Vol. XXIV, No. 3 • Spring 2011 Philip H. Kelly, D.A. Interim President Karla Wludyga Director of Public Relations and Communications Audrey E. Starr Publications Officer and Editor starr007@gannon.edu (814) 871-5817
advisory committee Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C Britt Dyer Daehnke ’98, ’05M Caroline DiPlacido ’86 Kathy Felong ’83 Cathy Fresch Frank Garland Mary Carol Gensheimer Andrew Lapiska ’09M Joe Mattis ’69 Jerry Miele ’73, ’85M Catherine Oakley ’05M Rick Prokop, DSL Nicholas Pronko ’10M Rev. George Strohmeyer
inklings
Editor, Audrey E. Starr
A favorite social spot for alumni since 1938, Antlers Bar & Grill on West Fourth Street, will soon be reinvented for the next generation of students as the University’s latest property acquisition. Curious what plans are in store? Check out the story on p. 2. Speaking of alumni, have you heard the latest news from your fellow classmates? Turn to p. 22 for an updated batch of personal and professional achievements.
Ed Bernik Melanie Cherry Beth Gaertner Rick Klein ’84 Andrew Lapiska ’09M
design Tungsten Creative Group
You know Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university—have you thought about what this affiliation means for students? Jason Steinberg, associate director of the International Student Office, and Susan Haarman, associate director of campus ministry, give their views on p. 12, where you’ll also find a recap of this year’s Celebration of Catholic Higher Education, which put a Gannon twist on the usual National Catholic Colleges Week.
printing McCarty Printing
special thanks Paul DeSante, Ph.D. Jana Hunt Gannon Magazine is published three times annually (Winter, Spring and Summer) by the Office of Public Relations and Communications at Gannon University. Letters to the editor, class notes information, comments and suggestions are always welcome.
class notes and address changes Jana Hunt Coordinator of Gifts and Records hunt001@gannon.edu (814) 871-7469 Gannon University • 109 University Square Erie, Pennsylvania 16541 • (814) 871-7000 www.gannon.edu
For instance, you probably already know that the Gannon University Board of Trustees is searching for the institution’s seventh president, and that construction on Gannon’s new residence hall is under way. What you may not know is whether candidates have visited campus (p. 2), or when the new building’s doors are scheduled to open (find out on p. 17). You may be familiar with the University’s major highlights over the past 10 years, but if you take a look at the special insert in this edition (which chronicles Gannon’s accomplishments under outgoing President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.), I bet you’ll learn something new—like what year the Faculty Scholarship Celebration began.
photography
Please note that Gannon Magazine is produced approximately three months in advance of the actual publication date. Submissions received after production has begun will be included in a subsequent issue. All submissions are subject to editing.
If you joked that “organization” is my middle name, the people who know me best wouldn’t blink. Storage containers are my idea of a fantastic present; I label anything that sits still longer than five minutes; and from groceries to gift ideas, I’m a chronic list-maker. Although schedules and preparation are a few of my favorite things, even I can admit that regular routines are more enjoyable with a few surprises thrown in.
About 350 faculty, staff and students took advantage of the annual Wellness Fair in February. Although the event is in its seventh year, organizers introduced a new theme, new prizes and nine new vendors. Here, occupational therapy students Emily Bartkowski (center) and Leah Johnson (right) show attendees how to relax using simple hand exercises.
After spending four years on campus, many students may feel prepared to write their own Gannon handbook, discussing everything from which parking spaces are ideal to the lunch item that can’t be missed. But have you thought about the work it takes to keep campus running, from the ground up? On p. 16, you get a behind-the-scenes look at all the hard work performed by Gannon’s dedicated campus services staff. Whether you just took your first walk down A.J.’s Way or you remember strolling past Downey Hall, there’s always something different to discover about Gannon University. I hope this issue of Gannon Magazine helps you relive those fond memories and inspires you to make new ones—no list required.
mission Statement Gannon Magazine honors the history, mission and strategic goals of Gannon University by serving as a forum to celebrate University achievements and engaging the entire Gannon community in the institution’s continued success.
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