Holy Family University Magazine Summer 2008 by Holy Family University

SUMMER 2008

University Magazine

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Contents COVER Creativity: The Surprising Ways It Affects AllAll ofof UsUs It Affects “Creativity” is no longer a term reserved for artists, musicians, writers and inventors. These days, that’s considered creativity with a “Big C.” For the rest of us, there is creativity with a “small c.” Yes, we all have it. And we need it to survive in today’s world. by Barbara Link

FEATURES

12 Taming the Fury A new generation of fire safety professionals is keeping us safe with sleek engineering and good old-fashioned science. by Jennifer Zamora

18 Education on the Fringe

For many homeless adolescents, education is often waylaid by the demands of daily living. Holy Family alumna Carolyn Thanel has vowed to make a difference in these students’ lives—one day at a time. by Marilyn Posner

DEPARTMENTS

40 Family Reunion

First Word A message from the President

News for the alumni community

Mail Bag Your letters to the Editor

Memory Lane A nostalgic trip back in time

Briefly Noted Out and about on campus

Giving Back

Making a difference on campus

1000 Words A visual slice of life at Holy Family

Last Word Q&A with Steve Wszolek ’01

Tiger Tales Sister Act magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 1

firstword

A message from the President University Magazine

In March, Holy Family University hosted “Perspectives on Creativity,” a conference that brought together professionals from different fields—including psychology, philosophy, education, art, political science, history, and medicine—to share what they know about creativity. The success of that conference prompted our decision to explore creativity and how it enhances our lives in this issue of Holy Family University Magazine. As you will see, creativity isn’t just for artists. In our own ways, we each use creativity every day to solve problems we face personally and professionally, to express ourselves, and sometimes to heal ourselves. Creativity also has an economic impact. Indeed, in recent years, Philadelphia-area government, civic, and academic leaders have begun focusing on the region’s creative economy. In 2001, the city established Innovation Philadelphia, an economic-development agency charged with supporting technology-driven economic growth in the Philadelphia region. Among the agency’s goals are growing for-profit creative industries, attracting and retaining young professionals, and fostering entrepreneurism and new ideas. The creative economy is comprised of industries, businesses, and individuals in such varied fields as architecture, engineering, and planning; communications and marketing; digital media and programming; graphic and visual arts and multimedia design; information technology; music, film, and video production; photography; and software development. The creative industry is one of our region’s biggest economic sectors, generating a significant amount of economic activity. Based on figures from 2005, the most recent year available, the annual economic impact of the for-profit creative industry in the 11-county Philadelphia region is nearly $60 billion, with $1.2 billion contributed to state and local taxes, according to Innovation Philadelphia. Additionally, the region’s for-profit creative economy supports 766,000 jobs, which includes 187,300 individuals directly employed in creative occupations. And these are high-paying jobs: $61,600 is the average annual salary. Holy Family is doing its part to support the region’s creative economy by offering a variety of academic programs that train students to pursue careers in creative occupations, including art, communications, computer management information systems, and management-marketing. Last fall, in response to the growing popularity of our undergraduate communications program, we opened a new Communications Center. The facility includes a television studio, control room, video editing suites, broadcasting equipment, and a computer lab containing 20 iMacs—all of which are designed to give students the hands-on experience necessary to enter the creative professions. These efforts to support creativity reflect our mission to instill in students a passion for truth and a commitment to seeking wisdom by promoting valuesbased education, creative scholarship, informed and imaginative use of research and technology, and practical learning opportunities. We also seek to strengthen ethical, logical, and creative thinking; to develop effective communication skills; to nurture an aesthetic sense; and to deepen global, social, and historical awareness. As you continue your life’s journey, I encourage you to embrace these core values and explore all the ways creativity can enhance our world. Sincerely,

President S. Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD ’59 Vice President for Institutional Advancement Margaret Kelly Director of Marketing and Communications Allen Arndt Editor Jennifer Zamora Art Director Lynda Weber Contributing Writers Allen Arndt Heather Costello Paul Gornowski Naomi Hall Suzanne Libenson Barbara Link Robert Macartney Marilyn Posner Kathy Warchol Ronald Wendeln Jennifer Zamora Marie Zecca Contributing Photographers Susan Beard Design Michael Branscom Davor Photography John McKeith Susan Pardys Contributing Artists Alix Northrup Christina Ullman Ullman Design Holy Family University Magazine is published biannually by the Division of Institutional Advancement. Please address all correspondence to: Editor Holy Family University Magazine Marian Hall 9801 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19114 magazine@holyfamily.edu Changes of address should be sent at least 30 days prior to the publication of the issue for which it is to take effect. The opinions and views expressed in Holy Family University Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official policies of Holy Family University. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of published information. © 2008 Holy Family University

Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD ’59 PAGE 2 Holy Family University Magazine

MAILBAG

Your letters to the Editor

Thank you so much for printing “Spinning Yarns” by Pamela Coumbe in the Winter 2008 edition of Holy Family University Magazine. As a “70s Sojourner” at Holy Family, I experienced the energy and storytelling ability of Dr. Thomas McCormick firsthand. He and Dr. Thomas Lombardi were my favorite instructors. Now that I am an Adjunct Professor of Writing, I appreciate the memory of both of these men: their energy, their high standards and expectations, and their patience (especially with the “class rebel”). I hope I inspire my students as much as they inspired me.

I just received my issue of the Winter 2008 Holy Family University Magazine. The new design of the magazine is impressive and I enjoyed reading the articles. I was especially glad to see the article on James Carty (“On the Front Lines of Information Security”). Mr. Carty was the instructor for two graduate courses I took and he is an excellent teacher. He has a great background for the courses he teaches and is a caring person who exemplifies and shares the mission of the University. Kudos to the designers of the magazine—I look forward to the upcoming issues.

I was delighted to read the recent profile on Dr. McCormick. I took his World Literature course in 1972-73 and enjoyed it—and having him for a teacher—immensely. It also was good to read about S. Francesca being “roasted.” Thanks to her encouragement, I attended Holy Family (she was the guidance counselor at Nazareth Academy during my time there). The Lord has seen fit to bless Holy Family tremendously under her leadership! I feel grateful and proud to be a graduate.

Sheila McLaughlin Sikorski ’75

Dr. Antoinette Schiavo Associate Dean School of Education Holy Family University

I’m on the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education’s magazine exchange and produce a magazine for my own institution. Yours is engaging, lively and fun. It immediately made me want to be part of the HF family. What a great job you do!

(S. Cara) Lucille Garofalo ’76

Margot Emery Senior Writer/Producer University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

My magazine just came and it looks incredible. I get Villanova’s, Temple’s and LaSalle’s, and this is by far the best. You took the whole magazine to the next level... user‑friendly, professional and well written. Congratulations! Richard Slinkard Principal Accent Communications

I received my copy of Holy Family’s latest publication in today’s mail. The article on the Christmas Rosies captured the essence of our spirit. I also enjoyed reading the article of introduction about Marie Zecca, Director of Alumni & Parents. Thank you for publishing our article...who knows, it may inspire other alums to follow suit. Mary Ann Scarano Hughes ’64

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! Please send your letters to:

Editor Holy Family University Magazine Marian Hall 9801 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19114 magazine@holyfamily.edu

Letters may be edited for clarity, length, and style.

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 3

BRIEFLYNOTED

Out and about on campus

Kimmel Center Hosts First Off-Campus Commencement The University’s 51st Commencement Ceremony took place on Friday, May 23, as 785 graduates from the undergraduate and graduate programs received their degrees. For the first time, commencement ceremonies were held off campus, in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Sister Mary Reap, IHM, PhD, Sister M. Celine Warnilo, CSFN, MA, and Cardinal Justin Rigali, STB, JCD, were presented honorary degrees during the ceremony, which was simulcast to the Perzel Education & Technology Center for those unable to attend at the Kimmel Center. Holy Family’s first graduating class also was honored during the ceremony. Twenty members of the class of 1958 were recognized along with the University’s newest graduates. (See additional coverage on page 43.) — Bob Macartney

Above: A birds-eye view of Commencement in the Kimmel Center. Below, left to right: Cardinal Rigali shares a laugh with the President and faculty; Graduates eagerly await their turn on stage; Processing into Verizon Hall.

PAGE 4 Holy Family University Magazine

University Breaks Ground for New Residence Phase I

Groundbreaking for the newest building on the Northeast Philadelphia campus took place on May 6, as shovels bit into the earth on the current softball field. Members of the Holy Family University Board of Trustees, construction and architectural executives, the Provincial Superior of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, and other officials joined Sister Francesca Onley with shovels in ceremonially breaking ground on the Stevenson Residence. The Residence will offer suite-style living with design and amenities that students expect in contemporary cam-

pus housing. Each unit will feature two bedrooms, a bathroom with separate shower and sink facilities, and a small living room. Kitchenettes and laundry rooms will be provided on each floor. A quiet study room will sit on one wing of each floor. On the opposite wing, a student lounge will offer a panoramic view of the campus and beyond. The building’s first floor will feature a fitness room, game room, vending room, and a multipurpose room with ample meeting space. The building also will feature a health suite. Students will use security swipe cards to access the building and their rooms. In addition, the build-

ing will have a 24-hour security attendant and security cameras.    The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion and occupancy by fall 2009. When this $20 million project is complete, the Stevenson Residence will accommodate 148 students within 67,430 square feet of space. It also will offer four resident advisor suites, a suite for a residence life professional, and 128 parking spaces. Future plans could include two additional phases that would provide up to 112,580 square feet and house up to 358 students. — Bob Macartney

BRIEFLYNOTED

Out and about on campus

And the Winner Is…

STUDENTS BY THE NUMBERS Thanks in part to an expanding residence life program, out-of-state students are increasingly considering Holy Family for their college careers. A total of 17 states are represented in the applicant pool for this fall’s freshman class, the furthest of which are Arizona, Texas, and Florida. It’s a trend that’s expected to continue as additional campus housing becomes available.

Assistant Professor of Biology George Haynes, MS, was named the University’s 2008 winner of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching at the Faculty Recognition Event on Friday, February 15. The announcement capped an evening of awards and recognition for the University’s faculty, over 50 of whom were recognized for their achievements. S. Francesca brought the crowd of approximately 100 to its feet with the announcement of Haynes as the Lindback Award winner. Professor of Nursing and MSN Chair Kathleen

McMullen, PhD, and Professor of Education Phyllis Gallagher, EdD, received the Vice President for Academic Affairs Service Award from Sister Maureen McGarrity, CSFN, PhD. — Bob Macartney

Business Chamber Appointment Raises Eyebrows, Elicits Grins Sister Francesca accepts the Chairperson’s gavel from Immediate Past Chairperson of the GNPCC Edward McBride.

PAGE 6 Holy Family University Magazine

Last February, the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GNPCC) tapped Holy Family President Sister Francesca Onley to serve as its chairperson. The appointment caught the attention of news media from here to South Carolina, which seemed thunderstruck that a religious would run the 900-member business organization. Colorful headlines announcing her appointment included: “The Northeast’s nun of your business”, “Chamber: Nun the wiser”, and this headline that was published in a Trenton tabloid: “Chairman of the board isn’t Old Blue Eyes but a nun”. Sister Francesca finds the fuss amusing. As University

President for 26 years, business is nothing new to her. “Because you’re in religious life does not mean you can’t make a contribution to the community,” S. Francesca says. GNPCC President Al Taubenberger is pleased that S. Francesca agreed to the two-year appointment. In prior years, she declined chamber members’ requests that she serve as chairperson, although she has been a chamber member for 24 years. “S. Francesca has the vision and the ability to lead this Chamber of Commerce to the next level,” Taubenberger says. “We are extraordinarily fortunate to have her. All of us are looking forward to exciting things during her tenure.” — Naomi Hall

On the Bookshelf Holy Family’s faculty members have authored a number of books, poems, and articles over the past year. Here are a few of the highlights. Life is Fine Published in early March, this is the second novel by Adjunct Professor of English Allison Whittenberg, MA. The story revolves around a 15-yearold student with a crush on her 72-year-old teacher. Whittenberg’s first novel, Sweet Thang, was published in March 2006 and was a New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age, and a Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choice for 2007. Forever Spoken: The International Library of Poetry Associate Professor of Italian and French Sister Doloretta Dawid, CSFN, DA, had a poem entitled “Child of My Heart” published in this volume of poetry. Rune: MIT Journal of Arts & Letters “Clothespin”, a poem by Adjunct Professor of English Daniel Picker, MA, was accepted for publication in this yearly journal. It is the third time his work has appeard in this publication. His previous poems were entitled “Steep Stony Road” and “Above a Station of the BART.” Picker also contributed two poems to the third annual Haddonfield Speaks Poetry Celebration, and both appeared in the Haddonfield Speaks Anthology. Battleground: Controversial Issues in Criminal Justice Assistant Professor and Graduate Chair of Criminal Justice Leanne Owen, PhD, submitted an entry entitled “School Violence” which appeared in this twovolume encyclopedia. Encyclopedia of Race and Crime in America Several School of Arts and Sciences faculty authored articles for this volume, due for publication in spring 2009. They include Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Leanne Owen, PhD, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Danny Pirtle, PhD, and Associate Professor of Political Science Stephen Medvec, PhD. — Bob Macartney

15 Candles for SEPCHE Collaboration trumped competition 15 years ago when the presidents of Arcadia, Cabrini, Chestnut Hill, Gwynedd-Mercy, Immaculata, Neumann, Rosemont, and Holy Family formed SEPCHE, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education. These eight independent schools work together to enhance the quality and efficiency of academic programming, institutional operations, and community outreach. Brighid Blake has served as Executive Director of SEPCHE for eight years. “It has been exciting to see how SEPCHE over the years has used a foundation of trust and understanding to achieve a level of cooperation that has led to so many new initiatives that benefit all of our students and enrich the experience at each of our member colleges and universities,” she said. Since forming in 1993 the organization has raised nearly $20 million for faculty and staff development, curriculum improvements, research, outreach programs, and other initiatives. SEPCHE’s accomplishments include interconnection of member libraries, various staff and faculty development conferences, and math and science workshops for elementary and secondary teachers across the fivecounty area. Sister Francesca Onley is one of SEPCHE’s founding presidents. — Naomi Hall magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 7

BRIEFLYNOTED

Out and about on campus

ART SHOW DEPICTS HORRORS OF SLAVE TRADE’S MIDDLE PASSAGE

Prayers, Gratitude Showered on Fire, Police, Security Officers The message to emergency responders gathered on campus for the Second Annual Blue Mass was simple—Holy Family stands behind you. It was a statement well received by dozens of police and several fire officers who attended the solemn prayer service in remembrance of all emergency responders and University security officers on May 16. Among those in attendance from Philadelphia Police were Deputy Police Commissioner Stephen Johnson Sr., Chief Inspector Jim Tiano, and John McNesby, President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. The more than 100 officers who attended the Mass in the Campus Center Lower Lobby called it inspirational. Heavy on everyone’s mind was the shooting of Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski, who was killed May 3 while trying to stop bank robbery suspects. Most of the University’s 44 security officers are retired police and feel a strong connection with those still on the force, said Joseph McBride, Director of Campus Safety and Security and a former Philadelphia Police Sergeant. Father James MacNew, OSFS, led the Mass with Reverend Mark Hunt, STL, serving as co-celebrant. “We understand that you have two families—one at home and your family of fellow officers at work,” Father MacNew said. “We’re your third family.” — Naomi Hall

Combining the horrors of slavery with the artistic angles of

painting and haiku may sound a bit strange. But the mixture resulted in a moving national art exhibit titled “Haiku Middle Passage,” which opened in February at the University’s Art Gallery.

More than 100 faculty, staff, students, and guests packed the Gallery on Febru-

ary 5 for opening night. Holy Family Professor of History Mary Carroll Johansen, PhD, recounted the gruesome details of slave ships traveling through the Middle Passage. In addition, haiku poet Mursalata Muhammad, the driving force of the exhibit, spoke to the group via teleconference. The exhibit featured 13 haiku poems written by Muhammad, a professor at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Seventeen professional artists from across the nation created corresponding artwork, including Pamela Flynn, Associate Professor of Art at Holy Family University. The Middle Passage refers to the second leg of the three-part slave trade voyage from Africa to the Americas that brought 10 million men, women, and children into enslavement during 400 years of active slave trade. Muhammad read literature and poetry detailing the trips of the Middle Passage and decided to focus her work on the time slaves spent aboard ships. Although she spent two years developing the haiku, she continues to find new meaning in her poetry.

“Each haiku is unique,” Muhammad said. “Sometimes people reading the haiku

and looking at the artwork help me see something in them I have not seen before. That is when I get the most out of my work.” Each aspect of the exhibit was designed to echo not only the soul of the transSister Danuta CSFN;forced Sister Maria Blaszczyk, CSFN; Atlantic slave trade, but also(Front) the current issuesBzowska, surrounding human bondage Sister Magdalena Bernat, CSFN; (Back) Sister Jeremia Stanska, and other social injustices. —CSFN; Bob Macartney Sister Karolina Mlodzianowska, CSFN, and University Trustee Sister Benedetta Pielech, CSFN, lectured on Eastern Europe.

PAGE 8 Holy Family University Magazine

Election time—millions of Americans exercising their right to vote, candidates sharing their plans for the future, endless hours of debate, and of course, negative ads that turn mudslinging into an art form. The catch is this – the year was 1884, not 2008. More than 100 people attended a lecture on Friday, March 28, about the political tactics that led to the election of President Grover Cleveland in 1884. Presented by University of Kentucky Professor of History Mark Summers, PhD, the lecture focused on the election of 1884, considered one of the most interesting and distasteful in American history. Entitled “Rum, Romanism, & Rebellion: The Presidential Election of 1884,” the lecture was the second in a series on Gilded Age politics held in collaboration with Glen Foerd on the Delaware. — Bob Macartney

Library of Congress Print and Picture Collection

Lecture Explores Origin of Mudslinging

Alleged to have fathered an illegitimate child, Cleveland was heckled by Democrats chanting: “Ma, ma, where’s my pa?” After Cleveland won they added “Gone to the White House, ha, ha, ha.” For their part, Cleveland backers chanted: “Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, the Continental liar from the state of Maine.”

Longtime Professors Frey and Woodside Retire After a combined 61 years of service to Holy Family, two respected faculty members decided to hang up their chalk. Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages Peter Frey, EdD, and Professor Emeritus of Humanities Lisa Woodside, PhD, retired this spring following long and distinguished careers. A native of Northeast Philadelphia, Dr. Frey devoted 36 years of service to Holy Family. His honors and awards include a University fellowship from Temple University and a visiting scholar appointment at Georgetown University. A committed teacher and mentor, he served on many committees and councils and consulted for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Dr. Woodside served Holy Family University for 25 years as both an academic administrator and faculty

member. She initially served as Academic Dean, and later as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Since returning to full-time teaching in 1998, she has taught courses in world literature, mythology, composition, and applied ethics. A prolific researcher and author, Dr. Woodside published articles in numerous scholarly journals, and delivered papers at professional meetings on subjects such as hypnosis, psychology, phenomenology of consciousness, and the environment. — Bob Macartney

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 9

BRIEFLYNOTED

Out and about on campus

Survey to Probe Alumni Opinions

BUILDING HOPE

For most students, spring

and Assistant Director of Student

break conjures up images of sunny

Activities and Wellness Matt Thomas

destinations far away from the class-

accompanied the 10 students in north-

room. One group of Holy Family stu-

ern Miami where they helped rebuild

dents had a different idea.

“Little Haiti.”

Assistant Professor of Religious

For the second consecutive year,

Holy Family students chose to spend

Studies Reverend Mark J. Hunt, STL,

Spring Break helping others. Ap-

accompanied students who served in

proximately 15 students participated

Lower Bucks County.

in Alternative Spring Break projects

in Miami, Florida, and Lower Bucks

profit, ecumenical Christian housing

County during the week of March 17.

operation building simple, decent,

Alternative Spring Break provides

affordable housing in partnership with

an opportunity for students across

people in need. Last year, the Univer-

the US to help rebuild communities

sity sent a contingent to help Habitat

during time away from the classroom.

rebuild New Orleans.

The students who travelled to Miami

Interfaith Housing Development

participated in a Habitat for Human-

Corporation of Bucks County is an

ity project, while the students who

interfaith partnership of 30 Catho-

volunteered in Bucks County worked

lic, Protestant, Jewish, and Quaker

with Interfaith Housing Development

organizations created in 1987 to ad-

Corporation.

dress the needs of the homeless and

Habitat for Humanity is a non-

Assistant Profes-

the lack of afford-

sor of Psychology

able housing within

Megan Meyer, PhD,

Bucks County. — Bob Macartney

PAGE 10 Holy Family University Magazine

Holy Family will conduct a survey of its alumni in late summer 2008. The survey will ask alumni questions about their current knowledge of the University, opinions about the quality of the University’s academic and student life programs, advice on future direction and strategic initiatives, and beliefs about Holy Family’s mission, Catholic sponsorship, and distinctive attributes. The alumni survey will be carried out by the joint marketing team of Keating Associates and Prescience Associates, as part of a comprehensive study of how Holy Family’s various constituencies understand and view the University. Other opinion research will be conducted among undergraduate and graduate students, high school seniors, applicants to graduate and distance learning programs, faculty and staff, trustees, and community leaders and business representatives. “We have grown significantly in the last few years,” says Margaret Kelly, Vice President for Institutional Advancement “and we need to assess how alumni, students, faculty, and others important to Holy Family view our progress and understand our mission and values.” The research will result in a formal plan of how the University can effectively communicate its values, identity, and reputation to its various audiences. “Both the opinion research and identity planning are significant components of the strategic plan we began implementing two years ago,” Kelly adds. Alumni may complete the survey by Web or mail. Individual responses will be kept confidential by using outside research firms. — Ronald Wendeln

Accelerated Degree and Education Programs Expand

Riches to Rags

Former General Hospital

This spring, the University launched two new academic programs to keep pace with the needs of area students. The Criminal Justice Administration concentration is the newest addition to the Accelerated Degree Program at Holy Family University-Woodhaven. A specialized version of the existing undergraduate business administration program, the concentration focuses on the management, problem-solving, and decision-making elements involved in working as a criminal justice practitioner. Elements of business and management are fused with theoretical and pragmatic discussions of how the justice system operates. The new program strives to prepare students for professions in criminal justice, including law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections, while enhancing the academic and professional knowledge of those who are already employed in the field. Based entirely at Holy Family University-Newtown, the Teacher Completion Program is designed for new, full-time transfer students seeking an affordable way to complete an undergraduate education degree and state teacher certification in the Bucks County area. Full-time students in the Teacher Completion Program receive a $5,000 grant from the University, and may be eligible to receive additional academic scholarships ranging from $3,000-$5,000. — Bob Macartney

producer Gerry Straub visited campus for a discussion about filmmaking on April 23. However his message was much stronger than any soap opera storyline. Straub is now the Founder and President of the San Damiano Foundation, a group that produces films celebrating the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan concern for the poor, social justice, peace, non-violence, prayer, and the integrity of creation. Addressing a crowd of faculty, staff, students, and friends of the University, Straub detailed his journey from “riches to rags.” A former television executive with a strong resume of Hollywood hits, Straub has produced several documentaries portraying the reality of the poor and homeless.

“I am often moved to tears by

what I am filming,” Straub said while film rolled of the injustice he has seen in places as near as Kensington and as

Co-Op Society is Chapter of the Year If one goal of higher education is job placement, there are few awards with more prestige than the one bestowed on Holy Family in April. The Mu Chapter of Kappa Theta Epsilon— the national cooperative education honor society—won Chapter of the Year at the national convention held at Drexel University in March. Holy Family’s Mu Chapter is the smallest of 19 existing chapters. Despite the success of the program, which boasts employment rates nearly twice the national average, the announcement caught Director of Cooperative Education Sister Frances Veitz, CSFN, EdD, and Student President Kaitlin McDonough by surprise. “Our jaws dropped,” S. Frances said. “We never expected this to happen, and I am very honored to be a part of it.” The award immediately began paying dividends. Johnson & Johnson, one of the businesses in attendance at the convention, approached the University about co-op positions with their Information Technology department in Fort Washington. Holy Family’s competition for the award included larger schools in the region, such as the University of Maryland, Penn State University, Drexel University, Widener University, and other well-respected national universities.

— Bob Macartney

far as Uganda.

His film “Room at the Inn” focuses

on the St. Francis Inn in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.

“Each movie I make is a step in

faith,” Straub said. — Bob Macartney magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 11

A new generation of fire safety professionals is keeping us safe with sleek engineering and good old-fashioned science. By Jennifer Zamora Photography by Michael Branscom PAGE 12 Holy Family University Magazine

The inferno is over almost before it starts. Fumes fill the room. Flames lick the ceiling. Intense heat radiates through the walls. Just when it appears out of control, a burst of water extinguishes the fire, leaving behind wispy plumes of smoke. The most remarkable aspect of the fire is not its size or intensity, but its origin. This fire was deliberately set—by Mark Noval ’01, Instructor of Fire Protection Engineering Technology at Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC). Far from being an arsonist, he is one of a growing number of public safety professionals who study the mechanics of fire. By understanding the different types of fires and what makes them tick, these engineers can design products or equipment—such as automatic sprinkler systems—that may avert loss of life and property. The fire above represents a typical grease fire burning at 1800–2000 degrees. Water alone typically will not extinguish such a fire. But as Noval demonstrated, a sprinkler system can be designed to do exactly that—with proper pressure and a few other mechanical tweaks. Fighting Fire Before it Starts Robert Foraker, Chair of the Fire Protection Engineering Technology Department at DTCC likens his job to being an “evangelical fire safety minister.” “If you have to call 911, it’s too late,” he says. “Our job is to prevent the problem in the first place.” These days, more and more students are attracted to the public safety specialty. According to Thomas Garrity, a Deputy Chief in the Philadelphia Fire Department and Coordinator of the Fire Science and Public Safety program at Holy Family, most graduates use their degrees to advance careers with local fire departments. But a growing number start or advance careers in other areas. “The program is opening up a lot of doors,” says Garrity. “Every year we see graduates going into new professions.” Some, like Noval, enter fire protection engineering. Others pursue code enforcement, emergency planning, or risk management careers. Inspiration from Tragedy The infamous One Meridian Plaza fire of 1991 was all the motivation Noval needed to enter the field. One of the worst fires in United States history, the fire claimed the lives of three Philadelphia firemen and gutted eight floors of a 38-story Center City building. The blaze burned for 19 hours before a sprinkler system installed by a tenant on the 30th floor extinguished the flames. “I happened to be watching the news and I just saw a ball of flames,” Noval says. “The news report basically said it was because of something called a ‘fire protection system’ that the fire was controlled. They were able to salvage the building and prevent others from being injured. It got me thinking.” He went on to earn an associate of applied science from DTCC, a bachelor of arts from Holy Family University, and a master of science in Public Safety from St. Joseph’s University. Although he attended three separate institutions, Noval credits Holy Family as “the glue that holds my tech experience together.” “I have to confess, I’m not running around with a Holy Family shirt on,” he laughs. “But my goodness, when someone asks me about it, I absolutely know what I’m telling them when I say that the University changed my life.” In particular, Holy Family’s Major Incident Analysis class left a major impression on Noval. He often tells his students about the guest speakers he heard discussing the Pier 34 collapse, the Rising Sun Baptist Church fire, and of course, One Meridian Plaza. “To hear from the incident commanders, the lieutenants, the people who were on the front lines—it was invaluable,” he says. Garrity believes Major Incident Analysis is what sets Holy Family’s program apart from its peers. “There is no other course like this in the region,” he says. “It really gives students an appreciation for large-scale emergency operations.” PAGE 14 Holy Family University Magazine

A Day in the Life Noval began his career as a fire sprinkler inspector. He also worked for several contractors and an architectural/engineering firm designing fire and life safety systems for projects like Citizens Bank Park. But in late 2001, he got the itch to teach, and was hired as an Instructor at DTCC. He began teaching a week later. “It was trial by fire. Fortunately, I was in a classroom with understanding students,” he says. “A week prior, I was sitting in a cushy high-rise office designing systems all over the country. It was eye opening.” Some wonder how he can teach fire protection engineering without firefighting experience. But Noval dismisses that argument. He likens his experience to being a mechanic without a car. “You might say, ‘Wait a second. How can you be a mechanic if you don’t have a car?’ You don’t have to own a car to be a mechanic,” he says. “I feel the same way about fire protection. Being a firefighter is helpful in understanding the dynamics and characteristics of fire, but it is not a requirement in understanding how to protect people and property from its potentially destructive forces.” Reaping the Rewards In his spare time, Noval is a part-time hobby guitarist and avid music enthusiast. So, in 1995 when he landed the Tower Theater assignment during his stint as a fire sprinkler system inspector, he was ecstatic.

“I have to confess, I’m not running around with a Holy Family shirt on. But my goodness, when someone asks me about it, I absolutely know what I’m telling them when I say that the University changed my life.” — Mark Noval ’01

Kids: Detecting the Parents who have watched their child sleep through a raging thunderstorm know kids can sleep through anything. Unfortunately, fire is no exception. Although children five and under make up about seven percent of the country’s population, they account for 12 percent of home fire deaths according to the National Fire Protection Association. This is approximately double the risk of the average person. One reason behind the disparity is the ineffectiveness of standard smoke detectors. Recent studies have shown that 57 percent of

children simply don’t wake up to the familiar beep of a smoke detector. Noval experienced this phenomenon first-hand. On a recent night, he and his wife were awakened by the piercing sound of a smoke detector. Although the alarm was caused by a high level of moisture from a humidifier, it concerned them that their daughter continued sleeping and only woke up after she heard her parents’ voices. “Studies say there is a greater probability that children will wake up when they hear a parent’s voice. This turned out to be true in my own home,” he says.

New products on the market, such as the KidSmart Vocal Smoke Detector, are designed to combat the problem. These devices can record and play a parent’s voice in the event of a fire. The message can be anything from a warning, to directions on how to get out of the house safely. Directional speakers can be aimed at a child’s pillow to ensure effectiveness. However, Noval is quick to point out that vocal smoke detectors do not replace other smoke detectors in the house. They work with them to give children an extra alert.

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 15

“I thought it was like a gold mine,” he says. “If I’d had a cell phone, I would have called all my friends and family to say ‘man, do you know where I am? I’m at the Tower Theater!’” Although the accommodations weren’t plush, Noval was able to go backstage to see the dressing rooms and the area where musicians relaxed. At the end of the day, he hung his inspection tag on a fire hose in the

upper-level balcony. Shortly thereafter, he went to see a concert at the theater, and proudly showed his girlfriend (now his wife) the tag. Although the greatest job satisfaction comes from the knowledge that lives are being saved, there are other intrinsic benefits to the field. “We teach our students that the best job is one where you make enough

money to live comfortably and enjoy going to work every day,” says Foraker. “I love my job.” Noval couldn’t agree more. “I can’t believe they pay me to do this.”

Experiencing a fire in your home is upsetting. But putting out the flames with a fire extinguisher may yield unpleasant results. Chemicals used in some fire extinguishers can damage electronics—sometimes months after the fact. Residue left behind can travel through the house and bind to electronic appliances. Over the course of several months, the residue causes electronics to corrode and eventually stop working. All electronics are susceptible to this malady, including televisions, computers, and DVD players. The good news—you can avoid unnecessary destruction by learning the facts about common extinguisher types. Check the tag on your extinguisher to see which type you have.

Type

Contents

Works On

Pros

Cons

Dry Chemical– ABC Rated

Ammonium phosphate

Paper, wood, cardboard and most plastics; flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil; electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers, and outlets

This is a multi-purpose extinguisher good for almost all fires. It also leaves a non-flammable substance on the extinguished material, reducing the likelihood of re-ignition.

Ammonium phosphate is extremely corrosive—it may cause extensive damage to electronic equipment.

Dry Chemical–BC Rated

Sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate

Flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, grease, and oil; electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets

This extinguisher is much less damaging to electronic equipment than ABC-rated extinguishers. They are a good choice for grease fires in the kitchen. Like the ABC-rated extinguishers, it leaves a nonflammable substance on the extinguished material, reducing the likelihood of re-ignition.

Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate leave a mildly corrosive residue—it must be cleaned immediately to prevent damage to materials. Not suitable for paper, wood, cardboard, or plastic fires.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Highly pressurized carbon dioxide

Flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil; electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers, and outlets

CO2 extinguishers have an advantage over dry chemical extinguishers since they don’t leave a harmful residue. They are a good choice for electrical fires on a computer or other electronic devices such as a stereo or TV.

They don’t work very well on paper, wood, cardboard, or plastic fires, because they may not be able to displace enough oxygen to put the fire out. They also do not leave a residue that prevents re-ignition.

PAGE 16 Holy Family University Magazine

Hot Car+Cool Plate= One Sweet Ride

Show your Tiger Pride everywhere you go with the new Holy Family University license plate! Now available through the Alumni Association for just $30, each plate features the official University seal. Proceeds benefit the Holy Family University Alumni Association. For an application, visit holyfamily.edu/alumni/hf-license-plate.pdf. For more information, call 267-341-3339 or e-mail alumni@holyfamily.edu.

Sorry, hot car not included.

on the

Fringe

PAGE 18 Holy Family University Magazine

For many homeless adolescents, education is often waylaid by the demands of daily living. Holy Family alumna Carolyn Thanel has vowed to make a difference in these studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; livesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one day at a time.

Like most teachers, Carolyn Thanel ’89 absolutely loves her job. But she doesn’t always see success in her students. In fact, success is measured in such small amounts that she rarely sees it at all. Far from the traditional classrooms of suburbia, Thanel has spent the past four years as a Reading Specialist in a Title 1-funded program at a Northeast Philadelphia emergency shelter for adolescents. Her charges don’t come to class with a willingness to learn—they have other priorities in life. She tries to understand the difficulties they endure daily, but even if she can’t, she still believes each child is worth the effort to connect with an education.

A New Mission

Thanel taught full-time for several years in a Catholic elementary school before obtaining her permanent reading specialist certification in 2007 and accepting a position with the shelter program. She knew there would be new challenges ahead. But she didn’t know these students would touch her so profoundly. As she talks about her work, Thanel’s voice trembles and tears are not far behind. She loves the job, but it’s difficult to know if she is reaching the girls who come to the shelter. Some stay for a short time while problems are worked out at home. Others come for an extended stay while their parents are in prison. Many are pregnant and in need of a safe environment to carry the baby to term. When students arrive at the shelter, the staff psychologist provides Thanel with minimal information—the student’s name, birth date, and last known grade. Only if the student chooses to share personal information does she get a real insight into the student’s life. But Thanel works with what she has and performs an assessment on each student to determine strengths, weaknesses, and grade level. “Many have been living in uncomfortable circumstances and fallen behind in school,” she says. Thanel sees each student for two weeks, on average. That isn’t much time to break through the shell of isolation the girls build around themselves, and prepare them for reentry to the public school system. Many of them dropped out because they didn’t like school. Sometimes the public schools failed them through teacher apathy. “Abuse, neglect, poverty—these are heavy burdens that they carry and they are sad—so in many cases ‘learning’ is a burden,” says Thanel. For a teacher, it’s unimaginable that the act of learning is a burden for a child, but it is evident in their faces, in their body language, in their disdain for authority. Thanel is welcoming, respectful, and above all, a good listener. She must determine what they need quickly. She deems it a success when a child says “Now I understand what I need to do.”

PAGE 20 Holy Family University Magazine

Finding the Talent Within

Thanel believes all her charges have potential, but some come with extra responsibilities. She has seen pregnant teens as young as 14. “Academically, I am supportive and let the students know they can succeed,” she says, even though the holes in their previous schooling may have left them with no knowledge of multiplication tables or how to write in cursive. Students of various ethnicities are skeptical of the teachers, “until they see we are willing to go the extra mile with them,” says Thanel. Some girls are even fearful of each other. They have to learn to trust before they can feel free enough to be taught. Her goal is for the students to value an education and to know people believe they can succeed.

A Difficult Road Many other Holy Family graduates choose work similar to that of Thanel—outside the traditional classroom, but deeply involved in making a difference in students’ lives. In fact, Holy Family provides more teachers to the Philadelphia School District than any other private university. Leonard Soroka, EdD, Dean of the School of Education, says today’s teachers face greater challenges because their students come to class with a great deal of need. “The teachers have to wonder…do I have the time, the energy, or the resources needed for this student,” he says. Thanel agrees, saying, “When you feel the burdens these girls have as young adults, it’s mind boggling. These are the students no one wants. Above all it has made me more compassionate.” Having taught in other settings, Thanel knows it would be easier to find a job in a more traditional classroom. But she finds the work incredibly rewarding. “It would be easy to quit, but I believe God placed me here, and he always gives me what I need to help them,” she reflects.

This work is so rewarding. It would be easy to quit, but I believe God placed me here and He always gives me what I need to help them. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Carolyn Thanel â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;89

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 21

A Critical Support System

Thanel was raised in an Italian-American family of six siblings in Northeast Philadelphia. She has three children and five grandchildren. “I look at my children and grandchildren in a totally different way and know how blessed we are. I have tried to pass along some of the same values I received from my parents and what I learned from sacrificing and making good choices. “I try to instill in my students that they are deserving of respect and have human dignity. Sometimes the girls show us that we’ve gotten through to them,” she says. Dr. Soroka emphasizes that more time and money must be invested in schools, which serve as critical support systems in many communities. “Schools are, for many students and parents, an oasis. Sometimes churches can supply the support, but really the schools are places for nurses, dental exams, nutrition, mental

The Right to an Education According to the federal McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, a homeless child must be provided with a free and appropriate education, often in the original school attended. Passed in 1987, the act defines as homeless an “individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” That lack of a permanent address often left schools able to deny entrance to such students. Today, the McKinneyVento Act is changing the lives of homeless youngsters. According to John McLaughlin, the new Coordinator of Federal Homeless Education Programs

at the US Department of Education, there were 679,724 identified homeless students enrolled in public school districts for the 2006-07 school year. To that add 52,763 students in residential facilities for neglected children. Foster care adds another 231,185. That totals 963,672 students living outside their nuclear families. During that same academic year, Pennsylvania schools aided approximately 10,049 school-aged homeless children and 2,907 homeless preschoolers (ages 3 and 4), for a total of 12,956 children. According to Sheldon Winnick, Pennsylvania Department of Education State Coordinator, Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, the goal of the state plan is to prevent disruption of learning and to remove or ease the barriers to enrollment and educational success.

PAGE 22 Holy Family University Magazine

health, clothes. These also are critical to making students into successes not failures,” he says. He adds that assessments are good for schools, but of little value to a student who is told he is a failure and is making his school fail. Remediation and positive change should happen in schools. For all the challenges, there are small moments of triumph. Thanel remembers one teen mother who refused to attend class until her baby was napping. She taught the young mom to write in cursive in about a week. Soon afterward, the student had a court date and her mother accompanied her. “A week later I saw her and she said, ‘My mother cried when I told her that I could write.’ That little success in selfesteem helped to ease the hurt in the family,” says Thanel.

Marilyn Posner is an award-winning freelance writer and past President of the Education Writers Association.

By using federal funds, Pennsylvania provides state support through regional networks. School districts must have homeless liaisons working with the students and the network. McLaughlin says the McKinney-Vento Act helps to remove enrollment barriers in school programs, as well as arrange transportation to students’ original schools while they are homeless. It is often more difficult for homeless students to find the resources, privacy or quiet areas for concentration needed to work on homework or projects done outside the classroom. To help, school districts can apply for federal grants through their state departments of education. Many districts also receive funds and donations from private foundations and community groups for backpacks, school supplies, and afterschool snacks.

“The numbers of students being identified as homeless according to the McKinney-Vento EHCY definition have increased over the last several years and that is due in part to the outreach efforts of state coordinators and school district liaisons as well as other staff who serve these students,” says McLaughlin. He added that data for the past three years show a marked increase in the number of homeless students included in annual statewide assessments. It also showed improvement in the overall proficiency in reading and math of homeless students in the elementary and middle school grades.

Save the Date

Holy Family University Scholarship Ball

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 CRYSTAL TEA ROOM CENTER CITY, PHILADELPHIA, PA An Exquisite Evening with Infinite Impact Join us at the elegant Crystal Tea Room for a luxurious evening of fine food, music, and dancing. All proceeds benefit student financial aid at Holy Family University. Black tie. Call 267-341-3377 for ticket information. magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 19

PAGE 24 Holy Family University Magazine

The Surprising Ways It Affects All of Us “Creativity” is no longer a term reserved for artists, musicians, writers and inventors.

These days, that’s considered creativity with a “Big C.” For the rest of us, there is

creativity with a “small c.” Yes, we all have it. And we need it to survive in today’s world.

By Barbara Link Illustrations by Christina Ullman and Alix Northrup, Ullman Design

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly. - Buckminster Fuller

PAGE 26 Holy Family University Magazine

The experts agree. Every single one of us is creative. And according to the experts, creativity is an essential survival skill. It makes life worth living. It allows us to be more successful in our careers, helps us to heal from illness, brings joy and meaning to our golden years, and simply makes us better people. These enlightening findings and many more were revealed when Holy Family University hosted the “Perspectives on Creativity” Conference on March 29, 2008. The brainchild of Lynn Della Pietra, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, this unique gathering explored the impact of creativity on our everyday lives, and how we define creativity in today’s world. The agenda featured two dozen workshops led by a diverse group of professionals from the fields of philosophy, education, art, political science, psychology, history, and medicine.

“There was a researcher in the 1950s who said that creative thinking is necessary for the advancement of science and technology, and solving the world’s problems,” says Dr. Della Pietra. “This is even truer today. We’re at a time when we need to start thinking about creative and novel ways to address the myriad issues we’re facing. So many of the world’s problems could benefit from creative thinking.” Dr. Della Pietra defines creativity as the ability to generate new and novel ideas that are functional. “Creativity has to be practical,” she explains. “Other definitions don’t take that into consideration. Creativity is something that helps solve a problem, something that provides a new insight. It applies across every industry, and in every facet of our lives.”

Creativity and the Workplace

It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to always be right by having no ideas at all. - Edward De Bono

In the business world, creativity is everywhere. But most prefer to use the term “innovation.” They still believe “creativity” is the artist’s domain, and the expression conjures up visions of writing the great American novel in the lunchroom. Innovation, on the other hand, suggests being on the cutting edge. Regardless of what term is used, creativity comes in to play in nearly every aspect of business including: problem solving; developing new products and services; identifying new markets; distinguishing yourself from the competition; selling ideas; and generating buy-in from employees. The key in business is that creativity must be applied. Christina Robertson, PhD, a conference presenter and highly respected organizational consultant, coach and trainer, says that we should not be frightened by creativity. While “big

C” creativity has to do with only a small fraction of the population—the musicians, the artists, the writers, the inventors—“small c” creativity is in all of us. After all, it’s not about inventing something brand new, or introducing a revolutionary theory. It’s about rethinking existing ideas to bring about a new spin or a different way of doing something. In other words, don’t reinvent the wheel—improve on it. Dr. Robertson also believes that creativity is not the same as intelligence. When she asks people to name the five most intelligent people they know, and the five most creative people they know, she reports that it’s rare for the same names to appear on both lists. To judge how comfortable people are with divergent thinking, Dr. Robertson often passes around an object, and asks audiences to generate as many uses as possible for that object. Because intelligence tests encourage people to come up with the right answer, people who score highly on those tests may not find it easy to generate multiple answers. When people are less concerned with giving the right answer, they may come up with as many as ten, or even 20 ideas. The trick, she says, is to take risks. It’s about flexibility, the willingness to offer up divergent ideas, and openness to trying new things. “Studies show that a huge percentage of our creativity may be stamped out of us by the time we’re six years old,” explains Dr. Robertson. “Think about the messages we received growing up—phrases like, ‘that’s no way to earn a living.’ We’ve become so focused on concrete results in this culture, and investing early on to instill critical thinking skills in our children, that as a society, we’ve become much less effec-

tive at generating possibilities. We’ve forgotten how to play. We need to take the restraints off and encourage more divergent thinking.” “Businesses that are currently in the forefront of creative thinking—or innovation—foster a culture of playfulness, whether it’s expressed through dress code, atmosphere or attitude,” she continues. “It is in the generation of possibilities that the richness and the breakthroughs come from. These days, we’re experiencing a period of rampant change. Businesses that do not reinvent themselves on a regular basis are going to fold. There is a tremendous need for creativity in ensuring viability and survival.”

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 27

Creativity and Aging Gracefully

Dr. Robertson recently conducted her own research study, where she interviewed 20 people between the ages of 65 and 101. Half the participants were formerly employed in creative professions and remained engaged in related endeavors. The other half incorporated creative activities into their daily lives following retirement. The results: creative activities play a significant role in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to successfully manage the challenges of aging. Those who are creatively engaged are more active, and generally more interested in life. One of the key things

All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. - Pablo Picasso

PAGE 28 Holy Family University Magazine

she discovered is the ability to overcome health-related issues. Individuals engaged in creative endeavors are more motivated to recover from illness or injury and return to the activities they love. Those with more significant health issues are diverted by their creative endeavors and are less likely to dwell on those issues. Dr. Robertsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research also shows that creative individuals are not adversely affected by ageism (the prejudice and stereotypes that can exist

against older people). They believe they have much to offer and contribute, and feel valued and respected by younger generations. For those without family living close by, creative activities provide a way to deal with loneliness. Often, creativity provides a framework to create more meaning in life, and opportunities to feel fulfilled. “When you don’t have meaning, that’s when depression enters in,” explains Dr. Robertson. The individuals who participated in the study clearly demonstrate the power of creative engagement. One gentleman is traveling the world, staying in the homes of new friends he has met on the Internet. These multi-cultural exchanges don’t cost a great deal of money, but offer priceless experiences. One woman became integrally involved in fundraising for her church. Another woman took up painting. “When I begin a painting,” the woman confesses, “I have no idea where I’m going to go with it. It’s like jumping into a large body of water. I don’t know how deep it is or where it leads. What I do know, is that over my years of creativity, I have learned that I am a strong swimmer.” According to Dr. Robertson, creativity helps individuals effectively manage change. “These people are risk takers. Experiencing success in the creative process, which in itself involves uncertainty, helps us to deal with the forces of change,” she says. “Creative individuals are process-oriented and have learned to ‘go with the flow’ versus trying to control what happens. They enjoy travel, are comfortable with diversity, and demonstrate they are able to move beyond the borders and boundaries of age, class, race and ethnicity. They consider themselves citizens of the world.”

Creativity and Healing

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. - Albert Einstein “A time of physical illness can be the source of our greatest creative strength,” states Tobi Zausner, PhD, conference presenter and author of When Walls Become Doorways: Creativity and the Transforming Illness. According to Zausner, the practice of art is healing. Convalescence can prompt budding artists to explore and more experienced artists to deepen their mastery. Whether the illness is a single episode of poor health or a chronic

condition, the experience can be transforming. Zausner reminds us that many of the world’s greatest masterpieces were inspired by an artist’s poor physical health. “Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and Dorothea Lange are among the many artists who experienced a transforming illness, a time of physical difficulties that en-

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 29

hanced their creativity and changed their lives,” she recalls. “Even individuals in the most difficult situations, such as the increasing blindness of Edgar Degas, have used illness to inspire their creativity. These artists clearly demonstrate that the worst of times can bring out the best in us.” It was her own diagnosis with ovarian cancer in 1989 that led Zausner to realize the importance of creativity to health. Her doctor had given her only a few months to live. “Illness may feel like an impassible barrier,” she reflects, “but it can become the doorway to a new and more creative existence.” Zausner was inspired to complete her doctorate in psychology and art, finish the book she’d been working on for decades, and delve more deeply into her painting. “In times of hardship, we all access our ‘fight or flight’ mechanism,” says Zausner. “And that survival mechanism is intricately and intimately linked to creativity. We access our creativity to help ourselves survive by finding new ways to do things, so that we are in a better situation. Creativity is fundamental to being human. Whether we’re planting a flower garden, baking a birthday cake for a friend, or fixing a car motor, every choice we make is creative. Even organizing your sock drawer is creative. It’s an inexhaustible well that we reach into when we need it. Through creativity, we save ourselves every day.”

Creativity and the Ego

According to Karen A. Rosnick, MA, Enrichment Teacher at West Windsor Plainsboro Regional School District in New Jersey, creativity has a positive impact on the sense of self. “Creative thinkers are truly reaching their highest potential,” she says.

At the Perspectives on Creativity conference, Rosnick led a session titled “Cultivating Creativity,” where she addressed several major theories. In Renzulli’s three-ring theory, the focus is at the intersection of three circles: above average ability; task commitment; and creativity. “Each person needs to figure out where their three rings come together,” says Rosnick. “What are you good at? What motivates you? Where is it that you feel creative? It’s not about developing gifted people, but developing gifted behavior. Simply stating ‘I’m not creative’ is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You have to get beyond that.” Rosnick also discussed Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a theory that places self-actualization near the very top of the pyramid.

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties. - Erich Fromm

PAGE 30 Holy Family University Magazine

“There is a strong connection between being creative and self-concept,” explains Rosnick. According to Maslow, self-actualized people possess numerous important characteristics, including the ability to not be threatened by the unknown. “To live life fully,” says Rosnick, “you have to be willing to walk through new doors.” As for the direct correlation between creativity and self-actualization, Maslow states that self-actualized individuals tend to do most things creatively, but do not necessarily possess great talent. Research shows that the traits demonstrated by creative people include confidence, independence, a willingness to take risks, open-mindedness, curiosity, a wide variety of interests, humor, playfulness, taking the time to incubate ideas, and consciousness of thinking creatively. When honing creative skills, Rosnick says to be cognizant of the four roles people tend to assume when approaching creativity: the explorer, the artist, the judge, and the warrior. She cautions never to get stuck in one role. “To achieve the ideal,” she says, “you must take on all four perspectives.”

Keys to Creative

A New Perspective

Holy Family University graduate Mary Alice Whelan ’85, was among those in attendance at the Perspectives on Creativity conference. She says that while she originally approached the conference from the mindset of a freelance writer hoping to refine her own professional skills, she left with a brand new take on creativity. “It was myth-busting,” she reports. “We can’t all be Roman candles, but every one of us can be ‘little c’ creative. What I learned truly bears out the quote, ‘the way you look at things determines what you actually see.’ The experiences we sometimes view as stumbling blocks should be seen as challenges to overcome, and opportunities to expand our possibilities. Simply put,” she says, “it all comes down to your perspective.”

Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality. - Beatrix Potter

Barbara Link is an award-winning freelance writer whose work regularly appears in Holy Family University Magazine. She is President and Founder of Link Ink, a full-service communications constituancy.

hinking

OK, so you want to be more creative. What can you do to jump-start the process? It’s simple—remove common mental blocks. Banish the following thoughts from your mind and watch the creativity flow.

• • • • • • • • • •

Give the right answer That’s not logical Follow the rules Be practical Avoid ambiguity To err is wrong Play is frivolous That’s not my area Don’t be foolish I’m not creative

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 31

1000wordS

A visual slice of life at Holy Family

Phantastic Former Campus Minister Father Al Smith gets a friendly peck from the Phillie Phanatic during Holy Family University Night at Citizens Bank Park. The Holy Family Choir was invited to sing the National Anthem before the Phillies vs. Cubs game on April 11.

•••••

PAGE 32 Holy Family University Magazine

••••

Say it Loud, Wear it Proud

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TIGERTALES

By Paul Gornowski Photography by Michael Branscom

The 2007-2008 season took the women’s basketball team on a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. For one pair of sisters—and teammates— it was an experience they were grateful to share.

From the very first time they picked up a ball, sisters Kelly Killion ’08 and Kim Killion ’07 have shared a passion for athletics. They played on the same soccer and softball field in high school. They even played on the same basketball court at Holy Family. This season, they once again shared the court—only this time, both sisters weren’t players. Kelly was the Tigers’ senior starting point guard, while Kim was one the of team’s assistant coaches. Far from being fraught, the player/coach relationship has brought them, and the team, closer together.

The Sister-Sister Bond “Kim and I have a very unique relationship,” says Kelly. “We have done everything together our whole lives. Normally we get along very well. But we also have our sisterly fights over who is wearing each others things and stuff like that.” Kim simply put it saying, “Kelly and I are very close—she is my best friend.” In the sports world, friends usually end up on different teams and play against one another. For the Killions, that was rarely the case. But that doesn’t mean they were never competitive. When the sisters were younger, they would play one-on-one for hours. “Kelly was my biggest competitor,” recalls Kim. “It was

“It was a little

always a close game, “I don’t think I had different being her (Kelly’s) but if you asked to make many adjustcoach than it was being her Kelly, she would say ments,” recalls Kelly. teammate. But our relationship didn’t she always won. “Kim probably had change; I still talked to her as if we were Which of course to, because going was not the case.” playing together. Once we stepped on the from a player one “I can’t let my year to a coach the court, we both understood each other’s big sister win now next, that’s two toroles and I respected her as a player because she always tally different worlds.” and she respected me as her used to kick my butt Kim agrees. “In the coach.” - Kim Killion when we were youngbeginning, it was a little er,” laughs Kelly. hard for me to get over the Having a sister for a teamfact that I wasn’t playing anymate has distinct advantages. Call it more. As far as my sister and I are cona sisterly sixth sense, but they always cerned, we understood each other’s roles.” seem to know where the other one is on the court. According to Kim, this makes Tragedy and Triumph it possible to put the other sister in a good position. On the court, the Tigers’ had a mo “She knows what works best for mentous season. They got through the me, and I know what works best for first portion of their schedule 10-0. her, so it is easy for us to work off of one However, off the court, the Tianother,” she remarks. gers went through some tough times.

A New Relationship Kim graduated from Holy Family in 2007, and was subsequently offered a position as an Assistant Coach on the team. After playing together for most of their lives, some thought the Killions would have difficulty transitioning from teammates to a player/coach relationship. But that didn’t turn out to be the biggest challenge.

Tommy Soto, a Pennsauken police officer and the Killions’ family friend, was killed on January 5. Other team members faced similar losses. “This season was a particularly hard one, because we lost someone really close to us—Tommy was like our fourth brother,” remembers Kim. “Around the same time, one player lost her grandfather and another lost her grandmother. We were all going

through a lot, but the team and coaching staff came together, and we all supported one another.” The team pulled through and went on to complete the first undefeated regular season in the program’s history, ending the season at 27-0. Next up was the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Championship. Holy Family had little trouble winning its sixth title, with an average 17-point margin of victory. The NCAA recognized the 30-0 Tigers’ efforts by awarding the team top-seed and the right to serve as host school in the NCAA Northeast Regional Tournament. Holy Family got past the eighthseed Molloy College, 54-39, in the opening round. They also breezed past fifth-seed Assumption College to reach the Northeast Regional Final for the first time. However, the team’s dream of heading to the Elite Eight came to an end in the final with an 88-71 loss to Franklin Pierce University. The Tigers wrapped up the season with a 32-1 overall record — the second most wins in the team’s history — and a ninth place ranking in the final USA Today/ ESPN Coaches Poll.

such a positive note. Having her sister along for the ride also made it special. “It was cool having [Kim] as a coach. She treated me just like all of the other girls and respected me as a player,” says Kelly. “It was fun because the season went so well and I am glad I could share this with her. This season has been, by far, the best season of my entire career.” Kim couldn’t agree more. “It was fun coaching Kelly this year,” says Kim. “It was a little different being her coach than it was being her teammate. But our relationship didn’t change; I still talked to her as if we were playing together. Once we stepped on the court, we both understood each other’s roles—I respected her as a player and she respected me as her coach.” Even though the Killions spent their entire playing careers together, they still learned a thing or two this season. Kelly was surprised to see that her sister could be very vocal and command the attention of her peers, while Kim discovered a new strength in Kelly. “This season, we were faced with a lot of adversity on and off the court,” remarks Kim. “I always knew Kelly was strong. But with all that has happened, I’ve come to see how strong she truly is.”

A Final Chapter Despite the way it ended, both of the Killions enjoyed the season. Kelly is happy that she ended her playing career on

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 37

TIGERTALES Newcomer Featured in Sports Illustrated

Historic Season for Men’s Basketball

Although 2007-2008 was Women’s basketball wasn’t Michael Sturns’ first season on the only team to score big the men’s basketball team, he had a this year. The men’s basketball tremendous impact. Sturns was the team had its most successful season leading scorer in Division II, averaging under fifth-year head coach Alfred 26.6 points per game. In addition, he Johnson. The Tigers went 21-10 overall Softball Places Third in holds school records for points in a sea- — the first 20+ win season under Coach CACC son (824) and points in a game (51). His Johnson — and reached the NCAA 51-point performance against New York Division II Men’s Basketball Northeast For the first time in four Institute of Technology earned Sturns a Regional Tournament for the first time years, the Holy Family University spot in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the in team history. The team also reached softball team qualified for the Central Crowd” February 18 section. the championship game at the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) He also won a laundry list of Atlantic Collegiate Conference ChampiChampionship Tournament. The Tigers awards including: Eastern College Athonship (CACC) Tournament. reached the final day of the doubleletic Conference Division II Men’s Baselimination tournament and finished in ketball First Team All-Star; Daktronics third place. Overall, Holy All-American third team; the Family ended the year Division II Bulletin All-Amerwith a record of 22-22. ica third team; the Daktronics Center fielder Lauren All-Northeast Region and NaArmstrong ’08 and tional Association of Basketball pitcher Jody Searfoss Coaches (NABC) All-Northeast ’10 were both selected to Region first team; and the Centhe All-CACC Team. tral Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) player of the year. He also participated in the University College Basketball Invitational, Launches Hall a week-long event featuring the of Fame top 65 senior men’s basketball players from Division II, Divi Holy Family sion III and the NAIA. Sturns will pay homage also played in the NCAA/NABC to the stellar a in ts poin Division II All-Star Game on s school records for Rookie Michael Sturns (center) hold athletes in UniMarch 28. season (824) and points in a game (51). versity history when it opens the Athletics Hall of Fame this fall. Nominations for the inaugural class will open on Monday, September 15. The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the TorresdaleFrankford Country Club. If you know a former player who deserves to School spirit: students che be honored, please visit er tory against Drexel Unive their team on to vicrsity. the Athletics Web site at http://extra.holyfamily. edu/athletics/halloffame. Under head coach Alfred Johnson (center) the Tigers went 21-10 this asp for more information. year — the first 20+ win season in five years.

PAGE 38 Holy Family University Magazine

Take a Swing for Student Financial Aid

Save the Date for Holy Family Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20th Annual Golf Classic 2008 Wednesday, October 1, 2008 Torresdale-Frankford Country Club Grant & Frankford Avenues Philadelphia, PA 19114 For ticket information, call 267-341-3377.

FamilyREUNION News for the alumni community

Class Notes What you do is news to your fellow alumni and your alma mater! Tell us if you have: moved; changed your phone number or your e-mail address; become engaged or married; had or adopted a baby; reunited with a group of classmates; received an award, promotion, or changed jobs; or just want to say “hello!” Please forward details to the Office of Alumni & Parents, Holy Family University, 9801 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009. You also may fax information to 215-637-2110, e-mail a message to alumni@holyfamily.edu, or post a note to our online Alumni Community at www.hfalumni.com (you must be registered to access the site).

A group of 19 graduates from the class of 1960 met for lunch on May 21 at Andreotti’s Viennese Café in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to celebrate their 70th birthday year. Organized by Gini Fluehr Campbell and Anne Dodelin Magosin, these Holy Family alumnae came from as far as Maryland and Virginia to dine and reminisce about their student experiences at Holy Family. Back Row (left to right): Anne Dodelin Magosin, Mary Shields Fiocca, Carol Holt Schuler, Marianne Clisham Harrington, Marilyn Sloan Darrah, Diane Schoeniger McGovern, Bea Fruscione Galloni, Mary Jo Paglione Zuniga Front Row (left to right): Lee Cipriano Brady, Florence McGuckin Hogan, Gini Fluehr Campbell, Joanne Baumann Connolly, Carol Marchlick, Kay Dorwart, Betty Smith Dienna, Mary Novak Adair, Carole Lis Harrer

50s

Josephine Pasquarella Frattone ’59 has a grandson, Philip, graduating from Malvern Prep. Her granddaughter Rachael is a student at Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. Her youngest grandson, Lucca, is three years old and attends the Beacon Center for Children School.

60s

Martha Morris Naas ’68 had her first granddaughter, Shannon Christine Naas, born May 18, 2008. Shannon is her son Michael’s first child. She joins Martha’s two grandsons, Patrick 8, and Matthew 6, and daughter Marilyn’s two sons. Martha works in her husband’s dental lab. Since leaving Holy Family, she has traveled to Italy, England, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Iceland, Haiti, Grand Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. Martins, St. Johns, Paradise Island, and Hawaii. Pat Hansbury ’69, a history teacher at Central High School in Philadelphia, recently received the Lindback Award for excellence in teaching. This year marked the first time since its founding in 1961 that the prestigious award was presented to high school teachers.

70s

Rick Esche, the son of Donnamarie Brennan Esche ’79, has been an Assistant Athletic Trainer for Holy Family University since 2006.

PAGE 40 Holy Family University Magazine

80s

Linda Glebocki Wagner ’81 has a son, Timothy Wagner, who is currently pursuing a master of science in secondary education at Holy Family. Bernice Lisicki Purcell ’85 presented the paper “Case Study: Web Portal Project at Holy Family” at Holy Family’s Boyer Conference. Bernice will present the paper in an expanded form at the Portal 2008 Conference at Gettysburg College, June 3-6, 2008.

90s

Lt. (Ret.) William J. Lawler II ’01/M’07 is a regular columnist for UFO Magazine. In each issue, he examines UFO and other paranormal phenomenon from a constitutional, politically conservative, and Christian perspective. His column is entitled “Audi Alteram Partem.” It began in the January 2008 issue of the magazine, which has been in publication for over twenty years. Melissa Fleming ’04 was promoted to Group Sales Manager at the Franklin Institute.

Megan Druding ’07 was recently recognized by State Rep. George Kinney (R-170th Dist.) for her participation in the Undergraduate Research at the Capitol—Pennsylvania Poster Conference. The conference displays undergraduate research from students throughout the state. Druding partnered with researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center for her project, “The Delay of Ovarian Aging in WV Mouse Model Through Reduction of Cyclooxgenase Gene Dosage.”

Where do Class Notes entries come from? About half come directly from you, either in letters or e-mail updates. The rest are compiled from a variety of public sources: newspaper and magazine clippings from around the United States, press releases, and Google alerts. Class Notes submissions are edited for style, clarity, and length. We strive to ensure entries are accurate, but sometimes we slip up. Please let us know if you see incorrect information published in Class Notes.

Christina Taylor ’97 was one of 12 finalists for the Philadelphia Teacher of the Year Award. She teaches at M.H. Stanton Elementary School in Philadelphia.

00s

The School of Business honored James Capasso ’00 on April 18 at its annual awards ceremony for accounting graduates. He received the Distinguished Graduate Award. He is a Certified Public Accountant at Simonson, Lipschutz & Fogel, PC. Michael Desiderio ’02/M’05, a special education teacher for the School District of Philadelphia, is engaged to Claudia Fontana. An October 2008 wedding is planned.

Congratulations Class of 2008 Welcome to the Holy Family Alumni Association! As alumni, you are eligible to take part in all events, programs and the online alumni community. We encourage you to stay connected as you begin the next phase of your life. You should have received your graduation gift from the Alumni Association by now—a DVD of the entire Commencement ceremony at the Kimmel Center. If you didn’t receive your gift, please contact us at alumni@holyfamily.edu.

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 41

FamilyREUNION

News for the alumni community

Reminiscing at Reunion Friends old and new gathered at Brookside Manor on May 16 to celebrate Holy Family’s annual Alumni Awards and Reunion Dinner. A total of seven alumni were honored with awards for their professional or volunteer work. In addition, attendees from graduating classes ending in an 8 or a 3 were feted for their anniversary year. The Distinguished Alumni Nursing Award Ronald J. Kumor ’86 Pennsylvania Hospital

The Distinguished Alumni Service Award

The 2008 Alumni Award winners pose with the President. From left to right are: Michael Fitzpatrick, Esq.; Timothy Miller; Sara Beck; Sister Francesca Onley; Eileen Baker; Michaelina Bendig; and Ronald J. Kumor. (1)

Dot Folz ’74 Freedom Village Brandywine

The Sister Immaculata Kraemer Award Michael Fitzpatrick, Esq. Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP

Distinguished Alumni Service Award winner Dot Folz ’74 addresses her fellow alumni. (3)

The Sister Immaculata Kraemer Award Students at Your Service (SAYS) Sara Beck ’08, SAYS President

For alumni Carol Mazzafro Morse ’84, Joan Mazzafro Schultz ’84, Danette Mazzafro Streleckis ’91, Gerry Mazzafro Piscopio ’78, and Jim Morse ’84, reunion is a family affair. (4)

The Alumni Educator of the Year Award Eileen Baker ’95/M’99 Cinnaminson School District 3 The Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award Michaelina Bendig ’95

Sandy Bonazza ’91 and Faith Martin ’98 share a smile before dinner. (5) Tricia Nichols ‘98, Bruce Boxer M’07, Mary Walsh ’85 and Bea Leyden M’08 take a break from chatting to smile for the camera. (6)

Adoptions from the Heart Sister Francesca Student Alumni

All dressed up and ready to go are the 2008 Alumni Awards. (2)

Service Award

Timothy Miller ’08

PAGE 42 Holy Family University Magazine

Jeffrey Judge and other training officers at a graduation ceremony.

MBA Meet and Greet

For graduates of the Accelerated Degree Program MBA, April 18 was a day to catch up with fellow alumni and network with new business contacts. More than 40 alumni turned out to hear Ann Lanahan Gill, Senior Vice President of Wachovia Bank, speak at the annual MBA Cocktail Reception at the Union League of Philadelphia.

Star of the Small Screen

As a Sergeant with the Philadelphia Police Academy, Jeffrey Judge M’99 had quite a few duties in his job description. TV star was not one of them. That is, until Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Ron Kanter turned his lens on Judge and several other officers for the new documentary “New Cops.” Scheduled for national release on public television in 2008, and locally on WHYY, the documentary goes behind the scenes at the Police Academy

and on the streets to show how cops think and act. Over the course of eight months in 2000, Kanter spent numerous hours at the training facility on State Road gathering footage. Instructors and students were followed from the classroom to the range, where they learned to shoot a gun, drive a squad car, and apply the law. Judge, a thirdgeneration police officer, is featured prominently in his role as an Academy Instructor. After 26 years on the force — three with the 17th District, seven with the Academy, and 16 with the Crime Scene Unit — Judge retired in 2003. He now utilizes his master’s in education as a teacher at Bok Technical High School in Philadelphia, where he was tapped two years ago to help the school develop its criminal justice program.

golden commencement On a spring day in 1958, 20 young women donned academic attire, processed down the aisle, and became the first graduates of Holy Family College (now University). Over the past 50 years, the institution has grown exponentially, with more than 11,500 graduates following in their predecessor’s footsteps. At its May 23, 2008, commencement exercises, the University honored these pioneering students from the class of 1958, many of whom celebrated with graduates at the Kimmel Center. Their recognition at the ceremony marked the beginning of a commencement tradition and a new source of institutional pride. In addition, two members of the class of 2008 were honored with the Alumni Senior Award. Alumni Association President Linda Colwell-Smith presented the award to Kaitlin A. McDonough and Joyce Lynn Smilowski at the undergraduate ceremony. The class of 1958: Helene F. Haggerty Burke+

Elaine D. Lange Monczewski

Florabelle T. Chervenka+

Lorraine M. Yanno Murdocca

Sister M. Sylvine Czarnecka, CSFN

Sister M. Irmina Paszkiewicz, CSFN+

Casimira R. Kita

Bernice C. Cahill Raptis+

Sister M. Celine Kowalska, CSFN+

Mary P. Pisarczyk Rittler

Sister M. Immaculata Kraemer, CSFN+

Dolores L. Sabatino Saba

Felicia Anne Zarobinski Lindsley

Christine T. Sobocienska

Barbara Eisenhardt Littel

Sister M. Clementine Wisniewska, CSFN

Sister M. Lauretta Matusik, CSFN

Maureen M. Wylie+

Mildred J. Merek

Sister M. Honesta Zebrowska, CSFN+

+ decesased

The class of 1958, left to right: Barbara Eisenhardt Littel, Lorraine Yanno Murdocca, Casimira Kita, Janina Choromanska Lindh, and Mary Pisarczyk Rittler

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 43

FamilyREUNION

News for the alumni community

Good Company Holy Family is a major provider of talent for the regional healthcare, education, and non-profit community. Below is a list of companies that employ more than 30 alumni.

le vailab A w o ter N ll.

ewslet mily.edu to enro N i n m c Alu alumni@holyfa i n o r t il to Elec n e-ma

Abington Memorial Hospital Albert Einstein Medical Center Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Send a

Bensalem Schools Bristol Township Schools Bucks County Schools Central Bucks Schools Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia City of Philadelphia Defense Industrial Supply Center/ Naval Inventory Control Point Frankford Hospital Holy Redeemer Health System Independence Blue Cross Lower Bucks Schools Nazareth Hospital Pennsbury Schools Philadelphia School District Special People in the Northesast Tenet Healthcare Corporation United States Government University of Pennsylvania Health System

Above: Jennifer Powell, a second grade teacher at the Nativity BVM School in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia.

A 50-Year Passion for Teaching In today’s fast-paced world, spending just a few years at one job has become the norm. Which makes Mary Jane McCormick ’70 even more special. McCormick has spent the last 50 years teaching at St. Matthew’s School in Philadelphia, devoting her life to students and their families. This spring, the school honored her dedication with “Ms. McCormick Week”, a series of events capped by a tribute dinner. A graduate of Little Flower Catholic High School, McCormick began teaching first through third grade in 1958. Her second-grade class alone had 78 students. In the five decades since, she has taught nearly every grade level in addition to coaching CYO, basketball, volleyball and track. Today, McCormick serves as a resource teacher, providing extra math and reading assistance to students with learning disabilities. McCormick is heavily involved in St. Matthew’s Parish life as well. She teaches catechism classes and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Although she has no immediate plans to retire, McCormick is planning a two-week trip to Ireland this summer to celebrate her 50-year milestone.

PAGE 44 Holy Family University Magazine

MEMORYLANE

A nostalgic trip back in time

Work is the Pits After a hard dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s labor, a little goofing off is in order. But what are these students up toâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;digging to China or helping out with a campus project? (Clue: The photo was snapped in the 1980s outside the Campus Center.)

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 45

GIVINGBACK

Making a difference on campus

On the Scene

Scholarship Ball 2008 More than 350 people packed the house at Holy Family’s Scholarship Ball 2008 on Saturday, April 19, in the Wanamaker Building’s famed Crystal Tea Room. Approximately $404,000 was raised from the annual event, with proceeds benefiting student financial aid. Corporate Leadership Award recipient Joseph W. “Chip” Marshall III is flanked by his daughter Annie and wife Phyllis. Marshall was honored for his work as CEO and President of Temple University Health System. (1) Guests relax and enjoy the reception in the Crystal Tea Room atrium. (2)

Student Jayda Pugliese thanks sponsors and attendees for their support of financial aid. (3) Taking a spin on the dance floor are Trustee Anne Gallagher and husband Dr. James Gallagher. (4) Ball Co-Chairs Joan and Robert Tepfer accept the Volunteer Leadership Award for their work on behalf of student financial aid. (5)

Enjoying the fruits of their labor is the 2008 Scholarship Ball Steering Committee. (6) The David Christopher Orchestra kept the dance floor hopping all night with its trunk full of wacky props. (7)

Board of Trustees Chair Dennis Colgan smiles for the camera with President S. Francesca Onley. (8)

PAGE 46 Holy Family University Magazine

Making Dreams Reality W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Reaches $1 Million in Giving By Heather Costello and Suzanne Libenson

Over the past 27 years, the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust has given more than $1 million for student scholarships at Holy Family. Pictured from left to right are: JoAnne Fredericks, Bruce M. Brown, G. Morris Dorrance, Louise A. Havens, Mary L. Smith, Deborah J. McKenna, Charles B. Humpton, Catherine Probeck, Frances Pemberton Tyler, Michelle Montgomery, and William A. Powell.

When Kyle Martin ’95 was a freshman, he had a few “simple” goals: to become the first in his family to graduate from college; to pass all sections of the CPA exam on his first attempt; to secure a position with a national CPA firm; and to become financially independent to start and support a family. Now a successful CPA with Penn National Gaming, Inc., as well as a proud father and husband, Martin has achieved and surpassed all of these goals. But he didn’t do it alone. Like so many students, Martin needed financial assistance to attain his goals. And it was a muchneeded scholarship from The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust that helped make his dreams a reality in 1995. Today, Martin views the Trust as one of the driving forces behind his success. “I am extremely grateful for having received assistance from the Trust…looking back, the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust is the pebble that rolled down the hill to become a boulder!” he said in a recent letter. But Martin is not alone in his appreciation. The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust has supported hundreds of students like him over the past 27 years. This May, Holy Family received a grant of $51,000 from the Trust, which brings its total giving to more than $1 million for scholarships. W.W. Smith Charitable Trust scholarship recipients, like Martin, are chosen for their potential to succeed despite many challenges, financial and otherwise. These deserving students share many common traits, including high personal character, academic distinction, involvement in extracurricular activities, and leadership skills. With the ever-increasing financial gap between tuition costs and available funds for students, the Trust’s support is invaluable in making a Holy Family education accessible to all. Through its generosity, the University helps students meet the costs of higher education and achieve their dreams. Holy Family will honor the Trust for its generous contributions to the University at the annual Evening of Donor Appreciation on November 14, 2008.

“Looking back, the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust is the pebble that rolled down the hill to become a boulder!” – Kyle Martin ’95

magazine@holyfamily.edu PAGE 47

LASTWORD Q&A with Steve Wszolek ’01

Serving with Pride

What advice would you offer students considering service with the military or other law enforcement agencies?

The military is a real confidence builder for young people. It gave me the strength to do things I never would have thought about otherwise. It is awe-inspiring to have the chance to change history. I was in Kosovo with the NATO forces, and it was incredible to think about how the Romans were in Kosovo, the Nazis were there, and the Communists were there, and now we were there with a chance to shift history. How emotional will it be when you are deployed to Iraq?

I made a commitment to the National Guard in 1993. The service opened a lot of doors for me, and when they ask for things in return, I cannot say no. The question becomes– how much does commitment mean to you? Some day, my 10-month-old son is going to ask me what I did when the Army told me they needed me. Knowing that I will have to answer him drives me not to question what is going to happen when I am called to serve. What was it like when you were deployed to Kosovo in 2003?

When I first went to Yugoslavia, I felt like I was in a movie. I thought “this can’t be real.” After I was there for a while, I realized it was exactly how the Bible described everything—pestilence, disease, starvation, anger. When a society falls, and the laws go away, you get to see how people can become. Yugoslavia is an ancient, biblical country. Going there is almost like going back in time to a biblical setting. Steven J. Wszolek ’92 is a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He served his country during the Kosovo conflict, assisted with the recovery of the New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina, and is preparing for deployment to Iraq. He also is a police officer serving on the Amtrak Mobile Tactical Unit, traveling up and down the East Coast to ensure safe train travel. Holy Family’s Robert Macartney caught up with Wszolek on one of his few days off to get his thoughts on the military and the benefits of a liberal-arts education.

Above: Sgt. Steve Wszolek (second from left) and his superior officer meet with a local Kosovar leader and his family.

PAGE 48 Holy Family University Magazine

You majored in Management-Marketing. But you put into practice some other skills you learned at Holy Family. How did a wellrounded education help you in your career?

I always had an interest in photography, and when I took Dr. Kathryn Osenlund’s film class, I picked up a lot of techniques that applied to photography. I was one of the first cops to use a digital camera at work. Photographs can win a case even before it starts. You also used photography to help with a service project you started while in Kosovo. Did Holy Family’s mission influence your involvement in that project?

Yes, it did. I was deployed to Kosovo for 10 months. When we first got there, it was warmer, and some of the people were shoeless. As the winter months approached, we realized they had no coats or shoes, so I started a clothing drive for them. I took photos of them in the cold without the proper clothing to keep them warm and sent them home to some friends. The follow up photos of cold people in Kosovo receiving donated clothes from Pennsylvania turned a small clothing drive into a large Army and community project.

Stranded on a deserted island, Richard A. Lumni counts his blessings that he is plugged in to the Holy Family Online Alumni Community.

www.hfalumni.com Search for friends and classmates, view and register for events, build custom profile pages and more! Visit hfalumni.com to get started. Having trouble? Contact us at 267-341-3339 or alumni@holyfamily.edu.

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