Gannon Magazine - Winter 2011

Winter 2011

Love is in the Air In honor of the Valentine’s Day season, alumni couples reminisce, p. 8

In this Issue: President Garibaldi Announces Move, p. 2

‡ Students Cook Up Success, p. 12

Vol. XXIV, No. 2 • Winter 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

In the classic Abbott and Costello skit, “Who’s on First,” the duo spends six minutes misunderstanding each other while discussing members of a baseball team. In the end, both leave the exchange twice as confused as when it started. Thankfully, the conversation between Gannon and members of its community, both on campus and off, is much clearer: the University wants to help you stay informed and be inspired.

With Internet tools like e-mail, social networking sites and RSS feeds, the latest Gannon news is just a mouse click away. The University makes it a priority to communicate important news (like the announcement that President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., has been named the new president of the University of Detroit Mercy, p. 2) and share entertaining examples of student life (check out what’s cooking with “A Knight in the Kitchen,” p. 12).

You spoke, we listened—more than 600 of you communicated your opinions of Gannon Magazine through our readership survey last summer, and we’ve already started to incorporate some of your feedback. You’ll find a revamped faculty, staff and student accolades section on p. 5, a new recurring section that profiles some of Gannon’s most cherished traditions on p. 7 and even more alumni news and opinions throughout this issue. The option to receive an electronic notification of the magazine, rather than a print copy, is also now available (see back cover for details).

photography Ed Bernik Rick Klein ’84 Tim Rohrbach Lori Steadman Robert Tarkowski Jr. ’76, ’94M

design Tungsten Creative Group

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.

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.

class notes and address changes Jana Hunt Coordinator of Gifts and Records hunt001@gannon.edu (814) 871-7469

Gannon fans communicated their support of both the University and public radio by participating in the 2010 WQLN Collegiate Challenge.

Dwight Miller ’96 (left), president and general manager of WQLN, presents President Garibaldi with the Most Improved Trophy. Gannon raised $13,420, or 19 percent more than last year’s total.

In all areas, the University values your input. Alumni can visit www.gannonalumni.org to create a profile, post life and career updates and join message boards to catch up with former classmates. Want to follow along with the Board of Trustee’s presidential search committee or share your thoughts on the new Golden Knight mascot uniform (p.2)? You can do both, at www.gannon.edu/president and www.gannon.edu/mascot, respectively.

From class notes (p. 22) to commencement (p. 7), this issue of Gannon Magazine offers a multitude of ways for you to learn, share and get connected to Gannon University. Stay tuned in and watch the possibilities unfold!

Gannon University • 109 University Square Erie, Pennsylvania 16541 • (814) 871-7000 www.gannon.edu

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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contents

features

The Gannon University Magazine Winter 2011

8 Love Story

First comes Gannon, then comes love: Gannon Magazine celebrates the thousands of current Gannon and Villa Maria alumni unions.

16 Over the Top

Gannon’s master of business administration program turns 40.

12 Key Ingredients

A student-produced television cooking show creates a recipe for success.

Alumni Rebecca (Fresch) ’08 and Brian Kurtz ’08 celebrate their wedding, Gannon-style. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Photography.

departments

on the cover

(L to R) Bridget Philip ’02, assistant director of graduate admissions, Andrew Lapiska ’09M, senior graphic designer, Jack Sims, vice president for University Advancement, Terry Kizina, director of undergraduate admissions, and Michele Potter ’08, administrative assistant for University Marketing, are all smiles during a 2010 Eight Great Tuesdays concert. As a sponsor, Gannon provided concertgoers with free snacks and games.

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newsnotes alumnifocus facultyfocus sportsscan alumnotes endnotes

News, Notes and Quotables

newsnotes

Dr. Garibaldi Named New President of the University of Detroit Mercy English professor Dr. Philip Kelly named interim president President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., has been named the new president of the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM).

Garibaldi will become UDM’s first lay president effective July 1, 2011. He will succeed former UDM President Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., who in June 2010 accepted a leadership position with the Jesuit Conference in Washington, D.C.

kept track of what was going on in our lives. Although I’m no longer a student on campus, I will truly miss his presence at Gannon.”

Garibaldi was appointed president of Gannon in 2001.

He will spend the remainder of the 2010-11 Academic Year on sabbatical to focus on documenting his Gannon accomplishments at Gannon and other scholarly activities, and will serve as commencement speaker at graduation exercises in May 2011.

Garibaldi’s last day on campus was Dec. 31, 2010; national executive search firm Witt/Keiffer has been retained by the University’s Board of Trustees to help select his successor. Philip Kelly, D.A., professor of English, will serve as interim president during the search process. Kelly, whose appointment became effective Jan. 1, 2011, has taught at Gannon since 1968 and has served in a variety of administrative positions, including dean of the College of Humanities in the 1990s and interim provost during the 2004-05 Academic Year.

“Dr. Garibaldi has been an inspiration, and I admire his ability to make everyone at Gannon feel special,” said Jamie Taylor ’06, ’07M, a business management alumna.

“I was always impressed that he would stop whatever he was doing to talk to students. He knew us all by name and

New Golden Knight Mascot Uniform Unveiled Just in time for the start of a new school year, the Golden Knight was updated and improved. The new mascot uniform features a shinier gold suit, a more prominent University logo and an accompanying shield.

“I’m heartened to see that the Golden Knight is alive and well on campus,” said Marjorie (Radella) Metts ’90, who—despite her current residence more than 700 miles away from Erie—was able to check out the Knight’s new look via Gannon’s Facebook page. “I seem to remember the mascot as lean and rectangular, but I like his more articulated look of today.”

Go to www.gannon.edu/mascot to watch Drake—the former mascot— pass the torch, and leave a comment about your mascot experiences.

The latest Golden Knight mascot stands proudly in front of Old Main.

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New Initiative GAINS Momentum The University’s newest initiative, Erie-GAINS (Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability), is already effecting change in the surrounding community. One million dollars, part of a gift made by an anonymous friend of the University through the Erie Community Foundation, will be used to create the ErieGAINS Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial support to academically qualified local students with a demonstrated financial need. The first five scholarship awards will be made effective with the Fall 2011 Semester.

The Erie-GAINS neighborhood is bounded by 11th Street to the south, Parade Street to the east, and the Bayfront Parkway to the north and west. Currently, about 1,400 undergraduate Gannon students—nearly half—hail from Erie County.

To help increase safety resources for neighborhood residents, in September Gannon unveiled two new sport utility vehicles and two thermal imaging cameras purchased by the University for the City of Erie Fire Department. The vehicles, which replaced two 1980s-era models, will be used by city fire inspectors, while the cameras will be used by firefighters to locate individuals who may be trapped inside burning buildings.

Service Hours Top 79,000 Students, faculty and staff recorded 79,421 service hours during the 20092010 Academic Year, an increase of 2.5 percent over the prior year. The University’s volunteer hours include more than 70,000 contributed by students as well as more than 9,300 by faculty and staff members. In addition to giving generously of their time, material donations (such as clothing and food) and cash gifts nearing $130,000 were contributed to worthy causes.

T Some 300 students spent four hours on Oct. 30, 2010 collecting

food and monetary donations as part of the Golden Harvest Food Drive.

A total of 6,119 pounds of nonperishable food items and $400 in monetary donations were given to Erie’s Second Harvest Food Bank. The food bank calculates each $1 as 17 pounds of food, so ultimately the drive produced 12,919 pounds of food, the second-highest total since 1995.

Junior Alvin Tucker, a member of Gannon’s men’s basketball team, helps with cleanup after the University hosted the 22nd annual Sisters of St. Joseph Thanksgiving Dinner. Approximately 750 meals were served on campus with another 370 delivered to homes by volunteers. 2010 marked the second year Gannon hosted the event. X

Students Chad Gauthier of Delta Sigma Phi (left) and Ryann Beaumont of Tri-Beta (right) camp out in A.J.’s Way during Box City, an event that raises funds and support during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The event raised a total of $1,400 to be shared by four local charities. X

newsnotes

Sophomore Brittany S Myers (left) and freshman Leigh-Anne Valentini (right) entertain young attendees of the 2010 Social Work Club Christmas Dinner and Wellness Fair.

The event, now in its 33rd year, provided a hot meal and information from local social service agencies to a crowd of 350.

Erie Fire Chief Tony Pol (right) shows President Garibaldi (left) how to operate one of two new thermal imaging cameras.

S Students, faculty and staff in the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences show their

support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donning pink clothing and turning the Morosky Academic Center’s fountain pink.

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newsnotes

ACT 48 Courses Endorsed by PSEA Gannon University’s School of Education has received a formal endorsement for Act 48 courses offered to members of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) for professional development.

Act 48 requires individuals holding Pennsylvania professional educator certifications to complete continuing education (CE) requirements every five years. The CE credits are necessary for educators to maintain an active teaching certification.

Gannon offers Act 48 courses in outreach areas such as Meadville, Monroeville, Greensburg, Hermitage and Warren.

The courses are offered online to serve the needs of teachers unable to attend a traditional, face-to-face class.

Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit Honors Sisters of St. Joseph Gannon’s annual Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit is designed to bless the University community at the beginning of a new academic year. This year’s Mass also included a special recognition of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the blessing of an icon written to honor the Sisters as they celebrate 150 years of service to the Erie Diocese.

The icon, depicting Saint Joseph, was written by Daria Hulak-Kulchytsky of Cleveland and is permanently residing in the University’s Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel. The icon is the second by Hulak-Kulchytsky to reside at Gannon. In 2006, the chapel added a Mary, Seat of Wisdom icon that she wrote.

“The icon is such a beautiful and fitting gift for our chapel, depicting both the gentleness and strength of St. Joseph. The Sisters of St. Joseph and Gannon University have a long history of shared ministry in delivering excellent valuecentered education, culminating in the merger of Villa Maria College and Gannon University in 1989. This icon is a visible tribute to that bond,” explained Sister Michele Healy, S.S.J. ’66VMC, assistant professor of theology.

In 1925, Mother M. Helena Dillon, S.S.J., and Sister M. Stella Harrington, S.S.J., established Villa Maria College to offer a higher education option for area women.

Today, there are more than 3,300 alumnae who received a degree from the College.

This tradition of academic excellence remained strong as the two institutions merged and is honored today through the Villa Maria School of Nursing, housed in Gannon’s Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences. gannon magazine

Trayless dining is gaining popularity on college campuses nationally, and Gannon is no exception. During lunch on Dec. 10, 2010 the Beyer Hall Cafeteria experimented with trayless dining by removing trays during the lunch period. The trial went so well every Friday is now a trayless day.

“Part of our mission as a faith-based school is to show respect for the planet. We hope that by doing these small things, our students become true stewards of the environment when they leave,” said Steven Ropski, Ph.D. ’78, biology professor and co-chair of the Gannon Goes Green Committee.

Going trayless curtails food waste, promotes healthier eating habits through portion control and reduces the amount of water and energy consumed by washing the trays.

Metz & Associates, the University’s food service vendor, estimates that washing a single tray—including rinsing, washing and sanitizing it— requires about 1.5 gallons of water and 1.5 kilowatts of power.

President Garibaldi (second from left) and Mary Carol Gensheimer (second from right), assistant professor of communication arts, present the new icon to Sister Moira Sullivan, S.S.J. ’64VMC (left) and Sister Mary Ellen Dwyer, S.S.J. ’64VMC (right).

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Gannon Cafeteria Goes Green

winter 2011

As a precursor, Metz conducted a Weigh Your Waste event in the cafeteria on Dec. 1, 2010. For the three-hour lunch period, all food that was to be thrown out was weighed; some 413 individuals discarded 109 pounds of food, which could have fed approximately 114 people.

Biology professor Steven Ropski, Ph.D. ’78 scrapes discarded food into a waste container during the Weigh Your Waste event.

A celebration of student, faculty and staff accolades

knightlights

Student Meets Silver Screen Legend and Jimmy Hawkins, child stars Dickie Moore and Paul Petersen, and Mary Owen, daughter of actress Donna Reed.

Gannon student Bobby Sulecki recently fulfilled a lifelong dream and met in person his favorite screen legend, actress Ann Rutherford, at the Kent State University (Ohio) Museum in September 2010. He was the first person to get autographs from Rutherford and Robert Osborne, host on Turner Classic Movies, who were on hand to support the museum and its upcoming exhibition, “Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen.”

“Ann has a very sharp memory and is a wonderful raconteur,” Sulecki said. “She is very direct and nothing is off the record. I am so grateful because Ann has helped me with my career. When I heard she would be coming to Kent State, I had to be there!”

Sulecki, a sophomore history major, is aspiring to a career as a film historian, covering silent movies, early talkies and the Golden Age of movies and television. Working with Jeffrey Bloodworth, Ph.D., assistant professor of

Sulecki first wrote to Rutherford—who starred in such films as Gone with the Wind and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty—in February 2010, and the following month, she called him unexpectedly. In that and subsequent phone conversations, they developed a friendship.

Bobby Sulecki (right) had the honor of sitting next to Rutherford during the museum’s 25th anniversary gala. history, Sulecki began to interview classic movie stars about their careers as well as their memories of other actors. So far, he has talked with such legends as Joan Leslie, Jane Powell

“This has been the most surreal experience of my life. Attending the museum gala was like going to an Old Hollywood party. I was able to hang around with Ann and her friends and talk movies with Robert Osborne, and they accepted me as one of their own,” Sulecki said. “Since then, Ann and I have stayed in touch and she has appointed me her official biographer, an honor which I hope to accomplish—although it will not be a small task.”

What else are students doing? Alyssa Amyot was crowned Miss Kirtland (Ohio) 2010, ROTC Cadets Julie Ross and Sarah Lawton were named to the top of the National Order of Merit List, nearly a dozen biology students earned awards for their scholarly research—plus lots more! Visit www.gannon.edu/pr/accolades/students for a full listing of these and other recent accomplishments.

Professor Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro In August, one Gannon professor went climbing for a cause. Melissa Peterson, MSN, RN, CRNP, assistant professor of nursing, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for Climb for Sight, a nonprofit organization that supports eye clinics in Guatemala.

The nontechnical climb requires no prior climbing experience and is sponsored by Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity of Pennsylvania (VOSH/PA).

Peterson, who made the trek with her 16-year-old daughter, Deanna, and friend, Jeff Lund, reached the summit of the mountain—Gilman’s Point at about 18,651 feet—after an almost five-day-long climb (it took them one day to descend). They reached their goal of raising $30,000 for the journey, nearly $20,000 of which went directly to fund pediatric sightsaving surgeries in Guatemala. The remainder covered basic costs of the trip, such as transportation, food, lodging and mountain guides.

“I was able to incorporate some of this in my fall courses. When we talk with the nursing students about being sensitive of other people’s cultures, I told them this story. It can be really scary when you’re in a foreign country, have a language barrier and require medical attention,” she said. “Our climb was truly a team effort.”

Melissa Peterson stops to take in the view on day two of the climb.

What else are faculty and staff doing? Marc Adkins, director of the Student Success Center, Timothy Downs, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, and Kathleen Patterson, Ph.D., director of the Villa Maria School of Nursing, participated in the Leader’s Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky.; Maria Garase, Ph.D., director of the criminal justice program, received the Gerhard O.W. Mueller Innovation Award; Michael Ferralli ’67, chair of the physics department, designed an acoustically correct space in the renovated Erie Art Museum—plus lots more!

Visit www.gannon.edu/pr/accolades/facultystaff for a full listing of these and other recent accomplishments.

newsnotes

“I wanted to do it because it was challenging physically and forced me out of my comfort zone. I also thought it would be a good first step toward my long-term goal of doing missionary work as a nurse practitioner,” Peterson said.

Aside from becoming more physically fit, the venture helped the group learn more about perseverance and teamwork: in fact, the trio encouraged a 12-year-old boy to reach the summit after his mother became too ill to continue, and Peterson herself became sick early in the climb.

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Campus Connection Highlights from the Fall 2010 Semester

Gannon Racks up Rankings The University advanced five places in U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2011” rankings, while nonprofit magazine Washington Monthly recognized the University’s dedication to service, ranking it 16th out of more than 500 Master’s Universities across the country in its 2010 College Rankings.

Gannon ranked 46th overall out of 172 schools in the northern region of the Regional Universities category, which U.S.News & World Report formerly classified as Master’s Universities. The 2011 edition of the “America’s Best Colleges” guide marks the seventh consecutive year Gannon has achieved a top tier ranking. In addition, Gannon is designated as one of the annual guide’s Great Schools, Great Prices for the fifth time. Gannon is one of only 15 colleges and universities to be ranked in the northern sector of the Regional Universities category.

Gannon’s commitment to service was a primary reason for the University’s recognition in Washington Monthly’s “2010 College Rankings.” Colleges’ involvement in service is one of three categories used to rank schools, taking into account the percentage of federal work study funds that institutions allocate to service, institutions’ participation in community service and the number of academic courses that incorporate service-learning.

Gannon Interns Are In Demand Gannon interns are in demand—according to a recent report from Gannon’s Center for Experiential Education, some 160 students secured internship and other similar placements during the 2008-09 Academic Year. The students worked at more than 100 sites locally, regionally and nationally, with an average of three out of four students securing paid placements at an average rate of $14.19 per hour. Additionally, the number of students who completed internships and co-ops for academic credit increased 5 percent over the prior year, and 30 percent of these students continued working at their respective sites after their initial placement ended.

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Academic Programs Expanded Decisions, decisions: students now have even more academic options to choose from. A new polysomnographic technology certificate program is the latest addition to Gannon’s health professions and sciences curriculum. The program is unique to northwestern Pennsylvania and prepares students to work as polysomnographic technologists in the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders.

Recent respiratory care graduates Lauren Bafik ’10 (left) and Ana Barajas ’10 (right) demonstrate new polysomnography equipment with the help of Charles Cornfield, RRT, assistant professor of respiratory care (center).

A concentration in actuarial science has been added to the existing bachelor’s degree program in mathematics to aid students interested in careers in the actuarial field and in financial mathematics. The concentration is also designed to complement the University’s existing program in risk management and insurance.

An $80,000 grant by the George I. Alden Trust of Worcester, Mass., will provide important funding for the University’s new biomedical engineering program.

Introduced in the Spring 2011 Semester, it is the only local biomedical engineering offering. Students in this interdisciplinary undergraduate program will develop expertise in designing medical devices and equipment that enhance patients’ quality of life.

in the details A c l o s e r l o o k a t G a n n o n ’s i c o n i c t r a d i t i o n s

Winter 2010 Commencement ➊ William

Zeitler ’69, a mathematics alumnus, served as keynote speaker and received an honorary doctoral degree. Zeitler retired from IBM in 2008 and was senior vice president and group executive of IBM Systems and Technology Group.

➋ The 257

graduates included six doctoral, 171 master’s, 77 bachelor’s and three associate degree recipients.

Three students graduated summa cum laude, two magna cum laude, 10 cum laude and one with academic honors.

➌ The College

of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences had the most graduates, with 140 degrees awarded. Students hailed from five countries at the ceremony.

➎ The University’s

Hammermill Center serves as the venue for winter commencement exercises. It takes about eight campus services staff three

hours to set up for the ceremony, including chairs and the 16-by28-foot platform that functions as a stage. About 30 floral arrangements provided décor for the weekend.

The Hammermill Center has An audience of served as the 782 gathered to cheer commencement on winter graduates location for many at the ceremony, students, such as held Dec. 11, 2010. these 1953 Gannon College graduates.

Gannon Archives

➍

➊ ➍ ➋ ➌ newsnotes

➎ Keynote speaker William Zeitler ’69

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Love Story “

Part of our mission as a Catholic university is to provide a place where healthy relationships can flourish. Encouraging students to be confident in themselves, believe in each other and honor commitment—that’s what we stand for.

—Rev. George Strohmeyer, vice president for mission and ministry and University chaplain

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Photo courtesy of Jennifer Photography

”

First comes Gannon, then comes love. For nearly 3,600 alumni, a degree from Gannon or Villa Maria College gave them more than an education; it introduced them to their future spouse. A common occurrence on college campuses, an unofficial survey by the University of Miami (Fla.) in 2009 found the usual percentage of alumni marrying alumni from the same college to be in the 3 to 8 percent range. Gannon’s rate is currently 11 percent— and that only counts alumni who have reported their marital status to the University.

Last year, Gannon Magazine put out a call for your stories—from first dates at the 8-Ball Dance to marriage proposals in Nash Library, alumni had a lot to share when it came to campus romance. Read on for a few of their memories, and go to www.gannonalumni.org to share yours.

Campus Chemistry We met freshman year through mutual friends and by running into each other in Wehrle Hall, where we both lived. We did not actually begin seeing each other on a regular basis until our sophomore year, when Brian recruited me to join the Student Government Association. Our first official date was dinner at Bertrand’s Bistro in May 2007. We were married Oct. 9, 2010 in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel on Gannon’s campus. We chose this location because Gannon is important to us. The ceremony was also special because we asked the Rev. Nicholas Rouch ’83 to officiate. Brian and I were close with him during his tenure at Gannon as vice president of mission and ministry. Minus a junior bridesmaid and groomsman, who were cousins, our entire bridal party was made up of Gannon alumni: Elizabeth (Hudson) Longo ’08, Katie (Trapp) Koch ’08, Lacey Johnson ’08, Miles McFall ’08, Ed Koch ’09 and Reuben Spinner ’08.

— Rebecca (Fresch) ’08 and Brian Kurtz ’08 (also shown on opposite page)

A Class Act It is rather unusual how my husband and I met. Mike received a postcard about Gannon in the mail, which he promptly threw away. His mother fished the card out of the trash and sent it in, and he ended up going there. We met in a Prose Fiction class—and that was only because I failed it the first time and had to retake it. He sat next to me in the class when I took it again.

I noticed him because I thought the class was so easy, but he looked like he was struggling (never mind that I had failed it the first time around)!

So after getting to know him, I thought he was a really nice guy. When I found out he didn’t have a girlfriend, I just had to ask him out before someone else did. We dated for two years and were married Sept. 24, 1988, five months after he graduated. He didn’t find his first job until the month before we were married, and he still works there today. He is the principal engineer at Cobham Sensor Systems in Baltimore, Md. I am an interior designer and owner of Soigné Interiors.

We have three children—Ryan (21), Caroline (16) and Natalie (13).

—Beth Ann (Bohrer) ’87 and Michael Stasiowski ’88 09

Book Smarts

Candid Camera I was a senior electrical engineering major living above the old Johnston’s Camera Store, and Barb was a senior accounting major working at the store. Being a shy, engineering-nerd-type, it took me a while to get up the nerve to ask her out. We started dating around Christmas 1977 and were still dating when we graduated in May 1978. I went to work for American Electric Power, and she went on to get her master’s degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh. We continued dating and were married at the Cathedral in Pittsburgh in July 1980. We celebrated 30 years of marriage last summer!

—Joseph ’78 and Barbara (Mattei) Smith ’78

Dancing Through Life I met my wife, Ellen, at a Gannon/Villa dance held at Villa Maria College in 1948. We also attended the first Gannon 8-Ball Dance (seen on the left in the photo below with Joseph Scottino ’50, Gannon’s third president, and Mary Lou Scottino ’74), since I was on the planning committee. I majored in social science at Gannon and worked as an industrial relations manager, while Ellen, a science graduate, owned and managed a retail establishment for many years. We were married in 1950 and are the proud parents of seven children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

We will celebrate our 61st wedding anniversary in April.

—Ray ’50 and Ellen (Kreidinger) Bertone ’50VMC

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We met in the Nash Library in the spring of 2004. Nick brought me back to the same spot four years later to propose on Oct. 25, 2008.

He popped the question on the second floor of the library on a Saturday, students studying and all! He went to such lengths to orchestrate it—he wrote himself a fake overdue library book notification (on resume paper with copied Gannon logos) in an effort to reel me into the library once again. We were married Sept. 25, 2010 and are both working in the Erie area.

—Tara (Sidora) ’05 and Nicholas Christopher ’05

In Record Time My wife and I met her very first weekend on campus, at a New Year’s party at the Kirk House. I was the campus disc jockey at the time and was spinning records when she came in. We hit it off, and over the next three years were either “dating or hating” each other.

When I finally came to my senses and asked her to marry me, none of my Kappa Delta Rho brothers or her friends were surprised at all (just us!). We were married in March 1988. Today, we have two fantastic teenagers, have moved five times and will celebrate 23 years of marriage this spring. We now live in New Hampshire, and I “promoted” my wife to CEO of the house several years ago because she is just an amazing mother, organizer and household manager. She keeps us all on track!

—Bob ’87 and Holly (Burtner) Raus ’85

A Happy Homecoming My husband and I met at Gannon’s 1995 homecoming, but our first official date wasn’t until May 5, 1996. We married five years later, to the date, on May 5, 2001. Mark and I even commemorated our first date by having a brick engraved in front of the Waldron Campus Center. Since we still reside in Erie, we can visit campus and find “our brick.” I continue to stay active in Gannon life by maintaining an alumni adviser position with my sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and we bring our two children, Ronan and Evelyn, to the Gannon homecoming parade every year. We love Gannon!

—Jane (Murphy) ’98 and Mark Dorler ’97

Mixing It Up I met Mary Margaret at a Gannon mixer on Feb. 12, 1965, and we will celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary on July 12, 2011. Mary Margaret, an Erie native, graduated from Villa Maria College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and

after teaching first grade in Erie and Hamburg, N.Y., for many years, she is now enjoying retirement. I was from Lake View, N.Y., and graduated from Gannon College in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and have worked in accounting and finance.

I’m now semi-retired. We currently reside in Orchard Park, N.Y., and Sarasota, Fla., and have been blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren, whom we enjoy visiting in Seattle and Philadelphia. In our spare time, we enjoy golfing together.

—Ralph ’69 and Mary Margaret (Ostrowski) Fierle ’68VMC

Down by the Bay We met on the first day of freshman year, moving into Finegan Hall. Matt and I went on a few dates during the fall semester, but we decided to remain friends instead. Eventually, we started hanging out more and more often. It was hard not to—we had the same group of friends! By March of our sophomore year, we decided to give it another chance, and it quickly turned serious since we already knew each other so well.

During our senior year, Matt proposed to me at the top of the Bicentennial Tower on Dobbins Landing on the Lake Erie Bayfront. We got married at St. Luke Church in Erie and had the reception at the Avalon Hotel on April 5, 2008.

Matt and I now live in Olney, Md. I work at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore as a senior public relations specialist, and Matt works for a government contractor, NJVC, in Vienna, Va., as a human resources generalist. We love our life and can’t wait to start a family!

—Carolyn (Lawrence) ’06 and Matthew Karl ’06, ’07M

Goin’to the Chapel While countless student relationships have blossomed in the classroom and during extracurricular activities, some alumni feel such a strong bond to campus that they choose to return to celebrate their big day.

Nearly 100 weddings have been performed at Gannon since 1982, the year the present Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, located at 520 Peach St., was initiated. The number of weddings per year has ranged from one to eight, an average of about four each year. Alumni who are five years or less past graduation, or those with a compelling pastoral reason, may direct their request to be married in the chapel—which holds around 300 people—to the University chaplain.

It is also a popular spot for other significant events, like baptisms and vow renewals. David, Ph.D. ’66 and MaryAnne (Mandeville) Kozak ’67 chose the site to renew their vows in honor of their 25th wedding anniversary. To the best of their knowledge, the couple believes they are the first Gannon graduates to marry, as MaryAnne was a member of the first class of women admitted full-time to Gannon College.

“Our marriage is grounded in Gannon—it’s our second home,” David said. “We were introduced through friends in the cafeteria, our first date was to the Military Ball—we even used my campus mailbox to exchange notes. President Msgr. Wilfrid Nash blessed our engagement in the chapel in Old Main (now the parlor room). We were married on Aug. 19, 1967 at St. Peter Cathedral near campus, and two of our three children went on to graduate from Gannon.”

Many of the University’s priests have performed wedding Masses over the years, including the Rev. George Strohmeyer, vice president for mission and ministry and University chaplain, who has officiated 19 weddings in his 32 years on campus.

“My favorite part of the ceremony is the exchange of vows and when the couple agrees to pray together aloud. It’s very moving when a man and woman announce their covenant love in Christ and pray for one another in front of their family and friends,” Strohmeyer said.

Having just celebrated their 43rd anniversary, the Kozaks have a few words of wisdom for Gannon newlyweds.

“Have a good sense of humor, learn to be flexible and support one another, always,” David advises. “What works for us is to do what we did when we were students: once a week, I take MaryAnne out on a date. We go somewhere quiet and dance and talk, and that has sustained us all these years.”

For more information about celebrating in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 814-871-7434.

11

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Students (L to R) Kyle Hendricks, Lisa Lamperski and Alex “Q” Bieler are all smiles after showcasing their easy lasagna recipe.

Though this scene may seem like something from a very odd dream, it actually describes a class in which I, and 12 of my fellow students, gained the opportunity to create something challenging, unique and fun. The project, led by faculty Mary Carol Gensheimer, assistant professor of communication arts, and David Blaetz ’84, ’10M, communication arts instructor, evolved from an academic experiment to an educational experience. From Gannon’s student-produced website Edge to YouTube to Facebook, people are talking about “A Knight in the Kitchen.”

The premise for the course was simple: students write, film, produce and edit a weekly cooking show for distribution on the Internet. Each week, the hosts stated their mission—to provide fast, fun and easy food ideas on a $20-or-less budget to the target audience of college students.

Like most in the course, I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for this class. I’m a journalism-communications major, which means I can pound out

stories like nobody’s business—but I’m mechanically challenged. My technical expertise consists of, “Hey, how do you do this?” and my video editing prowess rests solely on my abnormal capacity for patience.

I had a lot to learn when I started this journey, but after eight shows, three packages, hours in the video production room and multiple cups of coffee, I can safely say I gained very practical experience in editing, time management, group collaboration and the professional production process. With these educational tools in hand, I want to share some things Students Connor McGrail and Nicole Dohoda (far right) interview Tammy Weary, supervisor of the Intermetzo Café in Gannon’s Palumbo Academic Center.

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I discovered while on the set of “A Knight in the Kitchen.”

Video editing is a tedious, lengthy process. Ever sat by your Chia pet to watch it grow? Sometimes, after several hours on the edit bay, I longed for this kind of excitement. Not to say that editing is torture—it’s actually fun and it gives you a great sense of accomplishment—but man, it takes forever. Good editing is perfect to the second, and a 20-minute show has a lot of seconds.

Dogs are awesome; cats are evil.

My first job on set was animal wrangler, which involved keeping MC’s dog, Boo, and her cat, Gracie, out of the way. Boo loved me; Gracie did not. So now I can add “is a team player, even with grumpy felines” to my résumé.

If you put a flashlight in the oven, remember to remove it before you turn up the heat. Otherwise, your house will smell very burnt-plastic-y.

To find out the story behind this recipe’s title or to see how students Kyle Hendricks and Alex “Q” Bieler made their version, visit www.gannon.edu/recipe.

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Don’t put your script in the sink.

We learned this one early, during the first show, as we had no precedent for good and bad filming practices. But don’t blame Erin and Nicole—we all thought it was a good idea at the time.

Live and learn.

Be persistent and hardworking, always. If you put all the creativity, knowledge and effort you possess into your work, you will never fail. In this class, grades were arbitrary and due dates were flexible. I had to rely on my senioritis-laden work ethic to get my projects done and my own views of professional filmmaking to create a well-edited show.

Students prepare professor Mary Carol Gensheimer’s home for filming of an episode of “A Knight in the Kitchen.”

gave me something tangible. I learned to work not to gain a grade or impress my teachers, but to take pride in my efforts and recognize how much I really have learned.

Overall, this learning experience taught me to believe in myself and trust that I have the skills to succeed in the real world. That, and a wicked recipe for Ramen Noodle Salad.

Cherry is a senior journalism communications major and intern in the Communications office.

My other classes have given me valuable knowledge, but this class

Soup of the Devil (Chili) Combine all of the following ingredients, using amounts to suit your taste, and heat thoroughly: ground beef (browned first in olive oil), tomato sauce, diced jalapeños, minced onion, chili beans (with sauce), cilantro, oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, a dash of cinnamon and hot sauce.

To serve, top with assorted cheeses (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack or Chihuahua) and/or sour cream.

Rame

n Noo dle

Salad

Mix 1 c up oil (v e 1/3 cu p cider getable or can vinegar, o and 2 p ½ cup la), ackage sugar s of be from a ef flavo ramen rin noodle packet. g Pour ov er 1 ba g of co leslaw Add 1 c mix. up sun flower s 1 cup c eeds a ashews nd .

Crush ra m other in en noodles, an gredien ts abou d mix into before t 1 hou ser ving r .

Beyer Hall Cafeteria, seen here in 1962, is still offering spaghetti, salads and more. The space was completely renovated in 2003-04.

Food for Thought

Gannon Arch

ives

Gannon students have several options when they want an alternative to microwaving ramen noodles in their dorm rooms or ordering double cheese pizza from Porky’s. Currently, the campus boasts five dining facilities, from a full-service cafeteria to grab-and-go cafés, with nearly 100 employees.

While today’s culinary offerings may be more expansive than in past years, on-campus dining is nothing new.

Several companies have managed food service operations over the years, from its current vendor, Metz & Associates, to SAGA, Custom Management and Service America, among others.

The 1961 edition of The Lance yearbook includes this description: “Dispensers of health and happiness, the cafeteria is the answer to the out-of-town student’s prayer.

The caf staff is to be congratulated on the food. If anyone wishes to complain, let him first attempt to serve upwards of 500 meals a day to 250 individuals of different taste.”

According to Sister Leonie Shanley S.S.J. ’57VMC, former president of Villa Maria College, that school’s dining hall— which opened with the first dormitory in the early 1960s—served three meals a day to more than 400 residents, plus commuter students.

Club LaRiccia—a space formerly known as “The Scrounge” and located below the main dining room—was connected to the cafeteria in 2003. With the addition of a stage and lighting system, this area now also serves up a side of entertainment for students.

“Saturday night was special. They would alternate between steak and shrimp during the school year,” Shanley said. “The dining room, which had about 15 employees, was also available for students to host parties and events.”

Today, about 800 meals are served in Beyer Cafeteria each weekday. Metz goes through 20 gallons of ice cream, 20 loaves of white bread, 20 cases of Pepsi and 20 pounds of sliced American cheese a day.

Students know how to balance, however: the Carneval Athletic Pavilion sees an average of 700 individuals a day and went through 2,880 bottles of Gatorade, juice and energy drinks within the first two months of the fall semester.

Gannon’s first cafeteria (seen here in 1948) was in the basement of Old Main and, according to the 1955 yearbook, provided “coffee, a breather and a little conversation between classes.”

Today, the space is utilized for campus mail operations. s

Gannon Archive

The Villa Maria College dining hall, circa 1975.

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OVERTHETOP “Since the program’s beginning, the one factor that has remained constant for the MBA program has been its studentcentered teaching and learning philosophy,” said David Frew, Ph.D. ’64, ’67M, professor emeritus and retired professor of management. Frew, along with the late professor William Latimer, was a founding director of the program.

Today’s MBA students are still schooled in that same core mission: a focus on traditional business theory while exploring contemporary concepts and leadership development critical to success in a global business environment.

“Gannon’s MBA program has always been a pioneer in our region: we’re the first to respond to changes in the marketplace and adapt the program accordingly,” explained Rick Prokop, DSL, assistant professor of marketing and director of graduate programs in the University’s Dahlkemper School of Business Administration.

The program, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010, began with about 100 students, an enrollment still maintained currently. More than 1,300 alumni have earned a Gannon MBA. This group currently resides in 35 states and 13 foreign countries, proof that the program reaches beyond the northwest Pennsylvania region.

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“I think one of the reasons why the Gannon MBA has been so successful is that it combines business theory with practical knowledge and skills. All of our faculty in the School of Business have professional work experience in addition to academic credentials,” Prokop said. “We’ve all worked in the trenches, and some of us still do business consulting.

Students appreciate hearing about the practical side of management and leadership, and that’s what makes for a winning program.”

The success of MBA graduates speaks volumes. Approximately 13 percent of MBA alumni have risen to the level of president or chief executive officer, and 16 of them have obtained higher degrees. In fact, some of them come full circle, like Robert Wallace ’68, ’72M.

Gannon Archives

MBA program directors Ron Volpe, Ph.D. ’67 (left), who served as director in 1988, and David Frew, Ph.D. ’64, ’67M (right), who served in the position for more than 10 years total during the 1970s and 1990s, discuss some paperwork in 1972.

Wallace, who now serves as assistant professor of finance and director of both the School of Business and finance program at Gannon, was the University’s first fulltime MBA student and a member of the program’s first graduating class. He was also the first doctoral student placement from the MBA program, receiving a Ph.D. in finance from Kent State University in Ohio before returning to his alma mater to join the MBA faculty, where he has remained for 37 years.

“Earning an MBA from Gannon University required tremendous effort, but the skills I picked up have never left me.” —Seth Morton ’73M, as posted on the Friends of Gannon University group page on LinkedIn

The MBA program also earned reaffirmation in 2010 from ACBSP and will offer the area’s first online MBA program in Fall 2011, pending approval from the University’s institutional accrediting agencies. The program is also looking to add more specializations (to add to the current offerings of marketing, human resource management and investments) in health care management, risk management and entrepreneurship.

Opportunities for internships and cohorts at Hamot Medical Center, St. Vincent Health System and other local companies are also being explored.

First-year MBA student Jackie Oesmann ’10 took advantage of Gannon’s five-year program, which allowed her to take graduate-level courses during her senior year as an undergraduate, enabling her to receive the degree a full year earlier than similar programs—an option that is another first for the program.

“Earning an MBA from Gannon University required tremendous effort, but the skills I picked up have never left me,” wrote Seth Morton ’73M, a senior account executive with HandySoft, a leading global provider of business process management software and solutions.

“I’ve seen how far a Gannon MBA can take you if you work hard to be successful,” she said. “I attended the 40th anniversary celebration during homecoming, and I loved being able to meet some of the previous MBA grads and hear them talk about their experiences. It was neat to think that could be me in a few years.”

The majority of Gannon MBA students pursue their degree while working full time. Several internship opportunities are also available, including partnerships with General Electric and Erie Insurance.

First and Foremost

“The opportunity to partner with Gannon’s MBA program has been very positive,” said Ann Walker, vice president of talent acquisition at Erie Insurance. “Last year, I worked with Dr. Prokop on a pilot project in our human resources division.

We were looking for an MBA student who was interested in an internship in HR while working on their MBA. Dr. Prokop suggested several of his top students, and after interviewing them all, we decided to hire two students, not just one as planned, for the internship. One of those students has already moved on to a full-time position with our company as a corporate recruiter.”

Program additions in recent years have added to the MBA’s impressive list of regional firsts. In 1980, Gannon became the first school to offer graduate outreach programs; today, there are three MBA cohorts in Franklin, Pa., Warren, Pa., and in Erie through a partnership with the Manufacturer & Business Association.

Gannon has long been a regional leader in business education: • The first with a business program (1943) • The first with a division of business (1950) • The first to offer a master of business administration program (1970) • The first with an affiliation with the Small Business Development Center (1978) • The first with a school of business (1979) • The first with a master of public administration program (1981) • The first with a computer-intensive business curriculum (1998) • The first to receive national accreditation (2000) • The first with a multidisciplinary undergraduate program in entrepreneurship (2008) • The first regional program to offer an accelerated one-year MBA (2009)

Lisa Lamperski, a senior theatre and communications major, contributed to this article.

(Left) Attendees at the MBA 40th anniversary celebration, held during 2010 homecoming weekend, took home a piece of Gannon history in the form of a plaque created from red panels that were formerly located on the side of Beyer Hall. Showcasing the plaques are (L to R) Melanie Hatch, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Business, David Frew, Ph.D., ’64, ’67M, professor emeritus, Keith Taylor, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, David Eichelsdorfer ’63, retired associate professor and chair of the department of management and marketing, and Rick Prokop, DSL, director of graduate programs in the Dahlkemper School of Business Administration.

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Featured Alum

alumnifocus

Kurt Duska ’87

Reduce, reuse—and rethink recycling.

As president of Engineered Plastics, that’s something alumnus Kurt Duska ’87 helps companies across the country do every day. “I manage sustainability for companies and offer greener alternatives. Our goal is to improve their environmental footprint while putting them in a cost-neutral position. It’s a win-win,� he explained. “We’re trying not just to recycle, but to create a demand for the product. In the business world, if it’s not profitable, it’s not sustainable.�

Duska, an industrial management graduate, has performed recycling audits at national companies like Johnson & Johnson and Cleveland Clinic and at local nonprofits like the Barber National Institute. Hands-on development, alternative solutions and creative thinking are trademarks of his work.

“We work with a company that produces pet food. Any scrap packaging with food has to be destroyed, so their old method was to cut it in half and throw it in a landfill. We did some tests and were able to convert the bag back into plastic pellets, then molded them into Frisbees. You have to have the mindset that you’re going to find the solution,� Duska said.

While still a college student, Duska founded the company in 1986 as D & D Plastics, merging it with Engineered Plastics 2 1/2 years later. Today, the company has three facilities in the Erie area with more than 200 employees. “I received a great education from Gannon— I had classes in accounting, engineering, employee management, labor relations and quality control. It was a really wellrounded education that prepared me well to be a business owner. Gannon taught me to challenge myself, listen to others and not be afraid of failure,� he said.

Gannon played another important role in Duska’s professional success—he credits Gannon’s Small Business Development Center for providing valuable guidance and support.

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“We do a lot of work with Gannon’s SBDC. They’re the best group of people I’ve ever worked with, and they’re a tremendous asset to this region. They wrote the application

´*DQQRQ WDXJKW PH WR FKDOOHQJH P\VHOI OLVWHQ WR RWKHUV DQG QRW EH DIUDLG RI IDLOXUH ¾ for a $500,000 grant we received from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that allowed us to purchase cutting-edge recycling equipment,�

Duska said.

The equipment, housed at their 75,000square-foot West 12th Street facility, has helped the company increase production.

The location handles 1 million pounds of recyclable materials each month, including about 200,000 pounds of cardboard and 100,000 pounds of glass.

generating a profit—is all in a day’s work for Duska, who likes to think outside the box when testing products. “My office is my lab. I’ve lit things on fire to see if they melt, I’ve jammed up equipment, I’ve broken things,� he said. “But this is a dream come true job; I get to play every day.�

5 MINUTES, 5 QUESTIONS One of the easiest things to recycle is

plastic shopping bags—we can recycle about 1,000 pounds of bags an hour.

The most unique thing we’ve recycled

would be 5,000 Barbie dolls as part of the Barbie Cares recycling program.

I’m not the only Gannon alumnus at

Engineered Plastics; Terence Maloney ’85 serves as vice president of finance, Brenda (Rohan) Mitchell ’88 is office manager and Dennis Scalise ’76 is general manager.

My spare time is devoted to my wife and

three children. We snow ski, wakeboard, hunt and love the outdoor life in the Erie area.

I return to campus as often as I can. In fact, “A lot of the companies we work with, like I’m scheduled to speak to students during this medical manufacturers, have obsolete or year’s Springtopia celebration, which coincides rejected inventory that needs to be destroyed with Earth Day. I’ll be talking about plastics so it can’t be resold or reused,� Duska and recycling in April. said. “This year, we recycled 28 semi-truck loads over two months from one medical manufacturer. That’s more than half a Kurt Duska (left) gives students (L to R) Lauren million pounds that would have Myrick, Emily Barthelmes and Tyler Sutphen, gone into a landfill.�

And that—coming up with innovative ways to recycle and decrease landfill accumulation while

members of Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity, a tour of his facility.

facultyfocus

Featured Faculty

BY MELANIE CHERRY

“In the classroom, students learn mostly theory, but reality is much more than theory,” said O’Neill, director of the advertising communications and sports management and marketing programs.

“With these experiences, students not only learn theory, but they also learn how to apply what they learn in the classroom.”

“I try to help students with all aspects of their lives, not just academics…

My door is always open.”

These “experiences” refer to the many realworld learning situations incorporated into Gannon’s business programs. In Integrated Marketing Campaign Development, students compete against each other to develop marketing, public relations and advertising strategies for a local nonprofit agency.

This dedication to experiential education earned O’Neill the 2009-2010 Gannon University Faculty Award for Excellence in Service-Learning for creating a senior capstone course that gives students a handson learning opportunity while providing aid to selected nonprofits in the Erie area.

Each year, O’Neill sends out a call for proposals through the Office of ServiceLearning, and now Erie-GAINS, to find local organizations that need help in communicating their message. She then has the students review the applications and vote on which agency they will work with for the semester. Past organizations have included the Women’s Care Center of Erie County, Erie DAWN, SafeNet and the Flagship Niagara League.

The students are split into small teams, and O’Neill engages a local advertising professional to serve as a mentor for each group— which also helps students network in their field.

Then, just like in the “real world,” the teams compete to create the strongest, most professional and comprehensive advertising campaign for the agency.

“The course is an outstanding example of Gannon’s value-centered education and how we can cultivate student leaders through service-learning and civic engagement,” said Gretchen Fairley, Gannon’s director of service-learning.

Anne M. O’Neill (center) regularly integrates textbook concepts with practical applications. The professor (seen here with students Nick Gillombardo, left, and Lauren Myrick, right) often hosts etiquette dinners to help students prepare for lunch interviews and other business meals.

O’Neill didn’t envision a career in the competitive business world while an undergraduate, however; she studied to be a high school teacher. A professor guided her to a starting position in the marketing department at Covelli Enterprises, a McDonald’s franchisee, which led her to a job at a local advertising agency. O’Neill said she considers strong faculty-student relationships at Gannon the best part of her current job.

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“I can spend time with students, work with them and help them, whether it’s a personal issue or an academic problem,” she said. “I’m able to watch them grow and mature in their writing abilities, their creative abilities and their strategy development abilities, and I’m able to watch them grow as individuals.”

O’Neill has witnessed firsthand the impact these interactions have on students. During one class, students surprised her with cake, balloons and a homemade card to celebrate her birthday. In addition to the impromptu party, O’Neill said the number of students who contact her long after graduation is a pleasant surprise.

“Gannon really is a wonderful institution,” O’Neill said. “I enjoy my time with the students. We have smart, hardworking students and good people here. It’s a great place.”

Cherry is a senior journalism communications major and intern in the Communications office.

Anne M. O’Neill

In today’s technology-driven world, modern business professionals require skill, creativity and expertise. The ever-changing global market demands not only confidence and intelligence, but also compassion and wisdom. In an educational setting, though, textbooks can only achieve a small portion of the skills needed to succeed in the business world. For this reason, students rely on Gannon University professors like Anne M. O’Neill to fill the gaps.

19

Athletic Accomplishments

sportsscan

BY DAN TELISKI ’97, director of athletics media relations

The 2010-11 athletics campaign had a spectacular kickoff with a successful fall season. Four of the five fall programs that record won-loss records posted winning seasons, and several student-athletes garnered numerous postseason awards, continuing Gannon’s fine showing in the classroom and in competition.

Football The Gannon football team

concluded the 2010 campaign with a 6-5 record for the second consecutive season, marking the program’s first back-to-back winning seasons since 1995.

Seniors Tyler Batts and Zach Boedicker became the first Gannon players ever to be selected to play in the FCS Senior Scout Bowl, a postseason all-star game. The Gannon duo represented two of only five non-NCAA Division I-AA players selected to play in the event.

Chris Cook received the 29th all-region honor in program history when he was named to the Daktronics All-Super One Region second team. Cook posted 65 tackles (37 solo, 28 assisted), one tackle for a loss (11 yards), four interceptions, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. The junior cornerback ranked seventh among PSAC players in interceptions per game (0.36).

Six Golden Knights landed spots on the AllPSAC teams. Senior Sam Geldmaker, senior Kevin Minor and junior Randy Colling were named to the first team. Cook, senior Matthew Neal-Mink and sophomore Matt Jones earned second-team honors.

Volleyball The Gannon volleyball team

recorded its second consecutive 20-win season, finishing 20-10 overall. The Lady Knights finished fourth in the PSAC, falling to eventual

gannon magazine

The program also recorded Lauren Sazama back-to-back 20-win seasons and back-to-back NCAA Division II Tournament appearances for the first time since 1995.

Lauren Sazama and Kara Cullen received a plethora of postseason awards. Sazama was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Atlantic Region first team, the Daktronics All-Atlantic Region second team and the All-PSAC first team.

The sophomore outside hitter finished second among PSAC players in kills per set (3.69). She was the PSAC leader and ranked 12th nationally in aces per set (0.58).

Sazama averaged 3.69 kills, 0.58 aces, 2.89 digs and 0.26 assists per set. She was the team leader in total kills (387) and aces (61), while finishing second in digs (303). After two seasons at Gannon, Sazama’s career pace of 0.66 aces per set is more than double the current all-time mark (0.31).

Tyler Batts

20

champion Clarion University in the PSAC tournament quarterfinals.

The NCAA Tournament selection was Gannon’s eighth in the program’s 37year history.

winter 2011

Cullen earned spots on the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region All-Tournament team, the Daktronics All-Atlantic Region second team and the AVCA All-Atlantic Region honorable-mention squad. The junior middle hitter averaged 2.53 kills, 1.07 blocks and 0.34 digs per set. She ranked third among PSAC players in hitting percentage (.324) and fourth in blocks per set (1.07). The Marstons Mills, Mass., native led the team in total blocks (103) and finished third in kills (243).

Women’s & Men’s Cross Country Both Gannon cross country

teams concluded their seasons by qualifying for the postseason, completing the season with top-20 finishes at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional. The women’s team finished 17th out of 26 teams while the men’s squad placed 19th out of 28 squads.

Noelle Blank was Gannon’s top female runner, placing 68th with a time of 24 minutes and 44.5 seconds.

Carter Denne was Gannon’s top male runner, placing 81st with a time of 35 minutes and 18.4 seconds.

The women’s team opened the season with a third-place finish at the California (Pa.) Invitational. It also recorded a third-place finish at the Roberts Wesleyan Invitational, a fourth-place finish at the Gannon/Mercyhurst Invitational and a sixth-place finish at the Slippery Rock Invitational.

The men’s squad kicked off the 2010 campaign with a second-place finish at the California (Pa.) Invitational. Other top performances included a third-place finish at the Roberts Wesleyan Invitational and a fifth-place finish at the Gannon/Mercyhurst Invitational.

Women’s & Men’s Golf

The women’s golf team was among others receiving votes in three consecutive Golf World/National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) Division II Coaches Polls last fall.

The Lady Knights concluded the fall season by finishing second out of seven teams at the 2010 PSAC Championship.

Three Lady Knights averaged fewer than 80 strokes per round during the fall season.

Amanda Teodorsson led the team with a 78.3 average through 11 rounds. The freshman placed in the top 10 during five of six events, including three top-five finishes.

Kelly Nickerson (79.3) and Kiersten Klekner-Alt (79.4) also owned scoring averages under 80.

The men’s golf team had a solid fall season, posting top-three finishes during three of six events. The Golden Knights won the Kenyon Fall Classic, finished second at the Gannon Invitational and placed third at the Mercyhurst Invitational.

Senior Drew Deimel and freshman Niclas Nyqvist both produced averages under 80 during the fall campaign. One year after playing in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional, Deimel averaged 74 strokes during eight rounds this fall. He placed in the top 20 during every event and in the top five during all but one event.

Nyqvist posted a 76.3 average through 10 rounds this fall. He finished in the top 20 during three of five events.

Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team

finished 11-7 overall. The Golden Knights earned four conference victories, representing the most for the school since joining the PSAC in 2008. In addition, the Golden Knights finished second among PSAC teams in points (110) and goals (43).

Afrim Latifi had one of the best individual seasons in school history. The senior forward was named PSAC Player of the Year and Daktronics All-Atlantic Region Player of the Year. He was selected to a pair of All-America teams, being named to the Daktronics AllAmerica second team and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) AllAmerica third team. His loaded 2010 résumé also included the Daktronics All-Atlantic Region first team, the NSCAA All-Atlantic Region first team and the All-PSAC first team.

Latifi finished as the PSAC statistical champion in points (35), points per match (1.94), goals (15) and goals per match (0.83).

The Erie, Pa., native finished his stellar career as Gannon’s all-time leader in game-winning goals (18).

Senior midfielder Evan Chate was named to the NSCAA All-Atlantic Region and All-PSAC second teams. Sophomore defender Sean Pike also landed a spot on the All-PSAC second team.

Academically, Tyler Hollingsworth was named to the ESPN Academic All-District 2 second team. The sophomore midfielder recorded 5 goals, 2 assists and 12 points.

A PSAC scholar-athlete, the Johannesburg, South Africa, native owns a 3.90 cumulative grade point average as a finance major.

athletefocus Morgan Reineke

BY CARLY LYONS A New Knoxville, Ohio, native and aspiring nursing student, Morgan Reineke is more than just a college sophomore—she’s a force to reckon with on the Hammermill Center hardwood. Reineke has been playing volleyball since seventh grade, but was reluctant to get involved in the sport.

“I had to be persuaded by my friends in junior high,” she said. “Once I started playing in high school, I really started loving the sport. I knew it was something I wanted to keep playing after I graduated.”

Reineke has excelled as an outside hitter during her time at Gannon. In her freshman year, she earned All-PSAC and AVCA All-Atlantic Region first team honors and was also named PSAC Freshman of the Year. Additionally, she was named to the NCAA Atlantic Region All-Tournament team after collecting 9 kills and 2 aces during the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Reineke is currently ranked second among PSAC players in kills per set overall and kills per set in conference play.

“My favorite part about playing for Gannon is the support we receive at games,” she said. “At every home game and many away games, we have fans there to cheer us on. It was definitely a highlight of my volleyball career when our team qualified for the NCAA tournament both my freshman and sophomore year.”

Head Coach Matthew Darling credits the team’s success to the determination and perseverance of its players.

“I’m very fortunate to coach a team of ambitious and intelligent women who are excellent representatives of Gannon,” Darling said. “Morgan fits in well with this team because she wants to do well and she wants to do the right thing. These qualities will make her a good nurse just as they make her a good volleyball player.”

Afrim Latifi

Women’s Soccer

The women’s soccer program struggled through a 4-10-3 season with a 3-9-2 PSAC mark, but it was not without great individual efforts.

Amanda Sharbaugh produced most of them, being named to several postseason teams.

The junior midfielder was named to the Daktronics All-Atlantic Region first team, the NSCAA AllAtlantic Region third team and the All-PSAC first team.

Sharbaugh led Gannon in goals (9), assists (5) and points (23). The Sarver, Pa., native tied the school record for career goals (34) during the final match of the season.

Sharbaugh also ended the season second all-time at Gannon with 85 career points, needing only 5 next season to tie the school record of 90 points.

Want to cheer on your Golden Knights in person? Log on to www.gannonsports.com for full team schedules.

sportsscan

Amanda Sharbaugh

Lyons is a senior communication arts major.

21

Gannon University Alumni

’60s CLARE (MOREHOUSE) FARRELL ’60VMC is retired from teaching in the Erie School District.

MICHAEL D. CHITEMAN ’66, ’68M retired from Penn State Behrend in 2006 after a 38-year career, concluding as the director of undergraduate studies. He is now an adjunct English instructor at Gannon.

’70s SUSANNE POROWSKI ’70VMC retired as executive director of the Crime Victim Center of Erie County Inc., effective June 30, 2010. She began working at the center in 1986 as a volunteer and was appointed executive director in April 1988.

PETER E. CAYEA ’71 was promoted to director of global supply chain at Cameron International in Houston, Texas, a leading provider of flow equipment products to worldwide oil and gas industries.

alumnotes DENNIS C. CUNEO, ESQ. ’71 is heading the new Washington, D.C., office of the law firm Fisher & Phillips, LLP. He joined the national labor and employment law firm as a partner.

W. PATRICK DELANEY, ESQ. ’72 has been named a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a senior partner with MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton, LLP, and is chairman of the firm’s litigation practice.

DEACON DENNIS M. KUDLAK ’73 has returned to school at the young age of 61! He is currently taking a Theology of Sacraments course at Gannon. “A lot has changed during my 37-year ‘hiatus,’ but I’m having fun,” he writes.

DALE R. DECECCO ’76 is retired from the Erie School District.

DAVID W. GRZELAK ’76M was named Penn State Behrend’s 26th Alumni Fellow, the university’s most prestigious honor. He is the chief executive of Komatsu America Corp.

Alumnus Gets Up Close and Personal with Stanley Cup

gannon magazine

winter 2011

DANIEL R. HOLQUIST ’77, ’86M was promoted to executive director of retail banking with First National Bank of Pennsylvania. He has been with the company for 15 years.

CYNTHIA (GULA) WEST, M.D. ’77 cowrote Dialysis Dining on the Go!, a 36-page guide that helps dialysis patients know what they should or should not eat while occasionally dining out. She is a kidney specialist in Washington, Pa.

According to NHL custom, each member of the winning team is allowed to take possession of The Cup—which is more than 100 years old—for one day after the season concludes.

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JOSEPH F. TALARICO, D.O. ’76 was elected president of the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists. He is currently an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh and the director of the osteopathic internship program at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh.

RAYMOND J. SOBINA ’77 retired as superintendent of the State Correctional Institution at Albion after 32 years of service.

Longtime hockey fan Henry “Hank” Langmyer ’55 of Orchard Park, N.Y., got an unexpected surprise in August when he accompanied his son, Tom, to a viewing of the Stanley Cup, the National Hockey League’s championship trophy.

“Tom was invited to a viewing of The Cup when it settled in the backyard of the brother of Pete Hassen, senior vice president of the Chicago Blackhawks. We were able to take lots of pictures and visit with family and friends,” Langmyer said.

“It was a huge pleasure for me, as I never expected to get anywhere close to the Stanley Cup.”

ELISSA (SCALISE) POWELL, CGRS ’76 received the National Genealogical Society’s President’s Citation, which recognizes outstanding, continuing or unusual contributions to the field of genealogy. She has worked as a professional genealogist since 1990 and is the course coordinator for a professional genealogy course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. Powell is also the “Foundations” module instructor for Boston University’s genealogical research certificate program.

Hank Langmyer admires the Stanley Cup, which stands nearly three feet tall and is crafted of silver and nickel alloy.

JEFFREY W. BOSWELL ’78 received the President’s Award from Gannon University’s Small Business Development Center. The award honors a member of the business community in northwestern Pennsylvania who has achieved success as a leader in his or her chosen career and has also performed outstanding service. Boswell is chairman of the board of SECO/ WARWICK Group and is an executive vice president of Retech LLC.

EARL J. KOON ’79M was elected by the membership of the Northwestern Rural Electric Co-operative Association Inc. to hold the District 2 seat on the board of directors.

Koon is the general manager of Suit-Kote Corp.’s western Pennsylvania branch.

BRIG. GEN. TIMOTHY J. HILTY ’81 was promoted to the rank of brigadier general with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Hilty serves as the deputy commanding general of the PA National Guard’s 28th Division in Harrisburg.

DANIEL J. BENSUR ’84, ’95M is co-founder of M-Dot Network, a retail technology company housed in Gannon University’s CYNTHIA (RENO) BALKSTRA, M.S., RN, CNS-BC ’81VMC was elected to a four-year Erie Technology Incubator. M-Dot Network recently won the fourth annual Amazon term as director-at-large on the American Web Services Global Start-Up Challenge, Nurses Association’s board of directors.

She is a board-certified pulmonary clinical which received more than 1,500 nurse specialist and is a case manager for applications from 22 countries.

United Hospice in Gainesville, Ga.

’80s

BERNADETTE J. FRIEDRICH, PH.D. ’84, ’92M earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in higher, adult and lifelong education administration. She is the director of student advancement for the College of Engineering at Michigan State University and is co-owner of a personal training business, Capital Fitness Inc., in Lansing, Mich.

HEIDI K. HOSEY, PH.D. ’84VMC, ’89M was appointed dean of international education at Mercyhurst College in Erie.

REV. EDWARD M. LOHSE ’84 is heading to Rome, Italy, to serve the Congregation for Clergy.

National Alumni Association President, Dana Kennedy Fallon, Esq. ’91 Exciting things are happening at Gannon and with our alumni. The National Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Services are committed to finding new ways to reach out to alumni and serve the University and current students. Since pictures often speak louder than words, here are a few snapshots from activities over the past year. I hope to see you at some of our upcoming events in 2011!

W Ben Askew Jr., Ph.D. ’83 (center) visits with students (L to R) Alexis Nunez, Thomas Panighetti, Dani Wagner and Jenai Charlton. Askew, who is vice president of research and global head of NCE Technologies at biotechnology company EMD Serono, returned to campus as part of the fall Executive-on-Campus Series.

Alumni in six cities, like this group from Buffalo, N.Y., participated in the second annual Alumni GIVE (Gannon’s Invitation to Volunteer Everywhere) Day on Sept. 25, 2010. Locally, more than 900 students and faculty volunteered at 36 Erie agencies. X

W Keith Taylor, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs (second from left), spends time with alumnae (L to R) Geri Cicchetti ’80, Betsy Monsalve ’70VMC and Jamie Taylor ’06, ’07M at the Quail Hollow Golf Outing, an annual networking event, on Sept. 13, 2010.

alumnotes

S Members of the National Alumni Board take a break outside Old Main during their July meeting. The board meets at least three times each year to advance the mission and goals of the National Alumni Association.

If you have questions about the Alumni Association or how to connect with fellow alumni or students, please contact me at dana.gannonu@gmail.com.

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JOSEPH M. PETERS, PH.D. ’84M is the new dean of instruction for business, hospitality and information technologies at Spokane (Wash.) Community College.

births

ELIZABETH “LISA” M. HANNOLD, PH.D. ’86, ’96M was featured in VA Research Today magazine. Born with spinal muscular atrophy, she was featured to illustrate “the spirit of discovery, innovation and advancement that has characterized VA Research since

DANTE C. PARRINI ’86 was named chief executive officer of Glatfelter, a global supplier and leading manufacturer of

Shane Patrick (born July 22, 2010), son of Sarah (Bilski) Gority ’03 and her husband, Sean.

a son, Adrian Easton (born Aug. 5, 2010), to Hallie J. (Sill) Bowers ’01 and her husband, Brian. Adrian joins older sisters Julia (4) and Corinne (2). a daughter, Ruby Elizabeth (born June 23, 2010), to Dorian R. (White) ’05 and Robert I. Callahan ’02. Ruby joins older brother Tyler (4). a daughter, Joselyn Donelle (born April 28, 2010), to Samantha (Smith) Carter, MPT ’01, ’03M and her husband, Mike. Joselyn joins older brother Trenton Michael (6) and sister Sophia Brianna (3). a son, Brady Ryan (born June 22, 2010), to Brad R. Gillott ’97 and his wife, Kim. a daughter, Julia Patricia (born June 9, 2010), to Seeniann John, D.O. ’97 and Carl R. Hoegerl, D.O. ’97. a daughter, Mia Angela, to Linda (Ricci) Koket ’98, ’00M and her husband, Matthew. a son, Max Angelo (born Sept.

27, 2010), to Alexis (Tomasovich) LaFuria ’01, ’02M and her husband, Francesco. Max joins older brother Isaac Croce Thomas (3).

24

its earliest days.” Hannold is an investigator with the VA’s Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, focusing her research on investigating the barriers and facilitators to independent living encountered by community-dwelling Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans with polytrauma.

gannon magazine

winter 2011

a son, Jack Anthony (born April 14, 2010), to Diane (Miceli) Lindenberger ’03 and her husband, John. Jack joins older sister Claire (2). a daughter, Adelaide Victoria (born May 12, 2009), to Sherri (Turner), PA-C ’98 and Brandan E. Lloyd ’98. Adelaide joins older sister Mary Elizabeth (4). a son, Jake (born May 24, 2010), to Lindsay B. (Gualtieri) ’03 and Louis P. Nemec ’01. a daughter, Ava Rose (born Sept. 3, 2010), to Jayme (Jones) Nies ’05 and her husband, Keith. a son, Jason Patterson (adopted Feb. 22, 2010), to Daenelle M. Oberson ’96 and her husband, Frank Rossi. a daughter, Carina Brynn (born Dec. 9, 2009), to Brooke (Mori) Rimel ’00.

Carina joins older brother Bryce (2). a daughter, Marissa Beth (born Sept. 9, 2009), to Roseann M. (Evans) ’00 and Ronald S. Russo ’00. Marissa joins older sister Francesca Rose (4). a son, Derrek Ryan (born Sept. 24, 2010), to Abigail D. (Suppa) ’07 and Christopher J. Wolski ’07. a daughter, Amelia Grace (born July 9, 2010), to Brian K. Yorkgitis, D.O. ’02 and his wife, Erin.

quality printing papers, specialty papers and engineered and composite fibers products. Parrini had served as the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2005.

ANTHONY C. SCHNUR ’87 was named chief financial officer of Chroma Oil & Gas LP, an oil and natural gas exploration and production company in Houston, Texas.

KEVIN R. SEEKER ’88 is co-founder of M-Dot Network, a retail technology company housed in Gannon University’s Erie Technology Incubator. M-Dot Network recently won the fourth annual Amazon Web Services Global Start-Up Challenge, which received more than 1,500 applications from 22 countries.

DANIEL C. ZIMMERMAN ’88 was promoted to the new position of director of business development at Eriez Headquarters. He will retain his overall responsibilities in managing Eriez’s service and repairs support as well as its sales efforts in the metalworking markets, including field sales management of Eriez’s U.S. metalworking sales representatives.

’90s JULIE (BEVERIDGE) LILLIE, O.D. ’90 joined Sterling Optical at their Lakewood, N.Y., office in the Chautauqua Mall.

BENJAMIN E. BULKLEY ’91M was appointed president and CEO of Fluidnet Corp., a New Hampshire developer of intravenous fluid pumps.

TRACEY L. MCCASLIN ’92 was named the new ombudswoman, or quality-assurance manager, for the Erie County Office of Children and Youth. She previously served as an intake supervisor and will now handle complaints, review and develop OCY’s policies and procedures and assist in training.

CAROL (ZEMBRZUSKI) MINYON ’92 earned her MBA from Carlow University in Pittsburgh. She is a laboratory manager in cytogenetics with Med Fusion LLC in Dallas, Texas.

PAUL A. LUKACH, MSW, LSW ’94 was named executive director of the Crime Victim Center of Erie County Inc. He is a licensed social worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Angling for a Win Lt. Col. Chad Nelson ’93, a native of Kennerdell, Pa., and currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, as an Army medical services officer, received more than just rest and relaxation while visiting his family on leave this summer. A member of the Army Bass Anglers of Texas, Nelson’s boat took first place in his division in the Franklin (Pa.) Libertyfest Parade.

The Army Bass Anglers is a charitable organization that raises funds and awareness for projects supporting veterans and other service members.

One such initiative, Returning Heroes Home, recently created a 12,000square-foot support center for wounded soldiers.

Chad Nelson showcases his Army Bass Anglers boat in Franklin’s Libertyfest Parade.

JOHN C. WHITE, M.A. ’95 is the new assistant director of academic and career advising at Gannon.

LARRIE F. DUDENHOEFFER, PH.D. ’97, ’03M earned his Ph.D. in English and writing composition from the University of Georgia. Dudenhoeffer is an assistant professor at Kennesaw (Ga.) State University.

SEENIANN JOHN, D.O. ’97 finished her gastroenterology fellowship in June 2010 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., where she now serves as a gastroenterologist.

PATRICK B. FLAHERTY ’98 is a language arts teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Erie.

RYAN M. HAFFEY ’99 is a licensed financial advisor and financial planning associate with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Buffalo, N.Y.

’00s ALYSSA (CALVERIC) RILEY ’01, ’03M passed her orthopedic certified specialist exam. She is a physical therapist at St. Joseph Hospital in Elmira, N.Y.

Have your own military or service profession story? E-mail it to starr007@gannon.edu.

JEANETTE (PENQUITE) BENNETT, PH.D. ’02 is a postdoctoral fellow at the Ohio State University College of Medicine in the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research. She successfully defended her dissertation in biobehavioral health from Penn State University in May 2010.

SIDNEY COUPET ’02 was named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar and will begin the two-year fellowship in July 2011. He was the first osteopath to be selected for the program, which allows young physicians to conduct innovative research and work with communities, organizations, practitioners and policymakers on healthcare-related issues.

RONEE (YASHER) WOODLEY ’02 was named communications assistant for the communications office of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus (Ohio).

RANKO “RON” BARAC, D.O. ’03 joined Medical Associates of Erie and has established his practice at Sterrettania Internal Medicine in Erie.

DARRELL J. HICKS ’03 is a history and government teacher at Cathedral High School in Ontario. He is also an actor, model and stuntman during the summer months, appearing in a Volkswagen commercial, the movies Wild Iris and Static, print ads promoting the Super Bowl and Grey Cup and work as the pitchman for Ford Canada’s 2010 F-150

ad campaign. Most recently, he helped with stunts and had a small role as a zombie in Survival of the Dead.

TAMI J. TRESSLER ’03 was named Andover Bank’s Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2010 for her outstanding customer service. She is an accounting compliance specialist with the bank, which serves northeast Ohio.

CARLY E. BRIGAMAN, PHARM.D. ’05C received her doctor of pharmacy degree from LECOM in 2008. She is employed with CVS Pharmacy.

NICHOLAS J. CHRISTOPHER ’05 is a mechanical engineer for General Electric in Erie.

ERIN R. MILLER ’05 is a group retail marketing consultant with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

TARA L. SIDORA ’05 is a licensed pharmacist for Walgreens in Erie.

KORY M. FLAHERTY ’06 is the new girl’s volleyball head coach for Plum High School and is also employed by PNC Bank in Pittsburgh. He began his coaching career while attending Gannon as an assistant to the women’s volleyball coach.

SHERRY A. KARNOSKI ’06, ’10M is a secondary math teacher in the Erie School District.

alumnotes

REV. CHRISTOPHER J. SINGER ’99 was appointed chancellor for the Catholic Diocese of Erie.

“It means a great deal to me to be a part of it. I’ve been fortunate in that I deployed to Iraq twice and came home unharmed, so to take one of these wounded warriors out fishing, it makes me appreciate the blessings I have in my life even more,” said Nelson, who was an active member of Gannon’s ROTC program during his time on campus. “Not only does it help them with their physical recovery, but it provides a significant boost to their mental and psychological recovery by showing them everything they can still do to enjoy life.”

25

IAN S. MCGINNITY ’07 was appointed coordinator of community service and the Smith Chapel within the Division of Student Affairs at Penn State Behrend.

JOANNA M. CULKIN ’07 is in her second year as an assistant coach with Marymount University’s women’s lacrosse team. The university is located in Arlington, Va.

KIMBERLY A. PETROSKY ’07 graduated from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law in May 2010. She is currently employed with Delafield, McGee, Jones & Kauffman, P.C. in State College, Pa.

DAVID W. DITKA ’07 is an inside international sales representative for TruckLite Co.

CHRISTOPHER J. WOLSKI ’07 works for the U.S. Border Patrol. He lives in Del Rio, Texas.

NANCY J. LENGAUER ’08M is a Title I math teacher at Oakview Elementary School in the Lakeview School District in Stoneboro, Pa.

Gannon Archives

Eron DeLeon Soto ’50 Dr. Eron DeLeon Soto ’50, age 87, passed away July 5, 2010. A native of Mexico and a Gannon retiree, he served as a professor of foreign languages from September 1950 until August 1987. He flew World War II planes in the South Pacific before coming to Erie. He served on the boards of several Erie-area agencies; in 1975, he co-founded Erie’s Hispanic American Council, now the Multicultural Community Resource Center, and was still a member of its board at the time of his death.

Alumni Olga Parrini Adamus ’50VMC Robert J. Alex ’68 Louis M. Andersen ’50 Patrick J. Andres ’68 Henry W. Badach ’60 Donald F. Bartosik ’63 Charles H. Bendig ’46 Bernard L. Bienio ’74 James M. Birch ’57 Rodney N. Brandon ’57 Vincent J. Cancilla ’52 James J. Cash ’75 Michael B. Cerrie ’75 Angela Benita Cheatham ’88 Charles M. Connell ’49 Rev. Cornelius G. Conti ’54 Christine R. Dibell ’92 Gordon W. Edwards ’69M Harry M. Edwards ’49 James D. Fink ’62 Joseph P. Fischer ’71, ’73M John W. Flanigan ’49 James E. Flynn ’67

gannon magazine

MARIANNA F. GALL ’08, ’09M is employed by Drs. Book, Burke, and Incorvati Surgical Associates.

In addition, Elwell served as NCAA Division II vice president and was chairman of Division II Championships and Steering Committees and was a member of several NCAA committees. Elwell was inducted into the Erie Metropolitan Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1996 and into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997. In June 2010, he was the recipient of the Division II Athletics Directors Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

*Full memorials may be found in the spring issue.

26

ANNE M. CALL ’08 is a social worker for Catholic Charities in Batavia, N.Y.

Howard “Bud” Elwell ’55 Howard “Bud” Elwell ’55, age 76, passed away Nov. 23, 2010. As a Gannon College student, he played basketball from 1951-54 and later returned to Gannon as a coach, then as director of athletics (1966-1996). After retiring, Elwell continued as a consultant in Gannon’s Athletic Department for a number of years. Notably, he guided the Gannon athletics program from NAIA status to a fully competitive NCAA Division II program and increased the number of varsity sports from five to 17.

Gannon Archives

in memoriam

JAMIE E. TAYLOR ’06, ’07M was inducted into Laurel School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. She is the golf pro at Shawnee Hills Golf Course in Bedford, Ohio.

winter 2011

Linda Fotek ’89 Mary S. Galiardi ’78 Nancy Bayhurst Gillespie ’56VMC James K. Harvey ’50 Eva Gustafson Heidecker ’40VMC John N. Hersch ’50 Timothy G. Hoh ’88 Angela Brown Jannuzzi ’91 James R. Jenks, Esq. ’58 William K. Johnston ’95 Martina Davis Jones ’72 Anne McLaughlin Kane ’50VMC Mary A. Klenotic ’94 John F. Kloecker ’43 Robert W. Lawson ’61 Raymond R. Learn ’98 Robert Joseph “Joe” Luckey ’55* Tina L. Maiorana ’98 Shirley L. Markley ’69VMC Casimir T. Marshall ’55 Patrick T. McCarthy ’68 Mary Oboth McConnell ’45VMC, ’73M Janet Boyer McNerney ’42VMC Francis J. Mehall ’61 Sister Denise M. Mosier, O.S.B. ’73 Sister Michele Norcott ’70

Walter F. Pasky Jr. ’50 Khalil G. Rabat ’75M James F. Rancka ’73 William G. Rice, Esq. ’85 William D. Ring ’58 Edward C. Rogala ’48 Andrea Scalise-Gordy, D.O. ’77 Barbara A. Slomski ’82 Rev. Msgr. Lawrence T. Speice ’55* Barbara Ligget Starrett ’69M Arthur L. Stephens Jr. ’47 Charles M. Taft Jr. ’76 Fred J. Villella ’55 Charles L. Weston ’58

Friends Edward B. Babowicz Marilyn Cook Bergquist Joan Nowak English Frank E. Jarecki Paul S. Kim, Ph.D. Florence Kindzora Kostek Kimberly A. Popeski Carl J. Schlemmer James E. Winner Jr.

STACI L. TOY ’08 is an office manager at St. Vincent Health Center in Erie.

ANDREW M. VOYTKO ’08 is a design engineer at Badger Industries in Zelienople, Pa. JUSTIN A. WASHINGTON ’09 was named project support specialist with Apple Box Studios, a full-service advertising agency and creative management firm in Pittsburgh.

’10s ROBERT R. ANDERSON ’09, ’10 accepted a position at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He also recently passed the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist exams in Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

TIFFANY L. GUY ’10 is a fifth grade teacher in the Richland School District in Johnstown, Pa.

Survey Says…

Thank you to the more than 600 readers who participated in last summer’s magazine readership survey! We sincerely appreciate your time and effort in helping make Gannon Magazine valuable and relevant to you.

What did your fellow readers have to say? ➤ Nearly half (46 percent) of readers acquire all or most of their information about Gannon University from Gannon Magazine— in fact, eight out of 10 respondents report that it strengthens their connection to Gannon. ➤ Most respondents (61 percent) prefer Gannon Magazine in print, followed by a combination of print and online (24 percent).

You don’t have to wait for another survey to share your thoughts— you can always e-mail editor Audrey Starr at starr007@gannon. edu.

Emily R. Cahill ’09, ’10M

married Nicholas S. Orlando ’09 on July 10, 2010.

John C. Churchill ’84 and

his wife, Karen, celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 11, 2010.

Dale R. DeCecco ’76 and

his wife, Claire, celebrated their 25th anniversary on Sept. 1, 2010.

Stephanie P. Derrick ’09 married Greg E. Bungo ’07

on July 10, 2010.

David William Ditka ’07 married

Leslie Diane Orlando on Aug. 15, 2010.

Clare (Morehouse) Farrell ’60VMC

and her husband, Gerald, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 13, 2010.

Patrick B. Flaherty ’98 married

Natalie Tssario on July 17, 2010.

Rebecca K. Fresch ’08 married Brian M. Kurtz ’08 on Oct. 9,

Megan V. Hartman ’05 married Keith Barton on Oct. 23, 2010.

Sherry Ann Karnoski ’06, ’10M

married Matthew John Errigo ’06, ’08M. Tana Kay Keller ’08M married

Jeremy Saline on Oct. 3, 2009.

Sarah M. Klinge ’03 married Sean R. Menz ’04 on June 12, 2010.

Angela Lenora Leasure ’04M

married Matthew Robert Mullis on May 29, 2010.

Joseph J. Markiewicz ’62 and his wife, Rose Marie, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 20, 2010.

Thomas L. ’58 and Cecelia (Mosebarger) Pontzer ’58VMC

celebrated their 50th anniversary on Sept. 3, 2010.

Tara L. Sidora ’05 married Nicholas J. Christopher ’05 on Sept. 25,

2010.

Abigail D. Suppa ’07 married Christopher J. Wolski ’07 on May

2010.

20, 2010.

Francis P. Gonser ’72, ’83M married

Staci L. Toy ’09 married Andy

Carol Slayton on May 22, 2010.

Tiffany L. Guy ’10M married Jeffrey

Mock on July 9, 2010.

Amanda D. Haller ’08 married

Andrew G. Wawrzyniak on June 5, 2010.

Faulhaber on Sept. 4, 2010.

Semaj Y. Vanzant ’06 married Carla

Renee Cook on July 9, 2010.

Shannon M. Zeis ’05 married Douglas A. Wishart ’03, ’04M on

Sept. 19, 2009.

Erin R. Miller ’05 married Jonathan K. Doyle ’02 on Sept. 27, 2008.

alumnotes

➤ Alumni life and activities, campus life, and institutional affairs ranked highest in terms of preferred magazine content.

The top three topics within these categories include class notes, cultural events and performances, and campus facilities and growth.

marriages

NOELLE K. SCHAD ’08 was recently appointed and accepted into the 131st Pennsylvania State Police Cadet Class.

27

STACI L. TOY ’08 is an office manager at St. Vincent Health Center in Erie.

ANDREW M. VOYTKO ’08 is a design engineer at Badger Industries in Zelienople, Pa. JUSTIN A. WASHINGTON ’09 was named project support specialist with Apple Box Studios, a full-service advertising agency and creative management firm in Pittsburgh.

’10s ROBERT R. ANDERSON ’09, ’10 accepted a position at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He also recently passed the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist exams in Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

TIFFANY L. GUY ’10 is a fifth grade teacher in the Richland School District in Johnstown, Pa.

Survey Says…

Thank you to the more than 600 readers who participated in last summer’s magazine readership survey! We sincerely appreciate your time and effort in helping make Gannon Magazine valuable and relevant to you.

What did your fellow readers have to say? ➤ Nearly half (46 percent) of readers acquire all or most of their information about Gannon University from Gannon Magazine— in fact, eight out of 10 respondents report that it strengthens their connection to Gannon. ➤ Most respondents (61 percent) prefer Gannon Magazine in print, followed by a combination of print and online (24 percent).

You don’t have to wait for another survey to share your thoughts— you can always e-mail editor Audrey Starr at starr007@gannon. edu.

Emily R. Cahill ’09, ’10M

married Nicholas S. Orlando ’09 on July 10, 2010.

John C. Churchill ’84 and

his wife, Karen, celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 11, 2010.

Dale R. DeCecco ’76 and

his wife, Claire, celebrated their 25th anniversary on Sept. 1, 2010.

Stephanie P. Derrick ’09 married Greg E. Bungo ’07

on July 10, 2010.

David William Ditka ’07 married

Leslie Diane Orlando on Aug. 15, 2010.

Clare (Morehouse) Farrell ’60VMC

and her husband, Gerald, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 13, 2010.

Patrick B. Flaherty ’98 married

Natalie Tssario on July 17, 2010.

Rebecca K. Fresch ’08 married Brian M. Kurtz ’08 on Oct. 9,

Megan V. Hartman ’05 married Keith Baron on Oct. 23, 2010.

Sherry Ann Karnoski ’06, ’10M

married Matthew John Errigo ’06, ’08M. Tana Kay Keller ’08M married

Jeremy Saline on Oct. 3, 2009.

Sarah M. Klinge ’03 married Sean R. Menz ’04 on June 12, 2010.

Angela Lenora Leasure ’04M

married Matthew Robert Mullis on May 29, 2010.

Joseph J. Markiewicz ’62 and his wife, Rose Marie, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 20, 2010.

Thomas L. ’58 and Cecelia (Mosebarger) Pontzer ’58VMC

celebrated their 50th anniversary on Sept. 3, 2010.

Tara L. Sidora ’05 married Nicholas J. Christopher ’05 on Sept. 25,

2010.

Abigail D. Suppa ’07 married Christopher J. Wolski ’07 on May

2010.

20, 2010.

Francis P. Gonser ’72, ’83M married

Staci L. Toy ’09 married Andy

Carol Slayton on May 22, 2010.

Tiffany L. Guy ’10M married Jeffrey

Mock on July 9, 2010.

Amanda D. Haller ’08 married

Andrew G. Wawrzyniak on June 5, 2010.

Faulhaber on Sept. 4, 2010.

Semaj Y. Vanzant ’06 married Carla

Renee Cook on July 9, 2010.

Shannon M. Zeis ’05 married Douglas A. Wishart ’03, ’04M on

Sept. 19, 2009.

Erin R. Miller ’05 married Jonathan K. Doyle ’02 on Sept. 27, 2008.

alumnotes

➤ Alumni life and activities, campus life, and institutional affairs ranked highest in terms of preferred magazine content.

The top three topics within these categories include class notes, cultural events and performances, and campus facilities and growth.

marriages

NOELLE K. SCHAD ’08 was recently appointed and accepted into the 131st Pennsylvania State Police Cadet Class.

27

A Word from the President

endnotes

Dr. Garibaldi Says Goodbye and Thank You to the Gannon Community On Nov. 12, 2010, the chairman of Gannon University’s Board of Trustees, the Most Rev. Donald Trautman, S.T.D., S.S.L., announced that Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., president of Gannon University, had been named the next president of the University of Detroit Mercy, effective July 1, 2011. Dr. Garibaldi’s tenure as president concluded on Dec. 31, 2010, but he is on sabbatical at Gannon through June 30, 2011. Below is an excerpt of the remarks he made to the Gannon community on the day of the public announcement, which you can also view online at www.gannon.edu/garibaldi-goodbye.

As all of you might imagine, this is a day of mixed emotions for me, because I have come to not only love Gannon, but I am also passionate about this University. From the first time I arrived on campus during the presidential interview process in April 2001, I was overwhelmed by the sincere and genuine hospitality of this Gannon community. Unlike many places where you go through the university interview process and they want to know if you are good enough for their institution, I felt that you were recruiting me and telling me why I should come to Gannon.

It was a positively different experience that raised my level of excitement and interest in Gannon.

weathered the early decade’s economic challenges; gradually increased our enrollment, particularly from the local and parochial schools; obtained several federal and private grants that we had never obtained before; exceeded the goal of a historic comprehensive campaign, which was three times the largest amount ever raised; strengthened Gannon’s Catholic Identity; acquired new buildings and renovated older facilities; expanded the number of colleges from two to three; obtained significant financial support to establish the Erie Technology Incubator; increased faculty and staff salaries; and developed and implemented two successful five-year Strategic Plans.

I learned very quickly that Gannon is more than a university; it is a real community of people. During my first three months, an employee on the maintenance staff died suddenly in July; one of our students died in September; and we experienced 9/11 together. The Yehl Ballroom was filled for a prayer service with members of the Gannon community and workers from the city, county and nearby businesses.

And we did this all together, even though change did not come easy! But, we can smile about that now, because the results of our willingness to do things differently have been very beneficial to our success as a university. Our consecutive and multi-year top tier U.S.News and World Report rankings are a compliment to you and our students, and I thank you for all of your hard work.

endnotes

That spontaneous gathering was real evidence of who we are at Gannon, and I believe we are even stronger 9 ½ years later. We President, Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.

We thank you, too, Dr. Garibaldi. Best wishes as the first lay president of the University of Detroit Mercy.

28

gannon magazine

winter 2011

In Gratitude

for Gannon

Jim Ahearn ’61, as seen in his senior yearbook photo and as a member of the men’s basketball team (#34).

Jim ’61 and Loraine Ahearn consider themselves blessed. They’ve been happily married for 43 years, raised two terrific children, had rewarding careers and are now enjoying an active retirement. In gratitude for all their blessings, Jim and Loraine have designated a gift for Gannon in their estate plans as a way of giving back to one of the places that helped them get where they are today.

To become a part of The Founder’s Society at Gannon University, contact: James Kelvington, Ph.D. Director of Planned Giving 109 University Square Erie, PA 16541 Phone: 814-871-5368 Fax: 814-871-5825 E-mail: kelvingt001@gannon.edu www.gannonalumni.org

“One thing I learned from Gannon is that you take care of your community.”

Jim attended Gannon on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1961 with a bachelor of arts in history. He recalls Gannon as a “warm, gentle place” with supportive faculty who really cared.

Coming from the big city of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jim loved the small, tight-knit community at Gannon, as well as the City of Erie itself. Making their home in Rochester, N.Y., Jim served 26 years as the president of the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, while Loraine taught special education.

Jim and Loraine have made financial contributions to Gannon throughout the years, but they wanted to establish a gift that would reach into the future.

Now on a fixed income, they decided that including a bequest for Gannon in their will was the best way to do this. “A deferred gift is a painless, easy way to give back to the school I love,” Jim said.

29

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Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, PA 16541-0001 www.gannon.edu/magazine

Want to help Gannon go green? E-mail starr007@gannon.edu to be notified when the online edition of Gannon Magazine has been posted, and we’ll stop sending you a print copy.

July 2010 from Fourth Street

c October 2010 from Fifth Street

Progress on Gannon’s first residence hall construction in more than two decades is continuing on schedule. The 100,000-square-foot, five-story building, located at 147 W. Fourth St., is scheduled to open in Fall 2011. It will have nearly 300 beds and feature a convenience store, community kitchens, several social lounges with gas fireplaces and a fitness area. Keep up with the building’s progress via Gannon’s live webcam at www.gannon.edu/newreshall. e January 2011 from the corner of Peach and Fourth Streets

Gannon University

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Villa maria College

2010 Alumni

Homecoming& Reunion Weekend Homecoming attendance set a record this year!

reacquainted with campus and reminisce with classmates.

Nearly 700 alumni registered for 2010 Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, marking the event’s largest crowd to date. With eight affinity reunions and three full days of activities, those in attendance had ample opportunities to get

Three class years—1960, 1970 and 1985—celebrated landmark reunions. All three classes held dinner receptions in honor of their 50th, 40th and 25th anniversaries, respectively.

Alumni and friends from the Class of 1960 gathered in Old Main for a dinner reception.

Members of the Classes of 1970 and 1985 and friends—(L to R) Dennis Domsic ’70, Elizabeth Mauroni ’85, David Smith ’70, Diane Smith ’87, Jim and Kathy (Kaczmarek) Bannister ’70—stop for a picture before their anniversary dinners.

A l u m n i h o m e c o m i n g & R e u n i o n W e e k e n d | Oc t o b e r 2 2 - 2 4 , 2 0 1 0

On Friday, Gannon’s Student Government Association hosted an open house for all SGA alumni and a dedication for the Class of 2009’s senior gift. The gift, a hanging mobile created by local artist David Seitzinger, was installed Dec. 2, 2009. The piece hangs from the ceiling on the second floor of Waldron Campus Center; it can be seen at eye level from the entrance into the Yehl Ballroom.

Seitzinger spent a year meeting with the 2009 senior class. “This is the perfect way to help build the visual arts on Gannon’s campus,” he said. Seitzinger is a longtime friend of Gannon and creator of the Go Fish! and Leap Frog! molds that took over downtown Erie in 2001 and 2004.

Artist David Seitzinger describes the mobile he created, which was formally dedicated during homecoming weekend. The mobile took three campus services staff several hours to install outside the Yehl Ballroom in Waldron Campus Center.

On Saturday, the Sheik social fraternity held a reunion in honor of their 40th anniversary, with more than 100 brothers and sisters in attendance. The fraternity received its official charter on Dec. 2, 1969.

To commemorate the occasion, the Sheiks honored the legacy of its former faculty adviser by providing scholarship funds for future Gannon students. A pledge of $25,000 has been used to create the Sheik Fraternity Endowed Scholarship Honoring Father Robert Susa.

A crowd of several hundred Gannon fans gathered in front of Old Main to enjoy the homecoming parade.

Mark your calendars for

(L to R) Joseph Bione ’73, ’75M (Sheik founding father), Kate (Komer) Sanjar ’84 and Vicki Tabor (Sheik little sisters founders), Robert Schriefer ’74, ’79M and Patrick Kelley ’72, ’74M (Sheik founding father and first president) announce the establishment of a scholarship in honor of the Rev. Robert Susa (center). Also present were President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., and Sister Catherine Manning ’66VMC, ’71M.

Susa began his academic career at Gannon teaching in the economics department. Over a nearly 40-year career at Gannon, he held numerous faculty and administrative positions, including Honors Program director, Faculty Senate president, Finegan Hall chaplain and Liberal Studies Committee director. He retired in 2008.

“Father Susa always will hold a very special place in the hearts of the Sheik fraternity, as well as countless other members of the Gannon University community,” the organization said in announcing the scholarship. “Beyond his

position as faculty adviser to the fraternity, ‘Father Bob,’ as we knew him, was also a very dear friend. The guidance and life lessons that he imparted to the brothers and sisters of the Sheik fraternity will always be remembered.”

The scholarship is designed for entrepreneurship majors who show a demonstrated financial need and qualify academically. It is renewable for up to three years. Any individual, foundation, trust, company or organization may make gifts to the scholarship. For more information on making a gift, contact Britt Daehnke ’98, ’05M in University Advancement at 814-871-7261.

Five Individuals Honored as Distinguished Alumni In addition to reunion activities, five individuals were honored as Distinguished Alumni for their professional accomplishments, support of Gannon University and for being excellent role models for current students.

This year’s honorees included: Francis Lunger ’68, College of Engineering and Business Award; Richard Griffith ’70, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences Award; Michael Hagerty, M.D., F.A.C.C. ’78, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences Award; Carl Hoegerl, D.O. ’97, Young Alumni Award; and Sister James Francis Mulligan, S.S.J. ’47VMC, Monsignor Wilfrid J. Nash Principles of Christian Conduct Award. To learn more about these alumni, visit www.gannonalumni.org/da10 for their full biographies.

Distinguished Alumni (back row, L to R) Carl Hoegerl, D.O. ’97 and Francis Lunger ’68; (middle row, L to R) Richard Griffith ’70, Sister James Francis Mulligan, S.S.J. ’47VMC and Michael Hagerty, M.D., F.A.C.C. ’78 (front row, L to R) Dana Fallon, Esq. ’91, president of the National Alumni Association, and Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., Gannon University president.

2011 Alumni Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Sept. 23-25, 2011!

Gannon University

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Villa maria College

Nearly 30 Villa Maria College alumnae reunited at a high tea on Saturday, a popular homecoming event held for the last eight years.

Approximately 11 percent of all alumni received their degree from Villa Maria.

A large crowd of 1,763 individuals attended Saturday’s football game vs. Indiana University (Pa.). The Golden Knights pulled out a win, 45-17.

(L to R) Luther Manus ’53, ’71M, Donald Grumblatt ’50 and James Niland ’54 share some laughs at the Heritage Society luncheon, which honors alumni from the Class of 1959 and prior.

Tim Donlin ’68 takes a trolley tour of campus, hosted by campus icon Joe Luckey, who passed away on Jan. 18, 2011.

African-American alumni and friends caught up at their affinity reunion, held Saturday in Club LaRiccia. This group has held an affinity reunion for the last since 2002.

Cadet Julie Ross, Gannon ROTC company commander (left), and Lt. Col. Ronald Swift, recruiting officer, showcase a cased U.S. flag, presented to the University before the homecoming football game. The flag was flown specifically for Gannon at four different sites at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom from May to July 2010.

Want more? You can view amateur photographs in the Alumni Online Community at www.gannonalumni.org, and view professional shots—and order your own photos—from Rick Klein Photography at www.rickklein.com. Click “View and order photos,” click the Gannon link towards the top and log in with your e-mail address and password: alumni10.

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