CLASS. NOTES. Fall 2024
CLASS NOTES CHESTER CAMPUS
1984
Marie Bedard ’84 was awarded with a Leading for Impact, Women in Leadership Award from the Naval Information Warfare Center’s Defense Health Information Technology Division. The Leading for Impact Award recognizes women creating a positive impact and leading organizations and strategic programs across military health, technology, and consulting.
Bedard was nominated for this award because of her work leading eight integrated product teams and 560 geographically dispersed engineers and technicians who provide IT services for U.S. military medical treatment facilities where health care is provided to more than nine million military members, dependents, and veterans.
Prior to joining the command, she held several positions within both the federal government and commercial sector. Bedard holds a degree in management from Widener University.
Cynthia Horton ’84 ’90, professor of nursing at Cecil College in Maryland, was awarded the Dr. Peg E. Daw Nurse Faculty Award from the Maryland Higher Education Commission for her contributions to nursing education. Horton was honored for her teaching techniques, which ensure that the nursing curriculum reflects the needs of future nurses in the workforce. Horton’s work on curriculum development has been published and she has presented at
national and international conferences. She has also served as an editor for the publication, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, a peer-reviewed journal that provides information on nursing education, practice, administration, and research.
Horton earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Widener University and a doctorate at Immaculata University.
George Williams ’84 was appointed the new chair of the UL Research Institutes board of trustees, having served on the board since 2008. Williams is the retired former chair and chief executive officer of PMI Energy Solutions. He has over 40 years of experience in the utility industry and has held executive and senior leadership roles at El Paso Electric Co., Exelon Corp., Entergy Corp., and Progress Energy.
Williams brings nuclear energy experience from prior positions at PPL Corp. and PECO Energy Co. He also serves on the board of directors of UL Solutions Inc. Williams holds a degree in electrical engineering from Widener University and an MBA from St. Joseph’s University.
1989
Donna Dorozinsky ’89, the founder and CEO of Just in Time GCP, was recognized by Inc. 5000 for a fourth consecutive year. Just in Time GCP focuses on optimizing the quality of clinical research and was named to the list for consistently driving
rapid revenue growth while successfully navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and hiring challenges. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the country's most successful independent entrepreneurial businesses.
Dorozinsky attended Gwynedd Mercy University where she earned both an associate degree and bachelor of science in nursing and later received a master’s in nursing from Widener University. Recognized as a leader in the industry, she was a finalist for the EY entrepreneur of the year Philadelphia region in 2022 and a finalist for the PACT Life Sciences CEO of the year in 2024. Her company was also named one of JP Morgan's 50 fastest-growing woman-owned companies in 2021 and 2022.
1991
Gunnip & Company CPAs announced the promotion of Lynn Ritter ’91 to partner. Ritter has more than 30 years of diverse tax compliance and consulting experience. She specializes in individual, trust, and estate taxation and is especially skilled in helping executors navigate the estate process.
Ritter earned her bachelor of business administration in accounting from the University of Baltimore and a master of science in taxation from Widener University. She is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of CPAs.
PMC CLASS OF 1962
Photo of John Nothwang ’62, Morrie Spang ’62, Bob Pinto ’62 and Joe Berarducci ’62, brothers of the Pennsylvania Military College class of 1962 and of Theta Chi fraternity attending their 61st PMC reunion in Ocean City, Maryland.
Louis Rodriguez ’91 was recognized by The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia for his contributions to workforce development. In 2020, Rodriguez launched Rodriguez University, a workforce development initiative designed to create career pathways in infrastructure for young adults from underserved communities. This initiative began by training six individuals and eventually grew to include 16 participants with funding from the city of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce.
Rodriguez is the president and founder of Rodriguez Consulting and graduated with a degree from Widener University in civil engineering. He has also served as a university trustee since 2017.
1992
Blessings in a Backpack, the only national organization solely dedicated to feeding kids on the weekend, has appointed Tiffany Brown ’92 of Atlanta, Georgia as its newest board member.
Brown is Alvarez & Marsal’s managing director and the North American solution leader for the CFO Services practice within the company’s Corporate Performance Improvement Division. In her role, Brown partners with Fortune 1000 companies to architect and execute transformational initiatives that fuel growth,
right-size costs, and create high-performing organizations. Brown has over 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor and delivery partner to C-suite executives.
Brown earned a bachelor of business administration in accounting from Widener University and a master of business administration from Penn State University.
1995
Sabrina Brooks ’95 ’99 was named to City and State Pennsylvania's 2024 list of Women Leaders in Pennsylvania. Brooks, who serves as PECO’s director of customer strategy and governance, joined the company in 1999 as an accountant. Brooks has held multiple positions at PECO and is responsible for enhancing PECO’s workforce development initiatives by collaborating with nonprofit organizations to help connect unemployed and underemployed individuals in the community with available positions at the utility company. Brooks is also a board member of the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
Brooks holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Widener University.
1996
Noel Abejo ’96 was recognized by The Philadelphia Business Journal with a 2024 Diversity in Business award. Abejo, who is the president of the Wells Fargo Pennsylvania Delaware Employee Impact Team for Volunteers, coordinates the philanthropic efforts of over 1,000 Wells Fargo employees within the greater Philadelphia region. Abejo and his fellow volunteers have worked on projects designed to revitalize West Philadelphia neighborhoods and have hosted community blood drives. He also is a founder of the Wells Fargo Philadelphia Asian Connection Chapter and serves as chair of its Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy Outcomes.
Abejo is a board member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and president of the Filipino-American Community Athletic Association. He holds a degree in information sciences from Widener University and a master's degree in computer information science from La Salle University.
The University of Southern Indiana is proud to announce that David Henriques, DEd, ’96 ’12 has been appointed the new executive director for student success. In this role, he will provide strategic leadership and vision to enhance student success, retention, and graduation rates. Previously, Henriques served in a variety of faculty and administrative roles supporting student
equity, transition, belonging, success, persistence and retention, and campus-wide academic advising programs. Most recently, Henriques served as an assistant professor in the Department of Academic Advisement and Student Development at Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
Henriques earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his master’s degree in clinical psychology, both from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. He also holds a master’s degree in adult education and a doctorate in higher education administration, both from Widener University.
Mark Mehok ’96 has been named senior vice president of sales and business development for MyOfficeOps, a West Chester, Pennsylvaniabased company that specializes in accounting, bookkeeping, and business consulting services for medium-sized businesses.
Mehok, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in physical therapy from Widener University, began his career as a physical therapist. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University and pivoted to orthopedic medical device sales, where he grew his distributorship over the course of the next 22 years.
Throughout his career, Mehok has routinely served on the advisory boards of several different companies, assisting them with their sales, strategic planning, and profitability.
Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP is excited to announce that Corey Smith ’96 has joined the law firm as chief operating officer. Smith comes to Klehr Harrison after nearly 16 years at Dechert LLP, where he also served as COO. Smith has more than 27 years of experience in financial and operational management, performance improvement, and regulatory compliance.
In addition to his former role as COO at Dechert, he previously served as chief financial officer and director of global financial operations, where he was instrumental in centralizing and consolidating the financial functions to support the firm’s growing global footprint. He is adept at successfully completing key strategic initiatives, including operational performance improvement, revenue enhancement and cost-reduction initiatives.
Smith holds a degree in accounting from Widener University.
1997
Michael Birdsall ’97 was named the 2024 Beta Alpha Psi Distinguished Accounting Alumnus during the School of Business’ accounting industry night. Birdsall is vice president of credit risk and fraud mitigation for Comcast Cable, leading all aspects of consumer risk mitigation strategies and operations. Since joining Comcast in 2002, he has been a driving force behind several significant risk-focused initiatives, such as developing and implementing the company’s whistleblower program and forming several risk management teams, including his current team. Birdsall has extensive experience in fraud risk management and was a task force member involved in developing COSO’s 2016 Fraud Risk Management Guide.
Prior to his current role, Birdsall held several senior leadership positions within Comcast’s Global Audit team, where he led CGA’s data analytics and automation programs, as well as a business integrity team, focused on investigating whistleblower complaints and conducting proactive fraud reviews.
Before joining Comcast, Birdsall worked at KPMG LLP in their assurance and advisory practices. He holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Widener University. Birdsall resides in Malvern, Pennsylvania with his wife and three children.
SEAN WAGNER ’02
2000
Joe Mendez ’00 was elected chairman of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) board of directors. Mendez currently serves as the general manager/COO at Doylestown Country Club in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Prior to accepting that role in May 2023, he served as the general manager/COO of Riverton Country Club, Germantown Cricket Club, and Radley Run Country Club.
Mendez first joined CMAA as a student in 1998 and became a professional member in 2003, eventually holding multiple roles in CMAA's Philadelphia & Vicinity Chapter. He also served as the chairman of the National Student Education Conference in 2016. As CMAA chairman, Mendez will lead the CMAA board of directors and work together with the membership and national committees to advance the club management profession.
Mendez holds a degree in hospitality management from Widener University.
2003
Neumann University presented its annual President's Distinguished Alumni Award to Jason Cannon ’03
This award is presented to a graduate whose career is characterized by continuous and exemplary contributions to society and who exemplifies the core values of the university. Cannon earned this award for the pivotal roles he has played as a seasoned financial professional for The Eustace Foundation, The Delaney Family Foundation and as senior managing director at Cabrini Asset Management.
Cannon earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Widener University, and a master’s in organizational and strategic leadership from Neumann University.
CEO of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, has been recognized with the Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award from the Hazing Prevention Network. This award honors individuals who have courageously opposed hazing, raising awareness about its negative consequences and educating others about its dangers. Wagner graduated from Widener with a degree in communication studies in 2002 and continues to be an active member of the Alumni Council. He is also one of the founders of the 511 Fund at Widener, which helps members of the university’s Phi Delta Theta chapter cover housing expenses for those who wish to live in the fraternity’s on-campus residence.
Valerie Stacy ’03, was promoted to the rank of colonel in the United States military in front of the flag pole located outside of Old Main on Widener's Chester campus. Stacy graduated from Widener University with a degree in nursing and participated in the ROTC program as a student. Upon graduation, she was stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, DC, and later at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
above: Valerie Stacy ’03, was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the United States military in front of the flag pole located outside of Old Main on Widener's Chester campus.
Stacy was also deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, and was later deployed to New Orleans, Louisiana to assist with rescue and clean-up efforts after Hurricane Katrina. She is currently stationed in San Antonio, Texas at Fort Sam Houston Army Base with her husband and two children, Lauren and Chase.
2004
Susan Rux, Ph.D. ’04 ’16 was awarded a $564,000 grant from the Department of Defense to study clinical trial enrollment of under-represented kidney cancer patients. With more than 29 years of experience in the health care field, Rux serves as associate vice president of professional nursing practice and nursing research with Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Her previous professional roles have included dean of academic affairs, chief nursing officer, and nursing education consultant.
Rux, a graduate of the Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing, continued her education and earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Pennsylvania State University and a master's in nursing, with an emphasis in adult health clinical nurse
specialist; a post master's in nursing education; and a Ph.D. in nursing science and research from Widener University. Additionally, Rux received a second doctorate from Walden University, as well as a post master's in nursing administration from Villanova University.
2007
Robert Hickey, PhD. ’07, associate professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Pennsylvania State University, will receive the American Physical Society’s 2025 John H. Dillon Medal. The medal, awarded annually since 1983, recognizes the exceptional early career research accomplishments of young polymer physicists. Hickey will receive the award at the APS Global Physics Summit in March 2025 in Anaheim, California.
Hickey’s research involves pioneering nonequilibrium structured soft materials. He previously received a National Science Foundation Early Career Development Award for this work.
Prior to joining Penn State in 2016, Hickey was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minnesota. He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Widener University and his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania.
2008
Central Bucks School District is proud to announce that Robert Freiling ’08 has been appointed director of human resources. Freiling comes to the district from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he served as director of human resources for the hospital's food services provider.
As the principal leader for an on-site team serving 330-plus members in a complex ivy league healthcare environment, Freiling implemented strategies to optimize internal job posting, external recruitment, preemployment hiring, and on-boarding processes. His responsibilities included overseeing compensation, benefits, workplace safety, labor relations, and employee recognition and
engagement. Freiling has also worked at Franklin & Marshall College and the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
He graduated from Widener University in 2008 with a degree in government and politics and earned his Master of Business Administration from Holy Family University in 2014.
2009
Rachel Hickoff-Cresko, Ed.D. ’09 has received the 2024 Plankenhorn Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence from Lycoming College. HickoffCresko serves as an associate professor of education at Lycoming College and has spent over 26 years in the field of education. Her research interests include the education of underserved students.
Hickoff-Cresko earned a doctor of education degree with a specialization in reading and language arts from Widener University, a master’s of education specializing in teaching English from Universidad del Turabo, and a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University. She is also a Fulbright-Hays Scholar.
2010
Ernst & Young LLP is pleased to announce that Domenic Colasante ’10, CEO and co-founder of 2X, a pioneer in B2B-focused marketing, was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Greater Philadelphia Award winner. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of highgrowth companies. Candidates for this honor are evaluated based on their ability to create long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to their purpose, and demonstration of growth and substantial impact. As a Greater Philadelphia Award winner, Colasante is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 National Awards.
Colasante earned a degree in management from Widener University and currently serves as a university trustee.
Pictured
2014
Joseph Mancuso, DEd. ’14 was recently inducted into the Connellsville Area Falcon Foundation Hall of Fame as a distinguished graduate of Connellsville Area High School. Mancuso was chosen for this honor due to his professional achievements in the field of education. He attended Edinboro University on a football scholarship and earned a history degree, later returning to teach and coach at Connellsville. Mancuso served the district in a variety of roles including as an assistant principal, high school principal, and assistant superintendent.
In 2018, Mancuso accepted a position as superintendent of the Eastern York School District, which has received national recognition for its educational excellence, including being ranked as the best high school in Pennsylvania for seven consecutive years.
Mancuso also holds a master's degree from Shippensburg University and a doctorate in education from Widener University.
2015
Dover Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that Alisha Cooper, ’15 has joined the credit union as a mortgage loan originator. Cooper brings a wealth of knowledge and 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry.
Cooper holds a master of public administration from Widener University and comes with a plethora of experience and passion about increasing homeownership.
2016
Chris Hazel ’16 will oversee the Reading Royals' ticketing department in his new role as director of ticketing. A Reading, Pennsylvania native, Hazel is entering his 11th season with the Royals. He started as an intern in 2014 while earning a degree in management at Widener University and became a full-time member in 2016 as a client development executive. Since then, he has been
promoted to group sales manager, director of group sales, and now director of ticketing.
2018
Julie Dietrich, Ed.D. ’18 was named a 2024 trailblazer in higher education by City & State Pennsylvania. Dietrich, who serves as the executive director for external relations at West Chester University, acts as the institution’s primary government relations officer, cultivating and sustaining relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and their offices, and a liaison within the community. Through this position, Dietrich focuses on executing strategic community and economic development, as well as facilitating communication and negotiating partnerships among key leaders to help leverage and optimize the use of institutional assets and address community needs.
Dietrich holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Widener University, where she previously led government relations, and has taught philosophy and business at West Chester University. Dietrich also holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in philosophy from West Chester University.
2019
Villanova University is proud to announce that Aaron Green ’19 has been named the assistant coach of swimming and diving. Green comes to Villanova after spending the last season at MIT as the men's and women's swimming and diving assistant coach. Before coaching, he logged a decorated swimming career at Widener University where he was a three-time Middle Atlantic Conference swimmer of the year.
Green was a part of an MIT staff that saw great success in the 2023-24 season, highlighted by a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Division III championships by the women's team along with a pair of national champions and a national record performer in the 100 back.
Green graduated from Widener in 2019 with a bachelor of arts in communication studies, public relations, advertising, and marketing. He also earned a master's degree in higher education leadership at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia.
2021
Lydia Flinner ’21 was named the advanced practice provider of the year by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Flinner, who earned a nursing degree from Widener’s family nurse practitioner graduate program, is a nurse practitioner who specializes in general surgery and breast surgery at Leader Surgical Associates-UPMC in central Pennsylvania.
This award recognizes Flinner as an outstanding advanced practice provider who demonstrates the highest commitment in supporting the vision, mission, and goals of UPMC through her work and clinical practice. As a nurse practitioner, Flinner exhibits an exemplary performance as a role model, mentor, collaborator, and relationship builder across the spectrum of health care delivery.
2022
Jo'Nelle Clarke, MSW ’22 married Khalil-Lee Clarke on April 27 at La Luna Banquet Hall in Bensalem, Pennsylvania on their sixth dating anniversary. They met while earning their undergraduate degrees at Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania. Jo'Nelle earned her bachelor of social work from Neumann in 2021 and Khalil-Lee earned his bachelor of science in criminal justice in 2020. Jo'Nelle later earned her master of social work at Widener University in 2022.
Jo'Nelle works as a licensed social worker at Penn Medicine and her husband works as a juvenile detention supervisor in Chester County. They live with their cat Huey in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
Started a new job or received a promotion? Engaged, married, or experienced another notable life event? Fuel the Widener pride by keeping us in the loop.
Kevin Draeger ’24 and Meghan Rampolla ’25 are proud to announce their engagement. Draeger and Rampolla met during their first year at the university and quickly learned that they had many common interests. Both Draeger and Rampolla were involved in the Army ROTC Dauntless Battalion and realized that they both had grandfathers who attended Widener University’s predecessor institution, Pennsylvania Military College. Rampolla’s grandfather is Robert Hawley ’62 and Draeger’s grandfather is John M. Lennon ’71.
Draeger proposed to Rampolla at Longwood Gardens in April 2024 and their wedding date is in January 2025. Since graduation, Draeger has commissioned as a second lieutenant in the medical services corps of the Army and is beginning active duty at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. Rampolla will join Draeger at Fort Liberty after completing her nursing degree at Widener in May 2025. She also plans to enter active duty as a second lieutenant in the Army nurse corps.
Pictured above: Jo'Nelle Clarke, MSW ’22 married Khalil-Lee Clarke on April 27th, 2024.
Pictured above: Kevin Draeger ’24 and Meghan Rampolla ’25 are proud to announce their engagement!
DELAWARE LAW
CLASS NOTES
1988
Erin Brignola ’88 received the Christopher W. White Access to Justice Commitment Award from the Delaware State Bar Association. The award is presented to a member of the bar who has demonstrated a sterling commitment to pro bono work throughout their career. Brignola was honored for dedication to legal service as a volunteer attorney for the Delaware State Bar Association and Delaware Volunteer Legal Services. She has also proudly served as the vice chair to the Consumer Bankruptcy Section to assist and mentor other attorneys to become better client advocates.
1991
Cecilia McCormick ’91 will serve as the next president of Maryland Institute College of Art after leading the school in an interim position for six months. McCormick's institutional priorities include increasing enrollment and creating more educational offerings that fit a student population diverse in age and art specialty.
Previously, she was the first woman president of Elizabethtown College; a vice provost at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia,
and executive director in the Office of the President at Widener University. She also worked as the chief financial officer’s chief of staff at Johns Hopkins University in 2011.
McCormick received her bachelor’s degree in management and marketing from St. Joseph’s University, a paralegal certificate from Widener University and a juris doctor from Widener University Delaware Law School. McCormick received a post-doctoral education from the Institute of Educational Management at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
1994
Gina Rubel ’94, the founder of Furia Rubel Marketing and Public Relations, is a corporate communications and crisis management expert with expertise in public relations, crisis planning, and incident response support for high-profile international clients. Rubel spoke at the Philadelphia Bar Association BenchBar & Annual Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She addressed the response of law firms when employees pressure their firms and organizations to take a public stand on social and political issues.
1997
Sean E. Cullen ’97 has joined Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin as a partner in its Family and Criminal Law Departments.
Cullen and his wife Sharon also founded the Montgomery County Hero Fund, which is a nonprofit that provides immediate and ongoing relief and services to any law enforcement officer, military personnel, firemen, paramedics, and/or first responders or their loved ones as a result of tragedy on duty or in service of the people of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
1998
Kenya Tyson ’98, has been promoted to vice provost for strategic initiatives at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. In this new role, Tyson serves as the principal advisor to the provost and provides senior leadership to the Provost Division and a wide range of internal and external constituents.
Playing a pivotal role to further the broad agenda within academic affairs of the college, Tyson directs strategic initiatives and leads operational plans and procedures. She also oversees resource allocations and administers financial, budgetary, and human resources for the Provost Division.
2002
Widener welcomed Judge Scott Reid ’02 to the university's board of trustees. Reid, an alumnus of Delaware Law School, is a U.S. magistrate judge serving on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Prior to his appointment, Reid served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
2007
Avi. C. Sholam ’07 has joined Kalis, Kleiman, & Wolfe as an associate. Sholam is an experienced civil attorney with an extensive background in the business and legal sectors.
Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Sholam spent five years as a senior associate attorney at a civil litigation firm in Miami, Florida, concentrating in the areas of admiralty and maritime law, where he represented the world's largest cruise lines in civil litigation.
2008
LaKresha Moultrie ’08 has been nominated by President Biden to be a member of the State Justice Institute board of directors. Moultrie has led a career dedicated to service in the Delaware community. Moultrie currently serves as vice president of legal affairs, general counsel, and chief enterprise risk officer at Delaware State University, one of America’s leading historically Black colleges and universities. In this role, Moultrie provides legal counsel to the university and its board of trustees.
Prior to joining Delaware State University, Moultrie led a successful career at the Delaware Department of Justice where she began as an entry-level prosecutor and progressed to chief deputy attorney general, second-in-command of the office. Her career at the department included trial and appellate work in all the state courts.
Moultrie received her law degree from Widener University Delaware Law School and her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Pace University.
2013
Lauren Brier ’13 was promoted to partner at PilieroMazza PLLC. Brier counsels government contractors on requests for equitable adjustment, claims, and appeals. She excels in addressing contract disputes, bid protests, and compliance matters.
2015
Michelle R. Skoranski ’15 received the Christopher W. White Access to Justice Service to Children Award from the Delaware State Bar Association. This award is given based on outstanding commitment to, and work for, children in the provision of legal or community services. Skoranski has dedicated her career to protecting Delaware’s children. As a deputy attorney general in the Delaware Department of Justice’s Child Protection Unit, Skoranski advocates for abused and neglected children to bring them into state care. She also prosecutes individuals to have them placed on the child protection registry for abusing and neglecting children.
2018
John Harris ’18 has joined the firm of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin in the Litigation Department on the personal injury practice team. Harris focuses his practice on a wide variety of personal injury matters, including negligence.
2021
Jocelyn Mendez ’21 was appointed the chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee for the Defense Research Institute’s Young Lawyers’ Steering Committee. She will serve a one-year term.
Known as the largest global membership organization for legal professionals, the institute is dedicated to defending the interests of businesses and individuals in civil litigation.
In her new role, Mendez will oversee and support the goals of several diversity and inclusion subcommittees. She will author diversity-related articles for institute publications, help plan a diversity and inclusion activity for the fly-in meeting, and help recruit, engage, and support diverse membership for the Young Lawyers' Steering Committee.
Nicole Stokes ’21 received the Impact Award at the city of Philadelphia Law Department’s annual continuing legal education event. Stokes, who works for the city as an assistant solicitor, received the award for pursing excellence and achieving outcomes that surpass her job duties and positively affect processes or conditions in the Law Department.
2023
Edward Di Pietro, Jr. ’23 has joined Fox Rothschild in Philadelphia as an associate in the Family Law Department. Di Pietro represents clients in a full range of family law proceedings. Prior to joining Fox Rothschild, Di Pietro completed a judicial clerkship for Judge Daniel J. Clifford, administrative judge of the Family Division of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.
While earning his law degree, Di Pietro was an associate editor for the Widener Law Review and vice president of student and alumni affairs for the Student Bar Association.
COMMONWEALTH LAW
CLASS NOTES
2007
David Warner Jr. ’07 was sworn-in as magisterial district judge at the Lebanon County Courthouse. The magisterial district includes Palmyra, North and South Londonderry Townships, Cold Spring Township, and East Hanover Township. Warner, who focuses his legal practice on estate planning, elder law and real estate, has previously served as Lebanon County solicitor and as an assistant district attorney. Warner is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and Widener University Commonwealth Law School.
2020
Nicholas Stephens ’20, a shareholder in the Workers’ Compensation Department at Capehart Scatchard, completed the ironman triathlon in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Stephens crossed
the finish line Sept. 29, after completing the race’s 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon run. Training for the grueling event, while managing a demanding legal career, required an intense level of discipline, a trait Stephens says he developed during law school.
2021
W. Isaac Zimmerman ’21 has joined Tucker Arensberg as a member of the litigation group. Zimmerman has experience in prosecutorial work as well as serving as a law clerk and certified legal intern, honing his skills in legal research, client representation, and courtroom procedures. His comprehensive legal education began with earning a juris doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School. He also holds a bachelor of arts in communication studies and a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
2022
Ava Lutz ’22 was elected to serve as secretary on the board of governors for the Philadelphia Intellectual Property Law Association, an organization of Philadelphia-based intellectual property lawyers. The association is one of the oldest
intellectual property law associations in the country. It promotes the development and understanding of intellectual property law through regular meetings, sponsored continuing legal education opportunities, and amicus briefs.
Lutz, an associate with Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP, is an intellectual property attorney with a focus on the life sciences sector. Prior to joining the firm, Lutz served as a law clerk to Judge Martin C. Carlson, U.S. magistrate judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Lutz graduated summa cum laude from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she was editor in chief of the Widener Commonwealth Law Review.
Curtis J. Tokach ’24 joined Barley Snyder as an associate attorney at the firm’s Harrisburg office. Previously, he participated in the firm’s associate program in 2023. He is a magna cum laude graduate of St. Joseph’s University and a summa cum laude graduate of Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where he finished third in his class and served as internal managing editor of the Widener Commonwealth Law Review. While in law school, Tokach worked as a judicial clerkship extern for Judge Susan E. Schwab, U.S. magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where he gained substantial hands-on legal experience.
IN MEMORIAM
CHESTER CAMPUS
Edward M. Selverian ’49
Blair Law ’54
Thomas A. Fizzano ’55
John M. Nordling ’57
Joseph S. Klimek ’58
John P. Nolan ’58
John Keefer ’59
Hillard H. Mann ’59
Samuel E. Shuster ’59
Paul H. Wolske ’59
Thomas A. Curran ’60
Barry E. Rothenberg ’60
John E. Eberly ’61
Thomas J. News ’61
Anthony “Tony” P. Pontello ’61, ’70
Michael J. Cefalo ’62
William V. Onorato ’62
Robert W. Wheeler ’62
Richard W. Eckert ’63
John G. Keidel ’63
Albert N. Nicola ’63
Ernest L. Thomas ’63
Gerald G. Urban ’63, ’82
Gordon L. Carlisle ’64
Donald J. Osborne ’64
Gerard E. Sella ’64
Francis J. Renner ’65
Viesturs Drupa ’66
Norman C. Guarinello ’67
Harry E. Jump ’67
Arthur E. Liss ’67
Edward Miazza ’67
Robert D. Urbont ’67
Donald J. Butler ’68
C. R. Sharbaugh ’68
Stephen L. Daniels ’69, ’73
Burt Fleeger ’69
Douglas A. Haywood ’69
Michael S. Kalichak ’69
Paul P. Weihmann ’69
Philip M. Anderson ’70
John E. Truax ’70
Stanley T. Waskiewicz ’70
Carmen A. Cavacini ’71, ’76
Richard Deardorff ’71
Robert M. Decker ’71
George L. Forman ’71
Kenneth Swierzewski ’73
Leslie M. Jensen ’74
Joseph Kranyak ’74
Thomas E. Morris ’74
Walter J. Clark ’75
Michael Kranyak ’75
Marijane E. Madigan ’75
Donald J. Riccio ’75
Maryann T. McLoughlin-O’Donnell ’77
Kimberly E. D’Arrigo Sutton ’78
Frederick L. Wood ’78
Francis Zimmer ’78
James C. McBride ’80
John T. Nicholson ’80, ’87
Anthony Scarpino ’80
Sandra E. Sharkey ’80
Joan T. Devlin ’81
Robert P. Ditizio ’81
Kenneth E. Flickinger ’81
Sally A. Kaltreider ’81
Kenneth D. Powell ’82, ’85
James V. Buckley ’83
Marcia K. Kiernan ’83
David C. Mancuso ’83
Jay R. Holman ’84
Frank Irey ’85
James W. Nickerson ’85
Joanne M. Murray ’86
Thomas F. Jones ’87
John K. Lobley ’87
Ronni K. Cohen ’88
Kimberley J. McCaffery ’88
Thomas D. Noden ’88
Rebecca W. Vye ’88
Ann Marie Coll ’90
Edith S. Davis ’90
Elizabeth B. Umberger ’90
Theresa A. Campana ’91, ’97
Barbara J. Thornton ’91
Barbara A. Jones ’92
Jayne M. Carroll ’93
Roger L. Kauffman ’93
Margaret M. Eganey ’94, ’04
Paul F. Spink ’94
Barbara A. Timony ’94, ’06
Paul K. Smeal ’01
Sandra Teaf ’01
Sheila D. Nichols ’03, ’09
Julia M. Ward ’07
Michael P. Hurley ’09
FRIENDS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
Robert J. Bruce
Richard D. Carcanague
Bernard J. Carrozza
Edith R. Dixon
Gabriel Fucci
Fred W. Interrante
Konstance A. McCaffree
Louis H. Miner
Andrea K. Moyer
Kelly Pelowitz
Paul Silver
Richard L. Thompson
Victoria J. Wozny
DELAWARE CAMPUS
Carmen A. Cavacini ’71, ’76
Howard A. Finkelman ’76
John F. Gangi ’77
Philip H. Coyle ’79
Ruth L. Matruder-Smythe ’79
John T. Nicholson ’80, ’87
Wayne J. Carey ’81
Michael J. Hood ’81
Kenneth D. Powell ’82, ’85
Selma Hayman ’86
Alfred J. Quasti ’86
Laurence R. Feinstein ’88
Lloyd R. Hampton ’88
Gary W. Sherow ’89
Dr. Andrew Newman ’01 ’11
Nancy L. Stanford ’03
Barbara L. Gauger ’05
Maurice D. Chambers ’10
Christopher M. Garrell ’11
Jordan N. Staub ’23
FRIENDS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
James H. Coleman
James R. Hampton
Harvey B. Rubenstein
HARRISBURG CAMPUS
Amy C. Rothermel ’97
Michael D. Perozich ’06