Winter 2007

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Editor’sInklings Volume XX, Issue 2 • Winter 2007 Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. President Jennifer A. Mailey ’95, ’05M Director of Public Affairs and Communications Catherine E. Carlson ’05M Publications Officer and Editor advisory committee

Britt Dyer Daehnke ’98, ’05M Chris Dubbs Cathy Fresch Frank Garland Mary Carol Gensheimer Melanie Karsak Carol Perry ’06M Catherine Oakley ’05M Rev. Nicholas J. Rouch, STD, ’83 Steven Ropski, Ph.D., ’78 Richard Sukitsch contributors

Paul DeSante, Ph.D. Cathy Fresch Jana Hunt Jeannie Kloecker Nick Pronko Dan Teliski ’97 photography

Ed Bernik Tim Rohrbach design

Tungsten Creative Group Gannon University magazine is published three times annually (Summer, Winter, and Spring) by the Office of Communications at Gannon University and is mailed free to alumni, friends of the University, graduate students, and parents of current undergraduate students.

Contributions: Gannon University magazine welcomes letters to the editor, class notes information, comments, and suggestions.

Please send class notes information to Jana Hunt, Coordinator of Gifts and Records, at hunt001@gannon.edu. All other information should be sent to Catherine Carlson, Editor, at carlson010@gannon.edu or the University’s mailing address as seen below.

Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, Pennsylvania 16541 (814) 871.7000

The color red represents many things in cultures across the world – love, fire, heat, passion, war, urgency, courage – a mixture of things considered both positive and negative. The depth of its meaning reminds me of the common thought that the Chinese word for crisis, weiji, means both danger and opportunity. Undoubtedly, red and all its connotations represent change, and as a primary color, it invokes in us a sense of universal humanness.

On Gannon’s campus, red is a very present color both literally and figuratively. Literally, maroon is one of Gannon’s school colors, and so you see faculty, students, alumni, and staff often wearing Gannon garb of a dark red hue. Figuratively, red is present in the passion that runs as a current through campus. From celebrating the Passion of Christ as a Catholic university to the courage of our motivated students to be open-minded learners, red represents the passions that we follow.

Many of us have more than one. In remembering Monsignor Addison (Bud) Yehl (page 8), his many passions in life come to light. First and foremost, he excelled as a priest, leading an exemplary life in modeling Christ. Then, with a humble heart and a twinkle of wit in his eye, he taught others in the other passions that he followed – tennis, sailing, and chemistry.

Today’s faculty carry on the same tradition, as they continue to invest in their passions through teaching and scholarship. Delayne Shah, Ph.D. (page 19) does this by engaging her students on a metacognitive level to help them learn to become educators themselves. Ann O’Neill-Klemensic (page 14) guides her students through the process of marketing research, allowing her passion for advertising and business to shed light on how processes work in the real-world industry.

These types of activities happen in classrooms of all disciplines across campus.

Outside the classroom, students such as Que-Anh Le, Robert Medeksza, and Michael Huynh follow their passions of leadership, entrepreneurship, and scholarship (pages 6-7). Student-athlete Jamie Shadd (page 21) follows her passion for excellence in everything she does, especially soccer.

Our alumni do the same. Jonathan DeArment ’97 (page 18) follows his passions through working with his family business, Channellock. Trustee Mark Nelson, Ph.D., ’83 (page 13) has followed his passion for chemistry, and today, he encourages science students to do the same and alumni to support their efforts.

As the growing abundance of AlumNotes (page 22-27) shows, the success of Gannon and Villa Maria alumni is far from limited to these two examples.

May the presence of red during this holiday season remind you of more than just the commercial value of Valentine’s day. Let it represent and celebrate your many passions in life. And, as you read, may you discover and rejoice in the many reasons to believe in the passion and pride that run through the Gannon community.

Catherine Carlson, Editor carlson010@gannon.edu (814) 871.5817

8 Alchemy of the Heart

Gannon fondly remembers The Reverend Monsignor Addison (Bud) Yehl as a chemist who transformed hearts.

12 Transparent Science

The renovation plans for Zurn Science Center promise science students a place to follow their dreams.

14 Rockin’ the Boat

by John Chacona

Gannon students rock the future of the Flagship Niagara League with marketing research and an advertising plan.

Departments 2 18 19 20 22 28

NewsNotes AlumniFocus FacultyFocus SportsScan AlumNotes EndNotes

On the Cover: Students stay warm during the walk through

A.J.’s Way, among the Frederick Frank sculptures.

Photo right: Red berries on bushes keep the campus colorful

during cold winter months.

contents

Features

Honored by the Pope Several members of the Gannon Community received papal honors on November 20, 2006, at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie. Most notably, the Reverend Monsignor Robert J. Smith, V.G., J.C.L, Gannon Board of Trustees member, was named a Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary, the highest rank of a monsignor in the Church. Another Gannon Trustee, Sister Mary Rita Kuhn, S.S.J., received The Papal Cross: Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice for her exemplary service to the local Church.

December Commencement

George Wang addressed 225 graduates at the University’s Winter Commencement ceremony on behalf of his brother Joseph C.P. Wang ’52. A native of Peking, China, Joseph Wang succeeded in building a vastly successful career in broadcasting and speaking, serving as a translator, announcer, and producer for Voice of America, a branch of the United States Information Agency (USIA).Wang served as the Deputy Chief and Chief of the Chinese Branch of the USIA before becoming a lecturer in Chinese with the United States Department of AgAdditionally, Attorney Norman H. Stark ’59 and University riculture (USDA), President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., were named Knights and, eventually, of St. Gregory the Great, and Mrs. Marie A. Stark and Mrs. the senior advisor Carol Garibaldi ’06M were named Ladies of St. Gregory the for Chinese affairs Great, honors that recognized them as lay persons of distinat the USDA’s guished character who performed outstanding service for the graduate school. well-being and growth of the Church at the local level.

He has also taught Sister Mary Rita Kuhn, Gannon at George WashTrustee, receives The Papal Cross ington Univerfrom Cardinal sity and American Justin Rigali, University, and has J.C.D., at received numerous Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., presents Joseph C.P. St. Peter honors throughout Wang ’52 with an honorary doctoral of humane Cathedral. letters degree at the 2006 Winter Commencement. his career.

As a well-renowned family, the Wangs offered insight to those starting their careers. Of the 225 winter graduates, 10 were awarded associate degrees, 71 received bachelor’s degrees, 143 were recognized with master’s degrees, and one was presented with a doctoral degree.

Pennsylvania Grants Gannon $4 Million Governor Edward G. Rendell announced in August that Gannon University would receive $4 million in funding for its Erie Technology Incubator, a project that has been under way since Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., arrived as President in 2001.

Governor Ed Rendell announces five grants being given to organizations in the City of Erie totaling $17 million, one of which was granted to Gannon in the amount of $4 million.

The Erie Technology Incubator (ETI) project places Gannon as a leader in economic and community involvement, as it will provide start-ups and young companies with access to high-tech facilities, faculty, and research initiatives. It will also offer housing space to such companies in its new building, the former Boys & Girls Club Building on Gannon’s campus.

The University had previously secured $1,105,000 in federal, state, and local funds for the Incubator over the last four years, in addition to an industrial software program valued at more than $5 million, which will be available to tenants in the ETI. This funding from the state made renovations possible, and the doors are expected to open in the 2007-08 academic year.

Remembrance of Long-time Professor The Gannon community felt a loss at the passing of George P. Hesch, Ph.D., ’55, long-time professor and previous basketball coach.

Hesch began his legacy at Gannon as a standout member of Gannon’s basketball team from 1951-55. His legacy continued as he served as a chemistry professor from 1955-2003, and he returned to the court for two seasons in the 1960s as coach. He was known for his ability to relate to students and go the extra mile for them as well as for his strong intellect, knowledge of chemistry, and talent for basketball.

Hesch was recognized posthumously at the annual Scholarship Celebration Dinner for his dedication and service to the University.

Dr. Hesch offers a chemistry demonstration to his class in 1983.

Scholarship Celebration Robert H. Morosky ’63, Trustee, the late George Hesch, Ph.D., ’55, and Michael Minnaugh ’56 were presented the Archbishop Gannon Medal of Distinction at the 19th Annual Scholarship Celebration in October. The award is given annually to individuals who have been instrumental in promoting the cause of Catholic higher education. From left to right (above): Most Reverend Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL, Board Chairman Joseph T. Messina, Esq., ’63, Robert H. Morosky ’63, Irene Hesch, Michael Minnaugh ’56, and Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.

Recent Accomplishments

Gannon University saw another large incoming Freshman Class of more than 600 students this fall. The total enrollment for the Fall Semester was also the largest in 13 years, consisting of 3,815 students, 1,140 of whom were graduate students – the largest graduate student population that Gannon has ever seen.

U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2007” ranked Gannon University as a toptier university among Master’s I Comprehensive universities in the northern section of the country for the third consecutive year. Gannon also ranked in the top ten as a best value in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category in the northeast.

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NewsNotes

Believe in the Possibilities

Gannon started the New Year believing in the possibilities of the University’s new branding campaign. Reaching 5.8 million readers nationally and internationally, the University displayed the Believe branding concept in an ad published in the U.S. Airways Magazine (February 2007 issue) and also embarked on a local billboard campaign with the new brand, “Believe….” To see further possibilities executed, Gannon hired Ron Kerman as the new Executive Director of University Marketing.

Most recently, Kerman served as Director of Marketing Communications at Ave Maria University, a Catholic university in Naples, Florida.

New Requirements for Radiologic Sciences Gannon’s radiologic sciences program acquired a Kodak CR 500 reader two years ago in preparation for a paradigm shift from film to digital imagery in the industry. As that shift continues, Gannon’s program continues to evolve.

Professor Suzanne Sturdivant ’84, ’86M demonstrates

new trends on soon-to-be required PCs. Beginning in Fall 2007, students in the radiologic sciences program will be required to have tablet PCs, allowing them to access digital images both in the classroom and at their clinical sites. Carolynn Masters, Ph.D., interim Dean of the College of Sciences, Engineering, and Health Sciences, said, “The healthcare facilities where our students gain their clinical experience now use digital systems.

As a result, our classroom and laboratory teaching and learning must reflect this trend and prepare students to be knowledgeable with these technological advances in clinical practice.”

Equipped with individual PCs, students will more easily be able to access digital images as well as resources such as instructional software and related web sites.

On October 6, 2006, Gannon honored four individuals as Distinguished Alumni for their service to his or her profession, community, faith, and alma mater. Front row from left to right: Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.; Judith L. Jacobus, M.D., ’82, Monsignor Wilfrid J. Nash Principles of Christian Conduct Award; Dana M. Fallon, Esq., ’91,Young Alumna Award; Robert P. Baker ’72, Business Administration. Back row from left to right: National Alumni Association President Russell J. Forquer ’71, and Richard H. Heibel, M.D., ’68, Biology.

Eatery Renovations Students this fall were offered a variety of new food choices on campus, ranging from Mexican cuisine in the expanded Knight’s Cove to specialty coffee drinks in the new Intermezzo Café on the second floor of the Palumbo Academic Center. Students in Zurn also now have food choices right in their building with a food cart that offers both breakfast and lunch.

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Students enjoy Mexican cuisine at Border Town, one of the renovated eateries on campus. The old Knight’s Cove now holds both Border Town and Deli Cove.

NewsNotes

Gannon Received More Than $170,000 in Grants In addition to the $4 million grant that Gannon received for the Erie Technology Incubator, different aspects of the University were awarded more than $170,000 in grant monies during the past six months.

Teaching Standards. The longterm goal of these Centers is to improve the quality of classroom instruction across the State as part of Governor Ed Rendell’s professional development initiative to boost student achievement by improving the quality of teaching.

The Villa Maria School of In the realm of student life, the Nursing was awarded two University was awarded $11,500 grants in the total amount by the Pennsylvania Liquor ConAssociate Professor of Nursing Janet Friedman ’81VMC of $86,000 for the 2006trol Board to support its mission (center) works with nursing students collecting data.

07 academic year. Of that, of preventing underage and high$78,000, provided by the Pennsylvania Higher Educarisk alcohol use by students. Gannon will use the grant to tion Foundation, will be used to provide scholarships to fund its ongoing P.R.O.M.I.S.E. undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers as (Promoting Responsible Ongoprofessional nurses or as nurse educators. The additional ing Management in Social $8,000, granted by National City Bank, will be dedicatEnvironments) effort. ed specifically to assisting low-income individuals who are pursuing a degree and career in nursing.

Gannon was also one of only four schools in PennsylvaDr. Garibaldi nia to be chosen by the Commonwealth as a Center for and students at Teaching Excellence and was awarded a $75,000 grant. the 2006-07 These Centers are strategically located throughout the P.R.O.M.I.S.E. state and will work together to help Pennsylvania educaphoto shoot. tors pursue the profession’s gold standard for excellence: certification by the National Board for Professional

Gannon Football Gains New Head Coach Former Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) coach Jim Kiernan joins the University as the new head football coach. A proven winner in the rugged Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), Kiernan has spent the last eight seasons as the Saginaw Valley State assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. SVSU went 69-24 (.742) overall and 62-17 (.785) in GLIAC contests during Kiernan’s tenure. The program advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament five times in the last seven seasons, including three trips to the Elite Eight. SVSU was ranked among the New Head Football Coach Jim Kiernan fields media questions at his welcoming press conference in the Old Main Board Room. nation’s top 25 the last seven seasons and rose to the No. 1 ranking in the country during the 2003 campaign. standing, and his experience will help our student-athletes “Gannon is pleased to welcome a head football coach of perform well in the classroom and on the playing field,” the caliber of Jim Kiernan. His record of success is outsaid President Antoine M. Garibaldi.

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NewsNotes

Schuster Events Schuster Art Gallery

January 22 – March 2 Stairways Center for Behavioral Health, Center for Arts and Humanities March 12 – April 13 The paintings of E. Charney, professor of art, Wittenberg University April 16 – May 4 Gannon University Faculty/Student Art Show

Erie Chamber Orchestra

March 16, 7:30 p.m.

Soloist: Anna Myer – Flute First United Methodist Church, 707 Sassafras Street April 13, 7:30 p.m.

Soloist: Elizabeth Etter – Harpsichord Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, Gannon June 9, 7:30 p.m.

The Music of Aaron Copland St. Patrick’s Church, 130 East 4th Street

Gannon University Schuster Theater

Tartuffe, by Molieré A new adaptation by Ranjit Bolt/Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Directed by Paula Barrett February 8-10 & 15-17 Plaza Suite, by Neil Simon Alex Clemente Fundraiser, with Rev. Shawn Clerkin and Paula Barrett Directed by David Matthews March 17-18 Dead Man Walking, by Tim Robbins Adapted from the book Dead Man Walking,

by Sister Helen Prejean Directed by Ed Helenski ’89 April 19-22 & 26-28

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Faculty and Staff News

Elisa M. Konieczko, Ph.D., ’84 Associate Professor of Biology and director of Gannon’s LECOM Medical and Pre-Pharmacy programs, has been appointed to two national committees. She is serving a two-year term on the education committee of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).

The committee focuses on biology education at all levels and sponsors several activities at the ASCB’s annual meeting, including an Education Initiative Forum. The committee also coordinates numerous outreach activities.

In addition, Konieczko is serving a three-year term on the public policy committee of the American Association of Anatomists, an organization that represents anatomists before Congress and federal agencies on key budget and regulatory issues, including National Institutes of Health funding and stem cell research.

Associate Professor of English Berwyn Moore received the Magliocco Prize for Poetry from the Bellevue Literary Review, a journal published by the New York University School of Medicine. The award was for her poem “After the Light.”

Student News

Le Chosen to Build Leadership Skills LECOM 3+4 major Que-Anh Le was one of 50 women of color from private colleges and universities selected to participate in the Collegiate Women of Color Leadership Development Institute at the Mt. Washington Conference Center in Baltimore, Maryland, this past August. The Institute is designed to afford collegiate women of color opportunities to build and further their leadership skills. Ultimately, the program also seeks to increase both gender and ethnic diversity in the workplace. As part of the program, Le was required to design and implement an internship project focused on leadership mentoring.

Que-Anh Le, with the help of mentor and professor Elisa M. Konieczko, Ph.D., ’84 is developing a program at Gannon for female pre-professional students to begin their professional development via networking and meeting with professionals in the healthcare field.

Medeksza Awarded for Work in Artificial Intelligence Computer software/management information systems senior Robert E. Medeksza received second place in the competition for the 2006 Loebner Prize, an annual competition that awards prizes to the creators of chatterbots considered to be most humanlike. A chatterbot is a computer program designed to simulate an intelligent conversation with one or more human users via auditory or textual methods.

Robert Medeksza stands next to the image of one of his chatterbots, computer programs designed to speak as intelligent beings. Medeksza designed the bots to have different appearances (such as a human female, a cyborg, and a frog) and voices.

Medeksza traveled to London, England, this past fall to accept the award.

“The Computer and Information Science faculty are extremely proud of Robert’s success,” said Stephen T. Frezza, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of the Computer Information Sciences department. “The developers who vie for the Loebner Prize are among the best and brightest in the world. For him to perform so well in such a highly competitive contest is a tremendous accomplishment.”

Medeksza is also pursuing a degree in business administration from Gannon and has much success of his own with the company he founded at age 15­ – Zabaware, Inc. – that offers artificial intelligence software to general computer users. He has sold more than 13,000 copies of the program.

Huynh Looks at Australia’s Healthcare Senior biology major Michael Huynh traveled to Australia this past summer as part of the International Scholar Laureate Program Delegation of Medicine. While there, he attended lectures of prominent doctors and visited healthcare facilities such as Baker’s Cancer Institute, world-renowned burn units, and various hospitals. The experience allowed him to compare the universal healthcare system in Australia to the United States system. Huynh is working towards a career as a general practice surgeon.

Community Service Activities Students participated in a variety of service-learning projects throughout the Fall semester that ranged from cleaning up the community to mentoring younger students to feeding the hungry.

GIVE (Gannon’s Invitation to Volunteer Everywhere) started the semester with more than 600 students volunteering at 29 locations throughout the Erie area on a Saturday morning. Later in September, Gannon students traveled to Wayne Middle School to ask eighth-grade students to “Believe in Opportunity” as part of Western Region Service Day – a day when colleges and universities in western Pennsylvania visit schools in their communities and encourage students to stay in school. As the holiday season neared, students sought to raise money and awareness during Hunger and Homelessness Week, and the Social Work Club succeeded in hosting the 29th Annual Christmas Dinner and Wellness Fair, an event that provided dinner to nearly 900 local residents in addition to free clothing, presents, and valuable health and human services information.

In additon to these annual, organized community service efforts, students participated in many more small-scale service projects through service-learning initiatives in their classes.

Gannon students create decorations for The Erie Zoo’s “Zoo Boo” as part of GIVE Day.

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Monsignor Addison R. Yehl was a chemist by degree, but by decree, he was an alchemist of the heart. As a man who transformed minds, hearts, and souls through countenance, simplicity, and humility, he brought scientific knowledge and taught athletic skill with grace.

The passing of Monsignor Yehl, age 87, on November 22, 2006, brought a tear to many peoples’ eyes, and members of the Gannon community and the Catholic Diocese of Erie remembered him as a gentle and humble priest, advisor, professor, friend, and mentor.

The Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL, said in the funeral liturgy for Monsignor Yehl, “In his personnel folder there is one simple sentence explaining why he chose Erie: ‘I come to this Diocese because I want to teach.’ And that he did, not just in chemistry and the classroom, but in all his dealings with people. He modeled Christ in an exemplary way.”

A Life Remembered Monsignor Addison R. Yehl was ordained as a priest on May 3, 1951, at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie by the late Archbishop John Mark Gannon. Upon his ordination, he was assigned to the Gannon University Chemistry Department, where he served until August 2006 when he retired.

Before entering the priesthood, though, Addison R. Yehl had lived a life of experience. Most notably, he served his country as a captain in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. For his service, he was awarded the European African Campaign Medal with two battle stars and a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. The throes of war had an obvious affect on him, offering him experience that later transformed into advice.

“At one point during my education, I very much wanted to leave Gannon and enter the United States Army,” Toohey said. “Monsignor Yehl counseled me not to do that yet – to finish school first. It was probably the best thing that could have happened to me because it set me on the course to become who I am today.” The credibility of a former captain was no doubt highly influential in Toohey’s decision.

As a founding member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity at Gannon, Toohey interacted with Monsignor Yehl quite often and respected him as a mentor and a friend, not only to himself, but to many students. Gannon was still very much a “Newsboys’ College” during the 1950s, and most of the students in attendance held part- or fulltime jobs in addition to school. There was not much time for social interaction and the personal growth that most college students are able to experience today. This void of opportunity to socialize was one motivator behind the founding of Delta Sigma Phi, commonly known now as the Sigs.

When forming an organization, the help of a faculty member and advisor was key, and so the young men who had embarked on the journey to found a fraternity

Current Gannon Trustee Jim Toohey, Esq.,’56 was one of the many who received sound advice from Father Yehl, advice that changed the course of Toohey’s life.

Father Yehl (back row, center) joined Gannon in 1951; he is pictured here with other Gannon priests in the late 1950s.

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approached Father Yehl and asked him to be the fraternity’s advisor.

Yehl was a perfect fit for the job. Having only been on campus several years himself and already a mentor to the male residence hall, he was closer in age to the students than many of the other priests teaching at that time and had developed friendships with the students.

“In his personnel folder there is one simple sentence explaining why he chose Erie: ‘I come to this Diocese because I want to teach.’”

Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL at Monsignor Yehl’s Eulogy Mass

“Monsignor Yehl had a major role in academics, athletics, and spirituality,” Toohey said. “He was involved with everyone, and he had already been instrumental in organizing intramural sports.

He very obviously took a personal interest in the students and wanted to provide them with many opportunities to grow.

He was present in all aspects of development in college life at that time.”

Today, the Yehl Ballroom rests just above where the students met for conversation and socializing half a century ago.

on his face indeed was indicative of finding beauty in the world around him. He also brought a beauty of his own into the world, helping others to enjoy simplicity and appreciate life no matter what it handed them.

Joe Mattis ’69 wrote in an article for the Erie Times-News not long after Monsignor Yehl’s passing: “He would have winced if he could have read his obituary. First off was the name. Yes, ‘The Reverend Monsignor Addison R. Yehl’ was correct. But it was too formal. To his friends, and he had so many, and to his family he was simply Father Yehl, or Bud.”

Monsignor Yehl truly was a humble man who disliked time in the spotlight. Although he excelled in everything that he did – ministering, teaching, coaching tennis, mentoring – he rarely would take credit or allow others to honor him at events. He even resisted the honor of being named a Chaplain of His Holiness with the title Monsignor by Pope Father Yehl (right) enjoys Gannon’s first alumni John Paul II in 1994. It was weekend in 1966 with Charles Lundy (left) and for the reputation of Gannon Athletic Director Bud Elwell (center).

University and the desire of his Monsignor Yehl attended friends and students to see him honored that finally allowed him nearly 100 percent of the basketball games that took to accept the title – it was for others’ benefit. place at Gannon throughout his entire life, and in addition to rooting support, he taught Monsignor Yehl’s wish for others to benefit extended beyond students to play tennis and to sail boats in Gannon’s campus as well, into soup kitchens and hospitals where the bay. It was his complete immersion others were in need of grace, friendship, and love. Throughout into student life that made Yehl so his life, he provided weekend Mass assistance at several local present and important parishes, including lengthy periods at St. Patrick and St. John to students. the Baptist parishes in Erie, and for twenty years before passing, he served the Emmaus Soup Kitchen on a regular basis and “He was a man of humility and distributed food bags twice a week at Emmaus Food Pantry. caring,” said the Most Reverend Most recently he provided chaplaincy services to Health South Joseph C. Gregorek, Professor Rehabilitation Hospital. of Biology – a good friend of Monsignor Yehl. “He was taught by First and foremost, and shown through dedication, humility, and the Franciscan Order, and the theory sacrifice, Monsignor Yehl was a devoted priest. It was through behind how he chose to live life God’s work that he touched so many lives, brightened so many was to see the beauty in the world smiles, and enriched so many students and friends. and enjoy it.”

He will truly be remembered as an alchemist of the heart who The twinkle in Monsignor Yehl’s brought beauty and simplicity into our lives, blessing the world with eyes and the constant, peaceful smile purity and humility – gifts far more valuable than earthly gold.

The simple history of Yehl’s presence on campus was that he was a Professor of Chemistry. From 1951 until 1978, he served as the chemistry department chair, and he taught five decades of students the workings of the elements, their atoms, how they formed molecules, and how those molecules could be manipulated to solve problems in the modern world. But most students who knew him were affected not only by his teachings, but by his humility, wit, and love for athletics.

Father Yehl coached the 1957 Gannon Tennis Team.

Still very active in 1980, Father Yehl continued to serve as a professor of chemistry.

Jeffrey E. Flynn ’66 (Delta Sigma Phi) presents a commemorative plaque to Monsignor Yehl in the late 1990s when the Yehl Ballroom was dedicated to him.

Father Yehl poses with the officers of Delta Sigma Phi in 1957.

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Transparent Science

How the new Zurn Science Center will make transparent the barriers of laboratory walls

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cience labs can be mysterious and curious places filled with wires and equipment and flasks and liquid that, when combined, transform to unlock facts and knowledge. To Gannon’s science majors­ – both current and past – these labs are home, where they learned the basics of chemistry, biology, engineering, and health sciences.

Campaign Update

To those not yet in the labs, these rooms might seem a bit intimidating, just as intimidating as the materials of organic chemistry, cellular biology, and computer engineering taught within them – intimidating enough that prospective students might opt not to follow their dreams of becoming a scientist, engineer, or doctor.

The building plans for the renovation of Zurn Science Center suggest ways to tear down these figurative barriers that keep students from ever reaching the lab. Make the barriers between human learning and scientific knowledge transparent. Create spaces that encourage discussion, allow for sharing of ideas, and transform knowledge. Build a center for students to be human in, and scientists will grow there.

Gannon contracted the architectural firm Burt Hill to design renovations for the Zurn Science Center at the beginning of The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign. The project manager, Michael Reagan, happened to be highly involved in an informal national alliance working to build strong learning environments for undergraduate students called Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL).

ways to work in the system, to follow their passions, without being fearful. They need to feel the curiosity of scientists,” Nelson said.

The newly designed space within Zurn, once renovated, will keep people actively engaged in learning science and encourage them to continue.

Nelson remembers what it was like to be a science student, and he has realized his dream of becoming a scientist. Today, he is the scientific cofounder and senior director of chemistry for Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Exploratory Chemistry in Boston, Massachusetts. Before embarking in the business, Nelson taught science as professor of chemistry at Tufts University. So, he understands science, how it is learned, how it is taught, and how it works in the marketplace.

With his experiences, he has found that the most important aspect to the continuation of scientific knowledge is good teachers.

“Chemistry is scary, and bad science instructors scare people away from chemistry,” he said. Gannon, as a teaching university with dynamic faculty who care about students, has that aspect solidly in place. Now, Gannon just needs the facility to make the experience even better.

“The plans are good plans,” Nelson said. “It’s important now that Gannon expands its scientific abilities, including research, because all the area colleges are strong in science. Gannon needs to stay in the competition.”

t Update Campaign

According to the PKAL web site, Project Kaleidoscope “focuses on building learning environments that attract and sustain undergraduate students to the study of [science, technology, engineering, and mathematical] fields and motivate them to consider careers in related fields.” What do these environments look like? Transparent, of course.

The plans for the Zurn Science Center Renovation incorporate open areas for students to gather, study, and discuss ideas that they are approaching in the classrooms and labs. Additionally, extensive enhancements throughout the entire building will transform the space into a state-of-the-art facility that enhances learning and research, attracts the best students and faculty, and increases Gannon’s role in the scientific community.

Gannon Trustee Mark Nelson, Ph.D., ’83 understands the intimidation that often comes with learning science and how important it is that students overcome their fears of difficult science classes. “It’s crucial that the science students of today find

he plans for renovation have been supported by several foundations and corporations, including The George I. Alden Trust, Eden Hall Foundation, FirstEnergy Foundation, Orris C. Hirtzel and Beatrice Dewey Hirtzel Memorial Foundation, National City Bank of Pennsylvania, and National Fuel Gas Company. Foundations and individual donors together have committed $547,130 to the Zurn Science Center Renovation thus far.

Donations to The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign will not only support the Zurn Science Center Renovations, but will also provide students with additional scholarship opportunities and offer resources for faculty research. The Campaign overall has raised $18,015,129, sixty percent of its $30 million goal. Of the final monies raised, $13 million will enhance Gannon’s endowment, $7.5 million will be added to the Annual Fund, and $9.5 million will contribute to the Zurn Science Center Renovation.

For more information on how you can help make transparent the barriers of laboratory walls or contribute to the Campaign in other ways, contact Susan Black-Keim, Vice President of University Advancement, at (814) 871-7464 or blackkei001@gannon.edu.

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Rockin’the Boat

by John Chacona

The ad man and creative guru Tom Leonard once said, “Advertising is the rock ‘n’ roll of the business world.”

p

erhaps so, but for their time on stage, the neatly dressed trio from High Tide Advertising looked more like CPAs than like INXS while they rocked the signature boat of Lake Erie.

There was a lot at stake for Christine Funk, Carolyn Lawrence, and Chris Swab as they rehearsed in a meeting room on Waldron’s second floor.

The final grades in ADVC400, Integrated Marketing Campaign Development (a course in the Dahlkemper School of Business), would be determined by the quality and content of the presentation, but so would the marketing, public relations, and advertising strategy for the Flagship Niagara League, the Erie nonprofit corporation that oversees the Erie Maritime Museum.

The campaign being presented by High Tide was more than a classroom exercise. Three “agencies,” each composed of ADVC400 students, were competing to have their plan adopted and executed by the Flagship Niagara League in a real live advertising shootout. High Tide was competing against two other agencies, Imagine It Advertising, composed of students Tiffany Barandi, Meghan Rowe, and Erica Scaife; and Little Black Book Creatives, composed of students Lauren Benedict, Courtney Cummings, and Antoinette Vieira.

Time to rock ‘n’ roll.

14

But not until it was time to cost out different media, identify target

audiences, establish budgets and timelines – the streetlevel work of the real-life advertising professional.

Anne O’Neill-Klemensic, Director of the Advertising Communications Marketing Program, was once one of those professionals, serving as an account executive with one of the area’s largest and most creative advertising agencies. She estimated that she had been involved in dozens of such advertising shootouts, and she knew the value of being prepared.

“In advertising, it isn’t just about looking at the structure of a radio spot and analyzing it, but actually writing one,” she said. Students “have to build a portfolio, so that when they go out on an interview, they can show what they’ve done, not just talk about what they know.”

a

t 50 pages or so, the marketing plans developed by the three ADVC400 “agencies” are a strong foundation for any portfolio, and a departure from the philosophy of teaching students merely to write clever headlines or find arresting photography.

O’Neill-Klemensic’s is an eminently pragmatic and wellconsidered approach to the advertising industry, and it emerged from her first years teaching advertising.

She developed and designed the ADVC400 class six years ago, and since then, Gannon students taking the course

Carolyn Lawrence Hometown

Frederick, Maryland Profile

have provided well-researched advertising campaigns – at no cost – to local nonprofit agencies such as the Downtown Improvement District (DID), YMCA, Family Services of NW PA, the Erie Zoo, and The Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Graduated May 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a minor in psychology; will graduate May 2007 again with a Bachelor of Science in marketing with a minor in advertising communications Career goals

currently a graduate assistant at Hamot Medical Center as a technical writer; hopes to continue in the healthcare industry in marketing

“I came from an account services background,” O’NeillKlemensic recalls, “So, I felt advertising students had to understand business. My Ad Comm kids leave with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, and with one exception, they take all the courses business majors take. They can say to clients, ‘Wait, does this make good business sense, or is it just a cool idea?’”

s

ometimes, of course, it’s both, and the winning plan presented by the seniors who comprised High Tide Advertising had both – 90 pages of them. Still, the three were surprised by their own creativity.

“When we did our preliminary interviewing, the client [Barbara Johnson of The Flagship Niagara League] gave us strong hints as to what she wanted,” says Carolyn Lawrence.

“We expected to see those in [the other agencies’ plans], but everybody approached the project in different ways.”

Whatever the approach, O’Neill-Klemensic shepherded the student agencies along over the course of the Fall Semester, through a rigorous, multistage process. The presentations before the Niagara League representatives were the culmination of a process that questioned, honed, and developed the students’ ideas and assumptions.

At the beginning of the semester, students were required to present an outline of their potential approach, which would be refined through three drafts before it was presented to the client. The presentation itself accounted for only ten percent of the students’ final grade, even though it was perhaps the most pressure-filled moment of the semester.

How did the winning team feel about its performance?

Christopher Swab Hometown

Brookville, Pennsylvania Profile

Advertising communications major; Extracurricular activities: fullback on the Gannon Football team; business manager for the Gannon Knight; member of the Gannon Advertising Club Career goals

16

earn a Master of Business Administration degree from Gannon and pursue a career in advertising sales

“We were nervous at the beginning, but we settled in,” says Christine Funk. But Lawrence admits, “We were not the best presentation. We were not as comfortable in our shoes as the others, and we had fewer visuals.”

So, what factor raised High Tide Advertising above their peers?

“The Niagara League representatives said that everything we presented, every tactic we proposed reflected back on their organization’s mission,” says Chris Swab.

O’Neill-Klemensic also noticed High Tide’s focus. “They were always a very strong, detail-oriented group. They always understood the requirements of the project and knew the amount of work that it was going to take and how to present it. This group just gelled,” she said.

Still, she admits, “This year, I thought all three groups could conceivably win.”

The Niagara League’s Barbara Johnson concurs. “All three groups did well,” she said. “The group we selected was probably more diverse in their recommendations, and their plan was comprehensive. We really didn’t know what to expect, but they came through.”

It’s a testament to the quality not only of the students in the advertising communications program, but also of the thoroughgoing nature of the program itself. “The whole project is a learning experience,” O’Neill-Klemensic said, “but they’re also learning about experience. They share with me and with their supervisor, so they get experience on two fronts. They know what their teacher wants, but also what an industry professional suggests.”

g

sides of the business. I talked about making tight deadlines, and I think our students leave as much stronger business people.”

That’s the advantage of going to Gannon University and being in a class of 15 or 20. They’re all doing the work, not just sitting in a lecture hall with 200 kids.

And the advantage pays off.

Sonya Pyle ’04, marketing coordinator at Erie’s Saint Vincent Health System, was a dual-major Advertising Communications and Business Administration graduate of Gannon.

When she was pursuing her Master of Science in public relations from Syracuse University’s renowned Newhouse School, she told O’Neill-Klemensic, “My classes here are just expansions of what I learned at Gannon. I couldn’t have been better prepared.”

It’s a feeling the three members of the winning High Tide Advertising team will soon know. When asked what she thought about Leonard’s “rock ‘n’ roll” quote, Lawrence smiled broadly and said, “People don’t think business is creative, but advertising is. That’s why I’m there.”

annon alumna, Melanie Whaley ’95, a sales representative at WJET-TV, the ABC affiliate in Erie, was the professional who served as a supervisor for High Tide. Her Christine Funk role, O’Neill-Klemensic said, was to Hometown bring a professional perspective to the Mars, Pennsylvania students’ work. “I see all three groups’ Profile work, and I look at grammar or strucMarketing major; ture. On the other hand, supervisors Advertising can say, ‘I tried this or that before, and communications minor it didn’t work.’ Supervisors are great Career goals for the students­ – how often do you currently a co-op with get the feedback of a person who’s Adecco Engineering onnot your boss or your client?” site at GE Transportation.

Hopes to attend graduate O’Neill-Klemensic is quick to point school and eventually work out that the pragmatic, results-based at an advertising agency approach to the discipline is also one that is shared by the Gannon faculty.

“Most of us at Gannon have been in the business and can talk about our business experiences. I talked about the constant conflict between the account services and creative

17

AlumniFocus

Jonathan S. DeArment ’97 The challenges American manufacturers face during this time of globalization are great. As the vice president for manufacturing and engineering of Channellock, the challenges that Jonathan DeArment ’97 faces are no exception. But Channellock and DeArment have an ace in the hole that separates them from the competition – a strong family tradition.

Channellock was founded a century ago by DeArment’s great-great grandfather, George B. DeArment. As a blacksmith in the late 1800s, George would forge hand tools throughout the winter in his hometown of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania. During the warmer months, he would take a horse and wagon down the east coast selling his goods along the way.

This was the beginning of Channellock, one of the best brands in the hand tool industry. Today, Channellock touts more than 400 employees, three manufacturing facilities, and a product line of 120 different styles and sizes of tools. Channellock ships worldwide from Meadville, Pennslyvania, as one of only a few plier manufacturers left in the country.

Name Jonathan S. DeArment ’97

Professional Affiliations

Chairman of the Precision Manufacturing Institute’s Board of Directors Board Member of the Hand Tool Institute, and chairman of the manufacturing technology committee Member of the American Production and Inventory Control Society

Family

wife Dana (Lace) ’97, son William, daughters Katelyn and Lauren

“Every single professor I met influenced my life in a positive way.”

18

Even more impressive are the basic principles that Channellock has carried down through five generations: good management is never far from the factory floor, people count more than machines, bigger does not always mean better, and dedication to excellence is the surest way to surmount adversity and to prosper.

Jonathan DeArment formally joined the family business in 1996 and not long after, oversaw the opening of the third manufacturing plant and a initiative called the Solar project, which was intended to develop new processes that would reduce the cost of manufacturing pliers.

Having the opportunity to be in his position is one of Jonathan’s greatest career accomplishments. He said, “Channellock is in an important position right now; there are not many U.S. plier manufacturers left. We have to stay competitive. I feel that my family has put a lot of trust in me by placing me in this position – it’s a challenging and rewarding responsibility.”

Helping to carry on the family business for DeArment is an awesome opportunity, but also a challenge. He’s worked hard and intends to continue to do so to carry on the respectable and ever-growing tradition of combined innovation and business sense that has developed Channellock into a one-of-a-kind manufacturer over the last five generations.

His experiences at Gannon University set the stage for him to carry on that tradition.

“I felt very comfortable at Gannon,” Jonathan said. “It was far enough away from home that I could grow and learn from a college experience, and every single professor I met influenced my life in a positive way.” That experience stuck with him, and today, his best advice to current students is that they “need a broad education.

To be in business, students have to develop good people skills and be able to work as a team.”

The well-rounded experience that Jonathan received at Gannon just a decade ago continues to impact Gannon students of today, and Jonathan, along with so many Gannon alumni, sets the example of ethical leadership and applying the quality education in a successful career. As the world continues to grow and change, students will be prepared to face new challenges, just as DeArment has.

FacultyFocus

Delayne Shah, Ph.D. Most professors know that there is an art to teaching – a craft that one develops with time, experience, and general concern for the education of students.

Delayne Shah, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education, brings new literal meanings to the art of teaching. She finds practical implementations of art, ranging from drawing to writing to musical composition, when explaining and showing pedagogical techniques.

“Students are very responsive to the variety of activities that we have in class,” she said. “In a class about special education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, students learned yoga – an activity that most were not familiar with. This gave them the opportunity to take a risk they normally wouldn’t take and also to experience learning something brand new to them, like a toddler would.” Other activities that Shah has used include poetry and song writing, contour drawing, and painting.

The technique brings an element of human diversity to Dr. Shah’s classes.

She said, “The activities we do in class are never meant to embarrass or humiliate the students, and nothing is ever forced. It’s really about giving students the opportunity to see life from another perspective and use the arts to learn about ideas and to appreciate human diversity.”

The technique also allows Dr. Shah to exemplify how educators combine knowledge of content with pedagogical knowledge when teaching. As the instructor, Shah explains the knowledge of the content that must be passed on. Then, she engages the students in a classroom activity that encourages them to apply the knowledge they have gained. The role-playing nature of this technique demonstrates how a teacher uses knowledge of content in combination with knowledge of how to teach (pedagogy), and it helps students learn about education at deeper levels.

Name

Delayne Connor Shah, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education

Education

Ph.D. in Special Education from Kent State University M.Ed. in Reading Specialization from Kent State University B.A. in Art Education from Hiram College

Service

Artist; created 125 drawings of Early Bronze Age artifacts for the Khirbet Iskandar Archaeological Expedition, 2004 Docent; Art-To-Go Project for the Cleveland Museum of Art, 1998-2002

Publications

“Gifted Adolescents’ Use of Metacognitive Strategies When Composing Expository Discourse,” in B.S. Myles & L. Aylward, Sailing the Sea of Knowledge: A Symposium of Global Ideas “Composing Processes and Writing Instruction at the Middle/Junior High School Level,” in Theory Into Practice 25(2)

It’s a far cry from lecture halls and memorization exams. And it’s a method that touts how dynamic the Gannon faculty is.

Dr. Shah’s original intent when she was young was actually to be an artist, and obviously, her love and talent for art have stayed with her. It wasn’t until she worked in a literacy program for impoverished neighborhoods through Hiram College as an undergraduate student that she discovered both her talent and love for teaching. After earning her master’s degree, she taught at elementary and middle school levels until she was recruited to teach at the higher education level. Although she had never expected to become a professor, she loved teaching at the college level.

Since then, she has melded the two aspects of art and education into a unique and successful career in higher education. She specializes in Special Education and finds opportunities to work with children in the arts on a volunteer basis and also brings art into her classrooms at Gannon whenever she can.

“It’s really about giving students the opportunity to see life from another perspective...”

19

by Dan Teliski ’97, Gannon Sports Information Director

Sixteen all-conference selections, six academic all-district honorees and six all-region players highlighted Gannon’s fall season. The awards and accolades continued Gannon’s fine showing in the classroom and in competition.

Football The Gannon football team struggled through a 1-10 campaign in 2006, but the season did not conclude without some fabulous individual accomplishments.

Dan Tomko led a group of seven Golden Knights who received AllGreat Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) accolades, being named to the All-GLIAC second Brendan McNicholas team. Dave Conway, Sam Culberth, Donald Germany, Sean Hoffman, Brandon Jones, and Rich Lee were named to the All-GLIAC honorable mention squad.

Tomko ranked second among GLIAC players and fifth nationally in tackles per game (10.5).The Sharon, Pennsylvania, native concluded his career fifth all-time at Gannon with 262 career tackles.

Brendan McNicholas and Rich Lee were rewarded for their combined effort in the classroom and on the field.The two were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II football teams.

Volleyball The Gannon volleyball team finished 9-14 overall and 5-12 in conference play. It was a season of growth for the Lady Knights, who improved their victory total from last year by four both overall and within conference play.

Marcie Soltesz and Katie Flower were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II volleyball teams. Soltesz, who was also named to the All-GLIAC honorable mention team, was selected to the All-District II first team.The Venango, Pennsylvania, native concluded her career seventh all-time at Gannon with 1,164 career digs. In the classroom, the English/secondary education major owns a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point average.

20

Flower was named to the All-District II second team for the second time in her career. As a physician assistant major, Flower has produced a 3.93 cumulative grade-point average.

Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team continued its steady play, remaining ranked regionally throughout the entire season. Gannon caught fire down the stretch as usual, producing its second unbeaten streak of at least six matches in the last two seasons. The Golden Knights finished the season 11-6-1, posting 11 victories for the first time since 2003. The squad reached double digits in victories for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

One of the season’s highlights was head coach Rob van Rheenen recording his 100th career victory, a thrilling 3-2 win at conference rival Findlay. Jonathan Whiley scored the game-winning goal with nine seconds remaining in regulation.

The victory set off a celebration for the 10th-year head coach, who became the second coach in school history to record 100 career victories.

Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh and Rudi Costa were named to the Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region men’s soccer teams. Kolkenbeck-Ruh was one of four defenders named to the all-region first team. Costa was one of three forwards named to the all-region second team.

Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer program continued to improve under seventh-year head coach Colin Petersen. The Lady Knights improved their record for the third consecutive season, finishing 9-10-1 overall. It was a two-game improvement from a 7-11-1 record in 2005. A loss in the regular-season finale prevented the Lady Knights from posting their first winning season since 1999.

Gannon landed four players on the Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region women’s soccer teams. Jamie Shadd, who was earlier named to the All-GLIAC second team, was selected to the first team after leading the team in goals (12) and points (26).

Colleen Schwarz, Laura Piazza, and Chantelle Both were selected to the all-region second team. Courtney Rowan was named to the All-GLIAC second team for the second consecutive season.

In addition, two women’s soccer players were honored for excellence as true student-athletes. Schwarz and Megan Coe were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II first team. In the classroom, Schwarz, a physician assistant major, has a 3.98 cumulative gradepoint average. Coe, a biology major, has been perfect in the classroom with a 4.0 grade-point average.

Colleen Schwarz

AthleteFocus

Mike Mion

Women’s & Men’s Cross Country The Gannon cross country teams recorded a pair of 12th-place finishes at the 2006 GLIAC Championships. The women’s team tied for 12th with 345 points. Brittany Zaborowski was Gannon’s top female runner, placing 60th with a time of 23 minutes and 51 seconds.

The women’s season was highlighted with a first-place finish at the Le Moyne Invitational and a dual victory against rival Mercyhurst. Zaborowski led the Lady Knights to the victory against Mercyhurst, winning the individual race in 20 minutes and 17 seconds.

The men’s team finished 12th at the GLIAC Championships with 346 points. Mike Mion was Gannon’s top male runner, placing 54th with a time of 27 minutes and one second.

Men’s Golf The men’s golf team continued its recent success under head coach Tom Simmons. One year after finishing third at the 2005 GLIAC Championships, the Golden Knights placed second at this year’s championships.

Gannon was in third place after each of the first two rounds, but rallied to finish second with a 297 during the final round. Two golfers finished the fall season with scoring averages under 75 strokes: Mitch Molen (73.9) and Jon Merriott (74.2). Merriott finished in the top 20 during all five events, including two top-10 finishes.

Men’s Water Polo Teams always talk about wanting to play their best at the end of the season. There couldn’t have been a better example than the Gannon men’s water polo team. After dropping 10 of their first 13 matches, the Golden Knights exploded under second-year head coach Kyle Witt. The squad won its final two regularseason matches, including a 13-10 victory over rival Mercyhurst in the season finale. The win gave Gannon the 2006 Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) South Division, Western Region regular-season title.

Gannon then went on to have a successful showing at the CWPA Southern Division Championships, where the Golden Knights finished fifth. It was the program’s highest finish ever at the CWPA Southern Division Championships.

The Golden Knights were ranked 10th in the final CWPA Top-10 poll.

Midfielder Jamie Shadd lets nothing – even injuries – stand in her way when accomplishing her goal of being the best player and student possible.

Academically, Shadd, elementary and special education major, is considered a senior at Gannon, but due to three major knee injuries, she completed only her sophomore season on the soccer field in 2006. Still, it was a season to remember.

When Shadd arrived on campus as a freshman in 2003, she started in the first four matches of the season with the promise of rocking the field all four years. Unfortunately, she had to wait to show off just how talented she was. During the fourth match of her freshman season, Shadd suffered a torn ACL in her right knee, and it was the beginning of a challenge she hadn’t expected – long and arduous rehabilitation.

Shadd returned for the 2004 season and started in 16 matches, building on the reputation she had begun in 2003. But, the fairytale came to a standstill once again in 2005, when her left ACL tore during an exhibition game. Having been down the road of rehabilitation before, Shadd pushed herself to recover quickly, only to get knocked over in the first game for which she returned to the field. The push sent her back to the bench with yet another severe knee injury.

“I rushed coming back during the 2005 season, and I returned before I was really ready,” she admits. It was a hard lesson to learn, as rehabilitation forced her to put her passion for soccer on hold. “I realized that by rushing, I wasn’t helping myself or the team,” she said.

With that in mind and with support from her teammates, coach, and family, she did what she had to do and waited out the injury.

When she returned to the field, Shadd came back in full force to show just how much she could really do, setting a school record of four goals during one game and leading the team to a 7-0 victory in the season opener against St. Joseph’s, Indiana.

Shadd’s love for soccer will always be a part of her; even now she spends her spare time coaching for community soccer leagues.

21 Paul Musille

1958

THEODORE DISANTIS, D.D.S. was selected for inclusion in the current edition of The Best Dentists in America.

1962

JOSEPH J. GAETA

was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

1963

ROBERT C. POMMER

received the Fraternalist of the Year award by the United Commercial Travelers.

1964

ROBERT J. JANOSKY

1966

JAMES R. BORIS ’73M

has been elected to the Midwest Airlines board of directors.

He is chairman of JB Capital Management, LLC. FRANK E. HAGAN, PH.D.

was selected for the Mercyhurst 2006 Teaching Excellence Award.

Dr. Hagan is a criminal justice and sociology professor, director of the James V. Kinnane Graduate Program in Administration of Justice, and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Mercyhurst College.

MARLENE (KRUG) TRAMBLEY (VMC)

graduated from LECOM’s pharmacy program and is currently the staff pharmacist at Tops Market.

1968

has been hired by Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. as vice president of manufacturing and has TIMOTHY J. HOLLAND ’68M been appointed as the president was inducted into the Pennsylvania and COO of NanoInk, Inc. Sports Hall of Fame.

JOSEPH E. JOZEFCZYK

retired from the U.S. General Accounting Office.

alumcal 2007

February 22

Lunch ‘n’ Learn Series Dr. Carl Hultman, Professor of Chemistry, will present “Nanotechnology, what is it and how will it change your future.”

Boardroom, Old Main

February 24

The Gannon University Alumni Association hosts a pre-game reception for the basketball face-off between the Knights and Mercyhurst Lakers.

Waldron Campus Center

March 15

22

Lunch ‘n’ Learn Series Ted Marnen, Assistant Director of Campus Police and Safety, discussing “MySpace and Facebook

GIANNI DEVINCENT-HAYES, PH.D. (VMC)

GERALD J. MALYS has been appointed as senior vice president and CFO for Apex Silver Mines.

MELVIN WITHERSPOON

has been appointed to the Clarion University Council of Trustees.

1970

STEPHEN J. GRILLI

is an inductee in the Gannon Hall of Fame and a former player with the Detroit Tigers.

WILLIAM J. PEPICELLO, PH.D.

has been elected as president of the University of Phoenix.

Dr. Pepicello has been with the University since 1995.

1971

SISTER MARY M. MCCARTHY, RSN ’71M

received the Papal Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (for Church and Pope). Sister Mary is the retired director of religious education at St. Peter Cathedral Center, Erie.

October 19-21

– Just how safe is the Internet?” Alumni/ae Homecoming/ Boardroom, Old Main Reunion Weekend Gannon University, Erie

April 19

Lunch ‘n’ Learn Series Parris Baker ’92, Assistant Professor, Social Work, presenting “African American Fathers: An Afro-centric Approach.”

Boardroom, Old Main

The Campaign Is Coming To You March 2007

May 21

Washington, D.C. California

12th Annual Pittsburgh Scholarship Golf Tournament Sewickley Heights Golf Club, Pittsburgh

May 24

20th Annual Erie Scholarship Golf Tournament Lake Shore Country Club

Tennessee

has been honored by the University of Maryland with the establishment of the Papers of Gianni DeVincent-Hayes, an archive of her work, in the Special Collections of the University Libraries.

1972

ROBERT P. BARKER

has been appointed to the newly created position of senior vice president, operating officer, for Parker Hannifin Corporation.

MARY L. ECKERT (VMC) ’77M

recently received the 2006 Service Award from the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA). Eckert is president and CEO of Millcreek Community Hospital.

1973

DONALD M. CARLSON

is partnering with other business owners to develop the 17 Hotel, to be located in the five floors above Pittsburgh’s Nakama Japanese steak house restaurant.

TIMOTHY J. FLANAGAN, PH.D.

has been selected as the next president of Framingham State College.

1975

KHALIL G. RABAT ’75M

was recently appointed as a member of the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority’s board of directors by Governor Ed Rendell.

ROGER L. BRUMAGIN, PHARM.D.

April 2007

has accepted a position as assistant professor at LECOM School of Pharmacy.

May 2007

1976

Ohio

For more information or to register for any events, contact Michele Potter at potter006@ gannon.edu or 1-877-GUAlums, ext. 1.You can also visit the online alumni community at www.gannonalumni.org.

DAVID W. GRZELAK ’76M

has been appointed as an independent director and member of the audit committee for the Alamo Group’s board of directors.

Grzelak is chairman and CEO of Komatsu America Corporation.

1978

MARK T. BLOOMSTINE, M.D.

ANN M. NOONEN, PH.D. (VMC)

was a presenter at the Chautauqua Institution discussing new technology and techniques in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Bloomstine is an orthopedic surgeon at Saint Vincent Health Center and Orthopedic Surgeons, Inc.

has been hired as the new district director of technology/ information systems for the Erie School District.

ROBERT N. BUREK

DENNIS P. BORCZON, M.D.

recently finished 10th in two triathlons in celebration of his 50th birthday.

JOHN A. CHARTERS was among the new volunteers recently sworn in for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

VERY REV. JOHN M. SCHULTZ, JR.

has been appointed pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Erie.

1979

THOMAS E. CARLOTTI

has been appointed as the new deputy chief at the Millcreek Police Department.

MICHAEL P. GRIFFIN

has been promoted to supervisory special agent of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team and Tactical Support and Intelligence Unit, Logistics and Mobility Section.

CHARLES G. HERBST, M.D.

presented An Overview of Osteoporosis at the Chautauqua Institution. Dr. Herbst is a physician at Saint Vincent Health Center.

ROSELLE (RANDAZZO) WALKIEWICZ

is the manager of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Erie Airport West office.

1980

JAYWANT B. PANSARE ’80M

was elected chairman of the local American Society for Quality Section 0923 - Hoosier Hills, and in two years achieved the Gold Excellence Level for the section.

1981

ROBERT M. CROSS

has been appointed city controller for Oil City. Cross is the branch manager of First United National Bank.

1982

is the residency training director of the Psychiatric Residency program at Millcreek Community Hospital.

RICHARD L. DECKER, M.D.

has been appointed as vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer for Olean General Hospital.

DOUGLAS B. GRISIER, D.O.

is in practice and a professor at LECOM. RHADA (GRIMM) HARTMANN, R.N. (VMC)

received the 2005 Pennsylvania State Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing: Clinical Practice RN. Hartman is director of the Palliative Care/Bereavement Services for WellSpan Health at York Hospital,York.

PATRICIA (KROEMER) LARKIN

has joined the Erie Airport/West Regional office of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

My three-year term as president of the National Alumni Association has ended, and James Scozzie, Ph.D., ’66 assumed the role in January 2007. The past six years, as president and member of the National Alumni Board, I have experienced Gannon University at many levels, from the Board of Trustees to the friendly staff at the Carneval “Rec” center. What I have learned is that the Gannon and Villa Maria alumni should be very, very proud of Gannon University. Let me explain why.

Gannon currently has 3,815 students with 1,140 in the graduate programs; the recent freshman class consisted of 602 students, 76 percent of whom are resident students.

The Gannon student body is 63 percent women, and the top five majors of the freshman class are healthcare-related.

So, as you can see, the spirit of Villa Maria College is alive and well at Gannon today. Unequivocally, the joining of Gannon and Villa was the correct thing to do.

Gannon was rated in top tier master’s degree universities by U.S. News and World Report for the third consecutive year; it is also ranked in the top ten as a best value in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category in the Northeast.

Dr. Garibaldi’s national prominence and the endless work of his “team” have significantly raised the awareness of Gannon University throughout the country.

From the humble beginnings of Archbishop Gannon and Mother Helena, Gannon and Villa Maria have produced more than 31,000 alumni residing around the world.

Each of them can be proud of the 2007 status of Gannon University.

It has been a privilege to represent the alumni to the University. I will never forget the experience.

Thanks to each of you.

1983

HOLLY (LANDER) JODON, PA-C

presented at the 34th annual American Academy of Physician Assistant (AAPA) Conference. Jodon is an assistant professor in the physician assistant program at Gannon.

VERY REV. MICHAEL T. KESICKI

presented a program titled “Reading Scripture from a Catholic Perspective,” at the monthly Matters of Truth speaker series at St. Joseph Parish. Father Kesicki is a faculty member at Gannon.

SANDRA (DEDAD) LUTHRINGER (VMC)

is coeditor of a book, Nutritional Issues in Cancer Care, which was recently published by the Oncology Nursing Society and was awarded the 2006 Clarion

Russell Forquer ’71, President, GU Alumni Association Award. Luthringer is a clinical dietitian at the Regional Cancer Center.

JAMES W. MARTIN, CFRE

was elected to the board of directors of the Technology Council of Northwest PA. Jim is the community affairs director, NW Region, for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield headquartered in Erie.

REV. NICHOLAS J. ROUCH

has been appointed vicar for education of the Diocese of Erie.

REV. DR. JOHN P. TRIGILIO, JR.

recently presented his fifth book to Pope Benedict XVI, titled John Paul II for Dummies.

1984

JOHN R. ANDRZEJCZAK

is a senior project engineer at Merrick & Company, an engineering and architectural firm in Aurora, Colorado.

HEIDI K. HOSEY, PH.D. (VMC) ’89M

is currently part of Mercyhurst College’s West County Fundraising Campaign and is a professor at the college’s West Campus in Girard.

23

AlumNotes CAROLYN E. KNOX, MS ’96M

has joined the staff at Daisley Family Practice in Conneaut Lake as a part-time physician assistant. Knox is also an assistant professor in the physician assistant program at Gannon.

JOEL J. NATALIE, SR.

is the director of communications and outreach for McLane Church in Edinboro.

FRANK C. PREGLER, D.O.

recently passed his board recertification examination in geriatric medicine. Dr. Pregler is a staff physician at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Erie, Hamot Medical Center, and Millcreek Community Hospital.

1985

ALICE A. EDWARDS, PH.D.

was recently honored as the recipient of the 2006 David A. Portlock Outstanding International Educator Award from the Pennsylvania Council for International Education. Dr. Edwards is an associate dean of the Mercyhurst College School of Arts and Humanities.

JUDITH (SHONE) VAN RHEENEN

was honored by the Erie Otters at their Otters Champions for Education Dinner as the Distinguished Educational Service honoree.

Van Rheenen is an adult enrollment advisor for Gannon.

1987

THERESA M. DAVIS

is the new associate professor of cross-cultural performance at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

MICHAEL J. KARPIK, CSA

was appointed as a director of State Street Global Advisors (SSgA) Fixed Income Funds, PLC. JOHN A. ONORATO, ESQ. ’94M

has been named as the vice president/general counsel for the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania.

1988

MARY C. FALUSZCZAK

is currently working as an economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Consumer Price Index department.

marriages

24

Nicole N. Ambellan ’05 married Kevin Joseph Roche II May 28, 2006.

Kelly M. Becker, D.O. ’01 married Brian Jungeberg on July 8, 2006.

Daniel C. Benczkowski ’90 married Kristen Gieza on August 20, 2005.

Leanne M. Bender ’06 married Matthew D.Venesky ’04 on August 5, 2006.

Cory A. Brown, D.O. ’95 married Alicia Nardella on May 14, 2006.

Donald M. Carlson ’73 married Susan Clendenin on August 23, 2006.

Catherine Ann Cline ’00 married Kevin Michael Keller on May 27, 2006.

Kelly Grace Cortes ’02 married Nicholas James Stadler on September 24, 2005.

Mary Anne DiVito PA-C ’86 married Daniel Joseph Meade on December 31, 2005.

Sarah L. Dunmyre ’02 married Major Donald Benjamin Moor on April 8, 2006.

Jayme L. Dush ’03 married Kevin Deardorff on July 1, 2006.

Anne Elizabeth Kehrli ’02 married Jeffrey Michael Novakoski on September 3, 2005.

James B. Malezi ’96 married Menakshy Koul ’95 on May 27, 2006.

1989

the tax department of the firm’s Hendersonville office.

was promoted to senior network director for the FOX News Channel.

has been appointed as the manager of claims administration for Tube City IMS Corporation.

GREGORY E. AHLQUIST

DANA (KINGSLEY) FEDORKO

KATHE (SKOBIERANDA) BRYSON, M.D.

MARK J. KUHAR, ESQ.

participated in the first free clinic of the Pro Bono Project, a collaborative effort of the Erie County Bar Association and other JULIA (CHEMBARS) GOODING Erie organizations. has been honored with the 2005 Presidential Award for MARK A. LUNCHER, M.A. Excellence in Mathematics has joined the staff at Transformation and Science Teaching. Gooding Systems, Inc. as a transformation is a teacher at Hopewell Area consultant.

High School in Aliquippa. is a part-time rheumatologist at Arthritis Associates in Erie.

JACOB A. ROUCH

BRADLEY T. ROAE

joined Adagio Health’s board of directors. Rouch is president and CEO of Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

SUZANNE D. SEBASTIAN (VMC)

has joined the staff at SafeNet as a counselor/advocate.

1990

JAY B. BEHRENS

has joined Dixon Hughes PLLC as a senior associate in

Chad Arthur Kranz ’95 married Kathleen Alice Culbertson on May 31, 2006.

Deanna L. Leskovec ’00, ’01M married Mark J. Macioce ’03M on May 20, 2006.

Theresa M. Moenk ’05 married Brad Manfredonia ’04 in November 2005.

Anthony F. Pezzimenti ’03 married Honey Lee Marburger, CRT ’05, ’06 on August 12, 2006.

2nd Lt. Scott R. Maurer ’05 married PFC Erin J. Winkelvoss on April 29, 2006.

Stacey Marie O’Connell ’04 married Dale Robert Smith on October 8, 2005.

1st Lt. Kevin M. Ola ’04 married Erica Lynn Vlainich on August 19, 2006.

won the Republican nomination for State Representative, 6th District in the PA House of Representatives.

Roae is a commercial property/ casualty underwriter with Erie Insurance.

1991

DEACON CHARLES E. ADAMCZYK

was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Erie and has been assigned to Saint James Parish and Brevillier Village. He is currently a supply chain analyst for AMCOR PET Packaging in Erie.

Maria Adele Romano ’03 married Thomas Edward Young ’00 on May 27, 2006.

Charles Joseph Sambuchino ’02 married Mary Breanna Goss on April 22, 2006.

Elizabeth “Beth” A. Santabene ’00 married Tom Runyan on August 5, 2006.

Lisa Marie Santomaggio ’02, ’04M married Sanjin Vidakovic ’03 on September 3, 2006.

Nicole M. Sarno ’01 married Scott M. Tryon ’02 on July 8, 2006. Rev. Shawn Clerkin presided over the service.

Kathleen Brigid Wehan ’02M married Thomas G. Nies III on June 4, 2005.

Jessica Lee Zambelli ’04, ’05M married Eric Allen Osmolinski on August 20, 2005.

AlumNotes MARYANN J. DAVIS, RN, MSN, OCN

is the team leader for the supportive/palliative care team at the Regional Cancer Center in Erie.

LORIANNE FELTZ-UPPERMAN

has been promoted to senior vice president and division officer of the Erie Insurance Group’s agency division.

EDWARD M. GANGEMI

recently joined U.S. Brokerage Inc. in North East, Pennsylvania, as a registered investment representative.

BETH (BALL) PADIN, PA

has joined the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology at Dreyer Medical Clinic. Padin is a certified physician assistant.

CHRISTOPHER M. TROMBETTA

was named senior assistant vice president of Parkvale Bank.

1992

MARK L. BEGGS ’92M

is the vice president of operations and COO for Eliza Jennings Senior Care Network, Cleveland.

BONNIE M. CLARK ’92M

was recently promoted to the dean of arts and sciences for Pasco-Hernando Community College in Florida.

KATHLEEN D. ARANYOS

recently earned her certification as a senior professional in human resources, awarded by the Human Resources Certification Institute. Aranyos is the assistant vice president and manager of employee benefits at LoeselSchaaf Insurance Agency, Inc. CHRISTOPHER P. MEEHAN ’94M

is the new director of the Annual Fund at the Shippensburg University Foundation.

1993

THOMAS A. MATTINGLY, II ’93M

has a new children’s book titled The Three Pigs, Business School, & Wolfe Hash Stew.Thomas writes under the pseudonym Matthew S. Field.

JOSEPH C. DIBITETTO

has joined LeChase Construction as a project manager.

RAE DAWN (BELT) HADINGER

has started her own attorney search and placement company, Sidebar Legal Recruiting, Inc. in Los Angeles.

CARLA J. HINEMAN

is an intensive care unit nurse at Meadville Medical Center.

1994

births

a son, Cameron Joseph (December 2003) to Joseph T. Baniewicz ’93 and his wife, Lori.

SAMUEL C. ASHBAUGH

a son, Izaak Mitchell (February 2004) to Kathe F. (Skobieranda) Bryson, M.D. ’89 and her husband, Paul.

TADAS J. NORVAISA

a daughter, Sydney Violet (August 20, 2006) to Jamie (Musser), PA-C ’99 and Michael R. Dunn ’99.

is working in the City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget. has been appointed corporate controller for NewGen Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer, processor, and distributor of premium biofuels.

ANDREW F. POTALIVO, C.P.C.U.

has been named as the business development manager for Penn National Insurance.

1995

LISA (JONES) ANDREWS ’98M

has joined the psychological services department of the Northwestern School District in Albion.

MARY C. BISHOP

is a math teacher for the North Syracuse Central School District.

CORY A. BROWN, D.O.

is currently a family practitioner with Baptist Health Care in Pensacola, Florida.

MARY K. CARNEVAL, D.O.

received her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

ALLISON M. COUNASSE

recently earned a Certificate in Feature Film Writing from the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She has written two feature-length screenplays.

LEAH M. HILLGROVE

portrayed Dr. Henry Jekyll’s fiancée, Emma, in the musical Jekyll & Hyde. The musical was onstage at the Apple Hill Playhouse in Delmont, Pennsylvania.

a son, Michael Paul, II (July 28, 2006) to Torri J. Fair-Gambacorta, D.C. ’00 and her husband, Michael. a daughter, Marah Grace (February 22, 2006) to Crystal Walden Fowler, PA ’00, ’02, ’03M and her husband, Jeffrey. a son, Henry Everett (February 23, 2006) to Rae Dawn Belt Hadinger ’93 and her husband, David. a daughter, Sara Elizabeth (October 10, 2005) to Kelly J. Heeter-Yanelli ’93, ’95M and Emmanuel A. Yanelli ’93. a daughter, Cameron Marie (October 5, 2006) to Meghan N. Heil Plaxe ’00 and her husband, Brian. a son, Reece David (November 2004) to Christopher N. Johnson ’97 and his wife, Amy. a daughter, Brenna Brooke to Denise Golino Kitchen ’95 and her husband, Robert. a daughter, Kirsten Elise (June 2004) to Kirsten Miller Kneidinger ’94M and her husband, Kirk. a son, Colin William (December 22, 2005) to Kristin L. (Arndt) ’93 and Michael D. Lazzara, Esq. ’93.

a daughter, Mary Elizabeth (May 4, 2006) to Sherri L. (Turner), PA-C ’98 and Brandan E. Lloyd ’98. twins, Joseph Dominic and Rachel Katherine (February 2005) to Ronald J. Maggio ’97 and his wife, Julie. a daughter, Alexis Marie (April 10, 2006) to Stephanie (Nardine) ’99 and Ryan M. Miller ’99. a daughter, Amber Mary (February 15, 2006) to Allison M. Bourke Morrison ’99 and her husband, Brian. a daughter, Katelynn Faith (July 21, 2006) to Melanie A. (Guy) ’98 and David R. (Mathieson) Moyer, Jr.’98. a son, Jamison Luke (March 13, 2006) to Matthew D. Mullen ’95 and his wife, Stacey. a daughter, Emma Brooke (February 3, 2006) to Kelly M. (Linkowski) ’00 and Dane E. Potochny ’99, ’01M. a son, Ryan Joseph (May 18, 2006) to Donna M. Quagliana Purkey ’97 and her husband, Keith. a daughter, Francesca Rose (March 2, 2006) to Roseann M. (Evans) ’00 and Ronald Scott Russo ’00. a daughter, Meredith Antoine (May 30, 2006) to John C. Stehr ’80 and his wife, Amy. a son, Rowan Donald (March 2005) to Janet L. Kroto Weislogel ’92 and her husband, Eric. a son, Brayden Chase (August 1, 2006) to Jennifer Studnicki Wells ’95 and her husband, William. a son, Braden William (July 31, 2006) to Brooke (Allemang) ’00 and Jeffrey R. Wozniak ’99.

25

AlumNotes CHAD A. KRANZ

is a telephone cable splicer with Thayer Power and Communications.

MATTHEW D. MULLEN

is employed by Cisco Systems in Apex, North Carolina.

PENNY L. QUALLS, CPA

was elected president of the Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). Qualls is president of P.L. Qualls & Company PC, which provides small business start-up and tax services.

JOHN F. SIMORA, D.O.

recently completed a rotation internship at Millcreek Community Hospital and will continue his education as a psychiatry resident.

1996

JENNIFER (MILANO) BURNS

is a registered nurse in the neurology department at Saint Vincent Health Center in Erie.

KENNETH G. MOLINERO, JR., D.O.

recently completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Millcreek Community Hospital.

THOMAS R. PUCKETT

won two first place awards at the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association Awards.

ANN M. SILVERTHORN ’99M

was among the new volunteers recently sworn in for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

1997

JONATHAN S. DEARMENT

has been elected to a twoyear term as the chairman of the Precision Manufacturing Institute’s board of directors.

Dearment is vice president of manufacturing and engineering for Channellock.

CARL R. HOEGERL, D.O.

26

has published a handbook titled Neurology Localization.

Dr. Hoegerl is a neurologist at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.

SEENIANN JOHN, D.O.

received a Master in Public Health from Columbia University in Manhattan.

MELISSA (MCCLAIN) RODKEY ’99M

is a physical therapist at the Elyria Memorial Hospital’s Center for Fitness and Wellness in Avon, Ohio.

PATRICK M. RODKEY ’99M

currently works for Fairview Hospital Sports Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.

1998

JACQUELINE (BURKETT) BRITTON, OTR/L, SCLV, CWT

has obtained Specialty Certification in Low Vision through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Britton is the director of Occupational Therapy at Vision and Blindness Resources Erie Center.

KELLY K. BROUGHAM

is a program specialist at the Gertrude A. Barber Center.

MELODIE F. MILLER, D.O.

has joined the staff at Roland E. Miller Family Medicine Center as a family physician.

DOMINIC M. SCIAMANDA, D.O.

recently completed his family practice residency at Millcreek Community Hospital.

1999

HUSSAIN S. ALI

has started his own company that builds motorcycles in Kuwait.

MICHAEL J. DANCHANKO

is president of digital.iway, Inc., a web development company based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

JAMIE (MUSSER) DUNN, PA-C

is a physician assistant for Dr. Keith H.Wharton in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

MICHAEL R. DUNN

is an intensive care manager for LifeSpan, Inc. in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

KINO L. MORRISON

is a Virginia State Trooper.

therapist with DHL Therapy Services, Inc. in Ashtabula, Ohio.

JULIE (CHAMBERLAIN) TESLEVICH

CARRIE E. LANGER

2000

JAMES B. STAUFFER

is currently an extended day kindergarten teacher in the Greater Latrobe School District in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

JAMES G. BRECKENRIDGE ’00M

has been named interim dean of the Walker School of Business and Communication at Mercyhurst College. James is the chairman of the Mercyhurst College Department of Intelligence Studies.

MARCIA K. FARRELL, PH.D. ’00M

received her master’s degree in biological research from Duquesne University and is a biological researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Presbyterian Hospital. is a process improvement supervisor with Nestle Waters North America in Florida.

NICOLE (SARNO) TRYON

has completed her Master of Science degree at Duquesne University in Secondary Education - Chemistry. She is the activities director for City Charter High School in Pittsburgh.

has joined the faculty at Wilkes University as an assistant professor of English.

2002

JULIE (LANGER) HARTMAN ’00M

is a behavioral specialist consultant at Watson Institute in Pittsburgh.

is a family outreach coordinator at Wesley Highland School in Pittsburgh.

CRYSTAL (WALDEN) FOWLER, PA ’02 ’03M

is a physician assistant at Keystone Rural Health Consortia in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

DEANNA (LESKOVEC) MACIOCE ’01M

is a pediatric occupational therapist at Abilities First in Cincinnati, Ohio.

ROSEANN (EVANS) RUSSO

is the office manager for National City Bank in Erie.

2001

KATHLEEN (WEHAN) NIES ’02M

LISA D. REED ’02M

is the new program director for the surgical technologist department at the Great Lakes Institute of Technology.

ROBERT I. CALLAHAN

has joined the admissions staff at Ohio University.

ARIN (MISNER) DONELSON

is a quality assurance case manager for the Greater Erie Community Action Committee’s Area Agency on Aging.

HEIDI R. KROUT is an occupational therapist at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Charlottesville,Virginia.

SARAH (DUNMYRE) MOOR

is an environmental scientist for Greenhorne & O’Mara, a is the new principal at consulting firm.

Shenandoah Elementary School in the Penn Hills School ANNE (KEHRLI) NOVAKOSKI District, Pittsburgh. is a physician assistant at Lakeview Urologic Surgeons ANGELA (MEYER) ALLEN of Erie. recently joined the staff at SafeNet as a case manager in KELLY (CORTES) STADLER their TLC program. is a special education consultant/ early intervention teacher for ALEXIS (TOMASOVICH) the Northwest Tri-County LAFURIA ’02M Intermediate Unit #5 in is an early intervention and Edinboro, Pennsylvania. school-based occupational KATHLEEN A. FRIEND ’01M

AlumNotes SCOTT M. TRYON

HOLLY C. HARTLE ’05M

LISA (SANTOMAGGIO) VIDAKOVIC ’04M

1ST LT KEVIN M. OLA

owns his own construction business in the Pittsburgh area.

is a physical therapist with HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Erie.

2003

MARK J. MACIOCE ’03M

is a project manager at General Electric in the Cincinnati area.

JENNIFER D. WOODS, MPA ’03M

has joined the United Way of Erie County as its leadership giving coordinator.

JAYME (DUSH) DEARDORFF

is an occupational therapist at UPMC Northwest in Seneca, Pennsylvania. is currently stationed at Fort Gordon.

JESSICA (ZAMBELLI) OSMOLINSKI ’05M

is working in cardiovascular medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

SONYA M. PYLE

won the novice division of the Philadelphia Women’s Triathlon.

STACEY (O’CONNELL) SMITH

is a social worker at Flower Hospital.

is a third-grade teacher for the Collier County School District in Florida.

SUSAN (MILLER) VANDERVORT

BOBBY L. LETZO, MPT ’05M

MATTHEW D. VENESKY

graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Arts in teaching and received ERIN M. LANDINI ’05M has been named as the director of her Pennsylvania Instruction I Certification in Secondary Parish Social Ministry/Respect Life Office for Catholic Charities. Social Studies Education. is a physical therapist at Health South.

TROY P. RAINEY ’04

is a computer programmer at Hamot Medical Center.

SANJIN VIDAKOVIC ’03

is a soccer coach with Family First Sports Park in Erie.

2004

KELLY D. MATCZAK-BASTOW ’04M ’02C

received his Master of Science degree at John Carroll University.

2005

ZACHARY M. FLOCK

has joined the staff of the Erie Arts Council as the program associate for allocations and membership.

THERESA (MOENK) MANFREDONIA

is a personnel assistant with is the program and creative Volt Technical Resources in services manager for the Palm Cleveland, Ohio.

Beach County Literacy Coalition.

REBECCA L. GALEK

received her Master in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently working in Washington, D.C., as a policy analyst for the U.S. Government.

RENEE M. GARNERET

is a case manager with the Homeless Outreach Program of Crisis Services in Buffalo. She is also the chairperson for the Western New York Coalition for the Homeless.

2ND LT SCOTT R. MAURER

is a field artillery specialist stationed at Camp Casey, Republic of Korea.

2006

JULIANNE MCCLELLAND

is currently attending law school at Texas Tech.

LEANNE (BENDER) VENESKY

is an RN at Saint Francis Hospital.

JULIE L. YOUNG

is a chemist at a petrochemical company in Titusville.

in memoriam

Alumni

William R. Bacher ’74 Anne Nemetz Berardi ’51 VMC Richard J. Bohrer ’48 Douglas J. Bucher ’77 Bernard L. Burns ’51 Joseph W. Cerami ’51 Gilly Davis Cogswell ’83 VMC Mary Walsh Considine ’56 VMC Jerome H. Davis ’50 Tod R. Downing ’84 William J. Dugan ’57 Theodore H. Elsesser ’51 William C. Fertig, Jr. ’60 James Floros ’50 James R. Gehrlein ’67 Richard T. George ’62 Jerome F. Gloekler ’58 Mary Schott Gomes ’63 VMC ’72M Paul R. Grack ’68 Victor G. Graham ’69 ’77M Diane Cutri Hafensteiner ’79 VMC ’82M Sister M S. Halula ’45 VMC Mark B. Hannum ’85 George P. Hesch, Ph.D. ’55 Virginia Sullivan Hickey ’38 VMC John M. Hitzges ’52 Virginia Kohout Holmwood ’61 VMC Gerald W. Joyce, Sr. ’49 Mark R. Klauk ’68 Robert L. Kotoski, Esq. ’53 John B. Kraeling, Jr. ’64 Francis X. Krahe ’60 Shirley Schlemmer Laird ’41 VMC Anthony D. Leone, J.D. ’70 Rev. Msgr. Walter H. Lohse ’34 Pauline Mack McGoey ’33 VMC Frances Mathers Miehl ’70 VMC Shirley E. Mitchell ’63 VMC Amy Krajnik Mlakar, MPT ’05

David D. Moneymaker ’03 Anthony T. Ozechoski ’66 Helen Clark Page ’44 VMC William J. Pangerc ’64 Joseph S. Pecus ’90 Margaret Runzo Perry ’48 VMC Erich F. Petsch ’64 Victor Podbielski ’56 Robert F. Popowski ’62 John E. Poux ’50 Matthew W. Pustelak ’03 James E. Rensel ’48 Andrew Resetar ’72 Joseph J. Robie ’49 Louis J. Salerno, Ed.D. ’57 ’68M Robert C. Schultz, III ’95 Dominick P. Sementelli ’53 Dennis M. Shade ’75 Jerome P. Storey ’74 Joseph A. Tonelli ’50 Michael J. Trott ’68 ’71M Stanley F. Tuznik ’50 Ludwig J. Ulrich’48 Steven W.Vargo ’71 Sister Mary A. Yates, SSJ ’60 VMC Sister Mary P. Zaleski ’44 VMC

Parents and Friends Colleen Whalen Bal Richard W. Brown, Ph.D. George C. Durst Len Kholos Irene Jechna Kownacki George Levin Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Martin Scott D. Pasterick Chester K. Reichert, Jr. Robert F. Ruyak, Sr. Robert B. Stuart, M.D. Bette Alzingre Walker Monsignor Addison R.Yehl

Have you recently married, changed careers, published a book, or had a child? If so, let us know! You can post your information and see what your friends are up to in the online alumni community at www.gannonalumni. org, or you can send your information to Jana Hunt at hunt001@gannon.edu or call (814) 871-7469.

27

EndNotes

Advancing Academic Excellence at Gannon Through Faculty Research and Scholarship Advancing academic excellence has been the primary goal of Gannon’s 2002-2007 Strategic Plan. With a deliberate focus on that goal over the last five years, the University achieved record enrollments again at the undergraduate and graduate levels, top-tier national rankings, and numerous academic and technological achievements this past fall. While we are very pleased with those honors, advancing academic excellence will require the entire Gannon faculty and staff to constantly “raise the bar” in order to provide our students with the best and most well-rounded education possible and to stay competitive with our peer institutions.

As educators attempt to measure academic excellence, the quality of teaching and curricular content are major factors.

But the amount and types of faculty research and scholarship also play critical roles in the learning process. It is no surprise then that Gannon’s dynamic faculty continue to increase their involvement in scholarly efforts.

Last November, Gannon recognized more than 63 faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions to scholarship and research at the Fifth Annual Faculty Scholarship reception – a tradition I began in my second year in 2002. Our faculty’s work this past academic year ranged from metacognitive strategies used by students while writing to heart disease in women to how artificial intelligence can assist in independent living. Gannon faculty were engaged in scholarly activities in every discipline present on campus, an accomplishment worthy of appreciation and recognition.

Many Gannon faculty conduct research collaboratively with colleagues, and additionally, many of them involve students in their research and scholarship. Thus, our motivated students benefit doubly from their close interaction with faculty inside and outside the classroom. Through those scholarly activities and exchange of advancing teaching methods in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), our faculty demonstrate and define by example the meaning of the adage that “research fortifies teaching and teaching fortifies research.” Moreover, the reputation of the University increases as faculty strive to advance knowledge through their scholarship and research.

28

To recognize our undergraduate students’ engagement in research, we will celebrate their accomplishments at the firstever Undergraduate Research Day that will take place on campus this spring in conjunction with our fourth Annual Graduate Research Day. This will be a great occasion to recognize the students – both graduate and undergraduate – who conduct research with faculty and independently, and we hope that this event will grow in size and importance over the next several years.

To support and increase the scholarly engagement of faculty, there are several initiatives that we have undertaken to assist them in their pursuit of research and scholarly opportunities.

For example, a group of faculty recently spent a day at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C., to meet with numerous leaders and experts in the fields of science and engineering to talk about possible future research grant opportunities for Gannon’s faculty. In addition, a portion of the funds raised in The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign has been identified for faculty development. More than half of $5 million has already been raised for the Endowed Academic Excellence Fund and for two Endowed Professorships. These funds will enable Gannon to not only attract and retain high-quality faculty but also to help professors attain national reputations as leaders and scholars in their academic disciplines.

The dedicated funds will provide support for our faculty to conduct research, attend professional conferences and seminars, mentor students, and maintain teaching excellence.

Throughout Gannon’s history, faculty have consistently challenged students and set high expectations for them.

The commitment of faculty – like two long-time chemistry professors who recently passed way, Reverend Monsignor Addison (Bud) Yehl and Dr. George Hesch – has always been extraordinary. Monsignor Yehl and Dr. Hesch not only taught Gannon students the fundamentals of science, but also the benefits of a Catholic and liberal arts education. And that tradition continues today among our more than 210 full-time and 100 part-time faculty.

For obvious reasons, faculty scholarship and research will continue to be an important component of our pursuit of academic excellence in 2007 and beyond. You can help to support this goal and Gannon’s dynamic faculty by contributing to the Endowed Academic Excellence and Professorships Fund of The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign. Thank you for your continued support of Gannon University.

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

Believe in a Catholic Education

Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, STD, SSL, and Rev. Nicholas Rouch, STD, ’83 talk with students after Mass among the city life that surrounds campus.