nology and conservation (conservation and wildlife management). While at DelVal, she was a member of the Animal Science Society, Biology Club, Positive Awareness of Wildlife and Zoos and The Wildlife Society. She is currently serving as a member of the Delaware Valley College Alumni Executive Committee. Lauren Van Sicklin ’12 is working as an agricultural advisor in Madagascar with the Peace Corps. Van Sicklin left the U.S. in February to serve for 27 months. She is currently a graduate student at Western Kentucky University where she is studying biology. During her time as a DelVal student, she served as founder and president of DelVal’s FeelGood chapter, a group on campus that works to fight hunger.
Donna Palmen ’08 got engaged to Jeff Brown Dec. 21. Carly Bombolevicz ’11 got engaged to Zack Meck in January on a beach in Costa Maya Mexico. They both work at Blommer Chocolate Company. Bombolevicz is currently a student in Delaware Valley College’s MBA program.
College Community Deaths Jack Alson ’42 passed away Sept. 3 at 93 in Woodmere, N.Y. Alson was a dairy science alumnus. Ervin Bilsky ’42 died May 19 at 93. Bilsky earned his degree in ornamental horticulture from DelVal. He was a resident of Sebring, Fla., and lived in Deptford, N.J. before moving to Florida. Michael Aiello, Jr. ’53 of Upper Montclair, N.J., passed away Jan. 25, 2013 at 82. Aiello served as executive vice president of Hudson County News Company. He proudly served in the United States Army. Robert M. Sauer ’65, passed away Jan. 26 at Doylestown Hospital at age 70. Sauer worked at Delaware Valley College for 44 years, and retired in 2010 as director of financial aid. Many alumni credit him for making it possible, financially, for them to get their degrees. During his time at DelVal, he served as an A-Day advisor, had the yearbook dedicated to him and was honored with an alumni award. Sauer earned his B.S. in dairy science from DelVal and his master’s degree in higher education and administration from Lehigh University. He is survived by two sons, Robert M. Sauer, Jr. ’87 (wife Dina ’89), Bill Sauer (wife Laura), and his brother Richard Sauer. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ryan, Chris, Tehya and Tom Sauer and by his former wife Kathleen Sauer. James R. Bowersox ’69 passed away March 22, 2013 at age 65. He is survived by Deborah Crist Bowersox, his wife of 37 years. Bowersox was a graduate of the College’s horticulture program. He was a salesman for Chemgro Fertilizer for 37 years. He was also involved in his community where he served as a Scoutmaster and was once an assistant chief of the Brunnerville Fire Company. In his spare time,
In Memory
The first female student to attend DelVal was Charlia M. Ginople ’69. She passed away June 10, 2012, at the age of 83. Ginople went on to become Regional Vice President of P.C.S. Management Corporation. She also owned and operated Charlia’s Kitchen in Phillipsburg, N.J. before that. From 1971 to 1979, she taught science at South Junior High School in Sellersville, Pa. Ginople was born in 1928 in Easton, Pa. She graduated from Easton Catholic High School before coming to the College. She graduated from DelVal not only as the first female student, but as valedictorian as well. After DelVal, she earned her master’s in education at Lehigh University. Her hobbies included bird watching, traveling, especially to France and Greece, and going to the theater.
he enjoyed collecting antique tractors and serving as an announcer for tractor pulls. He also loved being a master BBQ judge.
George T. Burns ’70, age 65, of Ocean Township, N.J., died Dec. 21. After receiving his biology degree from DelVal, he earned his master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He taught earth science and biology at Long Branch High School for 28 years before retiring in 2005. Burns coached the girls varsity basketball team as well as the recreational soccer, basketball and baseball teams. Joseph F. Matejik ’70 of Mechanicsville, Pa., died tragically Oct. 3, in an accident on his farm. He was 64. Joe graduated from New Hope-Solebury High School in 1966. He went on to graduate from DelVal’s agronomy program. He honorably served in the U.S. Army National Guard in the ’70s and volunteered as a board member for the Bucks County Conservation District. continued on next page S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 | H O R I Z O N S 33