ALLEGHENY
SUMMER 2022
VOL. 40 • NO. 1
AT THE HEART OF ALL WE DO Renewed Vision Emphasizes the College’s Commitment to Student Success FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS STRENGTHEN THE EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE GATHER FOR REGIONAL EVENTS
Scene on Campus
The Playshop Theatre presented Pearl Cleage’s searing drama Bourbon at the Border, under the direction of guest artist Terrence Spivey, in November 2021. The play chronicles the story of Howard University students May and Charlie, who joined hundreds of other Americans in Mississippi in the summer of 1964 to register voters long denied their constitutional rights. Years later they were still searching for a way back from the damage that was done to them during that long ago “Freedom Summer.” Bourbon at the Border featured Allegheny students Safiatou Compaore, Barry Crentsil, Joy Ware, and Jamir Wilson. It is thought to be the first all-Black cast in the Playshop Theatre’s 91-year history. Bourbon at the Border audience members were encouraged to pay what they wished, with all donations benefiting Cleveland’s Tamir Rice Foundation. For many years, Spivey was the artistic director of Karamu House, the nation’s oldest Black theatre, in Cleveland. In addition to directing Bourbon at the Border, Spivey also taught a course on Karamu House, activist drama, and Black theatre. Richard Morris, Jr., of Akron’s Weathervane Theatre, served as the production’s scenic designer. Allegheny students, faculty, and staff also had the opportunity to participate in two events examining issues addressed in Bourbon at the Border. A town hall discussion in Quigley Hall explored the Freedom Summer of 1964, voting rights, and recent legislation on voting access. In addition, Allegheny community members gathered in the Vukovich Center for Communication Arts to join a live webinar on youth voting rights and access with Clarence B. Jones, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s lawyer and speechwriter.
photo Mary Dosch ’23 pictured: Joy Ware and Jamir Wilson
S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 | Vo l . 4 0 , N o . 1 | a l l e g h e n y. e d u /m a g a z i n e
4 At the Heart
ARTER HALL
of All We Do
Renewed vision emphasizes the College’s commitment to the success of all students
12 Alumni Events
Photos from regional gatherings for alumni and friends of the College
14 Athletic Facility Enhancements
Donor-funded projects help to attract and retain future generations of Gator student-athletes
18 On the Hill
Accolades and appointments from campus
24 Class Notes
Alumni news and updates
39 The Last Word
Alumni are needed now more than ever; three things you can do for Allegheny today
ON THE COVER Students gather for conversation outside of Pelletier Library, home of the Maytum Center for Student Success.
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(photo by Derek Li)
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Developing the Leaders of the Future by President Hilary L. Link, Ph.D.
“Allegheny College is proof that small colleges can make a very big difference in promoting sustainable development. Allegheny College is punching way above its weight.” Walter Leal, host of the Fourth World Symposium on Sustainable Development at Universities (WSSD-U), shared those words when presenting a Best Paper Award to three Allegheny College faculty members at the symposium in 2018. It’s a wonderful testament to the transformative work that our faculty are doing. This year, we were incredibly honored to host the fifth WSSD-U symposium on the Allegheny campus in June, welcoming delegates from educational institutions and other organizations around the world. This is both a prominent and yet familiar stage for our Environmental Science & Sustainability faculty, who also presented at the first four WSSD-U symposia, held in Rio de Janeiro and Manchester, UK, and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Universiti Sains Malaysia. The 2022 WSSD-U symposium focused on “Educating the Sustainability Leaders of the Future.” Our faculty and students presented at the conference, showcasing Allegheny’s commitment to mentoring, supporting, and highlighting undergraduate, hands-on research. They contributed to important conversations about how higher education institutions are collaborating and partnering with communities, businesses, and others to accelerate climate action by tackling
intertwined issues of climate, economic inequality, and public health. These kinds of complex problems mean that society has an unrelenting need for creative leaders who can address them and improve the world. Allegheny graduates bring unique perspectives, intellectual tools, and resilience when confronting challenges, and that is why we know we must do all that we can to make sure that students leave Allegheny ready to face those challenges.
… we are not satisfied with the status quo — because we know we can do even more to help students realize their potential. We have a responsibility to the two-century history of the College to ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission.
In this issue of Allegheny magazine, you can read about the College’s strategic priority of holistic student success. We have redoubled our planning and efforts to strengthen the experience for each and every one of our students.
That journey begins before enrollment as students and families consider Allegheny, and it continues through students’ graduation and journeys as accomplished alumni ready to make a difference. Allegheny has long attracted promising young scholars who find many different things to be interesting. Their minds are wide open to new ideas, possibilities, and ways to make an impact on campus and beyond. The College’s distinctive approach to education and the residential experience immerses them in an environment that inspires them to become multi-perspectival leaders. But we are not satisfied with the status quo — because we know we can do even more to help students realize their potential. We have a responsibility to the two-century history of the College to ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission. We are enhancing the resources, collaboration, and opportunities that help students to thrive while studying here and that lead to a competitive edge in post-graduate careers and education, along with a deeply felt commitment to serving their communities following graduation. Opportunities such as the WSSD-U symposium are an important reminder of the respect that Allegheny has garnered for the distinct, problemsolving education we provide. Even as we appreciate that recognition, we renew our commitment to the College’s mission and its enduring significance. 3
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ALLEGHENY Summer 2022
RENEWED VISION EMPHASIZES ALLEGHENY COLLEGE’S COMMITMENT TO THE SUCCESS OF ALL STUDENTS Under the leadership of President Hilary L. Link, Allegheny College has adopted a new set of strategic priorities designed to help ensure a healthy future for the College. This ambitious plan involves a strategic realignment of human and financial resources to address four key intertwined priorities: ■ Focusing on holistic student success and inclusive excellence to make the best student experience at Allegheny the common experience for every student. ■ Owning Allegheny’s distinct academic brand with an intersectional approach that focuses on educating students for a life, not just a job.
■ Ensuring the integration and relevance of our educational program and initiatives to the global, regional, and local social context by expanding on the College’s strong history and work in civic engagement, by taking a more active role in economic development, and by having a stronger and more cohesive community presence. ■ Securing the College’s ongoing financial stability by putting in place strategic initiatives intended to balance the College’s budget and steer the College to a continuing robust future.
by Patrick Broadwater '93 photos Derek Li, Ed Mailliard, Liam Michel '20
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HOLISTIC STUDENT SUCCESS These main themes emerged from thousands of conversations with students and their families, faculty, staff, alumni, and business and higher education experts in addition to the analysis of historical data and national enrollment trends. The plan aims to reposition the College ahead of a looming “enrollment cliff,” a demographic shift caused by declining birth rates that is predicted to shrink the number of college-aged students by 15 percent or more beginning in 2026. While the four priorities of the institution are inextricably linked, at the heart of Allegheny’s vision for the future is a renewed emphasis on the student experience and its commitment to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment that meets all their academic, social, mental, and physical health needs and prepares them for a lifetime of success. “Allegheny has intrinsically done much of this for years, so this is not a radical departure from what we’ve done and how we’ve talked about it,” said Link. “But this vision represents the open acknowledgment of our work and places it explicitly at the heart of what we do. We know that many of our students have amazing experiences here, but when we really dug into the data, we saw that hasn’t been true across the board. So we’re taking what we know we’re doing for many and focusing on ensuring that it’s true for all our students.” Broadly, that means reframing structures and processes to more comprehensively support student success, while working to strengthen the College’s financial position, re-engage with the local Meadville community, and be more explicit and transparent in its commitment to those ideals. Specifically, it means instituting changes large and small in how the College operates in order to better serve its student population.
Allegheny has intrinsically done much of this for years, so this is not a radical departure from what we’ve done and how we’ve talked about it. But this vision represents the open acknowledgment of our work and places it explicitly at the heart of what we do.
President Hilary L. Link, Ph.D.
CHANGING THE LENS Adopting a more holistic view of student success means developing relationships that evolve over a continuum that begins with prospective students and continues into their post-graduate life as alumni. “My mantra is ‘Admissions doesn’t recruit students, we recruit alumni,’” said Ellen Johnson, Allegheny’s vice president for enrollment management. “The role of the admissions office and enrollment management isn’t just bringing in students, but helping to ensure that the students we recruit and enroll are graduating as well. It’s everyone’s job at the institution to think about student success.” In July 2021, the College also introduced the Maytum Center for Student Success, which consolidates student-centered academically-related services and provides academic advising support. The Maytum Center is also home to the new class deans. (See page 10 to read more.)
The role of the admissions office and enrollment management isn’t just bringing in students, but helping to ensure that the students we recruit and enroll are graduating as well.
Ellen Johnson Vice President for Enrollment Management
BREAKING DOWN SILOS An administrative realignment as part of the new strategic vision elevated two areas focused on holistic student success: now reporting directly to the president are Ian Binnington, Ph.D., inaugural dean for student success, and Heather Moore Roberson, Ph.D., dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion. While both positions were part of the senior leadership team, their direct reporting to the president signals the College’s priorities moving forward. In addition to providing greater student-centered representation in high-level strategic discussions and decisions, the realignment also empowers division heads to work more closely and seamlessly to provide student support. Colleges are complex organizations, and most students are unfamiliar with the intricacies of how they operate. And, when students are facing problems that affect multiple areas, such as finances, mental health, and/or academics, they just know they need help. They don’t want to have to visit multiple offices as they search for answers. The College now has reconfigured many of its services so that a student can initially go to a single source (a class dean) with a request, and the different offices that need to be involved collaborate behind the scenes to address the student’s concern. “One thing that is unique about this is that it is institutionalizing cooperation at the cabinet level,” said Binnington. “It’s deliberately designed to transcend silos.” 7
We owe it to our students to do more so that those students who choose to attend Allegheny feel a sense of belonging and a sense of ownership of what’s happening here.
President Hilary L. Link, Ph.D.
FOCUS ON STUDENTS FROM TRADITIONALLY UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS While retention is an ongoing challenge for all student groups, it has been especially concerning for students of color. The College has diversified its student body, administration, and faculty considerably over the past few decades, but the College’s new strategic priorities openly acknowledge that too many students from traditionally underrepresented groups have not felt fully supported. “We heard this loud and clear in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the racial reckoning that has followed,” said Link. “While we had done a lot to diversify the student population, we hadn’t necessarily put in place the mechanisms that our students needed in order for them to be successful here.” Moore Roberson began her role as the senior diversity officer of the College in June. Along with leading the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, she is working with departments and offices on diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and initiatives that have a direct impact on holistic success across the spectrum of students’ time at the College. An Allegheny faculty member since 2015, Moore Roberson is building on extensive experience working with students on campus. She is an associate professor of community & justice
studies and Black studies and has served as the College’s inaugural director of faculty diversity and inclusion as well as the faculty advisor to four student organizations. “I am humbled and honored to work alongside President Link, her cabinet, and the entire Allegheny community as we work to promote inclusive excellence at the College,” Moore Roberson said. “It is work that touches on every part of campus life and the student experience at Allegheny.” Understanding the unique challenges that students from underrepresented groups face and implementing supports to improve their experience will be especially critical in the coming years. Colleges will be competing for fewer students as the enrollment cliff nears, and a greater number of Gen Z students will be nonwhite. “It is incumbent on us to invest as much as we can in a diversity, equity, and inclusion structure and efforts, not only because we owe it to our students to do so, but also because it is imperative to enroll students in the future,” said Link. “We owe it to our students to do more so that those students who choose to attend Allegheny feel a sense of belonging and a sense of ownership of what’s happening here.”
CREATING CONNECTIONS TO KEEP STUDENTS ENGAGED Academics is only one portion of the experience for residential college students. Where students live, who they interact with, and the groups they align themselves with are also critical to fostering a connective bond to the College. Tevis Bryant, Ed.D., who had served as the College’s assistant dean for institutional diversity, was appointed vice president for student life and dean of students in March. As the chief student affairs officer, he is collaborating with senior leadership and colleagues across campus to reimagine what student life and engagement is and looks like at Allegheny. “We are working to increase the volume of co-curricular services we offer to students through a lens of access and equity,” Bryant said. “I really want students to receive communication from Student Life and become instantly excited about ways they can connect with each other and with the College.” Those connections are even more meaningful for students the farther they are from home. Historical data says just that — the students coming to Allegheny from farther distances historically
retain at a lower rate than those for whom the College is close to home. Using predictive analysis, the College can identify those students from the start and provide additional support, such as being more intentional about their residence hall assignment or coaching academic advisors to check in with the student more frequently. In addition, through programs such as the new Parent and Family Council, expanded geographic affinity groups, and the Gator2Gator networking platform, which links students to alumni for advice about areas such as their major, potential career field, or graduate school, students have many more ways to see themselves as part of a larger Allegheny ecosystem or community, even after they graduate. “Simply graduating is not enough,” said Binnington. “If students are unhappy every minute here but they graduate, that’s technically a success, but it’s an ethical failure on our part. Students have to have a positive experience while they’re here.”
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INTRODUCING THE
MAYTUM CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Allegheny students looking for tutoring support, applying for a national fellowship, or seeking guidance on a career in health care or the law can still get assistance in Pelletier Library. But the previous homes of those programs — the Learning Commons and Gateway — have been consolidated into the new Maytum Center for Student Success. Freshly painted in blue and gold to reflect the College’s school colors and branding, the Maytum Center is an expanded one-stop shop to help facilitate academic success. The center is the go-to place for students to access resources related to study skills and time management, tutoring, international student services and global education, national fellowships, pre-health and pre-law advising, and other related services. It is also home to the College’s new class deans. “These are all ways to connect students to opportunities — curricular and non-curricular — that help them make the best
out of their Allegheny experience,” said Ian Binnington, Ph.D., dean for student success and professor of history. While most of the resources have been available to students for many years, moving them all into a single location is a crucial evolution that provides a seamless experience for students. A key component to that realignment is the adoption of class deans, who serve as a single point of contact for members of each class year. The deans are available to hear student concerns or issues, advise and inform students of options and possible solutions, and help them navigate the administrative structure of the College to get results in the most efficient manner. The class dean structure is not new to higher education; many of the College’s peer liberal arts institutions have long used the model. In fact, President Hilary L. Link, Ph.D., was a
When talking to students, I’m the first stop when they have no idea where to go or what to do. I’m the bridge to other areas on campus, pointing them to the experts who can give them particular advice.
Niki Fjeldal, Ed.D. First-year Class Dean
first-year class dean at Barnard College for four years, early in her career. But it is new at Allegheny. Niki Fjeldal, Ed.D., who focused on orientation and new student transitions over the past 12 years at Indiana State University and Pace University, started as Allegheny’s inaugural first-year dean last July. Within just a few short weeks, she became a highly sought-after adviser for the incoming class of first-year students. They not only went to her with all their questions and concerns, but also reported back to their roommates and friends, referring them to Fjeldal for their own questions. “When talking to students, I’m the first stop when they have no idea where to go or what to do,” she said. “I’m the bridge to other areas on campus, pointing them to the experts who can give them particular advice.”
“Having a class dean has made a visible difference,” Binnington said. “For students who don’t know where to turn, which is especially important for first-year students, they go to talk to Niki.” Additionally, this spring, the College hired Amy Stearns as the second-year class dean and director of transfer advising as well as Jonathon May, Ed.D., as third- and fourth-year class dean. Their roles are similar to the first-year dean’s position but are focused on the specific needs of each class. The second-year dean, for example, spends less time on helping students get acclimated to a new environment, and more on helping students declare a major or minor. “Change is hard,” said Link. “But we’re already seeing with our first-year students how much this can enhance a student’s experience.” 11
ALUMNI EVENTS ERIE | SEPT. 9, 2021
BUFFALO | SEPT. 21, 2021
CLEVELAND | SEPT. 30, 2021
12 ALLEGHENY Summer 2022
Allegheny alumni, parents, and friends were invited to socialize and learn more about the strategic vision for the College.
PITTSBURGH | OCT. 26, 2021
FORT MYERS | JAN. 29, 2022 & TAMPA | FEB. 1, 2022
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FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS CELEBRATE THE LEGACY AND FUTURE OF GATOR ATHLETICS Each year, students arrive at Allegheny College ready to receive a world-class liberal arts education. Approximately one-third of these are student-athletes who spend a significant part of their college journey on the court or on the playing field. Allegheny is taking an important step to acknowledge the College’s rich history in athletics by raising funds for enhanced athletics facilities and programs that will help to attract and retain future generations of Gator athletes. The projects featured here build upon recent athletics upgrades, including the new artificial turf competition field for women’s soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey, as well as renovations and enhancements to existing locker room and athletic training facilities at Robertson Athletic Complex. And this is just the beginning — more athletics fundraising projects will be added in the future. We are grateful to the many individuals who have already shown their support for these and other worthwhile projects.
SPECIAL THANKS
to the following Gators who served as fundraising captains for this special opportunity, helping to rally their fellow alumni, family, and friends to support the baseball project:
Ben Couch ’01 Brendon Porter ’04 Mark Minadeo ’02 Brad Hensler ’00 Jeff Mountain ’00
Joe Musgrove ’97 Jarrod Depriest ’95 Joe Rine ’95 Jack Mosher ’91 Chris Krug ’90
Gary Session ’84 Peter Rich ’76 Doug Stetlzer ’75 Paul Pudloski ’72
GARBARK FIELD Anyone who has attempted to play baseball on a grass infield in northwest Pennsylvania in March understands that it can quickly turn into a soggy situation. That’s why Allegheny alumni, parents, and friends have come together to raise funds to support a much-needed upgrade to Allegheny’s 70-year-old baseball field. Spearheaded by generations of Gator baseball alumni, the project will honor Allegheny baseball’s tradition of success by providing a state-of-the-art facility for competition and practice. The first phase will include a new turf infield, backstop, and dugouts, while future phases will include a new press box, seating area, and scoreboard. Construction is slated to begin this summer, with phase one scheduled to be completed by next season. The rich tradition of Allegheny baseball dates back to the first recorded mentions of the program in 1867. After a hiatus beginning in 1916, Bob Garbark ’32 spearheaded the return of baseball to the College in 1947. Garbark is pictured here with players Dale Hahn ’72, Paul Pudloski ’72, and Jeff Carroll ’74 in 1971. The upgraded field will be named in Garbark’s honor.
100%
of the Garbark Field and Sundstrom Walk of Fame projects are funded through the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends.
The Allegheny baseball team looks forward to phase one of the upgrade, which will feature a new turf infield, backstop, and dugouts. Design & renderings provided by MCF Architects.
NORM SUNDSTROM WALK OF FAME Allegheny will continue to honor the legacy of men’s and women’s athletics through the Norm Sundstrom Walk of Fame, a project to update the David V. Wise Sport & Fitness Center lobby. The enhanced entrance will welcome visitors to the Wise Center by featuring the history of Allegheny men’s and women’s sports through a hall of fame display and updated graphics. The refreshed space will also honor Norm Sundstrom, a prominent Alleghenian who once served as the men’s golf and men’s basketball coach, as well as director of athletics. Construction for this project is slated to begin soon. We look forward to partnering with our alumni, parents, and friends to kickstart future projects. If you would like to learn more about how you can support Gator athletics email Andrew Youtz, senior director of advancement for leadership giving, at ayoutz@allegheny.edu or Jamie Plunkett, athletics gift officer, at jplunket@allegheny.edu.
Norm Sundstrom guided the Allegheny men’s golf team to eight consecutive Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) titles through 1983, and the national championship capped a run of six straight seasons in which his Gators never finished lower than fourth in Division III. Sundstrom was the founder of the Golden Gator Club and the Athletic Hall of Fame. He also served as the men’s basketball coach from 1970-79 and then was appointed director of athletics from 1979-92.
Central Graphics, Inc.
The Norm Sundstrom Walk of Fame will honor the legacy of Allegheny men’s and women’s athletics. Pictured here are the proposed Hall of Fame pillars and a stacked photo display for the new space.
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Allegheny reveals new athletics brand identity
THE ALLEGHENY COLLEGE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT IS PROUD TO PRESENT ITS NEW BRANDING. As Allegheny is set to rejoin the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) this fall, the Gators will have a brand new look for the new era. The new logos were developed by Allegheny's Assistant Director of Art and Publications Brian Martone. "This new branding comes at a particularly exciting time for Gator Athletics," remarked Bill Ross, Director of Athletics and Recreation. "As of July 1, we will officially be returning to compete in the PAC, in which Allegheny was previously a member from 1958 to 1984."
Key elements of the new brand identity include: • A Gator Mascot Logo that conveys Allegheny's tradition of athletic excellence and competitive spirit through a bold, fierce look. • An Action A Logo that deftly incorporates an alligator tail for a memorable, striking take on a familiar element of Allegheny's athletic brand identity. • Crisp, impactful typography throughout the designs, communicating forward momentum, excitement, and energy.
• A set of Gator Eyes that evokes the presence of an alligator lurking in the water. "Brian [Martone] served as the lead designer and the creative force behind the process," continued Ross. "He invested countless hours and tremendous insight in the research, concept, and design of this project." The new branding will roll out in phases, as it will be a part of new uniforms, facility designs, social media and more. Merchandise featuring the new branding will be available at the Allegheny bookstore and online.
BEYOND BASKETBALL regularly enjoyed watching and cheering for a high-level program,” John Sutphen said. “These iconic coaches contributed in significant ways to the Allegheny experience, and we are confident that our investment in current men’s basketball coach Bob Simmons’ up-and-coming program will do the same.”
Allegheny Trustee John Sutphen ’78 P’09 believes in giving back to the College to help enhance the vibrancy of Allegheny’s small, residential college experience. Sutphen is pictured with Allegheny President Hilary L. Link on Gator Give Day, Allegheny’s annual one-day giving challenge.
Allegheny Trustee John Sutphen ’78 P’09 and Jamie Sansone Sutphen ’79 P’09 are well aware of the challenges confronting higher education in general and small, private liberal arts colleges in particular. Among those challenges are a declining number of U.S. high school students and competition for those students from other lower-cost alternatives such as online college degree programs and programs offered by state university systems and community colleges. To confront these challenges, the Sutphens are fully committed to President Hilary L. Link’s strategy of making Allegheny’s residential college experience exciting and intellectually stimulating. This strategy includes enhancing Allegheny’s wide variety of extracurricular activities. As part of this commitment, the Sutphens have contributed $1 million to the Allegheny men’s basketball program as an endowment for the head coach position. This contribution, they said, represents a deliberate investment to fund a small part of President Link’s overall strategy to highlight and enhance the vibrancy of Allegheny’s small, residential college experience.
“By investing in a program like this, our hope is that the James H. Mullen, Jr. Arena becomes a place to reinvigorate students — a place where they can enjoy the fun of winning on cold, dark winter evenings,” John Sutphen said. “We also hope this investment in the student experience will help Allegheny become more distinctive as a college of choice in higher education.”
By investing in a program like this, our hope is that the James H. Mullen, Jr. Arena becomes a place to reinvigorate students. John Sutphen ’78 P’09
The Sutphens acknowledge that their investment is just one way to advance this strategy. They challenge alumni, parents, and friends to consider investing in this endowment effort or in other programs that will help to make the Allegheny experience distinctive. “Jamie and I believe the future of our college demands our investment at this time,” John Sutphen said. “We hope others will join us in helping to advance the College’s relevance in a competitive market.” To learn more about how you can support this or other efforts such as academic programs; athletics; campus improvement and beautification; career engagement and internships; diversity, equity, and inclusion; music and the arts; student scholarships; student-faculty research; study abroad; sustainability or others, email Andrew Youtz, senior director of advancement for leadership giving, at ayoutz@allegheny.edu.
Allegheny Trustee
When establishing their gift, the Sutphens believed it was important to name the endowment in honor of two prominent Alleghenians: former men’s basketball coaches Phil Ness P’07 P’12 and John Reynders ’75, who both took teams to the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament. “During their tenures, the old David Mead Fieldhouse was packed with students who
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On the Hill
News from Campus
Angela T. Haddad Appointed Provost and Dean of the Faculty Angela T. Haddad, Ph.D., has been appointed as provost and dean of the faculty at Allegheny. Haddad, who previously served as senior associate dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Hunter College in New York City, will assume her new position on August 1. Haddad will serve as Allegheny’s chief academic officer and a member of the College’s senior leadership team, providing vision and direction for the academic program of the College. The Provost’s Office at Allegheny also supports
and advances the teaching and research goals of the college’s faculty and supports ongoing professional development within a diversifying and inclusive culture. In her new role, Haddad will partner with the Allegheny community, including the president, senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, the Board of Trustees, and community leaders, to promote and help realize the college’s Renaissance Vision. The vision focuses on holistic student success and inclusive excellence; the college’s distinctive academic brand; relevance to global, regional, and local context; and financial stability.
Allegheny College Named a Best Value College for 2022 by The Princeton Review The Princeton Review has recognized Allegheny College as a Best Value College for 2022, based on Allegheny’s stellar academics, affordable cost, and strong career prospects for graduates. The Princeton Review chose its 209 Best Value Colleges by analyzing 40 data points to tally ROI (Return on Investment)
ratings of the colleges. Topics covered everything from academics, cost and financial aid to graduation rates, student debt, alumni salaries, and job satisfaction. This analysis included factoring in data from The Princeton Review’s surveys of students attending the schools and administrators of other colleges, as well as PayScale.com surveys of alumni of the schools about their starting and midcareer salaries and job satisfaction figures.
Allegheny College Is a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars educational exchange program. The Chronicle of Higher Education publishes the lists annually.
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Allegheny College is proud to be included on the list of U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2021-2022 Fulbright U.S. Scholars. Each year the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces the top-producing institutions for the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international
Two scholars from Allegheny received Fulbright awards for 2021-2022 — Christopher Bakken, the Frederick F. Seely Professor of English, and Stephen Onyeiwu, the Andrew Wells Robertson Chair of Economics, who taught and conducted research in Greece and Nigeria, respectively.
Tevis D. Bryant Appointed Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Tevis D. Bryant, Ed.D., has been appointed as vice president for student life and dean of students at Allegheny College. Bryant joined Allegheny in September 2021 in the role of assistant dean for institutional diversity, working to advance ongoing development for all personnel
centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Since January 2022, he also had served as the College’s acting vice president for student life and dean of students. In his new role, Bryant is the chief student affairs officer responsible for key aspects of holistic student success and the student experience. He leads the Division of Student Life, which includes Community
Standards and Wellness, the Counseling and Personal Development Center, the Dean of Students Office, Public Safety, Residence Life, and Student Leadership and Engagement. He also collaborates closely with colleagues in offices across campus, including the provost and dean of the faculty, the Maytum Center for Student Success, and Economic, Civic & Community Engagement, among others.
Heather Moore Roberson Appointed Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Heather Moore Roberson, Ph.D., has been appointed as the College’s dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moore Roberson joined the Allegheny faculty in 2015 and is an associate professor of community & justice studies and Black studies. She has also served as the inaugural director of faculty diversity and inclusion at the College.
In her new role, Moore Roberson serves as the senior diversity officer of the College, reporting to the president. She leads Allegheny’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which works to advance inclusive excellence by shaping, implementing, and supporting policies, strategies, and initiatives in support of the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, Moore Roberson partners with a wide range of other departments and offices on campus on diversity, equity,
and inclusion strategies and initiatives, including training programs, assessment, faculty and staff hiring, and enrollment, retention, and graduation of students, among other areas. As a member of the College’s senior leadership team, she also contributes to strategic institutional discussions and planning. Moore Roberson, the recipient of the 2020 Thoburn Award for Excellence in Teaching, will also continue to serve as chair of the Community & Justice Studies Department for a limited term.
Two Students Awarded Prestigious Department of Defense SMART Scholarship Allegheny College students Morgan Douglas ’23 and Rachael Harris ’23 have been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. This award provides Douglas and Harris with full tuition for their graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University, where they will be participating in the 3-2 cooperative program for a Master of Science in information security policy and management. Students who enroll in this accelerated master’s degree program complete three years of study at Allegheny College and two years at Carnegie Mellon University. Through the SMART Scholarship, Douglas and Harris will also receive mentorship, summer internships, a stipend, and full-time employment
Morgan Douglas ’23
with the Department of Defense upon graduation. Douglas is an economics major with minors in computer science and mathematics. Her SMART Scholarship Department of Defense-sponsoring facility is the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency in Springfield, Virginia. Harris is a computer science major with minors in political science and philosophy. After her time at Carnegie Mellon, Harris
Rachael Harris ’23
will head to a Defense Intelligence Agency location in Washington, D.C., where she will focus on cybersecurity and information technology. The SMART Scholarship offers students hands-on experience at one of over 200 innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and larger Department of Defense. During their summer internships, Douglas and Harris will work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining valuable technical skills. 19
Allegheny College Joins Summer on the Cuyahoga Internship and Immersion Program
Allegheny College was recently accepted into the Summer on the Cuyahoga (SOTC) program in a unanimous decision by the SOTC Board of Directors. This unique summer internship and immersion
program helps students explore professional, civic, and social offerings of the greater Cleveland region.
interns will have access to community introductions, alumni connections, and free group housing for the summer.
Allegheny College joins partner schools Case Western Reserve, Colgate, Cornell, Denison, Oberlin, Ohio Wesleyan, Smith, and the University of Chicago. Allegheny College students are eligible to apply and interview for one of the spots available to them in the program; those hired are participating in challenging, paid internships this summer. Additionally,
The Allegheny College Office of Institutional Advancement and Office of Career Education partnered with Allegheny alumni Sean Ward ’89 and Tim Downing ’85 to bring this opportunity to students. Ward and Downing serve on the SOTC Board of Directors.
2022 Zingale Big Idea Competition Awards $32,000 in Prizes
On April 30, the judges of the 2022 Zingale Big Idea Competition at Allegheny College crowned 10 winners, who shared a total prize pool of $32,000. Pictured (above, from left) are: Lance Zingale ’77, Arigun Bayaraa, Tergel Buyanbatt, Binderiya Batsaikhan, Mariah Nablo, 20 ALLEGHENY Summer 2022
Dakchyata Thapa, and Chris Allison ’83. Batsaikhan and Nablo each received a first-place award for their proposals — cashmere importer Blue Ciel and urban green space developer Edible Roots, respectively. “This year’s pool of entrants could be the most interesting and diverse
in the competition’s history,” says Allison, co-director of the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business & Economics. “And for the first time, we had more social venture ideas than for-profit enterprises.”
College Honors Faculty and Staff
GRANTS AND GIFTS $1,400,294 National Science Foundation
The College honored faculty and staff members for their outstanding service and dedication at an employee recognition ceremony on May 10. Pictured with President Hilary L. Link are (from left) Environmental Science & Sustainability Associate Professor Beth Choate, recipient of the Thoburn Award for Excellence in Teaching; English Professor Soledad Caballero, recipient of the Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching; and Biology Lab Technician Liz Caskey, recipient of the Robert T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award.
Bestselling Author Visits Campus
Allegheny received a $1,400,294 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the S-STEM program (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The grant will provide scholarships and programmatic support for academic and co-curricular mentoring to 24 academically talented low-income students. Associate Professor of Chemistry Ivelitza Garcia is the principal investigator, Associate Professor of Biology and Neuroscience Lauren French is the co-principal investigator and Assistant Professor of Psychology Guadalupe Gonzalez is serving as the social science expert. A total of 100 percent of the project’s cost of $1,400,294 will be covered with federal funds through the NSF grant. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.
$1,405,000 Richard King Mellon Foundation
David Epstein, author of the No. 1 New York Times bestseller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, visited campus on May 13 for a presentation on “The Power of Range.” Epstein has examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters, and scientists. He discovered that in most fields — especially those that are complex, unpredictable, and difficult to automate — generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, and they juggle many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, more agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see. Epstein also answered questions from President Hilary L. Link and audience members during the event, which was sponsored by Allegheny Trustee Dusty Elias Kirk ’75.
Allegheny received two grants totaling $1,405,000 from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The first grant, for $1,250,000, will be used to establish a Watershed Conservation Research Center. The center will help to ensure long-term research and conservation efforts for the French Creek and Allegheny River watersheds through research, service, and education, involving both Allegheny faculty and students as well as a number of organizations and government agencies in the region. Associate Professor of Environmental Science & Sustainability and Biology Casey BradshawWilson and Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Sustainability Kelly Pearce are the project co-directors. The second grant, $155,000 from the Richard King Mellon Foundation’s Economic Development program, will support capacity building for downtown revitalization. As part of the project, Allegheny will work with the City of Meadville and the community more broadly to establish a non-profit community development corporation and create a five-year strategic plan. Executive Director of Economic, Civic & Community Engagement and former Meadville City Manager Andy Walker ’00 is the project director. The College has now received more than $6 million in grants from the Pittsburgh-based Richard King Mellon Foundation over the years.
21
Allegheny College honored the Class of 2022 and presented honorary degrees to two distinguished leaders at a Commencement ceremony held on Bicentennial Plaza on Saturday, May 21. Honorary doctorates of humane letters were conferred on Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D. — a 1973 Allegheny graduate and noted conservationist, entomologist, and educator — and Henry “Hank” Thomas — a pioneering civil rights activist, successful businessman, and community leader. Tallamy, the TA Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. delivered the Commencement address. President Hilary L. Link also addressed the graduates, noting they were leaving Allegheny with the tools to go out into the world, face challenges with courage, and solve big global problems. “Your Allegheny education, no matter what your major and minor, no matter what activities you were part of, no matter with whom you spent your time while here, will serve you as you go out into the world,” Link said. “The connections you have forged with faculty, and with staff, will serve you as you go out into the world. The friendships that have sustained you during the fun times and the very hard times, will serve you as you go out into the world. And Allegheny College — your college — will always be here for you, as it has been here for 207 years’ worth of students before you.”
Commencement 2022
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23
Class Notes
News and Events from Alumni
Notes 1960s ’61
Chet Baffa and his wife, Cheryl, live in Queen Creek, Arizona. “We’re both doing good — vertical most of the time, ha ha. I’d love to hear from you, so if you feel like contacting me, my email is cbaffa@aol.com,” he says.
Aggie Tartara Goss and Mimi Jackson Lewellen ’61 celebrated their 21st birthdays at the David Meade Inn 61 years ago. They have been celebrating their early February birthdays together whenever possible.
’62
Wendy Ellison celebrated her 80th birthday and received word from the College that her siblings, Gail ’64, Brian, and Mark Ellison, had donated to the College in her honor. “I am very grateful and pleased with the idea of doing so. Such a lovely gift it is,” she says.
’63
Emily Smith FitzRandolph’s son, Peter, joined her for a lovely tea at the home of Greta Gill Lydecker ’79, sister of Gloria Gill Williams ’63. Besides scones and special tea sandwiches, there were yellow chrysanthemum plants with blue pennants saying "Go Gators" and "Class of 1963." They had a great visit, swapping stories. FitzRandolph says her 80th birthday trip to the East Coast was wonderful in every respect.
’65
Dennis McFadden’s third book, a historical novel entitled Old Grimes Is Dead, has been published and is available on Amazon. A retired project manager for the New York state, he lives and writes and tries to stay healthy in a cedar-shingled cottage called Summerhill in the woods of upstate New York.
’68
Nancy Reiss is pleased to announce that the Dr. Paul Zolbrod Interdisciplinary Communications Fund has met its goal to become a living legacy. Reiss says thanks to all who donated and for the cooperation of staff to honor Paul. A donor celebratory
Zoom was held in January. Funds will sponsor career-oriented communications programs from faculty and alumni who will share their unique Allegheny mojo for critical thinking, clear communication, and effective writing.
Notes 1970s ’74
Dennis Blair and his wife, Sherry Wright ’72, live in the Monterra neighborhood on Washington State’s North Olympic Peninsula. Since 2014, Dennis has been involved in several volunteer emergency preparedness efforts, the most significant of which is a national organization called the Community Emergency Response Team. During the COVID-19 era, Dennis and dozens of other team members distributed food boxes to more than 5,000 families. Since January 2021, Dennis has participated in another project that has vaccinated more than 7,000 persons. They are eager to renew their acquaintance with their Allegheny classmates. They’ve each had their first and second vaccinations, so you won’t get sick if you email them at guitardennis07@gmail.com or wrightblair@wavecable.com.
Donna DeAngelis shares that her husband, Eric Holm, died on December 18, 2020, in his second home in Belmont, Vermont. He was loved for his kind and caring demeanor and his wonderful sense of humor, she says. He graduated from Yale’s Physician Assistant program in 1980 and spent most of his professional career practicing orthopedics at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates outside of Boston. He married Donna in 1987. In 1988, the couple moved to Concord, Massachusetts, where they spent most of the next 30 years raising their two children. In 2015, because of a job opportunity for Donna, they moved to Madrid, Spain. During the next two years, Eric immersed himself in the Spanish culture, becoming fluent in the language and developing long-lasting and cherished friendships with individuals from around the world. The couple moved in January 2020 to Newburyport, Massachusetts.
’68
Ten Allegheny graduates met for a reunion in Annapolis, Maryland. The men are all Class of 1968 members of Phi Kappa Psi. Left to right: Robert Crossland, William Kloeblen, Blaine Myers, Esq., Dr. Stanley Harrold, Richard Pears, Dr. David Carnes, Jack Criss, and Dr. Richard McAfee. Far left, front row is Barbara Emmel Crossland ’70, and far right, front row is Dr. Alice Gerke McAfee ’69.
ALUMNI PROFILE
RICHARD ALFRED ’66 LOOKS BACK ON A SUCCESSFUL 50-YEAR CAREER IN ACADEMIA After a 50-year career in academia, Richard Alfred '66 distinctly remembers when a peer challenged how he thought about sociological theory during an advanced seminar at Allegheny College.
Alfred moved from college administration to university teaching in 1980 when he joined the University of Michigan as a professor of higher education. He taught courses in organizational strategy, leadership, and effectiveness.
“I began to look at things not with acceptance of what is, but with questions about why and what could be. I wanted to understand root causes, consequences, and most importantly, long-term scenarios,” says Alfred, who majored in sociology and minored in psychology at Allegheny. “My credo became look ‘beyond what you see.’”
“I really enjoyed working with high-level graduate students at the University of Michigan,” says Alfred. “I worked with them as colleagues authoring books and articles. We learned from each other, which was a unique experience.”
That philosophy would provide the foundation for his career, leading to numerous awards and consultations with hundreds of organizations throughout North America. Many of the institutions where Alfred contributed to strategic plans still use his model to guide their strategy, resources, and operations. Alfred went on to earn a master’s in higher education and sociology along with a doctorate in higher education administration, all from Penn State University. Subsequently, he accepted a position as director of educational research and development for the Metropolitan Community Colleges in Kansas City. While there, he developed a strategic plan for a threecampus system. Later, he became vice president for finance, planning, and management at New York City Community College. This position was particularly intense, as New York was on the brink of default at the time. Alfred was primarily responsible for rebuilding enrollment, streamlining administration, restructuring academic programs, and migrating the institution’s funding from city to state.
Today, he is proud to see many graduate students become professors themselves or executives in educational institutions. Additionally, he has shared what he has learned by writing books that have helped shape and guide leadership throughout higher education. “Sociology and psychology have contributed to everything I’ve written because my main focus is on organizations and the people within them,” Alfred explains. Today, Alfred is retired, but that doesn’t mean he has stopped contributing to academia. His most recent work was published in October 2021. “Catastrophic Risk: Business Strategy for Managing Turbulence in a World at Risk” examines man-made and natural calamities combined with human behavior that exacerbate risk. Global risks such as climate change, contagion, and social inequality are emphasized. “Allegheny taught me how to ask questions that needed to be asked beyond the surface,” says Alfred. “Learning outside the lines encourages learners to ask the questions that people will not ask, to look beyond what you see.” 25
Friends since third floor Baldwin South in 1968, Chris Chengelis and Paul Pudloski met up in San Diego in July 2021 after several years. Pudloski pitched for the Gators, and he is now on the committee raising money for the renovation of the Allegheny baseball field. He earned his Juris Doctor at Case Western Reserve University and practiced law in New Hampshire for 41 years. He and his wife, Lyn ’71, moved to San Diego in 2016. Chengelis
earned a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Illinois followed by post-doctoral training in toxicology at Vanderbilt University. After spending years in biomedical research, he retired in 2013 as CSO from WIL Research Laboratories and is now consulting from home in Ashland, Ohio. Pictured left to right: Paul Pudloski ’72, Lyn Tepel Pudloski ’71, Maryanne Fiacco Chengelis, and Chris Chengelis ’72. A group of brothers from Delta Tau Delta got together in Bozeman, Montana, for a week of fishing and fraternity. Pictured from left to right are Gary Bax ’80, Jack Myles ’73, Rick Rumbaugh ’73, Scot Smith ’73, Rob Clemens ’73, and Mark Donick ’75.
A group of Gators gathered in Arendtsville, Pennsylvania. Seated: John Newman ’78, Maggie Smith Corchnoy ’77, and Jon Corchnoy ’78; standing: Doug Smith ’79.
Spero Lappas’ second book, The Seventh Name of Happiness, has been published by the Alithos Media Group and is available from Amazon in physical or Kindle editions. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he spends his time writing, speaking to civic and academic groups, and playing with his grandchildren. He would love to hear from Allegheny friends at sperolappas@gmail.com.
’75
Maureen Cooney Furr completed a Master of Science in education from Northern Illinois University in 1987, a Master of Arts from Montclair State in New Jersey in 1989 (both funded by graduate associate positions), and a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1990. She retired in July 2019 from CharlotteMecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she served as principal for 27 years. In that time, she opened two highly successful middle schools and led one of the largest high schools, earning not only Charlotte-Mecklenburg, but also the regional (12-county) recognition as principal of the year. In all, she has worked in public education for 45 years, including 30 as a secondary principal, and now works as an interim administrator and principal coach in retirement.
Dusty Elias Kirk received the Anne X. Alpern Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association
Commission on Women in the Profession in May 2021 at an awards luncheon during the association’s virtual annual meeting. The Alpern Award is presented annually to a female lawyer or judge who demonstrates excellence in the legal profession and who makes a significant professional impact on women in the law.
’76
George Bradley passed the exam given by the American Contract Bridge League to become a certified director of duplicate bridge. This will allow him to oversee bridge games sanctioned by the league where master points are awarded. He also has been coordinating Zoom chats with Allegheny classmates. There are about 25 participating in at least one of the small group chats. These have been thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. If you are interested in chatting with some members of the Class of ’76, you can contact Bradley at drgeopgh@verizon.net. June Becjtel Shirey retired from the Snohomish School District in Washington in June 2020. After teaching high school special education, she received her administrative credential and ventured into the world of alternative education. While serving as the principal for the district’s alternative high school and a credit retrieval program, she worked with her team to establish two new alternative forms of education. One served the families of homeschooling families in grades K-10, and the other was an online school for secondary students. After 24 years in administration, she ended her last year with the COVID restrictions.
’77
Stephen Feldmann retired as director of development for the York County Bar Foundation in January 2021. Prior to the foundation, he spent 34 years in the bank trust business, retiring from Wilmington Trust in 2018 as vice president and senior fiduciary advisor/ team leader for the York office. He and his wife, Susan, have four adult children and welcomed their first two grandchildren into the family in 2020. He has been active in his community, serving several civic organizations, singing with his church choir and the York Symphony Chorus. Anyone interested in reconnecting can find him on Facebook or just write an oldfashioned letter (remember how much fun it was to find a letter in your Cochran Hall mailbox?) to 4049 Allison Drive, York, PA 17402.
’79
Nancy Welsh was awarded the designation of university professor in 2021 at Texas A&M University due to “significant and sustained accomplishment in her discipline that has gained recognition both nationally and internationally” and excellence in teaching and service. She is professor of law at Texas A&M University’s School of Law in Fort Worth, Texas, and director of its top-ranked Dispute Resolution Program. She left Penn State University’s Dickinson School of Law to join Texas A&M in 2017. In 2020, Nancy was elected to the American Law Institute and her book, Evolution of a Field: Personal Histories in Conflict Resolution, co-edited with Howard Gadlin, was published by DRI
’79
Classmates Medio Monti, Greg Georgic, Dan Beisler, and Nick Nardone participated in the annual Friends of Allegheny Football golf outing benefiting Gator Football and the American Cancer Society. The event is held to also remember former players Mike Wilson ’82 and Neil Capretto ’77, who were lost to cancer. If you would like to donate, here is the link: https://www.friendsofalleghenyfootball.org/ 27
Press (available on Amazon). She has moved with her husband, Eric Munck, to South Haven, Michigan, in order to be closer to their two sons, Sean and Dan. Her email address is nxwelsh10@gmail.com.
Notes 1980s ’80
Robert A. Marchman was named chair of the Nominating Committee of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor Advisory Committee. The Nominating Committee will identify candidates for the Investor Advisory Committee, which was established to advise the SEC, protect investor interest and promote the integrity of the securities marketplace.
’81
Stephen R. Kaufman was named acting United States attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania in March 2021. Kaufman leads a staff of nearly 130 employees representing the United States in courts throughout Pennsylvania’s western 25 counties, including staffed offices in Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown. He attended Harvard Law School, where he graduated cum laude in 1984.
’82
Don Klein, Ph.D., retired from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 after 23 years of U.S. public service as a senior review chemist and chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) lead in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Upon his FDA retirement, Klein received the FDA Distinguished Career Award from the FDA commissioner, Dr. Gottlieb. While at the FDA Klein helped the CDER Chemistry Division develop from its infancy (1995) by developing policies (packaging, transdermal delivery and comparability protocols). Also, starting in 2004 Klein either prevented or addressed drug shortages until he retired. After retirement, he applied his FDA experience and training and consulted 28 ALLEGHENY Summer 2022
Patricia Okker started her new role as president of New College in Sarasota, Florida, in July 2021. She had served as dean of the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri since 2017.
that they will launch their careers in the area after graduation. Open to students at partner schools including Allegheny, Case Western Reserve University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Denison University, Oberlin College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Smith College, and University of Chicago, the program brings together up to 70 students each year for an intensive summer program that helps them explore the professional, civic and social offerings of the greater Cleveland area.
’84
’86
pharmaceutical clients for four-and-ahalf years. His efforts resulted in three new drugs on the market and three under review at the FDA. Klein is the director of CMC Regulatory Affairs at LakewoodAmedex, where he is assisting with the development of a new type of antibiotics.
Andrew Weis is in the process of retiring after 20-plus years in research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. “I have seen everything from opioid addiction research to antimicrobial stewardship, where I published some of the most early developments, to oncology where teams that I participated with came to the earliest conclusions regarding health economics and outcomes publications. I have zero regrets, and I hope my fellow Allegheny graduates made a difference in the world.”
’85
Steven Cass was honored by the Jamestown Bar Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service. Cass is a Chautauqua County Surrogate Court judge and was recognized at the association’s May 2021 meeting. Cass’ community service includes serving on the Robert H. Jackson Center Board of Directors and previous service as a member of the board of directors for the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. He also was a board member for the Girl Scouts of Western New York and a coach for girls’ softball, girls’ basketball, and girls’ soccer teams for many years.
Timothy J. Downing has been appointed to the board of directors of Summer on the Cuyahoga, a nonprofit organization that recruits talented college students for summer internships and immersion into the Cleveland and northeast Ohio community with the goal
After earning a second master’s degree (master’s in social work, University of Pittsburgh, 2019), Jennifer Matesa spent three years working at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s Intensive Outpatient Program treating adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder. In September 2021, she earned state licensure, and she has since left that job to work as an independent psychotherapist, with specialties in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)/trauma and dialectical behavior therapy. She works for a group practice in Pittsburgh owned by an old friend of her partner, Daniel Mossé, Ph.D., a Brazilian and professor of computer science at the University of Pittsburgh. (For seven years she’s been teaching herself to speak and write Portuguese, and she’s becoming pretty fluent!) Her son, Jonathan Coles, 24, is in the first year of his master of architecture at Berkeley. David Perry has co-founded Stratagem Advisors in Washington, D.C. Stratagem is a boutique consultancy helping law firms, insurers, and other businesses that touch professional liability insurance, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Lona, and would love to hear from and reconnect with classmates.
’87
Lou Petrucci was elected president of the Buffalo Board of Education on July 1, 2021, by a unanimous vote. The Buffalo Public Schools is the second-largest school district in the state, educating over 32,000 students with a $1.1 billion budget.
Petrucci served last year as the vice president for executive affairs and also represents the Park District on the board.
the Gregory-Chandler Endowed Chair in Family Medicine during his service as interim dean.
degree in biology. She earned a doctoral degree in botany and plant sciences from the University of California-Riverside.
Notes 1990s
’91
’93
’90
Josh Mandel was featured in an article titled “New Global CEO of the Mill Shows Ambitions for Growth and Diversifying Talent.” He has been named the company’s global chief executive officer and will focus on growing the advertising practice at Technicolor, the Mill’s parent company. In his new role, he is responsible for the performance and creative culture within the Mill’s studios in Bangalore, Berlin, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, and New York.
Terrence Steyer, M.D., was named interim dean of the College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina beginning April 1, 2022. He will remain
’93
The board of trustees of Cazenovia College has named David Bergh as the college’s newest president. The Cazenovia, New York, resident had been serving as interim president. He spent the last two years as the college’s executive vice president, and for almost four years before that, as its vice president for planning and institutional effectiveness. He has more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership and administration positions.
’92
Glena Gilbert Temple has been named president of Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. She previously had been president of Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Temple, a Rochester, New York, native, holds a bachelor’s
During the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, Anita Buzzy-Prentiss ’93 traveled all around Pittsburgh and photographed almost 200 "porchraits" — pictures of people on or near their porches. She says she felt like she was on a mission to spread love, gratitude, joy and hope. She and her collaborator, Ellen Beckjord, asked these same five questions of everyone who is pictured in the book they created: What do you miss? What are you enjoying? What is surprising you? What are you learning? What do you hope for? The book is an excerpt from their answers.
Walter Clark is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County in Wooster, Ohio. He and his wife, Wendy Ziegler-Clark ’94, and two children returned to the Great Lakes area in July 2021 and are so excited to be closer to their alma mater. John Wodarek received a surprise recognition from the military in Pennsylvania for his work with veterans through the Pittsburgh Steelers. Steelers alumni Rocky Bleier (Army veteran), John Banaszak (Marine veteran), and team President Art Rooney II were on hand for the event.
“This collection of images and thoughts is inspiring, insightful, delightful and wise — guidance and grace to help all of us navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. BuzzyPrentiss’ “porchrait” here includes her family: Jesse Prentiss ’93, who she married in 1998; their two daughters, Cassandra and Vanessa; and three dogs. Buzzy-Prentiss has had her own photography business, Buzzy Photography, for 25 years, and Jesse Prentiss is a systems analyst at the University of Pittsburgh and music booking manager of Mr. Small’s Funhouse. 29
’95
Shawn D. Woodie celebrated 23 years with Erie Insurance in February 2022. Woodie is an examiner for the state of Tennessee and has been recognized as an industry leader in bad faith litigation. He presented on appraisal in April at the 2022 Property Loss Research Bureau National Conference held in San Antonio, Texas.
’96
McCrae Holliday Martino has been named executive director of the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. She received her master’s in public administration from the University of Southern California and has spent the last 20 years in leadership positions in the nonprofit sector.
’98
Bridget Fey Koontz joined the global oncology network GenesisCare as its U.S. chief medical officer and deputy global chief medical officer. “My family and I still regularly vacation with ’Aunt’ Sarah Toohey ’99 and her family,” she says.
Notes 2000s ’00
The Secretary of the Army has awarded the Civilian Service Commendation Medal to Sasha White Jones for exceptional service as a legal assistance attorney for the Fort Lee Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. She was one of the “Judge’s Kids” at Allegheny.
’01
Maryann Borsick Herman is a recipient of the 2021 CUR Biology Division Mentor Award (midcareer). She is an associate professor of biology at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. She received her Ph.D. at Cornell University, focusing on plant pathology. She has mentored more than 60 undergraduates, with more than 70 percent presenting at scientific meetings and 75 percent pursuing advanced degrees. She engages in professional development opportunities to enhance her mentoring skills and promotes a model in which the mentor and mentees work, learn, and reflect on science together, and mentees take ownership of their research question.
’02
Julie Fink co-authored the manual and served as a consultant in the development of the Secure Diversionary Treatment Program for the Virginia Department of Corrections. This program addresses critical needs by safely managing the increasing population of inmates with a serious mental illness. The Council of State Government’s Southern Legislative Conference awarded the 2021 State Transformation in Action Recognition (STAR) award to the Secure Diversionary Treatment Program. Rebecca K. Johnson opened Dynamic History Salem LLC in September 2021 in Salem, Massachusetts. The company offers history walking tours and book groups and also produces a podcast by the same name on the history
and culture of Salem. Johnson welcomes fellow Gators to contact her whenever they are in Salem for an alumni discount on tours.
’03
Derek Vikara received his Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in May 2021. His dissertation topic was "Improving Production Strategies in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs through Machine Learning." He is working for KeyLogic as a support contractor to the DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, mostly working on energy-related systems analysis with a focus on subsurface energy systems (like carbon dioxide capture and geologic storage, oil and gas, and energy storage).
’05
Aubrie Kohlmeyer Schnelleis was appointed the superintendent of schools for Moniteau School District in West Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
’06
Zack Oblak was featured in a July 2021 publication of Montco. Today. A publication of upbeat news stories celebrating Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The article was titled, “2021 Montco Millennial Superstar.” Oblak is a GlaxoSmithKline scientific team leader. He earned his doctor of philosophy in organic chemistry from the University of Connecticut and went on to receive his postdoctoral fellowship in organic chemistry at Princeton University.
’93
Chris Alonzo, left, and Thom Dunn from the Class of 1993 found some time for an outdoor reunion in the winter of 2021 in Aspen, Colorado.
Goldberg Segalla added Daniel P. Robinson to the firm’s workers’ compensation group in Princeton. Robinson was previously with Capehart and Scratchard in Mount Laurel. Robinson focuses his practice on representing clients in complex workers’ compensation matters throughout New Jersey. He counsels and defends insurance carriers, self-insured companies and third-party administrators in all stages of litigation from inception through final disposition. Robinson has more than 10 years of experience in commercial defense litigation, including workers’ compensation defense, insurance defense, construction litigation and business litigation.
John Pappas, a senior vice president and financial advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management office in Springfield, Massachusetts, has been named to the firm’s Century Club, an elite group composed of the firm’s top financial advisors. The appointment recognizes his consistent creativity and excellence in providing a range of investment products and wealth management services to his clients.
’07
’08
Kristie Connolly, Ph.D. has accepted a new role as a program officer at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH). Through this
position, she will be managing the vaccine and therapeutics grant portfolio in the STI Section of the Enteric and Sexually Transmitted Infections Branch. This follows a rewarding decade of research in reproductive and women’s health.
Jason Kreps has been promoted to member at Cozen O’Connor. His practice focuses on corporate, venture capital, and private equity transactions. He represents
companies, sponsors, and investors in transactional and general corporate matters, particularly with respect to mergers and acquisitions, buyout and growth equity investments, early-stage capital generation, joint ventures, and corporate governance. He also represents clients on a range of federal securities law compliance matters.
Notes 2010s ’12
Maranda Nemeth was recognized by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries as a Partner in the Spotlight for her contributions and dedication to the recovery of the federally endangered Atlantic salmon. The award is included in the latest annual report submitted to U.S. Congress. Originally from Pittsburgh, Nemeth is now based in Maine to manage
ALUMNI PROFILE
SAM HYUN ’14, HONORED AS 2021 BOSTONIAN OF THE YEAR, EMPOWERS AAPI COMMUNITY Recognized as a 2021 Bostonian of the Year by The Boston Globe, Sam Hyun ’14 has worked throughout his career to empower the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community — and ensure their voices are heard. Hyun says his Allegheny College education provided an important framework for those efforts. “Being a history major was critical as I not only learned about the true history of the United States but specifically learned about Asian American history, which was instrumental in the work that I do to advocate for racial and social justice,” says Hyun. Hyun credits his communication arts minor with establishing practical skills he would later use in the professional environment. He also found that his involvement on the baseball team allowed him to form relationships and learn valuable life lessons from his coaches. “Allegheny changed my life. It was there that I discovered who I was and my passion,” says Hyun. “Deciding to be a Gator was one of the best decisions of my life.” After graduating from Allegheny, Hyun accepted a position as a legislative aide for the Massachusetts Speaker of the House after a year of working at a restaurant and technology startup.
Today, Hyun is the political director for Massachusetts’ State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz’s gubernatorial campaign. He serves as a liaison to elected officials, secures endorsements, and develops the campaign strategy. Until December 2021, Hyun served as the chairperson of the Massachusetts AAPI Commission, where he worked with legislators to advocate for policy to support the AAPI community. “When it comes to policy, there is no such thing as a perfect solution, but what you can do is constantly strive to listen and learn so that you can do the best possible job of addressing the needs of the people,” says Hyun. The most gratifying part of his work, says Hyun, is the opportunity to see the direct impact on communities. Additionally, it has been incredibly humbling for Hyun to hear about the individuals he has inspired, who have chosen to speak up for the AAPI community or want to pursue a career in public service. “A career in public service is truly rewarding, but you have to ensure that you center the community at all times,” Hyun says. “This means you have to learn different perspectives and learn how to communicate with people from all walks of life.” 31
restoration projects statewide with the nonprofit Atlantic Salmon Federation. While at Allegheny, Nemeth was an Alden Scholar and studied environmental science. Liz Deemer’s career path has led her back to Meadville, Pennsylvania. After graduation from Allegheny with a bachelor of science in psychology, she worked in numerous roles in inpatient psychiatric care. She went on to obtain her Opioid Treatment Specialist Certificate from Clarion University and now works in drug & alcohol (D&A) care. She serves as the director of health information management & quality improvement at French Creek Recovery Center, a D&A rehabilitation and detox facility in Meadville.
’13
Maritza Hernandez enjoyed dinner in Rincon, Puerto Rico, with her collegiate advisors Barbara Riess, professor of Spanish, and Kenneth Pinnow, professor of history. While the group has stayed in communication throughout the years, it had been eight years since their last in-person meeting.
’15
Lauren Wind completed her doctoral degree in biological systems engineering at Virginia Tech in December 2020. She
was Biological Systems Engineering Outstanding Ph.D. Student of the Year in 2020. She is now a data and research scientist in Washington, D.C.
’16
Timur Dikec joined national litigation firm Hawkins Parnell & Young in Charleston, West Virginia. He defends companies in complex products liability and toxic tort litigation. Dikec also became committee captain for Generation Charleston, a program of the Charleston Area Alliance that engages and empowers young people in the greater Charleston community through events, projects and programs.
ALUMNI PROFILE
ITZEL AYALA ’18 AWARDED INAUGURAL MAX FERRÁ DIRECTOR FELLOWSHIP FROM INTAR THEATRE In early 2022, Itzel Ayala ’18 was awarded the inaugural Max Ferrá Director Fellowship from INTAR (International Arts Relations) Theatre, a national honor that recognizes an exceptional emerging Latinx director. Ayala says her experiences at Allegheny College helped set the stage for the next step in her blossoming career in the theatre. “I think my practical experiences in making productions, co-founding a technical theatre club, and being the president of Student Experimental Theatre were instrumental to me having the immediate skills to be an attractive candidate,” says Ayala, who majored in theatre and minored in Latin American and Caribbean studies. “There are things that I decided to explore on my own during my time at Allegheny that I can see now were ahead of where the industry currently stands, inside and outside academia.” Ayala first encountered INTAR Theatre when she interned there between her junior and senior years of college. Located in New York City, INTAR Theatre is dedicated to developing and producing theater from Latinx artists to present diverse perspectives. Now, she is returning to commission a play to be written, and she will produce it as part of the fellowship. Additionally, she will assistant direct the INTAR production ¡Oso Fabuloso & The Bear Backs! “This has been a very special award to me because the people at INTAR have truly followed my career and have watched me grow, learn, and become more solidified in my beliefs,” Ayala
says. “Directing with the INTAR community is such a dream. Everyone is so open to collaborating because I've had an ongoing relationship with them for years. It is also a space where I feel safe to explore my artform as I slowly start putting that out there with my name attached so prominently.” After graduating from Allegheny College, Ayala found support from New York Theatre Workshop to pursue a career in production management as she completed her administrative fellowship there. Today, Ayala works as a production manager for The Bushwick Starr, located in Brooklyn, and as an assistant production manager at The Public Theater in New York City. In these positions, she collaborates with designers and directors to ensure production elements are available for the stage. She is commonly challenged with balancing the constraints of budget, labor, and artistic vision. Ayala has particularly made equity a focus of her work, as she has opened up positions for people who otherwise might be hindered by the industry. “I always was interested in creating access and opportunity for those who aren't represented,” Ayala says. “I find that the ability to enact more equitable change into the theatre industry continues to be the most rewarding part of my job and the place I take up within the theatre community."
Arrivals
’08
’05
Unions ’06
Megan Fekete Murt and Richard Murt welcomed their first baby, Roxana “Roxie” Rae, on December 16, 2020, in Seattle, Washington. “We are beyond happy to emerge from 2020 with someone so sweet and special,” says Megan.
’11 Ben Montgomery and Courtney Holland Montgomery welcomed their fourth child, Levi Holland Montgomery, on April 29, 2021.
’06
Daniel Groth married Danice Tatosian on June 12, 2021. “I married someone very special and was also able to share this event with my best friends and housemates from Allegheny,” said Groth. In attendance from the Class of 2006 were Ryan O’Malley, Nicholas Smith, Matt Kirsch, and Justin Ross. The wedding was held at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton, New York.
’10
Nick Balzer and Nicki Baston Balzer welcomed Gabriel Thomas Balzer to their family on April 23, 2021. The Balzers live in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Corey Peterson and his wife, Kristi, welcomed their second child, Zane “Maddox” Peterson, on November 4, 2021, in Bedford, Pennsylvania. Mom and baby are healthy and doing great. Maddox’s big sister, Elliana, is loving her new role and announced at dinner she would be going to Allegheny and is going to be a “baby, animal, and grown-up doctor.” Watch out world. She plans to start at Allegheny in 2035. Caitlin Fearon and wife, Michelle, welcomed their daughter, Lennon Mae Fearon, to the world on May 29, 2021.
Hannah Flood Pressler and Josh Pressler self-united in marriage in a small, private ceremony on June 13, 2020, at the Flood family farm in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. They had a small, socially distanced reception in November 2020. 33
’12
’10, Jessica Pierson-Turner ’14, Erin Beyer ’12, Jimmy Beyer ’09, and Janus (Mike) Young ’12. The couple resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
’16
’14
Hillary Wilson Santel and George Santel were married on September 6, 2020, in Mars, Pennsylvania. Emily Neff ’12 served as the maid of honor. Pictured are, front row, Courtney Rice ’12, Gabrielle Zinobile ’12, George Santel, Hillary Wilson Santel, Emily Neff, Katie Rodriguez, Ian Coyle ’08; back row, Kaleigh O’Rourke ’15, Elyssa Wenkert ’14, D.J. Dennison ’12, Tiffany Shento
Sarah Moss Ortega married Ricardo Ortega in Newport Beach, California, on July 10, 2021. Attending were Sarah Fiore ’14, Emma Bean ’15, and Keith Hodgens ’16.
Tenille Williams Rivas married Julian Rivas on February 19, 2021. They currently reside in Seneca, Pennsylvania, with their two children, Tanner and Haddie. They welcomed their daughter, Haddie Rose Rivas, on January 8, 2021.
’14
Allie Palmer Alcott married Travis Alcott in a small family ceremony on November 14, 2020. They celebrated their union with a larger reception on October 30, 2021, near Pittsburgh. Other Gators in attendance were bridal party members Cassie Palmer Frank ’13, Hannah Phillips ’14, and Haylee Andrews ’15.
’14
Lauren Schricker and Adam Wechter were married in a traditional handfasting ceremony on November 20, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Allegheny alumni in attendance were parents of the groom Dave Wechter ’86 and Heather Wechter; bridal party members Colleen Pegher Childs ’14, Danielle Frank ’15, BJ Nelson ’14, and Kyle Trogstad-Isaacson ’14; flower dudes Reighr Doughty ’14, Pete Ferson ’14 and Michael Severyn ’14; and attendees Danae Binder ’13, Tierra Brewer ’15, Janelle Carlson ’15, Kara Cusimano ’13, Andrew DeJong ’12, Chelsea Hubert ’16, Mia Izzo ’16, Kimberly Langin ’13, Ian Macmillan ’13, Grace Beah Macmillan ’14, Ryan Mong ’15, Katherine Murray-Gault ’12, Natalya Nannen ’16, Doug Nestor ’14, Veronica Quinlan ’13, Matthew Riek ’14, Sam Rigotti ’10, Don Seitz ’15, and Chris Sexauer ’15.
Notices & Obituaries
Find the full listing at allegheny.edu/magazine
These include death notices reported by February 28, 2022.
’41
William E. Kentor on October 17, 2021.
’42
Mary Day Ware on February 23, 2021.
’44
Charles V. Brack on August 28, 2021. Joan Elizabeth Bliss Mennie on September 1, 2021. Max E. Roha on October 12, 2021.
’45
Harry L. Conroy on August 4, 2021.
’46
L. Jane Blue on May 11, 2021. Carol Waechter Gaston on July 22, 2021. Sheila C. Malton on August 3, 2021. Joyce Taylor Morris on March 17, 2021. Ruth Diller Steele on November 16, 2021.
Harold H. DeWald on July 24, 2021. Frances Simonetta Donahue on September 27, 2021. Tod C. Duge on January 23, 2021. John S. Karras on November 10, 2021. Mariam Sanderson LeBaron on October 30, 2021. Ann Pyle McIntosh on December 23, 2021.
’53
Edwin J. Edelstein on May 31, 2020. Robert E. Fleming on January 22, 2021. Carl H. Kalberkamp on February 24, 2021. Robert B. Mason on September 17, 2021. Mary Jane Bates Nichols on October 1, 2021. Dorris McKean Parker on February 1, 2022. Mary Wise Prettyman on January 29, 2021. Mary Brunot Sandberg on March 6, 2021. David W. Winans on December 21, 2021.
’54
Charles E. Nettrour on August 31, 2021. Averyl Smock Parker on April 3, 2021. R. Bruce Perry on September 13, 2021.
’55
’47
Myra J. Conway Barnes on February 6, 2022. Laurana Schultz Fish on November 19, 2021.
Nancy Beere on March 28, 2021. Barbara Theen Chadsey on February 9, 2021. Lella Chase Seibel on January 30, 2021. Suzanne Dougall Sweeney on January 12, 2022. Blanche A. Vanis on June 22, 2021.
’48
’56
Jean Ann Thomas Hawes on January 7, 2022. Verna Louva Simonson Lindemood on October 31, 2021. Leota Brown West on January 22, 2022.
’49
Thomas A. Patterson, Jr. on October 27, 2021. Gustave W. Rylander, Jr. on May 18, 2021.
’50
Albert E. Anderson, Jr. on October 27, 2021. Annette Adelman Antoun on June 16, 2021. Virginia Bender Bartlett on January 8, 2022. William F. Doran on July 24, 2021. Jean Isherwood Haines on January 26, 2022. Robert J. McCune on September 27, 2021. Richard J. Noonen on September 27, 2021.
’51
Miriam Gillespie Filer on May 22, 2021. Elizabeth Beacham Hargleroad on February 19, 2021. Elizabeth Massa Lennox on February 28, 2021. James S. Lewis on December 18, 2021. Eleanor Miller McBride on October 1, 2021. Richard C. Morris on January 27, 2022. Virginia Hawkey Sceiford on January 26, 2022.
’52
Mary Spinning Auble on April 1, 2021. William R. Balash on April 13, 2021.
John H. Cowles on April 30, 2021. Jack A. Cryder on October 15, 2021. Joan Zepfel Haring on July 29, 2021. Jane Arnold Henderson on July 9, 2021. James F. Pomroy on September 7, 2021. Archie O. Wallace on September 28, 2021.
’57
Kay Johnston Bisset on March 8, 2021. Barbara Ford Delnick on August 9, 2021. Joseph M. DeVittorio on January 19, 2021. Marion Rhinehart Ertle on September 14, 2021. Robert A. Gibson on April 4, 2021. Sylvia Liberati-Rosencrans on February 1, 2022. Robert W. Meredith on August 30, 2021. John A. Neidel on October 27, 2021. Renee Badner Polukoff on February 15, 2021. David R. Warren on August 24, 2021. Elizabeth MacMillan Welsh on February 18, 2022.
’58
Samuel P. Gerace, Sr. on January 25, 2021. David R. Ice on November 4, 2021. J. Darrell Kennedy on November 30, 2021. Viola Anderson McDowell on January 21, 2021. Joan Page Moore on March 1, 2021. Barbara Hugan Newcomb on June 5, 2020. Richard H. Osler on May 22, 2021. William H. Peters on August 31, 2021.
35
Deborah Barbieri McLeod on September 11, 2021. Philip L. St. Moritz on November 13, 2021. George R. Willard on June 24, 2021.
James D. Ross on August 6, 2021. Sally Roth Russell on August 26, 2018. Edward R. Savel on March 24, 2021. Gertrude Ullrich Suorsa on July 14, 2021. Agnes Petruso Soff Ritchey on April 13, 2021. Vernon E. Toulon on July 29, 2021. Sarah Kenemuth Zaidi on February 12, 2021.
’62
Willard F. Deater, III on October 5, 2021. Rees C. Flannery on January 19, 2021. Virginia Perry Hess on June 5, 2021. Sandra Kenyon Linaberger on January 7, 2022. Alton J. Nixon on August 15, 2021.
’59
Robert J. Barsdate on March 25, 2021. John F. Dunham on September 30, 2021. Joel E. Dyckes on August 17, 2021. Susan Wilder Hobby on August 4, 2021. Allen T. Hopper on October 21, 2021. Donald C. Robbins on February 27, 2021. Leslie W. Small, Jr. on January 10, 2022. Raymond V. Stark on January 4, 2022. Ruth Jenkins Stirling on May 2, 2021. Patricia Stotler Swann on November 24, 2020.
’63
Phyllis L. Carlson-Riehm on December 2, 2021. Bruce K. Dietrich on November 3, 2021. James B. Mullen on November 30, 2021. David G. Todd on September 6, 2021.
’64
’60
John T. Brook on April 16, 2021. Irwin Foster on July 23, 2021. Louise Hentges Neighbors on November 27, 2020. Marian Davis Reichard on February 29, 2020. Lawrence B. Stallard on October 15, 2021. Phillip D. Yates Jr. on February 7, 2021.
’61
Jean M. Adamson on December 28, 2021. Peter Cooper on February 27, 2021. Sarah Jean Cooper on June 2, 2021. Larry L. Gilbert on November 21, 2021. William B. McAfee on May 11, 2021. Earl W. Reynolds on January 18, 2021. Donald Schumacher on February 11, 2022. Norman G. Williams on February 1, 2021.
’65
Carl O. Anderson on October 11, 2021. Mary Ann Chance Breitfeld on March 17, 2021. Patricia Patton Major on August 16, 2021.
William F. Bussman on January 23, 2020. Margaret Billard deGraw on August 30, 2020. Anne M. Graham on November 6, 2021. R. Keith Hough on April 19, 2021.
William I. Jack ’57 Trustee Emeritus
William “Bill” Jack, 86, a longtime resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and an Allegheny College trustee emeritus, died May 29, 2021, in Portland, Maine. He was born April 5, 1935, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, to James Ernest and Anne Irvine Jack. Following his graduation from Titusville High School, he received his Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College, Master of Arts in history from William & Mary, and Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. He was a public finance attorney in Pittsburgh for nearly 30 years before
moving to Westcliffe, Colorado, and becoming a rancher and conservationist. He was an engaged and dedicated community member in each of his chosen hometowns. He was a founding member of the San Isabel Land Protection Trust, a member of the Custer County Zoning Board, a board member of the Wet Mountain Community Foundation, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Trust for Public Land, Colorado. He was a military history buff, lover of natural beauty, artist in his youth, collector of landscape paintings of the places he lived, great friend, and sports
enthusiast, both when playing tennis, squash, or golf and when cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates and the Allegheny College Gators football team. He is survived by his wife, Lynn C. Jack; daughters, Amelia Jack Bond and Laura E. Jack; a sister, Elizabeth Jack Bell; his six grandchildren; stepdaughters, Sarah Todd and Virginia Todd, and two stepgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his previous wife, Suzanne Boice Jack and his parents.
’66
’72
Richard K. Brandt on December 22, 2021. Nathaniel E. West on October 3, 2021.
Charles Hutchinson III on September 16, 2020. Robert J. Venturella on October 31, 2021.
’67
’73
Thomas J. Neelen on November 3, 2021.
Richard C. Engborg on June 15, 2021. Bonnie Tyack Friend King on April 8, 2020. John V. King on June 1, 2021. Stephonia Keys Owolabi on August 4, 2021. Catherine Smith Unice on October 9, 2021.
’68
Joy E. Marburger on July 19, 2021.
’69
John J. Bogniard on December 1, 2021. Diane Bendig Fritz on October 4, 2020. Linda True Hall on April 9, 2021. Wendy Gouldthorpe Eidenmuller Kallgren on October 17, 2021. James Bradburn Knight on June 16, 2021. Joy E. Marburger on July 19, 2021 Wayne M. Pask on September 29, 2021. Barbara Nichols Smith on October 28, 2021. David A. Squires on July 22, 2021. Linda Beck Surgenor on April 12, 2021.
’74
’70
Sarah Baker deSupinski on September 19, 2020. George M. Kunkle on December 15, 2021. John G. Manos on December 25, 2021. Roger S. Peterson on February 4, 2022. William H. Pfister on October 12, 2021.
Bernzetta A. Johnson Billen on August 2, 2021. Joel D. Phillips on September 12, 2021. Theodore G. Taverner on January 12, 2022.
’71
Karen Wampler Gunzelman on July 18, 2021. Nancy Shupala Keister on May 11, 2021. Robert W. Manning on December 9, 2021. Ronald B. Schulten on January 13, 2022.
Georgia Gates Janes on September 30, 2021. Luis Martarano on September 7, 2021. Amelia Harrison Rowe on February 22, 2021. Roberta A. Ujakovich on May 19, 2021. Robert J. Venturella on October 31, 2021. Alice Metz Ward on June 30, 2021. Glenn J. Wolf on February 17, 2022.
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’76
Bruce W. Bivert on March 1, 2021.
Jochen H. Richter
Professor Emeritus of Modern and Classical Languages
Jochen H. Richter, who served as the Mary Biehler Professor of Modern and Classical Languages at Allegheny, passed away peacefully from prostate cancer and dementia on February 10, 2022. Richter was a graduate of the University of Kiel in Germany, where he received his Philosophicum. He received his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in German literature from Syracuse University.
fundamental role in supporting the internationalization of Allegheny’s campus, maintaining his connection to his native Germany at the highest levels. He was honored with the Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching. Remembers Brandon Goeller ’10: “The enthusiasm and creativity that Professor Richter shared with his students inspires a unique and intimate style of language learning that I have rarely encountered elsewhere.”
He taught for more than 45 years at Allegheny. One of the founding members of the College’s International Studies Program in 1993, he played a
Richter also taught at the Middlebury College Summer Language School for more than 30 years and served as the director. He raised Allegheny’s profile
in the language-teaching world and was an important professional resource and mentor for his colleagues. Richter was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the Federal Cross of Merit, which is the highest honor that can be presented to individuals for services to the nation. Richter was a loving partner for 55 years, to his wife, Karen, who also taught at Allegheny. He is survived by his son, Mark (Wendy) and daughter, Kirsten (George), and two grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Peter (Sigrid) and Thomas (Gesche) of Germany, and 37 numerous nieces and nephews.
’77
’95
Glenn A. Kindig on February 2, 2021. James A. Korczynski on December 21, 2021.
’78
Brett E. Ball on July 5, 2021.
’04
Melba Jean Calhoun Laughner Williams on October 1, 2021.
’79
Jeffrey Hoerster on August 23, 2020.
’80
Sean W. Croner on September 25, 2021.
’05
Aladino Dinardo on January 20, 2021.
’09
Matthew J. Choinski on July 11, 2021.
Richard D. Bickerstaff on August 31, 2020. Amy E. Chalmers on January 8, 2022. Mark Ronald Jabaut on November 3, 2021.
’18
’82
’19
’84
Friends:
Pamela Curtis Urann on April 22, 2021.
John D. Betzler on July 19, 2021. John Eugene Clement on July 14, 2021. Lynn Echnoz Lehmann on November 7, 2021. Jeffrey Gordon Miller on August 6, 2021.
’86
Alicia D. Drosendahl on June 12, 2021. Daniel B. Gray on January 17, 2022.
Cynthia R. Burton on March 16, 2021. Charles A. Cable on September 16, 2021. Christina May Ramey Hanstine on March 13, 2021.
Sonya L. Jones on February 16, 2021. Margaret J. Klions on January 21, 2021.
David John Manning on September 9, 2021. Cynthia Antoinette Spoor on May 20, 2021.
Steve J. Lassan on June 25, 2021. Virginia Ann Nageotte on May 11, 2021. Peggy O'Brien on February 23, 2022.
’87
Brenda Jean Bates on October 28, 2021. Marcus Dion Elkins on March 14, 2020. John R. Weyman on July 9, 2021.
’90
Steven Digregorio on October 12, 2021.
Onaiwu W. Ogbomo on March 5, 2021. Joseph A. Palmiero on December 22, 2021. Mae C. Stewart on October 6, 2021. Virginia M. Wentz on January 2, 2022. John C. Wilcheron on April 29, 2021. Barton K. Wineland on November 14, 2021.
Stephen D. Casler Professor Emeritus of Economics
Professor Emeritus Stephen D. Casler, a longtime economics professor at Allegheny College, died April 22, 2021, at Hope Hospice, Bonita Springs, Florida. He was born in Boston and graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1969. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in economics, and a master’s degree and doctorate in economics from the University of Illinois Urbana. He spent 33 years teaching in
the Economics Department at Allegheny, serving as chair from 2003 to 2011. He received the College’s Julian Ross Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2002 and was recognized in the 2014 Greek Awards as Professor of the Year. Casler was also a productive researcher with 26 published articles and a number of research reports for groups such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Congress, Office of Technology
Assessment. In 2013, he received the Sir Richard Stone Award from the International Input-Output Association for the best paper appearing in the journal Economics Systems Research in the previous two years. He also wrote two text books, Introduction to Economics and Macroeconomics: Model Building, Applications and Policy. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Casler Coyne.
Henry B. Tippie Friend of the College
Henry B. Tippie, businessman, philanthropist, and husband of Trustee Emerita Patricia Bush Tippie ’56, passed away on February 20, 2022. He was born on a farm near Belle Plaine, Iowa, graduating from Belle Plaine High School in 1944. He enlisted at age 17 in the Army Air Forces. He received the Army Commendation Medal while stationed in Guam. He attended the University of Iowa, graduating in August 1949 with an accounting degree after 24 consecutive calendar months of study. He obtained his first employment in Des Moines, Iowa, with a small accounting firm. After gaining enough experience to take the CPA test, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, joining a large regional CPA firm. In early 1953, he joined John W. and O. Wayne Rollins in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He was instrumental in taking the first Rollins company public in 1960, known as Rollins Broadcasting, Inc. Later, Rollins purchased Orkin Exterminating Company, Inc., considered the first major leveraged buyout in American business history. He was a co-incorporator of Rollins Truck Leasing Corp., which became the third-largest company of its type in the United States. Mr. Tippie also provided leadership for several decades to Dover Motorsports, a NASCAR-sanctioned motorsports events promoter. Mr. Tippie was involved with 12 different publicly owned companies during his business career. Almost all were small companies and, for the most part, had not had any prior history of success. Ultimately, many became large companies, including several listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The New York Stock Exchange inducted him into the Wall of Fame in 2018.
In 1973, he established Tippie Ranch near Georgetown, Texas, with subsequent expansion in 1984 to Limestone County. He always felt agriculture kept him down to earth and enjoyed his relationships with the people in the rural areas. Ranching provided a constant reminder of growing up on a dairy farm in Iowa. Mr. Tippie was a strong believer in education. Over the years, he provided over 900 scholarships, professorships, faculty chairs, and fellowships at The University of Iowa, Kirkwood Community College, Coe College, and Allegheny College. The University of Iowa College of Business was renamed the Henry B. Tippie College of Business in 1999. Mr. Tippie was noted not only for the breadth of his support but also the depth to which Mrs. Tippie and he took a genuine interest in the people and projects benefiting from their gifts. The Tippies established a scholarship in 1990 awarded to Allegheny students from New Castle High School, Mrs. Tippie’s alma mater; as a result, many students through the years have been able to enroll at Allegheny who otherwise would not have been able to attend. They also endowed three faculty chairs to support distinguished faculty: the Henry B. Tippie & Patricia Bush Tippie Endowed Professorship for a faculty member in the humanities or social sciences, the Patricia B. Tippie Endowed Professorship in Economics, and the Eila V. Bush Endowed Professorship in Art. In addition, The Henry B. Tippie and Patricia Bush Tippie '56 Educational Opportunities Fund supports domestic and international internship and
study away opportunities for Allegheny students, as well as student-faculty collaborative research. They also were lead donors in the creation of the Richard J. Cook & Teresa M. Lahti Student-Faculty Research Fund. The Tippies also provided a generous gift to support the restoration and renovation of Cochran Hall, an iconic Allegheny building in the center of campus, into an elegant alumni center named in honor of Mrs. Tippie. Most recently, the Tippies presented a challenge gift to support the renovation of 200-year-old Bentley Hall, the College’s most historic structure. That support sparked additional gifts that ultimately exceeded their challenge, allowing the College to re-inaugurate the beautifully renovated Bentley Hall this past October. At Mr. Tippie’s direction, both of these projects included endowed funds for the ongoing maintenance of the buildings. Mr. Tippie is survived by his wife, Patricia Bush Tippie ’56; son, Henry II and his wife, Judie and grandchildren, Ashley, Abbie, and Henry III; daughter, Helen and her husband, Brian Smith and grandchildren, Blake, Travis, and Holly; daughter, Linda and her husband, James Forrest, and grandchildren, Kyle, John, and Michael; together with 11 great-grandchildren.
39
The Last Word
by Karen Shakoske ’95 President, Allegheny College Alumni Council
Gator to Gator: You are needed now more than ever; three things you can do for Allegheny today What were your feelings when you first stepped onto Allegheny’s campus? Can you recall today your freshman self? And do you remember where the Allegheny community helped you in your journey? My personal path was full of uncertainties. I knew I wanted to be a Gator after my first steps onto campus. But as I took those first steps and was energized, I was also unsure what the next steps would be and how I might handle them. As a first-generation college student, I was on a new path without experienced guidance from my most trusted advisors, my parents. As a high school athlete, I needed to decide if I would tackle not only a demanding academic schedule but a schedule that included time for practice, travel, and games. With a need for financial aid, would I be able to also add a work-study job into my schedule? And, most importantly, what would my major-minor combination be to help me land a job that provided me security and independence but also where I would be personally fulfilled? Imagine your freshman self in today’s environment with not only those questions but so many other pressures, influences, and uncertainties. While each generation and freshman class have faced their own set of challenges, I think we can acknowledge that today’s students are faced with some of the most unique circumstances ever — the pandemic, technological influences on each and every experience, continuous and necessary work toward equality and inclusion, a dynamic, global economy, and a shifting labor market. And yet, some
things remain the same for students — their desire to learn, engage, and grow; their desire to feel a sense of belonging and support; and their desire to become their best self, to ultimately give back meaningfully to their communities as an Allegheny graduate.
Allegheny today is working hard to ensure holistic student success — to make the best Allegheny experience the typical Allegheny experience — within a challenging and constantly evolving environment.
My path was supported not only by the on-campus community of faculty, staff, and my fellow students but the off-campus community of alumni, which I learned quickly was strong and active. My first internship, after graduating, was through an alum who graciously gave me the opportunity to gain experience in public relations and communications that helped set my career path. This experience, plus others, showed me how influential alumni can be to a single student’s journey. Allegheny today is working hard to ensure holistic student success — to make the best Allegheny experience the typical Allegheny experience — within a challenging and constantly evolving environment. The role alumni play as a part of the support network for students is critically important. As I engage with other alumni, I routinely hear, “How can I help?” Here are three ways you can make a difference today: • Provide Advice and Access: Please consider providing career advice and guidance for students and other alumni on Gator2Gator, our new online
networking site. Eighty percent of jobs are filled through connections, and your involvement will help students learn from your experience and build their Allegheny network. Visit gator2gator.allegheny.edu. • Give Meaningfully: Any gift, in any amount, is appreciated. Also remember you have the option to direct where your funds are allocated. Whether your giving supports academic scholarship, sustainability, your athletic team, or Gator Success Grants, which provide funding for students’ unanticipated and emergency needs, each and every gift makes an impact. Thank you to all who joined in the fun and supported our students on Gator Give Day in April and Giving Tuesday last November. • Connect, and Amplify: Follow Allegheny on the social channels you use and amplify the news about our advancements, achievements, and student success. This simple act can help raise the profile of our college and support student recruitment efforts. As we welcome the Class of 2022 to our alumni ranks and look forward to welcoming the Class of 2026 to campus this fall, we’re reminded of the importance of community, network, and giving back. There is no stronger network than the Allegheny network. Remember your freshman self. What did you need in that first year and throughout your time at Allegheny that you could provide to a current student today? Thank you for choosing Allegheny then. Thank you for keeping Allegheny top of mind today. Reach Karen and other Alumni Council Officers by emailing alumnicouncil@allegheny.edu.
You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Allegheny Magazine
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REDEDICATING THE ENDURING HEART OF ALLEGHENY COLLEGE
Allegheny College celebrated the rededication of the beautifully restored Bentley Hall, the College’s oldest building, at a ceremony on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Constructed in the 1820s, Bentley Hall underwent an extensive interior and exterior renovation that was launched in October 2018. The renovation was designed to preserve the building’s historic character while incorporating modern technology. The goal is for the project to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards, supporting the College’s commitment to environmental sustainability. In August 2018, the College announced that it had received a $7 million challenge gift from Henry and Patricia Bush Tippie ’56 to support the renovation of Bentley Hall. “I want to thank all of you who stepped up and donated to the Bentley campaign,” Patricia Bush Tippie said during the ceremony. “Not only did your gifts restore Bentley, but we now have a $1 million endowment fund that guarantees that Bentley will be taken care of for years to come.”
View photos from the rededication and learn more about the renovation at allegheny.edu/bentley