Thursday, October 19, 2023
President’s DINNER
Welcome Thomas Minick ‘98/M’10, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Mission Moment Sister John Ann Proach, OSF ‘74 Congregational Minister Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
President’s Remarks Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D
Special Announcement Four Under Forty Alumni Awards Andrew Angstadt ’08 Katie Griffith ’05
Junior Bernard ’14 Mylen Morales ‘15
Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation David Yoch ’82
The Ellen Frei Gruber Award Presentation
Alvernia Student Experience
Judith Ann Bohler ’09
Alettya Zalapa-Alonso ‘24
CollegeTowne Award Presentation
Dinner Alvernia Choir Performance
Berks Community Health Center
Franciscan Award Presentation Michael and Susan Fromm
A Campaign to Build Stronger Communities by Redefining Higher Education
To learn more visit: www.alvernia.edu/partners-in-progress
Campaign Steering Committee Honorary Chairs Jerome T. & Carolyn Holleran Mike & Judy Ehlerman
Campaign Chairs Steve Najarian Jeff Rush
Campaign Steering Committee Mike Duff
Peter Rye
Mike Fromm
Paula Barrett
Pat Giles
Doug Tieman
Ellen Huyett
David Turner
Dan Langdon
Special thanks to our corporate partners this evening. DoubleTree by Hilton Reading for sponsoring the bar this evening. Sweet Street Desserts for providing desserts this evening.
Four Under Forty Honorees Alvernia’s Four Under Forty Award was developed in 2019 by the Alvernia Young Alumni Committee to recognize the achievements of young alumni. The alumni chosen for this award exhibit high levels of success in their career, a commitment to community service, dedication to the advancement and growth of Alvernia and demonstrate Alvernia’s core values in their personal, spiritual and professional life.
2019 | Emily Berret ’11 | Amy B. Klatt ’08/M’09 | Steve Koons ’05 | Melissa Masone Ulmer ’09 2021 | Brandi Burns ’14 | Conor Delaney ‘07 | Kate Ecke ‘11 | Kyle Levengood ‘08 2022 | Joseph A. Bonanno ‘09 | Kayla Kressler ‘10 M’17 | Rev. John A. Hutta ‘11 | Jiolka Peralta ‘12 Andrew J. Angstadt ‘08 Andrew Angstadt is a 2008 graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. Andrew is the Director of Religious Education, Music Teacher, and Middle School Religion Teacher for Holy Guardian Angels Regional School. He also serves as an organist at Immaculate Conception in Douglassville and throughout the Allentown Diocese. Andrew has previously served as a 2nd-grade teacher at St. Peter’s School in Reading. During his tenure, he had the opportunity to teach the sacraments of First Penance and Holy Communion and to start a children’s choir. For nearly 17 years Andrew served the parish of St. Benedict through liturgical music by being the organist, the director of adult, children, and bell choirs, and the liturgical planner. He provided spiritual guidance through prayer services, retreats, workshops, and simply being there for all the parishioners. Andrew is a member of the Knights of Columbus; and serves on the Board of Directors for Reading Civic Theatre and 1st Street Players, Birdsboro. He also served on the ACRE board- a professional association for religious educators and administratorsrepresenting Berks County. Andrew is active in the theatre arts as a performer and director throughout Berks County.
Four Under Forty Honorees Junior R. Bernard ‘14 Junior Bernard received his Communications degree from Alvernia in 2014, and he’s the founder of Pranzel Group. Born and raised in Haiti, Junior dreamed of obtaining an education in America from a young age. As one of five children, he grew up witnessing many in his community, including children, die due to starvation and preventable diseases. As a teenager, these tragedies motivated Junior to take matters into his own hands when he taught himself English from a dictionary he’d found in a trash can. In 2010, Junior survived the devastating Haiti earthquake that took the lives of over 200,000 Haitians. Junior would later meet an American volunteer, Billy Barr, who offered to bring him to America, after which Alvernia granted him a scholarship to help make his dream of obtaining an education come true. Since graduating in 2014, Junior’s relentless fight against economic disparities has grown stronger than ever. In 2021, Junior and his childhood friend, Philippe William created the Pranzel Group as a one-stop solution that tackles the education crisis in Haiti with one big goal in mind: To spread education across the entire country.
Four Under Forty Honorees Katie M. Griffith ‘05 Katie Griffith is a United States Border Patrol Agent with the Department of Homeland Security. Katie graduated from Alvernia with a criminal justice degree in 2005. After graduation, she entered the entered the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in January 2007. In her 16-year career, Katie has served as a Border Community Liaison, Welfare and Recreation Association Officer, Peer Support Member, Certified Vessel Crewman and Personal Watercraft Operator, and a member of a northern border undercover unit. She is also a legacy member of the San Diego Sector Horse Patrol Unit. On the Horse Patrol Unit, she was able to put her extensive experience with horses to use and last year, she was selected to represent San Diego Sector Horse Patrol in Lexington, Kentucky at the National Mounted Officers Colloquium. For the past 14 months, Katie has been acting as the San Diego Sector Resiliency Supervisor and Program Coordinator. In that position, she oversaw San Diego Sector’s Peer Support, Chaplaincy, Veteran Support, and Honor Guard teams. Katie also volunteers at Therapy Ranch, where she uses equine-assisted therapy to aid veterans and first responders who are struggling with mental illnesses. She recently accepted a promotion as an Interior Recruiter for Customs and Border Protection where she will operate an aggressive recruiting program to bring new Border Patrol Agents into the government.
Four Under Forty Honorees Mylen Morales ‘15 Mylen graduated from Alvernia University in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Upon graduation, Mylen served as an elementary school teacher in the Reading School District. Mylen started her military career in October 2016 by serving as the Squadron Adjutant, Legal Officer and Headquarters and Service Company Executive Officer for the Marine Wing Support Squadron 272. In this squadron, she rose to a Senior Administrative Officer for numerous exercises in Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Mylen has also served as the Casualty Assistance Call Officer for two fallen Marines. In October 2018, Mylen served as the Regimental Adjutant and Legal Officer to the Combat Logistics Regiment 27 and the Marine Logistics Regiment. After two years of service, Mylen was promoted to Watch Officer for Task Force Resolve and assumed the duties of the Battalion Adjutant. In February 2022, Mylen was assigned to the Recruit Training Regiment, where she served as Series Commander, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer. She also supervised and was directly responsible for the first female integrated training companies within the First and Second Recruit Training Battalion. She earned her California real estate agent license in May 2021 and earned her Master of Science degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word in December 2021. Currently, Mylen is serving as a resident student at Expeditionary Warfare School, a top-level school for Marine Corps Captains. During her free time, Captain Morales is an avid long-distance runner and volunteers in her local community.
Distinguished Alumni Award The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a person(s) who demonstrates the valuable contributions to his/her professions, community and their nation.
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients 1995
Ronald Mikula ’78
2008
Dr. Rachel A. Maher ’94
1995
Bruce A. Smith ’75
2009
Dr. Charles F. Barbera M’01
1996
Sue Reese ’83
2010
Dr. Josephine Elia ’75
1996
Col. John K. Schafer ’76*
2011
Michele Murphy ’73
1996
Jeffrey Smith ’86
2011
Patricia Murphy ’73
1998
Claire Flemming ’77*
2012
Col. Deborah Geiger ’83
1998
Kathleen Kleppinger ’83
2013
George S. Rice, Jr. ’85
1999
Nancy Adam ’87
2014
John H. McCarthy ’06
2000
Carol Lawlor Klimas ’84
2015
Eric B. Turman ’97/’03/’04
2001
Robert Balthaser ’91
2016
Kevin P. DeAcosta ’00
2002
James Murphy ’94
2017
Cheryl E. Callahan ’79
2003
Ray Melcher ’78
2018
Andres M. Dominguez ’82
2003
Dr. Ben Schlechter ’82
2018
Dr. Melissa Marcario ’93
2004
Charles Broad ’78
2019
Mary Kay Bernosky M’03
2005
Kevin Calabria M’03
2021
Timothy J. Daley ’79
2006
Wynton Butler M’03
2022
Gregory Header ‘97
2007
Michael J. Heimbach ’88
*deceased
2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient David L. Yoch ’82
A lifelong resident of Berks County, David Yoch graduated from Governor Mifflin High School with aspirations for a career in Criminal Justice and more specifically as a police officer. Inspired by a teacher, he applied to Alvernia College and was accepted into the Criminal Justice program graduating in 1982. Dave served the Wyomissing Police Department for more than 28 years. His tenure included working patrol, being named to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Criminal Investigation Unit. He also was a member of the Berks County DA’s Major Crimes and Drug Task Force as well as a negotiator and Assistant team leader for the Berks County Emergency Response team. Serving with a heart of compassion, Dave earned more than thirty-five Letters of Commendation, Unit Citations Awards, Exceptional Duty Awards, Meritorious Services Awards, and Lifesaving awards. Since 2014, Dave has served as the Magisterial District Judge
for the municipalities of Shillington, Mohnton, Kenhorst, and Cumru Township. He also serves as an instructor for the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commissions and taught for 14 years at the Reading Police Academy. Dave is an adjunct instructor for the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy teaching a number of disciplines for Bucks County Community College. He has been a member of the Shillington Fire Company for the past 49 years serving as a junior firefighter, firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain, and currently serves as 2nd Assistant Fire Chief. Dave is a member of St. John’s Reformed Church in Sinking Spring and serves as an active volunteer with his wife Susan for Family Promise of Berks County; Wilson Area Food Pantry, Good Shepherd Mission of Puttur, India, Compassion, Helping Harvest, Hope Rescue Mission and Truth for Life.
Ellen Frei Gruber Award The Ellen Frei Gruber Award is presented to an individual who has given outstanding service to his/her alma mater and exemplified continued commitment and support of the mission of Alvernia University. Most importantly, this individual reflects the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality.
Ellen Frei Gruber Award Recipients 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Mary Ann D’Alonzo ’69 Sister Rosemary Stets, OSF ’71 Dr. Michael J. Skoraszewski ’78 Joseph J. Swope ’80 The Honorable Linda K.M. Ludgate ’77 Christine Dracopolos Carpenter ’76 Alice Jean Bleacher ’83 Terry D. Cieri ’88* Helen Ravel ’73 Sister Edward Ann Wierzalis, OSF ’73 * Diane Cominski Gracely ’71* Marie Heck Bentz ’88 RoseMarie Winters ’82 Kevin Georgetti ’85 Dr. Marie Nowakowski ’61 Robert McCormack ’82 Stella I. Leonti ’71 Dr. Scott Ballantyne ’86 Sister Ann Marie Coll, OSF ’67
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022
Linda Lysakowski ’88 Kathleen D. Herbein ’95 Valetta Eshbach ’68 Steven S. Keiser ’80 Dr. Colleen A. Woodard ’68 Suzanne M. Miller ’89 Dominic M. Murgido ’79 Theresa M. (Gillichbauer) McCormack ’83 Deanna L. Reuben ’79 Sharon A. Danks ’03, M’04 Meggan Hannigan Kerber ’96, M’01 Jeanne Moran Savage ’88 Mary Lou Kline ’81 Julia S. Angstadt M’05 Dr. Philip J. Fromuth Ph.D. ’12 John D. Wanner ’82 Nadine Blair ’83 Susan W. Green ’76
*deceased
2023 Ellen Frei Gruber Recipient Judith Ann Bohler ‘09
In 2002, Judy Bohler participated in her first missionary trip to the Dominican Republic to support the ministry of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. This experience along with her commitment to social justice and environmental issues, inspired Judy to dedicate her life to Missionary Work. Judy Bohler, Class of 2009, serves as the Executive Director of the JB Foundation which provides support to children, youth, women, and the elderly living in extreme poverty in the Dominican Republic. In partnership with churches, youth groups, schools, and universities, the JB Foundation seeks to provide assistance through food and medical supply drives, providing school supplies for children and youth of all ages, assisting during hurricane relief efforts, and where they are needed the most. The foundation also seeks to envelop more people in missionary work with the intention of creating human beings with greater human sensitivity and understanding. Prior to the JB Foundation, Judy served Alvernia for nearly 21 years as the Executive Assistant to the President, Coordinator of
Mission Initiatives, and Community Engagement Coordinator. Before joining Alvernia, Judy served as Labor Relations Counsel and Employee Benefits Director for Vornado. She has served as a volunteer with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Volunteers in Mission, a member of the Alumni Council from 2010-2015, and as a member of the Farmland Preservation Trust in Lancaster County. She is an active member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ephrata. Through her work with Volunteers in Mission, Judy has traveled to eastern Kentucky to repair and renovate homes in Appalachia; to Nicaragua with Witness for Peace for a fact-finding mission on the effect of the DR-Central American Free Trade Agreement on the poor; and to Honduras with the Quixote Center. Judy actively participates in all aspects of social justice and environmental issues. Through her dedication to all living beings, Judy is a past recipient of Alvernia’s Franciscan Peace and Justice Award. She believes in and strives to live, a life of service to all.
CollegeTowne Award The CollegeTowne Award (previously Pro Urbe) is presented to a business or organization that performs significant community service and contributes to a higher standard of living in Berks County and surrounding communities.
Pro Urbe Award Recipients 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Sovereign Bank United Way of Berks County Fulton Bank – Great Valley Division City of Reading Police Department Caron Treatment Centers Berks County Community Foundation Berks Women in Crisis Mary’s Shelter/Mary’s Home Reading Area Community College Berks Catholic High School and its predecessors Reading Symphony Orchestra Olivet Boys & Girls Club Carpenter Technology John Paul II Center for Special Learning East Penn Manufacturing Opportunity House Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Reading PA
CollegeTowne Recipient 2021 2022
Sweet Street Desserts Customers Bank
2023 CollegeTowne Award Berks Community Health Center
Established in 2012, BCHC has made significant progress in promoting community health and wellness within the City of Reading as the only Federally Qualified Health Center. City of Reading residents are at risk of negative health outcomes due to elevated levels of poverty, traditionally marginalized populations, language and cultural barriers, and limited access to primary care services. Berks Community Health currently has four service locations in the city of Reading. Since 2013, Alvernia and Berks Community Health have partnered to provide healthcare access to the residents of the Oakbrook Community and experiential learning opportunities for Alvernia Physical Therapy students by providing pro bono services for the residents of Oakbrook weekly. Last month, Alvernia and Berks Community Health Center announced the expansion of healthcare access for downtown Reading residents and the development of a state-of-the-art community-based health center that will be housed at the former American House property. This partnership will provide tremendous experiential learning opportunities for our health science, clinical counseling, and social work students and another valuable opportunity for community engagement, which is core to our mission. More importantly, BCHC will provide traditional primary care services, mental health services, pharmacy services, nutrition and wellness education, financial literacy education, social services assistance, and warm hand-off referrals. This new partnership is critical as we all work to improve community health.
Franciscan Award The Franciscan Award honors individuals who selflessly give of their time, talents, and resources for the betterment of others. This award is presented for exceptional service to the University, the community, and the individual’s profession.
Franciscan Award Recipients 1986
The Reverend Monsignor Felix A. Losito*
2006
Ronald and Helen Smith
1987
Attorney Adam B. Krafczek*
1988
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shander*
2007
Honorable Arthur and Mrs. Louise Grim
1989
Rev. and Mrs. Warren Wilfert*
2008
Alfred J. Weber
1990
Dr. Frank A. Franco*
2009
Paul R. Roedel*
1991
Rabbi Alan Weitzman*
2010
Mary V. Pendleton*
1992
William E. Maier*
2011
Marlin and Ginger Miller
1993
Dr. Leo George Frangipane, Jr.
2012
Carl* and Kathleen ’95 Herbein
1994
Thomas M. McMahon
2013
Honorable Linda K.M. Ludgate ‘77
1995
T. Jerome and Carolyn Holleran
2014
Albert* & Eunice Boscov
1996
Dr. Jasper G. ChenSee*
2015
James* & Anna Connors
1997
P. Sue Perrotty
1998
Joseph* and Shirley Boscov
1999
Sen. Michael A. O’Pake*
2000
P. Michael Ehlerman
2001
Robert* and Catherine Wright
2017
Joanne M. Judge, Esq. & Rick Oppenheimer
2002
John F. and Margaret* Horrigan
2018
James & Cynthia* Boscov
2003
Terrence J. McGlinn*
2019
John P. Weidenhammer
2004
Ray and Carole Neag*
2021
Gary and Karen Rightmire
2005
Larry and Cindy Mazzeno
2022
Richard A. Ehst
2016 Founders of a Common Heart Elsayed Elmarzouky, Rabbi Brian Michelson, Rev. Philip Rodgers
*deceased
2023 Franciscan Award Recipients Michael and Susan Fromm
Mike and Susan Fromm embody the word “teamwork”.
chaired the Caron Treatment Center annual gala in New York
Jointly, they have undertaken numerous local, national,
City, Mike worked with his contacts to sell tables and secure
and international initiatives ranging from sponsoring an
auction items. When Mike co-founded the largest food relief
annual interfaith scholarship
center in the Middle East,
at Alvernia to leading
Susan was there chopping
humanitarian missions in
vegetables as a volunteer in
remote Siberia. Together and
the kitchen. However, their
separately, they have served
teamwork is not limited to
on or chaired the boards of
community service. As a
Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs,
couple, they have climbed
Fulton Bank, the Wyomissing
Mount Kilimanjaro, hiked
Foundation, Greater Reading
the Inca Trail to Machu
Economic Partnership,
Picchu, circumnavigated
Opportunity House, Our City
Mont Blanc, trekked the
Reading, Caron Treatment
Himalayas, biked across
Centers NY and Greater PA
the Canadian Rockies, and
regions, The Jewish Federation
run marathons. Mike is the
of Reading, Girl Scouts Take
third-generation owner of
the Lead, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, Power of the Purse, The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Safe Berks, Wyomissing Area Education Foundation, and Alvernia University. When Mike or Susan takes on a leadership role, the other one is always there to support, encourage, and assist. When Susan
Fromm Electric Supply, a leading national distributor of electrical products and services. He and Susan have been married for thirty-nine years and have two adult children, Jake and Casey (Andrew) and a grandson, Rowdy.
Alvernia Senior Leadership Team Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D. President Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., ATC/LAT Provost and Senior Vice President John McCloskey Jr. ‘94/M’01, DBA Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Mary-Alice Ozechoski, M.A. Senior Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs Darryl Mace, Ph.D. Vice President of Mission, Diversity and Inclusion Thomas Minick ‘98/M’10, MBA Vice President of Institutional Advancement Rodney Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation Gaetan Giannini, Ed.D. Vice President of Graduate and Adult Education Adam Waszkiewicz ‘11, MBA Vice President of Business Affairs
2023-2024 Board of Trustees Gregory J. Shemanski, Chair President & CEO, Custom Processing Services, Inc.
Patricia Giles President, The Wyomissing Foundation
Michael A. Duff, Vice Chair Vice President Community Engagement, Penske Transportation Solutions
Sister Madonna Marie Harvath, OSF Retired, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., President Alvernia University John McCloskey Jr., DBA, Secretary Senior VP and Chief of Staff, Alvernia University
Members of the Board
John M. Arnold, Jr. Retired. Chairman, CEO & Owner, PPC Lubricants, Inc. Paula Barrett, CPA Retired, Partner, RKL Business Consulting Services Group
Ellen Huyett, Esq. Retired, Attorney, Community Volunteer Steven M. Koons, CPA, PMP ‘05 Managing Partner, Cotton, A Sikich Company Ginger Kunkel President, Tompkins Community Bank Daniel Langdon Retired, CEO, East Penn Manufacturing, Inc. Sister Sandra Lyons ‘69, OSF Assistant Congregational Minister, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
Michael Caron Retired, GTS-WELCO
Rachel A. Maher, DMD ‘94 Pediatric Dentist, Dentistry for Children
Kevin DeAcosta, CEO ‘00 President & CEO, Highlands of Wyomissing
Stephen Najarian Partner, SN Companies
Richard A. Ehst Retired, President & CEO, Customers Bank
Sister David Ann Niski, ‘66 Executive Director, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation
Michael Fromm President & CEO, Fromm Electric Supply Corp.
David W. Patti Director of Marketing and Communication, Customers Bank
John H. Gallen, Jr. Owner & President, Ethosource and Wyatt Seating
Sister John Ann Proach, OSF Congregational Minister, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
Trustee Emeritus Jeffrey Rush Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Commerical Sales, Fulton Bank Peter Rye President, Brentwood Industries, Inc. Jeanne Savage ‘88 Community Volunteer Barry Schlouch President, Schlouch, Inc. Lucine Sihelnik M’13 Owner, Great American Creamery Sister Mary Sninsky ‘62, OSF Director of Bernardine Franciscan Association Doug Tieman Retired CEO Caron Treatment Center Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak ‘61, OSF Retired, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Michael Tobash Owner, Tobash Insurance Agency and Financial Services David Turner Regional Manager, External Affairs, FirstEnergy Corp. John Weidenhammer President, Weidenhammer Systems Corp. University Counsel Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn
Carl Anderson Bernardine Franciscan Sisters James Boscov William Combs, III Salvatore Cutrona Jess F. Cwiklinski* Raymond Dee* P. Michael Ehlerman Frank A. Franco, M.D.* Bernard Fromm John W. Gruber, M.D. Angel Helm Kathleen Herbein ‘95 Carolyn R. and T. Jerome Holleran Joanne Judge, Esq. Steven Keiser ‘80 Leroy Klein* Christ Kraras Rev. Msgr. Felix A. Losito* The Hon. Linda K. M. Ludgate ‘77 Thomas Martell Robert McCormack ‘82 The Hon. Thomas McMahon Janice B. Miller Carole Neag* Michael O’Pake* Richard Purcell Kevin St. Cyr Richard Tschiderer* The Hon. Mary Ann Ullman John Wanner ‘82 Alfred Weber Chester M. Winters *deceased