Patches: Spring 2023

Harcum’s Fashion Programs help creatives realize their dreams.

DESIGNS BY DIANA CORNEJO

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BECOMING

The Fashion Programs earned several accolades this year, becoming everything Program Director Julian Crooks envisioned.

ANIMAL CENTER MANAGEMENT: A PET-WISE ACADEMIC PROGRAM By making program delivery and curriculum changes, Harcum’s ACM program has become central to a growing profession and more accessible to students.

BEAR PRIDE: TIM SENICK '23

For the last two years, Radiologic Technology major Tim Senick ’23 has suited up as Hatcher, the mascot, always with an eye toward Harcum’s success.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FALL SPORTS SEASON (clockwise from top left): The Fall season included Men's Soccer and Volleyball, and on one scorching hot day, the Soccer Team cooled off in a rubber pool after practice; Volleyball finished 8–9 overall, tying for the Region 19 Championship; Pamela Uceda (#25) and Samantha Lachette (#8) were named to the Region 19 Volleyball Team; JV Basketball Coach Barry Uzzell rep'd Harcum Athletics at 2022 Bryn Mawr Day; Men's Soccer finished 6–6 on the season, and won the Region 19 Championship.

Becoming

PATC HES STAFF

Executive Editor/Writer

Gale Martin

Contributors

Amy Shumoski

Krystal Popiel

Brooke Walker

Art Direction & Design

Lilian Crooks

Photography

Jackie Pursell A’17

Amy Shumoski

Drew Simcox

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Alexander Klein, Chairman

Denis C. Boyle, Vice-Chair

Louise A. Strauss, Vice-Chair

Karl A. Thallner, Jr., Secretary

David M. Jacobson, CPA, Treasurer

Jon Jay DeTemple, Ph.D., President

Barbara Bosha

Samuel P. Cimino, DDS

Kevin Dow, MBA

Ellen Farber ’12

Kent Griswold, Ph.D., MBA

Daniel Hirschfeld, MBA, MFin

Tracy Johnson-Rockmore ’04

T. Anthony Jones, MBA

Dennis S. Marlo

J. Michael McNamara

Ben Post, J.D.

Carmen Rivé

Theodore A. Rosen

ON THE COVER

Star alumna Diana Cornejo ’22 featuring two models wearing her designs.

PATCHES MAGAZINE is published biannually by the Office of Communications & Marketing at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA. Please send address changes and class notes to the Office of Alumni Relations located at 750 Montgomery Avenue in Bryn Mawr, PA 19010; by email: alumni@harcum.edu; or by calling 610-526-6060.

MISSION STATEMENT

Harcum College provides its students with an opportunity for outstanding academic, career, and life preparation. We teach, mentor, and prepare students for success in their chosen profession in an experiential environment utilizing a wide variety of modalities and technology. Harcum’s emphasis on its core values of excellence, civility, empowerment, integrity, service, and respect for diversity assures that every member of our community is valued, supported, included, and equal.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The comments and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of Harcum College. The editorial board reserves the right to edit and select content for Patches that adheres to Harcum College’s commitment to maintaining the high standard of integrity that has always been characteristic of the college.

© 2023 HARCUM COLLEGE

From the President

SMALL AND MIGHTY. That’s a fitting description of Harcum College. Compared to research universities with tens of thousands of students, within the higher education industry, we are considered a small college. But Harcum equips graduates for success to rival and better larger institutions in the region as this issue of Patches illustrates.

Take our Fashion Programs. While competing against institutions many times our size, Harcum fashion designers accomplished extraordinary things. One 2022 graduate Diana Cornejo, whose entire academic program was delivered online, received an invitation to Philly Fashion Week to show her full collection. Another current student Briana Ruffin topped competitors from four-year institutions by winning the “Next Up” recycling challenge, Philly Fashion Week’s student contest.

How is Harcum able to achieve these stellar outcomes? Through a winning blend of quality instruction coupled with opportunity. This edition also explains how the Animal Center Management (ACM) degree, with a curriculum that taps into contemporary pet-owning trends, gives graduates the skills and the connections they need to succeed in their field. Victor Ortiz ’22 met his future employer at a Career Fair sponsored by our Career and Transfer Services Department and received a job offer

upon graduation. Like Diana Cornejo, he took advantage of Harcum’s online option for study.

With degree in hand, another ACM alumna Drew McKay ’17 started a best-in-class Doggie Day Care Center. This year, she expanded the facility and added boarding to the services she provides for a growing roster of happy clients.

Our mighty Women’s Basketball Team advanced to the NJCAA D-II National Playoffs in March, finishing fourth in the country, representing Harcum and its unique brand of excellence on the national stage. All-American guard Amaris Baker and Coach Riley Maye were named Region 19 Player of the Year and Region 19 Coach of the Year, respectively. We share these stories with you because we are mighty proud of everything our students have achieved at Harcum College.

Until next time,

JON JAY DETEMPLE, PH.D., MBA

We share these stories with you because we are mighty proud of everything our students have achieved at Harcum College.

Veterinary Nurse is Newest Harcum Star

Ayanna McCain, a 2019 graduate, was recognized as the first Harcum Star of 2022, a unique Veterinary Nursing Program honor. McCain was named an exemplary employee of Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital in Plymouth Meeting, a third-generation privately owned veterinary hospital and an official Veterinary Partner to the Veterinary Nursing program. Alicia Carr, Hickory’s Externship Coordinator, nominated her for this honor. Carr said, “Ayanna always puts her patients first.” McCain credits Harcum for teaching her to think on her feet.

HARCUM LANDS ON MONOPOLY GAME

Monopoly, the ubiquitous board game that single-handedly launched the board game industry in 1935, now features a new Main Line, PA edition that launched on October 12, 2022, with a green square specifically showcasing Harcum College, that is available for purchase online.

“It’s exciting to be recognized in the Main Line community with our very own square,” said President Jon Jay DeTemple. “The influence of private colleges is vital to this edition.”

“This is a win for everyone on the Main Line,” said Dr. Alexander Klein, Board Chair, whose grandfather, former president Philip Klein, would have been proud to see Harcum included along with Villanova, Haverford, and Bryn Mawr.

STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND GROWS

This fall, Harcum College rededicated resources to the Student Emergency Fund. A small and nimble interdepartmental committee was reconstituted to review applications for funding and quickly disperse aid, going from application for funds to disbursement in five days or less, with awards of up to $300 per request.

“Having this fund is important,” President Jon Jay DeTemple. “A little goes a long way and can make a huge difference in students’ lives.”

HARCUM STAR

To watch the video, scan this QR code!

EUREKA! A GYM IN MELVILLE

The Harcum Mile project principals First Lady Margi DeTemple and Roxanne Sutton were flabbergasted that Melville Hall once had a gymnasium in the basement.

Alumnae interviewed for the “The Harcum Mile” project told Mrs. DeTemple students took dance classes in Melville’s basement. After finding an outdated bookmark referencing a basketball court in Melville, she and Roxanne Sutton made their descent to a room below Melville's basement, accompanied by Facilities Director Nicolay Karpalo and Director of the Photography Program Drew Simcox. After mopping dust from the floor, they uncovered the original gymnasium floor, featured in archival photos.

Upstairs, Sutton found ceiling radiators within the present-day facilities area that matched the radiators pictured in an archival photo. The shadow of old exterior stairs to the gym are in the enclosed breezeway between the Bear’s Den and the door to the basement of Melville Hall.

PICTURED: Students once took fitness classes in a gymnasium in the basement of Melville Hall; the three windows at the left of the photo underneath the conference room confirm the location of the basement gym.

BARBIE GOES TO COLLEGE

The Admissions Department at Harcum College secretly organizes a bold and inventive team costume unveiled every Halloween. This year, eight team members dressed up as career-ready major Barbies (left to right)–Early Childhood Education, Vet Nursing, Histotechnician, Criminal Justice, Dental Hygiene, Fashion Programs, Business Management, and Women’s Soccer–for their 2022 Halloween team costume. President Jon Jay DeTemple joined them, portraying the Ken doll.

Campus Events

Homecoming: A Tapestry of Fun

It was a glorious fall day on Saturday, October 8, as the Harcum Community celebrated Homecoming, with alumni returning to campus for professional development, fun, food, and fellowship with classmates, faculty, and staff.

The morning’s festivities comprised a Dental professionals’ workshop organized by Terri Groody, Professional Studies, in the Academic Center; and a special alumni brunch organized by Institutional Advancement and featuring an interactive “Harcum Mile” presentation by First Lady Margi DeTemple.

Student Life offered food and fun games during Bear Fest, and then basketball alums wowed the crowd at the annual alumni game in the basement of Klein Hall, followed by an alumni reception.

CUBS EXPLORE VET NURSING

Two scholars from TRIO Upward Bound (HCub) were invited to participate in Harcum’s Veterinary Nursing Prospective Employer Panel and Luncheon on October 26. HCub launched its Cubs Explore initiative this summer, working with programs such as Vet Nursing to expose Philadelphia students to Harcum’s diverse variety of career fields. The mission of TRIO Upward Bound and the Cubs Explore program is to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion of programs such as Vet Nursing.

Due to Cubs Explore, both scholars are interested in pursuing the field of Vet Nursing. The scholars will soon begin internships at nearby Vet hospitals.

PTA PROGRAM SUPPORTS ARDMORE FOOD PANTRY WITH HELP FROM OTA

The PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) Club and the PTA Program along with Pastor Sean from St. Mary’s Church and The Ardmore Food Pantry collected throughout the month of October from the Harcum community. The OTA (Occupational Therapy Assisting) program’s students and faculty made an especially sizeable contribution to the effort.

Kathy Koar, Vet Nursing Director; Verlonda Johnson-Baker, Upward Bound Student Specialist; Liz Walker, Director of TRIO College Access Initiatives; Cevyn Wiggins, HCub Class of '25; Shaniyah English, HCub Class of '26

PICTURED: The annual alumni game at Homecoming revved up fans with a snappy drumline, all the way to Klein Gym.

Area leaders (from left to right) addressed the group and included Dr. Monica Taylor (Chester County); Marian Moskowitz (Chester County) and Dr. Valerie Arkoosh (Montgomery County) in a forum moderated by Main Line Chamber President & CEO Bernard Dagenais.

LOCAL LEADERS AT HARCUM

Harcum welcomed the Main Line Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee for breakfast on October 28 to hear from top leaders from Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties about signficant issues facing local governments. Their presentation included some of the specific challenges each county faced during the pandemic and outlined several opportunities that lie ahead, some of which should be undertaken collaboratively, to ensure the region’s economic vitality.

FESTIVE LUNCHEON RETURNS

Harcum College’s President, members from his Cabinet, and numerous representatives from the Harcum Board of Trustees served faculty, staff, and students a Thanksgiving Lunch in the Klein Dining Hall on November 13, a meal with all the trimmings for everyone in the Harcum community. It was the first such gathering in three years since the pandemic.

HARCUM MUSIC SCHOOL FALL RECITAL

The Harcum Music School hosted a Fall Recital in the Little Theatre on Sunday, December 11. A special performance of the 1938 Class Song was performed by piano teacher Joe Veltri. The sheet music was found on page 30 of the Purple Patches yearbook by First Lady Margi DeTemple, and learned for the occasion.

NEW YEAR AT COATESVILLE

The Coatesville Partnership Site held a new event for current students and alumni on Saturday, January 14, called “New Year Now.” Attendees were offered tours of the newly updated building. Alumni inspired current students by sharing their experiences at the site and proudly celebrating their accomplishments since graduating. Pictured, right: A family member attends Coatesville’s new year reception on January 14.

"IT'S A PHILLY THING"

Because of the success of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams in 2022, and both the Phillies and the Eagles qualifying for their season championship games, Harcum employees celebrated Spirit Days by wearing their fan gear…twice.

Pictured serving are trustee Mike McNamara, Chief Executive Officer of Impact Health, Inc., and his wife Constance.

THANKS TO the Harcum College

Alumni Association (HCAA), led by Tracy Johnson-Rockmore ’04, the Fall semester kicked off a little sweeter with an ice cream social.

Karen Naylor ’92, Devon Ackridge ’10, and Amy Copeland ’86 rolled up their sleeves and scooped more than 50 bowls of ice cream to Pennswood Hall students seeking a break. In October, alumni came back to campus to celebrate Homecoming.

At the Circle of Excellence Dinner, hosted by President Jon Jay DeTemple and First Lady Margaret DeTemple, three alumni were recognized: Ellen B. Farber ’12, Circle of Excellence Distinguished Awardee, Janet McConnell ’81, Outstanding Alumna, and Serena Javens ’15, Outstanding Young Alumna. During Thanksgiving, a few of our international students experienced American hospitality first hand, thanks to EVP & Chief Academic Officer Dr. Julia Ingersoll

The HCAA connects our alumni, as well as our students to the Harcum community. Thank you!

The Harcum community is stronger than ever! On September 28, 2022, the Harcum community showed record support on Founders’ Day, the College’s Day of Giving. As of December 31, 2022, halfway through the fiscal year, generous alumni, trustees, faculty/staff, friends, and private foundations contributed more than $750,000 in support of scholarships, student emergency fund, and supplies and equipment.

When you give to Harcum, you are making a transformative impact. Scholarships help to recruit and retain students with merit and financial need and keeping the Harcum name competitive requires your continued investment. Every gift, no matter the size, is a vote of confidence in Harcum.

Last, save the date! Homecoming is October 7, 2023.

Warm regards,

Brooke Walker Vice President of Institutional Advancement

1. Back on campus for Homecoming alumni basketball game on October 8, 2022

2. Homecoming happy hour in the Kevin D. Marlo Little Theatre, following the game

3. Founders’ Day success at Bedford Hall

4. HCAA Board of Directors Karen Naylor ’92, left, scooping ice cream at alumni-student ice cream social 5. Pennswood Hall resident students cooling off with ice cream 6. 2022 Circle of Excellence Awardees (L-R): President Jon Jay DeTemple; Ellen Farber ’12, Circle of Excellence Distinguished Honoree; Janet McConnell ’81, Outstanding Alumna; Serena Javens ’15, Outstanding Young Alumna; Tracy Johnson-Rockmore ’04 7. Sam Cimino, trustee; Mary Tucker; Margaret Tucker

DeTemple, first lady; Mary Ann Oaks ’52; Karen Marlo; and Dennis Marlo, trustee

8. Guests of honoree Ellen Farber ’12

Grants & Scholarships

IBC FOUNDATION PROVIDES PARTIAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS

New support from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation Healthcare Scholars Program will provide partial scholarships for Harcum nursing students. This scholarship focuses on funding low income students that identify as minority and are pursuing a nursing degree. According to Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President of IBC Foundation, “Health equity is the Foundation’s highest priority.”

Pictured: President Jon Jay DeTemple; IBC Foundation delegation: Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President; Marlene Harmon-Perkins; and JLy Lyons; Dr. Tanya Johnson-Coleman, Nursing Program Director; and Dolores Alabrodzinski, Nursing Faculty.

DENTAL STUDENTS AWARDED DELTA SCHOLARSHIPS

Delta Dental Community Cares Foundation awarded partial scholarship support to four Harcum dental hygiene students. In February, the Foundation officers met the student recipients: Kelly Greer of Secane, Pennsylvania, who hopes to work in a pediatric dental office; Madisen Kikut of Aston, Pennsylvania, who will graduate Harcum in May 2024; Kayla Morris from Norwood, Pennsylvania, who is a second-year Dental Hygiene student; and Bucks County resident Lauren Strauss, a first-year Dental Hygiene student, who wants to work in a pediatric dental office.

Pictured: President Jon Jay DeTemple, Delta Dental Community Care

Foundation delegation, Jennifer MacGilvary, Tina Greenawalt and Judy Smith; Jean Brynes-Ziegler, Dental Hygiene Program Director; Samuel Cimino, DDS, Trustee; and scholarship recipients Kelley Greer, Lauren Strauss, Madisen Kikut, and Kayla Morris.

FASHION FUND HONORS MOTHER’S MEMORY

The Kathleen D. McCoy ’44 Fashion Design Textile Fund was endowed with a $50,000 gift from Kip Bowman, daughter, in loving memory of her mother in 2022. McCoy was a lifelong creative force. She opened her own ceramic jewelry business at 16, studied portrait and still life painting under Maurice Molarsky, and enrolled at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. Her art took her to interesting people and places, including two Harcum president commissioned portraits and traveling to Europe to paint landscapes.

Bowman recalled, “My mother said, during her early years at Harcum, she sometimes fell short and couldn’t afford all her supplies. Learning that some students struggle as Mother had, I wanted to help while honoring her at the same time.”

About the Fund

The Kathleen D. McCoy ’44 Fashion Design Textile Fund will provide funds to students with financial need to purchase fabric and supplies for their senior show.

CONTACT BROOKE WALKER, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, to create your scholarship impact at 610-526-6005 or bwalker@harcum.edu.

In Their Own Words

EVENS EDME, Rad Tech Class of 2023

Kevin D. Marlo Scholarship Recipient

Education is not only the key to personal success, but it also allows a person to be more useful to a society that has so many demands, but not enough human resources. I admire Harcum’s initiative to support students like me, in Kevin Marlo’s memory, thirsty for academic growth and committed to the community.

Harcum is definitely the “College of Possibilities” because I could have all the motivations in the world, but without the financial support, the possibilities would have been limited. I arrived from my native land, Haiti seven years ago and I used to work three jobs to provide for my family. I decided to go back to school when I got laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Scholarship allowed me to study in peace, without having to stress myself about finding an extra portion of my tuition payment, in the middle of a pandemic.

My Harcum degree is the first step toward my biggest goal, which is to become a radiology director. For that to happen, I will continue to pursue an education in CT and MRI. I would like to obtain an MBA in Health Care Administration so I can continue to serve the society and to keep helping people.

TEAGHAN FREDERICKS, Vet Nursing Class of 2025

Hilary Strauss Scholarship Recipient

Harcum has gone above and beyond my expectations of a college. My first time around in college it felt like I was lost in a sea of students, but here I am seen and heard by everyone. My teachers have been so incredible. They each take an interest in their students and prove through actions, not just words, that they want you to succeed. From job referrals to help with studies, even if it isn’t their own class, to just having an open door for you to come to talk about anything. I

am truly in awe of

Harcum.

The only major worry I had was how I was going to pay to stay in school. As a dog walker, I wasn’t making enough to get my own student loan and ultimately I had to have a cosigner. Also, since Harcum was in person vs. online classes, I was at a disadvantage for work. It was like a message sent from the heavens that I was truly meant to be here when I received the news that I had won the Hilary Strauss Scholarship. It came at a time I was really in need of help.

It has done more for me than I could ever ask for. I was able to worry less about work and finances and was focus more on my studies. Because of this scholarship, I was able to keep my straight A’s this past first semester and while I was just shy of making President’s list, I was happy and honored to make Dean’s list.

Becoming

One of Professor Julian Crooks’ assignments is creating a vision board. It’s an artful collage filled with images clipped from magazines, representing things they hope to achieve in their lives such as professional success, personal success, and these often include photos of luxurious measures of commercial success and influence–whatever they dream of becoming. Typically, this is one of their first assignments, which she has been asking them to complete since 2020.

And what a year of firsts it has been for the fashion programs at Harcum. As a result of Harcum’s Student Exhibition, 2022 graduate Diana Cornejo was invited to show a 12-piece collection at Philly Fashion Week, the first time in the program’s history that a student designer was selected for the full runway. Then, during the “Next Up” student designer competition, sophomore Brianna Ruffin emerged as the winner of a recycling project sponsored by FabScrap, for crafting and showing an outfit made from ten pounds of found material. Thirdly, the world-renowned haute couture designer Prajjé Oscar, a contestant on season 19 of Project Runway, started his classroom teaching career last fall as an adjunct faculty member.

Above:

As the Program Director for both Fashion Design and Merchandising, Crooks understands that having vision is critical within the industry. There’s no career in the fashion world worth having without vision-infused work.

When she assumed responsibility for running those programs, Crooks realized the program’s recent trajectory of successful outcomes resulted from a vision she had of what she could accomplish if given the opportunity and time to lead.

Designer Diana Cornejo ’22 with two professionals from Main Line Models wearing her designs at the Art & Design Center.

“I did imagine these wonderful things happening,” Crooks said. “To bring Harcum designers and the program this level of recognition is the result of everything I envisioned, that I knew in my heart we could do.”

Where there's a will

For Diana Cornejo, her Harcum journey started in North Carolina. The former active-duty Marine, now a reservist, looked for schools where she lived. Finding none, she took her search online, and, voilà! She discovered Harcum College offered a two-year fashion degree and began taking classes via Zoom in the Fall of 2020. “The pandemic was a good time to focus on my studies. I had taken apparel courses in high school. I set up my studio at home and doubled up on my sewing classes at Harcum.”

“Diana was special in so many ways—motivated, self-sufficient, thoughtful in her design, advanced,” Crooks said. “Because of that, I allowed her to continue to study remotely for her second year.”

When it came time for the Student Fashion Exhibition in April of 2022, Cornejo’s unique collection turned heads. The inspiration for a collection featuring waders, rompers with pockets, and a goldtrimmed transparent raincoat came during a fishing

trip when she noticed the males all had cool gear to wear with gadgets, but she had nothing special.

She wanted something to wear on a fishing trip that was practical and attractive. Plus, all the pockets in their clothes, to stuff things into. She chose sturdy fabrics and added utility fasteners— the kind you find on backpacks and camping gear.

“All the unusual fabrics she used such as the clear vinyl,” Crooks explained, “are incredibly difficult to work with.”

But toil she did. As a result, Philly Fashion Week organizers noticed her efforts and originality, inviting her to show a full twelve pieces in September. She built

Harcum students receive invaluable critiques on their runway show collections twice a year from professional designers.

Julian Crooks became Program Director of Fashion Design and Merchandising in 2020 and in 2023, earned an Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University.

Diana Cornejo's gold-trimmed slicker turned heads during the Exhibition and upon closer inspection, revealed plastic sea creatures tucked into the pockets.

out her collection to include waders in brown, green, and beige; skort rompers in white and beige; shorts in brown, green, and beige; short waders in green and brown; and the gold-trimmed see-through slicker (with squishy sea creatures tucked into the pockets for fun.)

Despite needing to create nine more pieces over the summer, and also the fact that she was moving, starting classes at Jefferson, and needing to find a living arrangement in Philly, she persisted. “I wasn’t sure I was going to pull it off. At one point, I was living with a friend and sewing in her basement. When they came to see the show, her dad said proudly, ‘She made that in my basement.’”

Now she's determined to complete her bachelor’s degree, and she's participating in a student competition sponsored by Mimaki to conceive of a print design, which the company reproduces onto a range of fabrics for the student to use in a fashion creation, a form-fitting garment perfect for motorcycle riding. All of which sounds on-brand for Cornejo, who wants to design attractive but also practical clothes for adventurous women committed to looking fantastic.

“Doing Philly Fashion Week opened up doors for me,” she said with gratitude for Julian Crooks believing in her. “Now I get recognized by other designers who say things like, ‘It’s so amazing you are doing such great work.’”

Making something from nothing

Using ten pounds of used garments and remnants from FabScrap, second-year Fashion Design major Briana Ruffin created a recycled head-to-toe look, topped with a denim jacket, and won first place in Philly Fashion Week’s “Next Up” student competition on September 21. She beat out nine other students, most from four-year schools, winning $1,000 and a private consultation with Fern Mallis, founder of New York Fashion Week.

The denim jacket was nothing short of ingenious, made from four different pairs of jeans, the sleeves comprising two different pairs and the cuffs of the sleeves made from another pair. “I wanted to give it a distressed denim 90s look,” she said. From the back of the jacket another pair of jeans is visible with pants pockets lining the hem.

One of the contest’s goals was to create as little waste as possible. Ruffin had to submit photos of the materials she picked up so the judges could see how much she actually used. Since she picked a denim skirt in addition to the jeans, she decided to wear it to the competition because it was a cool reuse and represented FabScrap as well.

Ruffin was as shocked as anyone by her win since she had never done upcycling before. Besides the tight time frame, she encountered other complications. She was supposed to have had two fittings with her model, but the model was on the runway during New York City Fashion Week for the first fitting and nothing fit at the second fitting, so three days before the show, she was scrambling to make the outfit work.

“In such a short amount of time, I have gained so much at Harcum,” Ruffin said. “I was glad Harcum got some recognition. It’s a great program.”

Briana Ruffin ’23 won the Philly Fashion Week student competition for her recycled ensemble, beating out all other students, including those from four-year universities.

Giving his all

Some might think a talented designer as in demand as Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste, or “Prajjé Oscar” as clients and devotees know him, wouldn’t be able to carve out time for Harcum students. And they’d be dead wrong.

For several years, he has been deeply connected to Harcum fashion students behind the scenes, conducting muslin critiques and doing final reviews of students’ clothing lines before capstone events.

Last September, he began teaching in the classroom as an adjunct faculty member.

He wants a connection to the next generation of fashion designers because it stems from his dedication to the fashion industry. “These are the things you make time for,” Jean-Baptiste explained. “I take mentorship seriously. I have had and still have incredible mentors.”

He’s been on television as a “Project Runway” contestant, and his work has gained critical attention worldwide. Nevertheless, he was completely down-toearth and wholly engaged with returning students gathered for FSH202, a required second-year class in which the budding creators of couture develop their professional portfolios.

He advised his charges that a good portfolio is critical to their success. He also reminded them of

the importance of digital media to promote their work and sell the fashion industry. He has established a fierce presence on numerous social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook, which he himself manages.

Because Harcum is an associate’s degree-granting school, he emphasized that graduates can be very proud of themselves for following the path they chose. “Here, you will have accomplished in two years what took other students four years to do.”

In view of these fashion-program firsts, because of the dedicated instructors, and the quality, experiential opportunities offered, it’s conceivable that Harcum students are actually accomplishing more in two years than they would at a four-year school.

The preeminent haute couture designer Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste has helped Harcum students for years with critiques and now teaches in the classroom as an adjunct.

“Here, you will have accomplished in two years what took other students four years to do.”

Prajjé Oscar

Student moodboard

ANIMAL CENTER MANAGEMENT:

APET- W I S E ACA DEMIC PROG R AM

Most of today’s pets are treated as full-fledged family members. However, history (or rather pre-history) reports that modern-day views on Fluffy and Fido today have not always been popular. As early as the Stone Age, animals were seen as creatures to eat or be eaten by. It is believed wolves transitioned to human society 12,000 years ago, and since the domestication of cats roughly 8,000 years ago, mutually beneficial relationships between humans and pets have flourished.

DRAMATIC CULTURE SHIFTS

Though Harcum’s Animal Center Management program has existed since 1976, a culture shift in animal ownership happening early in the new millennium, circa 2006, would impact animal management programs. A significant number of pet owners born

between 1981 and 1996 (the millennial generation) were delaying starting families and shifting their love, attention, and discretionary spending to dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.

Another dramatic development in pet ownership occurred 15 years later, partly because of the pandemic, when animal adoption jumped around 30% because of lockdowns, pivoting to remote work, social distancing, easing loneliness and giving people a sense of purpose.

“After all the social isolation caused by the pandemic, I adopted a dog,” confirmed one pet owner. “I wanted a little companionship and a reason to get out and get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.”

These social conditions created a burgeoning market for skilled professionals who could help pet

owners care for their pets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pennsylvania is a top state for animal caretaker jobs and employment in the field is growing faster than the national average.

AN ADAPTIVE, FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM

Harcum’s Animal Center Management Program (ACM) has been growing and adapting, too, right alongside the need for competent and capable animal caretakers.

Currently the curriculum includes a course introducing sectors in the animal industry where ACM grads can work such as animal shelters, zoos, boarding and daycare facilities, and veterinary hospitals; studying animal behavior; canine basics; animal first aid & CPR; merchandising; birds and reptiles; animal nutrition; disease prevention for caretakers; and, of course, business classes.

Such a breadth of courses gives graduates a wide berth of employment opportunities. New developments in program delivery are giving students more flexibility than ever before to learn and grow in the profession.

As of January 2022, the Animal Center Management asso ciate’s degree program began being offered at every one of 13 Partnership Sites and now offers an entirely remote format and also hybrid classes. “As of spring 2023, we have 42 ACM students registered,” said Meg Kelly, Registrar’s Office, “six of which are Partnership students, and 20 of whom take 100% remote classes.”

ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES

ACM grad Victor Ortiz ’22 was fully remote throughout the COVID-19 years and made several moves across the United States while working full time and without disruption to his education.

“I was researching colleges and Harcum had Animal Center Management online, which was perfect for me,” Ortiz said.

Originally from Puerto Rico, while at Harcum, assistant program director Tamar Paltin reported that Ortiz was able to network with Metropolitan Veterinary Associates at a career fair, was offered a job pending grad uation, and has since been promoted.

“He is very kind and compassionate,” said his supervi sor Tammy Bernat. “He loves talking to and helping clients.”

Compassion seems to be a quality in abundant supply among Harcum ACM grads. Drew McKay is a 2017 ACM graduate who immediately pursued working in doggy day-

In less than a year, VICTOR ORTIZ ’22 was promoted at his job at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, where his customer service skills and love of animals are both in abundance.

Millennials

Gen Z

Traditionalist

Gen X

Baby Boomers

care prior to graduating, first working for a center and then starting her own center three and a half years ago.

“My clients have become like another family to me, and I love all of their dogs,” McKay said, who is an expert in using social media to build bonds with her clients.

Her Instagram account @missdrewsdd is filled with photos of dogs celebrating their birthdays, their first days at the center, special days celebrating breeds such as National Golden Retriever Day, sitting with Santa for the holidays, Halloween week dress up, and cooling off in baby pools during the summer months.

In reading online reviews of Miss Drew’s, they clearly love McKay’s operation and all the extras.

“Miss Drew’s is the most outstanding doggy daycare you can find,” said one Facebook reviewer, posted in 2022. “They sent me pics of my baby boy. They treated him like their own.”

Another reviewer commented, “Our boy LOVES Miss Drew’s! As soon as we park, he goes crazy and cannot wait to play with his friends.”

“What I love about Animal Center Management is that it is the epitome of Harcum being the College of Possibilities,” McKay said. “You can go into all different directions. You

can care for wildlife. You can care for rescue animals or be an entrepreneur, working in day care or grooming. It is the foundation of helping you decide what you want to do with animals.”

GET A PET AND LIVE LONGER

There is a growing body of evidence that pets are good for our health. Pet ownership has been linked to everything from decreased blood pressure, stress relief, lowered incidence of depression, even longevity. Lots of pets need good homes, too; many more than can be cared for.

So, for those on the fence about adopting a pet, just know that Harcum College is preparing lots of talented and caring experts in the tri-state region and beyond to help you care for a furry household addition.

Beloved Program Director LINWARD ROBINSON in the classroom.

The Assistant Program Director for Animal Center Management TAMAR PALTIN was a presenter at the National Dog Show Symposium last December and discussed library therapy dogs.

Faculty & Staff News

TWO HARCUM EMPLOYEES ATTENDED SOCCER'S WORLD CUP

IN QATAR. CFO Dario Bellot, a native of Argentina, flew out for the final game between his home country and France on December 18. Belott quickly took in the Qatari surrounds and culture. “In business, they strive to be open minded, with a more Western mentality, while being culturally very conservative,” he said, noting daily calls to prayer blasting from public speakers throughout Doha, a city of 1.2 million people he found kind and welcoming. Mike Fratangelo, program director for Business, Sports Information and Behavioral Health Science, spent more than a week in Qatar, appreciating the warm atmosphere. All the Westerners he spoke to agreed a no-alcohol environment was very family friendly.

DR. STEPHANIE BLAKE, Early Childhood Education, co-authored a chapter in Cases on Servant Leadership and Equity, entitled “Deep in the Forest-BIPOC Servant Leaders Journey Through the Effects of an ‘Invisible Tax’.”

ASHLEY HERR-PERRIN, Human Services, earned an Ed.D. from Wilmington University. Her dissertation was titled Trauma-Informed Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Student Perceptions of Emotionally and Psychologically Safe Classrooms.

DR. JACKI KLACZAK KOPACK, PTA, served as a Pennsylvania Southeast district delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association House of Delegates Conference in Washington, D.C., from August 14–15, 2022.

TAMAR PALTIN, Animal Center Management, had two pedigreed Bullmastiffs at the 2022 National Dog Show, one as a Therapy Dog mascot and one in the Working Dog show ring.

KRYSTAL POPIEL, Admissions, earned an M.S. from Peirce College in Higher Education Leadership (enrollment management and student services focus).

DR. EVELYN SANTANA, Partnership Sites, was elected to a one-year term on the Allentown School District Board.

HEIDI TECHNER, Interior Design, was awarded an Honorable Mention for her painting titled “End of Summer” at the Juried Members Exhibition at the Wayne Art Center.

CHRIS TROWER '22, Photography, and Campus Safety Officer had an image published in the Philadelphia Inquirer of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

Left: Programs Director Mike Fratangelo with La’eeb, the FIFA World Cup 2022 mascot. La’eeb means “super skilled player” in Arabic. Right: Dario Bellot witnessed two previous Argentine championships in his lifeftime and he said this win is the biggest thing that has happened to Argentina since the selection of Pope Francis in 2013.

DR. JOANNE RICEVUTO, Early Childhood Education Program Director, held a book signing for Engaging in Virtual Environments (2022) during the Thanksgiving Luncheon, November 15.

Athletics Roundup

Women’s Team Goes to National Semi-finals

The Women's Basketball Team had an historic run this year, finishing with a program record of 30–4. They advanced to the NJCAA D-II National Tournament in Port Huron, Michigan, from March 21–25, as the No. 5 seed, having won the Region 19 Championship on February 25, and the District East A Championship on March 4. This year marked their first 20-win season since 2018–19.

Women’s Basketball finishes with their best season in program history, advancing to the 2022–23 Final Four.

Left: Amaris Baker.

BAKER JOINS 1,000 POINT CLUB; TOPS IN NATIONAL STATS; FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

Amaris Baker led all levels of JUCO this year with 919 points in 34 games this season. She broke the single game Harcum men’s and women’s scoring record five times this season and finished with 1,002 total career points. She was named a First Team All-American by the NJCAA on April 4.

JV EARNS WINNING SEASON

The 2022–23 JV Men’s Basketball Team finished 17–5 on the season, with two exciting road wins against Monroe College. The team had a roster of 17 sophomore and freshman players and was coached by Barry Uzzell

MEN’S TEAM NOTCHES WINNING SEASON

The Men’s Basketball Team concluded a winning 2022–23 season with a record of 26–2. It was the Bears’ first season under Head Coach John Ball

On the season, sophomores Amahrie Simpkins (18.2) and Bernie Blunt (14.3) and freshman Po’Boigh King (13.4) had the highest average points-per-game. Sophomore Tegra Izay (9.2) averaged the most rebounds per game; sophomore Jordan Martin (4.3) had the most assists per game. Overall, the players and coaches delivered an exciting, action-packed run this year.

At Nationals, the Bears won their first two games of the tournament over Danville Area (79-75) and in an exciting come-from-behind win against Johnson County (60-55) but lost in the Final Four to Richard Bland (79-76 OT). Over the course of the week, Amaris Baker averaged 23.4 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game while Jasmyn Jefferies also averaged 10.8 points per game and 5 assists per game. They finished the season as the fourth-ranked team in the country.

“What a fantastic season for Coach Maye's team,” President Jon Jay DeTemple said. “They had the most wins in one season at 30 and first ever Final Four. Congratulations to his staff and all his Harcum Bears.”

Sophomores Jasmyn Jeffries and Amaris Baker and freshman Ellie Janssen Holton were named 1st Team All-EPAC (Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference). Baker was named Region 19 Player of the Year. Coach Riley Maye was also awarded Region 19 Coach of the Year and East District Coach of the Year.

Alumnae Interviews with First Lady Margi Tucker DeTemple

Untold Stories

“I was active in the theatre and a member of the drama department. I performed in Oklahoma! and The Heiress. One of the most memorable plays was Cry Havoc where we were invited to perform at Alfred University (NY). It was an all-female show, and I played the crazy sergeant, a great part.

“Besides doing plays at Harcum, I did voiceover work at the Villanova radio station. They were an all-male college then. When they needed female voices, I and other ladies from the drama department would walk over to their radio station.

The Harcum News announced in its November 1955 issue that Villanova University station WVIL, scheduled Harcum drama majors for five half-hour shows on Monday evenings. Strawbridge and Clothier’s radio program

“Young Philadelphian” also featured Harcum’s drama music majors on Station WFLN.

“Through my Harcum College experience I formed strong bonds with my classmates. Barbara Gordon became one of my best friends, whose son became my godson. We remained friends until she passed away. This is one of the most marvelous and meaningful relationships I have had.

“President Philip Klein wrote a letter of recommendation to station WPEN for me. I was accepted as an intern for three months at a rate of $1.80 an hour. This internship and all the writing I did at Harcum helped me with my future career in marketing research.

“Harcum years were the two best years of my life. It is always with me.”

“We [Harcum] had a box at the Academy of Music up for grabs on a number of occasions, and I took advantage of them quite a few times. We also got tickets for ‘regular seats’ for operas or concerts and were encouraged to use them.

“Meals were served in Melville Hall and were more like a ladies’ luncheon, with tablecloths and table service. I remember being served a baked and stuffed Bermuda onion.”

“The Hamburg Hearth was the favorite place to eat in Bryn Mawr.” (Once located at 814 Lancaster Avenue, today the building is a few doors from the Bryn Mawr Film Institute.)

“Dr. Klein hosted weekly meetings in the Little Theater. He knew so many interesting people from all walks of life who were invited to come and talk with us. More often than not they were in the political world—Philadelphia, Washington and internationally. The few who stand out in my memory were Pauline Trigere and Cornelia Otis Skinner.”

MERLE BERMAN HOLMAN '56 Major: Communications & Advertising Commuter Student

ABIGAIL “GAIL” WRIGHT GREENE ’55 Major: Fashion Merchandising Commuter Student; Class Vice President

Upperclassmen Merle Berman Holman (2nd from left) and Gail Wright Greene ’55 (5th from left) performed in Cry Havoc together and remember the trip to the festival. “One of the girls drove a carful of us up and we spent two nights in the dorms. The play was about army nurses during the fall of Bataan during WWII. It was quite heady when folks actually asked for our autographs!”

The Harcum Mile video, written and presented by Margi Tucker DeTemple, premiered on March 30, and is now available on Harcum's YouTube Channel. To watch the video, scan this QR code!

Alumni News

@femme_gemz I am filled with GRATITUDE this holiday for these 2️ amazing dental hygiene students who came to see me this week. They where visiting from Harcum College, where I am a graduate from as a Licensed Registered NJ & PA Dental Hygienist.

#harcumcollege #dentalhygiene

#femmegemz #dentalstudent

Natalie Sheehan on LinkedIn

Last month, I graduated magna cum laude from Saint Joseph’s University with my B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Services. Starting this summer, I will be attending Harcum College to work towards a degree in Radiologic Technology. I am very excited to further my education and for the opportunities this program has to offer.

Luis Soto on LinkedIn

I promised my mother before she died in August, 2020 that I would be the first ever to graduate from College, and I did yesterday. We are thirteen siblings. God is so good!!! Please, never stop reaching your goals because the sacrifice is worthy. Happy Evening!!! Blessings!!!

#HARCUMCOLLEGEGRADUATION22

Della Kirksey on Facebook

I was up at 5:34am applying for college… I’m ready to pursue my Bachelor’s… Looking at my transcript from Harcum made me realize I’m really smart! I was trying to reach that 4.0 but I will take that 3.7 GPA! Wish me luck!

Harcum Junior College, from left: Leslie "Glowworm", she looked just like that toy

Tanya Popp, the Garfield fanatic Mindy Talbot, a party girl

Sue, MASH loving, unicycle riding, bunny slipper wearing, Michelob drinking, Cosby show and All My Children watching fun roomie Sue and Leslie are gone now, but the memories never will. Friends for life and beyond...

Leroy Miles on LinkedIn

Celebrating my first born! She continues to soar! Undergraduate (Winston-Salem) work done, with honors, graduate work in gerontology (McDaniels College) and just completed PTA program (Harcum College), with honors board certification loading!

#prouddad

#blackgirlmagic

#blackhealthmatters

What’s

Use

Michelle Ott

Mark Your Calendar

Power of Possibilities

February 24, 2023

Scholarship Recognition

Annual Dental Expo

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Commencement

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Kevin D. Marlo Golf & Racquet Classic*

Monday, June 5, 2023

Scholarship Fundraiser at Llanerch Country Club

www.harcum.edu/GR23

In Memoriam

MARY ELIZABETH MORRIS RAWLE SLATTERY

Class of 1960

NANCY JEAN SMITH VAN NOPPEN

Class of 1965

JANE SLAVIN JOHNSON

Class of 1971

JENNIFER C. WALLACE

Class of 1985

JOHN WYATT SAMSON

Class of 1986 (Antonelli)

TRACY A. GEBAUER BISIGNARO

Class of 1989

Founders’ Day – Day of Giving

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Circle of Excellence Dinner and Awards

Friday, October 6, 2023

Harcum Homecoming

Saturday, October 7, 2023

www.harcum.edu/homecoming

* VOLUNTEERS WELCOME! For questions or to volunteer, call Institutional Advancement at 610-526-6060 or email advancement@harcum.edu

QUINYOHNA CANTY

Class of 2018

CORRINA GONZALES

Class of 2022

Remembering Linda Ogus Blum ’64

Linda Ogus Blum ’64 of Springfield, Massachusetts, the founding member of the Harcum College Alumni Association, formerly known as the National Alumni Board of Directors, passed away on December 29, 2022. She was 77 years old. For her dedication and service to Harcum, the Alumni Association awarded her the Outstanding Alumna Award in 2017.

A Bear-y Fine Mascot

HARCUM'S BELOVED MASCOT, Hatcher, is an integral member of the campus community, spreading school spirit and cheer everywhere he goes. He is brought to life by Tim Senick, a Radiologic Technology major, whose energy and enthusiasm as Hatcher are infectious.

“Tim fully embodies Hatcher’s spirit when he puts on the costume,” notes Jackie Pursell, Visual Assets Coordinator. “He brings Hatcher to life at Harcum.”

Senick took on the role of portraying Hatcher in 2021 when he began his studies at Harcum. Since then, he has actively portrayed the mascot in videos and photo shoots for the Admissions, Communications & Marketing, and Advancement departments. He frequently appears as Hatcher at special events, greeting alumni at Homecoming, welcoming prospective students and parents at Bear-Nanza, and celebrating the birthday of Temple’s mascot Hooter the Owl.

He also has become Harcum’s biggest star on TikTok, entertaining viewers by searching for his shadow on Groundhog’s Day, tossing confetti hearts for Valentine’s Day, and even competing in a TikTok dance challenge.

“Hatcher represents enthusiasm, high energy, and school spirit. It is so much fun to disappear into the character,” says Senick.

But being Hatcher is not always a breeze. During last year’s Kevin D. Marlo Scholarship Golf & Tennis Classic,

by

Senick faced his biggest challenge as Hatcher, visiting with participating golfers on the green in his heavy bear suit on a hot summer day. Despite the exhaustion, Senick found it “extremely rewarding to participate in a fundraising event that directly supports Harcum students.”

Not only does Senick excel at his role as Hatcher, but he also exhibits a strong dedication to academics. According to his program director, Julie Taddeo, he is a fantastic student “who consistently performs exceptionally well in the classroom and clinical settings.”

Putting on the mascot costume takes more than just donning a suit—it requires charisma, stamina, and a deep commitment to representing Harcum with pride. Tim Senick is a natural in the role, and his dedication to the position is evident in the joy he brings to everyone who watches him perform.

“Hatcher represents enthusiasm, high energy, and school spirit. It is so much fun to disappear into the character,” says Senick.

THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK: Tim Senick '23

Krystal Popiel

Homecoming

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2023

• Alumni Brunch and Murals Tour

• Dental Continuing Education

• Dental Hygiene Research Posters

• Bear Fest: Food & Fun

• Alumni Basketball Game

• Alumni Happy Hour

Visit

register. QUESTIONS? Contact Institutional Advancement at 610-526-6060 or event@harcum.edu

Save the dates: October 5, 2024 & October 4, 2025

Celebrating the Harcum Murals

Designed and painted by Harcum College students, “The Murals at Harcum” collection (1967–1987) was inspired by Martin Zipin (1920–1991) and carefully restored in 2020.

“Fifty years ago, the murals were new and we were the graduating class of 1973. The good news is the murals have been restored and the class of 1973 will be having an alumni brunch on campus along with a murals tour. Join us on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Reunite with friends, visit the campus, reminisce about 1973 and celebrate 2023. Looking forward to our 50th class reunion.”

June Berman Olster ’73, 50th Reunion Chair juneo412@aol.com