Saving the Strings A
s a child, Trish Doll ’82 learned two valuable lessons—the importance of the arts and that practice leads to perfection. “Playing the violin gave me the discipline to be persistent and move beyond failure,” said Doll, the owner of Publicity Works, a full-service public relations agency based in northeastern Lancaster County. “It is part of who I am and had a tremendous influence on my career path.” Doll, who has family members who were members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, began playing the violin at age five. She views the instrument as both an extension of her brand and a way to give back to her community. “Music is so powerful,” said Doll. “I think the magnitude of the arts in general is often underrepresented.” Since founding her company 21 years ago, Doll has received numerous accolades for both her entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to the arts. Her most recent award came from the Business Committee for the Arts
(a division of Americans for the Arts), who named Publicity Works one of the 10 Best Companies Supporting the Arts. Doll shared the honor with household names such as Macy’s, 3M and Walt Disney World Resorts. “It was so gratifying for me to be part of this award,” Doll said. “I was truly humbled to share the honor with these big corporations.” A program started by Doll in 2009 caught the attention of the committee. The grassroots movement, known as Save Our Strings (SOS), was sparked by a single letter brought home from school by her daughter. “The letter said the school district was planning to cut the strings program,” Doll recalled. “I was appalled. I knew I had to stop it.” Doll, whose son also plays a string instrument, immediately embarked on a mission to save the program. She had three days to pull together a proposal to present at the next school board meeting. Doll read books on the effects of music on academics and made countless phone
• 1980s
Legacy Planning Partners, an independent financial services company. • Lorraine “Lorie” Y. Runion ’80M, Kill Devil Hills, N.C., was promoted to executive vice president, chief administrative officer and corporate secretary of ECB Bancorp, Inc. • Joyce (Denelsbeck) King ’83, Quakertown, was elected to the Quakertown Community School District board of directors.
Class Reunions for the 1980s decade featuring 1982 & 1987 scheduled for Homecoming Weekend, October 12-13, 2012 • Jan L. Graybill ’80, Orefield, completed his master’s degree in financial services from the American College. He is a senior partner and vice chairman of
calls to rally support. The public relations campaign continued as Doll gathered parents, graduates who were professional musicians and other supporters. “It took six months, but we reversed the decision and saved jobs for teachers,” she said. The district met Doll halfway and created a parttime position to fill the role of the retiring music director. In addition, other teachers were trained in string instruments so all students could continue to receive individual instruction. “This in essence saved the remaining music teachers’ positions by making them more valuable to the music program, with no further layoffs,” Doll added. The string music program continues to grow with more opportunities for orchestra trips and increased student interest. Doll is currently working to take the Save Our Strings initiative to the national level, with the goal of making music a core discipline of academics. While Save Our Strings helped launch her into the national spotlight, Doll has been advocating for the arts for years by weaving it into both her professional and personal life. Doll has
incorporated music into many of her publicity events, including a full-scale concert that launched an author’s new book. She also spent over a year being trained as a music therapist. Doll regularly volunteers at her local hospice to provide music therapy to many of the residents. After more than 20 years of business success, Doll is pleased to be able to give back to the community in such a meaningful way. “Helping people is my main position in life,” said Doll. “I enjoy sharing my gift with others. There’s an unbelievable reciprocal effect.”
• Lois (Himmelmann) Kubinak ’83, Reading, was selected as Region 11 director-elect and achieved One Stop Shop certification through the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International. She serves as director of conferences for Albright College. • Steven “Steve” A. Hollingsworth ’84, Glen Mills, opened Fit Ryde Indoor Cycling and Fitness Studio in West Chester.
• Kenneth “Ken” Burton Jr. ’85, New Tripoli, published his most recent book, Crafting Wooden Lamps. He continues to teach technology education at Boyertown Area Senior High School and operates Windy Ridge Woodworks. • Peter Costelli ’85, Redondo Beach, Calif., serves as producer for an international family-based episodic show titled “Animal Movers.”
Class Notes Spring 2012 27