2 Undergraduate Research | 4 Building the Future | 10 Rally ’Round the Flag
President’s Message
Fall 2011
Communication
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ike many of you, I have learned that confession is good for the soul. As a leading-edge baby boomer, I confess….I do not have a Facebook page. Actually, I can relate to the television commercial where a young woman sits at a computer expressing worry about her parents’ social life, while revealing that she’s communicating with over 200 Facebook friends and her parents have no friends. Meanwhile, her parents are out bicycling and enjoying life in the company of many friends. I want to be those parents! I was flabbergasted to recently hear (from students) that e-mail is for “troglodytes.” Yikes…I really like e-mail. I can send and respond to messages at all times of the day or night—on a schedule that is timely and also works for me. Evidently, texting has replaced e-mail as a preferred method of communication. Now, I will admit that I am developing a liking for texting, but only under certain circumstances. I recently received a text message from my granddaughter, Ava, a first-grader at Saint Clement School in Chicago. “Grandma,” texts Ava, “I got 100 on my spelling test.” What’s not to love about a text from Ava? It’s good news and I also know she’s not texting while driving. I can also text back to learn about the most difficult word on the spelling test. Then there’s Twitter. This is a phenomenon that escapes me. Do you really want to know what I am thinking or doing every 30 minutes or so? I don’t think so! While I love my life, my tweets could not possibly hold the interest of many. Besides, if I am tweeting all day, I would expect the faculty and staff to be suspect about my leadership and administrative competence. I am also new to blogging. I am not a blogger, but I do enjoy the blog posts of our students. This summer, several of our students traveled and studied in Brescia, Italy; and another group made a pilgrimage to Ireland. In both cases, I was able to travel vicariously to these locations and follow the journey of our faculty and students. I loved this experience. You can do the same by connecting to our webpage at www.gmc.edu. YouTube is another communication tool that seems to captivate many. Last semester, the students asked me to judge the “Dancing with the Griffins” competition. This is a take-off on “Dancing with the Stars,” a widely watched TV show. In this competition, a dance team member recruits a student-athlete as a partner for a dance routine. The entire set of performances was recorded and posted to YouTube. I loved serving as a judge and genuinely appreciated the really hard work of the dancers and athletes as they perfected their routines. Just this summer, I purchased an iPad® to complement my desktop computer, wireless laptop, Android™ phone, landline phone, and Skype™ technology. As I think about all my communication devices, I guess I really like them all since each has its own unique function and can serve as a communication enabler. Likewise, this issue of Today is a communication tool intended to share the many valued stories about Gwynedd-Mercy College—our students, alumni, benefactors and friends. Regardless of the method of communication, including all the social media tools in use at the College, it’s the act of communicating that’s important. Please know that I am always grateful for your prayers and on-going support regardless of the cyberspace or cloud-technology involved and even if some might call me a “troglodyte.”
Kathleen Owens, PhD President
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Contents Gwynedd-Mercy College Today is published twice a year for the alumni and friends of the College. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Undergraduate Research 2 Building the Future of Gwynedd-Mercy College 4
Gerald T. McLaughlin Vice President for Institutional Advancement Editor: Anthony Stipa
Rally ’Round the Flag 10
Creative Director and Production Manager: Donna Smyrl Contributors: Charlene DiSarlo Anthony Stipa
PLUS
4
Inside Cover
Features & Campus News
Design: Kim Austin Graphic Design Photography: Shannon Bruno Linda Johnson Herff Jones Photography Hunter Martin Chris Panter Jim Roese Donna Smyrl
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On the Cover: Faculty member Dr. Stacey Lettini guides senior biology student Shannon Cleveland in collecting samples from a nearby stream. The two are part of an ongoing study of the local ecosystem.
President’s Message
2
Sports
12
Alumni Profiles Just What the Doctor Ordered John Heydt
17
Ice Cream Dreams Robin Peterson
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From Ghana to Gwynedd-Mercy College Reginald and Philip Amoa
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Class Notes
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Team Effort Brings Undergraduate Research Program to Life 2 Today Features & Campus News
Major scientific research takes a dose of patience, calculated tests, and applied trial and error. Knowing ahead of time that there will be setbacks is important, because without first finding failure, it’s nearly impossible to find success.
Tomorrow’s scientists are trying to change the world. And for a shrinking number of people who actually want to make a difference, it takes a lot of moving parts. The greatest of breakthroughs take the collaborative work of an exhaustive team. Meet the panel that made a new wave of research possible here at Gwynedd-Mercy College. The Architect Always finding ways to improve the work of today’s ambitious students, Dr. Stacey Lettini came to Gwynedd-Mercy College in 2009. With a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and a doctorate in ecology and evolution, she had a vast background of experiences. She created the Undergraduate Research Program to challenge students to take on a long-term discovery project. The Locksmiths Ideas can be brilliant, but without the proper support they can drift into oblivion, destined to be found by someone else. The relentless work of former Gwynedd-Mercy College Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Sean Lavelle helped to unlock the first door—to the McLean Contributionship. McLean then held the key to the next door, graciously bestowing Dr. Lettini’s pet project with a $30,000 kickstart. The money provided much-needed equipment for research. McLean’s mission is to stimulate a better understanding of the natural environment around the Greater Philadelphia area.
The Pioneers With the blueprint and financial means in place, it was time for students to play their role. In the summer of 2010, Caitlin Doherty ’12 put an idea into practice. Throughout the past year, she has used the Treweryn stream ecosystem (a small tributary near the College) to sample various invertebrates (dragonflies, fly larvae, beetles, various fish). This spring, Elijah Beckham III ’11 joined the experiment.
Together, along with Dr. Lettini, they identified and categorized over 4,000 insects—a dizzying feat in itself. Then, linked the cause and effect that weather conditions, disease and natural selection imposed. Caitlin charted and organized some of the findings for her senior thesis. Ultimately, the three were trying to learn about parasite biodiversity. Basically, it’s the measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is a very hot topic, yet no one knows exactly what controls it. Preliminary data suggest that it is the invertebrate hosts, not the fish hosts that play a major role. This is because parasites can often only cycle through or live in one invertebrate species, but can live in many fish species. Caitlin presented her work at both the Gwynedd-Mercy College Honors Program Undergraduate Research Conference and at the SEPCHE (Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education) Honors Conference held at Cabrini College. It will take a few more years before the study reaches completion. Dr. Lettini will continue to showcase future student projects, made possible by the Undergraduate Research Program—and its handful of noteworthy contributors.
Caitlin Doherty ’11 inspects microorganism samples from a local stream. She and fellow classmates have worked tirelessly to study the ecosystem, and learn about its inhabitants.
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Building the Future of
Gwynedd -Mercy
Gwynedd-Mercy College continues to “Bring Futures into Focus” with a major building renovation slated for late 2011 into the summer of 2012. Preparations have already been made to tear down the Gustav Martin building and replace it with a sparkling addition to the campus. In its place will be the new shared home for the School of Business and School of Education.
The idea was conceived during a 2005 strategic planning meeting by faculty, administrators and board members. Last year, Representative Kate Harper, of Pennsylvania’s 61st Legislative District, and Senator Stewart Greenleaf, of Pennsylvania’s 12th District, put the wheels in motion by securing the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants. Former Governor Ed Rendell and current Governor Tom Corbett both put their stamp of approval on the project. “The main driver in enabling the dream of this new building to become a reality is the College’s strategic plan, Focus on
Excellence 2010-2015,” President Kathleen Owens, PhD., said.
“This plan lays out our vision for academic excellence and the new academic building is central to achieving our goal. Of course, we owe much gratitude to members of the College’s Board of Trustees and President’s Council, who were instrumental in garnering the resources and support to get this project off the ground,” President Owens added. Now, the plan will come to fruition with continued support from members of the board, local community leaders and loyal donors. The building will not only serve as an aesthetic upgrade, but will be a hub of cutting-edge learning and technology. “Our goal is to enable the preparation of future teachers by providing excellent faculty and staff professional development,” School of Education Dean Dr. Sandra Mangano said.
“This facility will provide a technologically well-equipped building that will create a sense of community for business majors. Classrooms, meeting areas, and lounge space will give the School of Business a new presence and identity not realized in our current location,” School of Business Interim Dean Ralph Hoffman said.
Both Mangano and Hoffman echoed that students would be the main beneficiaries of the transition, putting a greater emphasis on technology. Aspiring teachers will be able to use innovative tools such as “Teachscape”, a panoramic video monitoring support system. The camera, placed in selected classrooms, gives student teachers instant feedback on their progress. The building will also be equipped with smart classrooms containing Wi-Fi. In today’s competitive search for higher education, Gwynedd-Mercy College will take a monumental leap forward. Students— and parents—are extremely savvy in their final selection of a college.
Arrival View
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College The new building brings exciting opportunities.
The final product will ultimately create a focal point for both the School of Education and School of Business. It will promote a cohesive learning atmosphere, similar to what is flourishing currently at the Sister Isabelle Keiss Center for Health and Science, which was constructed in 1998.
Nancy Alba Dunleavy Elected Chair of GMC Board of Trustees On July 1, Nancy Alba Dunleavy assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Gwynedd-Mercy College and will serve a three-year term. Dunleavy has served as a Trustee on the GMC Board since 2005. One of her significant contributions was the initiation of the Trustee Resource Program, a program to match new Trustees with currently-serving Trustees to assist their transition to the Board.
“The new home for the School of Education and School of Business will clearly enhance the overall teaching and learning environment for our campus community,” President Owens said.
She has served on the Institutional Advancement Committee and the Committee on Governance and Trustees. Since 2009, Dunleavy has served as Chair of the Committee on Governance and Trustees and as a member of the Executive Committee.
“I expect the academic building will be a major factor in increasing enrollment in education and business just like the Keiss Center led to increased enrollments in the College’s nursing and allied health programs.”
Dunleavy is the founder and CEO of Dunleavy & Associates, a woman-owned business established in 2001 to empower charitable organizations to achieve their fullest potential. She was named by LEADERSHIP Philadelphia as one of the city’s “Top 101 Connectors” and by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the 25 “Women of Distinction” in 2006.
The College is currently seeking $8 million in private donations from trustees, alumni and friends to put the finishing touches on the project. ❂
A committed and engaged community leader, Dunleavy contributes her time and talent to several organizations and non-profit Boards of Directors in the region including LEADERSHIP Philadelphia Board of Directors, Abington Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees where she also serves as Treasurer, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Dean’s MBA Advisory Board for St. Joseph’s University - Haub School of Business. She also serves as a representative of the College as a member of the Business Alliance for Higher Education Finance Reform, an initiative of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). Dunleavy was one of the first women appointed by Governor Tom Ridge in 1993 to serve as an Ambassador for Team Pennsylvania. She was reappointed to this post by Governor Ed Rendell and currently serves as one of Team PA Foundation’s two points-of-contact for 300 executives in the Southeast region of Pennsylvania.
Parking Lot View
Her career as an entrepreneur was preceded by more than twenty years in the healthcare business, as a senior financial manager and hospital administrator. Prior to launching Dunleavy & Associates, she served for ten years as Chief Financial Officer and then two years as the Senior Vice President for Corporate Development for Friends Hospital and Behavioral Health System. Dunleavy graduated from Shippensburg University with a BS in Business Administration/Accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1985. ❂
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New Dean
Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers Appointed as dean of the School of Education in December 2010, Sandra D. Mangano, EdD, is leading the effort to prepare tomorrow’s teachers. She is currently working with her faculty on several initiatives to enhance the current education curriculum for both the undergraduate and graduate programs at Gwynedd-Mercy College. Mangano reported that the Pennsylvania Department of Education recently reviewed several of the College’s education programs and that Gwynedd-Mercy College meets the standards in all critical areas for Certificates in PreK-4, 4-8, Special Education PreK-8, Adaptations and Accommodations for Diverse Learners in Inclusive Settings and English Language Learners requirements.
Sandra D. Mangano, EdD
Established four years ago, the School of Education’s Autism Institute continues to provide hands-on workshops, professional development activities, on-site service programs and educational presentations for students majoring in special education, teachers and administrators, parents of children on the autism spectrum and interested community members. The Autism Institute was recently given approval to become an Act 48 non-credit continuing education provider. Additionally, the Autism Institute has begun the process to consider the Behavior Analyst Certificate. The program is designed for those who have already earned or intend to earn a graduate degree and seek advanced knowledge in the field of applied behavior analysis. If approved, this certification program will prepare participants for national certification examinations. Embarking on a new initiative, Gwynedd-Mercy College has partnered with Teachscape, a company that provides industry-leading solutions, technology and services for the education market. Through Teachscape technology, our students will be filmed in the classroom as they instruct and interact with their
6 Today
students and are later evaluated on their skills. At the same time, Gwynedd-Mercy College can take advantage of Teachscape services to improve instructional leadership and practice. Teachscape has partnered with respected institutions including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to shape its approach for schools and teachers. According to Mangano, “The combination of Teachscape’s technology tools, observation protocols, and feedback to our faculty and students will ensure that our education programs deliver top-notch teachers that school districts need to ensure ever-increasing levels of student success.” Mangano has been working in the education field since 1964 and has extensive experience in educational institutions of all levels. Most recently, she served as the assistant superintendent for the Radnor Township School District. Mangano held multiple positions in the North Penn School District, including administrative supervisor of gifted education for kindergarten through 12th grade and migrant education, assistant principal for grades 10 to 12, and director of strategic planning. Mangano was also a middle school principal for the Rose Tree Media School District. Mangano is not new to Gwynedd-Mercy College. She taught education classes in both the graduate and undergraduate programs as an adjunct instructor for 25 years. Mangano has a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education/Comprehensive Social Studies from Rosary Hill College (now Daemen College) in Amherst, NY, a master’s in elementary education/ developmental reading from SUNY Fredonia, and a doctorate in education from Temple University. She also holds a supervisor certification from Bloomsburg University and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University (then Beaver College). ❂
62nd Commencement More than 770 students from the Class of 2011 graduated on May 14 at Gwynedd-Mercy College. psychiatric mental health care at the College’s Adult Health Center in Lansdale.
Honorary Degree Recipient and Commencement Speaker Christine McCann, RSM, MA ’75, who was elected as the first president of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and former chair of the board of trustees of Gwynedd-Mercy College gave the commencement address. During the ceremony, Sister Christine was also presented with an honorary degree as recognition for living a life centered in Mercy and for her leadership of the Sisters of Mercy, who are the sponsors of Gwynedd-Mercy College. It was especially fitting to honor Sister Christine and have her address the 2011 graduating class during the 150th anniversary of the presence of the Sisters of Mercy in the Philadelphia area. Honors Judy Winterhalter, DNSc, PMH, CNS, BC was named Professor Emerita. Now a retired professor of the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing, Judy began her career at Gwynedd-Mercy College in 1975. She has taught at the College since 1978 and was a prominent figure in the region. Judy co-founded and continues to serve the North Penn community by providing
The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching was presented to Mary Jo Pierantozzi ’72, MS. This national award is presented biennially at commencement to a faculty member who has demonstrated extraordinary devotion to the quality and importance of classroom teaching, excelled as a master teacher and been a significant mentor and model for students. Pierantozzi, assistant professor in the School of Education, has been a full-time faculty member since 2002. She has more than 44 years of professional experience as a teacher, elementary
principal, coordinator of professional development, regional agent for the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools, and as a consultant for Sadlier-Oxford Publishing Company.
The Tender Courage Award, in memory of Sister Isabelle Keiss, RSM, PhD, third president of Gwynedd-Mercy College, recognizes an administrator or staff member who has worked tirelessly to fulfill the mission of the College, provided support, encouragement, and education for our students, and has demonstrated a concern for the larger Gwynedd-Mercy College community. This year’s recipient was Kristine Weber, MA, who has served the College for 25 years. She was originally a member of the admissions staff, and for the past 13 years, she has performed the role of associate registrar. Kristine has been a major supporter of higher education for 37 years.
Clockwise from top left: Christine McCann, RSM, MA; Judy Winterhalter, DNSc, PMH, CNS, BC; Kristine Weber and Mary Jo Pierantozzi
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Student Speaker This year’s student speaker, Michael McGinn, had a compelling story to tell. He is one of our many non-traditional students from the Center for Lifelong Learning who has juggled a career and family while attending college. Michael is a senior regulatory scientist at Merck & Co. and has worked there for 17 years. He was recently inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society for his scholastic achievements. Michael graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration.
8 Today
His speech began… “Let me introduce myself, my name is Mike McGinn, I am a senior undergraduate, part-time, adult learner of Gwynedd-Mercy College. I am 46 years old, a husband of almost 20 years and the father of a beautiful 12-year-old daughter, and I have Lou Gehrig’s disease. I have been chipping away at my degree here at Gwynedd-Mercy College for 12 years.” Michael’s message…people “I can tell what makes you successful is simply people. These are the people that have touched me and those that I have touched. This includes family, friends, colleagues, classmates, teachers, as well as complete strangers. I look back to see what really has molded me into the person I am today and it is these people. I can look at the leaders that have been in my life and say I wanted to be just like them and modeled myself after them; I can also look at the not so great people and recognize I did not want to be like them. This is what has developed me and what I will be measured by as I move forward. There is a positive outcome in any situation, whether that experience is good or bad. You learn, mature and develop from either. If I can reflect on my life and recognize that I was a good father, husband, friend, classmate and colleague, then I can look back and say I was successful. I treated everyone with respect, dignity and kindness and as a result, I made an impact. Everything else is secondary. As we move through life it is very easy to lose focus as I did, being too distracted in regards to career, money, and material items. At the time I was focusing on these items, I convinced myself I was doing it for the right reasons—to provide better for my family so we can have more in life. However what I did not have was more time with the people that mean the most to me. This is why I am lucky to have ALS. It has opened my eyes to what is really important and hopefully I can open your eyes.” ❂
GMC Alums Featured in Bringing Futures Into Focus Campaign In this economic downturn, prospective students and their parents are especially interested in how college prepares students for a successful career after graduation. With that in mind, the Gwynedd-Mercy College Bringing Futures Into Focus image campaign was expanded to include three young and successful alums. Featured are Alyssa (Frank) Walters ’08, an auditor for the U.S. government, Renato Lajara ’02/’08, a Philadelphia school principal and Dr. Long Mugianto ’06, a dentist who practices in Upper Darby, Pa. These graduates were profiled on billboards gracing major highways and intersections in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties. Additionally, three videos were made with each of them talking about their experiences at Gwynedd-Mercy College and how their education and the guidance they received from their professors contributed to their rewarding and successful career. Go to gmc.edu and click on the revolving buttons on the right to view their inspiring stories. ❂
GMC Introduces New Admissions Website with Student Blogs High school students and transfer students usually begin their college search by clicking onto college websites. In fact, many of our applications come from future students who have sought information about the College without necessarily speaking to an admissions counselor. Prospective students want to make sure that the school they choose is the right fit for them academically and socially and that they can see themselves fitting in with other students. These future students are also eager to learn more about campus life and student experiences in advance of their college visit. This past spring, the admissions section of the gmc.edu website was redesigned to further connect current GMC students with prospective students. It features seven Gwynedd-Mercy College students in a variety of majors along with their profiles. These students are bloggers who share their GMC experiences about classes, living on campus, activities, internships, study-abroad experiences and their career goals. See what students are doing at GMC by checking out the student blogs at gmc.edu/admissions. ❂
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RALLY ’ROUND THE
10 Today
FLAG
r. Wayne A. Huss, history department chairman at the College, helped to launch a “Civil War Summer” at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia. Donning a corporal frock coat and Union-style cap, he presided over a new exhibit titled “Rally ‘Round the Flag: Civil War Color Bearers and the Flags They Carried”.
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Dr. Wayne Huss, history professor, proudly stands at the podium during a presentation at the Betsy Ross House in May. (Above) War-torn American flags from the Civil War highlight the display.
Huss served as a curator to historical artifacts that included a hand-sewn 34-star silk flag originally weaved by Betsy Ross’s daughter Clarissa. His devotion to the display produced an extremely rare collection that will be available to see for the next year. The theme surrounds five distinct color bearers who tell their own unique story of a “perilous fight”. Among the “quintet” is a female member from a Rhode Island unit, a member of the famous Irish Brigade, an escaped slave
turned flag-bearer, a Confederate soldier and a volunteer from Pennsylvania. While performing their challenging duties three were wounded—one mortally—and another had his flag twice shot out of his hands without being hit himself. Huss spoke to members of Historic Philadelphia, Inc., including the President and CEO Amy Needle, a representative from Mayor Nutter’s office and a crowd of nearly fifty people. He stressed the importance of a flag in battle and how it helped to keep order and band troops together. Great responsibility came with the color bearer, as it was a symbol of an army’s psyche. Gaining the opposition’s flag was considered the highest achievement. To view the exhibit you can take a trip to the Betsy Ross House. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, April through October. ❂
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Men’s Basketball
Men’s Lacrosse
There wasn’t much that stood in the way of the Griffins’ campaign in 2010-11. An eight win improvement from the year before elevated the team to a 21-7 record. Midseason, they ripped off nine straight wins and watched as departing senior forward Jon Hogga netted his 1,000th-point on January 13. The Griffins would fall to Cabrini College in the Colonial States Athletic Conference championship game on February 25, but still secured an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. In their fourth appearance in the national postseason tournament, they fell to Buffalo State 83-73, ending a successful season. Hogga, along with fellow senior Jon Crabtree earned First Team All-Conference honors. Junior Dan DelConte was selected for the second team. All three averaged double-digit scoring on the season.
The maturation of the school’s men’s lacrosse program continues under head coach Dana Lindstrom. In their third season, the Griffins finished with a 6-9 record. After
Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team may have lost two of its top scorers from 2009-10, but retained enough offensive firepower to churn out a 17-11 record in 2010-11. A 6-1 start was highlighted by winning the annual Residence Inn by Marriot Tip-Off Tournament, held on campus. The team was paced by versatile senior forward Kristy McGrath, who averaged over 16 points per game and was chosen for her second straight first team all-conference award. Junior Brittany Neill earned Second Team, while junior Bryn Cotteta landed on the all-sportsmanship team. On February 21, McGrath scored her 1,000th-point in a playoff victory against Baptist Bible College. The Griffins would end their season with a loss to Alvernia University in the first round of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Tournament. It was their sixth straight postseason appearance.
12 Today Sports
three losses to open play, the team recorded a 10-5 win over Richard Stockton College on March 9. Four fourth quarter goals propelled a late rally win against Marymount University on March 16. A challenging non-league schedule helped build confidence for conference play, and the Griffins secured back-to-back wins against Centenary College and Shenandoah University. In the regular season finale, the Griffins disposed of Neumann University 13-7. They would ultimately fall to Marywood University 14-4 in the first round of the CSAC Tournament. The Griffins graduate no seniors, and have a promising outlook for 2012.
Women’s Lacrosse After playing bridesmaid in 2009 and 2010, the women’s lacrosse team finally broke through and won its first Colonial States Athletic Conference Tournament in 2011. First year head coach Beth Wheeler steered the Griffins to an 11-8 overall record and a berth in the Division III NCAA Tournament. Junior Shannon Carabba and senior Colleen Dellostretto lead the team with 57 and 45 points, respectively. Senior goalie Trisha Timony was named the CSAC Player of the Year and Wheeler captured the Coach of the Year. Timony and freshman Erin Janzekovich both landed on the first team all-conference list.
Baseball
Men’s Track & Field
Saddled with one of the toughest schedules in Division III, the men’s baseball team once again proved that they were the cream of the Colonial States Athletic Conference crop. A 1-5 start didn’t deter the four-time defending league champs, as they shifted into gear by winning four of their next five. On March 30, the team tied the country’s No. 22 team, Rowan University, 3-3. The Griffins won their last seven regular season matchups behind a streaking offense. Senior outfielder Austin Ley led the team with a .368 average and 33 RBI. In the CSAC Tournament, the Griffins notched two out of three wins to find themselves back in the championship game. A difficult 6-3 loss to nationally-ranked Keystone College put the skids on the season, as they finished with an 18-16-1 record. Ley earned first team all-conference, while juniors Andrew Sinon and Todd Budweg, sophomore Josh Martin and freshman Luis Martinez claimed second team honors.
Anchored by junior speedsters Dan Dunkleberger and Anthony Adams, the men’s track and field team posed a formidable test. Both qualified for Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships before 2011 even began. Unfortunately, a hernia injury relegated Dunkleberger to the sidelines. Adams would go on to compete in the NCAA Championships for the 400-meter individual relay, finishing in 19th place. The Griffins hosted their first-ever large scale event on April 19 with the Mid-Week Twilight Invitational, summoning the best local talent to the Turf Field. The team fared well in its season finale on May 19-20 at the ECAC Championships. With a healthy squad, head coach Mike Dager expects to have a chance to send eight or more men to nationals next year.
Softball With the Colonial States Athletic Conference loaded with talented teams this year, the softball team knew they would have their hands full. With 12 of 15 roster spots held by freshman and sophomores, this would also be a season of patience. In a spring training “tune up” tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Griffins produced two wins. On March 18, the team opened up conference play with a sweep of the College of Notre Dame. The downslide began, however, and the Griffins dropped nine of their next 10 games. On the plus side, a highly-successful freshman class got their first taste of collegiate softball. The team’s top four batting averages came from first year players. Pitcher/infielder Stephanie Farrar hit .420 with five home runs and infielder Cheyenne Keen batted .407. Farrar earned first team all-conference and senior Heather Morgan collected a second team honor.
WINTER SPRING
Men’s Tennis The year began with news that head coach Jim Holt would be awarded the 2010 National Adaptive Service Award by the United States Tennis Association. The prestigious honor is given to a program that demonstrates continued excellence and service to a local tennis community. The season itself was marked by inconsistency and the Griffins’ finished with a 2-7 record. On April 2, they cruised past Rosemont College 8-1. They would add another victory with a 5-4 victory over Neumann University on April 26. The team loses three seniors, but returns two of their top players for next season.
Women’s Track & Field With a predominantly young squad, the women’s track and field team will undoubtedly use experiences from 2010-11 to catapult them to the front of the pack in 2011-12. In early February, at the Keogh Invitational, six women posted a top ten finish. That level of consistency would continue throughout the season, as the Griffins exceeded expectations at the ECAC Championships. Ranked 18th heading into the day, junior Lauren Brown, freshman Brittany Hill, Jasmine Pugh, and sophomore Ashley Reamer smashed a program record in the 4x200 meter relay. The time of 1:47.33 was good enough for a ninth place finish.
WRAP-UP Today 13
With a record setting junior year behind him, and immense potential Anthony Adams is…
Full Steam Ahead Life is all about rounding the next turn. Whatever hurdles may be in the way, it’s important to keep moving forward. For junior Anthony Adams, that’s both a literal and figurative phrase. As a high school freshman at Holy Cross in New Jersey, Adams suffered a broken ankle playing for the football team. He didn’t know it at the time, but the injury altered the course of his athletic career. Getting back on the football field would take time. So, Adams slowly rehabilitated through another sport—track and field. He didn’t know this either, but competitive running was in his blood. In the midst of his recovery, Adams also transferred to Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia. Ultimately, it would be decided, that he focus his time on track and field and not football. A promising high school career created an opportunity to run collegiately at Gwynedd-Mercy College. While Adams had a natural ability, he didn’t realize his full potential initially. Some outside influence from assistant coach Ben Serfass—who arrived on campus the same year as Adams—pushed him in the right direction. Serfass noted that Adams was routinely late for practice as a freshman. These days, Adams is not only more punctual, but is vigilant in getting fellow teammates down to the track on time. “To watch him go from kind of wanting to do track to now being the fifth National qualifier in program history, this outdoor season, has been a heck of a trip,” Serfass says. Protecting six school records requires training and conditioning. That’s where
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Serfass comes in. His job is keeping Adams in the right shape physically, and motivating him to constantly improve. This past outdoor season, both had loftier goals. If Adams was to continue his progression, he’d have to put his speed on display against the country’s premier runners at the 2011 NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships. To qualify, it took a blazing performance at the GMC Mid-Week Twilight Invitational on April 20. Adams—with his parents in attendance to see their son’s first meet of the year—churned out a 48.17-second 400 meter dash. It was his best time to date and it secured a trip to Ohio Wesleyan University during the last week in May. A week before Adams’ would challenge the nation’s best, he and fellow teammates took on the region’s best at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships (ECAC’s). ECAC’s bring together the most accomplished athletes and teams from the Mideast, Atlantic and New England regions. The 2011 edition of ECAC’s brought only modest success for the Griffins, but Adams and the rest of the team continue to leave footprints on the national stage. For the third consecutive year, the men’s track and field program was represented at the NCAA Championships. It’s a streak founded by junior Dan Dunkleberger, who placed second in last year’s 400 meter dash. He also came in third in the 200 meter, guiding the men’s team to a 17th overall finish. Although this season brought the devastation of a hernia injury and the loss of his father, Dunkleberger still serves as
Adams’ main antagonist in practice. The two often square off and try to beat one another in various events. “It’s so frustrating because I’ll do better than him a lot of times during the year and then at the end of the year the meets that really matter he’ll pull a crazy time out of nowhere. In practice he’s a good person to work with,” Adams says. Adams wound up coming up short in his first appearance at Nationals, but is assured that it won’t be his last opportunity to put the country’s best runners in his rear view mirror. He chalks his 19th place finish up to inexperience and says that he had never participated in a meet of that magnitude. After a season of surpassed expectations, Adams has planned an offseason of muscle building and endurance training. Once the fall semester rolls around, Serfass will again be by his side giving him the guidance to set and reach target goals. The duo has worked together to make significant improvements since 2008, returning to winter form with revamped speed and confidence. Another reason for Adams’ rapid growth is, well, genetics. The psychology major recently took a “Marriage and Family” course and was asked to trace his family history. What he found was that his grandfather was an Olympic long jumper at the 1956 summer games in Melbourne, Australia. “I had dug through some paperwork that my dad had and I found out where he lived and I ended up getting a phone number through a distant cousin. That was cool because again I’m a long jumper and a triple jumper so that gives me incentive,” Adams says. Adams has never met his grandfather, Richard, but may plan a trip to Georgia—where he now resides—for a visit. Although his parents and grandfather don’t see eye-to-eye, the youngest Adams is looking to bridge the generational gap. If nothing else, maybe he can get a few pointers for a run at the 2012 NCAA Championships. With enough training, and a little help from DNA, Adams could run straight into the record books. It’s all about rounding the next turn, only this time, a little faster. ❂
Anthony Adams prepares to run in the GMC Mid-Week Twilight Invitational on April 20. He ran his signature event—the 400 meter—in a personal best 48.17 seconds.
“
To watch him go from kind of wanting to do track to now being the fifth National qualifier in program history, this outdoor season, has been a heck of a trip.
”
(Left to right) Drew Viola, Steven Mitchell, Adams and Reginald Mendoza ’11 relaxing at an indoor meet.
The Weight of
Two Worlds
Continent-hopping in the military and earning a degree at Gwynedd-Mercy College has had Criminal Justice major Anthony Fleming spinning between two lives. It’s a dreary spring day and Anthony Fleming cannot believe he is wearing jeans. As the weeks and months pass since his last deployment, it still feels like days ago he was in Southern Afghanistan. Hopping on planes, traveling from continent to continent and tackling a combat mission in a foreign country was his life. But today he is in an office, answering questions. The weather has no bearing on him whatsoever; he’s just glad he’s not lugging around an 80-pound backpack and wearing military fatigues. “You get home and all the necessities don’t bother you,” Fleming says. “If you’re hungry, tired, the weather, those things seem to not really bother you.” After serving a six month tour in Afghanistan for the United States Army, the 22-year old criminal justice major is back on campus, working on completing his undergraduate degree. The transition can sometimes be the most challenging part. One day he’s a soldier, and the next he’s a student. Fleming is adjusting to the latter—for now. While he may be selected for another tour of duty, Fleming has been able to continue learning at Gwynedd-Mercy College regardless of what country he is in. With a little help from Professor Walt Zdunowski, who has military experience of his own, Fleming was able to complete coursework while overseas, and inch closer to his diploma. “I thought it was a good distraction when he had down time,” Zdunowski says. “To keep his mind occupied on something else, instead of worrying about what’s going on.” Zdunowski engineered a plan to get Fleming’s other professors on board as well, sending out assignments and tests to be graded when he returned. Using the
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primitive communication of “snail mail”, Fleming was able to gradually pass homework back and forth. Without the patience of faculty, he would not have been able to complete his “Theories of Crime and Deviance” class. Now, he is just a handful of classes away from obtaining enough credits to join the police academy—a vision he has had since age five. While he once fantasized about kicking in doors and hunting fugitives, a less demanding aspect of the field may be in order. Fleming has enlisted another member of his family. Last month, he welcomed a baby boy into the world. He now understands what it means to leave a loved one behind, and risk his life with more on the line. It’s a small sacrifice to make, considering the larger picture. As an 18-year old, Fleming was inspired to join the armed forces because of his father, John, who served two honorable tours in Iraq, before a battlefield injury put him out of commission. The senior Fleming was hit by an improvised explosive device and suffered a serious spinal injury, hearing impairment, and 60% rotator cuff damage. The long road to recovery was made a little smoother with his son’s return from action, but daily chores can still be a hassle.
Anthony continues to enjoy the little intricacies of life back in the States with his family and friends. The military is taking care of his schooling expenses, including 100% of tuition fees and $1,000 for books. A well-deserved benefit for someone who expects to protect and serve the country as a career. About two and a half years remain until his tenure with the Army reaches an end, but it’s a bittersweet finish line. Fleming explains that he is now a part of two, very distinct families. “It’s an odd feeling. I always said that when you leave to go [overseas], it’s like you’re leaving your family and your friends [in the States], and when you leave to come home, you’re leaving your family and friends again. It’s surreal.” Fleming is prepared to redeploy if or when he receives the call, but he currently resides in North Wales, Pa. There is no guarantee of a newfound stability being permanent, but he is excited to begin a new stage in his life: parenthood. Changing diapers will be a substitute for changing ammunition cartridges. It’ll just take some more getting used to. ❂
Anthony Fleming poses for a picture with students from his mother’s class. He let them try on his equipment, and talked about his time overseas.
Just the
What
Doctor
Ordered If there was ever a “light bulb” moment, when motivation meets aspiration, it was here at Gwynedd-Mercy College. Before the word “doctor” prefaced his name, John Heydt came to campus a little late and of the minority gender. As a 21-year old freshman from Pottstown, Pa., Heydt still managed to find a niche at the College. After a rocky first semester—in which he was politely told to move off-campus by then-President Isabelle Keiss—he rebounded to find much success in the medical profession. In 1983, after just three years, Heydt narrowed his focus and completed his undergraduate degree.
A highly successful career in medicine has Dr. John Heydt chasing his dreams in California.
some of television’s American Gladiators, among other patients. The experience and years of studying would get Heydt recruited back to the Philadelphia region. Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (Now Drexel University College of Medicine) brought him in to chair several departments. Heydt would be Drexel’s team physician, as well as chair of the Department of Family Community and Preventive Medicine.
A meeting with the pre-professional advisor on campus helped him decide on a medical school. In 1987, he obtained his M.D. from Temple University and, soon after, made the cross-country trek for his residency at UCLA Medical Center in California.
One of Heydt’s most prestigious awards came while working in the City of Brotherly Love. In 2004, he was presented with “Philadelphia’s Top Doctor” for family medicine/sports medicine. Heydt says he was honored to be recognized for his hometown work. The winner was determined by academic credentials, certifications and a vote among the local physician community.
With a good amount of postgraduate training under his belt, he was now working in the field of sports medicine. As a faculty physician at UCLA from 1990-1995, he was able to expand his knowledge in a practical setting. He served local collegiate athletes,
The allure of the West Coast would lead to Heydt’s return to California. Instead of continuing to play ping-pong with the coasts, he has made his permanent home in Orange County, just north of the University of California at Irvine Hospital. Heydt has
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Heydt, at the center wearing his lime green shirt and Phillies hat, prepares to begin Orange County’s largest Arthritis Walk to date.
certainly thrived at the hospital, becoming the first president and CEO of university physicians and surgeons. He is also the senior associate dean of clinical therapy. At this point in his career, Heydt works more with his employees than actual patient care. UC Irvine generates $300 million in revenue per year, has around 1500 employees, 550 physicians and nearly a half million outpatients per year. Having a large hand in the day-to-day operations can be a bit daunting. Some days he can work 7am-7pm, but hours can obviously vary depending on his schedule. Heydt has a slew of other pet projects, including chairing the Arthritis Foundation Board in Orange County. Every year, along with fellow members, they assemble the biggest fundraising walk for the cause in the country. In 2010, he was awarded “Board Member of the Year” by the group. Heydt is also on a steering committee that has raised more than $130 million in the fight against cancer.
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Juggling all of these obligations and more, Heydt is fortunate that his three children are off to college. While he is very proud of their achievements, quiet time with his wife, Laura, is always enjoyed at the family’s residence near the beach in Orange County. In his limited spare time, he likes to weight train and slow down with yoga. With a new hospital on the way, Heydt will need some of the relaxation time to unwind. His distinguished credentials will likely keep him close to the decision making process. Still, it’s a dream come true to be able to be in a profession that works towards finding cures and helping others. Being a part of the Gwynedd-Mercy family can sometimes bring those qualities out in a person. “My time at Gwynedd-Mercy College has served me well and I had an excellent education that prepared me for medical school,” Heydt says. “I had all positive experiences.” ❂
(Top) Dr. John Heydt celebrates his completion of the 2011 Arthritis Walk. (Center) The rain at the 2011 Orange County Arthritis Walk didn’t curb the participants generosity. Heydt displays a $126,634 check, representing contributions made by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Bottom) Heydt and his wife, Laura, at their youngest daughter Stephanie’s high school graduation.
After the recession hit, it was a sweet vision that helped Robin Peterson make a career switch.
For the second time in a little over a year, Robin Peterson found herself in a similar position. Graduating from Gwynedd-Mercy College in 2009 with an undergraduate degree in Human Services, she had anticipated a career in social work. However, battling a stalling economy, Peterson was laid off from two separate companies. With the baking late-summer heat of 2010 in full-force, she was inspired to take action on a little idea that was always in the back of her mind. Sell ice cream. Not just ice cream, but water ice and other ice-cold treats. With the support of her family, Peterson took the first steps in a long and strenuous process. She tracked down an independent company in Raleigh-Durham, N.C. that specialized in building ice cream trucks. Peterson pumped her own cash into getting the truck in working order, sprucing it up with a coat of soft blue paint and a sound system. The back right portion of the vehicle is tattooed with “Big Chill Ice Cream” and the signature logo of a penguin. Word of mouth sparked the initial growth of the company, but now a
fully-operating website and Facebook page highlight a portion of the marketing. A simple Google search has also directed attention to the truck. The main purpose of the truck is not to peruse local neighborhoods and compete with already established companies, but to function as a catering service for Bucks and Montgomery counties. Peterson has put her own refreshing stamp on the business, taking it to various weddings, corporate outings, festivals and private parties. On average, Peterson is behind the big wheel a couple of times a week. As Big Chill expands, she certainly sees an increase in mileage. From the first day in April, until the end of October (tentatively) the truck is rumbling to different events, stocked with frozen treats from local suppliers. Soft serve ice cream comes mainly from Rosenberger’s Dairies in Hatfield, Pa. and Italian water ice is picked up from Via Veneto in Norristown, Pa. At 51-years-young, Peterson realized that she could finally do something for herself. No longer would she be constrained to a cubicle, answering to a barking boss, but rather on the open road seeing the satisfaction of customers. When people
flock to the truck, she knows she made the right decision. “I worked for a couple of non-profits and got laid off from both jobs and just haven’t been able to find work,” Peterson said. “That’s when we decided to just bite the bullet [and] start a little business.” “Everybody loves ice cream no matter how broke you are, you always have money for ice cream,” she added. Expansion is definitely in the realm of possibility for Big Chill, but Peterson is still focusing on making it through her first season. Like any new experiment, there are unforeseen costs and bumps in the road. Peterson will be able to learn what works, what doesn’t and what needs improvement for next year. If all goes as planned, 2012 could bring another truck and a few more employees. Currently, it is just Peterson and her daughter who are on staff. What appeared to be a devastating setback at the time, turned out to be an unlikely opportunity. Peterson is elated to be living a dream that seemed destined to remain just that. She’s now had a taste of success that comes in a variety of flavors. ❂
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From Ghana to Gwynedd-Mercy College:
A Tale of Philip Amoa
After an accomplished four years at Gwynedd-Mercy College, the well-traveled Amoa brothers have transferred their devoted work ethic into the “real world.” Worldly knowledge coupled with their experience at the College, has equaled success in each one’s respective field. Reginald—or Reggie— is a financial analyst at KPMG and Philip is an attorney with the firm McCarter & English. Prior to undergraduate studies at Gwynedd-Mercy College, the Amoas also spent part of their younger years in Ghana, Germany, Kenya and the United Kingdom. Their father travelled internationally for business, working as a consultant. A wide-ranging and diverse family also contributed to spending time on three continents.
What exactly brought you to Gwynedd-Mercy College? Philip (’07): Well, I decided to come to Gwynedd-Mercy College primarily because my brother made a good case why it was a great college. I visited the College and really liked its small size and everyone was so friendly. We had a cousin who also was a student at GMC, so it made the choice easy. Reggie (’06): My aunt and cousin were students at the College and told me about it. At the time, I was considering a few other places, including Arcadia University, but once I visited the campus and met the professors, the decision was simple.
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Were there any specific teachers that had a direct impact on your careers?
Reggie Amoa
What were your individual experiences like at GMC? Philip: I had many great experiences at GMC. I think the College really allowed me to realize my full potential as a student. The classes were challenging and the personal attention we got from our professors was very beneficial. It allowed me to really hone in on the important lessons of the class. Reggie: Too many to recall—many terrific experiences and courses. I particularly remember Chris Cusatis’ accounting courses, my finance courses with Dr. [Michael] Shaffer, and some philosophy classes. Summers on campus were also interesting—a bunch of us would get jobs on campus and just hang out.
Philip: For me, I’ll say Dr. Mike Shaffer and Steven Mumford were two of the teachers that had the most impact. Reggie: Dean Trotter, Dr. Shaffer, and Chris Cusatis.
Talk about the specifics of your post-Gwynedd-Mercy College education. Where did you continue studying? Philip: After graduating from GMC, I worked for Merck & Co., Inc. in West Point, Pa. and then went to law school at the University of Illinois College of Law. Reggie: I went for my MBA at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State, University Park.
What are your exact professional titles?
Was there any specific coursework you remember or significant accomplishments during your time?
Philip: I am an attorney with the firm of McCarter & English. I work in the corporate and bankruptcy groups in both our Philadelphia and Wilmington offices.
Philip (Speaking for both): Reggie and I both graduated with a 3.99 GPA and won the Presidential Scholar Award. We were co-founders of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Business Club.
Reggie: I work with KPMG as an associate in Economic and Valuation Services – it’s a financial analyst role that helps companies fulfill financial reporting requirements following mergers or acquisitions.
Brotherly Love Did you guys pretty much grow up together? If so, what is it like now that you are apart? Philip (Speaking for both): Reggie and I grew up all over the place. We traveled a lot growing up. We were around each other for most of our lives until we both left home for graduate school and it was fun. It gives you room to operate without your sibling punctuating your every thought [laughs].
I'm either just relaxing at home, hanging out with buddies, or out on the town. In conclusion, Philip and Reggie now, once again, live in close proximity in the Philadelphia area. Both are extremely entrepreneurial in their professional goals. Philip even says that it would surprise him
if they aren’t CEOs at some point. In fact, Philip has a leg up on his brother and heads his own start-up website dedicated to getting recent law student graduates jobs in their field. Wherever the duo goes, they’ll be able to take with them not only a GMC degree, but the characteristics of Mercy that every student obtains. ❂
Any thoughts on the U.S./Ghana World Cup soccer match last year? Both: Games like that are sort of win-win situations. Reggie: But actually, I think one of my business school friends still owes me a drink. I remember less about that game in particular than the game in which Ghana lost to Uruguay. Either way, the World Cup is always fun for me.
What types of activities do you each like to do other than work? Philip: Other than work, I find time to work on various start-up ideas and also try to travel where I can. Reggie: I enjoy Philly night life. Personally, I enjoy non-fiction books and movies when I can find the time. All in all, most weekends
Philip and Reggie Amoa
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Class Notes 1955 Mary Joan Pancoast, of West Chester, Pa., is a physical fitness teacher at the YMCA in Kennett Square, Pa. She is active on the golf team at West Chester Country Club. Mary Joan has 24 grandchildren.
1962 Olivia Erickson, of West Chester, Pa., has nine grandchildren.
Dr. Michele Sabino, of Houston, TX, is retiring at the end of August.
1970 Virginia Ayars, of Austin TX, is a nursing consultant for education. She is currently working on her doctorate in nursing education at North Central University. Jane Koch, of Horsham, Pa., has been retired for six years after spending 34 years in the Upper Dublin School District.
Pat Holmbeck, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is expecting grandchild number eight.
1972
Maria Kerrane, of Valencia, Calif., is happily retired. She has four children and ten grandchildren.
Sister Patricia Smith, RSM, of Philadelphia, Pa., will be stepping down as principal at Waldron Mercy Academy, where she worked for 20 years.
1964 Ann Marie Riethmiller, of Jenkintown, Pa., has been married for 44 years. She recently had her tenth grandchild.
1966 Kathleen Rodowicz, of Ivyland, Pa., is the office manager of an accounting firm. She is the busy grandmother of 16 grandchildren.
1968 Dianne Biggs, of Allentown, Pa., is expecting her fourteenth grandchild. Sister Patricia Flynn, RSM, of Ambler, Pa., is the new principal of Gwynedd-Mercy Academy.
22 Today Class Notes
From the Director of Alumni Relations, Shannon Bruno...
Alumni Benefits Gwynedd-Mercy College alumni can receive a special group discount of up to 20 percent on auto, home and renters insurance through Group Savings Plus from Liberty Mutual. With Group Savings Plus, members can enjoy the ease and convenience of paying premiums through checking account deductions with no down payment or finance charges. Fast, easy round-the-clock claims service and a variety of discounts including multi-car, multi-policy, safe-driver, passive restraints and anti-theft device discounts are some of the many benefits. For a free, no-obligation quote from Liberty Mutual, call Joseph O’Gara at 215-641-0400, ext. 50931, or request a free quote online.
Keep in touch! Check us out on Facebook and Twitter www.facebook.com/Gwynedd-Mercy Alums www.facebook.com/careersgmc www.twitter.com/gwyneddmercycol
1974 Dr. Julia Pillsbur y, of Dover, Del., is an alternate advisor to the American Medical Association CPT Committee.
1976 Eileen O’Rourke, of Flourtown, Pa., is certified with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and Infection Control. She is currently an IP at Lankenau Medical Center of the Main Line Health System.
1979 Mar y Liz Michalski, of Nazareth, Pa., is expecting her fourth grandchild this year.
How to submit Class Notes and update your contact information • gmc.edu/alumni “Update Your Information” form • E-mail your message and photos to alumni@gmc.edu • Contact Shannon Bruno, director of alumni relations, at 215-641-5554 Class Notes Policy Gwynedd-Mercy College welcomes updates from alumni to include in this section of Today. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. If there is an error or omission of any kind, please accept our apology and notify the Office of Alumni Relations of the mistake immediately. It may take two issues of Today for your information to appear. Class Notes have been edited for space and clarity.
1985
1993
Theresa Martin, of Millsboro, Del., is working as a substitute school nurse. She is the grandmother of 17, and newly the great-grandmother to a boy, Caelen.
Barbara Tournier, of Horsham, Pa., is an adjunct professor in medical ethics at West Chester University.
Michele Wargo, of Swedesboro, N.J., is enrolled in a master’s program for nursing informatics at Walden University.
1988 Kelly Bushnell, of Perkiomenville, Pa., is the senior vice president of Wells Fargo.
1990 Rebecca Loss, of Collegeville, Pa., has been working in the emergency room at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for 10 years. She has two children, Jean Marie, 15, and Alexander, 9. Rebecca is also a breast cancer survivor. Genevieve Poladian, of Lincolnwood, IL, works in the quality risk management department at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL. In Jan. 2010, she received her law degree from John Marshall Law School.
1994 Lori Heinlein, of Chalfont, Pa., works in the post-anesthesia care unit at Mercy Suburban Hospital. She enjoys traveling and skiing with her husband of 20 years. Bonnie Miller, of Conshohocken, Pa., just finished her master’s in public health at West Chester University. She worked with the mentally ill in the nurse navigator program. Joseph Sokolic, of Cherry Hill, N.J., is proud of his daughter, Allison, who is currently in the second grade. Maria Trolli, of Philadelphia, Pa., has three young children, Louis, 8, Mia, 4, and Guilia, 2.
1995 Greg Small, of Havertown, Pa., was recently elected to the board of directors of Developmental Enterprises Corporation. He works as a senior associate at Creative Financial Group.
On April 1, all alumni that graduated within in the last 10 years were invited to attend an event at Chickie’s & Pete’s® Crab House and Sports Bar on the Boulevard. The event, sponsored by the GMC Office of Alumni Relations, was a huge success with more than 75 alumni in attendance! Alumni, friends and family all celebrated together and enjoyed reuniting and celebrating the kickoff to the Phillies’ 2011 season. The Alumni Office is looking forward to planning more events like this one in the future, so be sure to check our website and Facebook page.
Pat Hynes (Left) and Ginger Daschler Chase (Right) of the Class of 1964, pose with Dr. Jules Tasca following a performance of Tasca’s play “Art Lover” during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Pat and Ginger were students in Dr. Tasca’s first class at GMC.
Thanks to everyone who came out to Chickie’s & Pete’s— Today looking forward to seeing you23 soon!
Congratulations! Engagements, Marriages and Anniversaries
1998 Marc Rowe, of Glenside Pa., is a manager at Merck & Co., Inc. He was married in 2006 and has two children.
1999
Thomas Alexander ’08, of Harleysville, Pa., was married in July 2011.
Michelle McCauley ’05, of Pennsburg, Pa., married Tom Noga in November 2010.
Heather Alcott, of North Wales, Pa., gave birth to triplets on June 30, 2009. She is currently working on obtaining her master’s at Gwynedd-Mercy College.
Devon Allen ’08, of Jenkintown, Pa., was married in August 2010.
Walter Mikolajewski ’10, of Philadelphia, Pa., is engaged to Christina Garrah. An Oct. 5 wedding is planned.
Cynthia Perez, of Philadelphia, Pa., recently started a new job as a study authorization associate at Icon Clinical Research.
Michelle (Bechtel) Normandin ’98, of Florissant, Colo., married Dave Normandin on July 4, 2009.
Lisa Morton ’10, of Churchville, Pa., married Rob Gill in June 2010. Gloria Neal ’11, of Souderton, Pa., married Daniel Ford in August 2011.
Michelle and Dave Normandin
Lindsay Novick ’05/’10, of Southampton, Pa., is engaged to Michael Rogalski. A March 2012 wedding is planned. Alessandra T. Pagnoni ’05, of Norristown, Pa., married Jeffrey Heller on April 10, 2010.
2000 Jennifer DeCaro, of Springfield, Pa., is an assistant professor of allied health at Delaware County Community College. She also works as a medical assistant program director at the college. Shandra Middlekauff, of Harleysville, Pa., is in a master’s program. She also recently had a baby.
2001 Rachel Bodick, of Langhorne, Pa., has an 18-month-old daughter, Alison.
Jamie (Claus) Befard ’07, of Ardmore, Pa., married Frank Befard on August 10, 2010. Vanessa Brown ’09, of Horsham, Pa., was married in August 2010. Jessica Cannady ’09, of Columbus, Ohio, was married on May 7, 2010. Mar y Foley ’08, of Jenkintown, Pa., is engaged to be married to Joseph Wilson ’09 on October 22, 2011. Amanda Grosso ’10, of Montgomeryville, Pa., is engaged to Daniel Williams. A March 2012 wedding is planned. Patricia Johnson ’99, of Brigantine, N.J., married husband David in April 2011. Lindsay Klicka ’10, of Doylestown, Pa., is engaged to Greg Hebel. A September 2012 wedding is planned. Dawn (Knight) Lawhon ’99, of Warminster, Pa., married Jordan Lawhon on November 24, 2010.
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Alessandra and Jeffrey Heller
Jennifer Pruchnic ’02/’05, of Lansdale, Pa., was engaged to Derek Moyer on Christmas Day 2010. Elizabeth Seltzer ’89, of Erdenheim, Pa., married Thomas Degroot on May 29, 2011. Eric Trinkle ’10, of Northampton, Pa., is engaged to Megan Schultz. An August 2012 wedding is planned. Lindsay (Carlin) Wagner ’10, of Willow Grove, Pa., married Eric Wagner on September 18, 2010.
Joe Juliano, of Roxborough, Pa., was recently inducted into the Roxborough High School Sports Hall of Fame. He is the vice president of marketing for St. Edmond’s Federal Savings Bank.
2002 William Dougherty, of Havertown, Pa., has been a principal at Glennwood Elementary School for five years. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at Neumann University. Kathleen Larkins, of Willow Grove, Pa., is a faculty member at Temple University. Charone Morman, of Newark, Del., is a volunteer tutor to students for the Reading Assist Institute. She works at Christiana Care Hospital as a respiratory therapist. Charone and her husband, James Morman ’95, have three children.
Priti Patal, of Sellersville, Pa., recently started a new job as a client services representative at Social Security Administration.
2003 John Cibenko, of Philadelphia, Pa., is a nurse in charge of orthopedics in the operating room at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Stephanie Douglas, of Harleysville, Pa., works with disabled children in the North Penn School District. Barbara Reall, of Telford, Pa., is a regional manager for MedOptions, where she provides behavior health services for long-term residents. Patricia (Gilroy) Stavinski, of Harleysville, Pa., has been a biotechnologist at Merck & Co., Inc. for 21 years. Bernadine Waterman, of Philadelphia, Pa., was recently listed as a distinguished teacher in the Philadelphia School District by the Lindback Foundation. She has been an educator for 27 years and currently teaches at Audenried High School in the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia, Pa.
2004 Thomas Acker, of Warrington, Pa., works at Merck & Co., Inc. in business and sales. He deals with customer contracts and Medicaid contracts.
Carol Brown, of Blue Bell, Pa., received her master’s degree for holistic spirituality in health care from Chestnut Hill College in 2009. Teresa Carboy, of Royersford, Pa., is a principal at Royersford Elementary School in the Spring-Ford Area School District. Steven Seay, of West Sacramento, Calif., is studying divinity at Western Seminary in Sacramento as part of the school’s master’s program. He is also gearing up for a missionary trip to Mexico with a large youth group. Nicole Zappone, of Ardsley, Pa., began teaching sixth grade at Mary Mother the Redeemer in North Wales, Pa.
2005 Casey (DeLucca) Conn, of Berlin, N.J., is a pediatric nurse at the Voorhees Pediatric Facility.
2006 Reginald Amoa, of Claymont, Del., is an associate at KPMG and has been working there for about a year. James Amons, of Elkins Park, Pa., is an adjunct faculty member at Chestnut Hill College. Jessica Dempsey, of Philadelphia, Pa., is in her seventh year as a telemetry nurse. She is currently at Aria Frankford Hospital.
Susan Heintz, of Philadelphia, Pa., recently became the assistant principal at Pepper Middle School in Southwest Philadelphia, Pa. Casandra Lewis, of East Lansdowne, Pa., was recently promoted within the Internal Revenue Service. She works as a supervisor of contact customer service. Rose O’Brien, of Philadelphia, Pa., works at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in interventional neuro-radiology. She had a baby boy, Andrew, on May 22, 2010. Sarangi Patel, of Horsham, Pa., is working as a radiation therapist at Reading Hospital. Amanda Stewart, of Boothwyn, Pa., is attending graduate school at Villanova University for anesthesiology. She recently traveled to Ghana, Africa with a volunteer corps.
2007 Jamie Claus Befard, of Ardmore, Pa., is working toward her master’s degree at Arcadia University. She teaches Kindergarten through second grade autistic support at Abington School District. Rebecca Campbell, of Ambler, Pa., returned to active duty for the United States Navy in October 2010.
2008 Thomas Alexander, of Harleysville, Pa., recently started a new position as an analyst. Daniel Ballard, of Upper Black Eddy, Pa., is a third year law student at Widener Law School. Mar y Foley, of Jenkintown, Pa., is helping to conduct a research study with the March of Dimes charity. Sandra Gonzalez, of Wyncote, Pa., is the acting principal at Antonia Pantoja Charter School. Nicole Moore, of Parkerford, Pa., has been a program nurse at Brian’s House Enterprises since August 2010. She works with special needs patients.
Alumni from the DC, Maryland and Virginia area attended the GMC: On the Road event at the home of Janet ’60 and Frank Kelly. In attendance from left to right: Josh Thomas ’07; Patricia Danish ’69; Pat Ruggieri ’65; Jerry McLaughlin, Vice President Institutional Advancement; Janet Kelly ’60; Frank Kelly; Kathleen Owens, President; Kathy Gillespie ’66, Christine Barrasso ’65, Eileen Dabich ’60
Donna Rosenthal, of Ambler, Pa., received her master’s of business administration at Saint Joseph’s University in 2010.
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Congratulations! Griffin Babies Jessica Albitz ’03, of Laureldale, Pa., a girl, Abigail, in November 2010.
Megan Brosso ’05, of Hatboro, Pa., a son, Zachary.
Deborah Amadio ’86, of Dresher, Pa., adopted a baby girl, Lydia Ruth.
Jessica Cannady ’09, of Columbus, Ohio, a son, Caleb Henry Lackey.
Jonathan Bar ’04, of Schwenksville, Pa., twins, Isabella and Elizabeth.
Melissa Chinnici ’99, of King of Prussia, Pa, a son, Zack, on Oct. 19, 2010.
Michelle Bechtel ’98, of Florissant, Colo., a son, Elkan James Normandin, on Jan. 13, 2011.
Casey (DeLucca) Conn ’05, of Berlin, N.J., has a seven-month-old son named Frank.
Pamela Robinson Monte ’07 and Gilbert Monte ’08, of Philadelphia, Pa., a son, Gilbert Angelo Jr., on Feb. 2, 2011. Ernest Rehr ’09, of Philadelphia, Pa., had a third child, Lucas, on Dec. 9, 2010. Kristy (Swartley) Turansky ’02, a girl, Brynlee Pearl, on May 10, 2011. She joins big brother Tyler (age 2).
Casey Conn’s son, Frank
Kristy Turansky’s daughter Brynlee Michelle Bechtel’s son, Elkan
Ashley Bilotti ’03, of Harleysville, Pa., a girl, Jasmine Sephra, in December 2010.
Ashley Bilotti’s daughter, Jasmine
Charles Falco ’08, of Philadelphia, Pa., two sons, Charlie, 1-year and five months, and George, nine weeks old. Maria Gannon ’00, of Hatfield, Pa., a daughter, Mackenzie, on Jan. 31, 2009.
Tara Verdolini ’10, of Doylestown, Pa., is expecting a baby girl in September to join her one-year-old, Stephen Francis III.
Tara Verdolini’s son, Stephen
Angela Georgiadis ’08, of Lansdale, Pa., a boy, Constantine Georgiadis IV, on March 6, 2011. Timothy Latini ’10, of Hatboro, Pa., a girl, in July. Julia Lindell ’06, of Roslyn, Pa., is expecting her third child.
Rebecca Shrode-Car ver, of Telford, Pa., graduated in May with her master’s degree in clinical counseling from LaSalle University.
Heather Torelli, of Warminster, Pa., is a nurse at Abington Memorial Hospital. She plans on attending graduate school in the fall.
2009
Edward Sodke, of Coopersburg, Pa., is a registered nurse at Wernersville State Hospital.
Elizabeth Wertan, of Perkasie, Pa., recently received the DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence from Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. Her “compassion, communication skills, attention to detail, professionalism and kindness” helped her beat out 14 other nominees.
Bruna Habersham, of Chalfont, Pa., is a senior administrative assistant at Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Monica Taylor, of Southampton, Pa., recently took a position at Alliance Pharmaceutical.
26 Today
Beth Ann Hollock, of Phoenixville, Pa., is the head of quality assurance and training at 1 & 1 Internet Inc.
Dominic Panati, of Philadelphia, Pa., is a registered cardiac sonographer at Capital Health. Robin Peterson, of Chalfont, Pa., is the founder of Big Chill Ice Cream. Nicole Quigley, of Warrington, Pa., has been a teacher at St. Anthony-St. Joseph Elementary School since September 2010. Milton Robinson, of Philadelphia, Pa., has a daughter, Taylor, who is two years old. Carla Schleinkofer, of Hatboro, Pa., is attending Thomas Jefferson University to get her master’s degree in nursing and women’s studies. She is studying to become a nurse practitioner. Ashley Smink, of Levittown, Pa., recently received her progressive care certification in nursing (PCCN). She is currently in graduate school at LaSalle University to become a family nurse practitioner. Eileen Zebrowski, of Delanco, N.J., wrote an article for Nursing Spectrum about New Year’s resolutions and patient care.
2010 Maureen Curcio, of Harleysville, Pa., works in Perkiomen Valley School District. Sean Gumbert, of Gilbertsville, Pa., is employed by Guardian Insurance.
John Melchiorre, of Phoenixville, Pa., passed his CPA Exam in November 2010. Robert Michetti, of Audubon, Pa., is a wealth manager. Casey Mills, of Wyomissing, Pa., was recently hired at Muhlenberg Middle School as a guidance counselor. Judith Parise, of Rockville, Md., works in the ER at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. Davida Phillips, of Coatesville, Pa., is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team. C. David Post, of Green Lane, Pa., is now the lead executive representative for Merck & Co., Inc. Maria Ragsdale-Leidy, of Collegeville, Pa., is teaching second grade at Blessed Theresa of Calcutta in Schwenksville, Pa. Susan Rogers, of Blue Bell, Pa., was recently promoted to senior vice president of Technology and Operations Risk at Bank of America. Rachele Scevola, of Milford, Pa., works in the neuroscience division at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Yohn Simmons, of Philadelphia, Pa., is a charge nurse at Meadow Springs SubAcute Rehab Facility. Allyson Specht, of Jamison, Pa., is currently a clinical manager at a practice in nearby Warrington, Pa.
Kendra Helm, of Philadelphia, Pa., is back at Gwynedd-Mercy College for graduate school. She is studying for her master’s in business management.
Lauren Stachelek, of Telford, Pa., is an ambulatory care sales representative with Cardinal Health.
Simona Jusyte, of Philadelphia, Pa., is employed as a production associate for Integral Molecular in Philadelphia, Pa.
Eric Trinkle, of Northampton, Pa., works in the accounting department for SEI Private Trust, an investment company.
Christina Kane, of Philadelphia, Pa., is attending graduate school for social work at Bryn Mawr College.
Austin Wallace, of Philadelphia, Pa., is now certified in education administration.
Lindsay Klicka, of Doylestown, Pa., is working as a nurse at Doylestown Hospital.
Kelly Weidner, of Pennsburg, Pa., gained a position in learning support teaching in Allentown.
Chin-Yi Lai, of Pennsauken, N.J., is studying at Rutgers University for her BSN. Alan Mabr y, of Jeffersonville, Pa., is a project analysis associate at Icon Clinical Research in North Wales, Pa. Heather Massey, of Philadelphia, Pa., is a TSS worker.
Jennifer Whitmore, of Norwood, Pa., has been working as a nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia since January. She also started a bachelor’s program at Immaculata University in October 2010. Michelle D. Williams, of Philadelphia, Pa., is currently pursuing a master’s of science in management at Gwynedd-Mercy College’s Center for Lifelong Learning.
Mother Nature shares her secrets. Why not tell us yours? Many alumni and friends have included GMC in their estate plans but haven’t had the opportunity to tell us. Why not let us know? Your future commitment to GMC will assist us in the preparation of distinctive Mercy graduates. So let us thank you and welcome you into the Mother Mary Bernard Graham Society. We’ll keep you informed about our students, achievements and challenges as we meet the rising demand for graduates who are competent and diversified leaders. Contact Jill Dow at dow.j@gmc.edu or 215-542-4661 to share your secret.
Hey Gwynedd-Mercy College 2010 Grads! There was no yearbook... But, you can get a
“Senior Class Directory” with portraits and photos of graduation. Contact Tom Friel 215-641-5565 or friel.t@gmc.edu
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In Memoriam Jacqueline Aupperle, of Ambler, Pa., received her master’s degree from the College in 2005. She worked with the Girl Scouts of USA Troop 431 for more than 25 years serving as camp counselor, director and cookie sales manager. Jacqueline also worked as a high school learning support teacher in the Hatboro -Horsham School District. Joan (Chermack) Brown, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2011, she was 58. Joan was a member of the GMC Alumni Association Board and received her BA in mathematics in 1974. Joan also graduated from the former Bishop Kenrick High School in 1970 and received an MS in computer science from Villanova in 1986. She worked for more than 25 years as an IT professional with most of her career spent at Shared Medical Systems/Siemens. Joan was also a member of the Penn State Great Valley Continuing Professional Education Student Advisory Group.
Graduate Degree Programs in Business, Education & Nursing Gwynedd-Mercy College offers a range of graduate programs designed for working professionals seeking to move their careers to the next level (or change their career path altogether). With a close-knit graduate community, experienced faculty and admissions staff, we provide students with a caring environment and energized class time, tailored towards accommodating even the busiest of working professionals.
Below is a list of Schools and Programs: ● School of Business • Master of Science in Management* ● School of Education • Master of Science in Special Education
Paul Christman, of Hatfield, Pa., died on March 18, 2011. A 1983 graduate, he worked many years for General Electric.
• Post M.S. Certificate for Special Education
Wendy Ellen Croissette, of Paoli, Pa., received her associate’s degree in 1994. She passed away on March 7, 2011.
• Post M.S. Certificate for School Counseling
Helen Joyce Galetti, of Hatboro, Pa., graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1974, and went on to become an oncology clinical nurse specialist. She also served as a nurse educator and head nurse during her time at Holy Redeemer Hospital and Abington Memorial Hospital. In 1990, she won the Outstanding District Nurse’s Award for Montgomery County.
• Master of Science in Education with Elementary Education certification
• Master of Science in School Counseling
• Master of Science in Education without certification
• Master of Science in Education with Secondary Education certification content areas include: Biology, Business/Computers and Information Technology, English, Mathematics and Social Studies • Master of Science in Reading (without certification)* • Master of Science in Reading with Reading Specialist Certification*
Sister Micheletta McGee, RSM, of Havertown, Pa., graduated from the College in 1970 and went on to teach for more than 30 years. She taught at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Philadelphia, Pa., Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in Havertown, Pa., and at Walsingham Academy in Virginia. Sister Micheletta served as principal at Walsingham and the St. Paul School in East Norriton, Pa. for eight and six years, respectively. Since 1996, she was program coordinator at Bethesda Spruce in Center City Philadelphia. There, she helped women at the residence cope with chronic mental illness.
• Reading Specialist Certification* • Master of Science in Educational Administration with K-12 Principal Certification* • K-12 Principal Certification* • Curriculum and Instruction Certification* • Autism Certificate* ● The Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing • Master of Science in Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist - Gerontology • Master of Science in Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology
Frances Marie Paul, of Collingswood, N.J., succumbed to her two-year battle with cancer. She graduated with a nursing degree in 1999. She always had a knack for speaking the truth, and using her humor to diffuse situations. After years as a bedside nurse, “Franny” became a flight nurse in the Air Force Reserves. This entailed taking trips overseas to retrieve patients and care for them at McGuire Air Force Base in South Jersey. Mar y Jane Ryan, of Wayne, Pa., graduated in 1954 with a degree in secretarial studies.
• Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner - Pediatric • Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner - Adult • Post MSN Nurse Practitioner Adult or Pediatric Track * Notes our accelerated master degree programs which meet once per week.
gmc.edu 800-205-5900 Traditional Graduate Programs 877-499-6333 Accelerated Graduate Programs
Save the GMC ALUMNI
25TH & 50TH YEAR REUNIONS
Members of the classes of 1961 and 1986 are invited along with a guest to celebrate their 50th and 25th reunions. Sunday, October 9, 2011 • Gwynedd-Mercy College 1325 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437 11:30 a.m., Mass honoring the classes of 1961 and 1986 Campbell Hall Chapel 12:30 p.m., Lunch and reunion featuring Dr. Kathleen Owens, President Assumption Hall Contact Shannon Bruno, Director of Alumni Relations at bruno.s@gmc.edu for more information and to RSVP.
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Lansdale, PA Permit No. 444
Office of Institutional Advancement 1325 Sumneytown Pike P.O. Box 901 Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437-0901
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Supporting the Annual Fund
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Nearly every campus initiative that makes a significant impact for our students is supported by the Annual Fund, including scholarship support for those students who need it most. Last year, Gwynedd-Mercy College awarded $12.6 million in scholarships, which benefited more than 92 percent of our students. The future of our campus is bright with the help from caring alumni like you.
Support Gwynedd-Mercy College students with a gift to the 2011-2012 Annual Fund today.
215-641-5550 • gmc.edu/giving
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