The Valley Magazine: Spring 2024

Page 1

EveryoneDeserves A Voice

LVC-Educated Speech-Language Pathologists Help Clients Communicate and Thrive

SPRING 2024

THE VALLEY

Volume 39 | Number 1

Dr. James M. MacLaren, President

Molly O’Brien-Foelsch, Vice President of Marketing and Communications

EDITORIAL STAFF

Dr. Tom Hanrahan, Editor, Feature Co-writer

Rebecca Hearsey M’21, P’24, P’26

Susan Sarisky Jones ’92, M’22

Molly O’Brien-Foelsch, Feature Co-writer

Jaime Rowe M’18

Ali Wenger, Writer

DESIGNER

Emily Acri

PHOTOGRAPHY

Nick Gould

Devin McDonnell, Cover, Feature, Inside Back Cover

Tommy Mumau

Vincent Pecora

SEND COMMENTS OR ADDRESS CHANGES TO:

Office of Alumni & Family Engagement

Maud P. Laughlin Hall

Lebanon Valley College

101 North College Avenue

Annville, PA 17003-1400

Susan Sarisky Jones ’92, M’22 Director of Alumni & Family Engagement

Rebecca Hearsey M’21, P’24, P’26

Assistant Director of Alumni & Family Engagement

Phone: 717-867-6320

Email: alumni@lvc.edu

WWW.LVC.EDU

Lebanon Valley College® publishes The Valley twice each year and distributes it without charge to alumni and friends.

The deadline for submitting information to The Valley is four months before being published. We will gladly include Class Notes received after the deadline in the next issue.

1 PRESIDENT’S LETTER

2 EVERYONE DESERVES A VOICE

LVC-Educated Speech-Language Pathologists Help Clients Communicate and Thrive

10 CLASS NEWS & NOTES

1 8 IN MEMORIAM

21 CAMPUS VIEW

22 GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

ON THE COVER

Kaylen Leiby ’24, M’25 works on communication skills with Vanathos “Van” Sasala during their weekly Social Connections Group in LVC’s Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders.

No matter what your generosity looks like, it matters. Gifts of all sizes help The Valley go further in supporting our students. Visit www.lvc.edu/give, scan the code, or call 1-866-LVC-1866 to make your gift today!
CONTENTS

Dear LVC Community,

I am writing this letter from your beautiful campus as the cherry blossoms bloom and professors teach outside my window on the Academic Quad. This spring semester has been quite exciting, with some great news to share that will enhance our exceptional academic programs, further support regional and societal needs, and enable our graduates to increase their marketability and community impact.

In February, former NASA scientist Dr. Elizabeth Miller Bains ’64 and her husband, Dr. James A. Bains Jr., bequeathed nearly $6.2 million to LVC’s Physics Program. This historic gift will increase student-faculty research stipends; add a new major in Engineering Physics starting this fall; build a new Engineering Physics lab, research space, and equipment; provide additional support for students and faculty to present at conferences; and establish The Dr. Elizabeth M. Bains ’64 Professorship in Physics and The Dr. James A. Banks Jr. Professorship in Physics.

Elizabeth, just the second woman to graduate from Lebanon Valley College with a Physics degree, maintained a lifelong connection with several of her former professors, some of whom became close personal friends. She wants the strong student-faculty relationships and undergraduate research she experienced to continue as some of the College’s primary strengths. It is ingrained in our culture and mission.

The Bains’s generosity will help the College continue graduating teachers, scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry leaders through our Physics, Engineering 3+2, and Engineering Physics programs. The gift will expand opportunities for current and future students to research quantum information, materials science, and nuclear physics under faculty who have won prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) grants in excess of $1 million for student-faculty research.

Also, in February, we learned that five LVC applicants had advanced to the final stage after being named Fulbright Semi-Finalists. Hopefully, by the time you read this, LVC will have added to the 17 students and alumni named Fulbright Finalists in the past eight years. We were also named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for the fourth time in eight years.

In closing, I extend special gratitude to all our donors, including the recent inductees as LVC Lifetime Vickroy Society members (p. 11), the nine families inducted into the Lifetime Vickroy Society in early April, and two families inducted into the College’s highest giving society, The Laureate Society, also in April.

As a reminder, you can follow LVC’s social channels and visit the News page on our website to learn more about how our students continue to perform beyond expectations and achieve more than they even thought possible!

Go Valley!

1 SPRING 2024 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

deserveseveryone a VOICE

LVC-Educated Speech-Language Pathologists Help Clients Communicate and Thrive

VOICE

Juliana Rodriguez ’24, M’25 (c.) and Elena Tulli ’25, M’26 (far r.)

Brock Stabinger loves LVC Flying Dutchmen football. The 16-year-old often cheers on the team from the sidelines at home games at Arnold Field while wearing his LVC jersey. He’s even marched alongside the Dutchmen and their other fans across the Fasick Bridge and up the hill to President MacLaren’s home at Kreiderheim to request a day off for LVC after the 2021 win over Albright.

Brock was not always as confident as he is today, say his parents, Michelle and Matt . At four years old, he was diagnosed with apraxia of speech, a neurological disorder in which the brain cannot effectively communicate to the muscles used to speak. The condition can be frustrating and isolating for those living with it, and Brock was no exception. Luckily for the Stabingers, in 2020, Brock’s previous speech-language pathologist (SLP) for the Palmyra Area School District, Mindy Nguyen P’24, P’25, was the director of a brand-new clinic just up

the road that offers services to help Brock speak. The Center for Speech, Language, & Hearing Disorders at LVC is a free community clinic where LVC’s Speech-Language Pathology majors gain clinical experience by helping community members gain communication skills. (Nguyen is now the College’s Director of Clinical Education and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology, overseeing all student clinical placements.)

the program’s vision is to educate students to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals of all ages

Brock has bonded with students and faculty at the Clinic and never visits without wearing his LVC jersey. “LVC has become a safe space for Brock,”

says his mom. “He can let loose and be himself without judgment. The students and professors are great role models who inspire Brock to be his best self. Everyone always asks him what’s going on, and how he’s doing. They are so good at boosting his confidence.”

Brock is one of many who have benefited from the caring and skills of LVC’s SLP students and graduates. The program began seven years ago as an accelerated direct-entry five-year program in which students earn a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) and a master’s in SLP. In higher education, the shorthand for such programs is 3+2 because graduate coursework begins in the fourth year. The program has evolved to include numerous social skills groups, a post-baccalaureate master’s degree option for bachelor’s degree holders who want to add a master’s degree, and an SLP Assistant undergraduate option, preparing graduates to help

I love LVC because the students work extra hard to help me say words correctly, and encourage me
4 THE VALLEY
(l. to r.) Jackson Halye, Mac Eschinger ’24, M’25, Brock Stabinger

those with disabilities reach their potential while filling an acute need for this allied health field.

“The program’s vision is to educate students to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals of all ages with communication and swallowing disorders,” notes Dr. Michelle Scesa, Chair and Associate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) and Speech-Language Pathology. “Our graduates can positively impact LVC’s campus and local communities by filling the shortages of speech-language pathologists in medical and school settings. In addition, they will be able to train and educate our future LVC SLP graduate students in their clinical placements to continue our department’s mission.”

IMPROVING SPEECH AND SWALLOWING ACROSS AGE GROUPS

According to the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association (ASHA), “SLPs work with people of all ages, from babies to adults. [They] treat many types of communication and swallowing problems, including speech sounds, language, literacy, social communication, voice, fluency, cognitive-communication, and feeding and swallowing. They work in healthcare settings private practice, skilled nursing facilities, educational settings, and colleges and universities.” SLPs help aging people with many issues, including communication and swallowing issues after a stroke, memory issues for those with Parkinson’s or dementia, and aphasia, which can occur after a stroke, head injury, or brain issue, often causing the patient to lose the ability to understand or express speech.

Nguyen notes that the curriculum embeds aspects affecting all ages. “Our

program provides coursework and clinical practice in settings across the lifespan, including disorders experienced, such as Parkinson’s disease, by adults and the geriatric population.” Students must complete 375 direct client contact hours, including one at an off-site adult facility to provide group therapy addressing strategies for age-related memory and word retrieval difficulties.

A PROGRAM THAT LEADS TO SUCCESS— FOR STUDENTS AND CLIENTS ALIKE

Scesa says the program prepares SLP majors to pass the stringent Praxis Exam and enables students to encounter multiple areas where they can make a difference. Each student is required to participate in five clinicals—three in the Center and one each in a medical and an educational setting. The external clinical placements, each 15 weeks long, are guaranteed. Faculty placement coordinators have established an ever-

growing list of partners for students to gain experience.

Junior Eleanor Deeg’s ’25, M’26 journey into the field was inspired by her three younger brothers, each navigating speech therapy journeys while growing up. “I did an internship with an SLP during my senior year of high school, which helped solidify what I wanted to do,” says Deeg, who has a double major in Spanish. “I looked at some larger schools, but liked the personal attention and five-year accelerated master’s LVC offers.”

Deeg is now president of the LVC Chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and a Student State Officer for the NSSLHA national board. The experience has driven her to explore how to empower current and future SLPS to enhance their community service, and elevate the quality of care they offer.

“Collaborating with other SLP student representatives, I engage in discussions identifying strengths and areas for improvement in the state SLP and Audiology program,” she says. “This opportunity allows me to bridge the

5 SPRING 2024
Dr. Michelle Scesa and Professor Mindy Nguyen P’24, P’25
this opportunity allows me to bridge the gap between the national landscape and the needs of programs in Pennsylvania

gap between the national landscape and the needs of programs in Pennsylvania, enabling me to implement strategies that positively impact LVC’s SLP program.”

With two area job offers in hand, SLP graduate student Miguel Rosario ’23, M’24 is also on target to continue the success of the program’s first two graduating classes. He decided to pursue the SLP 3+2 direct-entry program after meeting Dr. Scesa at an LVC Live admitted student open house. “I immediately realized that I wanted to be an SLP after she explained what they do, who they work with, and the various settings to pursue, which meant I would get to do something different every day,” he says.

Rosario did clinicals at Lebanon Middle School and the WellSpan Dixon Foundation Health Center. He also served three semesters in the LVC Clinic, rising from observer to therapist. “It was a great experience working in the clinic with all age groups and various disorders and deficits,” said Rosario. “My clinicals were equally valuable, but I really enjoyed working in a school. It never felt like a job; it was just something I enjoyed doing!”

He recounts working with a student who had trouble producing an /r/ despite trying several methods, including showing them pictures and videos and trying to model the correct pronunciation of the sound. He said he became discouraged after six weeks with no

progress, but his supervisor assured him that improvement often takes time, especially with /r/ being the most difficult sound to teach.

“We finally tried having them say a /g/ before the /r/, which led to success about half the time. The child was amazed and overjoyed at accomplishing this goal after putting so much work into their therapy,” says Rosario.

Rosario and Pamina Nieves ’23, M’24 have contributed to SLP work in Spanish and English. The two collaborated as English-to-Spanish translators for Dr. Rebecca Landa on her book, Bears Applesauce Picnic, for young learners to engage in a fun way to enhance their

6 THE VALLEY
Eleanor Deeg ’25, M’26

learning of language skills. Landa is the director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Johns Hopkins Medicine and vice president and executive director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is one of several international experts Scesa has invited to campus to teach about burgeoning areas of knowledge.

PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS

Despite an estimated $84,140 median pay per year and an estimated 19% growth rate through 2032 with 171,400 jobs available, the need for well-rounded and highly trained SLPs persists. LVC’s SLP graduates are prepared to meet society’s needs. Student outcomes are proof of the effectiveness of LVC’s SLP program: The first two classes of LVC SLP graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the national Praxis Exam and a 100% fulltime job offer rate for those seeking employment.

Kelsey Bouder ’21, M’22 is applying the deep knowledge she acquired at LVC as a graduate of the first SLP cohort in multiple settings. She is an SLP at Lebanon High School, works in private practice at Goepfert Speech Associates LLC, and serves as a PRN [as-needed staff] at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, where she had a graduate externship.

“While it seems like a lot, and it is, the clinical skills I gain help me become a more well-rounded therapist,” says Bouder. “The most rewarding part of the job is seeing my students’ growth and watching their confidence increase with communication. Watching some of my students cross the stage at graduation has been one of the biggest pleasures of my career thus far. Graduation is always a special day!”

I immediately realized that I wanted to be an SLP after she explained what they do, who they work with, and the various settings to pursue
Miguel Rosario ’23, M’24
7 SPRING 2024

Jessica Gornall M’23 took a less traditional route to LVC and has taken her skills back to serve clients in her home state of Arizona. An alumna of Arizona State University’s undergraduate Speech and Hearing Science major, she applied to LVC the same day after being on a social media platform for SLPs and interacting with Dr. Scesa. She, her husband, and three children packed up and moved east.

“My family and the LVC faculty took a huge gamble on me, and I will forever be grateful for that. The rest fell into place once we made the choice,” says Gornall. “My classmates and the faculty were incredibly supportive of this part of our transition. Several of my fellow majors babysat so I could have a break, and they were always willing to listen to my concerns,” adds Gornall. “I never thought I would have so many people I

could call friends more than a decade younger than me.”

my classmates and the faculty were incredibly supportive

Today, Gornall is an SLP at the Arizona State Prep Charter School and East Valley Language and Literacy, where she developed programs like those at LVC. She’s also earning her Ph.D., hoping to become a college professor to teach and guide students through the clinical process.

“Jessica, who also worked with Brock at the Clinic, is a good example of how our students learn to use their clients’ strengths to support their growth and communication needs,” says Scesa.

“Another example is the student clinicians who worked with Brock incorporating his interest in football, combined with evidence-based practice, to help him communicate more clearly.”

“Just try it,” advises Brock. “If you don’t like it, then at least you tried. But you are going to love it. I love LVC because the students work extra hard to help me say words correctly, and encourage me.”

*The master’s degree (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Lebanon Valley College is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and SpeechLanguage Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700 .

Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders Free Community Programs

LVC’s Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders offers community members of all ages and levels opportunities to learn, bond, and grow. The programs include those endorsed by national bodies and many created by SLP faculty and students.

Adventurous Eaters— Explore new foods to become brave eaters.

Circles— Understanding appropriate social boundaries and learning interpersonal skills.

Confidently Me— Helping girls 8-10 confidently grow into adolescents.

Empower Her— Helping girls 14-19 aid in the navigation of discovering oneself.

EFFORT— Learning strategies to support flexible thinking, working memory, impulse control, planning, and organizational skills.

Girls Are…— Promoting confidence and empowerment for girls 10-15.

LiPS— Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading

See It, Read It, Write It— Gain strategies for 3rd through 8th grade students struggling with reading comprehension and written expression skills.

Social Connections— For younger social groups: 3-11 and 12 years through adult.

SPEAK OUT! & LOUD CROWD— Therapy program for people with Parkinson’s disease to improve their speech and voicing. LVC is an approved provider for this national organization.

8 THE VALLEY

the most rewarding part of the job is seeing my students’ growth and watching their confidence grow with communication

9 SPRING 2024
Kelsey Bouder ’21, M’22

Maeve James

Ellaria “Ellie” Lam Nguyen

Dr. Matthew

James ’10, D’12 and Amanda Pone James ’10 welcomed Maeve Elizabeth James on Nov. 4.

Kristin Miller Nguyen ’10 and Giang Nguyen ’08 welcomed Ellaria “Ellie” Lam Nguyen on Jan. 24, 2024.

(l. to r.)

James Apgar, Charles Apgar, Suzie Noyes Apgar ’11

Suzanne “Suzie” Noyes Apgar ’11 and her husband Philip welcomed Charles Philip Apgar on July 18.

Henry Humphries

Mary Kent Humphries ’11 and Ryan Humphries ’12 announced that their newest little Dutchman, Henry Charles, joined big sister Grace on July 2.

Kathryn Loy

Alex Loy ’12 and his wife Julie welcomed Kathryn Anne Loy on July 13.

NOTE: All locations are in Pennsylvania, and all years are 2023 unless otherwise noted.

WEDDINGS

Ali Piros ’14, Jon Nerino ’13, Missy Zelner Nerino ’13, Patrick Strickler ’16, Leigha La Tourette Strickler ’13, John Petruzelli ’12, Sarah Kitch ’14, Joe Mancinelli ’12, Evan Fleming Buck ’14, Samantha Walter ’15, Ashley Smith ’13, Ali McFadden ’12, Amanda Seale ’14, Amy Gregory Heebner ’15, Anthony Scheuerman ’18, Adam White ’17, Scott Holman ’14, Nick Cove ’15, Kyle Keller ’13, Matthew Parahus ’16, Chris Ulicny ’12, Matthew Miller ’13, Rebecca Johnson Miller ’12, Matthew Hockensmith, Natalie Geiger ’12, Rachel Engleman Engle ’14, Laura Blankenhorn ’14, Matthew Hollenberg ’15, John Englebert ’14; Mike Furst ’14 (not pictured)

Rebecca Johnson Miller ’12 and Matthew Miller ’13 married in Pequea on Oct. 29, 2022.

(front, l. to r.) Brittany Soda Martin ’13, Laura Blacker ’13, Lindsay Chaffier Hepler ’13

(back, l. to r.) Scott Parker ’13, Joe Forro ’25, Mike Howard ’13, Jason Dougherty ’13, Ryan Merwine ’13, William Gardner ’13, Chris Kanezo, Sheryl Klus Suchocki ’13, Matthew Suchocki, Nathan Hepler ’13, Ashley Smith ’13

Sheryl Klus Suchocki ’13 married Matthew Suchocki in Wilkes-Barre on Nov. 11, 2022.

’20s

Morgan Decker ’20 and James Fey

Morgan Decker ’20 and James Fey married on June 17 in Bedford. They welcomed Quinn Marie Fey on Dec. 13.

Alumni Referral Award and Children

of Alumni Scholarship

Students who are referred by alumni then admitted and enroll at LVC are eligible to receive $1,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate enrollment. Parents who are LVC graduates are not eligible to refer their children but can receive an LVC Alumni Scholarship worth up to $10,000 over four years for them to attend The Valley.

Visit www.lvc.edu/alumnireferral to refer a student(s) or learn more about the LVC Alumni Scholarship (Family Tuition Credit).

BIRTHS ’10s
’10s
We want your recommendations! 10 THE VALLEY CLASS NEWS & NOTES

Dr. Maddie Dietz ’20, D’22 and Dr. Luke Tamberino ’21, D’23

Dr. Maddie Dietz ’20, D’22 married Dr. Luke Tamberino ’21, D’23 in Lebanon on Dec. 9.

CLASS NOTES

’40s

Cawley “Dick” Stine ’48 celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 12. After acceptance to the University of Chicago’s meteorology program, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He earned his bachelor’s in Chemistry from LVC, then a doctorate in Analytical Chemistry at Syracuse University before a 35-year career with DuPont. Dick spent the next 15 years as the senior research chemist at Martin Processing, now Eastman Chemical Co., retiring at 85.

’50s

John Sant’Ambrogio ’54 is looking forward to the anniversary of his 70th year since graduating from The Valley. He received an LVC Alumni Citation in 1993 after a career as principal cellist with the U.S. Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. You can learn more on John’s Wikipedia page.

’60s

Dr. Leta Thompson ’69 is a counselor for the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission.

Rev. William M. Thompson ’69 is a pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Church in Jim Thorpe.

’70s

Kathy McCutcheon Brown ’77 , a retired elementary school teacher, co-founded Westmoreland Walks: Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer. Over the past 22 years, the nonprofit has raised over $1 million to make the fight against breast cancer easier for families in the county. She also owns Tasty Trek, a three-hour food and walking tour in Ligonier.

’80s

Dr. Daniel K. Meyer ’81 is the medical director for the Comprehensive Health Services program at the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown. He leads the network’s programs in HIV treatment and prevention, LGBT Health, Sexual Health, and Gender Affirming Care, serving Northeastern Pennsylvania’s medically underserved population. Daniel previously served at the University of Pennsylvania’s Student Health Service, focusing on LGBT Health, Sexual Health, and HIV treatment and prevention for the university’s students.

Stephen Garnier ’85 and Susan Olinger Garnier ’87

Stephen Garnier ’85 and Susan Olinger Garnier ’87 hiked the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The trail spans from Georgia to Maine, and the couple hiked 2,198.4 miles.

Stay Connected

Visit www.lvc.edu/news to stay connected to all things Valley.

LVC Welcomes Newest Lifetime Vickroy Associates

The College extends its deepest gratitude to the most recent members of the Lifetime Vickroy Society in 2022 and 2023. Our 2024 honorees will be recognized in the fall. These members include:

Michael S. Beyer ’80 and June Collier Beyer ’80; Susanne Harley Dombrowski ’83 and Francis M. Dombrowski; William W. Focht ’63*; Judith Fonken Grem ’72; Jonathan Grote ’79 and Elizabeth Grote; Malik N. Momin ’83 and Mumtaz Momin; Chester Q. Mosteller ’75 and Janet C. Mosteller; Alan M. Newsome ’07 and Ashton R. Lattimore; Rocco H’17 and Nancy Ortenzio Foundation; Roberta J. Gable Reed ’67 and William M. Gates; Frank A. Ritrievi ’54 and Gail G. Edgar Ritrievi ’54; Gregory P. Schmidt ’79 and Donna L. Schmidt; Conrad M. Siegel H’18 and Gail Siegel; Carol A. Bronson Steiner ’61 and Richard E. Steiner; Gary W. Sterner and Susan M. Sterner; Joan R. Taylor ’68; Ryan H. Tweedie ’93 and Shana E. Barnes; Thomas W. Weik ’64 and Donna Ditzler Weik ’72; and Hilary Vesell, Esq.

Lifetime Vickroy Associates are members of The Thomas Rhys Vickroy Society whose cumulative contributions to Lebanon Valley College total $100,000 or more during their lifetime, thereby demonstrating outstanding leadership support of the College. We look forward to welcoming a new class of honorees this spring.

*indicates deceased

11 SPRING 2024
NEWS & NOTES
CLASS

Alumni Honored During Homecoming Weekend 2023

Five graduates were recognized for their career achievements and support of their alma mater on Oct. 15.

Bob Johns ’75 , who retired after a 39-year hospitality career, received the Betty Hungerford ’54, H’09 Award for Distinguished Service to Lebanon Valley College. At LVC, Bob was a Lazin Executive in Residence, hosted the first regional Leadership Council Meeting, and supported the Lebanon Valley Educational Partnership. He co-chaired the 150th Anniversary celebration with Larry Bowman ’70 and chairs the Leadership and Alumni Council.

Dr. Anthony T. Marasco ’08 , an internationally recognized composer and sound artist, accepted the Creative Achievement Award. His music and installations have been presented throughout the U.S. and five countries. Anthony is an Assistant Professor of Music Technology and Composition and Director of the New Music Ensemble at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Betty Ross ’14 received the Young Alumni Award. Betty previously worked with Heal Ministries and now serves as director of marketing and administration for His Heart for Africa in Jinja, Uganda.

Cornell Wilson ’96 , president of the board and founder of Making a Difference of Lebanon PA, received an Alumni Citation. His community work includes coaching youth sports, volunteering for the United Way, and serving on the Day of Caring, Latino Health Fair, and Walk A Mile in Her Shoes committees. Cornell served as a Lebanon School Board member and Lebanon City Councilman.

Karen A. Young, SPHR, SHRM-SCP ’84 , an entrepreneur, small business owner, and consultant for 35+ years, received The Distinguished Alumnus Award. She founded HR Resolutions in Harrisburg in 2005, authored two books, and holds degrees from LVC and St. Francis University and certifications from The Wharton School of Business, Cornell University, HR Certification Institute, and Society for Human Resource Managers.

Eve Lindemuth Bodeux ’87

Eve Lindemuth Bodeux ’87 was elected secretary of the American Translators Association at the organization’s annual conference in Miami, Fla., in Oct. She will serve two years as an officer and Executive Committee member. Eve is a Certified Translator and has been active in the translation industry for over 25 years.

’90s

Paul J. Bruder, Esq., ’90 was appointed Judge of the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board. He was nominated by Governor Josh Shapiro and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate. Paul is a partner with Mette, Evans & Woodside in Harrisburg.

Chris Zebrowski ’91 lives in Stuttgart, Germany, where he is learning the language. Chris retired as a program manager, PMP, from Delcan, A Parson Company.

Dr. Douglas Zook ’92 retired after 29 years as a high school physics teacher, the last 19 at the Avon Grove School District in Chester County.

Dr. Paul Richardson ’96 , professor of biochemistry and chair of the chemistry department for Coastal Carolina University’s (S.C.) Gupta College of Science, was the invited keynote speaker

Alumni Referral Scholarship

Jon Fetterman ’98, P’25, P’27 (parent) recommended six high school students for the scholarship, encouraging them to join his son, Jace ’25, and daughter, Jana ’27.

(see page 10 for details)

12 THE VALLEY CLASS NEWS & NOTES

for all three of the school’s fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 15. He received the 2023 HTC Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecturer Award.

Dr. Ben Ruby ’96 is the supervisor of Online Learning at Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12, serving school districts in York, Adams, and Franklin counties.

Cornell Wilson ’96 , president of the board and founder of Making a Difference of Lebanon PA, learned that his organization was named nonprofit of the year for 2023 by the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Barbara McNulty, Natalie Hope McDonald ’97, Marcello Brening Barreraoil

Natalie Hope McDonald ’97 donated “HOME I and II” (2022)—2 medium-density fiber wooden house-shaped 3D pieces constructed by Marcello Brening Barreraoil that she painted with oils and acrylics—to LVC. It is displayed in the Vernon and Doris Bishop Library.

Bishop Randolph Smith ’98, P’12, and Marianna Smith

Bishop Randolph E. Smith ’98, P’12, pastor of Cedar Grove Mennonite Church, Greencastle, was installed as Bishop in the Franklin District of LMC on Nov. 12. Randy and his wife Marianna live in Mercersburg.

Jeremy Wilson ’98 was awarded a certificate from the Under Secretary of USDA Rural Development for 25 years of Federal Government service, all with the USDA Rural Development. Jeremy is the deputy state director for USDA Rural Development in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jodi Greenfield Lancaster ’99 , formerly a professor and dean of sciences at Elizabethtown College, was promoted to associate provost of student learning and dean of the faculty.

Jessica Bostdorf Ritchie ’99, M’06 was named to the City & State Pennsylvania Impact list 2023. Honorees are considered some of the Commonwealth’s most influential difference-makers.

’00s

Beth Light Brennan ’01 was named to the City & State Pennsylvania Impact list 2023. Honorees are considered some of the Commonwealth’s most influential difference-makers.

Dr. Meredith McGinley ’02 is an associate professor of psychology and

chair of the Psychology, Professional Counseling, and Neuroscience Department at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Dr. David Taylor ’02 was promoted from associate dean for academic affairs and administration to assistant vice president for academic operations at Roanoke College (Va.).

Jordan Sigler ’03 , Petty Officer First Class, completed a master’s in intelligence studies from American Military University. She is a guard with the Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton’s Security Forces and a fire controlman First Class in the U.S. Navy Reserves with UUVRON Flotilla 1.

Heather Woodbridge ’03

Autism Certificate Program

Heather Culbertson Woodbridge ’03 was appointed vice president of operations at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg.

We are excited to offer the Autism certificate, where the focus is on the voice of individuals with Autism and celebrating neurodiversity.

The 12-credit Autism Certificate Program is comprised of four courses:

• Characteristics and Etiology of Autism

• Assessment for Instructional Planning

• Instructional Interventions and Methods Across Settings and Grade Levels

• Family, Interagency, and Community Collaboration

Contact Cherie Van Zant ’92, P’26, associate director of graduate & professional studies, at vanzant@lvc.edu for more information.

*Certificate is designed to meet the competencies required for a Pennsylvania Department of Education Endorsement program (pending approval).

NEW! 13 SPRING 2024 CLASS NEWS & NOTES

Alumni Inducted into the Hall of Fame

Five alumni representing six sports were inducted into the LVC Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2023 in October. The former star student-athletes inducted were:

Jenn Cronin ’11—Women’s Cross Country/Women’s Track and Field

The first female to qualify for the NCAA Cross Country Championships in school history, Cronin won the 2009 Mid-East Regional Championship and was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Regional Athlete of the Year after finishing 56th at the National Championships.

She also qualified for the National Championships the following year, finishing 41st. Cronin was voted to the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) All-Century Team in cross country as a three-time All-MAC First Team selection. She won the MAC Track Athlete of the Year for Women’s Indoor Track & Field in 2011 after capturing the mile and 5,000 meters at the MAC Championships. Cronin qualified for the National Championships in the 1,500 during the outdoor season, finishing 17th.

Sarah Dietrich Linn ’03—Field Hockey

A two-time All-Commonwealth Conference selection, Dietrich Linn earned National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Region honors in 2002. She was selected to play in the NFHCA North/South Senior All-Star Game. She was tabbed a First Team All-Commonwealth selection in 2002 and a Second-Team honoree in 2001.

The Dutchmen captured the Commonwealth Conference Championship in 2000, leading to one of two NCAA Tournament appearances during her career.

Dietrich Linn was an excellent student, earning a spot on the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) College Division Women’s Academic All-District II At-Large Team in 2003, and the Verizon Academic All-District Second Team in 2002. She was honored as an NCAA PostGraduate Scholar in 2003.

Dr. Laura McMillen ’11—Softball

The first two-time Conference Pitcher of the Year in program history, McMillen holds LVC career records for appearances, shutouts, and strikeouts. She was tabbed the Commonwealth Conference Pitcher of the Year and Co-Rookie of the Year while earning a spot on the First Team in 2008. McMillen earned All-Conference honors all four years with three First Team nods and one Second Team selection. McMillen won her second Commonwealth Pitcher of the Year award in 2011.

McMillen, who threw two no-hitters in her career, led the Dutchmen to the 2008 Commonwealth Championship and two NCAA Tournament appearances. In the 2010 NCAA Tournament, McMillen earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team at the Ithaca, N.Y., Regional. She was named to the MAC Academic Honor Roll and the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District Third Team.

14 THE VALLEY CLASS NEWS & NOTES

Nicole Snyder ’13—Women’s Soccer

The first All-American in LVC women’s soccer history, Snyder ranks second at LVC in career points, goals, and game-winning goals and holds the record for most games started. She earned All-Commonwealth honors all four years and was voted Player of the Year in 2011. Snyder was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-America team after a fantastic 2011 season while leading the Dutchmen to the Commonwealth Championship game and an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.

Snyder garnered Second Team AllRegion in 2012 after recording 31 points on 13 goals, including six game-winning goals and five assists, as the Dutchmen made their second consecutive appearance in the Commonwealth Conference Championship game and qualified for a postseason bid to the ECAC South Tournament.

David P. Zimmerman

’07—Football

The first Dutchman to play in a football senior All-Star Game, Zimmerman was invited to play in the 2006 Aztec Bowl and East Coast Bowl. The offensive lineman appeared on the All-MAC Team twice and on the D3Football.com All-Region Third Team as a tackle in 2006. Zimmerman was recognized as a Second Team All-MAC selection in 2005 and then a First Team selection in 2006.

Zimmerman played and started in 36 games during his four years. In his senior season, he helped lead the way for an offense that ranked second in the MAC in rushing (166.6 yards per game), third in passing (182.9 yards per game), and third in scoring (23.5 points per game). After lining up at left tackle over the first four games, Zimmerman started five of his last six games at tight end, where he made five catches for 39 yards and two touchdowns.

(front, l. to r.) Foster Frantz and Jackson Buckwalter

(back, l. to r.) Tyler Frantz ’07, M’20, Nick Buckwalter ’05

Tyler Frantz ’07, M’20 and Nick Buckwalter ’05 , LVC men’s soccer teammates, coach their sons on the Iron Valley Boys’ Travel Team. The team played at halftime during LVC men’s soccer youth day.

Jill Kidulic Whiskeyman ’07 , CEO of Simpatico Studios, which she founded with her husband, Steve Whiskeyman ’09 , was invited to join the Forbes Agency Council (Boston, Mass.). She is invited to contribute articles related to small- and mid-sized enterprise growth to Forbes.

Daniel Youngs ’07, M’11 was promoted by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 30. He completed the University of Wisconsin-Madison Solid Waste Landfill Design Interdisciplinary Professional Program.

Jaime Floyd Kauffman ’08, M’23 is a senior business systems analyst with Prime Therapeutics LLC.

Stay Connected

Visit www.lvc.edu/news to stay connected to all things Valley.

Rachel Moore ’08 is the senior marketing manager for Enphase Energy’s O&M and Finance units in Phoenix, Ariz.

Alumni Referral Scholarship

Dr. Elizabeth Drda ’19 (first-year pediatric resident at the University of Tucson) recommended a high school student for the scholarship. (see page 10 for details)

Steven

Christina “Tina” Cosma Myers ’09 received her master’s in music therapy from Temple University, and her husband, Adam Myers ’09, received his master’s in curriculum from Penn State University. Tina is the general and choral director at Lower Dauphin Middle School and a music therapist (PRN) at the Hershey Medical Center. Adam teaches general and choral music at Mountain View Middle School in the Cumberland Valley School District and previously in the Lebanon and Palmyra school districts. He also vocal directs the high school musical and is an assistant boys’ soccer coach at CV.

Kurtz ’09 is the principal at Ernst & Young LLP. (front, l. to r.) Landon and Elijah Myers (back) Christina “Tina” Cosma Myers ’09 and Adam Myers ’09
15 SPRING 2024
NEWS & NOTES
CLASS

Tax-wise giving from your IRA

If you’re age 70.5 or older and have an IRA, you can make a gift to LVC and save on taxes—especially if you don’t itemize.

It’s called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), and it’s fairly simple to do.

• Instruct your IRA administrator to make a distribution from the IRA directly to LVC. We’ll direct your gift to whichever College priority you choose.

• For 2024, gifts of up to $105,000 are eligible.

• You do not claim it as income for tax purposes since the distribution comes directly to The Valley.

• A QCD gift will count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), if you have one this year.

For many donors, a QCD is the most tax-advantaged way to support LVC students because it’s a gift made from pre-tax assets.

Please contact Joe Martellaro, director of gift planning, at martella@lvc. edu or 1-866-LVC-1866 for additional information on IRA giving.

Jackie Winchell, CPA, ’09 was promoted to principal at McKonly & Asbury, an accounting and business advisory services firm. She joined the firm in 2013 and is an assurance & advisory segment member.

’10s

Eileen Beazley ’10 is a technical assistant at the Myerstown Community Library. She previously served as interim director.

Anthony “Tony” Good ’10 was promoted to supervisor of fine and performing arts by the Cranford (N.J.) Board of Education. He spent the past 12 years teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and has been director of the NFL’s New York Giants drumline for the past eight seasons.

Allix Sanders Streifel ’10 is a senior scientist II at BioNTech SE.

Wally Choplick ’12 was promoted to assistant director of LVC’s Breen Center for Career and Professional Development.

Aleka Liazis Smith ’11, Anastasía, Dr. Matthew Smith ’12

Dr. Matthew C. Smith ’12 completed his neurology residency with Kettering Health Network, then a one-year Fellowship in Sleep Medicine at The Cleveland Clinic. He is a physician

(neurology and sleep medicine) at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem. Matthew, his wife Aleka Liazis Smith ’11 , and his daughter Anastasía live in Allentown. His parents are Marianna and Bishop Randolph E. Smith ’98, P’12

Kelly Fahnestock ’13 is a missionary in Rwanda and Kenya, serving with Way of Peace-Kenya, Ministries Kenya, and Hope Rwanda.

Lauren Fenner ’13

Lauren Fulmer Fenner, CPA, ’13 , senior advisor at Brown Schultz

Sheridan Fritz, won the 2023 Shining Star Luminary Award from the West Shore Chamber of Commerce. She is a senior manager of their Nonprofit Practice. Lauren was recognized by the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts’ Women in Science, Technology, Education, and Math (STEM) Awards as a Woman to Watch honoree in 2020.

Tony Sinico ’13 is the Lebanon School District’s new athletic director. He taught social studies at Cedar Crest High School for a decade and coached boys’ and girls’ lacrosse.

Kristin Yaquinta ’13 is the pre-cruise guest service manager for Carnival Cruise Line.

Heather Tran Smail ’14 is a QC project specialist at GlaxoSmithKline.

Lauren Ward ’14

Lauren Ward ’14 is the founding band and orchestra director of Sonia Sotomayor Middle School in Adelphi, Md. She earned her master’s in music education

16 THE VALLEY CLASS NEWS & NOTES

from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Dr. Stephanie F. George ’15 successfully defended her dissertation to earn her Ph.D. in music with a concentration in music theory from Temple University.

Alyssa Lancaster-Amsbaugh ’15 is a QC scientist at Kenvue.

Suzette Madanat ’15 earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Immaculata University in August. She is a Pediatric Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio.

Jesse Shetrom ’15 is a museum educator at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg.

Cody Kelly ’16 was selected to be part of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) Professional Learning Community. CAN develops local and national teacher leaders in the arts to expand the impact of arts learning for students and their communities.

Cristalichia “Cristal” Acevedo Klein ’17 , former manager of the LVC College Store, is senior retail area manager at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

Dr. McCauley “Mac” Meyer ’17 is a scientist I at CSL Seqirus.

Tommy Garner ’18 is a sixth-grade science teacher in the Cocalico School District after teaching Special Education for four years. He is also a coach for the Cocalico High School football team and helped lead them to district championships in 2022 and 2023.

Alumni Referral Scholarship

Bradley Mehl ’17 and Tim Mehl ’09 (brothers) each recommended a high school student for the scholarship. (see page 10 for details)

included stops in Canada, continues through mid-May.

Briley Cox ’23 is a marketing coordinator at RKL eSolutions LLC.

Dr. Alisha Kelley ’18, D’20 is a pediatric physical therapist at Early Bird Therapy LLC.

Craig Stahl ’99, M’23 and Nathan Wingert ’99, M’23 visited LVC with their students for a music event and stopped by the Alumni Office for a visit in January 2024. Craig is the band director in the Cumberland Valley School District, and Nathan is a music teacher in the Lancaster School District.

’20s

Emily Leibley ’20 is an administrative officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Training Academy.

Ashley Miller ’20 is a Pre-K special education teacher in the Charles County (Md.) Public School System. She received her master’s in integrated curriculum with a concentration in special education from the American College of Education.

Kaitlyn McConnell ’21 was promoted to senior accountant at McKonly & Asbury, an accounting and business advisory services firm. She joined the firm in 2021 after twice participating in their internship program at LVC.

Matthew Davis ’23

Matthew Davis ’23 sought the Republican nomination in Pennsylvania’s 92nd House District.

Patrick Hodgson ’23 is an associate scientist at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories.

Julia Kelbaugh ’23 is a music teacher in the Upper Perkiomen School District.

Elijah Knauer ’23 is a laboratory technician I at the McCormick Flavor Manufacturing Center.

Ben Maull ’23 is a human resources administrator at Flagger Force.

Griffin Weidler ’23

Shawn Mathews ’22 plays the principal role (Kevin G) in the North American tour of Mean Girls, the musical. The tour, which

Griffin Weidler ’23 completed a strength and conditioning internship with the Michigan State University football team last summer. He is pursuing a master’s in strength and conditioning at Springfield College, Mass.

Shawn Matthews ’22
Visit www.lvc.edu/news to stay connected to all things Valley. 17 SPRING 2024 CLASS NEWS & NOTES
Stay Connected

’40s

Dr. Robert M. Bashore ’48 died on Oct. 25. He was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran. He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, was certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Bashore was chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lancaster General Hospital.

Margaretta E. Bailey Albert ’49 , of Lebanon, died on Nov. 7. She taught high school English for over 40 years in the Cornwall Lebanon School District. Albert was a lifelong Tabor United Methodist Church member, who taught Sunday School and directed plays.

Robert “Bob” McCoy ’49 died on Aug. 23 in Collingswood, N.J. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in England, France, and Germany during WWII. McCoy started the music program in Calvert County, Md., then taught music in the Moorestown Public Schools (N.J.) for 30 years, retiring in 1986. He was the mission chairman at First United Methodist Church.

’50s

Jack Snavely ’50 , professor emeritus of clarinet and saxophone, University of Wisconsin, (UW) Milwaukee, died on Sept. 17. He served in the U.S. Army band in Washington, D.C., during the Korean War. He earned his master’s in woodwinds at the University of Michigan before joining UW as an instructor and rising to professor. Jack conducted the Symphonic Band and Marching Band and was a founding member of the faculty Woodwind Arts Quintet.

Lorraine Spangler Wert ’50 died on Jan. 4, 2024, in Ephrata. She received a mas -

ter’s in education from Millersville State College and a school administrator certificate from Lehigh University. Wert taught 6th grade for 28 years at the Highland, Akron, and Fulton elementary schools in the Ephrata School District, retiring in 1989. She was an active Hope United Methodist Church member and the Woman’s Club of Ephrata. Rev. Edgar D. Wert Sr. ’50, her late husband of 63 years, predeceased her.

Jack J. Bryson ’51 died on Aug. 12 in Lancaster. A U.S. Army Korean War veteran, he earned his MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University (N.J.). He retired after 35 years with Allied Signal. Bryson’s wife, Ruth Shumate Bryson ’52, predeceased him.

Rev. Roland E. Garvin ’51 , of Dover Township, died on Nov. 12. He earned additional degrees from Shenandoah College (Va.) and the United Theological Seminary (Ohio). Garvin was pastor of the Newburg Evangelical United Brethren Charge (Newberg, Hopewell, and Otterbein Churches) and served as district superintendent of the Williamsport District, Susquehanna Conference.

Jeanne Edwards Tesnar ’51 , of Manheim Township, died on Dec. 16. She earned her Reading Specialist Certificate at Millersville State College and worked as a reading specialist in the Lampeter-Strasburg School District. She and her late husband, Edward Tesnar ’52, owned and operated Little People Daycare in Palmyra for 21 years.

Mary Rosella “Rosie” Hollinger Sorrentino ’54 , of Annville, died on July 13. She was a longtime active St. Paul the Apostle Church member and loyal alumna who played basketball and field hockey at The Valley. Rosie was predeceased by her husband, Lou Sorrentino ’54, a 50+ year LVC student-athlete, coach, and athletic director. Three children—Linda, Louis, and Jay—survive her, and five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

George Morgan Seyfert ’55 , of Morehead City, N.C., died on Sept. 3. He earned his master’s from Columbia University (N.Y.) and studied at New York University, Peabody University, Dowling College, and CW Post College. Seyfert began as a teacher at Bellport High School, later becoming an associate professor in the CW Post Graduate Education Department at Dowling and Suffolk Community College.

Harold E. Bird ’56 died on Nov. 6. He retired from Aetna as a Florida West Coast underwriting department manager in Tampa. His wife Barbara E. Schwaghart Bird ’57 survives him.

James M. McCardle ’57, P’83, of Cheshire, Conn., died on May 27. His son Christopher McCardle ’83 survives him.

Rev. Charles Weicht Lightner ’58 died on Aug. 28. He served the United Methodist Church in Upper Strasburg while studying History at LVC. He soon earned a master’s from the United Methodist Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, becoming an Eckels Society member. Lightner served the Benevola and Mt. Lena United Methodist churches near Hagerstown, Md., then was assigned to a mission church, Good Shepherd in St. Charles. He spent the last 20 years of his ministry with the Bel Air United Methodist Church, retiring in 1999. His wife, Harriet Mickey Lightner ’58, survives him.

’60s

Edward J. Alexander ’60 , of Lebanon, died on May 31. He taught in a oneroom schoolhouse before teaching in the ELCO School District for 35 years. Ed earned a master’s in history while teaching, completed an accounting degree, and started an accounting business he ran for four decades. His business grew, and he retired from teaching. His wife of 61 years, Jane Levine Alexander ’61, predeceased him.

IN MEMORIAM
18 THE VALLEY IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Hunter March ’60 , of Austin, Texas, died on Oct. 17. He taught middle school music education in New Jersey before earning his master’s and doctorate at the University of Michigan. March then taught at the University of Texas at Austin for 41 years.

Kenneth L. Peiffer ’61 , of Palmyra, died on Dec. 30. He retired as an English and drama teacher from Central Dauphin High School in 2000 and was formerly a facilities manager at Hersheypark Arena and Stadium.

Warren Hunter Hoffman ’62, P’98 , of Harrisburg, died on July 30. A Korean War veteran who spent 13 years in the Air National Guard, Hoffman was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years and wrote a history of the Progress Fire Company. He taught in Cambridge, Md., Lower Dauphin, and Susquehanna Township while being a tree surgeon for 40 summers. His wife, Cheryl Howell Hoffman ’02, P’98, and daughter, Amanda Hoffman ’98, survive him.

Gail “Gay” M. Riddle ’63 , of Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, died on Jan. 16. She and her husband of 61 years, Dr. Peter Riddle ’61, were dedicated foster parents. Riddle was an editor of and contributor to her husband’s writings, a volunteer at Valley Regional Hospital, and a volunteer with Kosovo refugees in Aldershot.

Terry R. Lenker ’64, P’86 , of South Hanover Township, died on Oct. 23. He retired from Rankin Sales Company Inc. in 2006. His son, Steven Lenker ’86, survives him.

William C. Gingrich ’65 , of Philadelphia, died on Sept. 2. He joined the Peace Corps after graduation and taught math for three years in Tanzania. Gingrich taught for 33 years at Ben Franklin, Central, and Kensington high schools. His mother, Phyllis Thumma Gingrich ’46, P’65, P’73, prede -

ceased him. His sister, Jean Gingrich Weidler ’73, survives him.

Robert Paul Shoap ’65 died on Aug. 9. He attended Lehigh University and worked at Bell Aerospace Textron.

Jo Ann Marie Plymire Kreeger ’66 , of Seven Valleys, died on Nov. 6. She taught Spanish at Dallastown High School, English as a Second Language at Lincoln Intermediate, and Spanish in the Southern York School District, retiring in 2002.

Karen Wagley ’66 , of Prescott, Ariz., died on June 23. She earned numerous awards during her career with the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Wagley and her husband were expert ballroom dancers who won U.S. and international competitions.

Terry Roy Weight ’67 , of Newtown, died on June 15.

Charles J. DeHart III, Esq., ’68 , of Hershey, died on Jan. 14, 2024. He joined the Caldwell & Kearns PC law firm in 1972 and was the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee in Bankruptcy for the U.S. Middle District Court of Pennsylvania until 2021. DeHart received his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law and a master’s in taxation from Temple University. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church (Hummelstown) and St. Paul Lutheran Church (Hershey) and received the Joseph A. Adlestein Professional Leadership Award in 2015.

William K. Watson ’68 , of Annville, died on Sept. 1. He served in the U.S. Air Force before LVC, then earned a master’s in Japanese history at the University of Oregon. He was a historian at the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

Philip Edward Kehr ’69 died on June 10. He worked in advertising for 25 years, winning a silver ADDY Award for Best Radio Campaign. Philip was

a paralegal in his wife’s law firm for a decade and owned the Peace of Cake.

’70s

Virginia “Ginnie” Ellen Garatina ’72 died on Dec. 2. She earned a master’s in educational psychology from Montclair University, becoming an instrumental and vocal music teacher in Morris School District (N.J.) elementary schools for 33 years. Ginnie received the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award.

Mary Wiegel Whalen ’73 died on June 19. She was an accomplished organist, pianist, and vocalist, often sharing her talents at church and school.

Robert Dusel ’74 died on June 27. He played lacrosse and was a member of Kappa Lambda Sigma at LVC. Bob began his career in psychology at Shepherd Pratt Hospital before transitioning to data management, working at USF&G, Alex, Brown & Sons, and Leidos.

Dr. Francis T. Lichtner Jr. ’75 , of Albuquerque, NM, died on Oct. 17. He earned his Ph.D. in plant physiology from Cornell University in 1980, then joined DuPont with technical roles in crop protection, product discovery and development, becoming a global technical product manager. Lichtner spent his later career as an independent consultant with several companies. He enjoyed hiking and live music.

’80s

Dr. Brian Henry Weaver ’80 , of York, died on June 28. He graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and established a 35-year optometric practice in Shrewsbury.

Di-Ann Whitman Dilger ’89 , of Lebanon, died on July 21. She spent the last 15 years of her career at Hollywood Casino in Grantville. Her sisters Jamie

19 SPRING 2024 IN MEMORIAM

Whitman Fox ’73 and JoAnn Whitman Candelori ’63 survive her.

’90s

Jane H. Mark ’90 , of Leola, died on Nov. 18. She was a Burning Hearts Community Church member.

Dolores A. Salem ’94 died on Dec. 2 in Lebanon. She began her academic career at St. Joseph’s Nursing School before earning her bachelor’s in Nursing from LVC. Salem retired as an RN supervisor at Good Samaritan Hospital and Spang Crest. She was a St. Cecilia’s Church member.

Joan Marsan Johnsen ’95 died on Nov. 12 in Sewickley. She was a zoning manager in Franklin, borough manager for Sugarcreek Borough, president of the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, and vice president of the York County SPCA.

Christopher K. Plummer ’97 , of Ligonier, died on Jan. 9. He spent his career as an executive with Vail Resorts, which owns Seven Springs Mountain Resort and other Western Pennsylvania winter sports venues, and previously served as the general manager of Nemacolin Resort. He also worked at Caesars Casino in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Plummer played in a Pony League World Series as a youth. His wife, Eileen Rossman Plummer ’97, and cousins, Mark Orndorf, Esq., ’07 and Patrick Orndorf ’10, survive him.

’00s

Todd M. Fischer M’04 , of Lancaster, died on Nov. 20. He spent most of his career in banking, most recently as vice president senior credit review officer at M&T Bank.

Alexander T. Poorman, Esq., ’07 , of Lancaster, died on Aug. 22. He earned his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law and worked at

Cipriani & Werner. His brother, Roger P. Poorman, Esq., ’04 survives him.

FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE

Ronald L. “Ronnie” Stover , of Lebanon, died on July 27. He served the LVC community and facilities services team as a painting contractor for over 20 years. A self-employed plasterer, Stover was a Strausstown Rod & Gun Club and Fredericksburg American Legion member.

Michael E. Videtto Sr. P’04 died on Dec. 15. He had an inborn skill for technology that he used while working at the Magee Rehab Hospital in

Dr. Paul L. Wolf P’90 , Professor Emeritus of Biology, of Hershey, died on Dec. 24. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, rising to Sergeant in combat as an 81mm mortarman during the Korean War. Wolf received the United Nations Korean Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit and Navy Presidential Unit citations.

Wolf then earned his bachelor’s from Elizabethtown College and master’s and doctorate from the University of Delaware. He was a beloved Professor of Biology

occupational therapy in Philadelphia. He also repaired laser printers for the Lowry Corporation from Michigan. He was a passionate Beatles fan who was particularly proud that his son hosted a Breakfast with the Beatles radio show at The Valley. Michael and his wife Pauline established The Michael E. Videtto Jr. ’04 Memorial Scholarship Fund at LVC in honor of their son, who died 20 years ago.

Gloria A. Wentling , of Annville, died on Dec. 29. She was the event coordinator for Kreiderheim on campus. She taught elementary school in the Annville-Cleona School District for 32 years.

at Lebanon Valley College for 42 years, including 30 as chair. During many summers, he taught Biology, Ecology, and Anatomy while researching with his students in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Md., and Sapelo Island, Ga.

“As a colleague and friend for over 55 years, I saw Paul as someone with an exterior as rigid as the exoskeleton of the fiddler crabs he studied,” said Dr. Allan Wolfe, Professor Emeritus of Biology. “But beneath that tough shell was a loving, caring heart. He wanted his students to succeed and achieve far above what they thought they could. That’s what made him a great professor and mentor.”

Several of his former students established The Paul L. Wolf Biology Research Fund in his honor to support student-faculty research.

Wolf, a longtime Spring Creek Church of the Brethren member, is survived by his wife, Martha Reese Wolf; daughter, Anne M.W. (Edward) Wirth ’90; son, Matthew R. Wolf; four grandchildren; and several generations of LVC students .

20 THE VALLEY IN MEMORIAM

THE CUEWE P. STATUE IS SILHOUETTED DURING THE PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

VALLEY VIEW

www.lvc.edu

The LVC Alumni Scholarship is awarded to LVC alums who enroll in one of our graduate degree or certificate programs in Business, Counseling, Education, Exercise Science, Intelligence & Security Studies, or Music Education. Programs are designed to be flexible to fit your busy schedule.

Contact Kate Gerdes ’05, director of graduate & professional studies, at gerdes@lvc.edu to discuss scholarship opportunities and determine which graduate program is right for you.

We want
further and
more.
our alumni to go
achieve
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