CONTENTS
SUMMER 2015 The Bookshelf..................................19 Pet-Friendly Housing........................20
HONORING OUR PAST AND CELEBRATING OUR FUTURE.
DelVal’s New Trustees.......................22 The Precarious Alliance....................24
Why Become DVU? 3
Graduate Programs at DelVal 11
A New Look 5
In the Words of our Students 12
Through the Decades 7
International Students 14
New Swine Facility............................27
DelVal Partnership with Pearl S. Buck International 10
STEM Conference Inspires Girls 16
Campaign Update............................28
Faculty Careers.................................25 Golf Classic.......................................26
Hydroponics Institute 18 Lung Infection Research...................29
THE ABOUT ABOUT THE COVER COVER The cover depicts a paper art piece of the University’s new flame. The piece was created by individually matching art paper to each shade of the flame and cutting and placing each unit on foam core to create a three-dimensional look. The flame sits on a replica of the school’s original charter. The ripped edges show a sense of history, while the 3-D effect is more bold and modern.
DelVal Honors Silverman..................30
ATHLETICS The Next Level..................................31 Football ...........................................32 Wrestling..........................................33 Women’s Soccer...............................33 Basketball........................................34 Track................................................34
Class Notes......................................35 Page from the Past...........................41
Horizons Magazine Mission Statement The primary purpose of Horizons is to present accurate, balanced stories that will interest our readers, elevate perceptions and awareness of the institution and create a greater sense of community.
As one channel for the institution’s marketing and communications, the magazine breaks down silos and allows for the various departments on campus to learn more about each other.
The magazine will share news and accomplishments to keep alumni connected to the institution, extending the University’s reach to wherever people live.
The publication reflects DelVal’s core values: respect all people; value the world of ideas and differences; pursue excellence; live each day with integrity; teach, learn and serve with passion and commitment; and act as one learning community with one purpose.
Horizons shares and highlights news related to the University and its alumni, students, faculty and staff. The intent of sharing these stories is to make people more aware of the great work that is happening because of the University, which will indirectly cultivate alumni engagement, campus visits, financial gifts and favorable coverage of DelVal.
The final decision on whether a story gets included is always based two factors: • Is it an interesting topic that will engage our readers? • Does the story help to elevate people’s perceptions of
the institution or, foster a greater sense of community among our audience?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Laurie Ward
MANAGING EDITOR Annmarie Ely
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Clement ’15 Matt Levy Madison Moore ’15 Lanny Morgnanesi
ART DIRECTION Sarah Boyle
DESIGN Thomas Scalese
PHOTOGRAPHY Allure West Studios Sarah Boyle Tricia Kessler Matt Levy
The Mailbox Using Networking as a Tool for Success TO THE EDITOR: Adding to the key steps of a networking conversation mentioned in the fall 2014 Horizons article, “Using Networking as a Tool for Success,” I would include wearing your conversation starter. Our DelVal gear can pique interest and build awareness with those unfamiliar with our institution. It encourages a friendly comment or sparks a question from alumni and friends of the DelVal community, regardless of the situation. Consider that the DelVal gear can be the gateway to new connections. Opportunities to network are everywhere. Meeting new people while wearing your DelVal gear can be a magnet of commonality or curiosity. Be ready to represent DelVal wherever you go. Wearing your conversation starter could be the key to a meaningful conversation even in the grocery store line or waiting for the elevator. Aimee Wilson ’03 Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
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.
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
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Why become Delaware Valley University?
“We have been working for years to move DelVal forward to this point and this approval is recognition of how far this institution has come,” said Univeristy President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan. “We intend to build on our rich history and what DelVal is already known for – nearly 120 years of teaching science with practice, a commitment to bettering the world through education, and a small, personal community where we know our students by name. We’re taking everything that makes DelVal such a strong institution and raising it to a higher level with expanded graduate programs.” The word university means “community of teachers and scholars.” Never before has that statement been more true about DelVal.
“ The world will begin to recognize us not just for our
We are building a community of passionate
experience in science, but excellence in all that we
students and faculty committed to something
do. I believe that today we are becoming what we were
greater than college. The change to university status aligns with DelVal’s structure and breadth of academic offerings, which now include six master’s
always meant to be…Delaware Valley University.” — Rebecca Jones ’16, a biology major at the April 8 press conference.
programs and a doctoral degree. S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 3
“As Delaware Valley College, we were a small, teaching-focused institution, focusing on student-faculty relationships and a commitment to experiential learning,” said Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “We valued interdisciplinary study as a vital dimension of preparation that enables our graduates to thrive in a global economy. None of that changes for Delaware Valley University.” Becoming a university reflects the quality and diversity of our academic offerings and allows for growth in new degree programs, increases visibility of the institution, and makes DelVal more attractive to international students and faculty.
UNIVERSITY STATUS To be classified as a university in Pennsylvania, an institution must offer a minimum of five professional master’s degrees and a doctorate. The institution must demonstrate a commitment to and evidence of scholarship that enriches the teaching and learning. Through the implementation of its strategic plan, in the past three years, DelVal has launched three new master’s degrees and the inaugural doctoral program.
Dick Kustin ’44, Scott Leshak and Emily Keggan ’01 raise the first campus banner outside the Life Sciences Building on April 8. 4
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A NEW LOOK FOR THE UNIVERSITY Last summer, as we prepared for the impending approval from the Department of Education on our university status, the work began on a new institutional identity. Working with an agency partner, DelVal’s creative services director, Sarah Boyle, and graphic designer/illustrator, Tom Scalese, began sketching and drawing graphic concepts. No idea was a bad idea, and we were open to anything, with one exception. We knew we needed to stay true to our historical roots by continuing to use the colors that the school was founded with – green and gold. From mid-August through October, we conducted two rounds of online surveys and 11 focus groups with alumni, current and prospective students, faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees, guidance counselors and members of the community. Feedback from each round informed modifications and the elimination of one concept and was an important part of creating a logo that would emotionally resonate with our constituents. Nearly 5,000 responses gave us a clear – and emotionally connected – favorite. The abstract flame represents a passion for education. Each shape within the flame is meant to represent a discipline – the sciences (including agricultural, environmental, life and physical, and social sciences), the humanities and business. The blending of these disciplines to form the flame of knowledge shows the emphasis we place on experiential and interdisciplinary learning in a DelVal education. By
Top: University President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan speaks to Delaware Valley University’s first graduating class.
including “1896” in the logo, we speak to the longevity of the institution and give a subtle nod to the past. An unexpected benefit of the survey work was being able to use one of the concepts as the new design for the University seal. The concept was a more traditional look; the torch, book and sun have been taken from the College
Bottom: New entrance signage was revealed April 8.
seal and reinterpreted.
S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 5
THE LOGO is a sleek and modern interpretation of the flame that has been
consistently used in DelVal’s seal. The flame was chosen to symbolize DelVal’s continued fire and passion for education.
The gold flame represents the disciplines of business and humanities. Gold symbolizes the sun, its energy and the fire that our students have for making a difference in our world.
•
The gray flame represents the interdisciplinary education and hands-on knowledge that every student has received at DelVal since 1896.
•
The green flame represents the agricultural, environmental, life, physical and social sciences that remain foundational at DelVal and will continue to be critical to our global community.
•
The “1896” speaks to the longevity of the institution and gives a subtle nod to the past.
•
Delaware Valley is shown in green to both emphasize our roots in the region and stay true to our original institutional color; University is shown in 90% black to emphasize our status change. Together the words show the bold, new future of Delaware Valley University, while staying grounded in tradition.
•
The Trajan font has elegant, sweeping curves that are based off the letterforms carved in the Romans square capitals in 113 A.D.
•
The light of the sun and the flame in the torch reflect the light of knowledge, dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The seal also includes the founding year and the Latin for “experience teaches” – Experientia Docet. The new university logo, which was designed by Sarah Boyle and Thomas Scalese, won a Graphic Design USA 2015 American Inhouse Design Award. Boyle is the University’s Creative Services Director and Scalese is the University’s graphic designer.
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DELVAL
THROUGH
THE DECADES Alumni reflect on memories from DelVal’s history and its future as a university.
1950s
Tom Watson ’57
1940s
Dick Kustin ’44
Favorite way to stay involved with DelVal: alumni events I was here when… Attending the predecessor to Delaware Valley University was a wonderful experience for that stage of my life, when two thirds of my class left to join our armed services at war. Some had departed prior to graduation. No way could I have imagined that the opportunity-offering institution would go through a metamorphosis and change into this beautiful center of higher learning it has now become. As I grew from an agriculture student to a commercial farm manager to an engineering student to an engineer and then an administrator of a large engineering and construction firm, my old National Farm School was developing even faster. How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? It is at the same location, with some of the same buildings, but what an aweinspiring change and glowing future it has and will have. We alumni are so tremendously proud of our alma mater and of Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan, our president.
Job Title: Co-Founder, Omnicom Group, Inc. Favorite way to stay involved with DelVal: Founder of the Watson Executive-in-Residence (WEIR) program. Established in 2006, the WEIR program features executives as guest lecturers, with a scholarship awarded in each of their names. The program focuses on preparing students for the business world by bringing top executives to campus to share candid advice and lessons from their careers. I was here when…The accreditation process was going on for the school, which was then named the National Agricultural College. The student body was small and there were only a few majors. The teachers knew your name and it was an all-male student body. You had freshmen hazing. Freshmen were required to wear a sign around their necks with their names and were required to answer questions from upperclassmen. We had to walk on Ginkgo Lane to get to class every day and wait on tables in the dining room, which was in Lasker Hall at the time. I played baseball on the field where the Life Sciences Building is now and ran head first into a tree to catch a ball during a game! How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? University status is an important step for the school to continue to grow during these difficult times in education. We can attract more students, provide more offerings in degrees with more outstanding faculty, and yet still remain a small, private teaching university. This is probably the biggest milestone in the history of the school. S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 7
1960s
1970s
Dr. Jim Diamond ’61 Job Title: Delaware Valley University Dean Emeritus of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; honorary trustee. Favorite way to stay involved at DelVal: Delaware Valley University prepared me for a career that took me far beyond my wildest expectations. It is now such a joy for me as an alumnus to attend athletic events, A-Day, concerts and guest lectures. I also enjoy being a member of 1896 Society, alumni functions and getting to know the students. My wife, Betty, and I enjoy expressing our love for DelVal by giving back to the institution to enable current and future undergraduate students to prepare for careers beyond their expectations. I was here when… In 1957, I was accepted and enrolled into the National Agricultural College. This was an exciting time for the institution because the administrative process to becoming accredited was set into motion. In 1960, the National Agricultural College was approved by Middle States to be an accredited institution of higher learning. However, before accreditation could be granted, it was necessary to change the name of the College. Many suggestions were brought forth and debated. Since most of the students at that time hailed from the Delaware Valley, it was decided to change the name to Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture. My graduating class was the first class to graduate with Bachelor of Science diplomas from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture in May 1961. However, on our class rings it said, National Agriculture College, 1961. An accredited DVC was a huge steppingstone that led to university status 54 years later. How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? I am elated that my alma mater has evolved into a university. While driving through the campus in April, I observed the beautiful buildings, landscaping, students walking to their classes and faculty chatting with students; it felt like a university. Being a university will enable international students to enroll at a world-class institution. Since Dr. Krauskopf founded the National Farm School, his teaching philosophy was complemented with experiential learning and has been the modus operandi at DVU since 1896. Students in nations around the world in particular need this kind of teaching philosophy. During this new DelVal era, we anticipate that new academic programs and facilities will grow quality educational opportunities that will prepare undergraduate and graduate students to thrive within a whole new lifestyle on their respective horizons. Long live Delaware Valley University! 8
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Laura E. Owen ’79 Job Title: Founder and CEO of Ponscio Favorite way to stay involved with DelVal: I am honored to serve on the Board of Trustees. I was here when… Women were still a relatively new addition at DelVal. How times have changed! DelVal provided me with core knowledge, experience and personal development that meaningfully prepared me for my career in business. Dr. George West was the dean of business at that time, and he instilled confidence in me, as he did with all students. I was very fortunate to be hired into an executive training program of a Fortune 100 company in New York City upon graduation. My mother, Sally Smith, taught English at DelVal. She was the greatest mentor a woman could have. I am so thankful that she was my mother and that she encouraged me to enroll at DelVal. How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? University status adds prestige and value to our programs for our students, graduates and faculty. This is a game changer for DelVal, and our ability to attract top talent, top students, top faculty and corporate partnerships that will enrich the educational experience for our students. University status is also important for our graduates as they pursue career opportunities.
1980s
Debra Reiss-Bubenheim ’81 Job Title: BioSciences Program Manager at NASA Favorite way to stay involved with DelVal: Alumni news and LinkedIn I was here when… I met my husband. In my sophomore year I was in the chorale and he was in the band. I joined the band, “played” the bass drum and that’s how we met! We’ll be married 32 years in August. How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? We had the pleasure of being part of the Founders’ Day and university status celebration as guest speakers. I am very proud of the accomplishments of the University!
THROUGH
THE DECADES Alumni reflect on memories from DelVal’s history and its future as a university.
1990s
Jun Iwata ’91
Job Title: Managing Member, JI International LLC Favorite way to stay involved with DelVal: Being a member of the President’s Advisory Council and helping the University make innovative decisions. I was here when… I came to the United States. I was 23 at the time and had all but no English language skills. After visiting several large universities in Philadelphia, I found what was then called Delaware Valley College. The combination of the peaceful campus environment and small size, as well as the friendly and caring professors was perfect for me. Michael Simone, my academic advisor, had me double major in computer information systems management (CISM) and accounting. According to him, “almost all accountants lack the skills in computers and almost all IT professionals do not know anything in accounting.” Whenever I needed help, all the professors were always available to assist me with the academic programs. I am so glad I followed his advice, as I have had a very successful career, utilizing my accounting and IT skills to find opportunities to shine in the combined area. How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? It is wonderful to see the student body of 800 in 1991 grow to more than double what it once was. It still retains the same friendly and competitive environment. I am very proud to say that I am a graduate of DelVal.
2000s Aimee Wilson ’03 Job Title: Occasions to Savor Chief Event Strategist Favorite way to stay involved with DelVal: Through the Alumni Executive Committee. I love to help the alumni make better connections with the University and with each other. I serve as the PR chair and run the University’s Alumni and Friends Twitter account (@ DelVal_AlumAssn). I was here when… I remember taking courses in the modular classrooms (which were torn down after the Life Sciences Building was built), but because the class sizes were so small it actually didn’t bother me. I was appreciative that I had the discussion and dialogue and didn’t have to compete against a whole bunch of people for the attention of my professors. How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? I am super excited because when you become a university a lot of new opportunities open up. It is a chance for us to build on the past excellence and create an amazing future for the entire DelVal community to be proud of.
2010s
Ashley Hecht ’14
Job Title: Full-time business graduate student at Wilmington University Favorite way to stay involved with DelVal: I’m involved with my sorority still and I come back for A-Day. I loved being part of A-Day. It’s so different. I had no clue what it was until I came here. I was here when…The Life Sciences Building was added to our campus. How do you feel about DelVal becoming a university? It opens up the school and shows our diverse academic programs.
S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 9
DelVal President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan and Pearl S. Buck International President Janet Mintzer.
DELVAL PARTNERS WITH PEARL S. BUCK INTERNATIONAL TO RECRUIT STUDENTS FROM CHINA Pearl S. Buck International and Delaware Valley University entered into an agreement in February to partner to recruit international students. Both parties committed to identifying qualified international students from China to enroll at DelVal. The partnership is a natural extension of the work Pearl S. Buck International does in China and aligns with its mission of providing opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures. “We are honored to bridge the East and West and be a conduit for international students who want to pursue a higher education degree in the United States,” said Pearl S. Buck International President and CEO Janet Mintzer. “We welcome the opportunity to support these students as they immerse themselves into the American culture at DelVal.” “This unique partnership supports the distinct missions of our two
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institutions,” said DelVal President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan. “DelVal seeks to continue to provide educational opportunities with an emphasis on respect for all people and ideas. Our desire to broaden our educational opportunities for international students also supports Pearl S. Buck International’s legacy of uniting nations, societies, communities and individuals with an appreciation for cultural differences.” Pearl S. Buck International and DelVal will work together to enable the students to learn the language, culture and customs of the United States while achieving a rigorous education. As part of the agreement, Pearl S. Buck International will support the international students by arranging for home stays with local families during holidays and semester breaks, as well as monthly activities.
“With the attainment of university status, DelVal intends to provide greater educational opportunities to a more diverse student population,” said Art Goon, vice president for enrollment management.
“ This partnership will help move us forward as a small, but distinctive university.”
“Increasing our international student population will serve to make our educational experience more enriching and impactful as we prepare students for an ever-changing global society. This partnership will help move us forward as a small, but distinctive university.”
Graduate Programs
AT DELVAL
Meet Julie Ivers Rempfer Why did you choose DelVal’s MBA program? I chose DelVal because of cost, proximity to my job and the choice between in-class and online offerings. Since my office has moved, this has been beneficial. I prefer the in-class experience, but I wouldn’t have been able to complete the program as quickly without the online option. Also, my husband earned a DelVal MBA and only had the greatest things to say. How will your MBA impact your career? When I applied to DelVal in 2012, I was an online advertising coordinator for Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. I was fascinated by the amazing research and content we published in our peer-reviewed journals and dreamed of moving into a publishing role. Last fall, I was promoted to an associate publisher position. I believe that the MBA was a large factor in their selection, as the position essentially serves as the business manager for a collection of scholarly journals. I immediately started applying skills I’ve learned, especially those from the finance, strategy and marketing courses. I love what I do and am excited to continue to grow with the company! What did you enjoy most about DelVal’s MBA program? Meeting so many great people! I’ve made many friends along the way and gained such valuable insight from my professors. In today’s fast paced, ever-changing world, new challenges and opportunities appear every day. Understanding how to capitalize on these concepts only comes with experience and/or a very strong foundation and network, which DelVal provides.
To become a university, DelVal had to have at least five master’s programs and one doctoral program. DelVal is continuing to grow its School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Programs help working adults gain leadership skills and advance in their careers.
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology This program helps shape students who have a passion for helping others by giving them the knowledge, skills and experience to prepare for licensure and move into this challenging and rewarding profession.
Master of Arts in Policy Studies This program is the systematic study of public policy – the nature, the goals, conflicts, causes and effects, with an emphasis on how to achieve goals.
Master of Business Administration The MBA program allows students to specialize in one of eight areas including: accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, food and agribusiness, general business, global executive leadership, human resources management and supply chain management.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership Created with practicing educators in mind, the educational leadership program blends sound educational theory, authentic learning experiences and attention to the needs of students delivered by faculty who are practicing educational leaders.
Master of Science in Special Education This program allows both general and special education instructors to improve their individual instructional skills to meet the new demands of the 21st century classroom.
Master of Science in Teaching and Learning This program allows teachers to design and incorporate instructional teaching and learning modifications into instruction to meet the needs of all levels of learners.
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Developed by former Bucks County Superintendent Dr. N. Robert Laws, the degree is composed of two areas of study – K-12 with superintendent letter of eligibility and higher education leadership. It prepares students to guide organizations in a rapidly changing world through a practice-based approach. Learn more at delval.edu/grad Coming Soon Physician Assistant Program
DelVal has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). DelVal anticipates matriculating its first class in July 2019 pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the September 2018 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards. S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 11
IN THE WORDS OF OUR STUDENTS…
WHAT DELVAL MEANS TO THEM SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Ryan O’Connor, December ’15
Nathan Hykes ’15
Food Technology
Crop Science
Amanda Musselman ’16
“ I have gained a level of confidence in myself that I have never felt before.”
“ The professors at DelVal help me both with classroom learning and seeing how it applies in a career that I want to enter.”
Agribusiness
“ My greatest achievement is simply believing in myself and knowing I can make a difference in the world. DelVal has given me the knowledge and experience to be successful in my future endeavors.” Emma Boyle ’15 Animal Science (Livestock Science and Management)
“ What has surprised me most about DelVal is the diversity of opportunity. Whether it was helping with conservation programs through Ducks Unlimited, taking a class focused on agricultural policy, or running with the track team, I was never wanting for something valuable to do. DelVal does an excellent job of catering to the ideas and interests of its students.” Ashley Mohn ’15 Dairy Science
“ I know my future is bright and the toolbox of traits and skills I have gathered at DVU will help me to make an impact on society.” Alli Bienas ’16 Equine Management (Instruction and Training)
“ My greatest influence at DelVal has been the horses. They have been my teachers and friends. They make me want to be a better rider. Without the horses, I wouldn’t be the horsewoman I am today!” Nicole Stein ’15 Equine Science and Management
“ DelVal’s equine program has allowed me to shape my future and truly prepared me and gave me the skills and confidence I need to land a job after graduation!” Eddie Fronckwicz ’16 Food Science
“ My fellow classmates and recent alumni are my greatest influence. They show me that anything is possible as long as you want to put in the effort. DelVal is a family. There is a great connection with the students and the professors.”
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Anna J. Lehman ’15 Restaurant and Food Service Management
“ The most surprising thing about Delaware Valley University is the amount of knowledge and help all the faculty and staff have given.” Marian Rubin ’17
Katie Beekman ’17 Horticulture
“ My greatest influence at DelVal is my advisor and professor, Dr. [Jackie] Ricotta. She is very knowledgeable in numerous fields of horticulture and inspires students like me each day.”
Environmental Science
“ My greatest influence here at DelVal has been the one and only, Lawrence Hepner. It is rare to find a professor who is so genuine in all the ways that matter. Thank you Mr. Hepner and thank you DelVal for the one of a kind education that you offer.” Bill Kloos ’16 Landscape Architecture
“ I feel that alumni want to meet students, act as mentors and help in anyway possible. This past summer, I interned with a company owned by an alumnus; that provided me with a unique experience.”
Hanna Baglivi ’15 Sustainable Agriculture Systems
“ The small class sizes at DelVal really make a difference. I transferred from a school where the classes were sometimes near 600 people. Being only a number on a page to your professor does not cultivate a deeper breadth of knowledge for a student.”
Andrew Rudd ’17
Francis Arnold ’16
Landscape Design/Build
Business Administration (Accounting)
“ I had never seen the sense pride and community atmosphere that exist on our campus.”
“ There are professors, students and people higher up who want to see students succeed. I can honestly say transferring into DelVal was the best decision of my life.”
Kyle Behnert ’15 Turf Management
“ I would have never thought that I would have the understanding of soil and turf that I do today. Whether it was showing my turf knowledge in Orlando and San Antonio or my soil knowledge in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Arkansas, what I learned here at DelVal came with me every step of the way.”
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND HUMANITIES Stephanie DelVento ’16 Media and Communication
“ D elVal has taught me to think outside of the box and push myself to try things that I would normally not do, and as a result I have been able to be involved in many different clubs, and take on projects both in and out of class that are both challenging and engaging.”
Allison Shuster ’15 Criminal Justice Administration
“ I have a learning disability and if it weren’t for Barbara Grimes and Sharon Malka (in student support services), I don’t know that I would be graduating on time. The programs they did were amazing and I hate to leave.” Thomas Diffendal ’15 Secondary Education (Agriculture)
“ At DelVal, I was able to work within both the agricultural and education departments to create a program that allowed local youth to come to campus. This program truly mimicked DelVal’s core values.” Kristy J. Poisson ’16 English Literature
“ The student population at DelVal is friendly and close-knit. As I write this from my home-stay in Yokohama, Japan, I think back on what I miss most from home in the U.S. and realize that ‘home’ has come to mean the DelVal campus and community.” Cristina Carosiello ’15 Counseling Psychology
“ Dr. Audrey Ervin, Dr. Allison Cohen, and Dr. Matt Mutchler, showed me a path I fell in love with. If it was not for all of their time and dedication in and out of the classroom, I do not know if I would have discovered my passion.”
SCHOOL OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES Bill Woodroffe ’15 Conservation and Wildlife Management
“ At the end of my senior year, I can easily say I never felt like just a number during my fouryear stay. I benefited and grew from being able to have a more personal relationship with the faculty, which is harder to find at other institutions.” Elen Hernandez ’15 Small Animal Science
“ DelVal is about hardworking students, people who gain hands-on experience and are able to give back to the community. Knowing this, it has made me proud to say I will soon be a DelVal graduate.” Rachel Flagg ’15 Zoo Science
“ Most schools boast that the professors will know you by your name and not a number, but here at DelVal that is the truth. They have taught me invaluable information that can be used in and out of the classroom. I can honestly say that after four amazing years, DelVal feels like home.” Alex Norris ’16 Biology
“ In my time here at DelVal, there have been many things that I have accomplished that I didn’t ever think were possible. One of the most recent accomplishments was being part of the first human anatomy class. I didn’t think that I would have the chance to participate in a class like this until graduate school, but over this semester I received the opportunity and it has been amazing.” Sarah Vezzetti ’15 Chemistry
“ Coming into DelVal I had heard about the great relationships that students had with their professors, I wasn’t sure this was possible until I began forming these relationships with my professors. Without these relationships I would not be able to prepare myself for a career in chemistry. They have mentored me and helped find possible jobs so that I will make a successful transition to the workforce.”
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INTERNATIONAL
Emmanuel Ochenje ’15
STUDENTS Meet some of DelVal’s International Students By: Madison Moore ’15 As Delaware Valley University looks toward its future, expanding the international student population on campus is an important goal. For DelVal’s students to be citizens of the world they need to have chance to interact with and meet students from all over the world as part of their university experience. During the spring 2015 semester, DelVal had three international students in the business administration program hailing from the nations of Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Russia. The School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences attracted one student from China who is studying agribusiness and another student from Canada studying equine science and management. The School of Life and Physical Sciences had two international students: one from Singapore, studying pre-professional biology; and another with dual citizenship from the U.S. and Nigeria, who grew up in Nigeria her whole life, who is studying small animal science. All are degree-seeking students who plan to stay with DelVal until they graduate. DelVal also has exchange programs with schools in the U.K. and Poland. For the first time in fall 2015, DelVal will be having exchange students visit from Belgium.
Marc Teo ’18
Juanita Ezemba ’18
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Name: Juanita Ezemba ’18 Major: Biology Country: Nigeria
After a 22-hour flight from Singapore to DelVal’s campus, Marc Teo ’18 discovered that DelVal was the best place for him to get his undergraduate degree in the United States. He was drawn to DelVal for the small campus atmosphere and the variety of animal-related facilities on campus, like the dairy science center and equestrian center. Teo also thought that majoring in biology with a specialization in the preprofessional program at DelVal would help him achieve his goal of getting his doctorate in veterinary medicine after he completes his undergraduate degree. “I found that the curriculum at DelVal would be beneficial in preparing me for my future,” said Teo. “Although I have to work hard on the subjects I enrolled in, I enjoy the courses.”
Major: Business Administration Country: Nigeria
Name: Emmanuel Ochenje ’15
He found that the faculty and staff “have been extremely helpful.”
For some students, the school of their dreams might be a few states away. For the Lagos, Nigeria native, coming to DelVal was the first time she was leaving home – and the continent.
her degree to use in the research field. She hopes to someday set up a practice in her hometown where she can specialize in rabbit care and treatment, as a way to help other rabbit owners like herself.
Juanita Ezemba ’18 was looking for agriculture and animal-based studies, so that she could have a hands-on experience with farm and greenhouse facilities. All the schools Ezemba looked at were “huge,” and she was “afraid that if I went to a the large schools I would get lost and overwhelmed.”
“Where I am from, rabbits are seen as food and not pets,” said Ezemba.
“I was immediately drawn to DelVal’s small student-to-faculty ratio and size,” said Ezemba. “It seemed like the perfect fit, and as it turns out, it was!”
“Being from West Africa, the coldest it ever got was nowhere near the somewhat ‘warm’ temperatures here,” said Ezemba.
After graduating from DelVal, Ezemba plans to attend veternarian school and put
Coming to Pennsylvania wasn’t that drastic for Ezemba, but she still experienced “a culture shock.” The biggest shock for her was the weather.
This led Ezemba to one small tip for international students. “Bring a coat!” she said.
He said international advisor Matthew Kaminski-Lucas helped him settle into life at DelVal quickly, assisting him with “simple things that one takes for granted back at home.” “He helped me open a bank account, with scheduling my medical checkup to get a Pennsylvania Identity Card, and also accompanied me on my driving test,” said Teo. Teo is hoping to experience what it is like to live in the United States, not just what he sees “in the movies.” He is thankful to be an international student at DelVal and enjoys telling his friends about his home in Singapore. “Having Asian international students will add to the diversity and contribute to DelVal’s status as a university of international standing,” said Teo.
Emmanuel Ochenje ’15 came to DelVal, ready to get to know different people and network in the small, but diverse area of Doylestown. Ochenje is from Abuja, Nigeria, but has been in the United States since he was 14 years old. Something that he found to be different in the United States is the education system.
Name: Marc Teo ’18 Major: Biology Country: Singapore
He found his close connections and the hands-on learning approach at DelVal helped him obtain internships. Ochenje worked in human resources last summer at Burlington Coat Factory, and this summer he is doing an internship in healthcare management at Doylestown Hospital. He plans to earn is MBA.
“There is more opportunity for all people,” said Ochenje.
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STEM CONFERENCE INSPIRES GIRLS Hundreds of middle and high school girls visited Delaware Valley University May 21 for the fourth annual #girlSTEM conference, which is aimed at inspiring girls to enter careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The conference is led and coordinated by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22, sponsored by the Bucks County Women’s Initiative and hosted by DelVal. The conference gives students a chance to learn from professional women working in STEM. To meet overwhelming demand, organizers increased the amount of spots available for girls from 350 to 700. The day opens participants’ minds to career paths they may have never thought of pursuing. DelVal volunteers presented a variety of workshops as part of the day.
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DELVAL PRESENTS AT • Dr.
#girlSTEM
Cynthia Keler ’84, a DelVal associate
professor of biology, taught girls about the characteristics of a living organism and facilitated a debate in “Are Viruses Living?” • Suzanne
Hanbicki ’04 taught girls about
electronic circuits and then had them upload a program that made the 8x8 matrix light up with a smiley face in “Arduino Smiley Faces.” • DelVal
lecturer Dr. Sheela Venkitachalam and DelVal student Neha Bhardwaj
’18 showed girls fun demonstrations in “Chemistry Magic Show.” • DelVal
animal biotechnology and conservation lecturers Dr. Alicia Shenko
and Maggie Liguori taught girls about opportunities in animal research, care and conservation in “Exploring Careers in Wildlife.” • In “So
You Want to Work with Animals? An Intro to Pet First Aid and CPR,”
DelVal animal biotechnology and conservation lecturer April Laskow ’07 taught girls about veterinary medicine and gave them a chance to try pet first aid techniques. • DelVal
assistant professor of mathematics Dr. Ruth Trubnik presented
“Using and Understanding Mathematics,” which looked at how girls will use math and reasoning skills in their lives. • In “Wet
and Wild,” Emily Granger ’13 discussed what a naturalist does and
had girls take part in a mock lesson about water. Sponsors included: PECO (Presenting Sponsor), Dow (Gold Sponsor), Comcast and Parx Casino (Silver Sponsors), Huntingdon Valley Bank and National Penn Bank (Bronze Sponsors).
DELVAL HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE The University has been designated as a 2015 STEM Jobs Approved school by Victory Media, the creator of STEM Jobs media, education and career resources. Victory Media evaluated schools on publicly available data and responses to questions around three key indicators of success: STEM job alignment, STEM job placement and diversity in a school’s STEM programs. DelVal was featured in the winter 2015 issue of STEM Jobs magazine, along with the entire 2015 list of STEM Jobs Approved schools. “With the list of STEM Jobs Approved schools we’re able to help parents, students and guidance counselors evaluate how well education is translating into real-world jobs,” said Daniel Nichols, president of STEM Jobs. “We’re pleased to showcase schools like Delaware Valley University as leading the way in this area.”
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$1 MILLION
GIFT WILL FUND HYDROPONICS INSTITUTE
Delaware Valley University has received a $1 million gift from Kate Littlefield to fund the creation of The Institute for Biotechnology and Hydroponics. This exciting new, scientific venture will raise the level of academic programs at the University. Littlefield serves as a director of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a leading provider of lawn products and services. She’s also the chair of the Hagedorn Partnership, L.P., and a director of the Hagedorn Family Foundation, Inc. She has enjoyed a distinguished career in business and has long been a leader in the plant science field. Her late father, Horace Hagedorn, co-founded MiracleGro in 1950. Hagedorn established a legacy of philanthropy and service that his daughter continues. Littlefield is an active member of Bucks County and knew about DelVal through community connections including alumni in her field. She has connected with DelVal alumni such as Jerry Fritz ’88, owner of Jerry Fritz Garden Design and Linden Hill Gardens, through her career. 18
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Looking for some summer reading? Here are a few books by people from the Delaware Valley University community:
In her book, she provides tips to help mothers dealing with attitudes and emotions, find free time and set goals. Available on Amazon.com and through the Delaware Valley University bookstore. When we read history, we don’t often think about the person who wrote it and what he or she was thinking, feeling or going through while capturing a nation’s past. In “Modern Nationalism and the Making of a Professional Historian: the Life and Work of Leopold von Ranke,” Dr. Shih-chieh (Jay) Su, an assistant professor of liberal arts at Delaware Valley University, takes a look at a historian’s personal life, analyzing the diary and letters of a man who captured German history and the personal conflicts he struggled with while doing that. Available on Amazon.com and through the Delaware Valley University bookstore.
The Book of Jims by Dr. James Miller, a Delaware Valley University professor emeritus of biology, looks at a popular name given to baby boys, “Jim.” The book includes lighthearted essays that range from thought-provoking to funny on Saint James, Jim Beam, King James, Jimmy Hoffa, Slim Jims and other topics all unified by a common name. Available on Amazon.com and through the Delaware Valley University bookstore.
Robert E. Fausak ’68 was an integral of a book that was eventually turned into a made-for-TV movie. He investigated a homicide case in the fall of 1984 that concluded with an arrest and conviction. There was a court custody battle over the victim’s then 1-year-old child. In 1990, the late author Peter Maas, published “In a Child’s Name: The Legacy of a Mother’s Murder,” about the homicide case Fausak investigated. Two years later, a television movie of the same name was released starring Valerie Bertinelli. Fausak is named extensively in the book and even had a small acting part in the movie. DelVal is referenced briefly in the book. Available on Amazon.com.
Recapturing the Joy of Motherhood by Bonni Greiner ’76 is for the mother who is frustrated, overwhelmed and feeling inadequate. Greiner, a mom of eight children, did not enjoy the first five years of motherhood. She experienced an unusual “chance” meeting that forever changed her life. Since that day more than 20 years ago, the author has been an inspirational speaker for mothers.
Are you a DelVal faculty member or alumnus who recently published a book? Let us know! To submit a book to be considered for the next Bookshelf, email your name, cover art, class year and a brief description of your book to horizons@delval.edu.
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NEW PET-FRIENDLY HOUSING MAKES PURR-FECT SENSE Students say having pets in their rooms helps with anxiety, makes them feel at home and encourages a sense of community on residence hall floors. Posh, a cat; Ham Ham, a hamster; and Voldemort, a rabbit; are a few of the new residents who moved into a Delaware Valley University residence hall last fall. The pets spent the academic year living alongside a group of friendly university students who loved having them around.
DelVal launched the pilot pet-friendly policy during the 2014-15 academic year, which allowed students to have small pets on the second floor of Samuel Hall. About 18 students took advantage of the policy. Among the new “residents” were rabbits, cats, hamsters, snakes, geckos and guinea pigs. The program was so popular with students that it is being expanded. During the 2015-16 academic year, the pet-friendly policy will be expanded to both floors of Samuel Hall as well as one floor of South Hall. Domestic cats, which were tried in a small test group, will be allowed for any student living on a petfriendly floor. Cat owners will be required to follow certain regulations such as veterinary evaluations, providing medical records and getting the cat spayed or neutered prior to its arrival on campus. “It’s a nice stress reliever when you get to come home to your pet like you would at home,” said Nate Borger ’15, of having his cat, Posh, with him at school.
“ If you’re having a bad day, your pet is here to welcome you.” — Kiara Martinez ’16
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Students drove the process, working with faculty and staff on creating and researching the new pet-friendly policy. They looked at what other schools were doing, consulted animal welfare groups and worked with faculty and staff for a semester to prepare to launch the program. Students who helped create the petfriendly policy include: April Barnes ’17; Molly Bell ’17; Nate Borger ’15; Raymond Deck ’17; Russell Desmond ’17; Kristen Frank ’17; Bailey Hager ’16; Katelyn Lucas ’17; Madeline Makstein ’18; Nia Rametta ’16; Johanna Ray ’15; Lindsey Schick ’16; Kati Snyder ’17 and Arielle Soldridge ’17. The students worked with vice president for student affairs Dr. April Vari, director of student affairs operations Derek Smith, associate professor Dr. Pam Reed, and associate professor and chair of the Department of Biology Dr. Kathryn Ponnock to create the new policy.
“ It has been fun. So far, the biggest issue we’ve had is a guinea pig with pink eye. We just took it to the vet and it was fine.” – Ken Peifer “The students found out that the majority of campuses don’t allow pets,” said Samuel Hall area coordinator Ken Peifer. “There weren’t a lot of examples to use to create the policy so they had to work with experts, animal welfare groups and others to get something we were comfortable trying.” Interested students apply and the Pet Hall Council, which is comprised of students, faculty and staff, approves or denies the request. Each approved resident is permitted to host one habitat containing up to two animals of the same species. Pet proctors check in on the animals, maintain a list of pets on the floor, inspect the habitats regularly and meet with students about any concerns or
issues. So far, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, certain snakes and amphibians, rats, mice, rabbits and cats are allowed.
DelVal. He needs a lot of attention and knows how to open too many things in her room, but for her, the extra effort of caring for him is worth it.
There is no additional cost to the students for having a pet, but they are responsible for any damage the pet causes.
“I can’t even explain the feeling,” said Martinez. “If you’re having a bad day, your pet is here to welcome you. It’s beneficial to mental health. From an RA standpoint, it also creates a sense of community. People jump at the opportunity to show off their pets.”
“Students were told Samuel would be pet-friendly before moving in and made aware in case anyone had allergies,” said Peifer. “It has been fun. So far, the biggest issue we’ve had is a guinea pig with pink eye. We just took it to the vet and it was fine.” Kiara Martinez ’16, a small animal science major, brought her cat Buckwheat with her to
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DELVAL’S NEW TRUSTEES A new chair, vice chair and six new members have been selected to join the Board. Dr. Susan B. Ward M.D. ’80, a physician and president of The Consciousness Institute, was selected to chair Delaware Valley University’s Board of Trustees in September. Dr. Ward brings more than 30 years of experience in the medical field including teaching, research and leadership positions to the Board. She will serve as chair for two years. Dr. Ward, a DelVal biology alumna, earned her M.D. from Jefferson Medical College. As chair, she helped with transitioning DelVal from a college to a university. She will also be bringing together the many talents of the board to help the institution prepare students to tackle the most important issues of their time. Majid Alsayegh, the new vice chair of DelVal’s Board, earned a B.S. in engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and an M.S. degree in management and policy from the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as principal and senior consultant at Alta Management, LLC, which provides real estate development services in the public and private sectors. He has overseen the design and construction of numerous large construction projects, both locally and internationally. He co-founded Intercultural Journeys, a nonprofit that promotes harmony between cultures in conflict and chairs the board of the Dialogue Institute, which encourages collaboration between leaders from different religions and cultures. As vice chair, he plans to build new collaborative relationships with other educational institutions and expand relationships with foundations. 22
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New Trustees: Carol Aichele served as secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2015. She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in economics. Aichele led the Pennsylvania Department of State, which protects the public’s health, safety and welfare by licensing more than 950,000 business, health and real estate professionals; maintains registration and financial information for thousands of charities soliciting contributions from Pennsylvanians; administers Pennsylvania’s electoral process; maintains corporate filings; and oversees the State Athletic Commission. She also served as a Chester County commissioner and was one of just three commissioners in the nation to receive the National Association of Counties Courthouse Award, which recognizes innovative, fiscally responsible leadership. Christopher Asplen, Esq., a graduate of The Dickinson School of Law at Penn State University, is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on the use of DNA to solve crimes and prosecute criminals. He is the counsel in charge of
the Life Sciences practice group at Hill Wallack, LLP in Yardley, Pennsylvania. He is also the founder and executive director of the Global Alliance for Rapid DNA Testing and the founder of DNA 4 Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Africa maximize the potential of forensic DNA technology to combat genocidal violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Asplen worked closely with the U.S. Attorney General to develop DNA policy for the Department of Justice. He consults with the U.S. State Department and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. Drew Becher, who served as president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) from 2010-2015, holds a B.A. in urban planning from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree from DePaul University in public administration and an honorary doctoral degree from Delaware Valley University. PHS is the nation’s first – and largest – horticultural society. Best known for the Philadelphia Flower Show, PHS also offers various educational programs. Under his leadership, PHS started an initiative that aims to plant one million trees in the Philadelphia region by 2020. He also helped expand the City Harvest program, which grows organic produce for families in need, and has grown membership to 65,000 people across the country.
Andrew G. Dougherty ’00 is managing director and head of Alternative and Institutional Solutions for BNP Paribas. Dougherty is responsible for managing the group’s U.S. hedge fund administration platform and related business lines. He also serves as a Director of BNP Paribas Bank & Trust Cayman Limited. He frequently speaks in various domestic and international media outlets on a wide range of topics related to the hedge fund industry, asset managers and investment companies. Dougherty earned his B.S. in business administration from Delaware Valley University and his MBA in finance and management from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
PA State Rep. Marguerite C. Quinn represents the 143rd district, which includes the townships of Bedminster, Bridgeton, Buckingham, Doylestown, Durham, Nockamixon, Plumstead and Tinicum, and the boroughs of Doylestown and Riegelsville.
She holds a B.A. in international relations from St. Joseph’s University and an honorary doctoral degree from Delaware Valley University. Quinn is involved in many community organizations; locally she provides leadership to organizations such as: the CB Cares Educational Foundation, the Doylestown DART Committee, the Central Bucks Drug Free Project Coalition, the Bucks Country Conference Planning Committee and the Overdose Prevention Task Force.
Jonathan Mandell, who is considered one of the nation’s leading mosaic artists, is known primarily for creating wallmounted mosaic panels. He opened his business, Jonathan Mandell Designs, Inc., in the early ’90s. His work has been displayed across the country and can be found locally at several sites such as the National Constitution Center. He also has experience teaching art at various institutions. Mandell received his B.A. in history from Northwestern University and his M.F.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the son of DelVal emeritus trustee Morton Mandell.
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LAND AMERICAN DREAM A SUSTAINABILITY SYMPOSIUM
& THE
America has been celebrated as a beautiful land of bountiful natural resources since its founding. Its colonization and industrialization were fueled by the belief that the land could fulfill “The American Dream,” the hope of a better, richer and happier life for all people. But is an “American Dream” that equates progress with prosperity, and democracy with development, a sustainable way forward in the 21st century?
JOIN US Oct. 14–16, 2015 Tickets $50 - Cost includes entrance to all scheduled events as well as catered banquets throughout this three-day program. Registration
precariousalliance.org
DelVal will host “Land and the American Dream,” a Precarious Alliance sustainability symposium, Oct. 14 through Oct. 16 on its main campus in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The symposium will bring people from a variety of fields together to examine how The American Dream has contributed to economic, social and environmental concerns, and explore solutions that can promote a more sustainable American Dream. “As Americans, we tend to take the land for granted,” said Dr. Michael Stamps, co-chair of The Precarious Alliance Steering Committee. “This event will challenge us to review our long-cherished concept of The American Dream, remember its past realities and re-imagine its future possibilities.” “Land and the American Dream” is the fourth symposium in DelVal’s Precarious Alliance series, which focuses on challenges associated with adapting human networks to address environmental degradation, economic instability and social inequalities. This year’s program will include speakers, panels, presentations, film screenings, workshops and a themebased photography contest exhibition. There will also be an outdoor area with information tables, food trucks and musicians for guests.
Keynote Speakers ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.,,an
environmental activist and lawyer will be one of the keynote speakers. Kennedy was named one of TIME Magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” for his success helping Riverkeeper, a member-supported watchdog organization, lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. Kennedy is the author of several books such as the New York Times’ bestseller, “Crimes Against Nature” and “The Riverkeepers.” His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, The Nation, Outside Magazine, The Village Voice, and many other publications. JAMES HOWARD KUNSTLER, is a
novelist and journalist, who writes about American architecture and landscapes. Kunstler is the author of several books including, “The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America’s Man-made Landscape,” which launched him into the spotlight as a commentator on America’s built environment. He has lectured at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, MIT and many other institutions, and he has appeared before many professional organizations such as The American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
About the Precarious Alliance Series
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The Precarious Alliance series is about bringing people from all sides of the issues together to explore complex challenges associated with adapting human networks to address environmental degradation, economic instability and social inequalities. The series was created by DelVal President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan as a forum for the exchange of crossdisciplinary perspectives, civil dialogue, innovative thinking and practical solutions. Previous symposia have focused on food (2010), water (2012) and energy (2014). Previous keynote speakers have included Marion Nestle, Maude Barlow and Bill McKibben.
THANK YOU DR. RICHARD ZIEMER LARRY HEPNER Larry Hepner’s retirement from teaching at DelVal will by no means translate to sitting on a rocking chair and watching the world go by. Hepner has big plans for the next chapter of his life. There’s the Bed & Breakfast, La Basse Cour near Oneonta, New York, that he and his wife Diane run, the vegetable garden and roadside stand, the camps he wants to set up to teach middle schoolers about horses and agriculture, and the soup kitchen at his church. All the projects seem like a natural fit “ It is rare to find a for the agronomy professor who is so and environmental sciences professor, genuine in all the who has spent the ways that matter.” last 36 years teaching at DelVal and who is a — Marian Rubin ’17 member of the Class of 1974. “Time has gone by so quickly,” Hepner said. “It was 45 years ago that I came to DelVal as a freshman in the agronomy department…. what better place than DelVal. My experience was fantastic and my professors were top notch.” Following his graduation from DelVal, Hepner earned his Master of Science degree in agronomy from Penn State, and a few years later a teaching position opened at DelVal. Over the years, he has served as the superintendent of crop production, general manager of farm operations, department chair, and associate dean and interim dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
“There’s a small college near Doylestown. Why not apply there?” It was a simple enough question for Dr. Adelle Ziemer to ask her husband in 1966. And thus began the 48-year teaching career at DelVal for Dr. Richard Ziemer, one which lasted until his retirement last year. As professor of liberal arts, he spent most of his career teaching speech and sociology, and served as “ He has been a chair of the liberal arts department from 1986 through 2001. Dr. treasured friend Ziemer, who also pastored two to generations of different Mennonite churches in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, DelVal students.” served as DelVal’s unofficial chaplain – conducting worship for — James Trainer ’82 baccalaureate, convocation and memorial services, performing invocations and benedictions, and proud.’” Dr. Trainer felt “blessed to have officiating for more than 25 alumni weddings, with more scheduled for later him there when I needed him. He has been a treasured friend to generations of this year. DelVal students.” “As I got the rosters for each semester, Gail Fulcoly Barr ’80 agreed. “I so one of my self-assumed tasks was to admire Dr. Ziemer for his guidance and pray for each student before ever facing encouragement while I was a student, them in class,” Dr. Ziemer said. “That and for his kindness and friendship to was my spiritual ice breaker, and prayer the DelVal community.” is also the best way to go over everyone else’s head to the highest power.” In 1985, he began a birthday book for Dr. Jack Schmidt, liberal arts chair, said, students to sign. “I do call many of my former students to wish them good health “Richard’s most lasting legacy is the and a happy birthday,” Dr. Ziemer said. relationship he had with his students. It was a very special bond.” “He still calls me on my birthday every year,” said Lou Caggiano ’99. Recently Dr. Ziemer took on a big project. “I have typed the names of students from all my grade books into an Excel file,” he said. “At last count, I noted over 15,000 names – all of them providing me precious thoughts and memories.”
“These were important positions, but I realized for me, what was most enjoyable and fulfilling was teaching and working with the students,” Hepner recalled. “It is rare to find a professor who is so genuine in all the ways that matter,” said Marian Rubin ’17, an environmental sciences student. “I came to DelVal loving our natural environment, but Mr. Hepner has taught me why it is important to care for our environment and has given me the tools and knowledge to do so.” “I have enjoyed coming to ‘work’ each day,” Hepner said. “Interacting with students and faculty has given me a rewarding career for which I am very grateful.”
“When I was in college, I had the misfortune to suffer the loss of both parents,” said Dr. James Trainer ’82, former chair of the Board of Trustees. “When Commencement rolled around, I felt Dr. Ziemer’s hand on my shoulder. ‘I feel the presence of your parents today. They are with us and they are
Dr. Ziemer has no intention of slowing down. “I still have many professional requests to fulfill,” he said.
If you’d like to stay in touch with Dr. Ziemer, he’d love to hear from you. His email address is ricazi@yahoo.com.
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JOIN US AT
SAUCON VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
By: David Clement ’15
Coming this fall is one of Delaware Valley University’s most beloved events, the DelVal Golf Classic. The Golf Classic is an annual tournament, which was established to provide scholarship assistance for the institution’s students. It also gives alumni an opportunity to reconnect with one another. This year’s event is especially important since it is the 20th anniversary of the Golf Classic. The Golf Classsic was started by a committee headed by professor of turf management and head golf coach, Dr. Doug Linde ’91 and Dave McGhee, a past member of DelVal’s Board of Trustees. This event is important to the DelVal community because according to Maryann Fox, executive director of major gifts, “Many students need to bridge the gap between family contributions and financial aid to cover the cost of earning their degrees. Scholarships provide access for students to continue and complete their programs.” The Golf Classic has raised more than $700,000 since it was created and supports The Golf Classic Endowed fund, which has reached approximately $385,000. The funds have supported more than 200 students so far. In recent years, the event has raised an average of about $60,000 for scholarships each year. About 140 golfers participate in the outing every year and the number of participants continues to grow. A mix of alumni and corporate partners participate. Regular attendees include trustee Chuck Alpuche ’81, Dick Carroll ’64, DelVal hall of famer and emeritus trustee Patricia Hilton ’76, Jim Roney ’96 and Lance Seeton. There are a variety of ways for alumni to participate and support scholarships.
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Alumni and friends can play in the tournament, make a donation or donate to the silent auction or raffle. The golf tournament includes breakfast, a cocktail reception, a raffle, a silent auction and dinner with an awards ceremony and plenty of time to mingle with other members and friends of the DelVal community. Fox hopes that this year’s event will “continue the great tradition of connecting alumni and community partners with DelVal.” “If you haven’t attended before, I invite you to join us for this very worthwhile and fun-filled tradition,” said Fox.
When: Monday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. shotgun start Where: Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Saucon Valley Country Club is one of the top-rated facilities in the country. It is situated on 850 acres with three championship courses including the famed Old Course, Grace Course and Weyhill Course. All three courses have been consistently ranked in the “Top 10 Courses in Pennsylvania.” Saucon Valley also hosted the 2014 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open in 2009 and the U.S. Senior Open in 2000. How to Register: To reserve a spot, visit delval.edu/golfclassic or call Jackie Carafa at 215.489.2424 for more information. Participants are able to get equipment from the country club or bring their equipment for the event.
Individual registration is $500 per person. Registration for a team of four starts at $2,500.
FUNDRAISING FOR A NEW SWINE FACILITY HAS BEGUN The Clemens Family Corporation awarded Delaware Valley University a $250,000 grant to go toward building a new swine science center. Senior Vice President of Clemens Family Corporation Tom Clemens presented a check to DelVal President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan at Clemens Food Group. Clemens invited DelVal President Dr. Brosnan; Russell Redding, DelVal’s former dean of agriculture and environmental sciences; Dr. Sara Crawford, the former chair of the animal science department and current DelVal students to tour the facility and have lunch with alumni who work for the company on Oct. 27. “We are grateful to the Clemens family for their generosity, which will help us invest in a facility that will allow students to see the latest industry practices right on campus,” said Redding, who left his position as DelVal’s dean of agriculture and environmental sciences Jan. 20 to become Pennsylvania’s secretary of agriculture. “We’re seeing a strong interest in animal agriculture as a career path from students and from industry to meet workforce demand. Thanks to the Clemens family’s support we will be able to prepare pork industry professionals to better meet industry needs. They will be stepping into jobs and internships with added confidence and expertise because of this facility.”
The planned facility will be built on the south end of campus and will include: a 25-sow gestation area, a farrow nursery and a finishing barn with an attached classroom and office area. It will provide students with handson learning opportunities in swine production, health, breeding and management. It will also provide a new space for student and faculty research. The Clemens Family Corporation was founded in 1895 by John C. Clemens to deliver quality meat products in the Philadelphia area. Since that time, the Clemens family has been building on that tradition and now distributes products all over the country. Today, their companies include: Hatfield Quality Meats, Country View Family Farms, Clemens Development Group, CFC Logistics, PV Transport and Nick’s Sausage Company. Hatfield employs several DelVal alumni and participates in the University’s career and internship fair each year. Employees have also visited campus to volunteer in DelVal’s charitable garden. The total construction cost of the project is estimated at $780,000, which includes
This new facility will allow our animal science students to gain hands-on experience on campus in a facility that mirrors what they would see in the industry.
design and build costs. Through a generous donation from The Clemens Family Corporation and a match by the University, DelVal is two-thirds of the way to this amount.
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REALIZING THE VISION CAMPAIGN UPDATE By Lanny Morgnanesi A university needs sufficient financial resources to thrive, and so it is with Delaware Valley University. As the academic leaders worked on implementing the 2010 strategic plan, designed around the idea of DelVal becoming a University, work on funding that effort also started. The vehicle was the highly successful, and still ongoing, Realizing the Vision campaign. By April 8, when the College officially became a university, the campaign had received gifts and pledges of $52 million. The DelVal Fund, the annual giving component of the campaign, increased from $326,729 in fiscal year 2010 to $547,722 in 2014. Other designated funding areas of the campaign are: •A cademic
Excellence and University Status
• Campus
Enhancement
• Endowment • Life
Sciences Building
• Scholarships • Student
Life/Athletics
“With the help of the campaign, DelVal can step into the new era with a confidence it might not otherwise have had,” said President Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan. “Leadership gifts have enabled us to do things such as start a doctoral program and expand our classroom and lab spaces.” The beginning of the campaign was a $30 million gift in land and cash from the Warwick Foundation and its president, Elizabeth “Betsy” Gemmill, now a DelVal trustee. It was the largest donation in the history of the institution and included the 398-acre Gemmill homestead in Jamison, Pennsylvania. Not long after, businessman Bob Lipinski ’80 stepped up with a seven-figure gift that built a multi-sport turf field and jogging track, enabling DelVal to add two new sports – men’s and women’s lacrosse.
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There was a million dollar gift from the late Joseph F. Umosella ’63. Former dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and National Chair for Planned Giving Dr. Jim Diamond ’61 and his wife, Betty Diamond, made multiple gifts, raising their total campaign support beyond $2.5 million. Corporations and foundations also played a significant role. There were gifts and pledges of $1 million from the John E. Morgan Foundation for student scholarships; $400,000 from the HoopesAddis Education Trust for an equine carriage driving faculty position and $80,000 from the George I. Alden Trust for the Life Sciences Building. Bristol-Myers Squibb funded the student research course over multiple years. An anonymous donor’s gift of $200,000 helped build six tennis courts and enabled the start of men’s and women’s tennis on campus. With $250,000 in seed money from the Clemens Family Corporation, DelVal was able to begin planning for a new Swine Science Center.
of gratitude to its loyal supporters. “Thank you to all the donors who have supported our academic mission by making a gift to the campaign thus far,” said Erckert. “Now, as we approach the last year of the campaign, we need our friends and donors more than ever. To sustain ourselves in these very difficult times, DelVal must grow both its endowment and its annual fund.” Endowed scholarships remain a priority, as these gifts provide access to education for students who want to pursue a DelVal degree. Annual fund gifts support all academic majors, as well as technology upgrades in the classrooms, library acquisitions and campus beautification. “I think DelVal has shown that it is a worthy investment,” said Michael Moss, a trustee and campaign chair. “The opportunity here is to provide students with the learning, skills and tools they need to change the world. There isn’t a better dividend that an investor can ask for.”
During the celebration of university status, Dr. Brosnan announced that a seven-figure gift from Kate Littlefield, vice-chair of the Board of Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, will help launch the Institute for Biotechnology and Hydroponics at Delaware Valley University. “At a time when small, independent colleges and universities are straining to meet the challenges of the changing marketplace of higher education, our donors have expressed their passion for DelVal,” said Dr. Brosnan. “While the campaign is an undisputable success, there are still many, many unmet needs.” Both Dr. Brosnan and vice president for institutional advancement Joseph Erckert, said the University owes an incredible debt
How to Support the Campaign: For those who wish to mail gifts, there is a campaign envelope in this issue. For more information contact Jennifer Rock, executive director of development, at 215.489.4830 or jennifer.rock@delval.edu.
RESEARCH SHEDS LIGHT ON HOW A COMMON MOLD INFECTS THE LUNGS Alayna Caffrey ’09 has discovered a molecule that is vital for the body’s defense against a common type of mold that can invade the lungs of people with compromised immune systems. “The immunocompromised population is growing so, unfortunately the population at risk is also growing,” said Caffrey. “I am happy to have the opportunity to be a part of research that may contribute to a better outcome for this patient population.” Caffrey, originally from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, always enjoyed science classes, but said her interest really started to grow after taking A.P. Biology. She said DelVal’s community was a great fit for her. “DelVal’s small classes allowed for a lot of hands-on teaching and training, especially in the laboratory,” said Caffrey. “The pre-professional biology program allowed me to choose from a range of science classes, based in both environmental biology and microbiology, which helped me determine which area of biology I enjoyed most.” DelVal’s requirement to gain real-world experience helped her refine her career goals. “I worked in different areas of science, including a veterinary hospital and a research laboratory at Cornell University in the biomedical engineering department (as an undergraduate),” said Caffrey. Caffrey is now a doctoral student in Montana State University’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology. She’s helping with research on Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mold, sometimes found in soil or compost piles, which can cause severe lung infections in patients with compromised immune systems. For someone who has recently received
an organ transplant, is undergoing chemotherapy or has leukemia for example, infection can be deadly.
“The most rewarding part so far has been getting our research out to the public, and knowing that others can access it and use it to develop new ideas,” said Caffrey. “It is rewarding to know all of our time spent went to something that can advance the field.”
Caffrey and the lab team she is part of wanted to find out what was going wrong when the compromised immune system was exposed to the mold. She found Co-authors on the that healthy immune paper were: Margaret “The Cornell internship systems attracted white Lehmann, Julianne really, which I never would blood cells to the site Zickovich, Christopher have done without the DelVal of the infection using Watschke, Kimberly a molecule called Hilmer, and Dr. Josh requirement, sparked my IL-la. This molecule is Obar from MSU; interest in research.” necessary for fighting Vanessa Espinosa and off the infection and Dr. Amariliz Rivera— Alayna Caffrey without it, the mold Medina from the Center grows and invades for Immunity and surrounding lung tissue. Inflammation at Rutgers University; Dr. Kelly Shepardson, Arsa Thammahong “We use two different clinical isolates and Dr. Robert Cramer from the Geisel of the mold. Both were isolated from School of Medicine at Dartmouth patients who had invasive aspergillosis,” College; and Dr. Bridget Barker from said Caffrey. “After growing the mold, TGen North in Flagstaff, Arizona. we then harvest it into a liquid solution, which we use to perform experiments,” Caffrey is still doing research on the said Caffrey. “Currently, we are focusing molecule as well as research focused on on what about the mold is leading to other molecules involved in the immune (white blood) cell recruitment, which is response to Aspergillus fumigatus. At critical for the host’s defense against the MSU, she is working in a laboratory for mold and, which host immune pathways Dr. Obar, a researcher who looks at outare important for combating the fungus.” of-control immune systems, flu pandemic and other biomedical issues. She co-authored a paper on the work in the Jan. 28 online issue of PLOS “The goal with our lab’s research is to Pathogens, a top scientific journal. develop new disease treatments that Caffrey was one of just 10 people enhance or suppress a specific immune selected to present at the Gordon response,” said Caffrey. “Treatments that Research Seminar on Immunology of could be used along with current antiFungal Infections in Texas in January. fungal treatments to better the prognosis She won first place at the event, which of these patients.” draws faculty, graduate students and researchers from all over the world.
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DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY HONORS HERMAN SILVERMAN FOR HIS DEDICATION TO BUCKS COUNTY DelVal presented Herman Silverman ’40 with the Helen and Kenneth Gemmill Distinguished Philanthropy and Service Award on April 8, 2015. The Helen and Kenneth Gemmill Distinguished Philanthropy and Service Award is given to a person following in the footsteps of the couple by making an outstanding contribution to Bucks County. The award honors a person who demonstrates leadership and has given time and service, plus financial contributions, to improve Bucks County. Silverman is a former acting president of DelVal and also served as a DelVal trustee. He was president and CEO of Sylvan Pools – a leading pool installer in the Northeast. After selling Sylvan Pools, he founded Silverman Family Partnerships, Inc., which he continues to serve as managing partner. Silverman Family Partnerships leases, manages and develops commercial real estate.
Silverman is a lifelong advocate of the arts in Bucks County. He was instrumental in creating: the Bucks County Art Council, the Bucks County Poet Laureate position, and the Artmobile, a “gallery on wheels” that teaches area children about art and culture. He is also one of the James A. Michener Art Museum’s six founders and is chairman Emeritus of the Museums’s Board of Trustees. In 2011, he opened The Silverman Gallery in Buckingham, Pennsylvania. Silverman and his late wife, Ann, helped create The Free Clinic of Doylestown, which was renamed in her honor. Silverman has
held leadership roles with: The Friends of The Heart Institute of Doylestown Hospital, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Doylestown Historical Society, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Read about his life: In his latest book, “Memories from a Life Well Lived,” Herman Silverman shares wisdom, insight and funny stories from 95 years of his memories. Silverman started his life poor and became a successful businessman and philanthropist. In his book, he describes his time building Sylvan Pools into the largest swimming pool business in the United States while weaving in stories of love, loss, hardship and life. “ The book is a must-read for any budding entrepreneur looking for insight and wisdom on how to follow your dreams.”
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THE NEXT LEVEL
Rasheed Bailey ’15 and Aaron Wilmer ’16 pursue professional football dreams By: Matt Levy
Aaron Wilmer drops back to pass and throws a perfect spiral to Rasheed Bailey just as Bailey comes out of his break on an inside post pattern. Bailey catches the ball in stride and continues running up the field. It is a play that the two have run for four years on the Delaware Valley game and practice fields during the season, in the gymnasium in the winter and on fields of Philadelphia in the summer. It’s what helped them put up record-breaking numbers and earn accolade after accolade while helping lead the Aggies to a pair of NCAA Division III playoff appearances in their four years. The audience wasn’t just the vocal DelVal crowd or their coaches and teammates. They caught the attention of pro scouts with clipboards and stopwatches in their hands and even Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and his staff at an individual workout that Bailey and Wilmer were recently invited to. In May, Bailey saw the first part of his NFL dream come true as the All-American wide receiver agreed to terms with his hometown Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. Wilmer signed the same month with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. It’s been a long time since a DelVal player was in this situation. The last to sign as an NFL free agent was offensive lineman Steve Wagner ’93, who the Eagles brought to their training camp as a free agent back in 1993. Before that was Chuck Alpuche ’81 by the Detroit Lions in 1981. In the 1960s, Aggie standouts such as the brother tandem of Bill ’66 and Ted Cottrell ’69 were drafted by NFL teams and saw playing time. It was a dream for those players then and it will be a dream come true for both Bailey and Wilmer. All they needed was a chance and one team to see the potential in them and give them the opportunity that they desire and think about every waking minute. Who would’ve thought of that when they first walked onto campus in the fall of 2011? The two residents of Philadelphia were immediately drawn to each other on and off the field.
“When we first got here, we connected and each year it grew and we grew,” Bailey said. Boy, did it grow on the field. When their four years of collegiate eligibility were up, both players etched their names among the best to suit up in an Aggie uniform. And they capped it all with a senior year to remember as they helped lift Delaware Valley to a 9-0 start and a return to the NCAA Division III playoffs, where they first went as freshmen. As the season progressed and the two were putting up video-game like numbers, they started attracting attention from the pro ranks. Scouts from the Eagles, the Indianapolis Colts and other NFL teams began making their way to practices to meet the two, talk to the coaches and watch game film. The scouts liked what they saw and heard. When the final snap of the season took place, it was just the beginning for Bailey and Wilmer. Both continued with training regimens at various clubs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, working out with players from higher-level college teams at these sessions. They were not only keeping pace with them, but also outplaying them. Bailey and Wilmer participated at Villanova University’s Pro Day on March 30, where they got to show off their skills at their positions. Numerous scouts talked to both afterwards and the Eagles followed up with invitations for individual workouts in front of their brass. That workout took place on April 8 – the same day their school officially became Delaware Valley University – at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, not far from their homes. Both received praise from Kelly and others with the team. When the NFL Draft was done, Bailey’s phone rang with multiple offers, including the Eagles. He made the decision to go with his hometown team. Shortly after, Wilmer got his call and chance up in Canada. For Bailey and Wilmer, it was the end of an incredible journey at Delaware Valley and the start of another with the opening acts of their professional football careers.
From left: Aaron Wilmer and Rasheed Bailey.
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ATHLETICS
FALL/SPRING
Football makes a run to the NCAA playoffs A 9-0 start…a battle for the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) championship…an at-large berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs…The Maxwell Football Club Tri-State Player of the Year…Two All-Americans…Five all-region picks…The MAC and ECAC Offensive Player of the Year…Eleven allconference honorees. It was another memorable season for the Delaware Valley football team. Under rookie, head coach Duke Greco, the Aggies finished 9-2 and reached the NCAAs for the sixth time since 2004. The biggest win of the season was a battle of undefeated and nationally ranked teams for Homecoming as 4-0 DelVal squared off with 5-0 Lycoming College. The Aggie offense, which had put up 50 points in four straight games, was going to get a test against one of the top defenses in the country as the Warriors had allowed just 50 total points and an average of 208 yards in their first five games. At least, it was supposed to be a test. The Aggies blew away those numbers as they racked up 611 total yards, found the end zone seven times and went over the 50-point mark again, this one a 52-42 triumph. The final week of the regular season brought the showdown of 9-0 DelVal at 9-0 Widener. With the MAC championship and an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs on the line, the Aggies scored just 2:39 into
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the game, but it was Widener, which celebrated a 44-28 victory. So Delaware Valley gathered the next day in the auditorium of the new Life Sciences Building to watch the NCAA Selection Show and see if its 9-1 record was enough to get an at-large berth. As the brackets were announced, the Aggies didn’t have to wait long as the screen showed that they were in. And not only in the tournament field, but also hosting a first-round game against Christopher Newport University with a potential second-round rematch with Widener University looming on the horizon. Unfortunately, the rematch didn’t happen as Christopher Newport kicked a game-winning field goal with no time remaining for the 29-26 victory. The sudden end to the season did not take away from the amazing accomplishments that the team notched in 2014. The trip to the postseason was the 11th in the last 12 years, including the sixth journey to the NCAAs. The 9-0 start was the fourth-greatest opening to a season in program history and the win total was the most by an Aggie rookie head coach. Individually, the tandem of wide receiver Rasheed Bailey and quarterback Aaron Wilmer put up record-breaking numbers and the two have their eyes set on bigger goals now (see the feature on the previous page). Bailey was named to three separate All-America Teams and fellow senior and tailback Chris Smallwood joined him on one of them.
DelVal wrestlers win MAC and regional titles, place fifth at NCAA Head coach Steve Cantrell’s Delaware Valley wrestling team added another memorable chapter to its storied history. The Aggies notched an 11-3 record in dual meets and then had a championship season to remember. First came the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, a five-team tournament where four of the squads were ranked in the top 25 nationally. DelVal crowned five champions and had two runners-up as it won its 15th MAC title in program history, edging Messiah College by just 1.5 points. At the NCAA East Regionals, it was another nail-biter in the team standings. One point separated first and second place and it was the Aggies who held the trophy, coming from behind in the final weights to edge out New York University. Six DelVal wrestlers placed in the top three in their respective weight classes, which qualified them for the NCAA Division III Championships. The NCAAs took place on the East Coast for the first time in a decade and Hershey, Pennsylvania was the scene. A large contingent of Aggie fans, families and alumni were in attendance for the two-day tournament. DelVal finished in fifth place in the team standings to tie for the third-highest finish in school history. Four of the six Aggie competitors placed in the top eight, earning them AllAmerica accolades. It was third-highest total of All-Americans in one season for DelVal.
Women’s soccer reaches freedom playoffs The Delaware Valley women’s soccer team entered the 2014 season with no seniors on its roster. The Aggies were even picked to finish last out of eight teams in the Freedom Conference coaches’ poll. Despite all this, head coach Kevin Doherty led the team to the conference tournament for the first time since 2008. DelVal posted a 6-11-2 overall record with a strong 3-3-1 mark in conference play that included road victories over perennial power Eastern University (the first-ever win over the Eagles), King’s College and Wilkes University. DelVal was the third seed in the playoffs and made the trip to two-time defending champion and nationally ranked Misericordia University. The Aggies fell to the eventual conference champs, but it was a great run to the postseason. After the campaign, four players were named to the all-conference team.
Senior Vinny Fava advanced all the way to the 149-pound finals and wrapped up the year as the national runner-up. It was his second straight All-America accolade. Fellow senior Aaron Karns’ fourth trip to the NCAAs resulted in a third AllAmerica honor as he placed fourth at 197 pounds. The standout finished with a career record of 121-26. Sophomore heavyweight Zach Roseberry placed third for his second straight AllAmerica honor while senior Zac Haynes reached the national podium for the first time as he was seventh at 133 pounds. Fellow seniors Alec Horan (165 pounds) and Connor Gabriel (184 pounds) also competed at the NCAAs.
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ATHLETICS
FALL/SPRING
DelVal basketball teams reach the postseason In the 40 years since women’s basketball became an intercollegiate sport at Delaware Valley, there had never been a season where both the men’s and women’s programs qualified for the conference playoffs. Until now. Both teams had standout seasons in 2014 to 2015 with each reaching the postseason. The men made it all the way to the Freedom Conference Championship Game while the women reached the semifinals and were then picked for the ECAC South Region tournament as well.
MEN Head coach Casey Stitzel and his squad were tabbed as the preseason favorite in the Freedom Conference and they did not disappoint as they took on a top schedule and finished the regular season with a 15-10 overall record and a 10-4 mark in the Freedom. Among the victories was a 77-74 home victory over DeSales University where Chris Moran banked in a 35-foot shot at the buzzer to win the battle of first-place teams. The basket and the wild celebration by the Aggie fans were later aired on ESPN’s Sportscenter show as play number two on its “Top 10 Plays” that evening. DelVal entered the conference playoffs as the number two seed and hosted DeSales in the semifinals. In front of a nearcapacity crowd, seniors Francis Arnold and Nick Sullivan combined for 11 3-pointers and 48 points as the team pulled away to an 83-67 victory and a berth in the title game. Two fan buses full of Aggie students followed the team to Misericordia University for the championship game that would also determine the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs. It marked the third time in five years that DelVal was in this spot, but the squad could not cut down a championship net again as the top-seeded Cougars picked up the 77-67 win and ended the Aggies’ season. But what a season it was with 16 wins and Stitzel becoming the program’s all-time leader in victories. Arnold and Moran were named to the all-conference team.
WOMEN With a starting lineup that featured four seniors, expectations were high that head coach Laura Hogan and her Aggies would make a second straight appearance in the postseason. And they did just that with a 13-14 overall record and an 8-6 mark in conference action. DelVal was the fourth seed and had the daunting task of playing defending national champion FDU-Florham, which entered the game winners of 59 of its last 60 games. The Aggies trailed by just eight at halftime and could not rally for the victory. However that was not the end of their season as DelVal was picked for the ECAC South Region tournament. Their campaign concluded in the quarterfinals as a Lebanon Valley College squad that reached the ECAC title game. Senior Brenna Coll, who became the first player in program history to notch 1,400 points (1,424) and rebounds (773), was named to the All-Freedom Team along with junior Eireann Anastasi. 34
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Thomas qualifies for NCAA indoor track and field championships Freshman Ta’riq Thomas made quite a debut during the DelVal men’s indoor track and field season. Thomas captured top honors in the triple jump at both the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) and ECAC Championships. He qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships in that event as well as the long jump and placed 11th in the country in both. Thomas, who also saw time as a wide receiver on the Aggie football team, was named the MAC Men’s Indoor Track Rookie of the Year for his efforts. In addition to winning the triple jump at the MACs, he was second in the long jump and third in the high jump.
1960s Jerry Mulnick ’61 enjoyed visiting friends at DelVal during A-Day Weekend. After 25 years of service, Bill Bartles ’69 retired from his position as an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. There still will be a member of the Bartles family on the faculty, his son, Brian, Princeton ’97 and Wharton ’03, will be taking his place. In May 2014, Brian presented him with his first grandchild, a granddaughter, Kylie Brooke.
Alumni of the Class of 1965 John Morrow ’65, Jay Dunn ’65, and John Harrison ’65 and their spouses
1970s
Class of ’61 friends Jerry Mulnick, Jim Diamond, Steve Katz, Joe Fitzpatrick and Aaron Schneider enjoying lunch in New Britain.
Joe Gall ’61, second from left, joins fellow classmates from the class of 1961 Aaron Schneider, Joe Fitzpatrick, Steve Katz and Jerry Mulnick at the floral exhibit in the James Work Gymnasium.
Ken Roux ’70 retired after 35 years on the faculty at Florida State University. During that time, he was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor to full professor. He was named Distinguished Research Professor and the Kurt Hofer Professor of Biological Sciences. Roux taught immunology classes, secured research grants from the National Science Foundation, the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health to study antibody structure, food allergies and HIV-1 AIDS, and published 150 research papers. During his retirement he will be consulting; wood turning; antiquing with his wife of 44 years, Shirley; and spending time with his son, who is also a scientist, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. Warren Kimmel ’70 retired from Motorola Solutions, Inc., in March after working for the company for more than 40 years. He is serving his sixth year as president of the Vietnam Veterans
of America Lancaster County Chapter 1008. His chapter is very active in the community and provides educational panel presentations for area high schools related to the Vietnam War. He recently visited the D-Day Invasion sites in Normandy with two World War II veterans, his father, Warren, who is 90, and another veteran who was part of the D-Day Invasion. Bruce Giese ’71 began what is likely his last pastorate at the Ellston-Tingley United Methodist Parish in Ellston and Tingley, Iowa. Since he is a distance away he would enjoy hearing from people via pstrbruceg@gmail.com. Neal Hayes ’71 recently retired from the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development New Jersey State Office after 41 years of federal service. At time of his retirement, he was the rural housing programs director for New Jersey overseeing all multi-family and residential housing (direct and guaranteed) programs. He served in Pennsylvania, Hawaii and Pacific Areas, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey. S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | HORIZONS 35
1980s Jeanie Cirotti Kellock ’83 is excited to announce the birth of her first grandchild, a little girl named Hailey, born in November to her son and daughter-in-law. Also, her two daughters are both getting married, one July 24 and the other Oct.17. Carl Vivaldi ’84 retired from teaching horticulture after 30 years. He is managing a tasting room for a winery in Washington. Patricia Dollarton ’89 has been employed by The Vanguard Group (investment firm) as a bond and stock trader for 23 years and will retire in seven years after a 30-year career. She purchased a second home in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and is looking forward to spending her retirement years at the beach. She is also still in touch with her DelVal friends. “I am thrilled that the friendships I made almost 30 years ago at DelVal are still going strong,” said Dollarton. “My college friends are still my best friends to this day!”
1990s Joan Kinley-Howard ’91 graduated from the United States Department of Agriculture/ Natural Resources Conservation Service Emerging Leadership Development Program provided by George Washington University. In August 2014, she was promoted from Eastern Regional Soil Scientist for the National Resource Inventory Program to the Eastern Regional Data Collection Team Lead for the National Resource Inventory Program, USDA NRCS East Remote Sensing Lab in Greensboro, North Carolina. Kathleen (Kathy) Salisbury ’98 from Green Lane, Pennsylvania, has been hired as an extension horticulture educator in Bucks County. Her major responsibilities
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will include planning, implementing, conducting and evaluating educational programs for the Green Industry and Tree Fruit teams. This includes maintaining and expanding existing horticulture programs, supervising programs delivered by program assistants, building private industry collaborations and partnerships, managing an expanding revenue enhancement portfolio and establishing a professional development plan. She will provide technical support for the Master Gardener program through instruction to the District Master Gardener program. Shawn Huzar ’91 recently received a patent for his new landscape tool, called the Multi Tarp. He was very excited to debut this new invention and demonstrate its many uses at the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS). His wife, Bridget Kelley Huzar ’93, has also played a big role in this new product’s success.
2000s Amy Slutter ’06 was promoted to grain team leader at Wenger Feeds. She will oversee the grain buyers and lead the company’s risk management programs. Samantha (Dailey) Billig ’08 was recently selected as the 2014-15 Hunterdon Central Teacher of the Year and the 2015-16 Hunterdon County Teacher of the Year. Ongela Djerf ’10 purchased a home in February 2014. Erin Cymerman ’11 was recently promoted to strategic account rebate manager with Zoetis. She will be responsible for managing strategic cattle and pork contracts and livestock rebate programs. Caitlin Dorgan ’11, the first person in DelVal history to become an AllAmerican in cross-country, trained for a triathlon after graduating from DelVal. In April 2014, at the finish line of the South Beach Miami Triathlon Gerard Sclafani, her boyfriend, a special operations ranger in the U.S. Army, proposed to her and she said yes! In August, she raced in the Chicago Triathlon and took first place, which allowed her to claim her Elite Card. This year, she will be racing as a professional triathlete!
Weddings & Engagements
1. Beth Sander ’03 got married to Ryan Ramsey in June 2015 in her hometown, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Her bridesmaids include some of her best DelVal friends, Colleen (Milligan) Malchitsky ’03, Susy (Berg) Chrnelich ’03, Katie (Flynn) Jacoby ’03 and Crystal (Borger) Goldberg ’04. 2. Katherine Darger ’08 married Jacob Serfass ’07 in June 2014. 3. Deanna Rubino ’11 and Michael Otstot ’12 are engaged. Rubino is a study support associate for Charles River at Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Ashburn, Virginia. Otstot is an assistant superintendent at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. They are planning a September 2015 wedding in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
2.
1.
4. Emily R. Reineberg ’13 married Matthew D. Palmieri ’12 July 19, 2014, at St. Mary’s Church in York, Pennsylvania. Reineberg is a seasonal hospital manager at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, New Jersey, and a veterinary technician at House Paws Mobile Veterinary Service in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Palmieri is a propagation manager at The Medford Nursery in Medford. Following a honeymoon to Grenada, the couple began living in Lumberton, New Jersey. Members of the bridal party included bridesmaids Maggie Levicoff ’13 and Megan Leininger ’13 and groomsmen Paoul Martinez ’11 and Patrick Cocchiarella ’11. Brett Longcor ’12 got engaged to Christina Engle ’14 Feb. 14.
3.
4.
Dr. Elsbeth Centola Jayne ’10 married Rick Jayne Aug. 16. 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.
Births H. John Rowe ’73 and his wife became grandparents for the first time. Their grandson, Landon John Rowe, was born Feb. 6 in York Hospital to proud parents John C. and Alicia Rowe. Jamie Glennon ’00 and his wife, Kim, had a son, Henry Jack Glennon, March 16. He joins his sister, Avery (age 4).
A future Aggies fan, Henry Glennon, wearing his homemade DelVal onesie.
Elise (Mullin) Georgulis ’11, DelVal’s distance learning and learning support librarian, and her husband, Paul, welcomed a baby boy, Gabriel Paul, into the world Oct. 22. Gabriel Paul
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In Memory Former trustee Charles E. Sigety, Esq. died August 3, 2014. He was 91.
Philip G. (Phil) Staudt ’60 died January 16, 2015. He was 77.
Theodore S. (Ted) Krause ’30 passed away in his home, surrounded by loved ones on February 19, 2015. He was 103.
Ronald J. (Jake) Sensenich Sr. ’61 passed away August 27, 2014 at the age of 77.
Harry Gilbert ’38 passed away September 3, 2014 at the age of 97. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star during World War II. Howard Gluckman ’38 died on February 22, 2015 at the age of 97. James (Jim) McFadden ’42 died March 11, 2015. He was 95. Gerald D. (Jerry) Groff ’43 passed away peacefully on January 14, 2015. He was 93. Marvin B. Kurland ’45 passed away September 9, 2014. He was 92. William F. (Bill) Roberts Jr. ’50, a World War II veteran, died September 3, 2014 at the age of 87. James A. (Jimmy) Sheaffer ’50, an agronomy alumnus, passed away February 28, 2015. He was 90. Donald A. (Don) Barbour ’51 passed away March 12, 2015 at the age of 87. Erwin L. Goldstein ’51, a poultry husbandry alumnus and Korean War veteran, passed away October 1, 2014. John C. Holzheimer ’51, an animal husbandry alumnus, passed away with family by his side on January 22, 2015. He was 85. Richard H. Horne ’51, a food industry alumnus, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, died March 16, 2014 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Horne ’51 Renee, two daughters, four grandchildren and a great grandson. William J. (Bill) Branigan ’53 died July 30, 2014 at the age of 85. William L. (Bill) Long Jr. ’56, a horticulture alumnus, died peacefully on July 30, 2014. He was 81.
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alumnus.
Edward R. Kennedy ’62 passed away March 20, 2015. He was 75. Gaetano J. (Jim) Matro ’62 died March 8, 2015. He was 74. James M. (Merrill) Shuke, D.M.D. ’63 passed away March 25, 2015. He was 75. Fritz Blank ’64, a dairy science alumnus, died September 9, 2014. K. Roland Bergner ’65 died October 18, 2014. He was 71. Peter P. Zanette ’65, an education alumnus, died on November 18, 2014, at the age of 72.
Gerard Marini ’52, a DelVal agronomy and
Jon A. Kimmett ’67, died February 15, 2015, after a two-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 69
2015, at the age of 85. Marini was a nationally
John C. George ’70, an agronomy alumnus, passed away December 12, 2014. He was 66. Jeffrey Wood ’70 died at age 65 July 14. After graduating from DelVal’s ornamental horticulture program, he earned a master’s degree from Rutgers University. He taught horticulture at Somerset County Vo Tech. Wood was also the founder of Atlantic Nursery in Mays Landing, New Jersey where he worked for 32 years. John B. (Blair) Yurkanin Sr. ’75 passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2014, at the age of 61. Ronald J. (Ron) Parker ’80 passed away February 7, 2015. He was 57.
environmental science alumnus, died May 29, recognized leader in the fight against drugs in the workplace. He served on DelVal’s Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2012, was a former chairman of the Board and became an emeritus trustee in 2013. He worked for Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. for 30 years, before retiring in 1993. In 1976, he was elected as a corporate officer of Hoffmann-La Roche. While at Hoffmann-La Roche, he honed his expertise in drug abuse policy initiatives and substance abuse intervention programs. He held leadership roles with the New Jersey Governor’s Council for a Drug Free Workplace, Inc. and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. He was a former vice president and general manager of the Pantene Company and he also served as senior vice president of Roche Biomedical Laboratories. He served on numerous boards and committees related to employee assistance and a drug-free workplace. He was
Christopher R. (Chris) Friedauer ’00 passed away suddenly on February 15, 2015.
inducted into the DelVal Hall of Fame for both
Lara V. Chrucky ’10 passed away October 17, 2014, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was an animal enrichment, behavior and conversation
awarded an honorary degree from Delaware Valley
football and baseball in 1987. In May 2015, he was University. Marini is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rita, as well as friends and family.
Leadership Symposium
Would you like to order a Delaware Valley University Diploma?
Learn to make great decisions and resolve complex situations.
August 5-6, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Life Sciences Building, Delaware Valley University Registration fee of $200 includes continental breakfast and lunch each day.
Delaware Valley University is thrilled to be able to offer alumni the opportunity to receive a diploma bearing the institution’s new name. Alumni who graduated prior to 2015 may request a Delaware Valley University diploma between July 15 and September 15, 2015.
Collaborative Decision Making and Situation Appraisal Leaders
The Office of the Registrar will fulfill all new diploma requests after verifying transcripts and the appropriate credentials for graduation. Alumni will receive their new diplomas no later than December 31.
•U se data to ensure conclusions and decisions are sound and defensible.
To order visit: delval.edu/diploma
PARTICIPANTS WILL LEAVE THIS SYMPOSIUM READY TO:
• Align decisions with organizational priorities. • Build commitment among stakeholders. • Handle conflict in proactive, productive ways. • Develop consensus-based solutions.
Complimentary diploma deadline is Sept. 15, 2015 Led by TregoED, with more than 20 years of experience, this
* The $50 replacement diploma fee will be waived during this
two-day event is recommended for business and corporate
time period. After Sept. 15, any requests for a replacement
leaders, school superintendents and site-based administrators
diploma will require the fee.
and group and teacher leaders.
delval.edu/leadership Correction: On page 34 of the fall Horizons, a Jeffrey Ward ’70 was listed. The correct name is Jeffrey Wood ’70. We sincerely apologize for the error.
For more information, contact Pam Heffner at 215.489.4469 or pamela.heffner@delval.edu.
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#1 WITH THE HIGHEST RATE OF STUDENT INTERNSHIPS -U.S. News & World Report, 2014
Since 1896, Delaware Valley University has believed in a 360 degree learning experience. Our academic programs are enhanced with experiential and interdisciplinary learning.
NATHAN HYKES ’15 CROP SCIENCE
700 East Butler Ave., Doylestown PA 18901 40
HORIZONS | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5