The Centenarian (Spring 2013)

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The Centenarian

FallSummer 2009 Spring 2012 2013

Always for Centenary

Remembering Harris Smith HA ’99

Green Through and Through Eco-friendly initiatives at Centenary

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NCAA East Region Champions!

Trustee Emeritus Harris F. Smith 1919-2013

THE MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF CENTENARY COLLEGE

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CENTENARY CONNECTIONS

Generations of Leadership 1.

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1. Harris F. Smith ’99 HA flanked by sons Todd (left) and Timothy (right); Smith’s great-grandfather and Centenary founder Cornelius Walsh appears in the portrait; 2, 4, and 7. Harris and Betts Smith; 3. (L to R) Dominick V. Romano, former Trustee Bishop Alfred Johnson, former President of Centenary College Stephanie M. Bennett-Smith, Harris Smith and Trustee Lincida Thomas Embersits ’59; 5. Harris Smith; 6. Harris Smith was a fixture at graduation.

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Centenary remembers Harris F. Smith ’99 HA (1919–2013) Perhaps it was destiny. When Harris F. Smith ’99 HA first came to Centenary in 1979 to deliver a bequest from a family friend, he was unaware that the College was an Grace Harris Smith important part of his ancestry. It was only later on, in 1985, when Smith was a trustee and read Through Golden Years, a book chronicling the history of Centenary, when he learned the full extent of his family’s connection to the College. Smith’s great-grandfather, Cornelius Walsh, was the first President of Centenary College’s Board of Trustees. Additionally, his father, Frederic, created the Grace Harris Memorial Fund to honor Smith’s mother.

By then, Smith had established a strong relationship with Centenary. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1982–2006 and provided leadership that guided the College’s growth and transformation. College President Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite said that generations of Centenarians have benefited from Smith’s leadership and will continue to do so. He and his wife, Betts, gave more than $1 million to Centenary in their lifetime. “His most enduring gift, however, will be his love for Centenary,” Dr. Lewthwaite said.

Smith passed away on January 26, 2013, at the age of 93. He is survived by Betts and two sons, Timothy Smith, a former College trustee, and Todd Smith; four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

In memory of Harris Smith, contributions may be made to the Grace Harris Scholarship, which is now an Endowed Scholarship at Centenary. For further information, contact Stan Kula, Office of College Relations, at (908) 852-1400, extension 2329, or e-mail kulas@centenarycollege.edu.

2 View from the Dome The latest news and notes from Centenary College.

6 Green Through and Through At every level, Centenary is making significant contributions toward a greener, more sustainable planet.

10 Advancing Centenary The generosity of Centenarians is having a lasting impact on students and the College.

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12 Departments Cyclones Update ... 14 Class News and Notes ... 16 The Last Word ... 24

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Centenary College is a registered trademark.

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For more information about the Grace Harris Scholarship and other endowed scholarships, see page 10.

On the Cover: Centenary College benefactor Harris F. Smith ’99 HA

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VIEW FROM THE DOME

NEWS FROM CENTENARY COLLEGE “With a little luck and a lot of determination, I am sure you will find yourself 20 years from now looking back on a successful career.”

Wolfgang Gstattenbauer ’84/13 HA

138th January Commencement 247 graduates join the ranks of alumni Centenary College welcomed 247 graduates into its alumni ranks following the 138th January Commencement held January 12, 2013, at the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center.

Keynote speaker Wolfgang Gstattenbauer ’84/13 HA, a former executive with M&M/Mars International and a Centenary College Trustee, congratulated the graduates. “As you leave Centenary today you are prepared for success.

Find what it is you want to do and practice good work habits. Make a good impression. Be ready to take the next step toward your goals,“ he said. “With a little luck and a lot of determination, I am sure you will find yourself 20 years from now looking back on a successful career.”

The College also awarded an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters to John Franklin ’13 HA, Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Northern New Jersey.

meeting work-force needs in business, education and law enforcement for the region and state.

Graduates represented the College’s main campus in Hackettstown and the Centenary School of Professional Studies in Parsippany and Edison.

The College’s 138th May Commencement will be held May 18, 2013.

More than one-third of the degrees awarded were at the graduate level, demonstrating the increasingly crucial role Centenary plays in Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite and John Franklin ’13 HA.

Mathematics and Accounting Double Major Introduced Undergraduates with a talent for numbers and analysis often find they have to choose between a major in either Mathematics or Accounting.

Now they can study both at Centenary College. The Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department and Business Department announced a new double major in Mathematics and Accounting.

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Effective Fall 2012, the program will provide Centenary students with learning experiences that will make them even more attractive to prospective employers. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant exams.

“This double major will greatly enhance the skills a student learns

‘Centenary Downtown’ Opens 217 Main Street in Hackettstown is now “Centenary Downtown.” The resource center, which officially opened January 21, 2013, offers community math tutoring to elementary schoolchildren and counseling services for veterans.

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Kathy Turrisi reported that 20 area schoolchildren are receiving free math tutoring at the Math Tutoring Center (MTC) from volunteers — members of Centenary’s chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society, and Delta Kappa Gamma, a national honor society of women educators.

“Centenary students in Kappa Mu Epsilon were tutoring fellow students in the Praxis exam, as well as grade-school students on campus. They wanted to expand this free service,“ said Professor Turrisi, who is also advisor and charter member of Kappa Mu Epsilon. “This opportunity came along at a perfect time to further increase their presence in the community and build upon their experiential learning.”

“This is absolutely fulfilling a need in the greater community,” said Director of Veteran Services Margie Pavlichko of the Counseling for Veterans Program at “Centenary Downtown.” The initiative is a joint venture between the College’s Office of Veteran Services and the Vet Center of Bloomfield.

Services include marital and family counseling, substance abuse counseling and referral, employment counseling and referral, bereavement counseling for families of fallen soldiers and more.

Keith Detombeur, building owner and President of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District, rented the office that is now home to “Centenary Downtown” at a reduced rate. Professor Turrisi said the location’s visibility and accessibility have been beneficial. “We’ve already had a volunteer from the community, a retired teacher, who heard about us on the radio,” she added.

In addition to providing a home for the MTC and veterans counseling center, the space houses a box office for the Centenary Stage Company.

Centenary College President Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite (center) participates in the “Centenary Downtown” ribbon cutting with (L to R) General Manager of the Centenary Stage Company Catherine Rust, Director of Veteran Services Margie Pavlichko, Associate Professor of Mathematics Kathy Turrisi, Professor of Theatre Arts and Chairman of the Fine Arts Department Carl Wallnau, building owner Keith Detombeur, Allamuchy Township Mayor Betty Schultheis and Hackettstown Mayor Maria DiGiovanni.

from both areas,” said Dr. James Patterson, Centenary College Chief Academic Officer and Provost. “Reasoning, organizational, analytical and problem solving skills are taught in Mathematics.

Accounting teaches the same things, but in teams.”

Students enrolled in this double major will also be able to complete an internship providing free tax preparation services to the greater community, The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

Ready to Lead Hye-Jin Lee ’05, Administrative Manager of International Student Affairs in the School of International Programs, graduated from an 11-month program conducted by the National Association for Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) Academy for International Programs.

NAFSA is the world’s largest nonprofit professional association dedicated to international education. The highly competitive program prepares participants for leadership roles in the field.

Lee is originally from Seoul, Korea. Following graduation from Centenary, she completed a master’s degree in International Studies from Ewha Womans University, Seoul, and has served in her current position at Centenary since 2009.

will be directed by James Ford, Assistant Professor of Business.

“This internship will allow students to gain knowledge from experiential learning techniques that cannot be gained from a classroom,” Professor Ford said. “This is a value-added program that really provides students with an edge as far as standing out from the crowd once they graduate.”

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VIEW FROM THE DOME appreciative of their support,” she said, “not only to better our facilities but to better our overall program.”

Multi-Faceted Artist When he is not teaching students at Centenary College, Adjunct Professor Joseph Coco is an artist of many media: visual, music and film.

Recently, a special edition DVD featuring Professor Coco’s artistic works set in motion to his own original music was released to more than 50 select museums and libraries, including MOMA, the Guggenheim Museum of Art and the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame.

The digitally remastered edition is significant because the Centenary professor utilized first-generation image manipulation desktop computers to rework finished drawings and paintings, pushing the boundaries of the digital arts.

Fencing Is Good Horse Sense The Equestrian Cener Enhancement Project brought new fencing to the College’s Equestrian Center in Long Valley, N.J. Also seen in this photo are solar panels on the roof of the U.S. Equestrian Team Arena, which were made possible through a partnership with the energy company Dynamic Solar.

The panels are expected to generate enough power to run the facility. See page 6 for more details about green energy initiatives at Centenary.

Following a massive volunteer effort to rebuild the back barn at the College’s Equestrian Center, the next order of business was clear: replace the fencing.

The old fencing was very dilapidated, according to Kelly Munz, Equine Studies Department Chair. “It was wood board fencing that had probably been up for 30 years. It was held together with nails and various other Band-Aids. If the horses leaned against it, it would break. We had a few cuts and scrapes from it.”

Centenary College launched the Equestrian Center Enhancement Project in 2009 to support facilities improvements at the College’s Equestrian Center, which is in Long Valley, N.J., eight miles from campus.

BRAG’s Good Cause Centenarians turned out for the BRAG (Black Retail Action Group) Holiday Celebration on December 10, 2012. Participants brought unwrapped toys and/or made donations to the BRAG Scholarship Fund, which has benefitted many Centenary students over the years.

Thanks to the Campaign’s generous donors, 8,000 feet of new white fencing now surrounds all 12 paddocks for the horses housed in the barn.

“We’ve reconfigured the main area of daily turnout, added more paddocks and installed the new vinyl flex fencing,” said Professor Munz. “It’s great because you don’t have to paint it and it needs very little maintenance. Our goal is to provide the best care for the horses in a safe, protected area.”

Professor Munz is grateful to the donors. “We are so

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Professor Coco is a former Warner Bros. recording artist who has opened concerts for B.B. King and Keb Mo. His recent releases include “River Town: The Little Universe,” 13 original songs picturing life on the Delaware River canal, and “Living Chain.”

Kerlin Civil ’08/10, Patricia Mahaffey ’76, Michael Iris ’07, Isabelle Espinosa ’09, Angela Rodriquez Moore ’90 and Douglas Moore at the BRAG 2012 Holiday Celebration at Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine, New York, N.Y. Learn more about BRAG on its website, www.bragusa.org.

CENTENARIANS SERVE New Jersey College Goal Sunday FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the first step in the financial aid process for postsecondary education, is overwhelming for many students and families. Centenary College made the task less daunting for a group of applicants when it participated in the New Jersey College Goal Sunday on February 24, 2013. Presented by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and the New Jersey Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NJAFAA). Centenary was among 10 colleges and universities that provide professional assistance to New Jersey families at the annual event.

In addition to one-on-one instruction on how to complete and submit the electronic FAFSA, Director of Financial Aid Evelynne Blatt and the entire Centenary Financial Aid Office supplied information about financial aid resources, answered questions and helped the attendees take an important step forward toward higher education.

Santiago, Talent Acquisition Manager at Enterprise RentA-Car. “The work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and creativity the students display is quite impressive.”

Enactus is an international nonprofit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. The organization changed its name from SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) to Enactus in 2012 to affirm its longstanding commitment to using entrepreneurial action as a catalyst for progress.

The Centenary chapter has achieved national recognition for its performance in competition and innovative service programs that impact people’s lives at home and abroad.

Funding Hope

Service on a Global Scale

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to the Centenary College chapter of Enactus to help underwrite two service projects: the Guapi Hope Leaf Project, which helps artisans in Colombia create a profitable, sustainable business, and the Next Step project, which mentors Newark youth about academic options after high school.

Global Studies majors at Centenary are expected to do more than study world issues. With the launch of the Global Humanitarian Project, students in this academic discipline are also performing service on an international scale in order to graduate.

“I was very impressed with the good work that Centenary’s Enactus Chapter has done,” said Jennifer

Jennifer Santiago (left), Talent Acquisition Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, presenting the donation to Kathleen Naasz, Associate Professor of Business and director of the Centenary Enactus chapter.

Service Week Begins January 21, 2013, marked the start of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Week at Centenary. Firstyear students participated in Community Plunge and returning students took time to create messages of hope to the Sandy Hook Elementary School community (above).

Throughout the week, Centenarians collected essential supplies that were distributed to Project Dental Africa and Superstorm Sandy Relief for Circle K International, a project leadership program through the Kiwanis Club.

In March, Jibril Odom ’15 and Kate Rumfield ’15, accompanied

by Adjunct Professor Anjana Desai, became the first Centenarians to participate in the new program. The threesome traveled to Costa Rica to work with the Nashville-based charity Soles4Souls, which collects shoes for those in need.

While helping distribute shoes, the Centenary students were also immersed in the local culture.

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Green Through and Through

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Sustainability at Centenary runs through the culture and across the campus.

From a thriving Community Garden to solar panels that produce electricity and cut energy costs, Centenary is doing more than just working toward a sustainable future. Green initiatives and practices already run through the College’s culture and across the campus.

Community Garden Sows Seeds of Awareness The Centenary College Community Garden’s mission came to fruition last summer, quite literally, when it donated a yield of fresh, sustainably grown vegetables to the Lord’s Pantry, a food distribution ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Hackettstown.

Dr. Krassi Lazarova, Assistant Professor of Physics, manages the garden initiative. She said that the 25 x 25-foot plot behind Anderson Hall was first conceived in 2009 after a faculty proposal garnered a $3,000 grant. However, the grant didn’t cover the cost of fencing. So almost a year passed until a fence was installed and a nearby farm donated soil, and with student and faculty manpower, the first crop was put in the ground in 2010.

“The first year we got plenty of cukes, but not much else,” lamented Dr. Lazarova, “Other crops disappeared within 24 hours. We needed a rabbit defense.“ Volunteers installed chicken wire, so the second year’s crop was much more diverse.

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Earth Day 2013 Among many planned events for the annual celebration, the Centenary College Omega Rho chapter of the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society held a regional Earth Day Science Fair for kindergarten through 8th grade students on April 27. The student-run Evergreen Group also conducted fun, educational projects to mark the day.

The third year was a jackpot. “We’ve built on experience. We were able to donate more than 50 pounds of crop, including zucchini, peppers and cherry tomatoes,” said Dr. Lazarova.

Gardening is quite a learning experience for students. “Weeding is the hardest part, because we grow using organic principles. But the taste is completely different. People at the Food Pantry request our food specifically. They say, ‘I want that, it smells great,’” Dr. Lazarova explained.

Dr. Lazarova shares her true passion for education and the environment with the students in the Evergreen Group, under whose umbrella the Community Garden falls. The Evergreen students are on a mission to establish Centenary as a positive

The Evergreen Group activities for Earth Day included containers with sand, water and seashells to teach kids about marine life.

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FEATURE STORY Focus on Sustainability Grant Centenary College will be able to plan for a greener, more sustainable future with the help of a $5,000 grant awarded by the Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) in 2012.

The ICFNJ-administered “Focus on Sustainability” Program gives grants to independent colleges and universities in the State that are committed to best-practice energy policies and inculcating sustainability into the institutional culture. As part of the grant, Centenary has created a Sustainability Team made up of administrators, faculty and students Jessica Milstrey ’15 and Emily Borzner ’15, who are also co-presidents of the Evergreen Group.

“Weeding is the hardest part, because we grow using organic principles. But the taste is completely different. People at the Food Pantry request our food specifically. They say, ‘I want that, it smells great!’”

Dr. Krassi Lazavora, Assistant Professor of Physics and faculty advisor for the Evergreen Group

example for other schools and the state, through promoting awareness and education about environmental issues.

“This has always been my passion,” said Evergreen co-President Jessica Milstrey ’15. In addition to working on the Community Garden, the Evergreen Group is engaged in discussions with the College to create new ideas for sustainability on campus. They are working to purchase new trash recycling bins and to encourage recycling of clothing. “October was ‘recycle your old bra’ month. We thought, ‘maybe we can collect other things, too,’” said Milstrey.

“The Evergreens are very enthusiastic. They have great ideas,” said Dr. Lazarova. For instance, Sherice Browne ’15, a Graphic Design major, would like to make the design community greener by identifying ways to reduce paper consumption.

In the meantime, the 2013 Community Garden will be planted at the end of April, weather permitting.

“If you come to my office now, you’ll see seedlings on the window sills,” said Dr. Lazarova. “It’s an incredible experience to follow the process from start to end.”

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The committee is also reviewing energy efficient equipment for purchase by the College. The student body will help assess the effectiveness of these devices. A utility analysis has begun as part of a campus-wide energy audit that will be completed by the end of the summer.

The ultimate goal is to improve environmental performance, further reduce energy costs and create greater campus awareness about environmental issues and responsibilities.

New recycling bins and signage are also in the works — and with this comes student education.

Professor of Biology Dr. Lauren Bergey said that one of the goals of the committee is to make students aware of what’s already being done. “I don’t know how the rumor gets started, but every year people think we don’t recycle,” she said. “Or they don’t make it to the Equine Center to see the solar panels. We are putting together information to show the students what we are doing.”

The Evergreen Group has created a slide show that highlights the club’s activities, which it uses to recruit freshmen.

Environmental Science Center A new Environmental Science Center (ESC) is taking shape in a building owned by the Charles O. Hayford State Fish Hatchery in Hackettstown.

The hatchery, under the auspices of the New

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Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, is responsible for the production of 15 species of cool and warm water fish for distribution throughout the State.

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As part of the lease deal, Centenary students will offer educational tours of the facility. “They want to offer tours for Cub Scouts and schools. But they don’t have the personnel.” Dr. Bergey explained.

Having Centenary students active at the hatchery will be good “P.R.” for fish and wildlife, conservation and natural resources. Five students in Dr. Bergey’s Field Studies in Green Initiatives class are already at work putting together a manual for tour leaders.

The students can give tours as part of their coursework, as work-study students or simply as volunteers. “We’ve already recruited students, from Education to History majors,” Dr. Bergey added.

The 2,800-square-foot ESC building will house a wet lab, classroom and offices. “This is going to be where we hold what I call the ‘wet and dirty’ classes,” said Dr. Bergey. Students in the popular new Environmental Science major will find

themselves at home at the ESC, a short walk from campus, just behind the facilities building.

Dr. Bergey said that having laboratory space at the hatchery location may increase opportunities for students to receive research grants. The first research “tenants” will be Dr. Bergey, who studies marine biology and environmental issues, and Dr. Joseph Bucci, Assistant Professor of Biology, who studies parasite transmission.

Positive Energy Centenary is now powering some campus facilities with clean energy, cutting electricity costs and reducing the College’s carbon footprint, thanks to the recent installation of a solar photovoltaic system and an innovative partnership with the energy company Dynamic Solar.

Last summer, 1,400 solar panels were installed on three campus rooftops: the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center, the David and Carol Lackland Center and the U.S. Equestrian Team Arena in Long Valley, N.J., at no upfront cost to the College. The panels convert sunlight into electricity, which goes into the electrical grid.

Through an agreement with Dynamic Solar, electricity is sold back to Centenary at a discounted rate.

College officials estimate the system will produce 335,000 KWH and save between $30,000 and $40,000 each year. Associate Vice President of Operations Todd Miller said the exact savings are still preliminary. “The system was turned on just before daylight saving time, so we have had some short days,” he explained. “We will have a better feel on system performance once we get through the spring and summer months.”

For now, Miller anticipates that the solar panels at the Centenary

Centenary students will share their enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation as they give tours of the fish hatchery.

Equine Center will produce most of the power needed for that facility.

The two systems installed on the main campus in Hackettstown are expected to generate 12 percent of the College’s energy consumption. The project is a significant milestone in Centenary’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt best-practice energy policies. “It shows people that we are serious about sustainability and that we are open to newer technologies,” Miller said.

A kiosk located in the lobby of the Lackland Center showcases the amount of clean energy produced by the system and the environmental benefits that ensue.

Ridgeley Hutchinson, Vice Chairman, N.J. Educational Facilities Authority; Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, President of Centenary College; Roger B. Jacobs, Esq., Chairman, N.J. Educational Facilities Authority and Roger Anderson, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Centenary College, unveiled the solar monitor in the Lackland Center.

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ADVANCING CENTENARY

Athletic Turf Field Challenge Scores! $1 Million GOAL

GOAL!

$900,000 $800,000

Thank You!

$700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000

A major milestone was reached by Cyclone Athletics. Thanks to a generous challenge grant from The Reeves Foundation and the support of loyal Centenarians, the Athletic Turf Field Project has reached its $1 million goal.

A component of The Cyclone Athletic Fund, the project will construct a new artificial turf field and provide amenities for the Men’s and Women’s Soccer and Lacrosse teams.

The enhanced facilities will also improve recreational opportunities for the College community and help Centenary Athletics reach new levels in competition.

The College announced the challenge grant in early 2012. The Reeves Foundation will donate $333,000 over a four-year period, now that the Centenary community has raised $667,000 for the Athletic Turf

$100,000

Field Project. Senior Vice President for College Relations Diane Finnan pointed out the impact improving facilities has on building athletic programs at Centenary.

“Cyclone Wrestling just captured the NCAA Division III East Region Championship, which is a huge step forward for athletics and the College,” she explained. “That was fueled, in part, by having better facilities that support the program. Getting the Athletic Turf Field Project done tells our studentathletes and coaches that we are behind them and supports continued and future success.”

To contribute to The Cyclone Athletic Fund, call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2336, or e-mail knaaps@centenarycollege.edu.

Endowed Scholarships Alumni, parents and friends of Centenary College often choose to donate to Endowed Scholarships that help students defray the cost of their education. Endowed Scholarships may be established to honor the donor or memorialize a loved one, friend or classmate, and can be targeted to specific programs or types of students. This way of giving extends the impact of a donation into the future. Following are examples of Endowed Scholarships.

Arden Davis Melick ’60 and Bernice Spies Davis ’31 Scholarship — For talented students, preferably with interests in the arts as well as solid academic achievement. Created by Centenary College Chairman of the Board of Trustees Arden Davis Melick ’60/01 HA in honor of her mother, a member of one of the first graduating classes of Centenary Junior College.

Grace Harris Scholarship — Created to support the Traditional Freshman Merit Scholarship. The scholarship provides annual aid beginning in a student’s first year at Centenary. See inside front cover for more about Grace Harris Smith and her family’s involvement with Centenary.

James Gregory Smith Memorial Scholarship — Provides 10 The Centenarian

aid to business students with need and at least a “B” average.

This scholarship was established in memory of Centenary College President Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite’s brother, who was in the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Lackland Centenary Award — For transfer students from Raritan Valley Community College. Established by Carol Burgess Lackland ’54/10 HA and David A. Lackland ’10 HA to encourage students to attend Centenary College.

The Harry Strickhausen Endowed Memorial Scholarship — Established to commemorate the life and service of Dr. Strickhausen, a beloved professor and published poet. The recipient(s) and the award amount are determined by the faculty of the English Department.

There are many other endowed scholarships, including the President’s Circle Scholarship Fund and the Alumni Association Executive Board/Diane “DD” Silcocks ’54 Scholarship Fund.

To make a gift to an Endowed Scholarship, or for more information, contact (908) 852-1400, ext. 2379.

Celebrating a Milestone by Helping a Fellow Centenarian Cynthia Rowan, Ed.D., ’75/77 had something to celebrate. So when the Centenary alumna was awarded a Doctorate in Education by Seton Hall University last May, she sought a way to commemorate a journey that had taken more than two decades. “I really wanted to give back to Centenary, and to mark this endeavor that I pursued and finished,” Dr. Rowan explained.

She chose to make a $1,000 gift to the College.

“I thought it would be great if I could tie the contribution back to my roots in Phillipsburg, N.J.” When Dr. Rowan reached out to the College, she learned that Kimberly Kopesky ’15, another Phillipsburg High School graduate, wanted to study in Ireland. “I would be able to help further her dream,” she said.

By her own admission, Dr. Rowan wasn’t particularly studious in high school. A guidance counselor went so far as to advise her not to waste her father’s money by going to college. She recalled that admonition in her speech at the ceremony where she was awarded her doctorate. “Centenary is where I found myself in a lot of respects, which provided me with an interest in lifelong learning,” she said.

That interest would prove critical, for it was the basis of a successful 30-year career as a higher education administrator and, since 1992, owner and president of Performance Management Solutions, Inc., a firm that provides consulting services and leadership training to the financial services industry.

“I was at Centenary during a transition time,” Dr. Rowan said. “I was among the first group to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. I received my associate’s degree in 1975, then decided to stay two more years.”

After completing a Master of Arts in Higher Education from Seton Hall in 1980, she returned to Centenary for four more years, this time filling two key administrative positions: dean of admissions and vice president of student services. Her dream of

Cynthia Rowan, Ed.D., ’75/77 and Kimberly Kopesky ’15 and her mother, Dorene Kopesky.

earning a doctorate however, was put on hold when Performance Management Solutions took off.

Dr. Rowan said it is an honor to share her good fortune with a Centenary student. With the scholarship, Kopesky enrolled at the University of Ulster in Ireland for the spring semester. Her course load includes classes in Irish history, Victorian politics and computer engineering, and she is taking advantage of numerous opportunities to travel and explore. “The culture around Northern Ireland and Ireland is so fascinating the deeper you explore,” she said.

“I really wanted to give back to Centenary, and to mark this endeavor that I pursued and finished.”

Cynthia Rowan, Ed.D., ’75/77

Kopesky sends this message of thanks to her benefactor: “She is an amazing person for offering her help to a student. I hope she knows she gives more than money. Cindy gave me hope.”

Dr. Rowan hopes her gift plants the seed of an idea in the minds of other alumni, and that they, too, will make special contributions as a way of marking events in their own lives. “This is a wonderful way to reconnect with the College,” Dr. Rowan said. “With giving, sometimes I feel I get more than what other people get, knowing that I am helping somebody.”

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CYCLONES UPDATE

We are Centenary, Hear us Roar Cyclone Wrestling is NCAA East Region Champions major obstacles this year and are looking forward to having the entire team healthy to be able to showcase what Centenary College Wrestling is all about.”

The No. 6 seed Cyclones entered the NCAA East Region tournament at full strength on March 2, 2013 and toppled the 17-team field with a total of 109.5 points to capture the 2013 championship. Two-time All-American captains Chris Burdge ’14 and J.D. Zitone ’13 (also ranked No. 2 in the their respective weight classes) led the way with two first place victories. Three third-place finishes, by Zach Huxford ’15 and the nationally ranked Owen Vernon ’13 and Cory C. Vernon ’14, helped push the Cyclones to the top. The five wrestlers represented the Cyclones at the 2013 Division III NCAA Wrestling Championships on March 15-16 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The team came in sixth overall.

The Cyclone Wrestling team, after it captured the NCAA East Region Championship. The team boasted five nationally ranked wrestlers: Chris Burge ’14, J.D. Zitone ’13, Kevin Dufresne ’13, Owen Vernon ’13 and Cory C. Vernon ’14.

There was no stopping Cyclone Wresting in the 2012–2013 season. Opponent after opponent was outmatched as the determined squad wrestled nine of the top 20 teams and racked up an 11–3 record during the regular season and reached its highest national ranking in program history, No. 3.

Yet the team had its eye on a bigger prize: the NCAA Division III East Region Tournament and the program’s first national title. “Our guys have prepared for this all year long,” said Head Coach John Garriques, as the squad readied for the national tournament in Gettysburg, Pa. “We’ve overcome some

The championship season of Cyclone Wrestling will also be remembered for a post-match ritual inspired by the memory of the late Professor Emeritus Robert T. Quade ’96 HA, founder of Centenary Wrestling and the program’s greatest advocate. After every match won in 2012-2013, the team gave a big roar in Professor Quade’s honor. The NCAA East

2013 NCAA ALL-AMERICANS Chris Burdge J.D. Zitone Owen Vernon

Freezin’ for a Reason Cold temperatures and frigid water did not stop members of the Women’s Soccer and Softball teams from participating in the fifth annual Eastern Polar Plunge on February 23, 2013, to support the Special Olympics. The Cyclone teams joined other member schools in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) at the event held at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, Pa. Student-athletes and representatives from Centenary and the CSAC teams raised $3,652 for the Special Olympics. The Pennsylvania Special Olympics, an official partner of the NCAA Division III, hosted the event.

12 The Centenarian

Woman of the Year Volleyball setter Jelena Markovic ’13 was CSAC Rookie of the Year in 2009, finished first in the nation for two consecutive years for aces per set and became Centenary’s all-time assist leader with 2,093 assists in 2012. On January 27, 2013, the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW) named Marcovic a Woman of the Year recipient.

Region Wrestling Championship on March 3 was no exception.

If you would like to make a gift to an Endowed Scholarship in honor of Professor Quade, call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2379.

Top Scholars Honored Centenary student-athletes continue to demonstrate that excellence in the classroom is as much a priority as success on the field or court. On February 15, 2013, the College honored 30 Cyclones from 12 teams for their outstanding academic record at the annual Athletic Academic Luncheon.

The student-athletes honored were all upperclassmen with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Taking Their Place in Cyclone History It was a tough season for Women’s Basketball, which finished 8–17 overall. While the team says goodbye to four graduating seniors, two names will live on in the Cyclone record books: Danielle Trucksess ’13 sank 20 threepointers this season and finished sixth in Centenary history with 83 three-point shots.

A record-setting seven blocks in a game against Rosemont on November 29, 2012, also moved the Cyclone forward up to sixth all-time, with a total of 31 blocks. Heather Russell ’13 led Women’s Basketball with a .487 shooting percentage this season, and ended in second place all-time with a career shooting percentage of .448.

Raising a Glass to the Cyclones More than 50 Cyclone fans turned out for an Irish Beer Tasting at the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center on March 15, 2013, to benefit the Cyclone Athletic Fund. In additional to sampling a variety of Irish beers, Cyclone supporters participated in a silent auction, 50/50 drawing and enjoyed entertainment by Seamus Kennedy.

The event raised nearly $6,000 for the Cyclone Athletic Fund and the proceeds will be used for the Athletic Turf Field Project, an essential facility improvement that will take Cyclone Athletics to the next level.

New Basketball Head Coach and Players Makes their Mark In his first season at Centenary, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Brendan Twomey has made his mark: the Cyclones finished the 2012–2013 season 13–13 overall and returned to the CSAC Tournament for the first time in three years.

Players also earned distinction. The CSAC named Andy Charles ’14 Second Team All-

Conference; the forward recorded 10 doubledoubles during the season, including three consecutive games with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. Guard Djovan Beausejour ’15 was named to the CSAC All-Sportsmanship Team.

The playoff run for the Cyclones ended in the first round of the CSAC Tournament with a 94–69 defeat by Keystone College.

Men’s Basketball coach Brendan Twomey huddles with the team.

The Centenarian 13

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CLASS NEWS AND NOTES

SAVE THE DATE October 11-13, 2013

CENTENARY 1.

FAMILY & ALUMNI WEEKEND

How to Submit Class News and Notes The next Class News and Notes deadline is May 31, 2013. News and information can be submitted directly to the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@centenarycollege.edu.

1939 Carol Olsen-Voorhees 40 Sergeantsville Road Flemington, NJ 08822-1584 (908) 782-5373 corkyjo@netzero.net

1942 Edith Bolte Kutz 4561 Oak Tree Court Delray Beach, FL 33445 (561) 498-4388 ediekutz@aol.com

1943 70TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Georgine Hill Mendillo 222 Harbour Drive #212 Naples, FL 34103-4071 (239) 649-4708

14 The Centenarian

1944

1945

Virginia George Hook 553 Rosemont Ringoes Road PO Box 93 Sergeantsville, NJ 08557-0093 (609) 397-0553

Barbara Wheatley Murray 89 Kensington Road Bronxville, NY 10708-1406 (914) 337-2134

Ginny George Hook writes: Homecoming & Alumni Weekend 2012 was a very exciting weekend to be with Pat White Davidson and her daughter, Cindy, when Pat donated two of her beautiful paintings to Centenary College. I was thrilled to be able to show off Centenary and have Pat meet all who work so hard for our alumni, plus our fabulous President of the College, Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite.

I would like to know if anyone would be interested in helping me with our column, maybe someone who has a computer so more of our classmates can send their news in by e-mail. Thanks, ladies!

Pat White Davidson writes: The weekend of October 12 and 13 at Centenary College was fantastic. It was thrilling to be honored by the College, Dr. Lewthwaite and members of the Career Center, where two of my recent paintings were permanently installed. I was especially happy that my roommate of 1944 was able to attend. Ginny Hook has been very active at Centenary and knows about all the changes and new additions that have been made. She escorted me around the campus and I was astounded at the new buildings and expansion since I was last there in 1947.

I truly enjoyed my visit with Ginny and happy that my daughter could be with me. Meeting the lovely President, Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, was a delight. Also, the Director of Alumni Relations and her staff were absolutely wonderful. Thank you all.

Barbara Wheatley Murray writes: “We are fortunate that despite the passage of 67 years, one-third of our class remains active. I had a fine talk with Virginia Kulp Saylor, who has moved into a new lovely apartment.

She has endured two strokes and the loss of her beloved twin, Ruth Kulp Keiser, but she sounds strong and perky. She is enjoying a great-granddaughter, Virginia, who was named for her, and is planning a reunion with her Centenary roommate, Carolyn Wheeler Deakins, who has just moved into an assisted living facility. Carolyn is very proud of a granddaughter who just graduated from medical school. After 65 years of hearing nothing of Clare Goldberg Cole, her devoted son, Bob, contacted Centenary to report that Clare passed away. I was delighted to learn that Clare still played a mean game of bridge and dressed beautifully.

I can still see Clare in her lovely leopardtrimmed coat and stunning jewelry, 68 years ago, headed for a date in New York City. My roommate, Phoebe Parry-Jones Tyler, twice widowed, lives alone in a townhouse in Plymouth, England, with her cat, George.

She would love to hear from her classmates.

Please contact me with any news. Do have a great holiday and a healthy 2013.�

1946 Dorothy Latchford Lota 418 Boxcar Way Valrico, FL 33594-6812 (813) 661-5032

CLASS OF ’63: What Class of ’62 Centenarians had to say about their 50th Reunion: “It was first class, fabulous fun in every way...Years melted away and we all became Centenary College girls once again.”

— Susan Gould Weber “A note to the Class of ’63: Mark you calendars. It was an event you should not miss!”

— Judi Braddock Andrews

Read more about the Class of 1962 reunion on pages 18-19.

in Pottersville, N.J. They enjoyed a delightful visit with lunch at the Lackland Center at Centenary in 2011. A phone call with Lois Rossy Knechel was fun. Lois and her husband, who ran the Ford Dealership in Hackettstown, keep busy in retirement surrounded by family, which includes two children, a number of grandchildren and a second great-grandchild on the way. Sadly, the Knechels lost a 34-year-old daughter from cancer. In her memory they have established the Joan Knechel Cancer Center at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center.

Carolyn Alexander Russek, who remains in her home in Mechanicsburg, Pa., lost her husband a year ago. Her life centers around her family, which includes a son in California, a daughter in Delaware, a grandson who is a professor, another a radio sports announcer and one still in high school, as well as a granddaughter who will be married in July.

As for myself, I continue happily living in my home, although I must admit, even with help keeping up with the outdoor work, it is becoming a bit tedious. With my two daughters, both Centenary graduates, living nearby, we are all preparing for the wedding on June 1 of grandson, Gregory, who is an architect in Bridgewater, N.J.”

1948 65TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

1947 Helen Eckhardt Sheehy P.O. Box 987 Amagansett, NY 11930-0987 (631) 267-8984 heckhardt62@optonline.net Helen Eckhardt Sheehy writes: “I cannot believe our 65th reunion has come and gone.

It seems like only yesterday we were running around the campus in our pleated skirts in, may I say, a much gentler world. Barbara Martin Brodeur, whose daughter lives in Hackettstown, and Ginny Bahr represented our class at the reunion. Ginny still lives in her childhood home and commutes to her full-time job at J. Walter Thompson in New York. A Christmas card from Mary Ellen Welburn Collins brought the unhappy news that Glenn Saxe Wheeler passed away in January 2012. I was surprised to receive a card from Mary Fisher Rossell informing me she moved into an apartment in an assisted living facility in Pompton Plains, N.J. She added that she has kept her house in Park Ridge — just in case — and will continue to spend summers at her home on the Cape. I was pleased to receive a letter from Rosemary Janes MacQueen, who still shares an active life with her husband

Naoma Muller Morgenstein 12100 Old Bridge Road Bethesda, MD 20852-4434 (301) 230-0145 naomaquilts@gmail.com Naoma Muller Morgenstein writes: “It was so nice to hear from two of our classmates. Pauline Perrone Meli wrote that she is well and still working at the local Talbots store in Traverse City, Mich. Her husband passed away several years ago and it is a joy to have her son, a CPA, and her daughter, a nurse, nearby. Joan Cascio Griswold is in the midst of winterizing her home for the last time. Joan said she never looks forward to winter, but this year her daughter is coming from Tokyo to visit her for Christmas. Joan speaks with Barbara Johnson Zyla nearly every day and she is healthy and fit, with a good diet and exercise plan.

It has been an interesting year for me here in North Bethesda, Md. ... been kept busy quilting and meeting new people at my three quilting groups. Our daughter, Jill ’80, has been busy with research work. Her husband, a senior editor of Science, is currently in Japan meeting with the Board and later visiting various universities. He hopes to meet with two of our Japanese exchange students who lived with Marv and I, back in 1974 and 1980–1981. Both are married and have grandchildren now. Sadly, I learned that

Marilyn Rudiger Bongard passed away suddenly last spring from pancreatic cancer.

We had gotten together over the years and it was always fun to be with her. We always laughed about the happenings while we were both working in the ‘Pinafore Brigade.’ Happy memories... Please do jot off a note to me when you get a chance. We always like to hear from our classmates, how you are and what you may be doing. Keep in touch!”

1949 Florence Austermuhl Larson 5925 Poppy St. La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 469-7385 Rob.Larson@gcccd.edu Florence Austermuhl Larson writes: “I had a fall in May, broke my ankle bone, was in a cast for two months, and am glad to be back walking daily with my husband. Evie Dries Mathews’ husband had a knee replacement in September. Evie takes piano lessons and belongs to a book club. They are planning to move to a retirement home in Livermore, Calif.

Debbie Ettinger Moss and her husband volunteer at hospitals, go to a lot of fairs, and play bridge. They have a toy Papillon dog named Sweetie. Audrey Henn Nawoschik had physical therapy on her back and is glad her son, Ken, lives with her and helps around the house. Her other son, Stan, lives in Lavallette, N.J. Doris Little Osterhoudt says ‘hi’ to classmates from her retirement home in West Milford, N.J.”

1950 Ann Messenger-Viau 260 Chatham Road Harwich, MA 02645-3365 (508) 432-1049

1951 Eleanor Decker McNaugher 504 Laurel Oak Drive Valencia, PA 16059-8781 (724) 625-4299 edmjrm@consolidated.net

1952 Joan Thornton Teller 712 Willow Valley Lakes Drive Willow Street, PA 17584 (717) 464-6954 Jtrtteller@aol.com Joan Thornton Teller writes: “Rev. George Derner, husband of my roommate, the late Carla Bloecher Derner, passed away suddenly on December 2. I replaced Carla as the 1952 Class Correspondent. My husband, Ray, and I continue to love living at Willow Valley Retirement Community in the Amish country in Pennsylvania. This will be the first time we are not traveling to Florida for the winter. Instead, I have joined the AARP Tax Aide Program and will be ‘going to school’ for a week in January to learn how to prepare taxes on the computer for low income and The Centenarian 15

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CLASS NEWS AND NOTES

The 2013 Scholarship Gala

Save the Date Friday, June 21, 2013 5:30—9:00 p.m.

Scholarship & Community Service A Centenary College Tradition elderly citizens. We did travel over the holidays to northern Massachusetts to spend time with our daughter, Joy, and her family, and to celebrate the arrival of our second great-grandson on December 14. Ray is still playing tennis and other sports, and gardens during the summer months so we enjoy the wonderful fresh vegetables the soil this area provides. We are so happy to be able to continue to enjoy life at this advanced age.”

Lee Louttit Tauck writes: “Five grown kids and 18 ‘grands.’ I travel a lot and love living on Sanibel Island!”

Lee Louttit Tauck ’52 with son, Peter, in Rome, Italy, June 2012

1953 60TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Drusie Fox Jenkins 208 Linden Ponds Way Apt CL 601 Hingham, MA 02043 (781) 740-1769 drusiej@verizon.net

1954 Gwen Kennedy Butz Westin Innisbrook Resort 36750 US Highway 19 North Palm Harbor, FL 34684 (727) 943-3772 jackbutz@aol.com

1955 Ellie Rausch Greene 2411 NE Pinecrest Lakes Blvd.

Jensen Beach, FL 34957-6648 (772) 334-8006 richardcgreene@bellsouth.net 16 The Centenarian

Gold Dome Award Recipients Ellen Baars-Banks ’93 The John & Margaret Post Foundation Orin R. Smith ’91 HA

David and Carol Lackland Center Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840

Ellie Rausch Greene writes: “It is with indescribable sorrow that I must, once again, report the loss of a special classmate, Carol Guerber Messner. Carol was my roommate both years at Centenary. She passed away on October 6, 2012, after suffering a severe heart attack at the home she shared with her husband, Bill, in Venice, Fla. Classmates will remember Carol as the president of the Aquatic Club and the annual synchronized swimming water show. Her caring, good judgment and deep faith will always live on in my heart. Our condolences to Bill, their five children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson.”

As a result of Betsy Riddle Ruderfer’s search to locate classmates in the Octones, Carol Landrey writes; “I was part of the Centenary Glee Club. The whole group was on a European tour back in 1954 singing at various Air Force bases.” Carol is retired after working for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She resides in New York City and is an active volunteer with New York International Center and the Lighthouse International. Janice Reed Meinsen ’54 and Gail Knapp Spell were also members of the Octones. Gail writes: “We sang ‘Bidin’ My Time.’ But, the most memorable part was the Centenary Singers singing ‘Alice in Wonderful’ and especially Nancy Bartsch’s solo.” Gail and her husband, Lang, are hoping to move from Central Florida to St. Petersburg to be closer to family. In addition to their children, they have 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandkiddies, ages 5 months to 5 years.

Nancy Blumoehr Morse moved to East Windsor, N.J. She resides in Meadow Lakes, a continual care place, and her husband is in Meadowside (Alzheimer’s unit). Nancy is enjoying her apartment, in a lovely setting with gardens and lakes. Barbara Hance Blackfan and her husband, Cy, attended his 55th Lafayette reunion. They later traveled to Dana Point, Calif. for a family reunion. Shirl Frey Stevens ’56 had a nice summer in North Carolina. Despite lots of rain, it was cool and she and Ken enjoyed themselves.

Barb, Shirl and Eleanor were Carol Guerber

Messner’s roommates senior year. They, along with Evie Klebe Hepper, are deeply saddened by Carol’s passing. Evie and her husband, Bill, were without power in their home in River Vale, N.J., due to Hurricane Sandy. The couple has a new, adorable grandnephew, Maxwell Larsen. Linda Klebe Larsen ’68 and her husband, Dave, are the proud grandparents. The Heppers returned to Florida in March 2013 and met for an annual luncheon with Eleanor, and her husband, Dick. Eleanor added: “The Heppers had a nice vacation on Long Beach Island before the wrath of Sandy hit. We also pray for all the folks along the Jersey Shore who have suffered such great losses. As for the Greenes, we celebrated Dick’s 80th birthday in March 2012. Our entire delegation flew in for a week from California. Having the family together for all of the festivities was great fun.

Our grandchildren are now scattered from California to Colorado, so it was special having everyone here. Last May, I was pleased to receive an e-mail from Charme Muckley Muller ’64. She is the evening supervisor at one of our favorite places, New England Fish Market & Restaurant in Jensen Beach. Since then Dick and I have introduced ourselves to Charme. She is lovely and, of course, the ‘Centenary family bond’ is there. Charme would love to hear from her roommate Virginia Blakeslee Jackson ’64. Please stay in touch whenever you have a moment.

My best to you, one and all.”

Gail Knapp Spell ’55 and husband Lang

1956 Phyllis Cotter Graf 46 Dennison Road Essex, CT 06426-1351 (860) 767-2328 ggraf2@comcast.net

1957 Alice “Baynes” MacLea Hobbs 2814 Canyon Creek Drive San Angelo, TX 76904-7004 (325) 944-3017 abhobbs75@yahoo.com

1958 55TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

C. Joy Riddell 101 East McNab Road #210 Pompano Beach, FL 33060-9278 (954) 781-9315 joyriddell@gmail.com

1959 Ann Hufnagel Rafferty 249 Long Lane Upper Darby, PA 19082-4020 (610) 352-9516 araffert@adphila.org Thais McAleece Haines 1950 Hovsons Boulevard Toms River, NJ 08753-1519 (732) 255-2772 thaishaines@gmail.com Doll Spach Siegel 10 Hartley Farms Road Morristown, NJ 07960-7045 (973) 236-9669 masiegel1@comcast.net Joan Ross Jones writes: “We spend a lot of time at Key Largo Anglers Club as we go down in late October, come home before Thanksgiving and then again in February, March and part of April. We live on our boat, which is our second home. We left in May for a cruise with Coral Gables Yacht Club from Barcelona to Rome. Before going on the cruise, we spent a week in a farmhouse in France and toured the area every day. I am looking forward to this Thursday, when Gayle Hanna Stauffer arrives and Nan Boudreau Thompson and her sister come for dinner. We had dinner with Nan a few weeks ago and are catching up on time lost.

Gayle will stay with me for three days, so I’m sure we’ll do a lot of catching up also. This year in July we are cruising again on Oceania’s other new ship, Riviera, from Venice to Istanbul. Love to see anyone in the area!”

Gayle Hanna Stauffer writes: “Just read The Centenarian and saw that Gaby Schwarz Haab passed away. She was a neat lady and I have many happy memories of her. I dropped her a line in early spring when I heard she was sick. I was scheduled to visit Xonia Kargl for Fiesta in April but had a sudden appendectomy. I have rescheduled to visit her in December in San Antonio. She is retired from teaching but not retired. Xonia had a huge job last year on the Fiesta Committee, which took all 12 months.

I am traveling to Ft. Lauderdale to see Joan Ross Jones and Nan Thompson. We always have an amazing time together. My 10 grandchildren range in age from 12 to 24, so they keep the spring in my step.

As they would say, ‘you rock my world.’

Hope you and your family are doing well. I always enjoy reading about your adventures.

We can be proud of our class and all the accomplishments, especially Doll Spach Seigel and Lucinda Thomas Embersits, who have given so much back to the College.”

1960 Elizabeth “Betsy” Stanley Thomas 2206 Solmar Drive Silver Spring, MD 20904 (301) 384-8104 BetsyThms@aol.com Gail Sylvester Longstreth 239 Halemaumau Street Honolulu, HI 96821-2055 (808) 373-4490 rlongstreth@hawaii.rr.com Betsy Stanley Thomas writes: “The photo below is of the foursome of ‘roomies’ on 2nd North our senior year. They travel with husbands together nearly every year. These photos were taken in May 2012 when they were at the Grand Canyon and Sedona, Ariz.”

Class of 1960 (L to R): Judy Waters Prochko, Brenda Bailey Carter, Jeanne Ball Maurer, Suzie Wyatt Maurer

Ann Dothard Walters and grandson, Liam

1961 Joyce Fierro Velzy 1253 NW Bentley Circle Apt A Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (772) 873-9008 joyvelz@juno.com Joyce Fierro Velzy writes: “Several classmates wrote to tell me how much they enjoyed reading the Summer 2012 issue of The Centenarian. I told tell them that’s because they send all their news for our column so they’re all Class Correspondents!

Keep your news coming, ladies; you can see how much everyone enjoys reading about you! Ann Yeatman McAbee commented on Suzie Stevens Hamblett’s

Out on Her Own During her 30-year tax career, many an accounting firm benefited from the expertise of Bernice Will ’97 and her deep knowledge of tax law. “I basically got tired of working for other individuals and making them a lot of money,” Will said with a laugh.

So this self-described “tax nerd” decided to hang her own shingle in Hackettstown and opened Tax Assurance, LLC, a Liberty Tax franchise.

Located at 150 Mountain Avenue, the tax preparation and consultancy firm opened in January just as tax season was getting under way, but Will has no complaints. Instead, she has her eye on expansion, with plans to open another Liberty Tax franchise in Flanders next year, and she is scouting locations for a third storefront in Piscataway.

This Centenarian has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. Will was working part-time in the tax field when she decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Centenary. She worked, raised a family and completed a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Following graduation, Will landed a better position with an accounting firm, and, a few years later, returned to school and earned a master’s degree in Taxation from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She also became an Enrolled Agent, and licensed to practice before the IRS. Will said her Centenary experience “gave me the overall preparation. My tax professors were fantastic and the courses were really interesting.

It was so much more than just looking at forms.

The experience taught me how to research a tax situation through regulations and the tax code. It was due to those classes that I decided to become an expert in tax preparation and tax law.”

For Will, community involvement is also a big part of the business. Liberty Tax franchises often partner with community organizations, and Will’s firm has provided free tax return preparation to teachers and administrators in the Hackettstown public school district and is expanding the offer to the municipality’s police officers and fire fighters. “It’s all part of our giving back,” she said.

As a business owner in Hackettstown, Will has also connected with the College. Prior to the opening of Liberty Tax, Will met with Director of Career Services Michael Iris ’07 about her staffing needs. She currently employs two Centenary students, Robert Calabrese ’13 and Daniel Calabrese ’16, who turn heads when they wear Statue of Liberty outfits as part of Liberty Tax’s guerilla marketing campaign.

“It’s a lot of work,” Will said. “We have good people here. We work hard but we have a lot of fun.”

The Centenarian 17

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CLASS NEWS AND NOTES disappointment in losing touch with Sharon Scott Higdon (her roommate at Centenary) because she has tried to find Sharon, as well as Karen McElroy Jacobson and Barbie Barkwill Larson. Ann and her husband moved from Pawleys Island, S.C., to New Holland, Pa., two years ago.”

Doris Nicholson Clar writes: “After we had such a wonderful time at our 50th Reunion, Lois Arvidson Sack and husband, Ben, sent an invitation to their 50th wedding anniversary held on June 22, 2012, another occasion for some Centenary gals to get together in Conshohocken, Pa.”

Ann writes: “We live in Garden Spot Village (my daughter refers to it as a ‘resort’). It is a Christ-centered community and we live in what they call a carriage house on the farthest corner of the property. We can see the kids get on the school bus, watch the horse-and-buggies go by and look across the fields of corn. Although I didn’t want to leave Pawleys Island and the year-round golf, the pluses are that we are only a little over an hour from our daughter and family in Bear, Del., and much closer to our son and family in New Hampshire. I have had some outpatient surgeries in the past six months and am now healing from the replacement of a thumb joint.

Glad that is all behind me! God has been very good to us; we are both in considerable good health.” Ann would love to hear from any classmates who might be near Lancaster, Pa.

“This may have set off the longest chain of e-mails ever!” writes Joyce Fiero Velzy.

“Several of us had been bridesmaids in Lois and Ben’s wedding. If my recollection serves me, Carolee Clark Norton made the pronouncement that we should all wear fascinators to the event, small hats (a la British ladies wear). Many more e-mails followed. Joyce Tuttle Richenbach, Lois’ maid of honor, sent pictures of Lois as a bride wearing what may have been the first fascinator, with her veil attached. That sealed the decision that we would all wear fascinators, which we made ourselves, to the anniversary party. The party was a blast!

Congratulations to Lois and Ben on their 50th! As I was putting this column together for The Centenarian, I had an e-mail from Marilyn Parsons Wortman, written as Hurricane Sandy was wreaking havoc on the East Coast! Marilyn, who lives on Martha’s Vineyard, described what was going on as she wrote: ‘I am typing mid-power-outage.

Right now our boathouse door has swung open and is in need of repairs but the tide is overflowing our dock. Our boats are riding high on the waves. Hopefully, tomorrow looks better. Gusts are up to 60 or 70 mph.’

Thanks, Marilyn, for going above and beyond to answer my request for information for our column! My husband, Bob, and I had a lovely, fun dinner with Missy Keely Bell and husband Jim when they stopped on the way to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in October to attend a women’s softball college showcase tournament, where Jim coaches one of the teams. Remember to put me on your list if you change your e-mail address. We’ve lost track of several classmates who have either moved or changed their e-mail address.”

Mary Nash writes: “In this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, my team, Yes Mamm, was quite successful once again, with our total to date at $2,065. An estimated 955 walkers participated in Nashua, N.H., on October 14. We joined forces with another team following the walk for our after-walk brunch. The Yes Mamm team pink jacket was awarded to the team member raising the most pledges and other awards were distributed. After being involved in this campaign for 12 years, I am still amazed at the total effort given by so many in the hope for a cure of this dread disease. Say Yes Mamm! Say Yes to Mammogram!”

Sue Pollock Brown lives in Springvale, Maine. Sue has gone back to work two times a week, three hours each day, caring for a “lovely lady who is 95 and lives in Wells.”

Sandy Holroyd Carboni and her husband, Harry, enjoyed a weekend in October with Carolee Clark Norton and boyfriend Al Emma. From Natalie Weinberg Klein: “I retired from teaching art/photography six years ago. I continued to paint and exhibit throughout my teaching career. My husband, Paul, and I have been married for 47 years and have two children and five wonderful grandchildren.” Natalie’s paintings were on exhibit at Artpost Gallery in South Bend, Ind. Her paintings follow in the tradition of Abstract Expressionism where movement and gesture are central. Nature is her inspiration; landscape, seascape and natural objects are her subject matter, according to the literature from that gallery. Natalie’s work has been exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Sales and Rental Gallery, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, the Midwest Museum of American Art, the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley and the South Bend Museum of Art. Congratulations, Natalie!

18 The Centenarian

Lois Arvidson Sack ’61 wearing a fascinator at her 50th wedding anniversary party.

1962 Judi Braddock Andrews 1635 Swansea Place Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 497-1268 judiand1635@yahoo.com

Judi Braddock Andrews writes: “My dear friend, Bobbi Bidwell Gallagher ’61, talked so highly of her class reunion last year, it has been a must on my calendar for the past year. Judy Colton Christensen, Betsy Zweier Paxton and I drove up from Maryland for the Centenary 50th Reunion, which in itself was an experience. We passed Lehigh and Lafayette, which brought to mind CCW and the mixers and other social weekends when they, like Rutgers and Princeton, were all-male schools. Were we lucky or what? We arrived in Hackettstown rather late Friday so we proceeded to the Seay Building to get directions to the reception. My, how the campus has expanded — a very impressive blending of the old and the new. We were greeted with the warmth reminiscent of the old CCW days and renewed old friendships and discovered new.

The universal comment about the reunion weekend... great fun! Wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Whether we knew each other all those years ago or not, somehow we had this common bond and enjoyed sharing stories, laughs and memories. Thank you, Janet Kipp Tribus and Linda Van Winkle Watkins for all your hard work in putting together a memorable weekend. A note to the Class of ’63: Mark your calendars. It is an event you should not miss! Keep in touch... send your news, Centenary sisters.”

Classmates who attended the 50th Reunion also shared the following: Karen Hartmann Tricoli said: “How wonderful it was to see everyone at the reunion. What a special group we had. I think Janet and Linda did an outstanding job of welcoming us all and having so many events for us. The campus tour was excellent and having President Lewthwaite lead us was so nice. The staff people were just as nice and friendly as when we attended. Of course the food at Centenary was and still is the best.

I also loved all the special gifts — wristlets, Centenary blanket and nightshirt and the Memory Book. I had a wonderful time and know everyone else did, too.”

Judy Blakeslee Hadden attended with her husband, Bruce. She said: “Wonderful to get together....what a fun weekend!” Judy took a picture of four of the “Naughty Nine” from the Van Winkle dorm. From Diny Smith Buchanan: “Loved seeing so many and remembering so many! Met Teddy in New York before she headed back to London. It has been a great trip down memory lane.”

Mary “Teddy” Vredenburgh Botros: “So many years since graduation and so many events of life since then. A real treat to have a weekend together. After reunion saw Lois Montana Kroll in New York, Clara Breuer Callahan in Chicago, then back to the Big Apple to see Diny Smith Buchanan. What a great bunch managed to show up for the reunion — more fun than ever!”

Susan Gould Weber writes: “It is my pleasure to report on our fabulous 50th Reunion, as it was last year’s Class of ‘61 ebullient letters to The Centenarian of their 50th that inspired me and my roomies (Suzie Forbes Howard, Andy Orcutt Colyer, Nancy Fisher Christie and Susan Wisner Gould) NOT TO MISS our 50th. How right they were!!!

It was first class, fabulous fun in every way.

From beginning to end, we were treated like very special guests with events, entertainment, awesome food, lovely mementos and warm and gracious hospitality. Years melted away and we all became Centenary College girls once again, laughing and reminiscing about old times. The campus has undergone many changes, but it was heartening to see that the new has been artfully blended with the old enough to make us feel right at home. Our class had a great turnout and actually received an Alumni Award for the most attendees ever! Of course, we wish more of our classmates had been able to be with us... especially Nancy Fisher Christie, who was scheduled to join us but had to bow out at the last minute...we missed you, ‘Fish!’ To the Alumni Office, staff, the lovely and very impressive President Lewthwaite and our two awesome class co-chairs, Janet Kipp Tribus and Linda Van Winkle Watkins, heartfelt thanks for all your hard work and thoughtful planning to make our experience one we will never forget!

To the Class of ’63, mark your 2013 calendar NOW for an indescribably wonderful reunion weekend. Don’t you dare miss it! P.S. With renewed enthusiasm, our ‘Breakfast Club’ group is already working on plans for a minireunion next year...oh, and by the way, we did a little touch up on ‘Grace’ for all of you who remember her well.”

Sharon Kelly Pate writes: “I received the Memory Book and think it is great. I enjoyed reading it, but found an error in my space. I was describing my experience at Centenary and mentioned living there, on the East Coast.

Instead of East Coast, it said West Coast. I just wanted to clarify that with all my classmates who had read the Memory Book.”

Susan Grant Krause notified the Office of College Relations that her photo was used under Sandie Grant Stahr’s name in the Memoriam section of the Memory Book; the 1962 yearbook contained the same error.

Susan forgot about the mix-up until she saw her photo again and wanted to let everyone know she was alive and well.

1963 50TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Janice Babcock Johnson 312 E. Fiedler Road Maple Glen, PA 19002-2714 (215) 628-3642 jjgolf@comcast.net

1964 Carolyn James Harbourt 661 Hillcrest Boulevard Phillipsburg, NJ 08865-1444 (908) 454-8979 cbharbourt@earthlink.net

1965 Claire Kilpatrick Michlovitz 47 South Curtisville Road Concord, NH 03301-5909 (603) 715-1298 foxpersonone@comcast.net Susan Latham Klein writes: “Some of us from the Class of 1965 got together this past July for a mini-reunion (photo below). Susie Leonard Egan came from San Francisco, Balbi Atherton Brooks came from Hawaii, and Nancy Marshall Barclay came from Philadelphia to the town I now live in, Mammoth Lakes, a resort town in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. We spent five days together catching up on 47 years. It seemed like old times when we were young girls at CCW and we didn’t miss a beat!”

see them and our eight grandchildren.”

Lynn McConachy Peachey writes: “In June, Karen Jennings Laskowski, Linda Rasmussen and I met in Bordeaux, France, mainly for wine tasting. We traveled through France with a few minor mishaps — capsizing our canoe in the Vezere River and then on to Spain. After Barcelona, we visited the Priorat wine region southwest of Barcelona where this photo is taken, Torroja del Priorat! Wine tasting was much more possible and enjoyable here than in France. In fact, in France, it was nearly impossible to taste wine, although I will admit the fois gras was the best I have ever tasted!”

Centenarians in France. L to R: Karen Jennings Laskowski ’67, Linda Rasmussen ’67 and Lynn McConachy Peachey ’67.

1968 45TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Class of 1965 mini-reunion. L to R: Balbi Atherton Brooks, Susie Leonard Egan, Nancy Marshall Barclay and Susan Latham Klein

1966 Judith Loveman Noonan 24 River Glen Road Wellesley, MA 02181-1640 (781) 237-1483 judnoonan@aol.com

1967 Barbara Leighton Faulkner 6761 Pheasants Ridge Hudson, OH 44236-3265 (330) 653-6826 lauraleightondesigns@windstream.net Gethyn Lloyd Soderman writes: “I just received my Centenarian and always look to see if any of our class has written and wish more would keep in touch. I am so curious about my former classmates. I realized I had not touched base either, so I can at least do that. I retired a number of years ago from my job as the crisis therapist at the local mental health facility. My husband, Pete, and I then moved to Central Mexico, where we are happily settled in the little village of Ajijic on Lake Chapala. I am working as a fabric artist in the midst of a thriving art community which keeps my mind and heart quite healthy. Four of our children are living on opposite coasts of the U.S. — two in North Carolina and two in the San Francisco Bay area — and the fifth lives in Hong Kong. Thanks to Skype we can

Linda Klebe Larsen 15214 Brier Creek Drive Haymarket, VA 20169 (703) 753-6462 lklebelarsen@comcast.net Jean Anderson Webb 6559 Jay Miller Drive Falls Church, VA 22041-1134 (703) 354-1725 jwebbelo@gmail.com Jean Anderson Webb writes: “Is anyone in touch with Gigi Spence? An old friend is looking for her. If you know an e-mail address or telephone number, please let either Jean or Linda Klebe Larson know and we will contact her with the friend’s contact information.”

1969 Elizabeth Braun Andreini 68 Lincoln Park San Anselmo, CA 94960 (239) 262-3837 ebandreini@comcast.net Betsy Braun Andreini writes: “I moved back to San Francisco on July 1, 2012, after nine years in Naples, Fla., caring for my parents, and aunt and uncle who are now in heaven. My son, Alan, and his wife, Ronda, live in Sausalito and are now the proud parents of a son, Barrett Hall Andreini, born on October 26, 2012. I am working for Cynthia Nowicki Moore, CFP, who I have known since 1986, in her financial planning business in Mill Valley, Calif. Life is great! Everything works out for me! I am living in beautiful San Anselmo, Calif., in lush Marin County! Thank you, God!” The Centenarian 19

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CLASS NEWS AND NOTES

Centenary College invites you to explore the beauty of Southern Italy

Betsy Braun Andreini ’69 with grandson, Barrett Hall Andreini

1970 Melinda Lord Martin 85 Windsor Road Kensington, CT 06037 (860) 225-0461 melinda1243@comcast.net

1971 Carol Swenson Tanzola 3009 Trout Run Road York, PA 17402-8952 (717) 755-3172 carol@jvtanzola.com

1972

November 1–9, 2013 Sorrento • Naples • Capri Pompeii • Amalfi • Rome

Nine-day tour includes: • Roundtrip airfare • Seven (7) nights accommodation • Luxury motor coach throughout • Professional tour manager • Breakfast daily • Welcome dinner • Five (5) additional dinners • Farewell dinner • Sightseeing per itinerary • Wine & cheese tasting • Air taxes up to $300 • Gratuities to tour manager & Driver

$2,399

(per person/double occupancy)

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations: (908) 852-1400, ext. 2167 20 The Centenarian

Karen Clark Blane 1885 Penshurst Drive Collierville, TN 38017-9107 (901) 854-4779

1973 40TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Gayle Manning Brown 9502 Liberty Tree Lane Vienna, VA 22182-3405 (703) 938-4169 gayle.brown@gmail.com Cynthia Johnson Dodd 704 Burning Tree Circle Salisbury, MD 21801-7002 (410) 543-1483 cdodd53@aol.com

1974 Valerie Coleman Moore 6 Meyer Pl #2 Pompton Plains, NJ 07444-1804 (973) 839-0148 vcolemanmoore@yahoo.com

1975 Carolyn Holt Miksch 11 Windemere Terrace Washington, NJ 07882 (908) 223-7457 sunshinec@comcast.net Sharon Brady Kishpaugh writes: “My former roommate and lifelong friend, Gerri Wood Hermann, came clear across the country to visit this past June. We spent hours catching up and reminiscing about the past.

Gerri currently lives in luxurious Coronado Bay, just outside San Diego, Calif. She and her

husband of 18 years, Bill, reside on a beautiful 40-foot Westsail sailing vessel. It’s a carefree, adventurous lifestyle that many of us can only romanticize about. When anchored, she divides her time keeping up her artistic skills creating store window displays and teaching/mentoring young special ed children. I, on the other hand, have remained rooted in New Jersey, devoting time to my wonderful husband of 35 years, Bill, and our incredible son, Blake. I spent many years working for Seiko Corp., designing layouts of company logos to imprint on watch dials. It was extremely interesting and rewarding. When Gerri and her twin sister, Maureen, came to see me in June, it was a no-brainer to take a trip down memory lane and visit our old stomping ground at Centenary College. We were pleased to find the campus still holds the same beauty and charm we remembered. We were amazed by the addition of a beautiful, brand new theater complex and impressive, modern new dormitories. We were surprised and saddened that the entire first floor of South Hall had been transformed into offices, including our old dorm room at the end of that wing. So many memories were created there in our little ‘apartment.’ (I wonder if Tilly still haunts those hallways.) The pool in Reeves Hall remained unchanged but we were disappointed to learn that they discontinued the synchronized swimming program in which Gerri and I both participated. The art building (Trevorrow Hall) was not open for viewing but Gerri and I remembered spending many hours there. We expressed ourselves through sculpting, drawing and painting, and still do, to this day. Gerri and I have remained friends since our College days.

It truly was a blast from the past going back to see the good old campus. It’s nice to know that even though some things may change, some things still remain the same.”

you and your families during Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. Living through many hurricanes myself in Florida, I know too well what can happen. Besides prayer for my friends, my latest projects include an article on companion animals I wrote for the December 2012 issue of Transformational Magazine, entitled ‘Our Faithful Friends.’ I hope and pray my bridesmaids and friends will be in touch with me soon — that first marriage didn’t last, but my love for them and Centenary always will! I plan on moving in 2013, so please call me soon.

My phone number is (727) 597-2444. With love and light, Martha.”

1976 Debra Ray Botbyl 113 Maybrook Road Campbell Hall, NY 10916 (845) 427-5797 dbotbyl@hotmail.com

1977 Ellyn Minor 47 Aubrey Road Upper Montclair, NJ 07043 (973) 744-7763 ellynminor@gmail.com

1978 35TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Nanci Marks Oakley 2718 Plymouth Drive Easton, PA 18045 (610) 258-3737 njo1313@ptd.net

1979 Susan Van Schelven Fischer 43 Princeton Avenue Midland Park, NJ 07432 (201) 670-6735 fdsrcd@optonline.net

1980 Sharon Brady Kishpaugh ’75 and Gerri Wood Hermann ’75

Martha S. Lyon writes: “Happy 2013! It has been years since I have been in touch with my Centenary friends. I am now permanently disabled from physical injuries sustained from two major car accidents. I now know how blessed I am to be alive! I suffer from acute fibromyalgia and other symptoms, and also have permanent eye damage, so I cannot look at a computer screen. I am also a victim of personal identity theft, and I have never been on the Internet so I do lots of phone calls, health permitting. My life now is very spiritual — I live alone and I am always doing positive prayer work to God on behalf of others and myself for healing, peace and compassion.

Please know that I have been praying for all of

The Story of Centenary College

Miriam Santowasso Cash 1731 Clock Tower Drive West Chester, PA 19380-6473 (610) 692-0103 mimc@verizon.net Miriam Santowasso Cash writes: “Hello and happy New Year to all! Life is busy and hectic but I am sure we all enjoy sitting down for a few minutes, relaxing and catching up on what’s going on in The Centenarian and finding some long lost connections here in the Class News and Notes. I did just that very recently while attending my 35th high school reunion in late September. I am a graduate of Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington, N.J., and a handful of my classmates from HCHS also attended Centenary College for Women and so I had a double reunion of sorts!

It was wonderful to see Julie Kaas Williams and Jennifer Brown Mackenzie, both fellow Sigma Epsilon Phi sisters! Go Sigma Phi!

Centenary’s own Dr. Raymond Frey ’12 HA chronicles the College’s rich history in this must-have book. To purchase a copy, e-mail kulas@centenarycollege.edu or call (908) 852-2400, ext. 2329.

We had a great night celebrating at Copper Hill Country Club and reconnecting with 170 fellow classmates. One is Kim Slaboda, who forwarded some recent news. Kim was named to the ‘Stanford Who’s Who for Educators 2012.’ A big congratulations to Kim — way to go! Educators are so vitally important and recognition is a validation that they are making a difference! If you’d like to learn more, please visit www.stanfordwhoswho.com to read the press release. If you have any information to share, any contacts you would like to make or any questions about locating an old roommate or sorority sister, please e-mail me and I’d be happy to help! I also have many Facebook connections I can share as well. Take care and have a great spring!”

1981 Jennifer Brown MacKenzie 2 Birchwood Court Middlesex, NJ 08846-2073 (732) 469-8808 jamdarlin2@aol.com

1982 Tracy Toole Shikada 9557 Baycliff Court Orlando, FL 32836-5758 (407) 876-8671

1983 30TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Erica Hontz Hoffman 568 South Chiques Road Mannheim, PA 17545 (717) 898-8452 ejhoffman826@gmail.com The Centenarian 21

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CLASS NEWS AND NOTES 1984 Mary Sue Wines Lamb 9 Strathmore Road Freehold, NJ 07728-0061 (732) 294-0061 mswlamb@aol.com Katherine Godlewsky Bill 74 Harmony Station Road Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 (908) 878-7999

1985 Denise Sabasko Ciesla 6 Darby Circle West Mt Holly, NJ 08060-3269 (609) 261-7288 dsciesla@comcast.net

1986 Laura Vitale Gambino 368 North Road Chester, NJ 07930-2327 (908) 797-8402 ruedad3@aol.com

1987 Anne Siebecker 5 Foxhill Lane Ringwood, NJ 07456 (973) 962-6118 amsrose@aol.com Lori Post Kelly 40 Scott Drive Hillsborough, NJ 08844 (908) 281-9103 ltkelly@patmedia.net

1988 25TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

for him. He is looking to go into the Navy after college. He is wicked smart in math and science so, you probably guessed, he’s going to major in engineering. He is my only child so I’m going to have some serious empty nest issues come September. In addition to finding a full-time job, I’ll have to find a part-time job, too.

The cost of college is unbelievably expensive.

Check me out on LinkedIn, http://www. linkedin.com/pub/marylou-schoonover/45/ aa4/683 or on Facebook, http://www. facebook.com/#!/marylou.schoonover.”

1989 Sheila Zelaskowski 545 Vath Street Jackson, NJ 08527-5221 (908) 883-0120 zelaskowski@hotmail.com

1990 Anna Guzzi Camooso 1715 Marconi Road Wall Township, NJ 07719-3919 (732) 280-9072 acamooso@yahoo.com Angela Marie Rodriquez and Douglas Harold Moore were wed on March 10, 2012, in the Whitney Chapel at Centenary College.

The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders, pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, N.J., where the couple are members. The reception was held in the formal dining hall and was catered by Mrs. Linda Gonia, director of Food Services at Centenary. Celebrated baker, Pat Harper, owner of Harper’s Bakery in Hackettstown, prepared the delicious wedding cake. The couple truly appreciates how the Centenary College family worked so hard to make their wedding day a success. Their efforts helped to create memories that will last a lifetime.

22 The Centenarian

Michelle Brennan Abbate 5 Windy Bush Lane Sparta, NJ 07871 mcbrenn@hotmail.com (973) 729-8107 Michelle Brennan Abbate writes: “Hello, everyone! I saw some wonderful pictures on Facebook of some of my old buddies at Alumni Weekend! Everyone looked terrific!

I was sorry that I had to miss it. I especially wanted to see the comedy act. I did take a drive to Centenary a couple of weeks later, just in time to see the last of the fall leaves. The dome was really beautiful in the sunlight. Hope everyone is doing well! Please let me know if you have some news to share.”

1995 Heather Bush Loven 216 Carentan Road Hopatcong, NJ 07843-1801 (973) 398-0691 missmerlot1@yahoo.com

1996 Jennifer Cassini 194 Free Union Road Great Meadows, NJ 07838-2333 (908) 637-8658 cassini@goes.com

1997 Margaret “Peggy” Gibbs Guay 844 Route 28 Apt. 5A South Yarmouth, MA 02664-5264 (508) 398-2505 marbleandtoast@yahoo.com

1998 15TH REUNION

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Position Open Mary-Lou Schoonover writes: “Have we been out of school for 24 years already!

Do I hear someone whispering the words ‘reunion?’ Unfortunately, I don’t have a whole heck of a lot to report. At the moment, I am unemployed. I worked for a computer company in Mt. Arlington for 13 years. I’m hoping to find a job where I can work from home. I moved from Andover to Newton a little over seven years ago. It’s funny to hear everyone talking about their kids and that they are all high school age or older. When did we grow up?

I’m still 29 and have decided I’m staying here.

I’m a single mom and I have a 17-year-old son named Trevor Hartmann. He is a senior at Newton High School. Like many of you, we have been doing the college road trip thing this past year. We looked at 11 schools. I thought we were going to have to replace the car with all the miles we put on it. My son plays football and swims. He’s being recruited for swimming.

He received his ‘academic acceptance’ to The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. I was very happy

1994

Merrilee McMurray 34031 Corktree Road Lake Elsinore, CA 92532-2959 (909) 243-3323 merrilee.m@hotmail.com Angela Rodriquez Moore ’90 and husband, Douglas Moore

1991 Justine Steinfeld-Mahon 918 Old School House Road Newton, NJ 07860 -4012 (908) 874-5046 jm1991cc@yahoo.com

1992 Kristen McKitish 10 Quail Run Hackettstown, NJ 07840 (908) 240-6837 mckitishk@centenarycollege.edu

1999 Laura A. Orbine 132 Tumble Idell Road Frenchtown, NJ 08825 (908) 996-7196 lorbine@hotmail.com

2000 Coleen Trentacosta 215 North 22nd Street Kenilworth, NJ 07033 (908) 276-5613 Yingyang252000@yahoo.com

2001 Julia Kimball 23 Bayberry Lane South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 951-1646 juliak@howardcenter.org

2002 Megan Kriger Ballie 12299 Sullivan St Surrey, BC V4A 3B7 Canada (604) 866-3487 megankriger@yahoo.com Jenelle Woodrup PO 2606 Clifton, NJ 07015 jenellewoodrup@hotmail.com

2010 Michelle Hill 43 Brunswick Ave Lambertville, NJ 08530 (856) 305-2512 MsHill@msn.com Emily Hawley Walker writes: “Josh Walker and I were engaged during graduation on May 15, 2010. I was the Valedictorian and Josh was number 2 in our class: we call it the Welsh Prize winner, but it’s the Salutatorian. I proposed during my speech.

We were married June 30, 2012, at Centenary on the front lawn and the reception was held in the David and Carol Lackland Center.”

2005 Jillian D’Alessio 418 W. Washington St. Slatington, PA 18080-1748 (908) 727-3266 Jillybeans82@yahoo.com

Susan Bowne Costa ’56 2/25/13 Margaret Campbell Currier ’32 8/25/12 Dorothy Reynolds Davidson ’46 12/6/12 Marjorie Axt Day ’60 9/24/12

Lisbeth Nash Liebman ’48 5/3/11 Generose Malara ’85/87 7/23/12 Marion Carlson Marshall ’36 9/7/12 The wedding party of Emily Hawley Walker ’10 and Josh Walker ’10 included many Centenarians.

Pictured with the bride and groom L to R: JJ Mitchell ’12, Jimmy Glenn, John Colucci ’12, Clayton Dobosh ’10, Gianna Sandri ’11, Anna Boelter ’14, Amy Gregonis ’05/09 and Teresa Miley ’12.

2012 Monica E. Brinson 3050 Edwin Ave Unit 1 H Fort Lee, NJ 07024 (201) 394-2420 Monbri201@aol.com

Nancy McCurdy ’65 2/12/13 Carol Guerber Messner ’55 10/6/12 Lois MacLardy Ransom ’46 9/1/12 Lisa Raven ’78 12/21/11 Cynthia Watters Rider ’55 7/30/12 Ellie Cole Ryan ’44 1/1/13 Elizabeth Hamilton Smith ’54 1/10/13 Harris Smith ’99 HA 1/26/13 Jane Stewart Sotter ’65 1/9/13 Gilda Pinedo Tuschmann ’68 11/23/12 Elizabeth Peterson Ward ’46 6/22/12 Glendora Saxe Wheeler ’47 1/24/12 Carol Jillson Wilcox ’52 1/26/13

Alicia Miller 5 Red Maple Road New Egypt, NJ 08533 (609) 758-0664 aamiller9@aol.com

L to R: Alexa Grace and Kylie Suzanne Sneed

Daniel Citarella ’08 1/5/13

Joella Zahrndt Kayes ’53 11/16/12

2006

Melissa Boasci Sneed and her husband, Jason Sneed, are happy to announce the birth of their beautiful twin girls, Alexa Grace and Kylie Suzanne, born at 31 weeks on September 2, 2012. They spent seven weeks in the Morristown Hospital NICU before coming home. They are now happily home and healthy, and are doing very well.

Angela Bongiovi ’06 9/29/12

Ruth Mortensen Houghton Holmes ’37 9/17/12

Hope to see you at Family & Alumni Weekend, Oct. 11-13!

Natasha “Tasha” McMaster PO Box 87 Allamuchy, NJ 07820 chachagirl333@msn.com

Elizabeth Graham Bailey ’37 1/11/13

Tanya Bruder Hessinger ’99 10/4/12

10TH REUNION

2004

Our prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of the following:

June Grauert Finkle ’39 11/29/12

2003

Frances Hoare Licciardiello 935 Anderson Road Port Murray, NJ 07865 (908) 835-0451 presidentfrances@gmail.com

In Memoriam

Irma Salzman Winer ’46 9/21/12

Monica Brinson ’12

Monica E. Brinson writes: “Well, hello everyone! I am excited to be your new 2012 class correspondent! I want to take this time to congratulate each one of you as we worked very hard for our degrees. We did it!

No matter what class you graduated from, when you graduate from Centenary College you are the best, the brightest, and the next future business leaders of America. I am looking forward to highlighting each one of you, so please send me your success stories and exciting happenings. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2013 Family and Alumni Weekend; you don’t want to miss it!”

If you would like to make a gift in their memory, contact the Office of College Relations at (908) 852-1400, ext. 2379.

Corrections: On page 24 of the 2011 Annual Report, Yolanda Sheffield-Williams ’06 was misidentified. On page 10, Joseph Bachman ’14 was spelled incorrectly.

The Centenarian 23

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THE LAST WORD

Totem of the Times How a rectangular piece of Centenary’s past came full circle

It was not as dramatic as discovering the Dead Sea Scrolls or the cave paintings at Lascaux. But the recent appearance of a century-old carved bench has attracted curiosity seekers and recalled a bygone era at Centenary College.

Cornelius Merril Brown “Buster” Class of 1910

Hackensack resident Bob Smith tells it like this: “Around 1912 my grandfather, William Thomas, bought a farm from Centenary College. It was a dairy farm, about a hundred acres. The bench was here when we bought the farm.”

Smith speculates that the bench — a sixfoot timber slab with initials carved into it by Centenary College students from 1904 through 1910 — was once part of the bleachers at the football field (Centenary then had both male students and a football team). But no one knows for sure where it came from.

For many years the plank was put to good use on the farm. “It was used to slide oats from the second story of the wagon house onto a wagon,” said Smith. “The farm had 50 ‘milkers’ at the time. Every day they’d ship the milk out on a train.”

Smith’s father, Dan, eventually became head of facilities at Centenary. He held onto the bench. Then, last year, as Smith and his wife, Peggy, were preparing the family house on Newburgh Road for sale, they came across the bench and decided to return it to its original owners.

“It’s a fascinating find and a part of our history,” said Diane Finnan, Senior Vice President for College Relations.

“We immediately started flipping through old yearbooks and we were able to identify some of the students who etched their initials there.”

Leonard Hall Gerow “Lanky” Class of 1909 24 The Centenarian

“You really wonder who these students were and what their story was,” said Smith. “But one thing’s for sure. They had a sharp knife and a lot of time.”

AAEB PROFILE CENTENARY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Once a Centenarian, Always a Centenarian.

Bryan Watkinson ’07 thought he was going out of his mind during his junior year. On top of classes, serving as a resident assistant, playing Lacrosse and Golf, he was coordinating the first-ever Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort.

“It was the craziest two semesters of my life. I thought we were going to go down with about 15 people.” he said. “We ended up sending about 180 Bryan Watkinson kids. All the logistics — I didn’t think it would be possible.”

’07 today (above)

and as a volunteer The Disaster Relief Project helped put Centenary on the map as a in 2006. leader in community service. “It showed what a bunch of college kids and professors can do together,” he said. More and more Centenary students continue the tradition begun by Bryan and his contemporaries, this year taking part in an Alternative Spring Break service program.

Because of Bryan’s role organizing the relief effort, he was invited to his first Centenary Scholarship Gala. He found he was seated next to Carol Burgess Lackland ’54/10 HA and David Lackland ’10 HA — a surprised student rubbing shoulders with two of Centenary’s most notable philanthropists.

Watkinson continued working on the relief project during his senior year, and then, with the support of his employer, for three years after he graduated in 2007 with a degree in History and Criminal Justice. The Morristown resident now works as a senior risk analyst for the financial services firm Fiserv.

Watkinson joined the Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB) in Fall 2012. He thinks the AAEB’s effort to support the upgrade of the archives at Taylor Memorial Library is vital, and said “It’s important to maintain the history of who we’ve always been.”

At the same time, the Centenarian would like to see the momentum exemplified by projects such as the David and Carol Lackland Center continue. He hopes the College will get more involved with technology and leadership programs.

“We’re known for having 100 cops on campus working towards their certificate in Criminalistics. We should tap some of that knowledge, use them to as mentors for the younger students in Criminal Justice.” he said. As a member of the AAEB, he hopes to help set up such programs. “I felt I’d spent enough time away. The College is taking things in a different direction, and I want to get involved.”

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD Vita Romanelli-Young ’78/80 President Elizabeth “Blake” Downey ’71 1st Vice President Jacqué Banks ’04/06 2nd Vice President Angela Rodriquez Moore ’90 Secretary Erica Hontz Hoffman ’83 Treasurer Chris Linne ’02/04 Nominating Chair

Audrey Hines Bonaparte-Watts ’78 Trustee Josie Muench ’01/07 Past President MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Monique T. Brodie Angie Desai ’07 Marie Scocca-Draghi ’82 Victoria Floriani ’10 Roberta George-Matalon ’83

Ann Manno Greszczak ’75 Jamanda Hightower ’09 Ginny George Hook ’44 Michael Iris ’07 Leah Marie Thorn ’05 Bryan Watkinson ’07 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Sammie Davis ’14 Paige Norman ’14 Courtney Pyatt ’14 Shawnee Smith ’14

Arden Davis Melick ’60/01 HA, Chairman Kenneth L. Hahn, 1st Vice Chairman Norman Worth, 2nd Vice Chairman Christopher Treanor, 3rd Vice Chairman Lucinda Thomas Embersits ’59, Secretary Alan J. Shaw ’11 HA, Treasurer Ellen Banks ’93 Audrey Bonaparte-Watts ’78 The Hon. Dr. Howard L. Burrell Dr. Stanley Caine Tilly-Jo Emerson Rev. Dr. Frank Fowler, III Wolfgang Gstattenbauer ’84 Michael Halpin David W. Johnson Dr. Joann La Perla-Morales The Hon. Michael B. Lavery, Esq. Rochelle Makela-Goodman ’97 The Hon. George D. Muller Raymond Nisivoccia Denis Hennessy O`Rourke M. Alden Siegel Orin R. Smith ’91 HA Timothy L. Smith James D. Stryker Linda Van Winkle Watkins ’62 President Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite Trustees Emeriti Dr. Hae-Jong Kim David A. Lackland ’10 HA Editorial Offices The Centenarian The President’s Report Centenary College 400 Jefferson Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840 As of March 11, 2013

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2155, or domickt@centenarycollege.edu or visit www.centenarycollege.edu/library.