21 minute read
Main Campus
Contents
Main Campus ................................................. 2
Alumni Spotlight: Class of 1972 ................. 12
Delaware Law ............................................... 13
Commonwealth Law .................................... 16
Class of 1963
Gen. John H. Tilelli Jr.
’63, ’96H was honored with a street dedication in his hometown of Holmdel Township, New Jersey. The members of the Holmdel Township Committee held a special ceremony on July 14, 2022, to dedicate Crawfords Corner Road in honor of the Holmdel native. Well over a hundred Holmdel residents and veterans were on hand to mark the special occasion. Tilelli was raised in Holmdel on Crawfords Corner on a plot of land that his family purchased in 1922. He was commissioned as an officer in the Army in 1963 after graduating from Pennsylvania Military College. Tilelli, a four-star general, served as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.
Class of 1964
Joe Giampalmi ’64, ’81
recently wrote his fourth and fifth books: APA Style & Citations for Dummies (2021) and College Writing for Dummies (2022), available on Amazon. He is currently working on a book on college research. His PMC childhood memory is playing in the barn on 14th Street where PMC housed its polo ponies. He is retired after 54 years teaching on the secondary school and college levels.
Jimmy McGonigle has been included in Marquis Who’s Who, which profiles individuals based on noteworthy accomplishments. In 2009, McGonigle founded Help Soldiers, Inc., and in 2019, he founded its sister organization, Operation: Key West. The mission of these organizations is to bring positivity and hope to military families of children who are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. McGonigle receives background information describing diagnoses or certain family situations, and, with cooperation from military medical personnel, the family is offered uplifting gifts and contributions. McGonigle’s
ultimate vision is to deliver a positive “smile package” to every military family with a critically ill child. McGonigle earned an MBA from Drexel University and a BS in economics from Pennsylvania Military College.
Class of 1969
Dr. R. Michael
Gallagher was named Fellow Emeritus by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Gallagher practices family medicine in Moorestown, New Jersey. He received his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Class of 1975
Billy “White Shoes”
Johnson was among the 54 named as semifinalists for the Class of 2023. Johnson will also be honored with a bronze statue in his hometown of Marcus Hook, Pa. The statue depicts Johnson
doing his signature “Funky Chicken” touchdown dance. Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowl and three-time
first-team All-Pro selection during his NFL career with the Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Redskins. He was named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th anniversary teams. Johnson was one of the top return specialists during his career and still ranks seventh in NFL history in punt return yardage (3,317). He is credited as one of the first players to display elaborate touchdown celebrations with his signature dancing in the end zone.
Class of 1976
Phil Martelli ’76, ’04,
University of Michigan men’s basketball associate head coach, was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame on November 3, 2022, at the Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. Martelli was one of 17 inductees. Martelli began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Widener in 1977–78. He later spent 34 years at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia (24 years as head coach). At Saint Joseph’s, he was named the 2004 Associated Press men’s coach of the year after guiding Saint Joseph’s within one win of the Final Four.
Class of 1977 Class of 1979
Joann Patterson was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Director of the Year by the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Patterson served as the athletic director at Haverford High School since 2010. She retired from Haverford in September 2022. A former basketball player and later coach at Widener University, Patterson began her career as an associate athletic director in 1998. She moved toward the operations side and occupied numerous league
and district leadership positions, particularly for women’s sports, including lacrosse and basketball. She holds a degree in accounting from Widener.
Donna Shaw married Gregory Eaton Sr. on November 13, 2021. The services were held at First Baptist Church of Pitman, in Pitman, NJ, followed by a tropical-themed dinner reception at Scarpinato’s Cucina and Catering in Blackwood, NJ. The bridal party consisted of their combined families, which included their six sons and daughters-in-law. Their granddaughters served as flower girls, and their grandson was the ring bearer. The couple honeymooned for two weeks in the Hawaiian Islands and now reside in Pennsylvania.
Class of 1981
Harry J. Karapalides,
Esq., ’81, ’85L has authored several books and newspaper and magazine articles. His award-winning script Revolt was entered in the Raindance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United Kingdom. Karapalides holds a BA in government and politics from Widener. He also holds a JD from Widener’s Delaware Law School and has practiced law in Pennsylvania for more than 35 years. Karapalides is president of the award-winning
production company 69th Street Productions and one of the executive producers of the upcoming mini-series Recipes or Love.
Class of 1985
Chip Wade has been named the chief executive officer of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). Wade is responsible for enhancing
and evolving the company’s culture, driving the guest experience, and bolstering the growth of its businesses. Wade joined the USHG executive team as president in 2019, following a rich 30-year career in operational leadership in the hospitality industry. Wade earned a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Widener University, and an MBA from the University of Texas–Dallas.
Class of 1987
Christopher J.
Dougherty was named president and CEO of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Vermont. Throughout his career, Dougherty has been a successful contributor to organization-wide strategic planning initiatives, as well as targeted projects to improve patient satisfaction, control costs, and expand specialty care services. Dougherty holds an MBA with a concentration in medical services administration from Widener University.
Class of 1988
Modern Healthcare magazine has selected
Roberta Waite ’88, ’03,
PMHCNS, RN, ANEF, FAAN, incoming dean of
Georgetown University’s new School of Nursing, to its Class of 2022 “Excellence in Governance” award recipients. The Excellence in Governance award recognizes health care organization board members who are fostering advancement in culture, mission, and performance. Waite was recognized for her service on the board of Trinity Health, a position she has held for nearly a decade. Waite helped spearhead the expansion of community health and well-being programs such as those focused on food and housing insecurity, as well as community outreach with pop-up vaccination clinics and education campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waite holds a degree in nursing and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Widener University.
Class of 1990
The Commission of Public Works of the City of Spartanburg, SC, and the Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District have named Guyer “Guy” Boyle of Macon, Georgia, as the new chief executive officer for Spartanburg Water. Boyle joins Spartanburg Water from the Macon Water Authority where he served as executive vice president of business operations and chief financial officer since 2011. Boyle holds an accounting degree from Widener University, an
MBA from the University of North Texas, an MPA from Georgia College & State University, and a doctorate in public administration from West Chester University. Scott Joel Cohen was appointed to a three-year term on the Delaware River Port Authority’s Citizens Advisory Committee. Cohen holds a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Widener University.
Sion Power Corporation has appointed Mack Treece as its chief finan-
cial officer. Treece brings more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership positions with a specific focus on successfully scaling young companies into dominant market positions. Before joining Sion Power, Treece was the chief financial officer of EOS Energy Storage. Treece holds a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Virginia and an MBA in international finance from Widener University.
Class of 1992
Jonathan McGaunn
was appointed general manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort.
With more than two decades of hospitality industry experience, McGaunn oversees all
day-to-day operations of the resort set within the 20,000-acre development of Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. Previously, McGaunn served in numerous leadership roles with Ritz Carlton in Atlanta, Amelia Island, Boston, and Palm Beach. He also served as general manager of The Atlantic Hotel & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. McGaunn received a degree in hospitality and restaurant management from Widener University.
Class of 1992
Alfred J. Carlson ’92,
’92L managing partner of Martin Law, has been named president-elect of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. Carlson has been a litigator in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law since 1992. In 2013, he was among the first class of attorneys to become a certified specialist in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Carlson is a frequent guest lecturer at Villanova University School of Law and has published numerous articles on the topic of Workers’ Compensation law. He holds degrees in business and law from Widener University.
Class of 1995
Kathleen Hetherington
has been named to the board of trustees at Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Maryland. Hetherington was the fourth president of Howard Community College, where she served for 14 years before retiring in 2021. She previously held board positions for the American Association of Community Colleges, Community Colleges for International Development, and The Chair Academy. Hetherington also served as a commissioner representing Maryland on the Education Commission of the States and was selected by Governor Larry Hogan to co-chair the Maryland Citizen Redistricting Commission. Among her honors, Leadership Howard County presented her with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021. Hetherington holds a doctorate in higher education from Widener University.
Class of 1997
Shirlee Drayton-Brooks,
director of the doctor of nursing practice program at Widener University, recently received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. Dr. DraytonBrooks is a nationally recognized leader as a nurse practitioner, educator, and scholar who has dedicated her career to advancing nursing education and practice. The award honors her vision and contributions to developing and promoting the role of the nurse practitioner. DraytonBrooks holds degrees from Widener University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Class of 1998
Jennifer Garzia was recognized by the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association as an outstanding volunteer for advocacy and awareness. Garzia’s son was diagnosed with PraderWilli Syndrome, a genetic chromosomal disorder. Garzia has worked as an advocate to bring awareness and change to ensure that every students’ educational needs are met with safety and dignity. She holds a joint
degree in psychology and education from Widener University.
Sourav Ghosh has been named to the Board of Directors at a.k.a. Brands, which is a directto-consumer fashion brand. Ghosh has served
as the chief financial officer of Host Hotels & Resorts since 2020. He has expertise in finance, accounting, capital markets, enterprise analytics, and corporate governance. Ghosh holds a degree in hospitality management from Widener University.
Class of 2001
Judy Kennedy owns JK Gymnastics in Broomall, Pa., and studied early childhood and special education at Widener University. Kennedy is creating a special gymnastics program for Julian Chamberlain, a 12-year-old boy with autism. Julian’s parents knew that he enjoyed gymnastics but did not acclimate well to group activities. They reached out to Kennedy, who agreed to work with Julian one-on-one. Kennedy hopes to expand her program to include additional opportunities for other special needs children to participate in gymnastics.
Stacey Thomas has been named director of marketing and promotions for iHeartMedia in
Philadelphia. iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple broadcast and digital platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As director, Thomas oversees the Philadelphia brand portfolio and is responsible for developing, planning, and directing all marketing and promotions efforts. Thomas is a graduate of Widener University with a degree in communications studies.
Class of 2002
Tushar Somani has been named chief operating officer at Winchester Hospital in Massachusetts. Somani
is an accomplished senior leader who brings 20 years of experience in operations, strategic planning, and project management to the role. He is responsible for overseeing key clinical, facility, outpatient, and support departments. Somani earned a BA degree from the University of Huddersfield in England, a BS from Widener University, and an MBA from Northeastern University.
Class of 2004
New Jersey Resources (NJR) announces the appointment of Tejal K. Mehta as corporate secretary and assistant general counsel. In this role, Mehta serves as the secretary to the board of directors of NJR and its subsidiaries, acts as the company’s registered agent and keeper of records, provides oversight of the company’s corporate governance and support for NJR’s overall corporate legal function. Mehta received her JD from Villanova School of Law and her BS in government and politics from Widener University.
Class of 2005
Kallie Benes has been named chief executive officer of First3Years, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for infant mental health. Her background includes her most
recent role as the head of the Library Services Department for the Houston Independent
School District and the manager of Youth Services for the Houston Public Library system. Benes began serving young children as a teacher and elementary school librarian. She graduated from Widener University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. She also holds a master’s degree in library and information sciences from the University of North Texas.
Vinay Singh was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the chief financial officer at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Singh, a certified public accountant, has 25 years of private-sector leadership experience with a deep understanding of finance, analytics, and strategy. Prior to taking the position of CFO, he was a senior advisor to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Before his role at SBA, Singh was a partner and chief operating officer for the infrastructure practice at KPMG in India. He also served in the Obama-Biden administration as a deputy assistant secretary. Singh holds an MBA from Widener University.
Class of 2007
Isabelle Baker, the owner and practitioner at Izzi Meditates, has
been selected as one of the 115 most powerful women in meditation by Meditation Magazine. Baker is the author of The Mindfulness in Me: Free to Be Me (available on Amazon) and has also written articles about meditation and mindfulness, including Mommy and Me Meditation. Baker’s practice welcomes preschool-age children and children in grades K–8 to learn the art of meditation. Baker holds a degree in liberal arts from Widener University.
Melanie Davis, PhD, ’07,
’10 was named the 2022 Sexuality Educator of the Year by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Davis is an
AASECT-certified sexuality counselor and educator who sees clients through the New Jersey Center for Sexual Wellness. Davis is also an adjunct professor and the co-president of the Sexuality and Aging Consortium at Widener University, as well as an author. Davis holds degrees in human sexuality from Widener University.
Class of 2008
Luke T. Weber, Esq.,
has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s Committee
on Rules of Evidence. The Committee on Rules of Evidence was formed in 1998 by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to aid and advise the court with issuing general rules governing all court proceedings in the state. Weber is a trial attorney in Barley Snyder’s Litigation and Health Care groups. He concentrates his practice on defending doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals against medical malpractice claims. Weber holds a degree in government and politics from Widener University and a JD from Penn State Dickinson Law.
Class of 2009
Loreen Evans, educator and injury prevention coordinator for Crozer
Health Emergency Department/Trauma, has been named the first recipient of the Crozer Health Gwendolyn A. Smith Award for Community Service. The award is given to a current Crozer Health employee who makes significant contributions to the community and to
improving the lives of others. Evans is dedicated to her Crozer Health patients and gives back to her local community by volunteering with the fire department’s EMS service in Aston Township. Evans received her degree in clinical nurse specialist emergency care from Widener University.
Class of 2014
On May 7, 2022, a host of Widener alumni from the classes of 1984 through 2022 celebrated the marriage of Kelly Froio and Troy Gephart. Attendees pictured, from left to right: Valerie Copertino Workman ’85, Steve Workman ’85, Gregg Froio ’84, Katie Ferguson Kearney ’14, Hannah Dinsmore Leach ’14, Karen Thomas Montera ’14, Matt Montera ’14, Cody Schulte ’14, Georgia Spano Berger ’14 and ’16 DPT, Paul Berger ’14, James Constantine ’14, Aida Armani Wolber ’12, Nick Wolber ’14, Walker Dunne ’14, Ben Vessels ’14, Evan Wenger ’14, Kelley Butler Wenger ’15, Tom Froio ’22, Troy Gebhart ’14, and Kelly Froio Gebhart ’14.
Class of 2017
Arial Moore ’17, ’22 is the founder and executive director of Safe Havynn Education Center, a grant-funded nonprofit that focuses on teaching life skills and sexual risk avoidance to teens. Moore began this work in 2015 as a side practice, but recently incorporated Safe Havynn Education Center as a 501c3 nonprofit. The organization received two federal Sexual Risk Avoidance education grants aimed at reaching teenagers across Louisiana. The goal behind these conversations is to equip young people with medically accurate information.
Moore holds two degrees in human sexuality from Widener University.
Class of 2018
Danamarie Gallagher a communications studies professor at Delaware County Community College (DCCC), is the
recipient of the 2022 Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, which recognizes exceptional faculty in the Greater Philadelphia area. An instructor at DCCC for nearly 21 years, Gallagher’s interest in communication studies and rhetoric began at the University of Scranton as an undergraduate student, where she majored in philosophy. Her study of philosophy led her to question how humans create and share meaning with each other. Gallagher holds an
EdD in higher education leadership from Widener University, an MA in communication studies from West Chester University, and a BA in communication studies and philosophy from the University of Scranton.
Kevin Kane is returning to Neshaminy School District as the director of Pupil Services. Kane previously held this position from 2004 to 2011 and is returning to the post. Kane received a doctorate in education from Widener University, a master’s in instruction
and learning from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He also serves as vice president on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children.
Class of 2019
Christian Antisell
was named the recipient of the 2022 Community Outreach and Service Award by the Philadelphia Section of the American Society of
Civil Engineers. Antisell is a highway design specialist at Traffic Planning and Design (TPD) in West Chester, Pa. He has been with TPD for the past three years and handles geometric highway design, plan preparation, and related tasks for PennDOT and Pennsylvania Turnpike assignments. He also serves on the Open Roads transition team. Antisell received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Widener University.
Katherine Galloway
was recognized as the 2022 Emerging Leader of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter, for her work in public service. Galloway is a licensed social worker
with a career foundation in public service. She felt the pull to use her advocacy and intervention skills to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. She puts these skills to use in the Office of the Illinois Senate President and as a therapist. Galloway holds a MSW from Widener University. Kris Saulny was named assistant coach of the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s basketball team in June
2022. He came to Penn after spending the 202122 season as a graduate assistant coach at George Washington University. Prior to that, he spent two years at Division III California Lutheran University. A Washington, DC, native, Saulny played collegiate basketball at Widener University, where he earned a degree in business administration management and marketing.
Class of 2020
Rebecca Furey has been promoted to senior accountant at Cover & Rossiter in Wilmington, Del. Furey earned her
bachelor’s degree in accounting from Widener University. While completing her degree, she held two internships in the tax department at Cover & Rossiter.
Malika O’Neill, a licensed professional counselor, created The Pleasure Collective, which offers virtual counseling to the LGBTQ+ community. O’Neill, who grew up in North Philadelphia, faced challenges when coming out as a lesbian but felt especially lost when her mother was killed several months later. O’Neill
created The Pleasure Collective so others who identified as LGBTQ+ would have access to a safe space and affordable therapy. O’Neill holds degrees in psychology and counseling from Lincoln University and a degree in human sexuality from Widener.
Class of 2021
Dr. James Conley has been named the assistant superintendent of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. Conley joined Unionville High School as an English teacher, then became an assistant principal, and, in 2015, was promoted to principal. During his tenure as principal, Conley was instrumental in establishing Lunch and Learn and a new Student Code of Conduct. Conley served Unionville for a total of 19 years and holds a doctorate in educational administration from Widener University.
Alumnae Co-Authors
Widener alumnae Laura McLaughlin ’12 and
Joanne Ricevuto ’99,
’17 recently coauthored Engaging Virtual Environments: Creative Ideas and Online Tools to Promote Student Interaction, Participation, and Active Learning. The book is a valuable resource for teachers, instructors, and staff in all levels of education. The text is full of advice, ideas, and resources gathered while both alumnae were teaching in virtual classrooms for more than a decade. The book includes experiences, lessons, tips, and tools for establishing or improving approaches to virtual learning. Both authors stress that virtual instructors fill many roles, including decision maker, facilitator, and content expert. The book is available on Amazon.
SEND YOUR NEWS FOR CLASS NOTES
Have you started a new job, received a promotion, gotten engaged or married, or have some other notable life event? If so, let us know! You can submit your class notes and photos three ways: 1. Submit them online via the Widener Pride Network at alumni.widener.edu. 2. Email them to the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumnioffice@widener.edu. 3. Mail them to: The Office of Alumni Engagement, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013
