The Centenarian (Spring 2010)

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The Centenarian

Fall 2009 Spring 2010

Leading the Way Centenary Emerges as a Beacon for the Region Centenarians Who Serve Centenary’s 1st All-American

Commemorative inauguration issue

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1 Beacon for the Region How Centenary is changing the lives of its students and its communities.

8 View from the Dome The latest news and notes from Centenary.

12 Leading the Way “Keeping it Real” A new application-based curriculum keeps CAPS on the cutting edge.

“Centenarians Who Serve” Veterans receive a warm welcome at Centenary.

“Head Start” Internships rose 21 percent at Centenary.

Departments Cyclones Update ... 18 Class News and Notes ... 20 The Last Word ... 32 On the Cover: The official College mace is carried by Dr. Heather PflegerDunham, Dean for Outcomes Assessment Research, in the Inaugural Processional.

Beacon for the Region Centenary leadership is changing lives in northwest New Jersey and beyond.

New and enriched academic programs are providing greater opportunities for students and vital resources for communities. Online and accelerated learning are helping more New Jerseyans retool and are moving careers and industries forward. And everywhere you turn, Centenarians are actively involved in service to others and working for the common good.

This special issue of The Centenarian is celebrating leadership with the Inauguration of the College’s 12th President, Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, and examines the people, the programs and the innovations that are making Centenary a “Beacon for the Region.”

The College community celebrated Centenary’s numerous contributions to northwest New Jersey and beyond.

For further coverage of this milestone event, please visit alumni.centenarycollege.edu.

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BEACON FOR THE REGION

The first class of BSW graduates: Jesse DeFino ’08, Alyssa Martin ’08 and Christine DiMauro ’08.

Centenary BSW graduates like those pictured above are in high demand in northwest New Jersey because their field work placements provide them with a deep understanding of rural communities.

Meeting a Growing Need With aging Baby Boomers and an increasing number of people requiring help with family conflict and other issues, the demand for professionally trained social workers is growing.

Centenary College is meeting this need with its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, which recently earned national accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

Centenary is now one of only eight colleges and universities in New Jersey to offer an accredited BSW program, and the only program within a 50-mile radius of the Hackettstown area.

The signature component of the BSW program is the 420 hours of field education candidates complete during their senior year. “This is a professional degree, much like Education or Nursing,” said Terri Klemm, Assistant Professor of Social Work and BSW Program Field Director.

“When you earn a degree in Social Work, you leave Centenary as a professional social worker.”

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Established in 2006, the program now enrolls 40 majors and will graduate its third class of social workers this May. Many will move into entry-level positions at the social service agencies and nonprofit organizations where they completed their field work, fulfilling an essential work force need.

“Warren County is rural America, and it is very difficult to recruit good social workers here,” said Laurie Boehm, Director of Program Services for the Family Guidance Center of Warren County.

“Centenary’s BSW provides a potential cadre of new employees with a strong knowledge of what Warren County is all about.”

Members of the 2010 class of BSW graduates have also been accepted to prestigious Master of Social Work (MSW) programs at NYU, Fordham University and Rutgers University. Armed with a CSWEaccredited degree, Centenary graduates are eligible for advanced standing in most master’s degree programs, allowing them to graduate with an MSW in one year instead of two.

Global Responsibility

Cutting-Edge Research

Biology majors at Centenary College now have the option to earn a concentration in Environmental Science, while students who are majoring in other disciplines can minor in the subject. The new program was created in response to student interest and forecasts from the U.S. Department of Labor that predict employment of environmental scientists is expected to increase 25 percent by 2016.

Although they attend a small, liberal arts college, Centenary Psychology majors conducted research on par with a large university and made a significant contribution to the field of substance abuse treatment in the process. “This was not your typical undergraduate research project,” said Assistant Professor of Psychology Centenary Psychology majors presented at the 38th Annual Hunter College Psychology Dr. Keith Morgen, a substance abuse Conference. expert who mentored the team of six Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society students throughout the yearlong project. “It was a realworld experience that involved large-scale data.”

“I felt that the presentations The team presented their findings at the Eastern were being given Psychology Association (EPA) Conference in March. by master’s or Additionally, three members of the team presented doctoral-level at the 38th Annual Hunter College Psychology students and not Conference in New York. Dr. David Kressel, a senior undergraduates.” staff member of the National Development and

In addition to preparing graduates for the “green” economy, the program places particular emphasis on the relationship of environmental quality, stewardship, human health and how one’s actions impact the global community. “The goal is to help students understand that the Earth must be treated as a seamless unit,” explained Dr. Kathy Turrisi, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Chair of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department.

“Water, air and soil are all connected, and so we, as human beings, have a physical connection to everyone else on the planet, and thus a global responsibility.”

The curriculum includes courses in Environmental Science, Field Sampling Techniques and Earth Science. Faculty and students also take advantage of a longstanding partnership with the Charles O. Hayford State Fish Hatchery in Hackettstown, N.J., where participants are able to gain real, hands-on experience measuring water quality and species growth.

Research Institutes Inc., previewed the Centenary students’ EPA presentation and described the research as “cutting-edge.” “I felt that the presentations were being given by master’s or doctoral-level students and not undergraduates,” he said. “The findings have current relevance to yet-unresolved drug treatment research and policy issues such as client-treatment matching and the appropriate planned duration of treatment.”

Dr. David Kressel, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.

Centenary’s Next Chapter Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite was adamant: the Inauguration to formally install the 12th President of Centenary College was not a personal celebration, but an opportunity to advance the mission of the 143-year-old institution. Still, the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center erupted into spontaneous applause and cheers as the new President entered the Folkner Family Gymnasium as part of the processional for the formal ceremony held on April 9, 2010 at the College’s main campus in Hackettstown, N.J. Citing many recent accomplishments at the College, Dr. Lewthwaite stressed that more work lies ahead. Priorities for the near future include the crafting of the next five-year strategic plan, managing the challenge of keeping an independent education accessible and affordable, as well as enhancing the value of a Centenary degree as successful graduates make their mark on the world.

“Change is something I expect our entire Centenary community to embrace,” said Dr. Lewthwaite, noting that the College’s ability to adapt in the past has only served to strengthen the institution. “It may take time,” she concluded. “It may definitely take change. But those are the challenges I promise you I am prepared to accept.”

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BEACON FOR THE REGION

Pictured left to right: Scott Peluso, Hackettstown BID Chair; Maria DiGiovanni, Town Council; Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, President, Centenary College; Dolores Stammer, Regional Director, NJSBDC at Centenary College; Michael B. Lavery, Mayor of Hackettstown; John DiMaio, Assemblyman; and Gerald DiMaio, Town Council.

“The support of NJSBDC’s resources were critical to the company’s launch.”

Sheila Bermel, Principal and Founder, Good to Go Productions, Inc.

Off the Ground The Handyman Connection. Good to Go Productions, Inc. These are just two examples of successful new businesses in northwest New Jersey that launched with the assistance of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Centenary College.

As one of 11 centers in the state, the NJSBDC’s mission is to be a resource that assists businesses to expand operations, manage growth or start new operations. For Good to Go Productions, an event and trade show company, that meant utilizing the NJSBDC to draft a formal business plan. “The support of NJSBDC’s resources was critical to the company’s launch,” said Sheila Bermel, founder of the company. Steve Carter, owner of the Handyman Connection, found guidance on obtaining loans to ease startup costs and ideas to manage increased competition in the economic downturn.

In addition to helping new ventures, the NJSBDC at Centenary College is a source of intellectual capital

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for existing business. Small-business owners have benefited from the Center’s networking events, customized seminars on QuickBooks and social media as well as workshops on “green” technology.

The Center further raised its visibility with a move to downtown Hackettstown (207 Main Street) in 2009, and now occupies the same building as the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID). “One of the nice things is the synergy between the College and the BID,” said Dolores Stammer, Regional Director of the NJSBDC at Centenary College. “As the BID tries to attract and help businesses, it can refer them to the Center for assistance with applying for loans, marketing, procuring contracts and financial management.”

Fresh Start Few would argue that the United States must educate greater numbers of citizens to higher levels in order to remain competitive in the global economy. Proponents of experiential learning believe that Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), a program that offers college credit for life experience, is an

effective method for achieving this goal.

According to Professor Keith Suddes, who serves as director for the Institute, its mission is to fill the acute need for integrated law enforcement and community response training programs for approximately 90 towns in Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties.

Centenary College was one of 48 colleges and universities to participate in a national study conducted by the Council for Adults & Experiential Learning (CAEL). The study found that PLA students earned postsecondary degrees at much higher rates than adult learners when they were assessed for prior life experience such as employment, military service and volunteerism.

The Institute hosts an annual seminar for 250

The College launched PLA in 2009 with an eightweek, one-credit course to teach adult students how to create a portfolio that reflects their professional experiences. An essential component included the training of 26 faculty members who will evaluate the portfolios and “assures the academic integrity of the program,” said Dr. Heather PflegerDunham, Dean for Outcomes Assessment Research.

Adult learners benefit with advanced standing at Centenary that allows them to complete a degree more quickly and economically. According to CAEL findings, it is also a powerful motivator that validates students’ existing skills and knowledge.

Secure Homeland The Institute for Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Education at Centenary College has trained more than 125 law enforcement officers and first responders, courtesy of an $894,398 U.S. Department of Justice grant awarded to the College in 2008.

A recognized leader in Criminal Justice area law enforcement personnel and first responders. education, Centenary has developed a series of intensive four-day courses designed in collaboration with an advisory board “[The Institute’s of police chiefs from northwest New Jersey. Free mission] is to fill for attendees, the courses have included a Critical the acute need Incident Response seminar that covered the latest for integrated command and control issues in dealing with suicide law enforcement bomber incidents and a Tactical Advisor class that and community Professor Suddes describes as “totally unique to the response training U.S.” because it refines and enhances the role of programs for team leaders and tactical experts in regard to critical approximately incidents.

90 towns in Warren, Sussex The Institute also serves as a resource for the and Hunterdon region, with the presentation of an annual seminar counties...” that attracts approximately 250 law enforcement personnel and first responders. This year’s seminar, “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement,” was held May 25, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown, N.J. The program offered participants ways to avoid burn out and develop motivational strategies that will help them thrive in one of society’s most demanding jobs.

Professor Keith Suddes, Director of the Institute for Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Education

The Region Looks to Centenary As the only baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution serving the northwestern part of the state, many count on Centenary to inform, educate and bring about positive change. “Over the years, Centenary College has really grown and is a regional leader for education here in northwest New Jersey,” said State Senator Michael J. Doherty, who represents the 23rd District and spoke on behalf of the state at the Inauguration of Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite on April 9, 2010.

With an abundance of opportunities ranging from college classes for Hackettstown High School students, to Therapeutic Riding and Summer Scholars, a popular enrichment program geared to students entering grades 9-12, Centenary has emerged as a vital resource for the community.

The College is also exploring other avenues to further its role as an economic engine for the region.

“The fortunes of the Town of Hackettstown and Centenary are inextricably mixed,” said Hackettstown Mayor Michael B. Lavery. “I have the utmost confidence that together, we will weather the current economic storm and come out better and stronger for having worked through it.”

State Senator Michael J. Doherty

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BEACON FOR THE REGION

Student-performers have the opportunity to act in Equity Theater productions.

Arts Matter “As we move into the Lackland Center, we are looking to expand our mission and to embrace the responsibilities as a cultural resource –– not just for the College — but for this whole part of the State.”

Professor Carl Wallnau, Chair, Communication and Fine Arts Department

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Theater, dance, music and art that is created, produced or presented at Centenary College touches thousands of lives in northwest New Jersey.

From the Centenary Stage Company (CSC), the area’s only professional Equity Theater, to WNTI-FM 91.9, a National Public Radio affiliate that reaches 50,000 listeners, and the Saturday Art Conservatory, which offers young people and adults affordable, high-quality classes in art and dance, Centenary has taken the lead role in promoting the arts for a growing and thriving community.

“We have an educational mission and have expanded all of our programs,” noted Carl Wallnau, Associate Professor of Theater and Chair of the Communication and Fine Arts Department. In recent months, Centenary and the CSC have stepped up theater performances for children, formed a new dance company that invites performers and professionals in the region to collaborate with Centenary’s Dance program and launched an outreach initiative that brings Centenary Theater majors to area schools to work with students of all ages.

When the new David and Carol Lackland Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring the 500seat Sitnik Theater and the Edith A. Kutz ’42 Theater, officially opens in Fall 2010, the cultural opportunities will grow.

Said Professor Wallnau, “As we move into the Lackland Center we are looking to expand our mission and to embrace the responsibilities as a cultural resource — not just for the College — but for this whole part of the State.”

Inspiring Minds In recent years, the Gates-Ferry Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at Centenary College has included Historian Dr. Raymond Frey ’10 HA, legendary choreographer Mark Morris and former KeySpan President Wallace P. Parker, Jr. The goal of the annual lecture series, which is open to the greater community, is to provide a forum for ideas and expression that enriches the intellectual life of the College.

Acclaimed poet and National Book Award winner Mark Doty was named Gates-Ferry lecturer for 2009–2010. He conducted readings on the

College’s main campus in Hackettstown, N.J., and also participated in a Poetics Colloquium that offered workshops and panels to a wide range of participants, including educators, students and the general public. The event also presented an opportunity for certified teachers in New Jersey to earn six professional development hours through the Centenary College Teacher’s Academy.

Students who participated in the Colloquium called it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” “I was awestruck at being present with so much talent and differing personalities in one place, expressing both comparable and divergent views,” commented Michelle Clark ’10.

The Gates-Ferry Distinguished Visiting Lectureship at Centenary College recognizes the dedication to the College of Joseph R. Ferry, Trustee from 1948 to 1976 and treasurer of the Board of Trustees for 20 years.

The Common Good Each year, the Centenary community volunteers more than 21,000 service hours to local nonprofit organizations, including Trinity United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity and the Community Food Bank, plus a host of social service agencies.

The College’s longstanding tradition of helping others was evident during Spirit Week, which preceded

Members of the Centenary chapter of Becca’s Closet pose with a client.

the Inauguration of the College’s 12th President, Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, on April 9, 2010.

Centenarians completed the ninth Midnight Run of the year with the delivery of food and clothing to the homeless in New York City, while another group of students made plans to build homes on a Native American Reservation this summer. Additionally, members of the Centenary chapter of Becca’s Closet, an organization that provides gently used prom dresses to those who cannot afford them, made a quick exit following the Inauguration to prepare for a Dress Open House that evening.

“The College really attempts to meet the needs it sees in the region and beyond by combining academic investigation with real work to remediate whatever is possible.”

The Rev. David L. Jones ’03 HA, Vice President for Student Engagement

The Rev. David L. Jones ’03 HA, Vice President for Student Engagement and Service, called it a pretty typical week at Centenary. “The College really attempts to meet the needs it sees in the region and beyond by combining academic investigation with real work to remediate whatever is possible.”

Celebrating Leadership Centenary College awarded its highest honor, the Gold Dome Award, to David A. Lackland ’10 HA and Carol Burgess Lackland ’54/10 HA, held on April 8, 2010, at the Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, N.J. The Lacklands embody “Celebrating Leadership,” the theme of this year’s event. David serves as a Trustee for the College and Carol is a member of the President’s Circle. Together, they committed time and resources that will leave a lasting legacy, including a major gift that made the forthcoming David and Carol Lackland Center a reality.

After accepting the Gold Dome Award, Carol spoke about Centenary’s mission of changing lives and how her own life was transformed by a scholarship she received as a Centenary student from an anonymous donor. “That was the inspiration for Dave and I to give back,” she said. David told attendees how the couple takes great joy in seeing the College’s continued growth and success. “I hope you know that through your contributions to the Centenary Fund, you too are taking the lead role in helping these young people from New Jersey rise up,” he said.

Since its inception, the Scholarship Gala has raised over $2 million for the Centenary Scholarship Fund, which has assisted hundreds of students over the years.

Pictured left: David and Carol Lackland with their daughter, Jennifer.

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NEWS FROM CENTENARY COLLEGE major who earned a teacher certification and has a 3.99 GPA, accepted. The crowd erupted into cheers.

The couple, both natives of Fryeburg, Maine, plan to live in New Jersey.

The College awarded 458 degrees at the May Commencement and 256 degrees at the January Commencement held on January 9, 2010, in the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center. Degree recipients included undergraduate and graduate students from Hackettstown and the Centenary Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) learning centers in Parsippany and Iselin, N.J.

Did you meet your spouse at Centenary College?

Were you married in the Whitney Chapel? Share your story on the alumni Discussion Boards at alumni.centenary college.edu

Veteran radio announcer John Gambling ’10 HA addressed the May graduates and was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

Dr. Raymond Frey ’10 HA served as keynote speaker for the January Commencement and was also honored for scholarly achievement with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

“I believe very strongly that you have been given a very special gift today, and now you have a moral obligation to give something back.”

Below: Dr. Raymond Frey ’10 HA, January Commencement Keynote Speaker

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“Do good things,” he advised graduates, “I believe very strongly that you have been given a very special gift today, and now you have a moral obligation to give something back.“ Emily Hawley ’10 and Joshua Walker ’10.

Centenary’s Commencement makes national news The Early Morning Show on CBS, ABC News, Inside Edition and 600 newspapers throughout the country featured the 135th May Commencement at Centenary College, held on May 15, 2010, at the College’s main campus in Hackettstown, N.J. Valedictorian Emily Hawley ’10 sparked the media interest when she proposed marriage to her boyfriend Joshua Walker ’10 shortly after delivering the valedictory address. “I like to consider us Mr. and Mrs. Centenary,” said Hawley, an Equine Science major with a 4.0 GPA. “Josh, I love you more than anything. Will you marry me?” Walker, a history

The January ceremony was established five years ago to accommodate the growing number of Centenary graduates.

The 135th January Commencement at Centenary College.

Citizen of the Year Waldwick honors CAPS student

When Rick Vander Wende ’11 served as mayor of Waldwick, N.J., one of the perks was presenting the borough’s annual Citizen of the Year Award. The former elected official never imagined he would be a recipient of the honor.

The borough named Vander Wende the 2009 Citizen of the Year for his commitment to civic service at its annual reorganization meeting Rick Vander Wende ’11 (left) on January 1, 2010. was named Citizen of the Year in Waldwick, N.J. In what has become an annual town custom, Vander Wende, who is currently working toward an associate’s degree at the Centenary Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) program in Parsippany, N.J., was kept in the dark about the award until the moment his name was announced.

“I was very humbled having had the opportunity to present the award to 12 others myself,” said Vander Wende. “I know what all those people had done on behalf of the community. I never expected to receive the award.”

Vander Wende served as mayor of Waldwick from 1992–2004. He describes his decision to enroll in CAPS and complete the degree he began nearly 30 years ago as “a perfect fit and the perfect

opportunity for me.” He also expects to continue in the accelerated program to earn a bachelor’s degree. “I really enjoy the program. The professors and administrators really understand that adults learn and respond to different things than younger students. They have a respect for working adults who are coming back.”

Championship Season

“[CAPS is] a perfect fit and the perfect opportunity for me.”

Rick Vander Wende ’11, Waldwick Citizen of the Year Award recipient

Centenary Equestrian team wins big at nationals

The Centenary College Equestrian Team became Reserve Champions at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s (IHSA) national competition, held May 6-9, 2010 in Lexington, Ky. In individual competition, first place finishes went to Lindsey Mohr ’11, Champion Individual Open Equitation Over Fences; Marissa Cohen ’11, Champion Individual Intermediate Equitation Over Fences; Ali Krecker ’12, Champion Team Intermediate Flat, and Julie Connors ’10, Champion Team Novice Equitation Over Fences.

The team also took sixth place at the 32nd American National Riding Commission (ANRC) National Intercollegiate Equitation Championships, held April 16–18, 2010, in Sweet Briar, Va. Individual Centenary equestrians also scored impressive results at this competition. These included Jen Elrod ’10, second place, Dressage Sportif; Samantha Whitley ’12, ninth place, Hunter Trials and seventh place, Overall Results; Marissa Cohen ’11, sixth place, Medal Phase; and Lindsey Clark ’10, ninth place, Medal Phase.

The Centenarian Recognized for Creative Excellence The Service Industry Awards Association (SIAA) recognized The Centenarian with a bronze medal in a national competition that included entries representing more than 1,400 companies and organizations from across the country. The College’s Fall 2009 issue of the semi-annual publication received the award for its creativity, quality and overall content.

“Centenary College has a wonderful story to tell and The Centenarian has been an effective vehicle for communicating our success to the College community,” said Vice President for Strategic Advancement Debra Albanese ’04 HA. “We are pleased that a national panel of judges have recognized these efforts.”

The Centenarian is published twice a year for the Office of Strategic Advancement and is distributed to nearly 14,000 alumni and friends of the College.

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VIEW FROM THE DOME year, noted that “identifying the strengths and weaknesses of our organization and being able to capitalize on all the advantages,” has helped the team achieve national status.

Members of this year’s championship team are a combination of newcomers and veterans and include: Matthew Albrecht ’13, Megi Devolli ’10, Tiffany Kraft ’10, Noel Leuzarder ’10, Elizabeth Luckenbill ’11, Kelly McCormick ’10, Laura Meola ’10, Karina Suarez ’14 and Alena Volkava ’12.

Four members of the 2009–2010 Centenary SIFE team.

Centenary SIFE Does it Again “We start with projects that actually meet the needs of free enterprise around the world and if we do that well, the competition falls into place.”

Dr. Steven E. McHugh, Sr., SIFE Team Coach

Team captures 15th Regional Championship

The Centenary College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team has added another trophy to its collection. The franchise won its 15th Regional Championship last month and headed to the 2010 SIFE USA National Exposition in Minneapolis, Minn., from May 10–14, 2010. The team finished in the top 20 among 800 SIFE teams in the United States.

The team has garnered a great deal of recognition for its Power of Possibility project that sent SIFE members to Alaska, Guatemala and other locations around the world to help entrepreneurs gain a foothold in markets and become sustainable businesses.

In addition to the regional victory, SIFE earned two National Finalist Awards for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics for its 6,000-hour investment in helping individuals across the globe.

Dr. Steven E. McHugh, Sr., Chairman of the Business Department and SIFE team coach, said a core component of the program’s success is its commitment to service. “We start with projects that actually meet the needs of free enterprise around the world and if we do that well, the competition falls into place.”

SIFE President Noel Leuzarder ’10, who completed more than 1,000 hours of service this

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Leuzarder will begin an accelerated MBA program at West Virginia University on June 9. “Without Centenary SIFE, I would not be as prepared as I am,” she added. “The relationships I have built, the experiences I have had, I really would not have gotten that anywhere else.”

Pictured (left to right): Krystal Cartegna ’10, Nneka Covington ’10, Joseph Khawane ’10, Stacey Holloway ’11, a BRAG scholarship recipient in 2009, and Cherrell Angervil ’10.

Something to BRAG About Centenary Fashion majors honored by industry organization

The Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) honored two Centenary College Fashion Design majors at the organization’s 39th Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner Gala, entitled “The Power of Change,” held December 11, 2009, in New York.

BRAG awarded Fashion Design student Krystal Cartegna ’10 a $1,000 scholarship from Polo and Nneka Covington ’10, a Fashion Design and Merchandising major, received a $2,000 scholarship from Wakefern Foods. The Centenary students were awarded the scholarships based

upon winning essays on the topic, “The Case for Business Diversity in Retail and Related Industries in an Economic Downturn.”

In addition to scholarship support, Cartegna and Covington had the opportunity to attend an executive staff meeting at the Saks Fifth Avenue corporate location, meet with key employees and receive a firsthand look at couture lines. They were accompanied by Professor Kenol Lamour, BRAG chapter adviser and Centenary instructor in Fashion Design, fellow students and former BRAG recipients, and Angela Rodriquez ’90, an officer on the Centenary Alumni Association Executive Board and former BRAG board member.

Seven Welcomed to the Board of Trustees Centenary College welcomed seven new members to its Board of Trustees: Margot Nelson Carey ’55, a co-founder of the North Jersey Teachers Collaborative and the recipient of the College’s 2009 Van Winkle Achievement Award; Rochelle Makela-Goodman ’97, Assistant Vice President for Leadership Gifts at Lehigh University; Raymond Nisivoccia, the founding partner of Nisivoccia & Company LLP, a regional accounting and consulting firm; Wallace P. Parker, Jr., the former president of KeySpan’s Energy Delivery and Customer Relationship Group; Orin R. Smith ’91 HA, the retired chairman, president and CEO of the former Engelhard Corporation; Timothy L. Smith, founder of the Comprehensive Group, one of the largest independent financial services firms in New Jersey; and James D. Stryker, the President of the consulting firm Integrated Product Development.

The now-31-member board supports and advances the mission of Centenary College. “We are delighted to welcome this accomplished group of leaders to the Board of Trustees,” said Chairman of the Board Arden Davis Melick ’60/01 HA. “They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge as well as a passion for higher education that is an asset to this institution and its mission of transforming lives.”

Seed Money Funds Worthwhile Initiatives A little bit of seed money is making a big difference at Centenary College.

On Earth Day, the College unveiled its Community Garden, one of several projects funded by the Centenary mini-grant program.

The Community Garden is a joint venture between the Education and the Mathematics and Natural Sciences departments. Spearheaded by Dr. Lauren Bergey, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Emily Williams Anderson, Assistant Professor of Education, the garden will be a selfsustainable resource for the College’s students as well as the communityat-large. Biology students will utilize the garden to study the life cycles of plants and other organisms, and Education students will develop lesson plans in outdoor-based learning and environmental studies.

Produce and other products grown in the garden will be sold on campus and at the Hackettstown Farmers Market, in partnership with the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID).

Mini-grants are made possible by funds earmarked by the President’s Office of Centenary College. The goal is to implement innovative educational practices documented in High-Impact Educational Practices by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU).

In addition to the Community Garden, several worthwhile initiatives came to fruition during the spring semester, including the makeover of a common room in Anderson Hall as well as undergraduate research projects.

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LEADING THE WAY

Keeping It Real A decade ago, Centenary became the first college in New Jersey to offer accelerated business degree programs for working adults. Now, innovations like an application-based curriculum give the program its leading edge.

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t is no secret that the students who gravitate to accelerated degree programs are highly motivated. They tend to be disciplined, mature — and eager for lessons they can put to use right away.

Centenary Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) was the first program in New Jersey to offer accelerated business degree programs geared toward working professionals. Last year, in order to make the program even more relevant to its students, CAPS introduced a new curriculum that is application-based.

“This is real. Our students are not reading textbooks and listening to professors’ lectures — they are applying business theories to real life,” said Dean of Adult and Online Enrollment Peter Albrecht, who also teaches at CAPS. Dean Albrecht explained that, even with its accelerated pace, CAPS meets high standards. “It is a rigorous program,” he added.

A meeting of minds Because CAPS students are highly motivated adults, they tend to have a more collaborative relationship with their professors than traditional degree students. Those relationships foster a fertile learning environment where it is common for CAPS professors to hear students say they applied something they learned in class at work the very next day.

The program always aimed for relevance, but the new curriculum takes the focus on real-life applications to the next level. In a marketing class for the MBA program, for example, Dean Albrecht Above: CAPS students learn how to apply business theories to real life. Below: Former NHL player Rob Skrlac ’08/10 (second from left) and players from the New Jersey Devils at a recent visit to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

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had his students act as marketing consultants and write a marketing plan for a real small business.

Each marketing team presented its plan to the class and client. In one instance, the principals of East Coast Martial Arts in East Windsor, N.J., implemented about 80 percent of their team’s marketing plan and saw enrollment grow from 15 students to more than 300 in 18 months.

CAPS students come from many backgrounds Jamanda Hightower ’09 has a unique perspective, working as an enrollment counselor at CAPS and also completed her bachelor’s degree through the program. She is now pursuing an MBA while working full-time and appreciates the fact that classes are organized in teams. “That is very different from the traditional college environment,” she remarked. “It really teaches you how to accept and work with different personalities.”

Rob Skrlac ’08/10 has been with the New Jersey Devils for 13 years, including eight as a player. The right winger now works for the New Jersey Devils front office, where his job includes representing the organization as a speaker to various associations and professional groups, as well as serving as

a liaison to schools and hosting executives at hospitality suites and special events.

After retiring as a professional hockey player in 2006, Skrlac entered the CAPS program to earn an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with a Business Emphasis. “I needed the degree to open doors within the organization as well as to broaden my horizons beyond the New Jersey Devils,” he said.

Skrlac, who was living in Allamuchy, N.J., at the time, was attracted to Centenary because of its Hackettstown location. “The evening classes really worked out well,” he said, “because working in the front office is not a 9-to-5 situation.”

“I needed the degree to open doors within the organization as well as to broaden my horizons beyond the New Jersey Devils.”

Former NHL player Rob Skrlac ’08/10

Skrlac continued with his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration after earning his associate’s degree. He increased his courseload, taking two classes a week in order to speed up the process, and completed his B.S. in May. Like many adult learners, once he started, he was eager to obtain his degree. “I would encourage those who have the time to double up on the course load. I really enjoyed it when I had more schoolwork to do, not less.” Hightower, too, expects to complete her MBA

by July 2011. “I feel empowered,” she said. “Coming to Centenary has been a blessing. It has changed me tremendously.”

All about CAPS Centenary Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) is a program for adult learners. In 1999, Centenary became the first college in New Jersey to offer business degree programs in an accelerated format geared to working professionals.

CAPS offers an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts with a Business Emphasis and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), as well as a 36-credit-hour Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. MBA courses are offered one at a time in an accelerated format — with one class an evening for 3 1/2 hours — so students complete each course in a four- to five-week time frame, then start their next course. The program is structured in cohorts, so students continue to take classes with the same group of individuals until they complete their degree in about 24 months.

CAPS offers classes at the College’s main campus in Hackettstown, and at satellite learning centers in Metropark and Parsippany, as well as online. CAPS also offers the program at corporate work sites, including Merck & Co., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

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LEADING THE WAY

Centenarians Who Serve Veterans are getting a warm welcome at Centenary College, where many are choosing to continue their education, their careers — and their lives.

Above: Sheila Zelaskowski ’89, who was stationed in Iraq. Top right: Michael Barcellona ’09 (fourth from left) with members of the military and Iraqi civilians. Bottom right: Jimmy Nazaire ’11.

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hen U.S. Army First Lieutenant Jimmy Nazaire returned from Iraq in 2008, he sought to pick up the pieces of the life he had left behind to serve his country. One of his priorities: to get his MBA studies, which were interrupted when he was deployed, back on track.

Nazaire met with Centenary Enrollment Counselor

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Dawn Homer and discovered the College provides extensive assistance to address the special needs of veterans, from providing financial aid to emotional support through a network of veterans — both students and employees — on campus.

“I think what makes Centenary so welcoming to veterans is that we feel that our lives can continue while we further our education,” said Nazaire, who continues to serve in the Army and will receive his MBA in 2011. “As a veteran, I know I always feel as

though I have to stop one part of my life to continue another. At Centenary, I can continue to work and go to school, and not have to sacrifice one for the other.”

Easing the transition Centenary has a deep commitment to veterans and has taken the lead in offering a number of programs to help ease the transition from military life to student life. Since veterans have often made a financial sacrifice to serve their country, the College is a proud participant of the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides up to 100 percent of tuition costs, as well as stipends for books, educational supplies and housing for qualified veterans.

The College goes the extra mile for veterans who are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering scholarships of up to 30 percent for full- or part-time student veterans.

“I had already completed a course when I found out that I qualified for a 30 percent reduction in tuition,” observed adult learner Tom Leaman ’11, who was discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1999.

“Centenary made it so easy, they even gave me the discount retroactively. Not a lot of colleges would do that.”

In addition, Centenary sends Veterans Day greetings to all student veterans and last year held a special flag-raising ceremony to recognize National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which pays tribute to veterans who have not returned home.

Dean of International Programs Dr. Joseph Linskey, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, is collaborating with Scott Hughes, the College’s Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, who also served as a U.S. Army Ranger, to establish an American Legion Post on campus.

“We all try to make ourselves available to our student veterans to help them adjust to college life, be it just someone to talk to, guidance through the paperwork maze or any other way we can help,” said Dr. Linskey, who is also an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology. “The main focus of the College is service to the students and the

entire community. Those who enlist do so because of the opportunity to serve the people of our nation. Once I started working here and saw what a positively unique place Centenary is, I was not surprised that it would attract service members and veterans.”

Benefits for Veterans “The College aggressively recruits veterans to campus and makes sure they are aware of the benefits they can receive to further their education and their non-military careers,” Hughes added.

“Centenary attracts so many veterans because we do some progressive things with veteran’s benefits and the Yellow Ribbon Program,” he explained.

“We aggressively recruit veterans, since we have so many faculty and staff members who are veterans and know their needs. The faculty and staff take a personal responsibility in advising our veterans who transition into Centenary students.”

One veteran who benefitted from this one-onone attention was Michael Barcellona ’09, who retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005.

Hughes took Barcellona under his wing and offered practical advice as Barcellona pursued his degree in Psychology. After his graduation last year, Barcellona accepted an offer to work with Hughes in Centenary’s Information Technology department.

Centenary’s emphasis on leadership and responsibility to community and country also inspires some students to serve their country after graduation. Sheila Zelaskowski ’89 joined the New Jersey National Guard a decade after her Centenary graduation. She recently returned from a year’s deployment with an assault helicopter battalion in Iraq.

“Once I started working here and saw what a positively unique place Centenary is, I was not surprised that it would attract service members and veterans.”

Dr. Joseph Linskey, Dean of International Programs

For more information on the Yellow Ribbon program, call (866) 753-2789 or e-mail military@ centenarycollege.edu.

“Centenary provided me with a comfortable place where I could grow both intellectually and emotionally,” she explained. “I do not think I would have been successful going through basic training straight out of high school. The personal development that Centenary fostered in me really helped to prepare me for the rigors of the military.”

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LEADING THE WAY

Head Start The New York Giants, Fox News and New York’s top fashion companies are just a few of the internship opportunities that provide Centenary students with a competitive edge on a prospective career.

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(Pictured left to right): Centenary students Amy Vadala ’11, Michael

or a college with a strong liberal arts focus, Centenary College offers students major career opportunities.

Just ask Leah Murphy ’11, a Communication major, who recently completed a three-month internship at Fox News in New York, where she worked on the morning show Fox & Friends. Her duties went far beyond simple errands. In addition to welcoming and preparing guests, Murphy pitched story ideas to executive producers and gained real newsroom experience by assisting with the production of news segments.

The Centenary undergraduate is hardly alone.

Internships on the rise In 2009, internships rose 21 percent at Centenary.

“Our students are realizing that they really need to have internships on their résumés,” commented Trish Varn Mahaffey ’75/78, Director of Internships and Experiential Programs. “Employers put a great deal of emphasis on this experience.

While it is true that an internship does not guarantee a job, it does open doors. Interns make connections and gain professional exposure.”

Centenary students are interning in a number of fields, including finance (representative

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companies include Bear Sterns and Merrill Lynch), law (Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office), communication (The Daily Record, CBS News and Nickelodeon) and fashion (Nordstrom, Kenneth Cole and Armani Exchange). To qualify for four credits, they must complete a minimum of 133 hours of work. “Internships must be real learning experiences,” explained Mahaffey, who regularly visits students on the job to meet their supervisors and get a feel for their day-to-day responsibilities.

Amy Vadala ’11, a double major in Communication and Political and Governmental Affairs, landed a federal government internship with Rep. Scott Garrett’s (R-N.J.) Western District Office in Newton, N.J. There, her responsibilities included tracking constituent opinions and helping with projects that included Rep. Garrett’s nominations to military academies. “What was most challenging was dealing with constituents who were unhappy with issues Rep. Garrett opposed or supported,” admitted Vadala, who previously interned for Assemblyman John DiMaio. “But it was satisfying to tell them that their Congressman would hear and represent their views.”

For Michael Medley ’10, working for the New York Giants was a dream come true — despite the Philadelphia native’s affinity for his hometown’s Eagles. “Working for a professional sports organization has been my goal, and it is so exciting

Medley ’10 and Leah Murphy ’11 gained a competitive edge at their internships in New York and New Jersey.

that I am finally doing it,” he said. Medley, who is graduating with a degree in Sports Management, commuted to East Rutherford, N.J., two days a week to help the NFL organization with research and clerical work. “The best part about my job was getting to be around the superstars we all see on TV,” he remarked. “In person, they were really down to earth.”

Murphy, Vadala and Medley are confident their internships will serve them well after graduation. “I see myself working in the sports department of a TV network,” said Murphy, who also plays Women’s Basketball for the Cyclones. “While I would like to be a reporter, working at Fox taught me about the writing and producing processes.”

Vadala, who will study at the Institute of Political Journalism in Washington, D.C., this summer, plans to pursue a graduate degree. She hopes to work for the United Nations, FEMA or another federal agency.

“Working for Rep. Garrett deepened my understanding of the American government and provided me with hands-on experience working with constituents.” This knowledge is valuable, she explained, because “I need to understand the people I represent.” Medley, who intends to pursue a career in sports management after graduation, is excited to “see what else is out there in my field.”

A lasting impression The three Centenary interns agreed that they would encourage their classmates to seek internships during their undergraduate career. “I would recommend this particular position to anyone who is passionate about government,” said Vadala. “It will bolster your résumé and enhance your networking skills.” Added Murphy: “My experience has been truly rewarding, and I have made many contacts I will have forever.” Medley said he would advise any classmates pursuing internships to “soak in as much information as possible and really enjoy the experience.”

“I would love to hire some of these students when they graduate.”

Carlos Vasquez, principal, Anama

Employers confirmed that they, too, have benefited from the College’s robust intern program. Carlos Vasquez, a sales representative and principal at the Miami-based clothing brand Anama, said he was very pleased with the Centenary students who served as his interns at the company’s New York showroom. “We have had a diverse group here — Marketing, Merchandising and Design majors,” he commented. “They assist us in the showroom and help with trade shows. I hope we are providing them with some perspective on what the fashion world is like; it is more than what they see on Project Runway.”

He remarked that he would recommend Centenary College students to colleagues looking to hire interns, and added, “I would love to hire some of these students when they graduate.”

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CYCLONES UPDATE

Putting Centenary on the Map With the College’s first All-American, an increasing number of teams emerging as Conference contenders, plus academic accolades and new community service initiatives, the Cyclones are achieving new levels of excellence.

Best Record in Centenary Program History It was a year of firsts for Women’s Lacrosse. The team achieved the best record in Centenary program history, 13–1, and went on to postseason play by clinching the second seed in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) and a first-round bye. A combination of veteran leadership from Megan Mars ’10, Kiti Ovaskainen ’10 and rising newcomers propelled the team to big wins this season.

Reaching the NCAA Statistical Rankings

Members of the Centenary Baseball, Softball and Men’s Lacrosse teams are among the nation’s leaders in the latest NCAA statistical rankings. In Baseball, Michael Fasano ’10 is third in Division III in on-base percentage, and also 13th in batting average and 15th in slugging percentage. Mark DeMaio ’10 reached No. 17 in stolen bases and is ranked 18th in stolen bases per game.

Centenary Softball player Caitlin Veverka ’12 is ranked sixth in batting average and Cara Montferrat ’13 is No. 14 for home runs and stands at 25th for batting average. Both players helped the team set the program record for wins and moved the team into the CSAC and ECAC championships.

Megan Mars ’10 helped her Cyclones team advance to postseason play this season.

Conor Nolan ’13 ranks 12th in assists among Division III Men’s Lacrosse programs and 16th in points per game. Jason Rieg ’10 is ranked 34th in both assists and points per game and fellow classmate Eddie Montalvo ’10 is in the top 100 for ground balls per game at No. 52.

Academic Honors The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) named 41 Centenary student-athletes to its roster of All-Academic Honorees for Fall 2009.

The honorees, who needed a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 to qualify, represented nearly all of Centenary’s Fall athletic programs, including Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Cross Country.

Note: Statistics as of May 1, 2010.

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Banner Year for Wrestling

Pictured right, Ryan Kearney ’10.

First All-American

1,000-Point Milestones Two Men’s Cyclones Basketball players scored their 1,000th career point this season. Rob Urie ’11 reached the milestone on February 6, 2010, in a 102–89 victory against Baptist Bible College. Ryan Kearney ’10 became the second Cyclone to reach the 1,000-point plateau, during the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) playoffs on February 22.

Centenary Golf Program Grows With 11 student-athletes on the Centenary Golf roster for 2010, the team is the largest in program history. A combination of veterans and newcomers accounted for more competitive finishes, including third place at the Centenary Quad Tournament and 14th in the Lebanon Valley College Spring Tournament.

Lady Cyclones Head to Costa Rica The Centenary Women’s Soccer team will be suiting up in Costa Rica this summer on a nine-day excursion that includes training and three preseason contests as well as team bonding and community service. The student-athletes plan to visit a local orphanage where they will spend a day with the children and donate items.

When Will Livingston ’11 captured a bronze medal at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships on March 6, 2010, the Cyclones wrestler set two new milestones for the College. The third-place finish goes down in the history books as the best win for a Centenary wrestler, and Livingston also became the first Cyclone to earn All-American status.

Cyclones Wrestling Head Coach John Garriques said the program, which is ranked 27th in the nation, would continue to move forward. “Winners reap winners,” he told a local sports reporter. “It is definitely going to take us to the next level. It puts Centenary on the map.”

The Zeitler Wrestling Facility Opens Cyclones wrestlers used to spend considerable time setting up mats in the Folkner Family Gymnasium for workouts and drills. Those days are over. On January 29, 2010, Centenary College held the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Zeitler Wrestling Facility, a 5,000-square-foot addition to the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center.

In addition to providing dedicated space for the Centenary’s NCAA Division III Wrestling team, College officials say the new facility is a capital improvement that benefits all student-athletes.

“The Zeitler Wrestling Facility presents a tremendous benefit to the College,” said Director of Athletics Billie Jo Blackwell ’97/09, noting that since the facility opened, more athletic teams can practice indoors and “trainers and student-athletes can finish up by 10 p.m. instead of midnight.” The Director of Athletics also believes the new facility sends a positive message to current and future student-athletes. “It shows that the College is moving forward and progressing,” she said. “It is a real selling point for prospective student-athletes.”

Postseason Honors The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) awarded postseason honors to three members of the Women’s Basketball team for the second year in a row. Jen Vasta ’12 was named to the First Team, Kristen Camuso ’10 received Second Team honors and the CSAC named Nikki Van Tassel ’10 the team’s Sportsmanship Award Recipient for the second time in a row.

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Class news and notes

Homecoming and A Centenary welcomed alumni, friends and family members to Homecoming and Alumni Weekend, held at the College’s main campus in Hackettstown, N.J., on October 9–11, 2009.

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How to Submit News & Notes The next Class News and Notes Deadline is September 1.

News and information can also

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1943

Carol Olsen-Voorhees 40 Sergeantsville Road Flemington, NJ 08822-1584 (908) 782-5373 corkyjo@netzero.net

Georgine Hill Mendillo 222 Harbour Drive #212 Naples, FL 34103-4071 (239) 649-4708

be submitted directly to the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@centenarycollege.edu.

1934 Filomena DeSantis 89 Countryside Apts. Bldg. 10 Hackettstown, NJ 07840-0162 (908) 979-0021

1937 Ruth Mortensen Houghton Holmes Ocean View Hilltop Lodge #2E, Apt. L347 18 Blueberry Lane Falmouth, ME 04105 (207) 781-0999 rholmes4@maine.rr.com

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Carol Olsen-Voorhees ’39 (left) and Helen Littell Alden ’39 (right) at Homecoming and Alumni Weekend 2009.

1942 Edith Bolte Kutz 4561 Oaktree Court Delray Beach, FL 33445 (561) 498-438 ediekutz@aol.com

Jane Schlegal Anderson moved from Florida to Lowell, Mass., after her husband, Bob, died, to be near her daughters.

Jane’s address is 141 Johns St., Apt. 527, Lowell, MA, 01852. After several moves, Clare “C.J.” Bartlett Maxwell now has a “place to stay put” at 10219 Brookside Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351. She recently published two children’s books. Marjorie Puppo Morgan, “a beautiful addition to the Class of 1943,” passed away in the fall of 2008. Connie Lucca Savage passed away on October 15, 2009, with her daughter, Mimi, by her side. At the time of her death, Connie was in a retirement home in Virginia and had been in the last stages of Alzheimer’s. Georgine Hill Mendillo writes: “This was so sad. She was one of our brightest classmates and could even fly a plane!” Georgine spent three months last summer in Connecticut and Rhode Island; the family celebrated husband Jack’s 90th

lumni Weekend 5

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birthday last September. Georgine will visit Connecticut and Summit, N.J., in August.

During the visit, she hopes to also stop by Centenary College. Marcia Marie Weber Canavello is living in Cape Cod with her son and daughter-in-law. She is hoping to sell her house in Easton, Md., soon.

1944 Virginia (Ginny) George Hook 553 Rosemont Ringoes Road P.O. Box 93 Sergeantsville, NJ 08557-0093 (609) 397-0553 Virginia (Ginny) George Hook writes: “Dear fellow classmates — just wanted you to know that I am going to take over as the 1944 class correspondent. I am honored to be a part of this class, we have shown great support to Centenary College and I hope we continue to do so as the College continues to grow. Please feel free to contact me with your Class Notes and updates! Look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Ruth Kammelhor Hanson shared a Centenary memory featured in Centenary Rewind that can be found on Page 22. She

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would love to hear from classmates and can be reached at: 2131 W. Lilac Lane, Mequon, WI 53092 or HansonRuth@gmail.com.

1945 Barbara Wheatley Murray 89 Kensington Road Bronxville, NY 10708-1406 (914) 337-2134 Barbara Wheatley Murray writes: “The year 2009 marks the loss of three esteemed classmates: Jean Stickel Garrity, Lois (Ginny) Barnes Angell and Betty Barnes Noble. Jean was our freshman class president. She was always ebullient, warm and friendly to all. She was a large presence on our halls, emulating the ‘energizer bunny.’ She was enthusiastic about causes and dedicated to them. This she had learned from her father, George Stickel, a well-known New Jersey politician for whom the Stickel Bridge is named. Ever popular, she had many suitors, happily settling on Bob Thomas. They were married for many years and had two daughters who expanded their family.

“After Bob’s death, Jean found happiness

12 1. More than 25 members of the Class of 1959 celebrated their 50th anniversary reunion.

2. Peggy Mansfield Wargo ’54 (left) and Dorothy “Doll” Spach Siegel ’59 (right) were thrilled to reconnect with classmates. 3. Vita Romanelli-Young ’78/80 (right), president of the Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB), and her daughter, Kaitlin. 4. Virginia “Ginny” George Hook ’44 (left) and Stella Tarabicos Katsanos ’44 (right). 5. John J. McNally sits for a caricature.

6. Lori Harris ’84 (left) and Carolyn Carter ’84 (right). 7. Tour of the Lackland Center. 8. Suzee Wallbank Rowland ’57 (left) and Gail Blank Dawson McNally ’57 (right) at the signing of Gail’s latest book, The Return. 9. The presentation of the Van Winkle Award. 10. Patricia Terhune Hoffman ’47 and husband, Ray Hoffman ’09 HA, a recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award in 2009. 11.

Gail Bergenback Vigra ’57. 12. Linda Pierpont ’79 (left) and Jane Morgan Van Horn ’79 (right).

once more with Dr. Harold Garrity. She told me she thanked God every day for him. They had a full life until she had a serious fall on black ice a few years back. Although in a Lois (Ginny) Barnes wheelchair, Jean never Angell ’45 lost her enthusiasm for life and still went out to play bridge.

Pulmonary problems caused her demise finally last spring. I shall miss her phone conversations. Our condolences to her beloved Harold and her family.

“Ginny was a very organized person with plans for her life. She was engaged to marry Doug Angell, her high school sweetheart.

She insisted he would come back from World War II and marry her. He did. She said they would have two children, a boy and a girl. They did. She said they would have a farm. They did. She said someday they wanted to live in either California or Florida.

They lived in retirement in Florida. Ginny was devoted to Doug and her children and so very proud of their accomplishments.

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Class news and notes

Centenary Rewind From Reykjavik to Hackettstown In December 1942, Erna Oskarsdottir ’43 and her sister, Dora Oskarsdottir, sailed from Reykjavik, Iceland, to the United States on a passenger ship accompanied first by American and then British battleships. Their destination?

Centenary College (then known as Centenary Junior College) in Hackettstown, N.J., where Erna and Dora’s father had arranged for the young women to continue their education, safe from the war. “[Erna and Dora] just showed up one day,” recalled Ruth Kammelhor Hanson ’44, who chronicled the sisters’ stay in an article published in early 1943 in the Hackettstown Gazette. “Wealthy Icelanders sent their daughters to Paris to study, but with World War II, they began to come to the U.S.” Despite the evening blackouts that were conducted regularly during the war years, the Oskarsdottir sisters did find a safe enclave at Centenary. They were however, quite homesick and told Ruth, who was nearly expelled for allowing her name to appear in a newspaper, “We are very happy here, but, of course, we are looking forward to the time we will see Iceland again.”

“There was a lot of excitement going on at that time,” said Ruth, noting that class members lost touch with Erna and Dora who eventually returned to Iceland. Ruth, who worked as a reporter at the Montclair Times the summer before her final year at Centenary, went on to Upsala College in East Orange, N.J. and completed an English degree. She worked for the telephone company for several years and has fond memories of her brief literary career.

Centenarians who have any information about the Oskarsdottir sisters, please contact alumni@centenarycollege.edu.

From The Hack: Erna Oskarsdottir ’43 (left) and Ruth Kammelhor Hanson ’44 (right).

Do you have a story or moment from Centenary College history that you would like to share? Forward your submissions to editor Eric Strauss at strausse@centenarycollege.edu for a future edition of The Centenarian.

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“Like Jean, I had attended Ginny’s wedding, been present at her first dinner party and was impressed with her cooking. We happened to cross paths on our first jobs, working across Wall Street from each other; she as a secretary for the Seaman’s Bank, I as a legal aide for a law firm. We had many lunches together and remained friends. She was a wonderful friend. In one of her last letters, she enclosed a picture of herself with Doug. She was dressed in a red pants suit and gold slippers. They looked very happy. That’s how I will remember her. Our sympathy to her family and many friends.

“Betty was the envy of many of us with her lovely slim figure and big smile. She took part in many class activities and always seemed ‘up.’ She and her roommate, Betty Hall Woodbury, formed a dynamic duo and I will remember their dedicated enthusiasm and shining presence. Haircutting was not out of their talents. Betty was devoted to animals and turned to doing beautiful portraits of people’s dogs. They were lovely.

I remember going with Betty to Centenary’s horse stables. She was so interested and asked so many knowledgeable questions as to their training and care. She was warm and sympathetic to my husband’s problems with diabetes, a disorder she shared with him. I’ll always recall her lively manner and her friendship. Our thoughts go out to her large family and her dear husband.

“Our class may have thinned, therefore it is so important that we remain in touch, I’d love to hear from all of you. May 2010 bring you renewal and happiness and good health.”

1946 Dorothy Latchford Lota 418 Boxcar Way Valrico, FL 33594-6812 (813) 661-5032 Wanda Ruehle Dellicker and her husband of 61 years live in Cranberry Lakes, N.J. The couple has four children and 21 grandchildren. Wanda’s daughter (also a Centenary graduate) and husband are missionaries in China. Aloa Wagner DiFazzio is living in Gulf Village East, Fla. She has been a widow for four years and is using a wheelchair but enjoys Tai Chi and belongs to a book club. Betty Campbell is still living in northern New Jersey and Polly Binder is also well. Dorothy Latchford Lota spent Thanksgiving in Wyckoff, N.J., with her son’s family. She also has a grandson in Kentucky, a granddaughter in North Georgia, a granddaughter who lives in Florida, and a great- grandson who celebrated his first birthday on November 30.

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Helen Eckhardt Sheehy P.O. Box 987 Amagansett, NY 11930-0987 (631) 267-8984 heckhardt62@optonline.net

1948 Naoma (Mousie) Muller Morgenstein 8027 San Vista Circle Naples, FL 34109-7177 naomaquilts@comcast.net (239) 591-0577 Jinny Knodel Waring and her extended family enjoyed a wonderful cruise to Alaska.

“The highlight was pulling in very close to the Hubbard Glacier,” said Jinny, who lives in Milwaukee, Wis. Jane Young Holmsten and husband Bill sold their home in Florida and now reside in a retirement community in Connecticut. They have kept their Sagamore house on the Connecticut shore and enjoy living close to daughter Holly (a Centenary graduate), son-in-law Larry and two married grandchildren. Marilyn Rudiger Bongard lives in Severna Park, Md., and keeps busy with travel and get-togethers with Class of ’48 Centenary friends. Jane Ryan Olson moved into an assisted living community and would enjoy hearing from her Centenary friends. Her new address is: Jane Olson, Atria Hamilton Heights Life Guidance, One Hamilton Heights Drive, West Hartford, CT 06119.

Marion Hartman Kempf and husband Bob have a new address: 3001 Lititz Pike, P.O. Box 5093, Lancaster, PA 17606-5093.

The couple sold their home of many years and are delighted with their new apartment. Lois Dalrymple Slater is very active in her church and keeps in touch with her large family, grandchildren and many friends. Fran MacKnight had been thinking of selling her Hawthorne, N.J., home but decided she loved her community and friends too much to make an out-of-state move. Betty Nilsen Halsted and husband John retired to Betty’s family home in Sunapee, N.H. Peggy Powell Hollis and husband Ray moved from Massachusetts to Arkansas and now reside in Newton, N.C., where they remain active in church and local affairs.

Betty Thole Scott and husband Bob continue to enjoy their home on Osgood Pond in the Adirondacks. “It is very rural here in the mountains and very quiet, especially in winter,” writes Betty. She wishes classmates a “happy and peaceful and healthy 2010.”

1949 Florence Austermuhl Larson 5925 Poppy St. La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 469-7385 rlfl1@yahoo.com

Doris Little Osterhoudt retired after 34 years of teaching and is active in her church and in Senior Olympics. She is chairperson of the Senior Advisory Committee in West Milford, N.J., where she lives. Doris also serves on the Republican County Committee and helps with senior entitlements. Evelyn Dries Mathews and her husband recently returned from Boston where they took several tours and met up with friends. Nancy Morrell McClatchie enjoys kayaking and runs her late father’s insurance business where her two sons and two grandsons work. Florence Austermuhl Larson and her husband, Rob, celebrated their 60th anniversary with family and friends. Their pastor son, Bruce, just returned from an evangelistic crusade in Peru. Florence would like to hear from more “49ers.”

1950 Ann Messenger-Via 260 Chatham Road Harwich, MA 02645-3365 (508) 432-1049

1952 Carla Bloecher Derner 70 Lincoln Ave. Florham Park, NJ 07932 (973) 822-0652 nibbs01@aol.com

1953 Drusie Fox Jenkins 208 Linden Ponds Way Apt. CL 601 Hingham, MA 02043 (781) 740-1769 drusiej@verizon.net Ruth Wilcox Dotterer moved to a retirement center in Iowa, and continues to spend her time on woodcarving. Her children live in Des Moines and Davenport, Iowa and Izmir, Turkey, where her daughter, Julie, and son-in-law are both teachers. Vangie Rob Sweltzer is in touch with many classmates including Barb Ashworth LaMont who lives in Conyingham, Pa., and Mary Barto Hughes, who lives in Central Pennsylvania.

Vangie recently learned that a recent cornea transplant failed and may undergo another procedure. Her classmates wish her good health. Carlotte Pugh Pearson moved from Indiana to Delaware, but was heading for India on Christmas Day to spend three months with her son’s family. Gail Dodge Williams Smith lives in a retirement home in California, near her son, and keeps busy with special events. Ruth Gaudino DuVall lives on Long Island, but winters in Florida, where she sees Ginny Smillie Wilson in North Palm Beach. Ginny recently saw Nancy Cunningham Paris and husband, Dan, as well as Ruth Gaudino Duvall — the three friends reunite for lunch each winter in Florida.

Margie Holmes Brown and husband Ken continue to travel to many interesting places — Canada, Cape Cod, the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont, Amsterdam, Budapest, North Carolina and a cruise from Los Angeles to Hawaii. When at home, Margie volunteers at the McLean Health Center, the Encore Club and plays bridge.

She wonders whether anyone has any information about Gertie Lei. Sue Sigmund Weidenhammer and husband George enjoyed a 14-day cruise from San Diego to the Panama Canal, as well as a vacation in Myrtle Beach. The couple love Plantation Village in Wilmington, N.C. Sue quilts, sings in the chorus and tutors children in English as a Second Language.

She recently underwent hand and arm surgery and had a nerve replaced in her elbow.

Jane Ayares Mangano writes: “Our first grandchild, Noah Anthony Mangano, was born on April 7, 2009. Needless to say, we are extremely happy over this event.” She also sings in a community college chorus, is an active gardener and has made many friends attending Barry Manilow concerts and fan conventions.

Drusie Fox Jenkins, and husband Norm, live in a life-care community in Hingham, Mass., and Chatham, Cape Cod. Drusie and Joan Gosnell Birch meet up each summer as Joan, who lives in Pittsford, N.Y., visits family in Harwichport. On a sad note, Drusie reports that Nancy Steele Scudder passed away in Connecticut.

She writes: “This is always difficult news to hear, and yet feel I should pass it on to other classmates. Please continue sending me news of our Centenary ’53 friends — any time of year. I know we all look forward to receiving our copy of The Centenarian.”

1954

changes at the College, from coeducation to new athletic facilities, a beautiful Equestrian Center and the new Lackland Center to be completed in 2010.

She writes: “I believe all of us have received a request (Building Blocks for the Future) to contribute for individual paving stones.

My fellow classmates and I who attended Homecoming are of the opinion that the Class of 1954 should donate one stone in honor of our class. Consider this: Carol Burgess and her husband, David Lackland, have been very generous, so why not support their generosity, and set an example? For more information call Kathleen Ward at (908) 852-1400, ext.

2387. It was fun catching up with those that did attend, and we all agreed that we should try to attend our 60th, assuming all of us are still alive and kicking! That would make most of us 80 years young!”

Any questions or suggestions you may have, please contact Lesley Field Dunbar at 21 Robbins Road, Ayer, MA 01432, phone (978) 772-9741 or e-mail hldlbd@verizon.net.

1955 Eleanor Rausch Greene 2411 NE Pinecrest Lakes Blvd.

Jensen Beach, FL 34957-6648 (772) 334-8006 richardgreene@bellsouth.net Joyce Tietjen Barry and husband Bob were in Orlando, Fla. in November for a high school reunion and later joined Ellie Rausch Greene and husband Dick for dinner in Jensen Beach. Ellie and Dick look forward to the usual group of “in season” classmates; the couple also attended the Centenary alumni luncheon in Vero Beach in March. Carol Guerber Messner and husband Bill became greatgrandparents recently.

Gwen Kennedy Butz Westin Innisbrook Resort 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North Palm Harbor, FL 34684 (727) 943-3772 jackbutz@aol.com Claire Couch Bosee became a Bronze Life Master in bridge. Last summer, she taught five classes of bridge a week in Nantucket. Claire writes: “My 20 years teaching experience has served me well.

Now I have a new career!”

Lesley Field Dunbar, along with eight fellow graduates from the Class of 1954 — Mary Fennel Gerber, Peggy Mansfield Wargo, Patty Foulkes Smith, Joan Foulkes Seaman, Doris Stockman Pooley, Carol Chainese Van Duyne, Shirley Gongwer Cochran and Carol Burgess Lackland — attended the 55th class reunion during Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. Leslie notes the many

Members of the Class of 1955 meet each winter at Panama Hatties. Left to right: Ellie Rausch Greene ’55, Dick Greene, Joyce Tietjen Barry ’55, Bob Barry, Bill Hepper and Evie Klebe Hepper ’55.

Nancy Blumoehr Morse and husband Ron celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 18, 2008. They were remarried at St. John’s Episcopal Church of Somerville, N.J. Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the church hall for 100 friends and family.

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Class news and notes

Nancy Blumoehr Morse ’55 and family celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary.

1956 Phyllis Cotter Graf 46 Dennison Road Essex, CT 06426-1351 (860) 767-2328 ggraf2@comcast.net Dagny Blom Kalinowski and husband Dick are enjoying golf, tennis and life in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Libby Kelly Spivey and husband Dick enjoy visits with their grandchildren, Kayleigh, a junior in college, Lauren, age 15, Alexa, age 16, and Westin, age 13. Sally Roy Boulanger and husband Bob enjoy winters at their home in Ft. Myers, Fla., and summer in their New Hampshire home. Their eldest grandson, Ethan, began St. Lawrence University last fall and plays varsity baseball. Sally and Bob are delighted, since the team’s spring training is in Ft. Myers. Ann Titzell Hammond is doing well in New London, N.H., and received holiday visits from grandchildren Henry, age 12 1/2, and Megan, age 10.

Last summer, “Squidge” and family rented a lovely place overlooking Buzzards Bay and hope to do the same this year.

Beverly Tideman McMullin and husband Bob live on a farm in Moretown, Vt. They spent the holidays with their son Bob, Radima and Galya (Radima’s daughter) from Kazakhstan, and son Bill, who has a successful business training and showing dressage horses. Phyllis Cotter Graf and husband, George, are busy with travel, sailing on Manhasset Bay and tennis. The couple also enjoyed a wonderful Penn/ Brown football weekend in Providence with Beverly, Bob and a number of other old friends. Phyllis writes: “Bev, myself and husbands thoroughly enjoyed our Manhasset High School 55th Reunion in early October.

Hope to hear from more classmates, for the next The Centenarian.”

1957 Alice “Baynes” MacLea Hobbs 2814 Canyon Creek Drive San Angelo, TX 76904-7004 (325) 944-3017 baynes@verizon.net

24 The Centenarian

Connie Cunningham Bookbinder is organizing a trip to Europe for a Centenary alumni group. Grace Davis had a hip replacement last August; her classmates hope she is doing well. Gail Blank Dawson McNally read and signed copies of her new book, The Return, at Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. The novel has been warmly received and is available on Amazon.com. Gail is also a new member of Centenary’s President’s Circle and attended her first meeting the same weekend. Another new member of the President’s Circle is Gail Bergenback Vigra, who attends her first meeting in the spring. Suzee Wallbank Rowland will serve as vice chair of the President’s Circle this year. Suzee and husband Ellis cruised through the Panama Canal recently. This is something the couple has wanted to do ever since Suzee’s parents sailed through the Canal many years ago.

Alice “Baynes” MacLea Hobbs writes: “Always good to hear from everyone; please send me news and pictures for the next issue. Also, pass the word around: Centenary Class of 1957 has yet to be beaten by other classes as they celebrate their 50th reunions in both attendance and giving. We have a GREAT class!”

1958 Gail Stitzer Burgess 2243 Callaway Drive The Villages, FL 32162 (352) 750-1371 DONGAIL10@comcast.net C. Joy Riddell 101 East McNab Road #210 Pompano Beach, FL 33060-9278 (954) 781-9315 joyriddell@gmail.com Cynthia Erickson Hellerman still manages to get around despite needing a walker at times. She and her husband plan to visit Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota this year. If the couple visits New Mexico and Hawaii, they will have completed visits to all 50 states. Helen Geyser Funnell and husband Neil spent Christmas with their family in Park City, Utah. The couple also celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2009. Helen also joined a group of Centenary alumni from the Hilton Head area for a luncheon at Wexford Country Club.

Debra Albanese HA ’04 from the Office of Strategic Advancement spoke to the group and reported on the progress of the David and Carol Lackland Center. Addie Russell Novaco and husband Stan celebrated their 50th anniversary with a wonderful cruise on Freedom of the Seas with their daughter, son and families.

Patricia Robinson Crowdis and husband Larry were relieved to learn that daughter Kelly, who is a veterinarian serving with the Christian Veterinary Mission

in Haiti, survived the recent earthquake.

Sandy Garrard Burdge writes: “On a sad note, Carol Comstock Meyers lost her husband of 33 years, Harry, earlier this month. She still works as a secretary at her church in Mahwah, N.J.” Gail Stitzer Burgess writes: “I am saddened to report that Sue Remington Moritz’s sister, Linda Remington ’62, died a few months ago after a long battle with cancer. Sue made several trips to California to be with her and was there the last few weeks of Linda’s life. We will be seeing Sue and Bob in February and are looking forward to the time together.”

Gail is also in touch with Barbara Bloom Young, and when Barbara LePori Parks visits New Jersey, the three friends have lunch together.

Susan Gordon Posner ’58, Edie Bolte Kutz ’42, Doris Meese ’50, Joy Riddell ’58 and Sandra Moody ’59 enjoyed the magnificent gardens at the popular Delray Sundy House last September. Joy writes: “We laughed, we ate, we drank the champagne, we told Centenary stories, we ate, we drank the champagne and we laughed some more. We decided it was too much fun not to share with other Centenary alums in our area. Come on, you Centenary ladies in South Florida; let’s get together for a bite, a sip and a laugh. Call Joy at (954) 784-4878 or joyriddell@gmail.com.”

Susan Gordon Posner ’58, Edie Bolte Kutz ’42, Doris Meese ’50, Joy Riddell ’58 and Sandra Moody ’59 at the Sundy House in Delray Beach, Fl.

1959 Thais McAleece Haines 1950 Hovsons Blvd.

Toms River, NJ 08753-1519 (732) 255-2772 thaishaines@gamil.com Doll Spach Siegel 10 Hartley Farms Road Morristown, NJ 07960-7045 (973) 236-9669 Ann Hufnagel Rafferty 249 Long Lane Upper Darby, PA 19082-4020 (610) 352-9516 araffert@adphila.org

Suzanne Engel Erie writes: “Earlier today I received the Memory Book for the Class of ’59. What a wonderful surprise ... I dropped everything and sat down to thoroughly read and enjoy each photo and message!

Thankfully, I remembered everyone and was amused at their activities and life stories.

Needless to say, I now wish I had taken the time to share a few notes about my own memories. In retrospect, my Centenary education was a stepping stone for many future endeavors and achievements, including a 35-year career as a medical secretary, PR research associate and eventually a senior executive assistant in the biotech industry.

Presently, I am not employed, but turning 70 in January will not stop me from finding yet another venture. I am married (almost 50 years), have a son and daughter and two wonderful granddaughters. My mother is 96 years old and I visit her almost everyday since she is close by to our home in Concord, Mass., where we have lived for the past 40 years.”

Doll Spach Siegel reports that 30 alumnae attended the Class of 1959 reunion last October 10, 2009. She writes: “We all had a wonderful time at our 50th reunion celebration! Classmates traveled from all over the country to be with us! I hope we can get together again soon.”

1960 Gail Sylvester Longstreth 239 Halemaumau Street Honolulu, HI 96821-2055 (808) 373-4490 robertlongstreth@yahoo.com

1961 Joyce Fierro Velzy 1253 NW Bentley Circle Apt. A Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (772) 873-9008 129 Stanwood Rd Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 (914) 666-5328 joyvelz@juno.com Jane Widden Ostheimer lives in Massachusetts where her grandchildren, ages 5, 3 and 1, keep her busy. She is very happy to have her family close by. Susie Pederson Lamberti writes: “I enjoy reading news from our classmates. Up until this past year, Bobbi Bidwell Gallagher and her husband used to come East each year and we would have a “mini-reunion” lunch in New Jersey. They didn’t make it this past year and I really missed seeing her.” Susie and her husband, Ralph, took the whole family (14!) on a Disney cruise last August.

She still rides her horse several times a week and plays golf when she can. Susie serves as Chairperson of the Northfield Bank Foundation and serves on the bank’s Board of Directors.

Centenary Legacy Alumnae inspire Mother’s Day Fund Among the many gifts Jill Morgenstein Ray, Ph.D., ’80 received from her mother, Naoma Muller Morgenstein ’48, was a love and appreciation for Centenary College.

Molly Power Balzer ’61, Sue Fippin Scattergood ’61, Betty Gilbert Murray ’61, Gail Donovan ’61 and Nancy Willoughby Charbonneau ’61 on vacation in North Carolina.

Mary Jean Schofield Treon had a great time with her family over the holidays, including her 8-, 6- and 4-year-old grandsons. “Each one got a different type of scooter, the oldest a ripstick, like I knew what that was! John and I are doing well and spent New Year’s on Long Beach Island.” Debbie Sisbower Lingwood writes that she and husband Elden are still able to keep up with the seasonal chores required to live in beautiful Maine. Elden continues to do volunteer work at Camp Sunshine, is involved with local lake quality programs and both are active in their church. Mary Nash spent a couple of weeks in Maine in August, attended her Class of ’59 50th reunion and in September, welcomed grandson number 6, Oscar. She writes, “Grandson Cameron, a golf buddy of mine, won his first golf tournament with a better score for nine holes than Grandma... and he is only 10! Most of all, I am lovin’ retirement!”

Five old friends from DuBois Hall reunited in October at Sue Fippin Scattergood’s vacation home at Holden Beach, N.C. Molly Power Balzer arrived from North Vancouver, Canada; Gail Donovan came from Davison, Mich.; Betty Gilbert Murray drove from Annandale, N.J.; and Nancy Willoughby Charbonneau came from Destin, Fla. Molly’s husband, George, volunteered at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in February, hosted by Vancouver, B.C. Molly also traveled to Anna Maria Island, Fla., in April, a trip that has become an annual event for her.

Last May, Missy Keely Bell, Joyce Fierro Velzy and two other classmates organized their 50th high school reunion.

Joyce’s husband, Bob, had eye surgery in mid-May and in June one of their sons was married. Joyce writes: “Unfortunately, there were complications with the surgery (not the wedding) and we stayed in New York longer than expected and were unable to connect with Jan Foster Underhill and her husband, Peter, on their annual trip to Florida.”

“I really loved attending Centenary and knowing that my mom had walked the same halls,” recalled Jill, a research biologist who has studied critical diseases from breast cancer to the HPV virus.

That experience inspired Jill to honor Naoma by making a gift to the Centenary Fund. She encourages other alumni to do the same with the establishment of the Centenary College Mother’s Day Fund.

A Biology major at Centenary, Jill credits Dr. Charles H. Dick, former President of Centenary, and Biology Professor Dr. Parrish for encouraging her to apply for and receive a full scholarship at Boston University. “Centenary gave me a great, gradual introduction into adulthood,” said Jill, who was active in student government and served as a resident assistant.

Naoma was delighted her daughter chose Centenary. “There had been so many changes on the campus that at first it was hard to realize that it was ‘my’ college, but the warmth was still there. I was most happy to see the growth that our daughter was experiencing, as I know I had.”

After graduating from Boston University, Jill went on to graduate school at University of Virginia and completed post-doctoral work at Stanford University and the National Institute of Health. She is currently Senior Manager, Manufacturing Sciences and Life Technologies, a biotechnology firm in northern California.

The Mother’s Day Fund provides support to students whose circumstances have changed and are faced with the possibility of not being able to finish college.

“My mom and I shared countless wonderful memories throughout my childhood that I will cherish forever,” added Jill. “Even though I was enrolled 30 years after her, I feel fortunate that we share this common experience.”

Jill Morgenstein Ray, Ph.D., ’80 (above); her mother Naoma Muller Morgenstein ’48 (right).

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Class news and notes Joyce also adds: “Many of you wrote about attending your 50th high school reunion in 2009, which means our 50th reunion from Centenary (that certainly must be a mistake!) will take place in 2011. Why not start thinking now about getting in touch and making plans with classmates to attend that milestone in our lives?“

1974 Valerie Coleman Moore 6 Meyer Pl. #2 Pompton Plains, NJ 07444-1804 (973) 839-0148 vcolemanmoore@yahoo.com

1975

1963 Janice Babcock Johnson 312 Fiedler Road Maple Glen, PA 19002-2714 (215) 628-3642 jjgolf@comcast.net

Linda Klebe Larsen ’68 and family.

1976

1964

Debra Ray Botbyl Dobbs 113 Maybrook Road Campbell Hall, NY 10916 (845) 427-5797 dbotbyl@hotmail.com

Carolyn James Harbourt 661 Hillcrest Blvd.

Phillipsburg, NJ 08865-1444 (908) 454-8979 cbharbourt@earthlink.net Laurie Kulp Gerhart 17806 Sorrel Ridge Spring, TX 77388

1965 Claire Kilpatrick Michlovitz 47 S. Curtisville Road Concord, NH 03301 foxpersonone@comcast.net

1966 Judith Loveman Noonan 24 River Glen Road Wellesley, MA 02181-1640 (781) 237-1483 judnoonan@aol.com

1967 Barbara Leighton Faulkner 6761 Pheasants Ridge Hudson, OH 44236-3265 (330) 653-6826 lauraleightondesigns@windstream.net

1968 Linda Klebe Larsen 15214 Brier Creek Drive Haymarket, VA 20169 (703) 753-6462 lklebelarsen@comcast.net Jean Anderson Webb 6559 Jay Miller Drive Falls Church, VA 22041-1134 (703)354-1725 jwebbelo@gmail.com Susan Dunlap Damos’ daughter, Michelle, married last June in Denver, Colo.

Susan and Michelle were so pleased to have Jean Anderson Webb and husband Don in attendance, as well as Nancy Farrington Novak’s older brother, Jack, and his wife, Marilyn.

26 The Centenarian

Ellyn Minor 47 Aubrey Road Montclair, NJ 07043 (973) 744-7763 ellyn.minor@smithsdetection.com

1977 L to R: Jean Anderson Webb ’68, Jack Farrington, Susan Dunlap Damos ’68 and Michelle Damos White.

1969 Elizabeth Braun Andreini 825 Ketch Drive #301 Naples, FL 34108-4183 (239‚ 262-3837 ebandreini@comcast.net

1970 Melinda Lord Martin 85 Windsor Road Kensington, CT 06037 (860) 225-0461 melinda1234@comcast.net

1971 Carol Swenson Tanzola 3009 Trout Run Road York, PA 17402-8952 (717) 755-3172 carol@jvtanzola.com

1972 Karen Clark Blane 1885 Penshurst Drive Collierville, TN 38017-9107 (901) 854-4779

1973 Gayle Manning Brown 9502 Liberty Tree Lane Vienna, VA 22182-3405 (703) 938-4169 Cynthia Johnson Dodd 704 Burning Tree Circle Salisbury, MD 21801-7002 (410) 543-1483 cdodd53@aol.com

Ellyn Minor 47 Aubrey Road Montclair, NJ 07043 (973) 744-7763 ellynminor@verizon.net Marion Doyle and some friends visited Nancy Willis Hueber and husband Rob at their home in the Outer Banks, N.C. While in “OBX,” the group decided to pursue their thirst for knowledge by taking a wine tasting class at the Wine University of the Outer Banks. The group reports: “We had a lot of fun and actually learned a few things about wine and how to pair it with different foods.

We were all successful in our graduation.”

1978 Nanci Marks Oakley 2718 Plymouth Drive Easton, PA 18045 (610) 258-3737 noakley@browndaub.com

1979 Susan Van Schelven Fischer 43 Princeton Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 (201) 670-6735 fdsrcd@optonline.net

1980 Miriam Santowasso Cash 1731 Clock Tower Drive West Chester, PA 19380-6473 (610) 692-0103 mimc@verizon.net Miriam Santowasso Cash hosted an alumni event at her home in West Chester, Pa. See Page 30.

1981

1986

Jennifer Brown MacKenzie 2 Birchwood Court Middlesex, NJ 08846-2073 (732) 469-8808 (home) jamdarlin2@aol.com

Laura Vitale Gambino 368 North Road Chester, NJ 07930-2327 (908) 879-9885

1982 Tracy Toole Shikada 9557 Baycliff Court Orlando, FL 32836-5758 (407) 876-8671

1983 Erica Hontz Hoffman 568 South Chiques Road Mannheim, PA 17545 (717) 898-8452 ejh826@verizon.net

1987 Anne Siebecker 5 Foxholl Lane Ringwood, NJ 07456 (973) 962-6118 amsrose@aol.com Lori Post Kelly 40 Scott Drive Hillsborough, NJ 08844 (908) 281-9103 ltkelly@patmedia.net

1988

Erica Hontz Hoffman will soon test for her first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

She is active with church and Collegerelated activities including the Chancel Choir, Contemporary Worship team, Adult Choir, Board of Christian Ed and Youth Task Force.

At Centenary, she is a member of the Alumni Association Executive Board and President’s Circle. Erica writes: “After nearly 23 years with the local independent telephone company, I am back on the job market. Not sure what the future will hold, but I’m checking out a few job offers and looking into the possibility of opening my own business. Jim and I also returned in December for the ’Tis the Season celebration (2009 was the 14th season) to play handbells and pull together an impromptu handbell choir from the student population that Rev. Dave Jones calls ‘The Miracle Handbell Choir.’ Hoping life is treating all of you well. Please send me any information of create an account on the College website and post notes directly. I am looking forward to hearing about your activities.”

Lisa Marinelli Winger 7 Edison Road Stewartsville, NJ 08886 (908) 859-2441 marinellil@verizon.net

1984

Sheila Zelskowski wrote from Iraq: “Hi everyone. Well, R&R was better than I could have dreamed. All the studying of Ancient Egypt does not compare to actually standing inside the Great Pyramid. Yes, we climbed the 82 meters up and in to the heart of the pyramid. That was a religious experience for me; I still get goose bumps thinking about it.

We saw 10 of the 14 temples along the Nile, by my rough count. Cairo traffic was insane; the Antiquities Museum is a warehouse of treasures! I have way too many pictures, and will post a few up on Flickr as I can, and save the rest for when we come home. We are back on our FOB, back to the daily routine. It is good to be back, experiencing the wind-down months of our deployment. 2010 will be here soon, heralding our return!” See story on Page 14.

Mary Sue Wines Lamb 9 Strathmore Road Freehold, NJ 07728-0061 (732) 294-0061 mswlamb@aol.com Katherine Godlewsky Bill 74 Harmony Station Road Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 (908) 859-6585

1985 Denise Sabasko Ciesla 6 Darby Circle West Mount Holly, NJ 08060-3269 (609) 261-7288 dsciesla@comcast.net

Lynn Richardson Mancil and husband Jim recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. Rhonda Rudy Brouse and husband Eric are married 20 years. The couple has two children, Autumn, who will attend Lock Haven University for a degree in Biology/Marine Biology, and son Ryan, who is in the third grade. Lisa Marinelli Winger is employed with the Warren Hill School District in Washington, N.J. She writes: “I will be married 10 years this September. Our son, Brandon, is 12 years old and is active in sports. Hope all is well with everyone. I would like to hear from more classmates for the next time.”

1989 Correspondent Position Open

Class Acts Centenary welcomes its first Athletic Hall of Famers Centenary College marked the 20th anniversary of coeducation and the genesis of its robust NCAA Division III athletic program with the induction of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class on January 30, 2010. The inaugural class included the late Catello “Cardy” Gemma, former Men’s Basketball coach and Director of Athletics, and the 1995 Men’s Soccer team.

Thirteen members, including coaches and former student-athletes from the 1995 championship team, attended the ceremony, as well as Gemma’s family members. “This was the first time I had been back to Centenary,” remarked Jean LaForest ’97, a former student-athlete on a squad of 17 that achieved the best record in the history of Centenary soccer.

A small-business owner from Palm Coast, Fla., and father of three, Jean said the team was honored to be a part of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class.

The 1995 Men’s Soccer team finished the season with a record of 17–3–1; the 17 victories remains the highest single-season win total in program history. The squad also captured the National Small College Athletic Association Championship that year, beating Michigan Christian College in a nail-biter that ended with a 3–1 victory.

“It was a shock for us to be recognized in this way,” said Jean, who remains an avid soccer player in an over-30 league. “There are a lot of great teams that played for the school. Hopefully more teams will be recognized in the future.”

“The Hall of Fame program is going to grow,” said Billie Jo Blackwell ’97/09, Director of Athletics. Nominations for the Athletics Hall of Fame are valid for five years and the Department of Athletics is accepting nominations for the 2011 class. For further information, visit centenarycollege.edu/athletics.

Director of Athletics Billie Jo Blackwell ’97/09 and Hall of Fame inductee Jean LaForest ’97.

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Class news and notes

Centenary Milestone Class of 1989 celebrates Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite Denise Gruber Cook ’89 had two very good reasons for attending Homecoming and Alumni Weekend 2009. Denise, along with many of her classmates, celebrated their 20th class reunion and congratulated one of their favorite professors and mentors, Dr. BarbaraJayne Lewthwaite, who became President of Centenary College last May. “She is a phenomenal person,” said Donna Anderson Furda ’89, who recalled taking an exam at Dr. Lewthwaite’s dining room table as an undergraduate. “I was taking too many classes and she offered to pick me up at school and feed me dinner. She was that caring and that willing to help out to not only be your professor, but your friend.”

Kim Feinberg DiBuono ’89 said the guidance and positive energy Dr. Lewthwaite offered as a member of the Business Department influenced her own decision to major in the subject “Her strength and honesty make her a great leader,” said Kim. “You look at her and think, ‘I want to be like that.’”

Many who attended Homecoming and Alumni Weekend believe the new President’s long tenure as a professor, administrator and academic leader will serve her well. “She has a lot of insight into the College and all of the changes it has experienced,” noted Denise. “We now have a lot of established alumni and a stellar athletics program. Yet even with these improvements, the College never lost sight of academics.”

Alumni who knew Dr. Lewthwaite as a teacher and mentor say her new leadership role has even inspired them to give back, said Anna Guzzi Camooso ’90: “Just as [Dr. Lewthwaite] helped us to succeed, we want to continue helping her succeed.”

First row: Denise Gruber Cook ’89, Barbara Ciccone-Sisco ’89 and Renee Holmes Prevot ’87. Second row: Donna Anderson Furda ’89 and Tracey Casale Olivieri ’89. Third row: Kim Feinberg DiBuono ’89, Anna Guzzi-Camooso ’90, Jaclyn Hvizdak Honer ’89 and Carlene Meixner Schiavo ’89. For more about Dr. Lewthwaite, see Pages 1–3.

28 The TheCentenarian Centenarian

1990

1999

Anna Guzzi Camooso 1715 Marconi Road Wall, NJ 07719-3919 (732) 280-9072 acamooso@centennialcorp.com

Laura A. Orbine (908) 996-7196 132 Tumble Idell Road Frenchtown, NJ 08825 lorbine@hotmail.com

1991

2000

Justine Steinfeld-Mahon 131 Bluebird Drive, Unit 4A Hillsborough, NJ 08844 (908) 874-5046 Jm1991cc@yahoo.com

Coleen Trentacosta (908) 276-5613 215 N. 22nd St. Kenilworth, NJ 07033 Yingyang252000@yahoo.com

1992

2001

Kristen McKitish 10 Quail Run Hackettstown, NJ 07840 (908) 240-6837 mckitishk@centenarycollege.edu

1994 Michelle Brennan Abbate 5 Windy Bush Lane Sparta, NJ 07871 (973) 729-8107 mcbrenn@hotmail.com

1995 Heather Bush Loven (973) 398-0691 216 Carentan Road Hopatcong, NJ 07843-1801 missmerlot1@yahoo.com Monique Grimme (908) 328-2376 507 Rt 46 Suite A Belvidere, NJ 07823 mgrimme@aol.com

Julia Kimball 23 Bayberry Lane South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 310-7091 (802) 951-1646 juliak@howardcenter.org

2002 Megan Kriger Baillie 2323 168th St. Surrey, BC V35 0A7 (604) 522-3024 megankriger@yahoo.com Jenelle Woodrup P.O. Box 2606 Clifton, NJ 07015 jenellewoodrup@hotmail.com Christopher Linne has been named the Criminal Justice program coordinator at Centenary College.

1996 Jennifer Cassini (908) 637-8658 194 Free Union Road Great Meadows, NJ 07838-2333 cassini@earthlink.net

Christopher Linne ’02

1997

2003

Margaret “Peggy” Gibbs Guay (508) 398-2505 844 Rt. 28 Apt. 5A South Yarmouth, MA 02664-5264 marbleandtoast@yahoo.com

Frances Hoare Licciardiello 935 Anderson Road Port Murray, NJ 07865 (908) 835-0451 presidentfrances@gmail.com

1998

Jeffrey Carter is the director of the Master of Leadership and Public Administration program at Centenary College. Frances Hoare Licciardiello writes: “Dear fellow classmates ... We’re starting a new year, a new decade, with a new president of Centenary College: Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite. Everything is brand new ahead of us so that means the skies are blue and the flowers are beautiful. What will we accomplish in the next 10 years? Set your goals high and go with the wind. Drop me

Merrilee McMurray 2413 Bridgetown Circle Sparks, NV 89436 (775) 626-2639 merrilee.m@hotmail.com

an e-mail, presidentfrances@gmail.com, and share your growth with us; we grow and learn from each other. I like to leave you with a ‘Thought for Today’ by Lerwill Christian Andersen: ‘Tread softly, and be ye slow to wrath, Ye may not chance again upon this path ... A smile, a kindly deed, a friendly clasp of hand; Let these bespeak thy love of fellowman.’”

Centenary Connections Alumni form Art Society When a group of Fine Arts graduates reunited for a holiday dinner in 2007, they realized something was missing — mainly the feedback and support they gave one another as undergraduates. “Each of us were working in a vacuum on our art without input from one another,” explained Lindsey Winkler ’07.

Shortly afterward, the Centenary College Alumni Art Society was born and six alumni artists began painting together in the College’s art studios. According to Lindsey, who serves as Allison Doatch ’07 co-chair of the group, the regular painting sessions created a forum for “an exchange of ideas and constructive criticism that helps your art along.”

Since forming two years ago, the Alumni Art Society has organized three group exhibitions including the “Viewer’s Choice” Art Alumni Awards Exhibition that was shown at Centenary College last winter. The works presented impressed many, including the graduates’ former Professor of Fine Arts, Carol Yoshimine.

Harmony Summerdawn Rose ’03

and Jeremy Leigh Rush were married on August 29, 2009.

2004

“These alumni have been particularly devoted to Centenary College and to each other,” said Professor Yoshimine. “They are doing some remarkable work, while balancing the rigors of personal and professional responsibilities. I am particularly impressed with their growth, maturity and artistic development.”

Natasha “Tasha” McMaster P.O. Box 87 Allamuchy, NJ 07820 (908) 208-6729 chachagirl333@msn.com

2005

Members say they are committed to presenting the art exhibition annually and hope to see more Fine Arts alumni participate.

“We all inspire each other and motivate each other,” said Alumni Art Society Co-Chair Donco Tolomanoski ’07, who is completing internships at Maggie Norris Couture and Paul & Shark USA, Inc. “We are all friends that graduated together and still have conversations and talk about everything that pertains to art.”

Jillian D’Alessio 418 W. Washington St. Slatington, PA 18080 (908) 727-3266 Jillybeans82@yahoo.com

Alumni Art Society members (left to right): Allison Doatch ’07, Lindsey Winkler ’07, Alissa Walgren ’09, Donco Tolomanoski ’07, Jessica Keeler Doerrer ’93 and Maureen Zeglen ’07.

Kathleen “Kat“ Tirrell Ernst gave birth to Audrey Elizabeth after spending most of June 13 in labor at the Edward W. Seay Administration Building.

Discover Ireland Centenary College Alumni Tour September 15–24, 2010 Deadline: June 30

Kathleen “Kat” Tirrell Ernst

and Audrey Elizabeth Ernst.

2006 Alicia Miller 5 Red Maple Road New Egypt, NJ 08533 (609) 758-0664 aamiller9@aol.com Well wishes for a Happy New Year to all from the class of 2006. Alicia Miller asks if anyone has any news, please e-mail her.

2007 – 2010

Discover the Emerald Isle on a special 10 day/9 night exploration of some of Ireland’s most fascinating sites including Galway, Killarney and Dublin.

Enjoy breathtaking destinations and historical locations.

For further details, including reservations and pricing, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Deana Cynar at cynard@centenarycollege.edu or call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2250.

Correspondent Positions Open The Centenarian 29

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Class news and notes

Class of 1960: 50th Anniversary Reunion

Save the Date: October 8 –10, 2010 Homecoming and Alumni Weekend Class years ending in ’0 and ’5 are celebrating reunions Visit the new David and Carol Lackland Center plus Campus Tours • Theater • Golf Outing • Alumni Brunch and more!

For further information, visit alumni.centenarycollege.edu.

On the Road with Centenary College Alumni had the opportunity to meet Centenary College’s new president, Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, and learn all about the progress of their alma mater at regional events held in Washington, D.C., West Chester, Pa., and Florida during early 2010.

Vero Beach, Fl.: (left to right) Dorothy “Doll” Spach Siegel ’59, Orin R. Smith ’91 HA, Mrs. Arthur Van Winkle ’08 HA, hostess of the Boca Raton event, Nancy “Nan” Briwa Veeder ’46 and Meredith “Med” Post Van Pelt ’32.

West Chester, Pa.: Alumna Miriam Santowasso Cash ’80 (front row, fourth from the left) hosted an alumni reception in her home on February 4, 2010.

30 The Centenarian

Washington, D.C.: U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance ’01 HA (left), a former College Trustee, hosted an alumni reception at the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, D.C., on February 3, 2010.

He is pictured with College President Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite.

Our prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of the following:

In Memoriam

Lois V. Barnes Angell ’45

6/21/09

Edith A. Bogert Blackwell ’43

1/27/09

Leaving a Legacy

Martha S. Darling Brennesholtz ’33

7/29/09

Eleanor C. Raynor Burns ’33

7/15/09

Yvonne B. Folkner Canfield ’55

1/17/10

Music lover. Devoted daughter and wife. Proud alumna of Centenary College is how many remember Yvonne B. Folkner Canfield ’55, who passed away peacefully on January 17, 2010, at the age of 74.

Born on November 4, 1935 in Easton, Pa., Yvonne was the daughter of the late Frank J. and Thelma Creveling Folkner and the wife of the late Robert C. Canfield.

She lived most of her life in Buttzville, N.J., serving as a Yvonne Folkner Canfield ’55 postal clerk at the Buttzville Post Office and an organist at the Buttzville United Methodist Church. An active participant in community life, Yvonne was a member of the Peggy Warne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and taught piano to many students in the area.

Jayne Olmsted Christie ’68

12/23/08

Rick M. Clendaniel ’92

7/15/09

Suzanne M. Depeppo ’96

12/22/09

Elizabeth Rose Dirkes ’50

3/6/10

Jean M. Botkin Duncan ’54

9/23/09

Sarah Adams Ellis ’48

9/25/05

Edna T. Thomson Eyre ’40

6/3/09

Patricia J. Schisler Felcin ’76

7/15/09

Nancy K. Kinder Forker ’57

6/20/09

Judy Smith Gallagher ’55

12/4/08

Jean E. Stickel Garrity ’45

4/29/09

At Centenary College, Yvonne’s legacy will be felt by generations of Centenarians to come. In 2005, the alumna and her mother, Thelma C. Folkner, directed a major gift to The Campaign for Centenary College that made the Folkner Family Gymnasium in the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center possible. The Folkners’ generosity has increased the quality of NCAA Division III athletics at Centenary College and provided a venue for a host of major events, from January Commencement to the President’s Ball.

Joanne Ferry Gates ’87 HA

2/25/10

Mary Dryfoos Goldsmith ’42

1/12/09

Jane G. Towers Gowing ’48

9/17/09

Jean W. Whitney Groo ’42

5/17/09

Edith V. Smith Hays ’44

8/27/09

Helen P. Huntley Hedden ’55

7/27/09

A constant companion to her mother, Yvonne credited Thelma for her tenacity and unconditional support. During her senior year at Centenary, Yvonne fell ill and returned to Buttzville to recuperate. With Thelma’s help, she recovered and was able to graduate with the Class of 1955.

Ruth Ann Stamato Kilpatrick ’79 3/9/10

Cousins Sheila Creveling and Helen Marie Creveling survive Yvonne.

Joanne Ferry Gates ’87 HA, a former member of the Board of Trustees at Centenary College, passed away on February 25, 2010. Gates served as a Trustee from 1968 to 1986. She was the third member of her family to serve on the Centenary board, following her father, Joseph R. Ferry, a Trustee from 1948 to 1976, and her grandfather, George J. Ferry, one of the College’s founding fathers and a Trustee from 1872 to 1911. A gift from her family funds the annual Gates-Ferry Distinguished Visiting Lectureship.

A graduate of Connecticut College, Gates married Richard Gates in 1946, raised a family and then returned to Saint Joseph’s College in West Hartford, Conn., to earn a master’s degree in counseling. An active volunteer with a number of worthwhile organizations, Centenary awarded Gates an honorary doctorate degree in 1987. She was also named one of the College’s first 125 Distinguished Alumni in 1992.

In addition to her husband of 64 years, Gates is survived by Pamela Gates Wright ’69, as well as three other daughters, Suzanne Gates, Cynthia Gates Grosch, and Rebecca Gates Thomas, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Adele B. Barthold Kaczynski ’53 10/7/09 Arlene H. Hale Kay ’58

1/13/10

Mary E. Minster Littleton ’49

2/2/10

Jan Van Sickle Matthews ’43

4/7/09

Elizabeth C. Hall McGoldrick ’51 2/1/10 Jane Salkind McLaughlin ’56 Victoria J. Brouwer McNeil ’54 Edna Avera Murdock ’52

5/4/09 6/24/09 8/7/09

Elizabeth C. Barnes Noble ’45

12/16/09

Doris Perkins Read ’39

3/19/10

Evelyn Gilbert Reed ’64

1/27/09

Linda Remington ’62

7/12/09

Clare T. Tully Rosamond ’57 Ann L. Landis Russell ’55 Linda J. Ryan ’97

8/5/09 5/28/09 1/4/10

Diane S. Mellon Sauereisen ’57 1/19/09 Nancy L. Steele Scudder ’53

7/8/09

Nancy J. Strouse Smith ’47

6/3/09

Evelyn J. Binder Stackhouse ’56 10/15/09 Alice Altheimer Strauss ’52

2/8/10

Sally Amidon Taylor ’52

9/24/09

Charlotte “Carol” Chianese Van Duyne ’54

2/20/10

Joan Sherry Vliet ’48

2/16/09

The Centenarian 31

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The Last WORD by, interested in purchasing the home. Red had to get back to his wife and that was the last we saw of him. When I moved here, I went back to the area to try and find him, but the house had been demolished. To this day, I can still see Red in that rocking chair.

When we left Louisiana, I was so sad. There were so many people who needed help and it felt like I was abandoning them in their time of need. After graduating from Centenary in May 2006, I returned with my daughter and her two friends to volunteer through the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

The one week we planned became two weeks.

Coming Home to Louisiana

By Julie House ’06

“What kept bringing me back? I thought the people of Louisiana had been forgotten.”

Julie House ’06

I went to Louisiana in 2006 as part of the first Centenary College Katrina Relief Project to hopefully touch and maybe change the lives of people who had been through a terrible disaster. That trip ended up touching and changing my own life.

What kept bringing me back? I thought the people in Louisiana had been forgotten. And I grew so close to the people here, even though they were strangers. They cherish family, togetherness and true friendship. I felt so at home and always felt this need to go back and help.

I was 12 years old when Hurricane Agnes struck Pennsylvania in 1972. We lost ... everything. It was heartbreaking to lose all your possessions, but the thing I remember most were the people who came to help. They came, they helped and then they left without us ever knowing who they were.

My son, Dayton, who also attends Centenary, thought I was crazy. But after making trips down here to visit and volunteering with the ongoing Centenary Relief Project, he understands why I moved here and will be joining me after his

So when my Criminal Justice professor, Norm Cetuk, said he wanted to do something for the people of the Gulf Coast, I was immediately on board. I traveled all over New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania collecting donations. We had two U-Haul trucks and my daughter, Christina, who was also a Centenary student at that time, and two friends drove 26 hours straight to reach New Orleans.

I can still recall every family we helped. But the one who stood out in my mind and heart was an elderly man named Red. When our crew pulled up to his home, he was sitting in the driveway in a rocking chair. He was 72 years old and had to come up with six months of back mortgage. He was trying to sell his house for a mere $40,000 so the bank would not repossess it, and while we were carrying out this man’s ruined possessions, a couple came 32 32 The Centenarian The Centenarian

Then I began bringing groups down to help with reconstruction through a Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

graduation in May. My daughter relocated to Louisiana before me, and is married and living nearby.

I love my life here. From my job, to my family and friends, to volunteering as a wish granter for the Make a Wish Foundation, I am very happy. One thing I learned from this experience is to never be afraid to take a chance. Even if it seems like a wild idea, you never know unless you try. I did not begin college until I was 41 years old and my experience at Centenary was so wonderful. It changed my life. I give thanks every day to God for giving me an amazing life and for all that I have.

Julie House ’06 moved to Louisiana in March 2008 and now works as a juvenile probation officer for Jefferson Parish Juvenile Services. She is also mother to Dayton House ’10, Christina House and Fred House.

Centenary College board of Trustees

Charitable Gift Annuities

A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between you and Centenary College that offers a tax-advantaged way to provide for income during retirement.

In the future, your gift provides support for Centenary’s mission.

Benefits • Steady, guaranteed lifetime payments, backed by the assets of the College • Charitable income tax deduction • Avoidance of capital gains tax • Savings on gift and estate taxes • Future support for Centenary College

Guidelines • Minimum gift of $5,000 • Payments can begin at age 65 or later • Can be funded with cash or securities

Gift Annuity Rates Income rates are based on your age or the age(s) of your beneficiary(ies) when quarterly payments begin. Effective July 1, 2010.

Donor makes a gift today at current age(s)…

65 70 75 80 85

…and annuity* begins immediately at this rate:

5.5 5.8 6.4 7.2 8.1

* based on rates approved by the American Council on Gift Annuities.

Request a Personal Gift Illustration. Please contact us at (908) 852-1400, ext. 2387.

Arden Davis Melick ’60/01 HA Chairman Kenneth L. Hahn 1st Vice Chairman Norman Worth 2nd Vice Chairman Lucinda Thomas Embersits ’59 Secretary Alan J. Shaw Treasurer Ellen Banks ’93 The Hon. Howard Burrell Stanley Caine Margot Nelson Carey ’55 Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar Tilly-Jo Emerson Rochelle A. Makela-Goodman ’97 Peter Gorry Wolfgang Gstattenbauer ’84

It’s all happening online at

alumni.centenarycollege.edu

Michael Halpin David W. Johnson David A. Lackland ’10 HA The Hon. George D. Muller

Reconnect

by submitting and reading Class Notes online.

Stay Informed

with the latest news on Alumni and College happenings.

Catch up

with friends and classmates on online discussion boards.

Raymond Nisivoccia Denis Hennessey O’Rourke Wallace P. Parker, Jr. Jim Salerno M. Alden Siegel Orin R. Smith ’91 HA Timothy L. Smith James D. Stryker Christopher Treanor Linda Van Winkle Watkins ’62 TRUSTEES EMERITUS Harris F. Smith ’99 HA Earle T. Holsapple, Jr. ’99 HA Dr. Hae-Jong Kim

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Centenary is a Vital Part of Our Community

400 Jefferson Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840 (908) 852-1400 www.centenarycollege.edu alumni.centenarycollege.edu

Skylands Community Bank is very supportive of organizations and businesses that provide a service and make a difference to people in our communities. We are proud to support Centenary College, which we feel is a fine example of these partnerships and is such a vital part of this community.

Maria DiGiovanni Senior Vice President, Skylands Community Bank Corporations like Skylands Community Bank are making a real difference at Centenary College. Their numerous and generous gifts to the College ensure that future generations of Centenary students benefit from the best educational experience possible. Find out how you can make a difference by contacting the Office of Strategic Advancement at (908) 852-1400, ext. 2379, or visit alumni.centenarycollege.edu.