Gwynedd-Mercy College
Fall 2012
2 Faculty Focus | 8 Unearthing Possibilities | 10 Commencement Ceremony
President’s Message
Fall 2012
Just Do It
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ecently, I attended a dinner in Center City Philadelphia where I met Anne Ewers, president and CEO of the Kimmel Center. Over dinner conversation and through some serendipity, I learned that Anne’s aunt, Dr. Patricia Ewers, was someone who had provided needed guidance to me long ago, when she was serving as then-provost at DePaul University. I was just beginning my academic administrative journey and I reached out to Dr. Ewers for advice and good counsel. With Anne’s help, I was able to contact Dr. Ewers, now retired from the presidency of Pace University, to thank her for that help many years ago. It was a joy for me—first of all to recall that meeting where she treated me to lunch in the faculty dining room at DePaul, and then to speak with her after these many decades.
On another occasion, however, I was not so fortunate. I had lost touch with a really good friend, Jeanne, as our lives took different twists and turns. As a neighbor and close friend, she had played an influential role in my early professional and adult life, and I wanted to reconnect with her. In this instance, however, I was too late: Jeanne had passed away two years earlier from a brain aneurism. I was certainly saddened but also very disappointed that I had not reached out sooner. Actually, I had thought about making that call on several earlier occasions but just never got around to it. I imagine many of you, like me, have been influenced by significant experiences and relationships in your life. My earliest educational experiences were strongly influenced by the Sisters of Mercy, who taught and administered my elementary school education in grades 1 through 8 in Chicago. Similarly, my high school years were shaped by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Now, many years later, I am blessed to serve with Sisters and lay colleagues in the Mercy-sponsored educational ministry which is Gwynedd-Mercy College. In recent weeks, however, I have been distressed (and outraged) by the Vatican’s harsh condemnation of American nuns (if you have not followed this story, I suggest you Google the topic). On the other hand, it is really gratifying to see how American Catholics and so many others have rallied strongly in support of our American nuns. My guess is that many of you are following the story, but from the sidelines. If this is the case, I encourage you to write or call the Sister or Congregation that influenced your journey to express your gratitude. To all of the College’s benefactors, I know you are in the “Just Do It” category through your generous and valued support. Many of you have joined our Mother Mary Bernard Graham Society, Catherine McAuley Society, and/or Founder’s Society. Regardless of how you show your support for the Sisters, don’t regret that you didn’t make the call or take action as happened to me with my friend Jeanne…Just Do It!
Kathleen Owens, PhD President
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Contents Gwynedd-Mercy College Today is published twice a year for the alumni and friends of the College. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Faculty Focus 2 Unearthing the Possibilities 8
Gerald T. McLaughlin Vice President for Institutional Advancement
63rd Commencement Ceremony 10
Editor: Anthony Stipa Creative Director and Production Manager: Donna Smyrl Writer/Copy Editor: Shani Berler
PLUS
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Contributor: Erin Corbe Design: Kim Austin Design Photography: Shani Berler Kevin Cook Jagiellonian University Linda Johnson Hunter Martin Chris Panter Jim Roese Donna Smyrl Anthony Stipa
President’s Message Campus News
On the Cover: (Left to right) Faculty members Elizabeth Black, Walter Zdunowski, Catherine McGeehan, EdD and Rebecca Gullan, PhD have taken strides to strengthen GMC’s campus and surrounding community.
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Sports
12
Alumni Profiles Second Generation Generosity Helen Nelson ’92/’93
15
Candy-Coated Success Janet Pietrak ’82
17
Frozen Memories Maude White ’97
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Class Notes
10
Inside Cover
20
Faculty
Focus The College’s central theme for the year is “valuing diversity and building community.” Looking no further than the occupants of the Connelly Faculty Center and Keiss Hall, Gwynedd-Mercy College is home to a caring and competent community of faculty. Using a small sample size, the selected faculty members represent four educational disciplines. They have taken their own experiences and enthusiasm to shape not only the minds they teach, but the neighborhoods around them.
(Left to right) Elizabeth Black, Walter Zdunowski, Catherine McGeehan, EdD and Rebecca Gullan, PhD
2 Today Campus News
Today 3
Catherine McGeehan
W
hen little Catherine McGeehan shuffled home on her final day as a first grader, it was impossible to hide the semi-circle crease pinned between her ears. The impending summer adventures that she was about to embark on began in her imagination. While most students scurried away with empty backpacks, McGeehan’s was stretched to capacity with any and every book the teacher decided to dole out. Even though she couldn’t see it at the time, McGeehan was preparing for a life of service through teaching. “As my mother said, I was the only kid who would come home from school with more books in June than most kids. I wanted to come home and play school. I think I was destined to become a teacher,” Dr. McGeehan said.
The associate professor in the School of Education is now six years into her tenure at Gwynedd-Mercy College. You can find her around campus teaching reading methods courses for undergraduate education majors and a master’s level reading instruction course. Dr. McGeehan’s personal quest is to produce a higher quality of education at every level. While that starts in her very own classroom, it carries over into her students’ classrooms as well. “My biggest goal is not only to produce effective teachers today, but also effective teachers who are willing to learn in the future and change and grow,” Dr. McGeehan said. Dr. McGeehan’s fourth level reading course requires students to participate in a 15-week tutoring program—considered a “two-way” educational road in which the student teachers are exposed to practical situations. Elementary-aged children of the Wissahickon School District in nearby Ambler, Pa. receive additional assistance and one-on-one support. Throughout the process, Dr. McGeehan’s students create a detailed lesson plan, administer progress reports and give future recommendations for individual students. As a former first grade teacher herself in Radnor Township School District, Dr. McGeehan’s crystal ball didn’t predict a career progression away from the classroom, but that’s precisely where it’s heading. By building the blocks of education, she’s become a valuable voice in the field. “I had a difficult time when I was asked to transition into that mentor role where I was working with new teachers,” Dr. McGeehan admitted. “When I was finally able to see the results of that and how I could still impact children, but in greater quantities, then I appreciated the role.” Dr. McGeehan, who possesses a Doctorate in Education from Widener University, was recently elected vice president of the Delaware Valley Reading Association (DVRA). Her longtime affiliation helped spark last year’s renovation project at the Mount Airy Stenton Family Manor. Students transformed the local homeless shelter into a scholastic haven by painting, plastering and cleaning the space. Dr. McGeehan procured books from DVRA, and her students continue to read to children in their spare time. “Our students try to read non-fiction texts to their listeners in order to deepen the conceptual knowledge of the children,” Dr. McGeehan said. By increasing their level of interest, another generation of students can giddily stuff backpacks full of books for the summer. ❂
4 Today
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parent instinctively knows when to take their child’s training wheels off. Sooner or later, it’s time to push them down the sidewalk on two wheels, shaky at first, but soon gaining the confidence to control the handlebars. Maybe they’ll even cycle the pedals around, furiously swaying as they increase speed. Rebecca Gullan, PhD, third year psychology professor, is much like that hopeful parent, cheering on a child’s milestone. When she teaches her research methodology course, students are hesitant and intimidated by the potential workload, but are ultimately compensated with the satisfaction of a “mission accomplished.” Dr. Gullan can steer them in the right direction and offer encouragement from afar, but the projects her students take on often have a life of their own.
Rebecca
Gullan
“The most rewarding thing is to see them exceed your expectations. There’s nothing better,” Dr. Gullan said. “Several groups want to publish their work [in literary journals] from this past semester.” Prior to arriving at Gwynedd-Mercy College, Dr. Gullan was a full-time researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The job involved designing and evaluating community-based interventions to reduce violence and promote empowerment among urban youth. The experience helped Dr. Gullan reshape her ambitions and gravitate to the teaching realm. “Ten years ago, if you said I would be doing this, I thought I would have understood the teaching part, because I’ve always enjoyed teaching, but ‘no way am I teaching research,’ ” Dr. Gullan said. “I realized I appreciate research, but I don’t want to be a researcher 100 percent of the time.” Dr. Gullan makes a similar pitch at the beginning of every research-driven class she teaches. It’s not the “rah-rah” locker room speech a coach spews at an athletic team, but it is equally motivating. Most sought-after graduate schools are biased toward applicants who have charted the results of well-choreographed research methods. Students soon begin to take genuine ownership of their work as the semester progresses. In a recent example, three students studied the role of race in the decision-making process of civil cases. Participants were given a mock scenario where a public bus crashes into a woman’s house. Using four focus groups, and four different names, each group was asked to award the victim a certain amount of money due to psychological damages. The finding showed that participants awarded less money to Tanesha and Hadiyah—the more traditionally ethnic sounding names. Mary and Rosa were granted more money. The results were presented—along with more than a half dozen other projects by GMC students— at the annual Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE) Conference held on March 24, 2012. “The students are very confident because they present so frequently. I don’t think at their age I could have been as smooth as they are,” Dr. Gullan said. With more than 30 projects presented at local conferences this year, it’s safe to say that research will never be the same at Gwynedd-Mercy College. And Dr. Gullan, who has a 1-year-old daughter of her own, is a proud parent in more ways than one. ❂
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P
rofessor Walter Zdunowski beams with excitement when he talks about Gwynedd-Mercy College’s Criminal Justice Program and his students. It’s impossible to tell that the program’s director since 2007 never dreamt of becoming a professor or a police officer, but rather an airline pilot or perhaps a spy. After serving in the United States Army and Army Reserve, where he held the rank of lieutenant colonel, Zdunowski became an iron worker until a lengthy strike had him searching for a new opportunity. At the time, the Pennsylvania State Police were advertising positions for veterans, interesting Zudnowski enough to enlist and become an officer.
From this point on, Zdunowski’s professional life became relevant to the field in which he teaches and has provided stories—from his 36 years in law enforcement and 20 years of drug work—that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This past spring, Zdunowski appeared on the Discovery Channel's “Cold Blood: Going Undercover to Catch a Killer.” He describes a sting operation in which he went undercover working in a kitchen as a dishwasher and cook alongside infamous murderer Guy Sileo. The chef worked at the General Wayne Inn in Merion, Pa. with business partner Jim Webb. Intel from Zdunowski led to Sileo’s conviction. These types of stories are an added bonus to the curriculum that Zdunowski has designed for his criminal justice students. Zdunowski began his career in higher education at LaSalle University before coming to Gwynedd-Mercy College. While he could have retired and taken up his oil-painting hobby on a full-time basis, he chose the rewarding avenue of teaching. Now, Zdunowski is anxious to see the program excel, and his hobby has been placed on the backburner for the time being. In the past five years, Zdunowski has revamped the program and has added courses and requirements to the curriculum that students love. “Forensics: Crime Scene Investigation” is a hands-on course where students enter mock crime scenes and handle and examine evidence to better understand forensic science investigations. This is just one of the many valuable additions that he has made to the program, which is constantly changing and improving. Zdunowski explains that these changes are what make Gwynedd-Mercy College different from other colleges. He also added a police academy requirement for students that aspire to work in local law enforcement. This track enables seniors to earn 15 credits toward the academy, while earning their bachelor’s degree. Zdunowski has had eight graduates choose this track, and happily brags that none of his students have earned lower than an A-. Zdunowski is committed to seeing his students flourish, offering an array of extracurricular activities to engage their interest. He founded Kappa Delta, the Gwynedd-Mercy College chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. He has also organized numerous field trips to correctional facilities and youth detention centers. Notable guest speakers such as Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey have visited campus to talk to students about how to succeed in their given field. Zdunowski is currently developing a summer study abroad program in London for criminal justice students. “My goal is for my students to leave here and get a job,” Zdunowski said, and with a job placement rate of close to 90%, it is clear that he is working hard to make his ambitions a reality. He listens to his students’ interests and desires, and helps them find positions and internships accordingly. The College’s students can be found interning for the district attorney’s offices, youth detention centers, human service organizations, probation offices, and at local police departments. It is common for these job sites to request future Gwynedd-Mercy College interns. Before Zdunowski retires for good, he wants the Criminal Justice Program to gain the recognition it deserves. Ideally, he would like to see a facility that provides laboratories and classrooms to meet the needs of the program’s students. If he can keep his students happy, Zdunowski can keep on smiling too. ❂
6 Today
Walter Zdunowski
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fter earning her bachelor of science in nursing from Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y., Elizabeth “Betsy” Black began her career in nursing, working as a staff nurse in Boston. She was constantly approached to help students and she found herself drawn to guiding and challenging them. Soon thereafter, Black taught in a nursing diploma program in New York for two years, where she confirmed her love for teaching. She decided it was time to go back to school and earned her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in order to attain the credentials required to teach nursing at the college level.
In the fall of 1974, Black joined the nursing faculty at Gwynedd-Mercy College, teaching courses in the associate of science program. She soon expanded her role to bachelor-level courses before becoming the director of the associate of science in nursing degree program. Despite her administrative position, Black still insisted on teaching because that is what she was passionate about. During her 38 years at the College, Black has made an impact on many students and the College’s nursing program.
Elizabeth
Black
In 1998, Black received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. This acknowledgment is for faculty members who display their scholarship, participation in academic life and advancement of the mission of the College. It is evident that she has excelled in each of these categories. Black became familiar with the Dominican Republic after frequent vacations beginning in 1986. A Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE) presentation emphasizing the importance of increasing international experiences for students inspired Black to take a sabbatical from the College in 2005. Shortly thereafter, she returned to the country to develop an international study program for upper-level nursing students enrolled in the BSN program. Black initiated the International Nursing Mission Trip, which has been thriving since its 2006 inauguration, and has gained immense popularity over the years. This service trip is a wholesome and eye-opening experience that sets Gwynedd-Mercy College’s nursing program apart from others. Black describes the International Nursing Mission Trip as intensive, but fulfilling and enlightening for everyone that participates. The students take various leadership and community courses in conjunction with preparing for the service trip, in addition to collecting goods to bring to the less fortunate people of the semi-island nation. They also attend numerous presentations to learn more about the country and pick up a few necessary phrases in Spanish and Creole to help them communicate during the trip. Students go on the trip with an idea of what to expect, but return with a deeper commitment to service and nursing. While in the Dominican Republic, the students and faculty go to “batayes,” communities with limited resources and home to many underserved Haitian sugar cane workers. As licensed registered nurses, they work in conjunction with various medical organizations that hold multiple clinics to assess the residents’ medical needs, provide treatment, medicine and referrals to hospitals. The group tours the country, visiting hospitals and daycare centers to become aware of the scarcity of healthcare services. They also visit an orphanage to conduct healthcare presentations and give the children things such as vitamins, toothbrushes and toothpaste, clothing, toys and books for their library—common necessities that we so easily take for granted. Black recognizes the importance of service and how much growth students experience from giving back to society. She credits Gwynedd-Mercy College’s faculty for adhering to the “Mercy approach” and teaching nursing students things one wouldn’t imagine could be taught, like empathy and sensitivity. Seeing the excitement in her students’ eyes when they get their dream jobs and achieve their goals is very satisfying for Black who is proud of the nurses who graduate from the College’s distinctive nursing program. ❂
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Unearthing the Possibilities
President Exemplifies Leadership Through Service The mercy tradition of service is one of the first new lessons that a Gwynedd-Mercy College freshman learns, so it is no surprise to find President Kathleen Owens, PhD stressing the importance of service to students on campus. Dr. Owens, entering her tenth year as president, represents the College through several voluntary roles in both professional and community organizations.
Construction formally began on Gwynedd-Mercy College’s new School of Education and School of Business building on March 14. President Kathleen Owens, PhD, was flanked by contractors from TN Ward Company, the deans of each school, along with other notable contributors as they collectively broke ground. Prior to the ceremonial dig, President Owens delivered appreciative remarks to a gathering of close to 100 faculty, students and community members. In the speech, she thanked Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, R-12th, Rep. Kate Harper, R-61st, former Gov. Ed Rendell and Gov. Tom Corbett for securing state funding that made the project possible. The efforts of the College’s Board of Trustees and President’s Council were also applauded. Representing the student body were senior education major Richard Levy and sophomore business major Dan Ressler, who spoke about the exciting possibilities of a soon-to-be campus landmark. The nearly 50,000 square foot project has an 18-month completion timetable. In the coming months, the former Gustav Martin site will be transformed into an academic powerhouse, equipped with innovative teaching tools for today’s student body. Wi-Fi internet access, smartboards, and other learning-oriented technology will be prevalent. “We’re trying to create a facility geared toward enhancing student learning in the 21st century,” Dr. Owens said. The union of both schools under one roof provides a place “where serendipity can occur.” School of Business Dean Heather Pfleger, EdD, and School of Education Dean Sandra Mangano, EdD, concurred that this was a dream scenario for the entire Gwynedd-Mercy College community. Pfleger envisions “a fully integrated learning opportunity,” while Mangano was “extremely proud and very excited.” The College is still seeking private donations to cap off the financial obligations of the building. ❂ (Left to right) Dan Panichi, William Avery, Steven Lewis, Emily Riley, Kathleen Keenan, RSM ’83, Dave Madeira, Kathleen Owens, PhD, Kevin O’Flaherty, Larry Genuardi.
8 Today
Dr. Owens was recently named as chair of the board of directors of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). AICUP focuses exclusively on the interests of private higher education within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the major goal is to educate policymakers, media representatives, and corporate leaders on the value and quality of education in the state. This continuous effort is intended to secure government and philanthropic support for students and institutions in the independent sector. Established in October 1995, AICUP is also an advocate for reduced costs of college and enhanced programs, providing scholarships to students through a foundation program. By pulling together the resources of many, AICUP is leading higher education into the future. Dr. Owens will help to steer the organization, promoting the ideals of Gwynedd-Mercy College in the process. “I enjoy the opportunity to position Gwynedd-Mercy College as a leader and contributor to the advancement of private higher education,” Dr. Owens said. Through her participation, she is able to meet and network with other university presidents and academic leaders. When the class of 2016 arrives on campus this fall, our new freshman will have the opportunity to meet President Owens at orientation. And they will most likely learn that leadership frequently comes through service as ably demonstrated in the stories she will tell. ❂
New V.P. for Academic Affairs
Settles In
Bensalem
Marks Fourth GMC Location On July 1, Frank E. Scully, Jr., PhD, assumed the role of vice president for academic affairs at Gwynedd-Mercy College. The position is heavily involved with assessing learning outcomes, setting retention initiatives, recruiting international students and developing new programs at all degree levels. With more than 40 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Scully is a proven steward who is capable of shaping the College through the coming years. Dr. Scully began his career at Yale University as a research fellow and instructor of organic chemistry. He moved to Norfolk, Va. to join the faculty at Old Dominion University, first as an assistant professor and then as a full-time professor. In 1998, Dr. Scully became a professor at Loyola University in New Orleans, La. He would split time as the dean of the college of arts and sciences and subsequently as the dean of the college of humanities and natural sciences. Dr. Scully has spent his last four years as the vice president for academic affairs at Emmanuel College in Boston, Mass.
Gwynedd-Mercy College continues to march forward in a campaign to “Bring Futures into Focus,” with quality higher education options in the Delaware Valley. On April 25, 2012, the ceremonial ribbon was cut in the Bucks County, Pa. location to mark the College’s fourth site. The addition of a foothold in Bensalem will give adult learners in the region a flexible and satisfying educational opportunity. Undergraduate and master’s degree programs can be obtained in business administration, nursing, educational administration and more. “Gwynedd-Mercy College is excited to expand our distinctive programs into the Bucks County area,” Dr. Cheryl Horsey, vice president for enrollment and student services, said. “Residents
of the area will be introduced to established programs that cater to the busy adult learner.” The two-story complex was modeled after the Center for Lifelong Learning’s campus in East Norriton, Pa. Six classrooms, a student study lounge, conference room, and modern technological amenities highlight the arrangement. Enrollment continues to grow and admitted students are flocking to the convenient location. ❂ (Left to right) Fred Harran, director of public safety for Bensalem Township, State Representative Gene DiGirolamo, Kathleen Owens, PhD, president of Gwynedd-Mercy College, Chip Behr, Gwynedd-Mercy College board of trustees and member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Board.
After making the appointment, President Kathleen Owens, PhD, remarked that she was thrilled to have the addition of a versatile administrator with a wealth of knowledge. ❂
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rd
63 Commencement
Ceremony
More than 750 students from the Class of 2012 graduated on May 12 at Gwynedd-Mercy College. Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey brought his 44-plus years of criminal justice experience to the podium and delivered a heartfelt address about perseverance and dream chasing. After a career that has taken him through the ranks in the Chicago Police Department, put him in the middle of national tragedies as Washington, D.C.’s police chief, Commissioner Ramsey came to be Philadelphia’s “top cop” in 2008. Since his arrival, there has been a 14 percent reduction in violent crime. One of the many honors Commissioner Ramsey has been awarded is the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Key & Sword Award for faith, selfless service and personal sacrifice. Commissioner Ramsey was given an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at this year’s ceremony.
10 Today
Honorary Degree Recipients William J. Avery and Barbara Kaufmann, RSM, MA, ’56, have played major roles in the growth of Gwynedd-Mercy College throughout their years of dedication. Avery, a recognized leader in Philadelphia business, has served on the College’s Board of Trustees for more than 18 years. In the late 1990s, he chaired the Capital Campaign that funded the construction of The Sister Isabelle Keiss Center for Health and Science. Avery served as the president of Crown Cork & Seal Company, one of the largest packaging companies in the world. He joined the Chicago-based plant in 1959, and with a lot of business savvy, achieved continued success. Avery has received numerous other honors including Drexel University’s Business Leader of the Year and The Vision for Philadelphia Award.
Sister Barbara came to the College in 1971, working as the Director of Financial Aid. She has worked with countless students and families to ensure that the dream of higher education is still a reality. During her 40-plus years, Sister Barbara invested long hours seeking federal, state and private dollars for students in need.
Professor Emeritae Two esteemed faculty members were appropriately honored for their longstanding commitment to Gwynedd-Mercy College. Anne R. Donigan, RSM, PhD, ’64 joined the faculty in 1993 and earned the rank of associate professor of biology three years later. She served as chair of the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics (now known as Natural and Computational Sciences) and coordinator of the biology program from 1996 until 2010. Sister Anne has taught a wide range of courses in the School of Arts and Sciences and has served on numerous college committees. Her contributions will benefit the College for years to come. Dorothy M. Zeiser, MA, MS, ’65 came to Gwynedd-Mercy College in 1983 as an instructor. She was promoted to the rank of assistant professor in 1987 and earned
tenure by 1991. As coordinator of the mathematics program, Zeiser took charge of recruiting students, promoting the courses and teaching her own courses. Zeiser’s diverse roster of courses ranged from discrete mathematics, number theory, abstract algebra, probability theory, and much more. She also integrated computer science technology into the mathematics curriculum. Her flexibility in the field and drive to succeed made her a role model for her students and peers.
Student Speaker Abby Reed ’12 delivered compelling words to her fellow graduates, encouraging them to take what they learned at Gwynedd-Mercy College and make a difference in the world around them. She graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing degree from the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions. The Manheim, Pa. native was a four-year goaltender on the women’s soccer team, acting as a role model to fellow teammates on and off the field. In the classroom and through volunteerism, she thoroughly prepared herself for a successful career. During spring break in 2011 and 2012, Reed participated in the school-sponsored International Nursing Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic
where she helped to diagnose and treat poverty-stricken patients. Reed recently began work as a registered nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit of The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Tender Courage Award Established in honor of Sister Isabelle Keiss, RSM, PhD, the Tender Courage Award recognizes staff and administrative figures committed to the ideals of Gwynedd-Mercy College. Since 2001, John Collins, CSsR, of Boston, Mass. has epitomized the grace and humility associated with this award. The Redemptorist priest has been a fixture on campus retreats, specializing in spiritual direction and pastoral counseling. It is only fitting that Father Collins receive this highly regarded honor.
(Clockwise from top) Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Barbara Kaufmann, RSM, ’56, Kathleen Owens, PhD and William Avery Abbey Reed ’12 Dr. Owens and John Collins, CSsR Nancy Dunleavy, chair of the Board of Trustees, Anne R. Donigan, RSM, PhD, ’64, Dr. Owens and Dorothy M. Zeiser ’65
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Men’s Lacrosse
Men’s Basketball The Griffins continued to sizzle in conference play during 2011-2012, going 12-6 and finishing with a 17-10 overall record. Senior sharpshooter Dan DelConte provided 20.2 points per game, earning a spot on the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) First Team. The mid-season highlight came as the team won the Harold J. Brodie Tournament by beating Utica College and the Rochester Institute of Technology, respectively. The Griffins rattled off seven straight convincing wins to head into postseason play. Unfortunately, they lost to Immaculata University in the first round of the CSAC Tournament and subsequently ended their season with a loss to Catholic University in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships. The team returns eight up-and-coming players to anchor the 2012-2013 squad.
Women’s Basketball It was another season of excellence for the women’s basketball team, as they garnished their plate with a 20-8 record and captured the CSAC Championship for the sixth time in program history. With a 68-49 victory over Baptist Bible College in the title game on Feb. 25, the Griffins punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. A balanced attack paced the team throughout the year, led in scoring by senior Brittany Neill’s 11.6 points per game. Senior superlatives were in store for Neill, and fellow classmate Bryn Cotteta, who were both named to the conference’s first team. Head coach Keith Mondillo was named the 2011-2012 CSAC Coach of the Year by a committee of his peers. It marked the fifth such time he earned the recognition.
12 Today Sports
In the curtain-closing season for the original crop of men’s lacrosse players, the team didn’t crumble under lofty expectations. The senior class that initially helped found the program had hoped to win their first CSAC Tournament. However, they fell just short to Cabrini College in the championship match held on May 5. Despite this, the Griffins had much to be proud of in posting a 10-6 record. Taking home year-end CSAC awards were seniors Zach Richter and Craig Trueblood who landed on the first team all-conference squad. Securing second team nominations were senior Michael Henry, juniors Roy Bakeoven and Jonathan Figliola and sophomore Nathan Pendleton.
Women’s Lacrosse Chock full of talent, the Griffins strolled into 2012 as the defending CSAC champions for the first time in school history. However, under the direction of first year head coach Nicole Porrecca, the team needed time to find chemistry. A 1-5 start was righted with five straight conference wins in the middle of the season. The Griffins averaged 18 goals per game during that stretch. In the CSAC playoffs, the team dismissed Notre Dame of Maryland University, 14-12, on April 28. They would drop a semi-final matchup to Cabrini College 16-13 to close out a positive season. Senior Amanda Kirby and freshman Marina Hubbard were named to the conference first team.
Baseball In 2012, the Griffins competed with some of the best teams in the country, facing off against five nationally-ranked squads and battling through their conference slate. With five pitchers carrying earned run averages under 3.00, the staff was overpowering on the mound. In the CSAC Tournament, two loses to Neumann University ended a strong 24-win season. D3Baseball.com named senior Kevin Smeraglio and sophomore Dante Cassano to the Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team. Smeraglio batted .336, stealing a school-record 42 bases, while Cassano led the Griffins in hits, doubles, and triples en route to hitting .364. The duo, along with junior John Burns, was named to the CSAC All-Conference First Team. Freshman pitcher Jamey Minnemeyer was selected as the CSAC Rookie of the Year.
Women’s Track & Field
Men’s Tennis The men’s tennis team battled through a demanding season schedule, anchored by senior leaders Jared Morgan and Lou Vessels. The duo combined to win nine singles matches, earning CSAC All-Conference Second Team appearances. Freshman Armando Fraile admirably served in a supporting role, winning eight total matches during the season. The team ended its conference schedule in style, winning swiftly 9-0 over Rosemont College on April 21. The Griffins will return next season with four sophomores and a junior on the roster.
The Griffins were a model of consistency in both the indoor and outdoor seasons, putting together several memorable performances. At the tenth annual Danny Curran Invitational, two individuals—senior Katherine Klinges and sophomore Colleen Dalton—and one relay team had top ten finishes. During the East Stroudsburg University All-American Invitational, the team was led by Klinges and fellow senior Lauren Brown, who placed seventh and ninth in their respective events. The pair, along with Dalton, frequented leaderboards throughout the year.
Men’s Track & Field
Softball From the beginning, it was going to be a challenging season for the softball team in 2012. With only two senior leaders, a young and emerging nucleus would need to step up. While it didn’t happen right away, by season’s end, the underclassmen were producing on a regular basis. Leading the way during the Griffins’ 8-2 season-ending stretch were junior Tegan Wendell and sophomore Stephanie Farrar, who landed on the all-conference honorable mention list. Senior Nicole Paleologus was named to the CSAC All-Sportsmanship Team.
WINTER SPRING
Grabbing headlines for a deep and talented men’s track and field squad were seniors Anthony Adams, Matt VanDenHengel and junior Justin Turner. In January, at the Metro Coaches Invitational at the New York City Armory, VanDenHengel captured the fastest indoor time in program history, finishing first in the 800-meter run. Meanwhile, Turner won the high jump and Adams came in sixth of 44 runners in the 400-meter dash. Turner would finish ninth in the high jump at the Division III NCAA Indoor Championships. At the Mason Dixon Conference Championships held on May 5-6, the Griffins finished second as a team. Overall, it was a strong campaign as ten GMC competitors were selected to participate in the prestigious Penn Relays. It was a record-setting number of Griffins to compete.
WRAP-UP Today 13
MOUNTING A
COMEBACK ★
A chance encounter helped professor Mary Reilly ’81 and Gwen Conte ’12 get Gwynedd-Mercy College back in the saddle. For more than a dozen years, faculty member Mary Reilly ’81 has been an admirer of horseback riding and equestrianism. Not that she is an active rider herself, but she’s been watching her daughter learn and grow with the sport throughout her teenage years and into today. In 2010, Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions student Gwen Conte ’12, an established and savvy rider, attended her sister’s local equestrian meet. When Reilly and Conte unexpectedly crossed paths, the two fans of the sport realized they could be more than curious spectators. Both shared a passion and the ability to establish a campus club, providing the catalyst to rekindle a Gwynedd-Mercy College pastime. While they didn’t formally compete, the Riding Club was established by 1954. Through the years, a stable on campus housed several horses, including Rogue, Star, and Pony Express. It was popular for members of the club to trot through the fields on the College’s four-legged residents. Somewhere along the way as campus life modernized, and the stable was demolished, the club dissolved. The revival of the Equestrian Club would take two interested advocates and the participation of other students.
Conte immediately assumed the role of president and Reilly would serve as faculty advisor. Worcester Stables in Worcester, Pa. helped to clear a major hurdle by offering their equipment, teachers and, naturally, the horses. The team slowly gained traction and confidence by scheduling practice sessions with coach Amanda Enwright. For two years, Enwright has conducted individual and group lessons with team members in order to prepare them for competition. During those lessons, she focuses on a combination of “flat work,” fencing, riding, and jumping. It’s the intricate details that refine the all-female team for success.
Recruitment was Conte’s responsibility, and she found a group of seven intrigued and suprisingly advanced candidates to “saddle up.” Any lack of experience was not a deterrent to Conte, and the Equestrian Club remains open to beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.
The Equestrian Club competes against Zone 3, Region 2 schools—Arcadia University, Bucks County Community College, Delaware Valley College, Franklin and Marshall College, Pennsylvania State University-Berks Campus, Princeton University, Rider University, West Chester University, and York College.
Reilly invited Conte and new club members Molly Baldwin, Kellie Delhagen, Kaylin Bassett, Larissa Kulp, Katlin Nuscis, and Olivia Strunk to an informal dinner meeting, where they discussed training and drafting a proposal to the Office of Student Activities. After receiving the go-ahead,
During competition, members of the team are judged based on how well they handle the horse. A key facet is executing changes of speed and gaits (walking, trotting, cantering and jumping). Maintaining proper posture and balance, appropriate use of arena markers, and efficient horsemanship
14 Today
are also specifics that are keenly critiqued. After nine meets this year, each hosted by a different school—at a farm, or stable— Gwynedd-Mercy College came in first place in their final meet late in the spring semester. The goal moving forward is to challenge more students to become involved with the club. “We really want the team to grow and we want to attract more people,” Reilly said. In the years to come, Conte and Reilly anticipate fundraising and service efforts that carry on the mercy torch. The club hopes to continue that tradition while holding additional charity events in the future. Conte, who graduated this past spring, still plans to be a part of the team next year by participating as an alumni rider. Olivia Strunk will take on the position of team president. “Riding horses is my passion and starting the club opened up the possibilities for other students to share in my excitement,” Conte explained. As for Reilly, she plans to continue to educate GMC students about the club she adamantly supports. “As distinctive mercy students, it is rewarding to see them share their love for horses and enrich the lives of others,” Reilly admitted. The Equestrian Club has evolved, and it’s becoming a staple of Gwynedd-Mercy College once again. ❂ Amanda Enwright and Gwen Conte ’12 pose with Bubba.
Second Generation Inspired by her father, Helen Nelson ’92/’93 is continuing a life of philanthropy— on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Helen Piszek Nelson ’92/’93 chose Gwynedd-Mercy College because she was drawn to the mercy mission. Little did she know how similarly her life would emulate that of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. Helen’s primary role models, her parents Olga and Edward Piszek, were loyal and caring people, teaching her the importance of treating others compassionately. Prior to attending Gwynedd-Mercy College, Helen went to college for two years as a traditional student, but realized it wasn’t the right time for her. She married, had two children and went to work for her father, the visionary behind Mrs. Paul’s Kitchens. Helen ran a test kitchen for the company where she was responsible for recipe development, quality control and attending
Generosity
television commercial shoots to ensure that the product was being presented accurately, amongst other duties. After a decade in the business, Helen decided it was the right time to go back to school. She headed to Gwynedd-Mercy College to earn a degree in business administration. Helen recalls speaking with the late Sister Mary Norbert, RSM, who encouraged her to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but at the time, Helen was looking to earn an associate’s degree. She attended classes part-time during the day, which is not common for nontraditional students. The flexible schedule permitted her to work around family schedules during the time she was in class, while continuing to work for Mrs. Paul’s Kitchens on a part-time basis. As Sister Norbert
predicted, Helen returned to register for the courses to earn her bachelor’s degree and she decided to do so full-time. Helen loved the “family feeling” of Gwynedd-Mercy College and how accessible her professors and advisors were. She said, that through her courses, she learned how to communicate, was taught confidence and to believe in herself and her ideas. Moreover, Helen stated that working for ten years prior to earning her degree really helped her understand “the big picture,” with her experiences bringing more meaning to her coursework. The enlightening mercy Helen proudly holds her “Plus ratio quam vis” medal from Jagiellonian University. She’s built a bridge between Poland and the United States with her foundation work in the Copernicus Society of America.
Today 15
medal, Latin for “Let reason prevail over force,” for her valuable services to the University. This prestigious award was first presented to a friend of her father’s, Pope John Paul II, who was a graduate of Jagiellonian University and an honorary doctorate recipient as well. Helen was previously recognized by the Polish Ministry of Education, who awarded her the Medal of the National Education Commission.
experience molded Helen for her philanthropic future. In 1972, Helen’s father founded the Copernicus Society of America with a mission to educate people in the United States about Poland and its citizens, history and culture. He bought and shipped medical equipment and supplies to Poland to fight a tuberculosis epidemic in the 1960s, befriending Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Krakow, who later became Pope John Paul II. Piszek also donated 10 million pounds of food in the early 1980s to combat food shortages in Poland. He proceeded to sell Mrs. Paul’s Kitchens in 1982 and dedicated his life to promoting Poland, focusing on education at the secondary and university level. His achievements were acknowledged and highly appreciated by Jagiellonian University, which granted him an honorary doctorate in 1974. Helen continued working alongside her father at the Copernicus Society of America until he passed away in 2004. Shortly thereafter, Helen and her brother visited Poland for the first time in more than 30 years and observed a country that had transformed immensely. During their visit, they met with people that were associated with Edward and the experience was eye-opening to say the least. It is unmistakable that Helen was heavily influenced by her father as she continues his legacy. Helen traveled to Poland again in April 2012 to Jagiellonian University where she was awarded the “Plus ratio quam vis”
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Helen truly deserved these honors for the relationships she has built between the United States and Poland and the many lives she has enhanced. Through the Copernicus Society, she established a trust fund in honor of her parents that provides fully-funded research stays for doctoral candidates from Jagiellonian University at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. To date, the Society has funded eight research stays and the first student is recognized as a famous film critic in Poland. Moreover, 120 students from Dickinson College have also been hosted in Poland as part of the program. For the past five years, the Society funded a similar exchange program between agricultural students from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pa. and Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Poland. Helen reminisced about one student in particular that had never left Pennsylvania prior to being accepted to the exchange program and noted how wonderful it feels to be able to give people these opportunities. She loves visiting with the students she has sponsored, both locally and in Poland, to hear about their experiences and the
impact of the exchange on their lives. She uses this feedback, continuously seeking to improve these programs. In 2007, the Society initiated a relationship between Bartlomiej Nowodworski High School in Krakow, Poland, and Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pa. The members of each school’s choir have had the opportunity to travel across the Atlantic. It’s a unique and enriching experience for any high school student to visit a foreign country. When Helen isn’t traveling to Poland, which is generally twice a year, she can be found on the golf course. In addition to being an avid golfer, Helen serves on Gwynedd-Mercy College’s golf tournament committee. She is also a member of the College’s President’s Council. It is obvious that Helen has upheld her father’s legacy by helping students from Poland and the United States achieve their academic goals, and has provided them with life changing opportunities that they may not have had otherwise. Helen hopes that students embarking on a trip to Poland will return home with fulfilling experiences that change the way they see the country, as her father intended so many years ago. ❂ (Top left) While aiding the fight against a 1960s tuberculosis outbreak in Poland, Edward Piszek formed a relationship with Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Krakow, who later became Pope John Paul II. (Bottom) The “Plus ratio quam vis” medal was presented to Helen by Rector of Jagiellonian University-prof. Karol Musioł. She was the only recipient in 2012.
Candy-
Coated
Success With a push from Janet Pietrak ’82, Skip’s Candy Corner has become the one-stop shop for candy lovers everywhere. Quaintly tucked in the center of Lahaska, Pa.’s retail paradise—Peddler’s Village—is a nostalgic shop dedicated to satisfying sweet-toothed customers of all ages. Since 1991, Skip’s Candy Corner has existed to serve one purpose: plaster smiles on its clientele. Behind the production is a fun-loving couple who maintain their youthful vigor by doing the job they adore.
was enthusiastic about crafting candy and sharing it with the community. The distinctively old-fashioned facility entices both children and their parents upon entry. The experience can be somewhat overwhelming, as display cases tempt even the most disciplined patrons. Shelves of flavored fudge, chocolate delicacies and throwback treats from yesteryear help greet visitors who make the trip to this one-of-a-kind store. The
Janet Pietrak ’82 works the financial ledger, crunching numbers and stocking inventory, freeing up husband Skip to innovate new and exciting indulgences. While Janet didn’t envision this career unfolding when she earned her bachelor of health science degree in hematology thirty years ago, the education proved to be a valuable tool in her life. At the time, as a non-traditional student, Janet worked as a medical technologist at Episcopal Hospital—now a part of Temple University Hospital. She balanced family life while taking evening classes at the Gwynedd Valley campus. Between the classroom and job site, Janet familiarized herself with the Food and Drug Administration’s regulations, how to create package labels and the assessment of shelf-life for products. Additionally, an on and off stint with GlaxoSmithKline gave her familiarity in a formal business setting. When Skip retired from his job as a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Fire Department, the pieces slowly fell into place. With a background in art and a love for candy, Skip
hardest thing to do, besides leave, is to decide which sweets to take home. Their delectable fudge is made on the premises along with everything and anything you’d ever want dipped in scrumptious chocolate. A perk of Janet’s is the “research assignments,” which include taste-testing new candy prototypes.
When Kim discovered that her son had a peanut allergy, the family decided to open a peanut-free facility, Skip’s Sugar Shack. Situated across the street from their main store, it can host birthday parties, candy-making workshops and other special events. Skip’s also caters to man’s best friend with special dog bones and other goodies. A portion of their dog treat sales are donated to provide K9 police dogs with safety vests—shielding them from the line of fire. Janet understands the importance of sharing good fortune with those who need it, picking up on the mercy tradition learned at Gwynedd-Mercy College. Skip and Janet’s family-flavored shop has become a staple of Peddler’s Village, delighting candy aficionados from across the region. They have even received customer orders from outside of the United States through their website. The duo anticipates many more fruitful years in the business, hoping to keep future generations of the family involved in the mix. ❂ (Center) Skip Pietrak dabbles in the “laboratory” with chocolate-covered pretzels.
After expanding to a larger space in the Village, Janet retired from her corporate pursuits in 2004 and joined her husband in the candy shop full-time. A few years ago they also recruited their daughter, Kim, to manage the store and today three generations are involved in this flourishing partnership.
Today 17
Frozen
Memor
Sometimes the biggest regrets in life can be the close calls, as moments of great success are marred by the “what if’s.” That has never been the case for Maude White ’97, whose near-miss may have kept her from a dream, but also shielded her from an unimaginable fate. Six decades on ice skates has brought the instructor immeasurable bliss and a valued perspective on life. When Maude was on the opposite end of the learning curve—someone else’s protégé—she admirably contended for a spot on the 1960 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team. While she did not qualify for the trip to Squaw Valley, Calif., which earned the Americans a gold medal in men’s singles, ladies singles, and pairs, it was a treasured experience. Health complications for Maude’s father, who introduced ice skating to her at the age of nine, would soon re-route professional aspirations. Although Maude could shred the ice with the same grace and style of her peers, a financial hurdle was also present in a sport typically reserved for the affluent. In 1961, many of Maude’s former teammates and childhood acquaintances boarded a plane to Brussels, Belgium for the year’s World Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. However, it would prove disastrous, as Flight 548 crashed due to mechanical failure just moments before landing. Seventy-three people tragically died, including 18 of the country’s finest figure skaters. As just a 19-year-old still in her prime, Maude was teaching at Old York Road Skating Club in Elkins Park, Pa. when she received the news. “It was tough,” Maude said. “It’s still tough. It’s still hard for me…every time you see the
18 Today
pictures and you think you’ll get over it, but you never will.” The memory may be painful, but it’s the sport itself that continues to provide Maude with an eternal optimism. She met her husband in the early 1960’s at an Audubon, Pa. skating facility, and taught hundreds of pupils through the years. None were more gratifying to teach than her own three children: Katie, Henry and Stefanie. The days spent on the ice with them paralleled the ones she shared with her father during brisk winter days in Lake Placid, N.Y. As a talented child figure skater, Maude’s early education was tailored to accommodate her ability to perform on the ice. She attended the Professional Children’s School in New York City, a place where popular musicians and actors often honed their skills. Higher education wasn’t a serious option to her until much later in life. In 1987, Maude researched various Philadelphia institutions, searching for a program that could cater to her busy evening teaching schedule. Gwynedd-Mercy College proved to be the quality and convenient experience she was seeking. “I really enjoyed it [at GMC] as an adult because I was one of the older students. The professors were great, and they taught business courses during the day, which I needed,” Maude said. For 10 years Maude sporadically took classes at the College, patiently chipping away at a business administration degree when family and teaching obligations didn’t conflict. An entire decade gave her a unique perspective on the growth of higher education, and helped build relationships with the faculty and administration. In 1997, Maude was finally able to call herself a college graduate. More recently, Maude went by the title of ice skating director and coach at the Philadelphia Skating Club in Ardmore, Pa.
ies
Maude White ’97 turned one-time Olympic aspirations into a meaningful teaching career on ice skates.
She maintains some of her students despite a transition from Blue Bell, Pa. to Glen Allen, Va. to move closer to family. Even at the age of 70, she still is spry and agile on skates, partly attributed to a rejuvenating May 2010 hip replacement. Those who theorize that Maude compounded her nagging injuries by continuing to skate don’t appreciate the conviction she skates with. “I have to keep doing it,” Maude said. “Between the hips and the health, I think it just makes you feel better to do what you love.” Maude believes that figure skating has changed tremendously through the years, as commercialism has eroded some of the pageantry, but it hasn’t stopped her from igniting the passion of her students. She’s seen many supremely gifted skaters, and hopes to pass along her enthusiasm to them. “There is so much to skating besides athletics,” Maude said. “Your artistry and creativity is so important.” Maude has always learned to move forward in life and on the ice without gripping onto past fixations. If there’s ever been proof of a
negative turning into a positive, she has the epitome of examples. Whenever Maude hangs up the skates for good, the time she has spent on the ice will always be her most cherished memories. ❂
(Clockwise from top left) At the age of nine, Maude was introduced to ice skating. Her father’s fishing business allowed for down time in the winter, granting the two fond memories of indoor and outdoor skating. Maude fine-tuned her skills and competed with many Olympic-level skaters of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Here she demonstrates a nimble pirouette against a wooded New York backdrop. In her early 20s, Maude gave lessons at Old York Road Skating Club in Elkins Park, Pa. Maude and husband Hank (bottom right) pose with their children Katie, Henry, Stefanie, along with grandchildren and extended family members.
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FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Upcoming Alumni Events
Class Notes 1967
1973
Sister Marie Bernadette Kinnir y, of Springfield, Pa., recently turned 70 years old and still feels like a vibrant 17-year-old.
Phyllis Coyle, of Mentor, Ohio, is a consultant and team leader at The Pampered Chef, Ltd. and is expecting her fifth grandchild.
1968 Patricia Bruce, of Lansdale, Pa., retired in June 2011 and is spending free time with friends and grandchildren.
1969 Kathleen Buehler, of Yardley, Pa., has been retired for three years. Elizabeth Casazza, of DeWitt, N.Y., has a new granddaughter, Anna Belle, who was born on February 2, 2012. Yuling Lin Cho, of Cherry Hill, N.J., is enjoying her two grandchildren, Conrad and Alexander. Paula Minder, of Turnersville, N.J., recently retired.
1970 Linda Baker, of Ambler, Pa., retired after working 43 years at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, Pa.
1972 Janet Miller, of North Wales, Pa., celebrated her son David’s wedding on October 1, 2011.
1974 Maureen Cahill, of Lafayette Hill, Pa., retired in 2008 from her position as a clinical scientist in neuroscience at Merck, Inc. Dr. Julia Pillsbur y, of Dover, Del., was accepted into the American Medical Association current procedural terminology editorial panel. Margaret Quann, of Norristown, Pa., is a reporter for the Burlington County Times in New Jersey. She recently won first place for environmental reporting and writing from the New Jersey Press Association. Ann Zsiga, of Edison, N.J., celebrated her son Michael’s wedding in September of 2011.
1975 Elizabeth Kilkenny, of Doylestown, Pa., is a retired history teacher from Central Bucks School District in Doylestown, Pa. She recently purchased a home in Maine, where she will live for half of the year.
1976 Karen Karner, of Bangor, Pa., retired in 2005.
September 28-30 • Homecoming Weekend 2012: All Gwynedd-Mercy College alumni and friends are invited back to campus to attend events throughout the weekend. Events include the all-alumni reunion, Griffins Hall of Fame Induction, athletic games and the Gwynedd-Mercy College Festival. For updates, please visit: www.gmc.edu/alumni and Facebook Sunday, October 14 • 25th & 50th Reunion Celebration: We invite graduates from the Classes of 1987 and 1962 to return to campus to be honored at the celebration of their reunions. The celebration begins on Sunday, October 14, with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Campbell Hall Chapel followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in Assumption Hall. Tours of the campus will be available following lunch. To R.S.V.P. or for more information, please contact: Gianna Quinn Director of Alumni Relations 215-641-5554 or quinn.g@gmc.edu
Alumni Benefits As alumni of Gwynedd-Mercy College, you qualify for a special group discount of up to 20% on your auto, home and renters insurance through Group Savings Plus from Liberty Mutual. With Group Savings Plus, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of paying your premiums through checking account deductions with no down payment or finance charges. You’ll also enjoy fast, easy round-the-clock claims service and a variety of discounts including multi-car, multi-policy, safe-driver, passive restraints and anti-theft device discounts. For a free quote from Liberty Mutual, call Joseph O’Gara at 215-641-0400, ext. 50931, or request a free quote online.
Gwynedd-Mercy College On The Road GMC is hitting the road! Look for us in a city near you! (continued on next page)
20 Today Class Notes
1978
1987
Edith Lohr, of Marlborough, Mass., recently retired. She still actively volunteers for a local homeless shelter.
Sharon Ford, of Horsham, Pa., is retired.
1980 Melissa Hartman, of Fleetwood, Pa., has two children. One is working in the Navy and the other is working at an Air Force base. Veronica (Tarnok) Wetzel, of Gallatin, Tenn., recently traveled to Venice, Italy with her husband Ed. Here they pose with a statue that appears to be a Griffin.
Mar ybeth Kensicki, of Collegeville, Pa., graduated with a doctorate’s of education from Immaculata University in 2010. She is now a professor at Montgomery County Community College. Judith Stanczak, of Easton, Pa., works at Lehigh County Office of Aging Adult Services and teaches part time at Northampton Community College in Tannersville, Pa. Regina Ward, of Philadelphia, Pa., graduated with a master’s degree in nursing from Drexel University. She was recently inducted into the International Nursing Honor Society.
1990
We want to hear from you! Whether it’s a marriage announcement, newborn baby or exciting professional news, let us know! We’d love to hear all of your life’s milestones. Submit your information (along with graduation year) and a photo to be included within one of the next two Today magazines. High resolution images are preferred. E-mail stipa.a@gmc.edu or call 267-448-1410. We strive to be as accurate as possible, so if there is an error or omission please contact us.
Stay In Touch www.facebook.com/Gwynedd-MercyAlums Featuring: Trivia Tuesday www.twitter.com/gmcin140 Group: Gwynedd-Mercy College Alumni GMC’s new MERV’s Alumni Connection www.mervsalumniconnection.com
Rebecca Loss, of Collegeville, Pa., works as a nurse at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pa. She is a four-year breast cancer survivor.
1981
1991
Holly Sherlock, of Green Lane, Pa., recently completed her doctorate in healthcare administration from Capella University. She was also inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing National Honor Society.
Diane T. Burrell, of Lansdale, Pa., retired from the United States Navy Nurse Corps on April 1, 2011 after 20 years of active duty service.
1983 Margaret Kavchok, of Emmaus, Pa., earned a master’s degree in nursing from DeSales University. Leonard Lieberman, of Palm Bay, Fla., recently retired from a job at Coastal Kayak and Acadia Bike.
1985 Anita Ullom, of Blandon, Pa., is working as a nurse at Lehigh Valley Physicians Group Hospital.
1992 Ida (Draughn) Livingston, of Trumbull, Conn., is a manager of her department at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Conn.
1993 Theresa Steinhardt, of Belvidere, N.J., retired from directing the nursing program at Warren County Community College. She was appointed to the New Jersey State Board of Nursing as an education committee member.
1997 Leslie Erhardt, of Sellersville, Pa., is expecting her first child in December 2012.
Our birthday gift to her: $880* When you make a gift to GMC using a charitable gift annuity, you’ll receive fixed payments for life. To see your possible CGA benefits, contact Jill Dow at dow.j@gmc.edu or 215-542-4661 or visit gmc.edu/giving and use our planned giving calculators. One Life Your Rate of Age Return 50 . . . . . . . . . . 3.7% 55 . . . . . . . . . . 4.0% 60 . . . . . . . . . . 4.4% 65 . . . . . . . . . . 4.7% 70 . . . . . . . . . . 5.1% 75 . . . . . . . . . . 5.8% 80 . . . . . . . . . . 6.8% 85 . . . . . . . . . . 7.8% 90+ . . . . . . . . . 9.0%
Two Lives Your Rate of Ages Return 50/55 . . . . . . . . 3.3% 55/60 . . . . . . . . 3.8% 60/65 . . . . . . . . 4.0% 65/70 . . . . . . . . 4.4% 70/75 . . . . . . . . 4.8% 75/80 . . . . . . . . 5.3% 80/85 . . . . . . . . 6.1% 85/90 . . . . . . . . 7.3% 90/95+ . . . . . . . 8.8% *Based on a single-life gift annuity of $20,000 at 4.4% per the American Council on Gift Annuities rates effective January 1, 2012.
Congratulations!
2004
Engagements, Marriages and Anniversaries
2005
Jenna Colelli ’11, of Souderton, Pa., married Anthony on June 4, 2011.
Jenna Colelli ’11, and Anthony
Jeanne-Marie Hebert ’07, of Warminster, Pa., was recently engaged to Martin Lutz. Christopher Polzer ’10, of Washington, D.C., married Shera Rosloff on July 28, 2012.
Kathleen Matthews, of Ambler, Pa., is married with three children.
Theresa Thomas, of Coatesville, Pa., received a graduate degree from Eastern University in health administration.
2006 Elaine Gerhart, of Ambler, Pa., received her medical surgical certification at Abington Hospital in Abington, Pa. Vivian Greenfield, of Ambler, Pa., is working as a registered nurse and assessment co-coordinator at Caring Heart in Philadelphia, Pa. Adrian Pawlus, of Ambler, Pa., is working at ABC Insert, a pharmaceuticals company in Ambler, Pa.
Jessica Griffin ’06/’08, of Washington, N.J., was recently engaged to Andrew Uporsky. A July 2013 wedding is planned.
Christopher Polzer ’10, and Shera Rosloff
Sharon Queen-Johnson, of Willingboro, N.J., earned a master’s degree in education from Capella University. Elizabeth Setney, of Telford, Pa., is a kindergarten teacher at a private learning center.
1998
Kelly Dunning, of Oreland, Pa., started her own marketing and communication support company, Right Side Office Solutions.
Michele Ayers, of Claymont, Del., received her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.
Sandra Wood, of Jenkintown, Pa., was accepted into the Mercy Associates Program.
Melissa Lumpkin, of Royersford, Pa., is working at Aria Health in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, Pa.
Kelly Strugala, of Norristown, Pa., is in clinical data management at ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services in Fort Washington, Pa.
1999
2003
Alexandria Fields, of Drexel Hill, Pa., is a registered nurse at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Pa. She has three sons and is applying to graduate school.
David Doose, of Lansdale, Pa., just began a new job at MyYearbook.com.
2000 Melissa Aninnici, of King of Prussia, Pa., is expecting her second child.
22 Today
Eileen Flanagan, of Philadelphia, Pa., teaches at Waldron Mercy Academy in Merion Station, Pa.
Mar y Stewart, of Upper Darby, Pa., retired in July 2011 after teaching in Philadelphia, Pa. for 31 years.
2007 Kenneth Faison, of Philadelphia, Pa., joined the Navy. Mar y Kate Isajewicz, of Morrisville, Pa., is working in sales and marketing at Premium Works, Inc. in Lansdale, Pa. Jessica LeGrand, of Reston, Va., is working as an associate scientist at BioReliance in Rockville, Md.
2008 Anita Applegate, of Brooksville, Fla., is a nurse practitioner at a gastrointestinal office in Inverness, Fla. She is a proud survivor of Stage 4 breast cancer.
Barbara Nestor, of Lansdale, Pa., is working at the local district justice’s office.
Joseph Higgins, of Hatboro, Pa., started a new photography business, “JD Higgins Art & Photography.”
Donna Rowlands, of Schwenksville, Pa., is a second grade teacher at Spring-Ford Area School District.
Ibin Ingram, of Philadelphia, Pa., has a clothing line titled “Ibn majid.”
2009
Shanice Johnson, of Wilmington, Del., works as a nurse at Brandywine Nursing and Rehab Facility.
Natalie Smith, of Horsham, Pa., is earning her master’s degree at Gwynedd-Mercy College.
Kaitlin Kane, of Glenolden, Pa., works as a registered nurse at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pa.
2010
Blake Kilvington, of Audubon N.J., was recently hired at The Nexus School to work with children who have autism.
Phyllis Burke, of Lansdale, Pa., is working as a school counselor at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pa.
Sarah Osborn, of Ambler, Pa., is working in social work and research in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Denis Delli, of Philadelphia, Pa., is working as a security guard at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, Pa. Sageline Elie, of Philadelphia, Pa., is pursuing her masters at Kaplan University. Earning MBA’s from Arcadia University in 2012 were Nicole Marie Sparr ’10, Paul Louis Fancher ’10 and Tahara F. Muhammad ’06/’08.
Deanna Schoultz, of Bensalem, Pa., is a therapist for autistic children.
2012 Ashley Scheiber, of Warrington, Pa., is working at EdComm Banker’s Academy, where she specializes in developing programs for bankers to train them in federal regulations.
In Memoriam Theresa M. Flanagan ’89, of Harleysville, Pa., passed away on June 8, 2012. Valeri Faith Frees ’85, of Alpine, Texas, passed away on June 14, 2012. Jane Elise Michael ’05, of Hatboro, Pa., passed away on April 4, 2012.
Brian Sprowal, of Philadelphia, Pa., was promoted to lieutenant in the 18th district of the Philadelphia Police Department. He is also in the graduate program for organizational leadership at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Christopher Tranchitella, of Perkasie, Pa., works as a registered nurse at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa.
Need More M.E.R.V.? The Alumni Association is proud to unveil MERVsAlumniConnection.com. It’s a destination for campus news, original stories, messages from President Kathleen Owens, and exclusive videos. Ultimately the blog will serve our most beloved audience: YOU!
2011 Michael Conroy, of Lafayette Hill, Pa., is working as a pharmaceutical technician at Merck, Inc. Joseph Danihel, of Laverock, Pa., is a nurse at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Hope Hall, of Perkasie, Pa., is teaching fifth grade at Saint Francis of Assisi in Norristown, Pa.
Each month we will feature an “Alumni of the Month”—someone who is challenging themselves to live a life of mercy. If you know somebody who you’d like to nominate, please e-mail berler.s@gmc.edu. You’ll want to hear about exciting upcoming events, like this year’s Homecoming. Can’t make it out? We’ll try to review and capture major events as best as we can. Also, learn about GMC in the News, a section reserved for highlighting notable media mentions. We encourage everyone to check out, share and contribute to the blog. It’s a new and exciting way to stay connected to Gwynedd-Mercy College.
Congratulations! Griffin Babies Lauren (Humphries) Dangelmaier ’05, of Philadelphia, Pa., a daughter, Abigail Ann, on March 26, 2012.
Megan (Roberts) Koppel ’08, of Souderton, Pa., a daughter, Charlotte Rose, on March 14, 2012.
Susan Schubert ’08, of Falls Church, Va., a son, Grant, in September 2011. Amy Sinkinson ’11, of Collegeville, Pa., a daughter. Tara Verdolini ’09, of Doylestown, Pa., a daughter, Stella Frances.
Abigail Ann, daughter of Lauren (Humphries) Dangelmaier ’05
Stella Frances, daughter of Tara Verdolini ’09
Charlotte Rose, daughter of Megan (Roberts) Koppel ’08
Kirsten Guancione ’11, of Ambler, Pa., a son, Mason Joseph, on February 13, 2011.
Amy Rastiello ’08, of Flanders, N.J., a son, William Joseph, on March 22, 2012.
Mar y Kate Isajewicz ’07, of Morrisville, Pa., a son, Ethan Michael. William Joseph, son of Amy Rastiello ’08
Angel Williams ’10, of Philadelphia, Pa., a son, Taj, on March 23, 2011.
Taj, son of Angel Williams ’10
Ethan Michael, son of Mary Kate Isajewicz ’07
Rae Ann Rosselli ’00/’02 and Angelo Orapallo b, of Feasterville, Pa., two daughters, Liliana Rae and Mia Angeline.
Liliana Rae and Mia Angeline, daughters of Rae Ann Rosselli ’00/’02
24 Today
Save the GMC ALUMNI
25TH & 50TH YEAR REUNIONS
We invite you to come back to reminisce and reconnect over Mass, lunch and tours. Sunday, October 14, 2012 • Gwynedd-Mercy College 1325 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437 11:30 a.m., Mass honoring classes of 1962 & 1987, Campbell Hall Chapel 12:30 p.m., Reunion lunch and tours, Assumption Hall For more information or to participate on a planning committee, contact the Director of Alumni Relations Gianna Quinn at quinn.g@gmc.edu or 215-641-5554. Formal invitation to follow.
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Lansdale, PA Permit No. 444
Office of Institutional Advancement 1325 Sumneytown Pike P.O. Box 901 Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437-0901
Inspiri
Nearly every campus initiative that makes a significant impact for our students is supported by the Annual Fund, including scholarship support for those students who need it most. Last year, Gwynedd-Mercy College awarded $12.6 million in scholarships, which benefited more than 92 percent of our students. The future of our campus is bright with the help from caring alumni like you.
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Supporting the Annual Fund
Support Gwynedd-Mercy College students with a gift to the 2011-2012 Annual Fund today.
215-641-5550 • gmc.edu/giving
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