MEMBERS OF GANNON’S “TRAVELING WILBURYS” most recently traveled to Wellsboro, Pa. together. This alumni group has remained close friends since graduating in the early 1970s, traveling together every year since 2001. Members reside in various states and include: Peter ’71 and Mary Bates; James Byrne ’71 and Barbara Van Riper; Dennis ’73 and Jo Ellen Knecht; David ’73 and Patty Holland; Christopher ’72 and Cathy Mills; Kevin ’73 and Karen Dooney; Richard ’73 and Joanne Kujawinski.
Alumni honorees were recognized at the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Dinner: First Row: Brian Kurtz ’08 Alumni Association president; James Schaffner ’68; Edward Dawson ’74; Keith Taylor, Ph.D., Gannon University president. Second Row: Larry Gioia ’04, Margaret (O’Bryan) Doheny ’70VMC; James Ahearn ’61
A Message from Gannon University Alumni Association President Brian M. Kurtz ’08 A great weekend had by all! Everyone attending the Gannon University and Villa Maria College Homecoming Reunion Weekend 2015 took part in the traditions of yesterday, while the current students began creating traditions of their own to be remembered tomorrow. Strong history and memories came to life in the gathering of Villa women at high tea, in the joy of celebrating the Heritage Society in recognition of 50 years since graduation, in heartfelt testimony to the importance of Gannon and Villa in the lives of our Distinguished Alumni, and in many other events on and off campus.
SILVIA M. FERRETTI, D.O. recently received the 2015 Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA), a statewide organization for physicians holding the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Ferretti received the association’s highest honor in recognition of her countless contributions to the osteopathic profession and POMA. Ferretti is provost, senior vice president and dean of academic affairs of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
I have no doubt that with the vibrancy found on Gannon’s Erie and Ruskin, Florida campuses, our current and future alumni will have traditions they will carry with them indefinitely.
JAMES A. KOSTEK closed out his almost 42year career in the chemical industry on Nov. 6. During those years he has worked at a number of companies and in a variety of positions, including: Combustion Engineering Inc. in their refractories division located in Valley Forge, Pa.; Leeman Labs; Scientific Systems; Autochrom. He spent the last 15 years in the Q.C. lab with Sartomer Co., a manufacturer of custom-designed monomers.
The National Alumni Board needs your help in keeping the Gannon and Villa traditions going strong for future generations as we seek new directors to serve a three-year board term beginning next June.
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As we enter the third year of the Board’s strategic plan, our members will double-down on efforts to connect alumni with one another and with the University by hosting annual events in the four regions of Buffalo, Cleveland, Erie and Pittsburgh, and in other cities around the country. Our work continues by engaging our future alumni and Gannon’s current students through the Mentoring Achievement Program, recognition of a graduating senior with the Inspiration for the Next Generation Award, and by supporting student scholarships such as the Alumni Legacy “Power” Scholarship. If you want to support your alma mater and Alumni Association, contact me at kurtz004@gannon.edu to talk more about becoming a director on the National Alumni Board or a regional coordinator to plan alumni activities in your city. We rely on your participation to instill what makes Gannon and Villa special in your life, into the lives of your fellow alumni.
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gannon magazine
january 2016
SISTER NANCY PRENATT, S.S.J. VMC celebrated her 50th Jubilee. WILLIAM D. BUSECK is president of W.D. Buseck & Associates, LLC, a management consulting firm, which has acquired Avalon Financial Services, Ltd., located in Niles, Ohio. Following the acquisition, Buseck will provide turnaround management services and Avalon Financial Services will provide banking services. SISTER MARY R. ROMEO, S.S.J. VMC celebrated her 50th Jubilee.