Horizons - Winter 2015

The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Delaware Valley University

winter 2015

Precarious Alliance Robert F. Kennedy Jr. headlines DelVal’s sustainability conference

DelVal expands graduate programs

DelVal recognized for its top MBA program GoGrad named DelVal to a list of schools offering the “Best Online MBA Programs”

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Contents 5

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. headlines DelVal’s “Land and the American Dream” conference 18

cover story President to retire

12

2015 Homecoming

DelVal hosted “Land and the American Dream,” the fourth installment in the Precarious Alliance series Oct. 14 through Oct. 16.

New summer programs allow kids to explore multiple interest areas Page 18

Page 14

graduate program

expansion

Enhancing Skills with Educational Leadership.......8 Teaching and Learning Faculty Spotlight...............9 Preparing Leaders...................................................9

Page 21

Policy Studies’ First Year Success........................10 DelVal’s New Graduate Clinical Coordinator .............................................10 Bullying Prevention Program................................11

ATHLETICS Rasheed Bailey ’15............................... 20 Baseball................................................ 20 Track..................................................... 21 Golf....................................................... 21

16 Photography Contest

First Place Winners

New electives for grad students Crisis Communications and Cybersecurity for Managers Page 7 W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 3

President’s Letter

It was always my intention to leave something of value behind.

From the moment I first walked on campus, I knew that this small but proud college possessed the spirit and desire to be something greater than it was perceived to be. I didn’t have all the answers, or even my own vision, but after meeting and talking with students, staff and faculty, I was confident that by working together we could develop a clear path toward that goal – a shared vision.

In the last nine years as president, the wonderful collaboration that is the DelVal family brought about a level of status and recognition worthy of Rabbi Krauskopf and his noble mission.

A basic checklist shows that an enormous amount was accomplished and that improvements and enhancements reached all corners of the campus. But three words do an even better job of summing up our progress:

Delaware Valley University.

Behind that new name, unstated, but unmistakably apparent, is the dedication, labor, loyalty, love and professionalism that characterize the new DelVal. There is no question that our special place in higher education has been affirmed and acknowledged, and that it could not have been accomplished without our shared vision.

I’ve been told by one of our trustees that success can only be achieved when people begin to think differently. Another trustee advised me early on that a business or institution withers and dies if it does not innovate. I can say with confidence that across a wide spectrum, we are thinking in new and exciting ways, and we are adapting and evolving. This, I’m convinced, will lead us successfully into the future.

In the next few months, my efforts will remain as focused as ever. There are a multitude of projects and proposals pending that will keep transforming DelVal. The “Realizing the Vision” campaign, with gifts surpassing $53 million, will continue until the end of the fiscal year. Meanwhile, preparations are being made for the 2019 launch of a physician assistant master. With an eye toward the next generation, work continues on a campus master plan. And there is so much more.

Many of you know from my announcement last July that as of August 2016, I will be retiring from my full-time career in higher education. I leave at a time when our institution is in solid shape and stability and continuity can be expected. A new president will be at the helm by the summer of 2016.

Editor-in-chief Laurie Ward

managing editor Annmarie Ely

Contributing Writers Matt Levy Madison Moore ’15

Art Direction Sarah Boyle

Design Tricia Kessler

Photography Allure West Studios Sarah Boyle Tricia Kessler Matt Levy

Send Class Notes to Delaware Valley University Office of Marketing and Communications 700 East Butler Avenue Doylestown, PA 18901 Ph: 215.489.6367 horizons@delval.edu

POSTMASTER Address changes to Delaware Valley University Office of Institutional Advancement 700 East Butler Avenue Doylestown, PA 18901 instadv@delval.edu Horizons is published two times a year for Delaware Valley University alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty and staff by the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Copyright ©2015 Delaware Valley University.

Periodicals postage paid at Southeastern, PA and at additional mailing offices.

On a personal level, the time also is right.

What I’d like everyone to know is that being the president of DelVal has been the high point of my career. I owe a strong debt of gratitude to all those who have been part of the last nine years. I thank you with all my heart. Nothing of any significance would have been accomplished without you. I won’t forget you. The memories I have are lasting ones.

There will be plenty of time to say goodbye. I’ll postpone all that until the summer. The time now will be better spent listening to those who think creatively and incorporating their ideas into a framework that continues to strengthen a university of promise, aspiration and achievement.

Joseph S. Brosnan, President 4

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We want to hear from you!

Letters are subject to editing for space, style, clarity and civility. To submit letters to the editor, email horizons@delval.edu, or mail a letter to:

Managing Editor Horizons Office of Marketing and Communications Delaware Valley University 700 East Butler Avenue Doylestown, PA 18901

President Brosnan to retire Delaware Valley University President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan will retire from his full-time career in higher education Aug. 31, 2016.

During his presidency, Dr. Brosnan led DelVal through a broad-based strategic planning process, which resulted in many significant outcomes, including the institution achieving university. DelVal was also reaffirmed for its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2013. Graduate studies also expanded under his leadership to include six master’s degrees and a new doctoral program in higher education. DelVal also received provisional approval for a physician assistant program. The University anticipates matriculating its first class in July 2019.

Board chair Susan B. Ward ’80, M.D. praised Brosnan’s leadership by stating, “Dr. Brosnan’s vision and collaborative leadership style have led DelVal to become a university and a stronger institution…The Board and I are grateful for his continued leadership and his dedication to DelVal and each of our students.”

Dr. Brosnan’s leadership and expertise in the area of philanthropy have enabled DelVal to more than double the size of its endowment. The Realizing the Vision campaign, which will conclude in 2016, has surpassed its $50 million goal. As part of the largest comprehensive campaign in DelVal’s history, Dr. Brosnan secured the lead gift of more than $30 million from the Warwick Foundation, which included the 398-acre Gemmill property.

Despite significant declines in the number of college-age students, DelVal’s new student, undergraduate enrollment was at a 17-year high last year; similar results are expected in 2016. Enrollment partnerships have been formed and strengthened with many community colleges. Dr. Brosnan has also enhanced DelVal’s study abroad opportunities through stronger relationships with universities in Poland, the United Kingdom and Belgium.

In February 2015, the University entered into a partnership with Pearl S. Buck International to recruit degree-seeking undergraduate students from Asia.

While graduate programs have expanded, undergraduate programs have also improved.

A recent $1 million gift from Kate Littlefield, a director of the Scotts Miracle-Gro

Company, has led to the creation of the Institute for Biotechnology and Hydroponics.

A student research course has been developed and has received annual funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb. Majors in counseling psychology and sustainable agriculture, along with concentrations in areas such as forensic science have strengthened and diversified the academic offerings.

Experience360, DelVal’s experiential learning program, is the defining characteristic of DelVal’s undergraduate programs, consistent with the institution’s founding principle of “science with practice.”

The Life Sciences Building, DelVal’s new signature academic building, opened for classes in January 2014. The new Lipinski Field, given by trustee Robert Lipinski ’80, allowed DelVal to add men’s and women’s lacrosse. Dr. Brosnan also secured a lead gift enabling the construction of new tennis courts and the addition of men’s and women’s varsity tennis.

Culture and Diversity shifted the culture on campus and engaged the community around the issues of diversity and inclusion.

Based on the teachings and writings of Dr. Krauskopf, six core values for DelVal were officially adopted in 2010. DelVal’s commitment to military students has been a key aspect of student life. The establishment of the Military Scholars for America program, the creation of the Janet Manion Military and Veterans Center and the University’s participation in the Federal Yellow Ribbon Program reflect DelVal’s commitment to serving military members, veterans and their families.

As of July 2016, Dr. Brosnan’s 46-year career has included a combined 14 years as

Dr. Brosnan led DelVal’s efforts to create the Precarious Alliance, a series of symposia, which Dr. Brosnan with his wife, Carla, at the university status celebration. brings together experts president of Delaware Valley University to discuss issues of how human networks and Belmont Abbey College. He has also and environmental systems interact. The served in senior leadership roles at Teachers topics of global water supply, food, energy College, Columbia University, St. Bonavenand land have been debated and explored by ture University, and the State University of industry leaders, nonprofit and government officials, and concerned citizens at the events. New York at Potsdam. Dr. Brosnan earned his bachelor’s degree from Marist College These programs reflect DelVal’s commitment and his master’s degree and doctorate from as a “neutral convener” on issues, a pattern, the University of Albany. After he retires which was established by the founder from the position of president in August, Dr. Dr. Joseph Krauskopf.

Brosnan will consult part-time for the Dr. Brosnan’s presidency has centered on University and will teach in the doctoral improving the student experience at DelVal. program in higher education.

He indicated that he “is most proud” of the Later in summer 2015, a national search work that has been done to foster a climate will begin for DelVal’s next president. of inclusiveness. The Committee on Race,

The next issue of Horizons will provide a look back at Dr. Joseph Brosnan’s career with DelVal. For a more in-depth look at Dr. Brosnan’s impact on the University, be sure to check out the upcoming issue of Horizons.

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The growth of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies has been a strategic initiative since the institution set its course to become a university.

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

The decision to pursue or continue a graduate program is not one to be taken lightly, and so we wanted to create a graduate school that fit into the schedule of busy, working adults. Convenience of location. Small class size.

Accelerated programs. But more than that, we wanted to focus on the practical, in addition to the theoretical, making the education students receive relevant in today’s work force. Graduate classes are taught by people working in the fields in which they’re teaching. Guest lecturers in class feature industry leaders and subject-matter experts. And events like last summer’s Leadership Symposium and the recent talk by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Precarious Alliance provide students with opportunities for crossdisciplinary discussion and debate. In this issue, you’ll meet a local school principal who is pursuing his doctoral degree and the staff member who matches counseling psychology students with their practicum and internship experiences; you’ll learn how we’re involved in the fight against bullying and how our first graduating class in policy studies is doing; and you’ll read about the very timely and relevant topics being added to the MBA program.

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graduate program expansion

New electives for graduate students Delaware Valley University’s MBA program is offering two new courses for students.

The featured electives are offered most

determining key

terms and can be used as electives in the

audiences, under-

MBA program or, taken by visiting stu-

standing framing

dents as stand-alone professional develop-

and developing

ment experiences. DelVal welcomes ideas

key messages, the

from students and community members

changing social

regarding featured electives they would

media landscape,

like to see as part of the program.

averting and recov-

To learn more, visit: delval.edu/grad.

ering from crises,

Crisis Communications From Deflategate to the BP oil spill to Target’s information security breach,

evaluating results and dealing with

“ The MBA program at DelVal focuses on bringing in topics that are interesting, timely and important to business leaders,” said MBA Program Director Kristi Ringen. “The new courses in Crisis Communications and Cyber Security for Managers, are going to provide our MBA students with valuable knowledge and experience that they can apply right away in the business world.”

the media.

organizations deal with communicating

Cybersecurity for Managers

before, during and after events that can

Do you speak, “Cyber Security?” The

threaten their future success. Whether it’s an issue that gains national attention or a negative post on social media, how business leaders leverage communications throughout the process can spell the difference between the life and death of their brand, reputation and organization.

In Crisis Communications, students will learn the evolution of crisis communications, steps to avert a future crisis, and how to create internal and external com-

for additional information.

constantly, and quickly. Stolen electronic records lead to the most lucrative crimes these days for cyber thieves. Students will receive both on-site and online instruction focused on cyber security of digital devices and media, such as: computers and other network components, smartphones, tablets, servers, cloud-based systems and email.

Students will use case studies from

organizations of all sizes in the changing

current businesses to analyze human er-

media landscape. Topics include: defining

rors and technology failures, and show

crisis communication, how it evolved, why

how they could have been minimized or

companies need it (costs to reputation, in

prevented.

dollars, to shareholder value), determin-

Students will complete this course with

key steps in a crisis communication plan,

data breaches, and numerous resources

real world of technology is changing

munication plans that are adaptable for

ing strategy and who should respond,

tion methods for network intrusions and

an up-to-date understanding of cyber security terminology, causes and prevenW I N T E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 7

graduate program expansion

High School Principal enhances skills at DelVal Todd Bauer is in his second year at DelVal, part of the inaugural cohort in the University’s Doctor of Education program, and has already gained benefits from the program. The North Penn High School principal is “certain that this program made me more marketable throughout the hiring process.”

Ed. D.

On the job now for almost six months, Bauer is using course content like critical thinking skills into his everyday work life.

“We are learning, and I am applying, conflict resolution strategies that are not just about words, but also mannerisms and body

to be completed with 60 credits in three years.

Courses are delivered in a hybrid model and designed with full-time teachers and adminStarting his second of three years, Bauer antic- istrators in mind, meeting every other weekend – Friday evenings and all day Saturday – in the ipates earning his degree in educational leadfall, spring and summer semesters.Dr. N. Robert ership with a letter of K-12 superintendency in Laws, the director of the doctoral program, late summer 2017. The program is designed believes the cohort model gives students “ We are learning, and I am applying, conflict resolution a trusted strategies that are not just about words, but also mannerisms group of coland body language. It’s so important in times of crisis to keep leagues to test their ideas. the vision and mission of the institution at the forefront.” language. It’s so important in times of crisis to keep the vision and mission of the institution at the forefront,” he said.

“I am certain because of the quality of students, they are learning as much from each other as they are from books, class and professors. We are creating practitioners as an authentic environment as we can create,” Laws said.

The cohort model is set up to encourage networking and relationship building. “We are in this together.

Acquaintances and colleagues have become good friends. We rely on each other for personal and professional guidance,” Bauer said.

His choice of DelVal was multifaceted— proximity to home and work, price, the cohort model and the dynamics of the weekend format.

“This program has given me the ability to see things through a larger lens and a better understanding to run my school, not just manage.”

Dr. Laws said that’s the DelVal difference in this program. It focuses on leadership, where others focus more on management.

“Management gets the job done for the day, leadership gets it done for the long haul,” Dr. Laws said. “I have to assume that my students are good managers; my job is to teach them to be leaders.”

Bauer said, “Leaders develop other leaders, not followers. This program has helped me to develop the capacity in others to be leaders, not just do what I want them to do.”

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graduate program expansion

Office Hours: M.S. in Teaching and Learning faculty spotlight For Jill Schweizer, educational leadership is student-centered with the goal of striving to have each person believe they are capable and valued. This, along with her passion for helping kids and shaping those who work with them, has been recognized throughout the community, and specifically, the DelVal campus.

M.S. Ed.

Schweizer teaches several courses at DelVal, and was recognized for her success as an educator in the Master of Science program in teaching and learning. The courses she teaches include: Teaching and Supervising Diverse Student Populations, The Special Needs Student, and Technology and Universal Design for Special Education Students.

She said that a course like “Supervision of Diverse Groups and Student Populations” is important for those in the M.S. in teaching and learning because “all school leaders need to be aware of the scope of diversity they will be working with in students, families and among their staff.”

“Knowing the history, the law, the political field and the resources for each of these will make for a stronger leader,” said Schweizer.

“ I love the diversity of teaching staff, mixing adjunct professors, working in the field with those in higher education.”

Schweizer has been in the field of education for the past 22 years. She holds an undergraduate degree in elementary and special education and a master’s degree in school and agency counseling, as well as a master’s in educational leadership. Additionally, she has a special education supervision certificate and significant coursework in the field of autism and behavioral support.

She said her career experience is “pretty diverse.” She has been a special education

by Madison Moore ’15

teacher, a general education teacher, a school counselor and currently, she is a supervisor of special education for Central Bucks School District. She also supervises the speech therapist for the District, as well as the extended school year program.

At DelVal, she said she has loved each group of students she teaches, commenting on how they are eager to learn. She said the graduate students she works with at DelVal are “true professionals.”

“I love the diversity of teaching staff, mixing adjunct professors, working in the field with those in higher education,” said Schweizer.

When she isn’t trying to shape the lives of students, she enjoys spending time with her family, as well as cooking and gardening.

“I am blessed to have many friends that I feel honored to spend time with in travel, the arts, and just enjoying each other’s company,” said Schweizer.

Becoming a leader from a DelVal education

by Madison Moore ’15

Professional advancement and confidence in his ability to lead a school district are things Christopher Wolfel ’17 plans on gaining from being a part of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program at Delaware Valley University.

Ed. D.

Wolfel is currently the director of special education at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, which provides programs and services to children, especially those with special needs. Supporting students and families is one of Wolfel’s passions.

He said that his experience at DelVal has already led to positive results with his students, families and staff in his current position. Wolfel said that seeing students and their families feel more successful, including his staff, is all the reward he needs. “[I’ve been given] immediate tools that can be implemented in our schools and programs to improve the quality of education we provide,” said Wolfel.

So far, his favorite part about the program has been the flexibility and responsiveness of the University in working with his cohort. He said the faculty is “amazing,” and they provide the cohort with “expert knowledge.”

“The professors’ knowledge, teaching and guidance have provided me with immediate learning and practices that I can embed into my work leading to student achievement.”

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graduate program expansion

Employers hired 100 percent of the policy studies program’s first graduating class All of the members of Delaware Valley based master’s thesis. Specializations include: University’s first graduating class from its community and international development, master’s degree program in food and agriculture and policy studies were hired sustainability and environless than two months after ment. The program’s first graduating. The 36-credit two graduates will be appolicy studies program plying the knowledge and was added in 2013 as experience they gained in part of DelVal’s move the Master of Arts in Policy toward university status.

Studies program in the It was designed to help surrounding community. shape students who want Autumn Canfield B.S. ’13, to make a difference into M.A. ’15 was hired as leaders capable of offering special projects coordinator solutions to pressing probfor Doylestown Townlems in communities and ship after completing an industries. Students choose Autumn Canfield B.S. ’13, M.A. ’15 was internship in the spring hired as special projects coordinator for either a practical capstone 2015 semester.

Doylestown Township. internship or a research-

Meet Chris Walter As clinical coordinator, Chris Walter, LPC, helps connect DelVal’s graduate counseling psychology students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings. He also teaches the practicum course and has a local private counseling practice.

1. W here are DelVal’s graduate students working and in what kinds of roles?

The University is affiliated with a large and growing list of employers. Part of my job is reaching out and exploring the possibility of professional affiliation (between the graduate counseling program and employers for the possibility of student practicum and internship experiences). DelVal students are interning for employers such as: the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Child Guidance Resource Center, Foundations Behavioral Health, Lenape Valley Foundation, the Network of Victims Assistance, Project Transition, JEVS Human Services and Jewish Family Services.

They are student interns, which can be looked at as counselors-in-training. They are supervised by professionals in the field and primarily deliver counseling services for individuals, groups and families. Additionally, receive training, learn case management skills, and learn how the counseling field works.

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Maggie Villari B.A. ’13, M.A. ’15 was hired as the development and communications coordinator at Saved Me, a nonprofit shelter in Philadelphia that saves animals from kill-shelters and also from owners who don’t care for them properly. As development and communications coordinator, she is responsible for creating and managing fundraising appeals, grant writing and managing donor information.

“I want to be in a place of power and credibility to project my passion to a wide audience, to show—and not force—people how to treat all living things with the respect and value they deserve,” said Maggie Villari B.A. ’13, M.A. ’15. “DelVal gave me the ability to apply what I learned in the degree to a career in animal activism.”

DelVal’s graduate clinical coordinator 2. Why did you want to serve in the role of clinical coordinator?

This was an opportunity to see another side of the field. One of the things I really like is, being able to help students understand their experiences as absolutely reflective of what is happening in the field. They can share experiences - and I may share some of my own - which helps them further develop as professionals.

3. How does DelVal help place students and facilitate relationships with area employers?

I meet with students at the start of the semester and we explore their interests and level of contact with the field. Some of them are working in the field and some are new to counseling. We go through sites that we are affiliated with and explore other sites that they might be interested in. Then, we develop a plan. When we develop a professional affiliation, the agencies are aware that our students will be reaching out to them. We talk about the internship search, how to start early and how to strategize.

They ask about how to reach out when they haven’t heard back from an agency, and how to follow up.

We stay in close touch during this search process, as well as throughout the pracitum and internship experience.

4. What do you think the placements give students?

It’s valuable to get into the field and understand more deeply what it is to be a counselor. These clinical experiences complement their academics, and challenge students to develop as counselors and individuals 5. Are there any student experiences that stand out to you?

Three students in our very first cohort were offered part-time jobs from their placements. It suggests that there was such a good fit there that the agency said, “come on board.” That’s what really stands out to me. Also, every student has been able to learn from their placement experiences, even if they struggled at times.

graduate program expansion

DelVal partners with program to aid in bullying

crisis

by Madison Moore ’15

Bullying is an issue that lawmakers, parents, students and surrounding communities are constantly trying to prevent.

This is why educators and scholars at Delaware Valley University are teaming up with Innovative Learning Institute (ILI) to provide programs focused on topics like bullying prevention, diversity and inclusion.

According to PACER, a parent training and information center for families of children with disabilities, the impact of bullying can have both long- and shortterm effects on a student. Effects can include: a decrease in grades, inability to concentrate, dropping out of school, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, selfisolation, self-harm and suicidal ideation.

A study by the Pennsylvania Department of Education found that bullying would impact one in three children between the ages of 12 and 18.

David Hall, a scholar of ILI, said that when students become too afraid to come to school because they are victims of bullying, as an educator, “nothing else matters.”

He said that universally, this generation of educators who are looking to prevent bullying need to realize first and foremost it’s not about what type of bullying is being done, it’s what bystanders can do for a situation.

ways that bystanders can intervene, and they might be more willing to do so if they don’t have to directly stand up to the bully.

In the article, it stated that Kelly P. Dillon, a graduate student in communication in The Ohio State University, and Dr. Brad J. Bushman told 241 undergraduates that they would be testing an online program.

They set it up so that one of the chat members would get harassed, and their findings were that 68 percent of the test subject students intervened indirectly to stop the bullying.

“Whether [you’re bullied] because you are trans, or Muslim, or grew up on a farm, one thing is universal and that’s bystanders can stop it,” said Hall.

The bullying prevention program at DelVal offers a whole course designated to bystanders and bullying prevention.

It also includes: Bullying Prevention in Schools, Bullying and Social Networking, Diversity in Schools and The LGBT Inclusive School.

A recent New York Times article covered that topic, saying that there are so many

As an educator, Krysten Momsen, a 12th grade English teacher at

Hatboro-Horsham High School, said that she sees bullying frequently and that the program at DelVal could be good for the community, especially students who are part of the LGBT community.

Momsen said that she hopes the program will not only show educators how to look for and deal with bullies, but also have a component that helps educators empower the victims of bullying. “[Educators need to] give some of these kids real-world strategies with how to deal with bullies,” said Momsen. “There are bullies everywhere and at every stage of life—we need to address both sides.”

The certificate program at DelVal will engage the learners and help them gain concrete skills that they can directly apply to their work. The design of the program fits in with DelVal’s promise to give students of all levels hands-on experiences and knowledge that they can apply to their careers.

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Delaware Valley University ranked a top school by U.S. News and The Princeton Review U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review named Delaware Valley University as a top school in the 2016 rankings. DelVal moved up one place this year to number 18 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Regional Colleges in the North.”

U.S. News also selected DelVal as number 13 out of just 29 Regional Colleges in the North on its “Best Colleges for Veterans” list. U.S. News & World Report has named DelVal as a top school for 13 consecutive years.

The Princeton Review selected DelVal for the 2016 “Best in the Northeast” list for the sixth consecutive year this year.

“As DelVal moves forward as a university, we are proud to be consistently recognized for providing students with a valuable educational experience,” said University President Dr. Joseph Brosnan. “We are especially proud to be recognized this year as one of the best schools for veterans.

Helping the men and women who serve our country reach their personal and professional goals is a top priority at DelVal, and we will continue to strive to serve these students as well as they have served us. Our name has changed, but the small classes taught by dedicated faculty have not. As a university, the student experience and our academic offerings will continue to be enhanced.”

U.S. News provides rankings as a research tool for prospective students and parents. The list, released Sept.

9, defines a “regional college” as a school that focuses on undergraduate education, but grants fewer than half of its degrees in the liberal arts disciplines.

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The rankings are based on 16 factors related to academic quality. A full list of the rankings will appear in U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 edition of “Best Colleges.”

The Princeton Review, a nationally known education services company, recommended only about 25 percent of the nation’s four-year colleges as “regional bests” in “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region.” The Princeton Review editors made their selections based on data the company collected from its survey of administrators, staff visits to schools and the perspectives of college counselors and advisors whose opinions the company solicits. Students are also asked to rate their schools on several issues –from the accessibility of their professors to the quality of their science lab facilities – and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students and their campus life.

“We chose Delaware Valley University and the other outstanding institutions on this list primarily for their excellent academics,” said The Princeton Review’s Senior VP-Publisher Robert Franek. “We also gave careful consideration to what students enrolled at the schools reported to us about their campus experiences on our student survey for this project.

We designed our 80-question survey to include questions that prospective applicants might ask on a campus visit. Only schools that permit us to independently survey their students are eligible to be considered for our regional ‘best’ lists, and only schools at which we see a strong level of satisfaction among their enrolled students – whom we consider their customers – make it to our final slate of regional ‘best’ college selections.”

2015

Tyler Bing sent the Delaware Valley University Homecoming crowd home happy as the junior wideout scored on an eight-yard run with just 42.9 seconds remaining to give the Aggies an 18-15, come-from-behind victory against previously undefeated Stevenson University in a Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) game.

If you weren’t able to make it this year, we hope to see you at next year’s event!

Homecoming Delaware Valley University celebrated its first Homecoming as a university Saturday, Oct. 10!

Thank you to everyone who made it back to campus to help us cheer on the Aggies!

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cover

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. headlines DelVal’s “Land and the American Dream” conference

At DelVal on Oct. 14, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., encouraged guests of the Precarious Alliance to think about the future they would be leaving to their children.

“ There are ways to incentivize good behavior,” said Kennedy. “…We put smart people in the position every day where they have to wake up and decide whether to serve their communities or their shareholders.”

“Our children are going to pay for our joy ride,” said Kennedy, an environmental activist and lawyer.

greed. He argued that actions that are positive for the environment can and should make economic sense for companies.

Kennedy was a keynote speaker at “Land and the American Dream,” a sustainability symposium, held Oct. 14 through Oct. 16 at DelVal. The event was the fourth conference in the University’s Precarious Alliance series.

The series, founded by University President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan in 2010, has explored themes such as: food, water and energy. This year’s talk was about land. The events are designed to bring together people from a variety of industries and viewpoints to discuss 14

HORIZONS | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and DelVal President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan.

ways to improve how humans interact with the natural world.

Kennedy asked participants to take steps to reclaim democracy from corporate

“There are ways to incentivize good behavior,” said Kennedy. “…We put smart people in the position every day where they have to wake up and decide whether to serve their communities or their shareholders.”

Kennedy said creating the infrastructure needed to take energy from alternative sources such as solar and wind throughout the nation would help free the U.S. from dependence on coal and oil.

cover He compared the need for this type of system to the need for the national highway system. The speaker said having this type of infrastructure would create a revolution that could change the way people get energy in the U.S., much like the Internet transformed the way people get information. Kennedy said that unharnessed solar and wind resources could also create local jobs.

He looked at efforts to decarbonize in nations such as Iceland, Sweden and Brazil and said that decarbonization has led to prosperity for nations that have chosen to go that route.

“We’re seduced by the illusion that coal is cheaper, but we’re paying for it from a lot of different pockets,” said Kennedy.

facilitating panels. Many DelVal classes attended as groups and presentations were designed to appeal to a variety of majors.

Landscape architecture student Marissa Saul ’18 said that she looked forward to seeing her DelVal faculty participate in the event and speak about what they’re doing in their fields to improve the world. She found Kennedy’s speech inspiring and is looking at how she can bring his suggestions into her career.

“He (RFK, Jr.) definitely provided a lot of insight for helping the future,” said Saul. continued next page

Turnout for his presentation, “Our Environmental Destiny” was great and the 450-seat auditorium was nearly full. He received a standing ovation after his speech.

The three-day event brought in major names in sustainability as well as some lesser-known activists to discuss a widerange of issues related to how the pursuit of the American Dream impacts the nation’s natural resources. Along with lively panels, the event also brought in food trucks, musicians and a photography display featuring photos that tied into the theme. Several alumni who are working in related fields volunteered as presenters.

James Howard Kunstler, an author known for criticizing America’s built environment, was also a keynote speaker at the event. On Oct. 15, he presented his talk, which mixed in humor with facts designed to wake up and inspire the audience.

DelVal’s graduate policy studies students presented a panel and provided their perspectives on sustainability. Students also volunteered greeting guests and

Special Guests: PA State Rep. Marguerite Quinn PA State Rep. Kate Harper PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 15

cover “In terms of career, this is a really exciting time,” said Kennedy. “I tell my kids to go work for one of these solar companies. It

is the business of the future. Understanding how the energy system works is going to transform our country.”

During the Q&A, Dr. Brosnan asked Kennedy what students can do to be better stewards of the environment.

His advice to students was, “it is much more important to change your politician than your career path.”

He also encouraged students to learn about careers with alternative energy companies.

Guests browse through the books at the book signing after Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s keynote presentation. The event, “Land and the American Dream,” was the fourth installment in DelVal’s Precarious Alliance series.

P h o to gr ap hy

C o n t es t

First Place Winners

Amateur: Sheila Fehrenbach

Professional and Social Vote Winner (image shared the most on Twitter): Brianna Foster ’09 Student: Jordan Redd 16

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cover

Tweets from the Precarious Alliance Guests actively participated in the event on social media this year.

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New summer programs allow kids to explore multiple interest areas Kids U! at Delaware Valley University launched its inaugural camp season July 6 with a program called “Day in the Life.” Campers spent the week participating in classroom, lab and fieldwork on campus exploring topics including: anatomy and physiology, farms and dairy facilities, biology and genetics, veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation and food science.

Delaware Valley University is arming local youth with knowledge and practical experience by offering new, educational camps.

In July, the University launched Kids U!, a summer camp program that provides instruction and experience for area youth while giving them a chance to be part of a university environment. The program allows participants to get a taste of different fields through hands-on activities.

“We are very excited to launch Kids U!, a program offering one-week specialty camps where kids can collaborate and

learn with seasoned faculty, educators and industry professionals,” said Barrie Saias, DelVal’s youth summer programming coordinator. “Children and teens had a blast spending time working in our classrooms, exploring our labs and doing fieldwork. They were doing everything from extracting DNA, to using software to program robots, to practicing building a business. They are having fun and being challenged while exploring multiple interest areas. This is summer enrichment at its best!”

Areas of exploration • • • • • • 18

Animal Science LEGO™ STEM Robotics Equestrian Entrepreneurship Veterinary Medicine Applied Engineering with K’NEX ™

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• • • • • •

NASTAR™ Bug Science Media Arts Sports Management Leadership Academy Career Exploration

During the week of July 13, campers participated in LEGO WeDo, which focused on the principles of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Campers constructed, altered, enhanced and manipulated various robotics projects through an interdisciplinary program focused on developing problem solving skills.

From July 13 to 17 and July 20 to 24, DelVal offered two riding campus at its Equestrian Center. Campers participated in lessons as well as workshops covering topics such as: polo wrapping, tack cleaning, grooming, first aid, course design, stable work and nutrition.

From July 20 to 24, the NASTAR program focused on the fascinating worlds of aviation and space. Campers engaged in interactive projects designed to reinforce state standards for STEM education. They researched, assembled, tested, and flew rockets, gliders, parachutes, planes and more.

The season wrapped up with “CEO Kids,” which ran July 27 to 31. The program prepared campers for more than just “having the biggest and best lemonade stand on the block.” Campers were encouraged to explore their creative talents and business skills and put them to the test. Participants designed and marketed a mock product. Using fun, everyday items, they tested the limits of the imagination to develop innovative products. The program encourages campers to consider becoming entrepreneurs. They learned about product development, innovation, production, budgeting, sales, marketing, and promotions, while collaborating with a project manager and team.

“This launch of Kids U! illustrates the University’s commitment to the children in our community by enriching their summers with fun and academicallyfocused programs,” said Yolonda Udvardy, interim director of the Office of Continuing and Professional Studies.

“As DelVal embraces its new status as a university, the institution is expanding programs that open up its resources to the local community,” said Dr. James Moryan, dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

“This is another opportunity for the University to embrace developing partnerships with our area neighbors.”

Registration for summer 2016 opens January 1, 2016. For scheduling and pricing, visit delval.edu/summer.

Looking for a good read? Check out what some of the people in the Delaware Valley University community have recently published: Dr. Karen Schramm, a faculty member in the University’s English department has recently been published with Cambridge University Press. Dr. Schramm authored the first chapter of “The History of Virginia Literature.” Her chapter, “The Literary Culture of Jamestown” reconstructs the literary culture of Jamestown by examining the writings of Captain John Smith and his literary circle.

It also examines the anticipatory promotion literature that aimed to encourage colonization of the New World. The chapter explores the robust themes that developed from these beginnings, such as the golden promise of the original American Dream. Available at the Joseph Krauskopf Memorial Library and at the University’s Bookstore.

Jillian Eaton ’07 launched a brand new historical romance series, which features three very different sisters: Lynette, Temperance and Delilah. The first book, which was released Sept. 15, is the story of Lynette Swan. Lynette doesn’t want a husband, but needs to find one quickly to help her sisters survive financially. Due to a past scandal, finding a husband will be easier Have you recently published or been featured in a book?

Please share your book with us at horizons@delval.edu to be considered for a future issue’s Bookshelf.

said than done. Soon, she is willing to consider anyone, even Nathaniel, the man who ruined her reputation and broke her heart. Available as an e-book on Amazon.com.

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spring/fall 2015

ATHLETICS

Rasheed Bailey ’15 shines in NFL preseason, gets signed by Jacksonville Jaguars Rasheed Bailey ’15 grew up in Philadelphia and dreamed of playing in the NFL for his hometown team. On May 2, part of that dream came true as the All-American wide receiver agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent.

Bailey, who graduated just two weeks after putting his name on a contract, then became the first Aggie in more than 30 years to suit up for an NFL preseason game as he took the field against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 16 and wowed the home crowd with two catches for 23 yards, including an 18-yard, highlight-reel grab at the end of the third quarter.

Bailey saw extended playing time as the preseason continued and it was capped when he hauled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow late in the first half of the Eagles’ win over the New York Jets. He finished the four-game preseason with 10 catches for 100 yards and the one score.

Bailey received praise from Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly for his talent, character and dedication.

His story also attracted attention from numerous media outlets. One such story was a pregame

feature on NBC10 in Philadelphia. They cut to a live feed where the DelVal football team had gathered in the Life Sciences Building to watch Bailey’s first preseason game.

However, there are only 53 spots on an NFL roster as well as 10 spots on the practice squad and Bailey was not retained by the Eagles for the season. As of press time, he had signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a member of the practice squad.

Wenger named freedom baseball player of the year Delaware Valley University sophomore centerfielder Kyle Wenger was selected as the 2015 Freedom Conference Baseball Player of the Year and also earned first-team all-region accolades. Wenger, who was the Freedom’s Rookie of the Year, became the eighth Aggie since 1998 to receive the top baseball honor in the conference and the first since Zach Jakubowski in 2008. Wenger started all 36 games and batted .432 (just .002 points behind the team leader) and led the Aggies in slugging percentage

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(.712), on-base percentage (.517), hits (51), runs scored (36), RBIs (29), stolen bases (22), doubles (8), triples (5) and home runs (5). Wenger placed in the top three in the Freedom Conference in seven of those categories and led the way in slugging and triples. Wenger had at least one hit in all but four games and had 15, multiple-hit contests. He scored two or more runs nine times and knocked in multiple runs on seven occasions. Wenger ended the season on a 12-game hitting streak.

Thomas earns All-America accolades at NCAA outdoor track & field championships Delaware Valley University’s Ta’riq Thomas ’19 concluded a freshman year to remember in May as he finished in sixth place and earned All-America accolades in the triple jump at the 2015 NCAA Division III Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Thomas saved his best for the national stage as he posted a mark of 48 feet, 4 inches on his third of six attempts. His previous high was 48 feet, 2.5 inches, which not only qualified him for the NCAAs, but also gave Thomas the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) crown. Thomas had a rookie track & field campaign that began with the winter season where he captured both the triple jump and long jump titles and was named the Rookie of the Year at the MAC Indoor Championships. He followed with a triple jump crown at the ECAC Championships and qualified for the NCAAs in both the triple jump and long jump, placing eleventh in both events. Thomas followed in the spring with the MAC championship in the triple jump, a runner-up showing in the long jump and Outdoor Rookie of the Year honors. He placed fifth in the triple jump at the ECACs and then put himself on the podium at the NCAA Championships.

Foti captures freedom conference individual golf title In April, Dom Foti became the first Delaware Valley University men’s golfer to win the Freedom Conference championship in nearly a decade as he pulled away to an 11-stroke victory at the two-day tournament held at the Hershey Country Club (East Course).

As a team, the Aggies placed fourth out of eight squads. Foti, a junior transfer from Bucks County Community College, led by two strokes after Saturday’s round of 77. He quickly made it a one-man show on Sunday as he played the first nine holes at an evenpar 36, including birdies on the second (par 3) and fourth (par 4) holes. Only one other golfer shot under a 40 on the front nine. Foti stumbled with a double-bogey on hole number 10, but bounced back with consecutive birdies on 11 and 12. He parred eight of the remaining nine holes with the exception of a bogey on the par-three 16 to finish with a 36 on the back nine and a one-over par 72 for the day. Foti’s two-day total of seven-overpar 149 easily outdistanced runner-ups Bill Dombroksi and Ryan Tracy, both of King’s College, as they each notched a two-day total of 160. Foti was the first Aggie to claim the Freedom crown since Mike Everingham accomplished the feat in 2006. With the championship, he also automatically earned Freedom Golfer of the Year accolades.

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1970s

Eugene F. Wallace ’70 shared that his wife, Karlene, passed away on June 29, after 42 years of marriage.

Dr. Brian A. Kahn ’76, a horticulture alumnus, was named a Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS). ASHS bestows this award in recognition of outstanding contributions to horticulture and to the Society over the course of the honoree’s career. Dr. Kahn joins a group of more than 475 ASHS members who have been named Fellows since the award’s inception in 1965.

Dr. Herbert M. Schecter ’79 was recently elected to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA), a statewide organization for physicians holding the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Board certified in family medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and geriatric medicine, Dr. Schecter maintains a private practice in Philadelphia. He is also a member of the medical staff at Aria Health System. Chairman of POMA’s District 1, he is a delegate to the POMA and the American Osteopathic Association. He is also a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society. After earning his bachelor’s in biology from DelVal, he graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Schecter completed his postgraduate training at UMDNJ – Atlantic City Medical Center in New Jersey. Headquartered in Harrisburg, 22

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Dr. René (Brooks) Fortier ’88, volunteered as a presenter for #girlSTEM, a conference that was held at Delaware Valley University on May 21 to inspire middle and high school girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology at DelVal, Dr. Fortier graduated from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1992 and became a practicing chiropractor.

After retiring from practice, she became a professor at several institutions, including DelVal. She taught courses at DelVal such as: Animal Assisted Therapy, People and Animals, and Animal Anatomy and Physiology from 2007 to 2014. At #girlSTEM, she presented two sessions of, “Standing Tall; a Chiropractic Perspective,” in the Mandell Science Building.

POMA is the official voice for more than 8,000 licensed osteopathic physicians in Pennsylvania.

1980s

Ron Dollman ’85’s daughter, Katherine, is currently a student at Delaware Valley University.

1990s

Brad Bittner ’90 celebrated 25 years in business. Vir Terra Landscaping, LLC started in June 1990 and went full-time in April 2007.

Jeff Martin ’91, an ornamental horticulture alumnus, has a nursery and landscaping business with his father where he has been working for the past 20 years. Recently, they started growing hops and are working with local breweries to provide them with fresh ingredients.

Mike Coleman ’92, an ornamental horticulture alumnus and Theta Chi Sigma brother from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, was life-flighted after a brain tumor ruptured. After fighting for his life, he survived his surgery. Expected to live only a year and a half after this surgery, he has been fighting stage IV brain cancer. Coming close to his fourth year of his battle in

October 2015, he would like to say hello and congratulations to all of his friends and family at DVC, now Delaware Valley University. His monthly MRIs have been clear due to the medical device on his head nearly all day, every day, from Novocure.

William Magilton ’98 has been promoted to associate professor of chemistry at Northampton Community College (NCC) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After graduating magna cum laude from DelVal’s chemistry program, he earned a master’s in biochemistry degree from Lehigh University. In addition to being a former adjunct faculty member at NCC, he also served in that capacity at Bucks County Community College and Abington Hospital School of Medical Technology. He was also a clinical laboratory scientist in the pathology department of Holy Redeemer Hospital and staff biochemist for Merck Research Laboratories.

Kristen Wall-Love ’99 was ordained as Elder in the United Methodist Church in June 2014.

2000s

In May, Jerry Walter ’00 was promoted to officiating NCAA football at the FCS level. He will be working in the Colonial Athletic Association, Ivy League and

Patriot League Football conferences. Previously, he worked in the Northeast Conference for one season, and in the PSAC, MAC and NJAC since 2007.

Kelley Altland ’02 joined Bell Laboratories, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin, in September 2014. She is a technical representative for New England and upstate New York. Bell Labs is a world leader in rodenticides and rodent control products. She is based out of Manchester, Connecticut.

In February, Keegan Orr ’09 accepted the position of enhancement manager for Pennsylvania and New Jersey with Moon Landscaping in Penndel, Pennsylvania.

Brigette McSharar ’11 graduated from Dominican College’s doctoral program in physical therapy.

Correction: In the summer 2015 issue a class note listed Caitlin Dorgan ’11 as the first person in DelVal history to become an All-American in cross country. She is the first woman in DelVal history to become an AllAmerican. The first person was actually Louis Coppens ’65. Coppens was in the top 10 in NCAA Cross Country Nationals. He wrote to congratulate Dorgan on her accomplishments and wish her success in triathlons.

Weddings & Engagements Larisa Jean Wagner ’00 married Adam R. Beck Oct. 3, 2014.

Beth Sander ’03 married Ryan Ramsey on June 13, 2015, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Her bridesmaids included: Colleen (Milligan) Malchitsky ’03, Susy (Berg) Chrnelich ’03 and Crystal (Borger) Goldberg ’04. Also in attendance were: Katie (Flynn) Jacoby ’03, Kirsten Wurzburg ’03 and Alicia (Leonetti) Pagano ’03.

Dr. Elsbeth Centola Jayne ’10 married Rick Jayne Aug. 16, 2014.

She met her husband while both were attending DelVal. At DelVal, Centola was the class vice president and also served as a resident assistant. She graduated from Oregon State University’s veterinary medicine program in 2014. The couple now lives in Maple Park, Illinois where she is a veterinarian and he is a Ph.D. student at Northern Illinois University.

Katherine Darger ’08 married Jacob Serfass ’07 in June 2014.

Correction: Three of the above wedding announcements were republished because of an error in the June 2015 Horizons. The couples’ announcements were not paired with the correct photos.

We apologize for the error.

DelVal alumnus appears in ‘Jurassic World’ Tres Clarke ’04, a real-world veterinarian at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, plays a raptor vet in the film “Jurassic World.” He appears in a few scenes with Chris Pratt in the Raptor Pen. He’s wearing a blue hat and a khaki vest talking to the actor Omar Sy and then, in the background when the guy falls in the raptor pen. He also appears in the "Mobile Veterinary Unit" truck in the background during the night scene when the raptors are about to go on the hunt!

“Pretty fun once in a lifetime experience, but a lot of work and long hours! I have a whole new respect for Hollywood,” said Clarke.

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Births & Adoptions On Dec. 28, 2014, Hakim R. Savoy ’90’s son and daughter-in-law welcomed a new baby boy to the world, Amari Isaiah Savoy. Amari weighed seven pounds, eight ounces when he was born.

Craig Dieffenbach ’02 and Stacy Dieffenbach ’02 welcomed their second son on Sept. 23, 2014. He joins big brother Owen, Age 2.

Mike Coleman ’92 and his wife, Amanda, had a son, Benjamin Michael, in Todd Billig ’07 and March 2014. He joins his big sister Leah Samantha (Dailey) Billig who is age 7. ’08 welcomed their first child on May 7. Morgan Grace Billig arrived at 7:17 p.m. weighing eight pounds six ounces.

Jamie Kleinle ’05 and his wife, Alexandra, had a son, Brayden Conor, Sept.

12. Brayden weighed in at 8 pounds 13 ounces and measured 21.5 inches long when he was born. He joins his proud big sister, Breanne.

In Memoriam Larry Morris, who served as chair of the Department of Dairy Science while he was a faculty member at DelVal, passed away Sept. 3, 2015 at age 68. He was a professor of animal science at DelVal for 37 years and was instrumental with the dairy judging teams, leading them to many regional and national awards. He received the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2007.

Elmer G. Reiter, Jr. of Doylestown passed away July 6. He was 81. Reiter worked for DelVal for almost 40 years, where he held the position of controller before becoming a professor in the business department. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he earned 24

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a degree in accounting from Ursinus College and his MBA from Drexel University. In addition to his wife, Elmer is survived by his children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

William F. Werkiser, Sr., of Boyertown, a former DelVal basketball coach and U.S. Army veteran, passed away July 13 at 82. He earned a degree in elementary education from Millersville University in 1955. Werkiser taught at Marshall Street School and at Norristown Area High School. He served as the high school’s varsity basketball coach for 15 years, before joining DelVal. At DelVal, he served as the men’s head basketball coach and head golf coach, for 11 years until retiring in 1996. “Werky,” as he was affec-

tionately called by many, was known as a true gentleman and was admired and loved by his family, friends and former students and players. In addition to his wife of 27 years, Shirley, he is survived by his brother; children including Mark Werkiser ’80 and grandchildren.

Seymour Berger ’42 passed away Dec. 5, 2014 at 92. A veteran of WWII, he was captain of the baseball and basketball teams at DelVal. Dairy science graduate Herbert S. Sherman ’46 died on Aug. 9 in Jupiter, Florida.

Arthur C. Gale ’54 died Oct. 12, 2014 at 95. Gale was a Marine and a World War II Purple Heart recipient.

In Memoriam Gordon R. Phillips, Jr. ’57 of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, was promoted to heaven April 10, 2014. Before retiring, he worked as an agent for the Medical Protective Co. of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He served for two years in the U.S. Army, and was a paratrooper in the 81st Airborne Division. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary; his son, Chip, a medical missionary to Brazil; his daughter, Cheryl, a schoolteacher in Indiana; seven grandchildren and three sisters, Diana Swartz, Louisa Moretti and Jacqueline Murray.

William “Bill” Jones ’57 passed away April 27 at age 79. A dairy science graduate of DelVal and a member of the men’s basketball team, Jones served in the military for 20 years and worked in the medical field for more than 50 years.

Kenneth H. Bergman ’59, a poultry husbandry alumnus, passed away May 9, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sue, two children and two grandchildren as well as many friends from DelVal. Larry Middleton ’64 passed away Jan. 21 at his home in Grafton, Vermont. Helping his father grow tomatoes led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in horticulture at DelVal. Later, he would serve for 10 years as chair of DelVal’s Board of Trustees. He owned and operated both Swedesboro Seed Co. and Zwaan Seeds, Inc. serving both the domestic and international vegetable seed industries with research, production and seed enhancement enterprises. Decades of global travel never diminished his sense that the best place in the world was always home.

Ronald H. Wimmer ’64, a dairy husbandry alumnus, passed away on April 4 at 72. He served in the Army and served as a Military Police officer. He

loved farming and was also employed as a welder and machinist.

grade science. He also served as a volunteer firefighter.

Anthony M. Spinelli, Jr. ’65 died April 15 at 72. An ornamental horticulture graduate, he is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Dennis K. Shank ’70, died July 11 at 67. He earned a football scholarship to DelVal where he majored in business administration. He was most proud of the headline: “Shank’s the Name, Running’s the Game.” He retired from Roadway Trucking Company after 35 years in management.

Larry F. Whitesell ’68 passed away on July 24 at 68. He spent the beginning of his career at the Hershey Medical Center working with cardiovascular surgeons on the development and testing of artificial heart valves. Later, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he was instrumental in assisting faculty in their scientific research into heart failure, vascular function and cell contraction mechanics. He retired in 2010.

Kenneth N. Sausville, Sr. ’69 passed away June 14 at 76 after battling endstage dementia. After a degree in dairy science from DelVal, he worked with United Airlines and taught seventh

Thomas Polulak ’71 passed away on April 27 at age 66 surrounded by his loving family. He courageously battled a very rare small cell cancer for over two years. At DelVal, he majored in ornamental horticulture. He briefly owned a flower and gift shop, The Busy Bee Flowers, in New Britain, Pennsylvania. He worked for Asplundh Environmental Services, then for PECO as a forester and a safety inspector. After Hurricane Katrina, he was assigned to New Orleans for three months to

Matthew Mohlenhoff ’14 passed away Sept. 11 at the age of 23 due to a complication during surgery. He was the son of Peter D. and Dana L. (Szinyei) Mohlenhoff. He graduated from Wamogo Regional High School in 2010. At DelVal, he majored in large animal science. He was involved on campus as a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, a campus fraternity; as an active member of Student Government and as an RA. He also served on the advisory committee to the dean of agriculture. Mohlenhoff was a member of three national honor societies. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing video games, experimenting in the kitchen and pet sitting for friends and family. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Daniel H. Mohlenhoff; his paternal grandparents, Herbert and Ruth (Weideman) Mohlenhoff; his maternal grandparents, Daniel and Alice (Eleck) Szinyei and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He will be greatly missed by his DelVal friends, including his AGR brothers.

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In Memoriam monitor tree crew safety. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Joanne James Polulak; their three children Amy, Andrew and Anne; six grandchildren; his three brothers, Richard, Myron, and Ronald; and many favorite nieces, nephews, caring friends and neighbors.

Anthony J. Piotrowski ’72, age 64, passed away April 22. He earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from DelVal and a master’s in education from Penn State University. He was a teacher, field representative for the National Grape Cooperative and owned and operated Lakeshore First Aid in Erie.

Thomas Clifford Pyle ’73 of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away on June 30 after fighting ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease for more than three years. He grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he attended William Tennent High School. After earning his bachelor’s in business administration at DelVal, he sold process industrial equipment and served as a marketing business development manager. Pyle had a strong faith and was a member of Thomasville First United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy; his children; and grandchildren. In a eulogy he wrote himself, which Nancy shared after his death, he said, “I have had a wonderful, blessed life.”

Paul Repetti ’73 passed away Aug. 22 at 64 after a battle with brain cancer. He was involved with the student newspaper while at DelVal. Repetti worked for his family’s business for more than 50 years and in his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, riding his tractor, the cats, and most of all, spending time with his family.

David Sustak ’73 passed away May 10 at 64. At DelVal, he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega and was actively involved in the WAPO radio station.

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After getting a master’s from Rutgers University, he worked as an IT Support Technician at AT&T. He authored several books including, “Fukiyado: The Way of the Sport Blowgun” and enjoyed a diverse array of hobbies, including target sports, cooking, wine-making, gardening, model trains and fishing.

He recently reconnected with Alpha Phi Omega’s current chapter and was pleased to be included in their alumni activities. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Lori, and their three daughters Rebecca, Rachel and Robin.

David L. Wilson ’74 passed away April 17 at 62. After graduating from DelVal, he earned a master’s in education from Arcadia University. He worked at Stiefel Laboratories as a pharmaceutical sales representative. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandee; his children Heather, Sean and Jonathan; and his granddaughter, Madeline.

Maureen D. (Dwyer) Selvage ’75 died July 16 at 61. She graduated from Archbishop Wood High School. She was one of the first trailblazing female students in DelVal’s biology program and was also a DelVal cheerleader. After graduating, she worked as a lab technician at Oyster Creek Power Plant for 25 years. Selvage volunteered for Toms River Library and loved sharing history facts via social media. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank, in 2014. She is survived by her parents, her siblings and many loving nieces and nephews.

Bruce C. Burkholder ’76 of Williamsport, PA, passed away June 25, 2015 at age 86. He earned a business degree from DelVal, served in the U.S. Marines and worked for SPS Technologies.

Paul Schnurr ’80 passed July 2 at 57. He was the beloved husband for 29 years of Betty (Reichert) Schnurr and the proud

father of Scott and Karen. Schnurr graduated from William Tennent High School in 1976. He was a member of the undefeated William Tennent High School football team, which was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

He worked for more than 30 years for Burpee Seed Company. However, he found his true calling with Specified Technologies Inc, in Branchburg, N.J. Rosalyn Van Arsdalen Strickland ’80 passed away June 1 at 56. She graduated from Newark High School. Strickland enjoyed being a “soccer mom” and cherished time spent with family. She is survived by many family members, including her sister Christine (Van Arsdalen) Reeves ’84.

Jeffrey K. Lugar ’94 of Doylestown died suddenly on May 18. He was 43. He was the son of former DelVal biology faculty member Janice L. Haws ’81 and the late Dr. Richard C. Lugar, a former chemistry faculty member at DelVal. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sara Elaine Lugar. He and his beloved dog Baxter Hugo Myers made daily walks through Doylestown, a town he loved deeply. He is survived by his many relatives and friends.

John Lyons passed away Oct. 2 at age 89. He was a DelVal trustee from 1984 to 1987. Lyons worked his entire career at Sharp & Dohme (later Merck & Co.), retiring in 1991 as president and vice chairman. He was a Navy veteran and a graduate of Fordham University.

Lester Rosenfeld passed away June 18 at age 89. He was a DelVal trustee from 1978 to 1987. Rosenfeld worked his entire career at Pep Boys (which his father, Emanuel, co-founded), retiring in 2004 as corporate secretary. He was a Navy veteran and a graduate of Temple University.

Dr. Joseph Krauskopf DelVal’s founder

Dr. Joseph Krauskopf, pictured speaking at Independence Hall, was an activist who was a tireless advocate for social justice.

Did you know you can watch video clips of Delaware Valley University’s founder on the University’s YouTube channel?

Allison Byruch, DelVal’s social media and academic web content coordinator, compiled some short, silent clips of Dr. Joseph Krauskopf into a video for the University’s social media accounts.

To view the video, please visit: http://bit.ly/foundervideodelval

Are you inspired by Delaware Valley University’s founder? Share your favorite quote or fact about the founder with us at horizons@delval. edu. We will share your responses in the next issue.

Former Board of Trustees member Rabbi Lance Sussman is currently teaching an honors colloquia themed, “The Works of Our Founder.” Here are some of his students in the Memorial Room of the Krauskopf Library.

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700 E. Butler Ave. Doylestown, PA 18901

PHYSICIAN Assistant program coming soon at DelVal! DelVal received provisional approval for a physician assistant program. The University anticipates matriculating its first class in July 2019.