors’ Equity Association, she has performed in close to three dozen theatre productions. The Helen Hayes Awards celebrates outstanding achievement in over eighty professional theatres throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Named for the legendary First Lady of the American Theatre, nominated artists and companies exemplify the excellence found on all Washington stages, bringing national and international recognition to Washington’s theatre community.

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cla ss notes

A Message from the Alumni Director

1930s

Emil Messikomer ’35 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. Geneva Bost’36 turned 100 on April 8. Celebrating with her at Tanglewood are (l to r): President and Sandra Weisenstein, and her son and daughter-inlaw, James and Frances Hill.

1940s

Douglas Carr ’41 was inducted into the Hamburg High Hall of Fame for his role there as soccer coach and athletic director (post-mortem).

1950s We’ve had a busy spring here at West Chester University! WCU was named to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of the top 25 best college/university values whose tuitions are less than $30,000 a year – WCU came in at #14 out of 22 public universities in the country, and was the only Pennsylvania school on the list. The 31st Annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala was held in Hollinger Gym, where the third and largest Capital Campaign for West Chester University was unveiled. The Men’s Swimming Team claimed its 16th straight and 27th overall Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship, and the Women’s Swimming Team claimed its eighth straight and 12th overall Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship. And lots of alumni attended events held from coast to coast. You can see pictures from those events, Alumni Weekend 2014, and more in the gallery on the alumni website: www.wcualumni.org. The WCUAA Board of Directors approved a new chapter of the Alumni Association at their recent board meeting – the Greater Seattle Area Alumni Chapter. Are you interested in learning more about or joining this chapter? Get in touch with the Office of Alumni Relations: 610-436-2813 or alumni@ wcupa.edu. The summer season is only a few weeks away, and you know what that means – the beloved Rams in the Sand event will be held “down the shore” and you’re invited to attend! The seventh annual Rams in the Sand will be held July 26 at The OD in Sea Isle, New Jersey. Details are on the alumni website, along with information on other upcoming alumni and friends events. And because time really does fly, Homecoming will be here before we know it – mark your calendars now for October 17-19 and make plans to come home to West Chester U! GO RAMS! Tracey Dukert ’06 Director of Alumni Relations 18 West Chester University

Ed Malikowski ’51 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. Louise Wyly ’54, a writing teacher at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn, Park, MN, retired after a 23 year career. In addition to teaching, Louise has written and published seven books, several devotional books, two color-sticker books, many puzzles, 200 curriculum lessons and more than 100 articles and stories. Some include: The Legend of Esmeralda with Stouffer’s Hotels, Twenty-six Lessons for Children’s Worship, Junior Trails, Virtue Magazine, Decision Magazine, Athletes in Action, and Union Gospel Press. Ed Holcroft ’56 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. Rudine Sims Bishop ’59 is being honored with a Distinguished Service Award by The Ohio State University.

1960s

Mike Lunn ’60 was inducted into the TriCounty Hall of Fame for his membership on a Pottstown baseball team that set a national record for winning.

William “Bill” Horn ’61 is celebrating his 60th year in show business and has been able to play and teach throughout the USA, Canada, Singapore, UK, Wales, and Europe. He has sponsored organ and keyboard conventions in Lancaster for 32 years, and has authored six music instructional books for organists, keyboardists and musicians. Jack Devine ’62 will release his new novel, Good Hunting: An American Spymaster’s Story, on June 3. Devine is one of the most legendary spymasters of our time, having served America’s interests for more than thirty years in a wide range of covert operations, ultimately overseeing the Directorate of Operations, a CIA division that watches over thousands of American covert operatives worldwide. Good Hunting is his guide to the art of spycraft and is told with great wit, candor, and commonsense wisdom. Jim Pribula ’62 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. John Kennedy ’63 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. Mary Lew Meadowcroft Renninger ’64 and her husband published their first book, A Bear-y, Bear-y Boyertown, which is a digital portfolio of the Boyertown Bear Sculptures. Checkout their website to learn more: bearfever.org. Fred Freibott ’65 was inducted into the University of Delaware’s 2013 Athletics Hall of Fame (post-mortem). Barbara Leighton Karas ’65 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. George Emerich ’66 was honored by Lower Dauphin School District for being the first basketball player at the school to score at least 1,000 points. Tina Sloan Green ’66 was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. She served as Temple’s head lacrosse coach from 1973-1992, and led the Owls to three national championships and 11 consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances. She is a Professor Emeritus in the College of Education at Temple. Dick DeLaney ’69 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame.

Maeneen Sullivan Klein ’69 was reappointed by Gov. McCrory to the Irrigation Contractor’s Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina. Save the Date! The Class of 1964 will celebrate their 50th reunion October 17-19, 2014

1970s

Bob Bush ’70 was inducted into the Haverford High School Hall of Fame. Dennis White ’72 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. Kathy Davis ’73, owner of Kathy Davis Studios, has written and published, Simple Secrets: 7 Principles to Inspire Success. An article written by Kathy and based on principles from her new book appears in Where Women Create Business Magazine. Members of the Class of 1974 and other alumni returned to WCU on January 23 for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch, where they also presented a special donation to the University. Front Row, Left to Right: Drum Major for Justice 2014 Awardee Ellen Walton-Flamer ‘74, Sandra Brown-Wright ‘74, and Veronica Lisbon ‘74. Back Row, Left to Right: Lawrence Dowdy ‘73, Alice Hunt ‘73, Anita Flournoy-Nicholson ‘74, Faith Mattison ‘74, Jacquelyn Johnson Leake ‘74, and Louis Mason ‘76. Carolyn Comitta ’74 was re-elected to a second term as Mayor of West Chester on January 6.

tion Hall of Fame for superior performance in the sport. Ray Gionta ’75 has accepted the head coaching position of the Sun Valley High School football team in Aston, PA. Gionta is a member of the Delaware County Hall of Fame. Gary Weyhmuller ’75 was appointed executive VP and COO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Janice Leone ’76, President and CEO of Corporate Interiors, was the January 2014 cover story in Smart Business Philadelphia Magazine. Nancy Stevens ’76 led the University of Connecticut’s women’s field hockey team to the NCAA Division I title, her first as head coach. She was selected by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association as their 2013 Mideast Region Coach of the Year. Craig Atkinson ’79 was inducted into the Millville Thunderbolt Hall of Fame Class of 2013. Steve Gilbert ’79 was named CEO of Communities in Schools of Jacksonville Florida, which is a leading dropout prevention organization. Prior to serving as COO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida for the past seven years, Steve was a head college football coach for 19 years: nine years at Jacksonville University and 10 years at Ursinus College. Randy Ireson ’79, who is a 2004 inductee into the WCU Football Hall of Fame, has been named the 2014 recipient of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association Distinguished Service Award (Outside of Athletic Administration).

Gary Entrekin ’74 was inducted into the Kennett Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame.

The 440th Operations Group held a retirement ceremony in honor of Col. Brian Kraemer ’79 on January 11 at the Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina.

Ellen Walton-Flamer ’74 was presented with the 2014 Drum Major for Justice Award by WCU and the Frederick Douglass Society at the 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch.

Karen Shelton ’79 was inducted into the sixth class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame.

Diane Kiddy ’74 was appointed CEO of Carson Valley Children’s Aid, which helps at-risk children and families. Darlene Monahan ’74 was inducted into the PA State USBC Women’s Bowling Associa-

1980s Elizabeth A. Claghorn Austin ’80 completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in nursing education. She is the national chair of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Clinical Education Specialty Assembly, and presented

on a panel that discussed “Advancing Nurses in Practice: What Works and What We Learned” at the AORN Expo in Chicago. Her current role is Clinical Nurse III at the Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. Helen Hoffner ’80 and Gloria Brady Hoffner released The Rosary Collector’s Guide. Cathy Hunter ’80 was appointed financial representative by Northwestern Mutual in Springfield, MA. William F. McComas M’81 has been named the new editor of the award-winning journal, The American Biology Teacher, published by the National Association of Biology Teachers. Jim Leahy ’81 was hired as CEO of the USA Luge, an Olympic organization. Carol Pinder ’81, who has been with the Ambler Area YMCA for more than 30 years, has been named Citizen of the Week. George McClay ’84 has been appointed chief of police of Morrisville Police Department in Morrisville, PA. Robert D. Boyden, Ph.D., ’85 is the contributing editor to the recently published, Certified Criminal Investigation, CCI: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (1st Edition). Boyden recently had his first book published, Police Stress in Small Town USA: A Quantitative Look at Unique Police Stressors, by Lambert Academic Publishing. Barbara Nixon ’85, a longtime instructor at Salem County Community College in New Jersey, is retiring after 35 years of service. Gregory Shannon ’86 was presented with the 2014 Drum Major for Justice Award by WCU and the Frederick Douglass Society at the 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch. Dorian Van Horn ’86 was hired by Chester County as a probation/parole officer then served 25 years as a Special Agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). While an agent with NCIS, she served in eight duty locations around the US and overseas. Before retiring, she served as the Division Chief of the Threat Management/ Insider Threat program and the Family and Sexual Violence Program. She also served as the Supervisory Special Agent for Cold Case Homicide, Death and Violent Crime. She currently owns her own company and works w i n t e r / s p r i n g 2 014

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cla ss notes as a senior consultant for SIGMA Threat Management. She consults on Work Place Violence, School Violence and Stalking. She also is a contributing author in the newly published The International Handbook of Threat Assessment. Recognized as a leader in her professional field, ReMed CEO Joanne Finegan MSA ’89 was awarded the Alumni Fellow Award, the most prestigious award given by the Penn State Alumni Association. In addition to being the CEO and managing partner at ReMed, Finegan is the president and past chair of the Council on Brain Injury and is a well-known presenter and writer in her field. She was honored as a Distinguished Fellow in 2005 by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, and in 2007, she received the Penn State Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management’s Alumni Recognition Award. She is a team member of Penn State’s Inclusive Recreation for Wounded Warriors training program.

1990s

Sue Hinman ’90 was named Teacher of the Year in the Northfield Community School District. Gerald Sweeney ’90 was named a 2014 Outstanding Director for his work on the board of WHYY. Melissa Douglas Jarratt ’91 was presented with the 2014 Legacy of Leadership Award by WCU and the Division of Student Affairs for her demonstrated service to WCU through student leadership and for continuing to utilize those leadership skills in her life today. Kathleen “Taffy” McAneny ’91 received her doctorate in education from the University of Delaware. WCU Director of Bands Andrew Yozviak ’91 was the guest conductor for the PMEA District 8 Band Festival. Additionally, Yozviak was presented with the 2014 Legacy of Leadership Award by WCU and the Division of Student Affairs for his demonstrated service to WCU through student leadership and for continuing to utilize those leadership skills in his life today.

20 West Chester University

Pam O’Brien ’92 has been named the director of Children’s Ministry at East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church. Donna Brecker Maddux ’92 was presented with the 2014 Legacy of Leadership Award by WCU and the Division of Student Affairs for her demonstrated service to WCU through student leadership and for continuing to utilize those leadership skills in her life today. Christian Roucaute M’92 finished a CD with five original compositions, most of which were inspired by his three years spent at WCU. Sue Groff Costa ’93 was inducted into the Longwood University Hall of Fame. Jennifer Riddle Sletvold ’94 has been elected to serve a ten-year term as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, PA. Judge Sletvold was sworn in on January 10, 2014. Chris McCune ’95 was elected to the West Chester Area School Board. Anthony Grisillo ’96 received Pennsylvania’s 2014 Teacher of the Year award. Grisillo is a Gifted Support Instructor in the Rose Tree Media School District. Robert Lipinetti ’96 was promoted to sergeant on the Newtown Township police force. Andrea Medeiros ’96 has joined the Fish & Wildlife Service’s External Affairs Program in Alaska as a Public Affairs Specialist. Pat Lyden ’97 was presented with the 2014 Legacy of Leadership Award by WCU and the Division of Student Affairs for his demonstrated service to WCU through student leadership and for continuing to utilize those leadership skills in his life today. Tamekia Dancy Young ’97 was presented with the 2014 Legacy of Leadership Award by WCU and the Division of Student Affairs for her demonstrated service to WCU through student leadership and for continuing to utilize those leadership skills in her life today. Kimberly Gilbert ’98 has been nominated for a Helen Hayes Award, one of the country’s most prestigious cultural honors. Gilbert garnered an “Outstanding Supporting Actress” nomination for her performance in Aaron Posner’s, Stupid F---ing Bird, a free-spirited rewrite of Anton Chekhov’s, The Seagull, with

the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Mark Koehler ’98 was appointed to the Bethel Township Planning Commission. Cathy Littlefield M’98 was presented with the 2013 Alexander Charters Outstanding Continuing Educator Award by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association Mid-Atlantic Region. Kristin Lund ’98 joined the Chester County detectives as a detective in the child abuse unit. Lund is the first female detective hired by the DA’s Office in 33 years.

2000s

Bronwyn Martin M’00 and Joanne Forsythe M’15 were named to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MS Leaders Circle. Corey Sigle ’00 was appointed as Coatesville High School’s director of athletics and activities. Kristine Sigle ’00 was recently named “Teacher of the Week” by Valley Forge Middle School. Ric Winston ’00 was presented with the 2014 Legacy of Leadership Award by WCU and the Division of Student Affairs for his demonstrated service to WCU through student leadership and for continuing to utilize those leadership skills in his life today. Brian Gallagher ’02 M’03 just finished shooting his first feature film that he both wrote and directed. Filmed entirely in Delaware County, the story revolves around a man born and raised in Ardmore/Havertown whose life intersects with four other people from the area. The film is called Ardmore Junction. Michael Hartman ’02 was named to Atlantic City Weekly’s prestigious Top 40 under 40 list for 2014. This program recognizes the best and the brightest of the Greater Atlantic City region. Hartman is the founding artistic director for the Ocean City Theatre Company and the founding director for Miss West Chester University. Michael John Mollo ’02 who works in the entertainment industry scoring films and working on television shows has recently completed a score to his first video game for Capcom.

Kenneth J. Brown ’03 invented a convertible clip to attach a flashlight to hard hats and other items. The item is available on Amazon.com and at several local retailers. Charles Kellam ’04 has released his debut literary piece, The Book of G.A.M.E. (Getting a Major Edge) which refines young adults in areas of confidence, style, chivalry, and many other positive idiosyncrasies which are overlooked today. Jennifer Mann ’05 joined Piksel 316 Networks as market development manager. Lebanon Country Club named Patrick Politan ’05 General Manager. Daniel Dalton ’06 began a new venture called Keystone Clearwater Solutions, where he and a few colleagues began providing water for natural gas companies in Pennsylvania. The venture was named third on the Central Penn Business Journal’s top 50 fastest growing companies. Dalton was recently promoted and named President and COO. Brian Fanelli ’06 has been hired as an English instructor at Lackawanna College. Bangor Area High School’s Michael Cohen ’07 was named the 2013 Girls Tennis Coach of the Year by the Lehigh Valley ExpressTimes. Giancarlo Brugnolo ’07 M’13 is the Assistant Director of Student Engagement for Operations at Philadelphia University. He will be presenting at the Association of College Unions International 100th Anniversary National Conference on the topic of “Understanding Student Employees with Autism.” Ann Gambuzza Brugnolo ’07 M’09 received the New Jersey Governor’s 2014 Teacher of the Year Award for Woodbury Junior High School. Christina Medved M’07 joined Roaring Fork Conservancy as Watershed Education Director.

Joseph D’Andrea ’08 owns Vera Pasta and recently opened a shop in West Chester open Monday through Friday. On the weekends, patrons can find Vera Pasta at numerous farmers markets.

West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta ’74 publicly honored Jerome McKeiver III, ’13 at a ceremony for the heroic role he played in assisting a police officer who was seriously injured after a fall from his bike.

Kevin Boehm ’09, choir director and teacher at Vernon Township High School, has been recognized by Veritas Prep as one of the 40 Most Influential Teachers Under 40.

M arriages

Patrick Gallo ’09 has joined MacElree Harvey, Ltd. as an associate in the firm’s civil and commercial litigation department. Gallo concentrates his practice on a broad range of litigation matters, with an emphasis on complex commercial and business-related issues. He also counsels clients on business disputes. Dara Blomain ’10 is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Nutrition at WCU. She and her husband Erik Blomain honeymooned in Australia and are pictured in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in New South Wales, Australia. Benjamin Ford ’10 will fill the the Solo Jazz Trombone position within the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, the Navy Band’s premier jazz ensemble. He will be joining the band in Washington, D.C. this coming summer. Jason Stump ’10 is one of the performers in Sesame Street Live’s, Can’t Stop Singing. He brings to life the character of Grover and has also has played Rosita. Sam Krepps ’11 is the midday radio host at Red 102.3 FM in Harrisburg, PA. His radio name is Sam Sterling and he hosts a show called The Most Music Midday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Travis Hart ’11 was hired as a Concessions Manager by the Reading Fighting Phils. Leonard Altieri ’12 was recently elected and sworn in as a School Board Director in the Marple Newtown School District by fellow WCU alumnus and Council of Trustee Judge Barry C. Dozer ’71.

Kristina Corrigan ‘08 to Michael Charles ‘09

Ann Gambuzza ’07 M’09 to Giancarlo Brugnolo ’07 M’13

Christina Hartmann ’09 to Christopher Bannan ’06

Justin Geller ’06 to Melissa Chapman ’07

Tina Verrastro ’07 to Michael Bauman Andrea Pavone ’07 M’12 to Bill Murray Jenifer McKernan ’10 to Nathan Mohler ’09 Keisha Cosby ’05 to Kevin Johnston ’04

engagements Julie Umlah ’10 to Kennedy Menseck Carly Myers ’11 to Bryan Heasley

F uture A lumni Hilary Werner Zajac ’01 and Don Zajac ’09 welcomed Madeline Mary on February 6 Stephanie Allen ’05 M’12 welcomed Samuel Allen on November 28.

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alumni chapter news

ABBÉ SOCIETY ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Visit our website http://abbesocietyalumnae.wordpress.com/ or find us on Facebook by searching Abbé Society Alumnae to stay up-to-date with upcoming meetings and volunteer opportunities.

ALUMNI DANCE CHAPTER

The Alumni Dance Chapter presented its sixth Winter Dance Festival in January and despite cold wintery weather had two great audiences for each performance. This year’s production included performances from alumni dancers, the University Dance Company, and fourteen outside groups. Both ticket sales and sponsor ads enabled the chapter to continue its support to the Barbara J Lappano Dance Scholarship. Also, the following awards were presented by the chapter at the Sunday concert: the Jeff Choice Award to Dr. Michelle FillingBrown ’02, and a student choreography award to Natalie Flynn who is a member of the University Dance Company. Most recently the chapter held elections for the 2014-15 ADC board. Lisa LaRocco Replogle ’08 was elected as Vice President of Advancement and Jessica Jarvis Terrell ’08 as Treasurer. We congratulate both of these ladies and look forward to working with them in preparation for future endeavors.

BAND ALUMNI CHAPTER

Upcoming events: Tuesday, April 15th - Wind Symphony and Concert Band Concert 8:15 PM; Tuesday, April 22nd - Chamber Winds Concert 8:15 PM; Sunday, April 27th - Wind Ensemble Concert 3:00 PM. Email Rachael Smolinsky, rlsmolinsky@att.net to join our email list. Join us on Facebook! WCU Bands Alumni Association.

BLACK ALUMNI CHAPTER

In 1965, the Black Alumni Chapter (BAC) was established to keep black alumni connected with West Chester University. The chapter continues to do so by extending reconnection opportunities to current black students and alum through networking events. Bereavement Notice: Cindy Kiwanis Bennett ‘77 passed away

22 West Chester University

on February 14. Learn more about the WCU BAC via Facebook: WCU BAC.

the club? Email the WCU Alumni Office: alumni@wcupa.edu.

CHESTER COUNTY CHAPTER

FRIARS SOCIETY ALUMNI CHAPTER

The Chester County Chapter always welcomes newcomers to join us as we take part in the gamut of alumni activities. We sponsor social events and we sponsor scholarships. We serve on committees (e.g. Homecoming) and have been known to attend beer samplings. Join us and help choose our activities for next year. Watch the alumni website or call the alumni office for current info.

COMMUNICATION ALUMNI NETWORK

The Communication Studies Department is hosting its annual end of the semester reception on May 8 at Landmark in downtown West Chester from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Graduate program alumni are invited to join in the celebration! For the latest happenings and how YOU can get involved, send us an email (WCUcomalumnet@gmail.com), find us on LinkedIn (WCU Communication Alumni Network), and friend us on Facebook!

DELAWARE COUNTY CHAPTER

The Delaware County Chapter was contacted by a member of the Class of 1937 who will be turning 100 years young in October and is looking for other classmates. Another alum is running for PA State House. A wine tasting in collaboration with the Chester County Chapter is in the works. Election of officers will take place in May – if you’re interested, please contact Nancy Baulis 610-543-2117 or nbaulis@verizon.net.

FLORIDA GULF COAST RAMS AND SNOWBIRDS CLUB

The latest event was a gathering at the Sarasota Polo Club grounds in Lakewood Ranch. The event was held on March 16th and included a tailgate alongside the polo field. About 30 alumni and friends enjoyed the great Florida sun and the thundering hoofs of passing polo ponies. This has been an annual WCU alumni event for the past few years, enjoyed by many. Interested in getting involved with

The Friars’ Society proudly welcomed six new brothers into the Society on April 12th. Also, the annual Friars’ Philadelphia Phillies game will take place on Friday, September 12th. As the event gets closer, tickets will be made available for purchase on the West Chester University Alumni Website. For additional information, please contact Kerry Acker (kerryacker@ gmail.com).

Greater Seattle Area Chapter

In August of 2013, West Chester University alumni gathered at A Terrible Beauty on Lake Union in Seattle. Shortly thereafter, the Greater Seattle Area Chapter of the West Chester University Alumni Association was formed. On April 2, 2014 the Chapter enjoyed an evening of food and drinks at the Microsoft Visitor Center in Redmond Washington as University President Greg. R. Weisenstein paid a visit to one of the areas local technology leaders. As the Chapter continues to take shape, alumni residing in the area are encouraged to reach out to Brett Cooper (BrettAustinCooper@ gmail.com) to join the Chapter.

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY ALUMNI CHAPTER (IMAC)

The IMAC major project continues to be scholarship funding for WCU veterans and ROTC cadets. Richard Merion ‘59 M’69 is working with Kristin Foca, WCU Foundation major gifts officer, who jointly visit American Legions, VFW’s, and other veterans organizations seeking scholarship funds. If your military group is interested in a short presentation, contact our team at 610-692-1760 or 610-430-4157.

LAW ALUMNI CHAPTER

The WCU Law Alumni chapter just hosted their third annual “What to Expect in Law School” event and it was a success. Save the date: the chapter will hold a beef and beer at Barnaby’s in West Chester

on September 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Details are coming soon. If any alumni in a legal-related field would like to get involved, email wcu.law.alumni@gmail.com.

LGBTQA ALUMNI CHAPTER

The LGBTQA Alumni Chapter continues to work on the LGBTQA Administration Fund. This fund will be grown to support up to a half-time staff position for the LGBTQA Center on campus allowing for greater outreach to alumni and Chester County. Many local police departments, grade-schools, and private organizations are now asking LGBTQA Services and the student group for speak-outs and LGBT sensitivity training. The LGBTQA Alumni feel a strong obligation to support their involvement in the community at a time when funding from the state dwindles further every day. Their good works are our collective legacy and make us proud WCU Alums. As this effort moves forward, stay

connected by joining our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ wculgbtqaalumni/.

POLITICAL & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ALUMNI CHAPTER

The Political & Government Affairs chapter will host its 2nd annual reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, October 18th at 6pm in the Philips Autograph library. Nominations are welcome for Alumnus of the Year, Honorable Elected Alumnus, and Emerging Alumnus Leader.

Washington, D.C. Chapter

This past January, the Washington, D.C. Chapter hosted a night out at the theater at Arena Stage. Alumni enjoyed the show, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner (The Cosby Show, Malcolm & Eddie). For those who couldn’t attend Alumni Weekend at WCU in April, we hosted a happy hour

to celebrate our Ram Pride. We plan on hosting more events throughout 2014. Please follow us through our social media channels for more information! Follow us on twitter (@WCUAA_DC), find us on Facebook (West Chester University Alumni Association, Washington, D.C. Chapter), or subscribe to our Yahoo listserv (WCUCAPAREA-subscribe@ yahoogroups.com).

YORK COUNTY CHAPTER

The annual spring banquet was held in April at the home of current chapter presidents Gerald Kucherich and Karen Kennedy, and a great time was had by all in attendance! Please email dlfan@mail. com for information on how you can join the chapter.

You’re invited to a party down the shore! 7th AnnuAl RAms indown the sAnd You’re invited to a party the shore! Saturday, July 26, 2014 6th Annual Rams in the Sand Saturday, The OD July in 20Sea Isle, NJ Cove in North Wild2-5 Coconut p.m. wood, NJ | $20 per person 4-7 p.m. $20 per person

Alumni ASSOCIATION WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

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Alumnus profile

Q & A with Ambassador Christopher J. McMullen ’74, M ‘76 Ambassador Christopher J. McMullen has a long, distinguished career with the Senior Foreign Service, most recently serving as the official envoy of the United

States to the Republic of Angola in Southern Africa (20102013). Currently, McMullen teaches at the National War College, from which he graduated with distinction in 2001. The former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs (2007-2010), he also served as Consul General in Sao Paulo, Brazil (20052007), Deputy Chief of Mission in Panama (2003-2005), and as a political officer in Nicaragua, Malaysia, El Salvador, Tanzania and Columbia. In addition to his contributions to the Foreign Service, he worked as a senior analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon. A Newtown Square, PA., native, McMullen earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in modern European history from West Chester and a Ph.D.in Latin American history from Georgetown University. During his recent visit to campus this winter, Ambassador McMullen reflected on his career as a U.S. diplomat and shared his personal views on the demands, rewards and challenges of representing America abroad. (The views expressed in this interview were Ambassador McMullen’s personal views.) What led you to pursue a career in Foreign Service? I started as a business major, but I had a professor who really got me interested in history, so I switched my major. During 24 West Chester University

my senior year, a Foreign Services officer came to speak during one of my classes about careers in that field and it really fascinated me. At the same time, West Chester offered me a research scholarship to study for my master’s degree. After I earned my master’s, I was accepted into Georgetown’s doctoral program. What are the most challenging aspects of serving the U.S. in other countries? You are always adjusting to new environments, either learning a language or another culture. Serving as a political officer in most places requires your developing a network of contacts. Many assignments are for short periods, so you have limited time to make connections, and so you have to function in the job very quickly. It is truly a challenge. What was one of your most memorable experiences in your career? My wife and I were in the embassy in Tanzania when it was bombed by al-Qaeda. It was very dramatic, not just for Americans but for the local staff. Tanzania is a very peaceful country. It had no wars, so the local staff was in shock for months. Africans have a tradition that if you are in their house, they are supposed to protect you. Even though alQaeda was going after Americans, the Tanzanians felt bad that we had to suffer that trauma. There are risks serving overseas, but Americans who live and work abroad depend on our embassies and our consultants. We’ve always had a diplomatic policy to be engaged in the

communities and learn about what’s happening, rather than never leaving the embassies. Do political and economic changes in other countries affect your work and U.S. policy? Colombia is a good example of how political and economic changes affect U.S. interests. During the Clinton administration, we launched a major policy initiative called “Plan Colombia.” The main U.S. concern was that Colombia was the source of a tremendous amount of cocaine entering the United States. In fact, 90 percent of cocaine was coming from that country. Due to its proximity to the United States, we were concerned that Colombia could become a failed state and a strategic threat. As a result, we began training the Colombian military, intelligence and police. The Colombians were a good partner. They stepped up to the plate and did what they had to do, and as a result, Colombia is a great success story. Did you witness any changes in U.S. foreign policy during your service under five presidents? I think other countries are surprised at the continuity of U.S. policy. Africa and Latin America, for example, thought that President Obama was going to be much different in his views because he is a liberal Democrat. But, he has been very pragmatic and not ideological. He bases his decisions on the best interests of the United States. I think it surprises countries that he’s not that much different from President Bush towards Latin America and Africa. Whether our president is Democrat or Republican, little has changed in our policy because our interests don’t change. What advice would you give students interested in careers in foreign affairs? I would say the best course of study is history or a broad background that helps you understand how the world and other countries operate. In the Ukraine, for example, it’s important to understand Ukrainian history and its relationship with the Soviet Union and now Russia, and with Poland and the European Union. Otherwise, you’ll be lost trying to understand what’s going on. I think having the intellectual curiosity and understanding of the roots of problems by studying history is really important. There are not any problems today in any country that do not have their roots in history.

I n M emoriam 1941 Anne Castner Morgan 1943 Alvin White 1950 Glenna Schultz Fulmer 1950 Norma Mitzel Blewett 1950 Rose Marie Flood Kulp 1950 Arthur Delpaz 1950 Kathryn Erb LeVan 1951 Anna B. Murray 1953 John Echternach, Sr. 1953 Arlene Keefer Masser 1955 Barbara Eckenroth Heckman 1957 Eileen F. Delaney 1962 Betty Lou Murphy 1968 Nancy Campbell Platt 1971 Bernadette Tucker Johnson 1972 Thomas Poli 1974 Turner Madden, Jr.

1977 Cindy Kiwanis Bennett 1977 Patricia Hoy Conrad 1977 David James 1978 Sharon Purnell-Ebald 1991 Christine Craig Elliott Retired Staff Wastell McNeil, Jr. James L. Davidson, Jr. George F. Kane, Jr. Staff Jeffrey Pothier

Death Notification Procedure To notify West Chester University of the death of an alumnus, please contact the Alumni Relations Office via email: alumni@wcupa.edu or via US Mail: 806 S. Church Street, West Chester, PA 19383. The notification must include a copy of the decedent’s obituary from a newspaper or the internet, or, a copy of a letter or email from a family member of the deceased. Please note: death notifications will not be accepted via telephone.

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2014-2017 West Chester University Alumni Board of Directors Election The Nominating Committee of the West Chester University Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2014 WCUAA Board of Directors ballot. Six members will be elected to serve a three-year term of office beginning on July 1, 2014. The results of the election will be published in the fall issue of the West Chester University magazine.

The procedures and regulations for casting ballots are as follows:

The background information on each nominee for the 20142017 term appears on the following pages. Please note that nominees are listed in the same order that they appear on the ballot. Questions regarding the election should be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations at 610-436-2813 or alumni@ wcupa.edu.

You may also complete the ballot form that appears in this issue of the WCU Magazine.

To cast your ballot online, go to www.wcualumni.org and click on: Board of Directors 2014 Election. Follow the voting instructions. Electronic ballots must be received by Friday, May 23, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.

Verification of the names, addresses, and class years on ballots received by the deadline will be conducted. Votes will be tabulated by the Alumni Association’s Nominating Committee.

West Chester University Alumni Association Board of Directors 2014 Ballot The following alumni have been nominated for election to serve on the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the WCUAA Nominating Committee. Each has agreed to serve if elected. All WCU graduates are eligible to vote for a maximum of six (6) candidates. Alumni may also vote online at www.wcualumni.org. If you do not wish to vote online, please check the circle next to the name of the candidate(s) of your choice as listed below. Couples who are both WCU graduates may use one ballot, indicating Voter 1 and Voter 2. The Office of Alumni Relations will verify the name(s), class year(s) and address on each mailing envelope* as requested by Nominating Committee. The order of names on the ballot was determined by lot. FOR THIS BALLOT TO BE CONSIDERED VALID: Each voter must sign and complete the name, class year, and address section of the ballot Please print or type. The ballot must be received by mail no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014. Candidates for Board of Directors Voter 1 Thomas J. Ciaccio ’91 M’03 ❍ Broadus W. Davis ’76 M’86 ❍ Dionne Dent-Lockett ’98 M’02 ❍ Sara Franco ’86 ❍ William Friedmann M’09 ❍ Jill Isaacs Givler ’75 ❍ Tom Green ’82 M’87 ❍ Heidi Hawkins ’07 ❍ Gordon A. Jefferes ’75 ❍ L. James Kiscaden ’65 M’73 ❍ Jonathan R. Long ’03 ❍ Christy Nau ’06 ❍

Voter 2 ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

Signature of Voter 1

Voter 1 Name/Year

Signature of Voter 2

Voter 2 Name/Year

Street City/State/Zip Telephone (with area code) E-mail *Please seal the ballot in an envelope, one ballot per envelope. Clearly write your name(s), class year(s) and address on the outside, and mail to:

WCUAA Nominating Committee, Office of Alumni Relations, Veterans Memorial Alumni House, West Chester, PA 19383. 26 West Chester University

WCUAA Board of Directors Candidate Biographies Thomas J. Ciaccio

Education: WCU, B.S., Elementary Education, 1991, M.S., Higher Education Counseling, 2003 I truly care about the present state and future of West Chester University. This fine institution believed in me at a time when I did not. It gave me the courage and understanding to move forward in a new direction. And, my studies here were both a challenge and joy. My hope is that West Chester University remains both available and affordable to aspiring minds for centuries to come. The people, lessons learned, and structures at this university will always have a sentimental place in my heart and mind.

Broadus W. Davis, Ed.D.

Education: WCU, B.S., Elementary/Special Ed. Reading Specialist, 1976, M.Ed., 1986, Immaculata University, D.Ed., 1998 After serving over 37 years in the public school system, I wish to share my skills, talent, and educational experiences to a university forging ahead in the 21st century.

Dionne Dent-Lockett

Education: WCU, B.S., Business Management, 1998, M.S., HR Management, 2002 As an alumnus of WCU it would be an honor to serve. I owe much of my career success to the supportive professors and faculty. I bring a fresh, new perspective engulfed in my enthusiasm and advocacy for veterans. I participate in alumni activities and made donations to offer financial support to WCU. I look forward to the opportunity to foster a strong relationship with the educational institution that helped to shape my world view. Sara Franco Education: WCU, B.A., Speech Communications, 1986, La Salle University, M.A., 1994 Since coming to WCU, I have never left. I love the town and the university. Now that I have raised my kids, they are at an age that I can begin pursuing my interests. The university is vital to the community!

William Friedmann

Education: Elizabethtown College, B.A., 1993, WCU, M.A., History, 2009 I will bring a unique perspective to the board as my experience at WCU was solely as a graduate student. I will work to engage

and represent this segment of the alumni in order to broaden the active membership. Furthermore, I am a business owner, currently active in many initiatives. I see a huge benefit in continuing to foster the relationship between the University and the local business community.

Jill Isaacs Givler

Education: WCU, B.S., Health & Physical Education, 1975, Montana State University, M.S., 1977, University of Massachusetts, Ed.D., 1990 I graduated from WCU in 1975 after transferring there from another quality physical education program. The education I received at West Chester, and the professional connections and respect I gained there was far superior to any that had come before, or after as I completed both masters and doctoral degrees. Now retired, and living in Chester County again, it would be my honor and pleasure to give back in some real way to my “one true” alma mater.

Tom Green

Education: WCU, B.S., Heath & Physical Education, 1982, M.S., Education, 1987 I have been teaching and coaching for over thirty years in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District. Played varsity basketball for West Chester State from 1981-82, I was a volunteer basketball coach for Dick DeLaney from 2006 to 2008. My wife Mimi and I own Green Valley Academy in Paoli for school phobia and students who have no place to go. I would love to give back to West Chester who gave me my start in education!

Heidi Hawkins

Education: WCU, B.A., Political Science International Relations, 2007 For me, going to West Chester University was not an obvious choice since I grew up in Seattle, Washington. As a 17 year old trying to decide what school to go to, West Chester seemed like a world away, but there was just something about the school, the town, and the culture that I fell in love with when I came to visit. Now that I am an alumnus, I always enjoy answering the question, “How did you pick West Chester from Seattle?” because it gives me the chance to explain the many reasons I am grateful that I did.

Gordon A. Jefferes

Education: WCU, B.S., Health & Physical Education, 1975 I have had the opportunity to serve on various Alumni Association committees as a volunteer the past few years with other members of the Board, and I feel ready at this time to take the next step and become a member of the Alumni Board so that I may be able to contribute new ideas and move the Association forward in assisting our many alumni members and making our Alumni Association stronger for the future.

L. James Kiscaden

Education: WCU, B.S., Education, 1965, M.Ed., History, 1973, Temple University, D. Ed., Educational Administration, 1989 I have served the WCUAA in many capacities over the past decade in leadership roles as well as chairperson of the House and Grounds and Finance Committees. I would consider it an honor to again serve on the Board of Directors. Since I am retired I now have sufficient time to dedicate to the success of the organization and would welcome the opportunity to again be a contributing member of the Association.

Jonathan R. Long

Education: WCU, B.A., History, 2003, Temple University School of Law, J.D., 2012 My involvement with WCU over the past three years through the Law Alumni Chapter and as a liaison to the WCUAA Board of Directors has been incredibly rewarding. WCU gave me so much in my time as a student and now as an alumnus, I would love to continue to give back and help make WCU the shining example of what a PA State University can be.

Christy Nau

Education: WCU, B.A., Communication Studies, 2006, Cabrini College, M.A., Elementary Education, 2013 I am interested in serving on the Board because I want to give something back to the school that gave me four of the best years of my life, along with an outstanding education. I hope to keep the tradition alive for future WCU students and alumni.

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Lambda Chi Alpha 1971

FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES: A LIFETIME OF MEMBERSHIP The year was 1967 at West Chester State Teacher’s College. A committed group of students advocated

for the formation of social fraternities to the Intracollegiate Governmental Association (SGA) and Student Affairs. In a written statement, G. Robert Meko, stated “We of the College Fraternities of West Chester State College are definite in our desire to make a positive contribution to the college campus. Our goal as members of college fraternities can be summarized as follows: to make good men better men.” On September 27, 1967, the Board of Trustees approved the student-led recommendations to adopt a new policy that made fraternities and sororities possible on campus. Within two years, national sororities joined campus, and shortly after, the first African American fraternity was established. The year is 2014 at West Chester University. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life supports three governing councils, twenty-six chapters and more than 1,400 members – the largest numbers in the history of the community. With a 50% growth rate in membership in the last five years alone, membership is set to continue to rise with the planned expansion of new chapters and re-activation of chapters previously on campus. The work of our current students honors the past, working to secure a sustainable future for fraternities and sororities at WCU. On an annual basis, our chapters raise nearly $50,000.00 for local and national charities; they serve over 50 local service agencies; members represent student leaders across campus, and they do better academically than their non-member counterparts.

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The time is now. Participation as an active member is different for everyone and evolves throughout one’s life. United in friendship, service and philanthropy, academic excellence and leadership development, membership in a fraternity or sorority is different than any other student organization. Membership is a lifetime commitment. As the campus continues to grow and evolve, so does the impact of fraternity and sorority members on campus. The momentum of this growth is what we hope will fuel a reconnection of alumni members. As an initiative of the WCU Strategic Plan, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Alumni Relations Office are reestablishing a Fraternity and Sorority Alumni Board. The initial goal of this board is to foster involvement by alumni fraternity and sorority members through social and networking programs. Once established, this board will support current Alumni Advisory Boards for each chapter, assist in career connections for undergraduates, and serve as an advocate for the health and sustainability of the fraternity and sorority community. As we approach the 50th anniversary of fraternities and sororities at WCU, there is a lot to celebrate, even more work to be done… and we need your help. For more information on how to get involved in the Fraternity and Sorority Alumni Board, visit the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life website: www.wcupa.edu/greeklife-alumni or contact: Cara Jenkins, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, cjenkins@wcupa. edu 610-436-2117. For more information on alumni involvement, please contact: Tracey Dukert, Director of Alumni Relations, tdukert@wcupa.edu 610-436-2813.

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West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383-7401 The West Chester University Magazine is published three times a year for the alumni, friends and family of West Chester University of Pennsylvania by the Office of Public Relations, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383-7401.

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