“My professors had a sincere interest in my academic success. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Gannon.” - James Baldauf Annie (DeCecco) Rutkowski ’87, earned a degree in political science. Jim and Charlie work with their father, Jim Rutkowski Sr. at Industrial Sales and Manufacturing in Millcreek Township, Pa., their family business. Jim Rutkowski, Michael Yarbenet, professor Sr. has also been a loyal of accounting supporter of Gannon. He and his wife, Joan, established the Rutkowski Family Foundation Scholarship Fund. “Erie is blessed to have Gannon University. We all received an excellent education at Gannon, which is why we have all chosen to give back and remain involved,” said Mary. The next generation of Rutkowskis is already connected to Gannon. Jim and Mary’s oldest daughter, Natalie (14), visited campus in April and participated in Gannon’s Mechanical Engineering Day. Mr. Arnold Bergquist ’58, CPA has been actively involved with Gannon for more than 50 years. He was working at Cook’s Market in Erie when he decided to apply to Gannon and study accounting. Like Mr. Baldauf, Yarbenet was also one of Mr. Bergquist’s favorite professors. He also enjoyed Fr. Bonaventure Ciufoli, who taught him art and music appreciation. In fact, Bergquist says his current love of classical music was prompted by Fr. Ciufoli. While at Gannon, Mr. Bergquist was a member of the ROTC program and received the Distinguished Military Graduate Award and the Wall Street Journal Award. After graduation, Mr. Bergquist was admitted to the Finance Corps of the United States Army, where he spent two years as the deputy finance and accounting officer stationed at Ft. Holabird, Md., site of the Army Intelligence School. He Arnold Bergquist ’58
then returned to Erie and worked at the accounting and auditing firm of Root, Spitznas and Smiley. He joined Don Schwab ’51 and Charles Brown in 1966 when they formed Brown, Schwab, Bergquist and Company in Erie which, when merged, became Malin, Bergquist and Company, LLP in 2000. Mr. Bergquist retired in 2000, but continued to work at the firm on a part-time basis through 2006. The firm currently has more than 100 employees and 18 partners. Mr. Bergquist has been an active member of the Gannon Board of Trustees for the past eight years. “I owe a great deal to Gannon, which is why I continually give back and remain involved,” he said. Mr. Bergquist is co-chairing his 50th Class Reunion from Gannon, which will meet Oct. 10-12 during the 2008 Alumni Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend.
The Rutkowski family gathered for the 2007 Scholarship Celebration
Campaign Update As of May 23, $28.9 million—or 96 percent of the total $30 million goal—has been raised in The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign. This amount does not include an additional $7 million that has been raised in federal and state funds. If you would like more information about how you can leave your Gannon legacy and donate to the Annual Fund and The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign, please contact Britt Dyer Daehnke ’98 ’05M, associate director of the Annual Fund and Campaign coordinator, at (814) 871-7261 or via e-mail at daehnke001@gannon.edu.
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