Values - Fall 2016

Fall 2016

Beneath the Surface Dr. Elizabeth Rielly-Carroll studies the organisms we can't see under the water's surface

Sworn to Protect Holy Family University Magazine

Katie Robbins never imagined she would run a pasta sauce business out of her parents’ kitchen, but she wouldn’t have it any other way

Officer Jim McCullough recounts his harrowing night on the streets of West Philadelphia

Color Run Students raced through colorful clouds that left participants a spectrum of bright colors, as the Holy Family University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its fourth annual 5k-Fun Run on Thursday, April 16. The successful event saw more than 100 people attend to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation with

Photo: David Pavlak

a $1,000 donation.

Table of Contents

In the News 4

HFU Roundtable 8

Short stories featuring people, events, and happenings from all facets of Holy Family University.

Faculty and staff share their thoughts on a timely topic.

This issue: What is your most prominent election memory?

In the Spotlight: Maddy Wiencek 10

In the Spotlight: Jim McCullough 12

Recipe for Success 14

Beneath the Surface 20

10 Things to Know About…Living on Campus 26

What’s on Your Desk?

28

Unwilling to let her diagnosis define her, Maddy Wiencek finds friends, support, and strength after being drafted by the volleyball team.

Officer Jim McCullough was on his way to finishing his Criminal Justice degree when he sustained an injury patroling the city he swore to protect.

A pasta sauce­—created so that her father would eat more vegetables—has turned into a successful and thriving business venture for Katie Robbins.

Millions of microscopic organisms live in seagrass communities below the water. Dr. Elizabeth Rielly-Carroll is bringing these creatures—and her findings—to the surface.

An informative list to help students prepare for important college milestones at any school.

A closer look at all trinkets, do-dads, and thingamajigs that adorn the desks of Holy Family University's faculty and staff.

Then & Now Back Cover

Bringing Holy Family's past into the present with a side-by-side photo comparison.

holyfamily.edu/magazine

1

become a sustaining force at holy family university.

join the 1954 Society.

The 1954 Society recalls the year that Sister Neomisia Rutkowska, Holy Family University’s founding President, made the courageous decision to establish the first faith-based institution of higher education for women in Northeast Philadelphia. Now, recognizing this transformational decision, the members of the 1954 Society will pledge an annual contribution of $1,954 to form an unrestricted fund for use in special initiatives approved by the President.

This resource will allow us to underwrite, in whole or in part, projects such as the development of a state-of-the art Teaching-Learning Center, sponsorship of distinguished lectures and cultural events on campus, and expanded opportunities for faculty-student research, among others.

join the initiative by contacting Staci Altomari 267-341-5007/saltomari@holyfamily.edu

President’s Message

W

elcome to the inaugural issue of our relaunched magazine—now titled Values—a project that I am so glad has come to fruition. The name change was devised for three reasons. One, having a magazine to share stories of the hard work and success of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni is of tremendous value to the University. Second, this magazine is of value to you, our Holy Family community, to stay abreast of fantastic news, projects, stories, and fun that we have here on campus. Finally, the name change has direct correlation to our tagline—The Value of Family—a daily guiding motto for our offerings and actions.

As I reviewed the magazine features, not only did I think that they truly reflected the value of family present at our University, but I also noticed a common thread of growth and new direction—a suitable theme for a newly evolved magazine. When alumna Katie Robbins met a career challenge, she looked for a new direction and found it in an unlikely spot. New faculty member Elizabeth Rielly-Carroll brings a fresh perspective to the School of Arts and Sciences, offering expertise in ecology, which adds to the strength of an established and successful biology program. Indeed, the biology department has embraced new directions and growth, not content to rest on its laurels but offering new pre-professional tracks, details of which you will find in our news section.

I am now two years into my presidency at Holy Family University, and one of my favorite things is watching our institution seize upon opportunities to expand its offerings and to reach out to new communities and connect. I hope that you enjoy this issue, and I hope that you reach out to us in response.

Sister Maureen McGarrity, csfn, phd President

Editor David Pavlak

President Sister Maureen McGarrity, CSFN, PhD

Art Director Jay Soda

Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Heather G. Dotchel

Contributing Writers Heather G. Dotchel David Pavlak Greg Pellegrino

Values is published semiannually. Please address correspondence to:

Photo: Adam Cohn

Contributing Photographers Anastasia Altomari Adam Cohn Julia Lehman-McTigue David Pavlak Alyssa Reyes ’17 Bob Scott Jay Soda Holy Family University Athletics

Editor, Values Magazine Marketing & Communications Department 9801 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114 magazine@holyfamily.edu Letters to the Editor become property of the magazine. The opinions and views expressed in Values do not necessarily reflect the official policies of Holy Family University. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of published information.

Holy Family University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, or disability in administration of its education policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Want to hold the magazine in your hands?

Opt in for a printed version by visiting:

www.holyfamily.edu/printmag © 2016 Holy Family University

holyfamily.edu/magazine

3

In the News Class of 2016 Graduates at 59th Commencement

1

2

3

4

Photos: Julia Lehman-McTigue/Susan Beard Design

Seven hundred and forty-eight students were awarded degrees at Holy Family University’s 59th Commencement Ceremonies on May 12, 2016 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Holy Family bestowed four honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees across the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies. In the graduate ceremony, Mother Dolores Hart, OSB [1] was honored for her “unwavering devotion to God, extraordinary courage, and lifelong service to humanity.”

Mother Dolores is the Dean of Education at Abbey of Regina Laudis and a former Hollywood actress. The Honorable Charles F. Dougherty [2], former Member of Congress and community leader, was also presented with an honorary degree in recognition of his work as a public servant and his promotion of Catholic values.

In the undergraduate ceremony, Holy Family University honored Sister Thea Krause, CSFN, PhD [3] . Sister Thea is an ethicist for the Veterans Health Administration and Chair of the Board of the csfn Mission and Ministry, Inc.; her tireless service to others provides a model for which to strive.

Denis P. Mulcahy [4], co-founder and Chairman of Project Children and former nypd Bomb Squad Detective, was also honored for his dedication to promoting peace and understanding for Irish children growing up with the strife in Northern Ireland.

Additionally, the University bestowed several awards, honoring faculty and students who have been invaluable parts of our community. Gloria Kersey-Matusiak, PhD, RN, Professor for the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, was awarded the prestigious Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for 2016 in recognition of her distinguished teaching. Graduating seniors Ryan Andrew Neumann Domer, BA ’16, and Mary Torpey, BA ’16, received the Mother M. Neomisia Award and Alumni Senior Award, respectively.

4

FA L L 2 01 6

Moore Publishes Third Novel to Rave Reviews Liz Moore, Associate Professor of Writ-

ing and Coordinator of Humanities, has released her latest novel, The Unseen World. Her third book comes after the success of her second novel, Heft, which was named “Best of 2012” by npr and the Apple iBookstore.

The Unseen World tells the story of Ada Sibelius, the daughter of David, an eccentric and socially inept single father who runs a computer lab located in Boston. Ada joins David during his daily work—becoming his protégé along the way. While David’s lab begins to gain success, questions regarding his past start to surface. With David’s mind failing, Ada is determined to discover her father’s secrets.

“I was inspired to write the story of a girl who grew up in Boston in the 1980s with a computer scientist father because I grew up in the suburbs of Boston in the 1980s, and my own father is a scientist—though he’s

a physicist, not a computer scientist,” Moore said. “The rest came out of being fascinated with the history of computer science and reading as much as I could get my hands on.”

Moore’s novel has received praise from The New York Times, Boston Globe, Washington Post, and Dallas News, as well as other media outlets.

She was presented the Medici Book Club Prize and Philadelphia’s Athenaeum Literary Award, and is also an ArtsEdge resident at the University of Pennsylvania and Susan Hertog Fellow at Hunter College. She was awarded the prestigious 2014 American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Rome Prize and was one of 20 writers nationwide selected by the American Academy of Arts and Letters to receive a 2014 Literature Award. She was also one of two honorees to be granted the Rome Fellowship in Literature.

“Every time I’m about to publish

a book, I have two fears: one, that no one will read it, and two, that people will read it and hate it! Of course there are always people who have critiques of my books, but I have also had the very moving experience of hearing from readers who’ve enjoyed my work and connected to it in some way, which is all I hope for.”

Holy Family’s Food Truck Festival Feeds the Masses Curbside Philly, Hai Street Kitchen & Co. US, Li Ping Corn Company, Philly Fry, Philly’s Finest Sambonis, Phoebes BBQ, Short Order Mobile Cuisine, The Smooth Cow, The Tot Cart, and Waffles & Wedges were kept busy throughout the night.

The event also featured events for kids, with an inflatable jousting competition, obstacle course, lacrosse shot challenge, balloon dartboard, and more.

Photos: David Pavlak (top); Anastasia Altomari (bottom)

The smell of french fries, cheesesteaks, tacos, sushi burritos, waffles, and ice cream filled the parking lot of Holy Family Hall on September 16 as the University hosted its second annual Food Truck Festival.

With more than 1,600 visitors eager to get a taste of the street food delicacy, Cheese E Wagon,

holyfamily.edu/magazine

5

Holy Family University Unveils New Neuroscience Program Holy Family became the first SEPCHE school to offer Neuroscience with the launch of the program this fall.

Spearheaded by Dr. Jen DeCicco and Dr. Jaclyn Myers, students in the Neuroscience field will experience courses in Psychology, Biology, and the natural sciences. Students will also be required to take hands-on laboratory courses and have the chance to

pursue research with the faculty.

“Neuroscience is a fast growing and in-demand field that integrates multiple areas of study, including Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry,” DeCicco said. “The major affords students the opportunity to explore the aspects of Psychology, while still understanding core concepts in Biology and Chemistry.”

Added Myers, “On the other hand, students with strong interests in molecules, genes, and cells can broaden

Andrea Green performs with Dean Schneider, Holy Family’s Commencement pianist and collaborator on her musicals.

Andrea Green Gives Students Lessons in Tolerance With a goal to educate future teachers on tolerance, Andrea Green, an awardwinning musician, music therapist, composer/playwright, and director of children’s musicals, stopped by Holy Family University to present about using the arts as a vehicle for teaching tolerance.

According to Green, “At some point in our lives, many of us have experienced being ‘on the other side of the fence.’ We may have felt excluded for being different.”

Joined by the Dean of the School of Education, Kevin Zook, PhD, Green hosted a private and public workshop in April. Her presentation included songs from her award-winning film, On the Other Side of the Fence, a documentary that follows students from the hms School for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia as they take the stage together.

Green’s musical won the gold medal at the 2015 NY International Film Festival and the bronze medal from the United Nations for “outstanding achievement in a film that exemplifies the ideals and goals of the United Nations.”

6

FA L L 2 01 6

their understanding of Neuroscience, with the addition of Psychology courses focusing on human behavior.”

The course curriculum includes new classes, such as Intro to Neuroscience, Science Writing, and Abnormal Psychology. These additions round out a program that allows students to customize his or her major to meet their interests and career goals.

“What makes our Neuroscience program unique is how balanced the major is, not only in the coursework, but in the mentorship as well,” Myers said. “I’m a member of the Biology Department, whereas Dr. DeCicco is a member of the Psychology faculty. My research focuses on the cellular components of a neuron and the synapse, whereas Dr. DeCicco examines physiological effects of emotion. Therefore, students have the option to participate in a wide range of research projects.”

This interdisciplinary approach is a significant strength and reflects the most current trends in the field.

Whether the students’ focus is molecular, with a biology and chemistry leaning, or whether their interests are primarily centered in neuropsychology and the brain, this program can accommodate those student interests on an individual level.

After the completion of his or her degree, students in this major will have an excellent opportunity to further their education in graduate school, medical school, or enter the workforce, according to DeCicco.

“It gives students this multiple level of understanding, not just biology from a cellular perspective, but also how it interacts with psychology,” DeCicco said. “It’ll give them a bit of an edge, as graduate admissions will see that they understand an interdisciplinary field and make them competitive candidates.”

Photos: Dr. Jen DeCicco (top); Jay Soda (bottom)

In the News

New Pre-Physical Therapy and Pre-Med Tracks Offered Holy Family University continues to grow its robust science programs with two new pre-professional track offerings in Biology— Pre-Med and Pre-Physical Therapy.

Pre-Physical Therapy, which launched this fall, will provide students an opportunity to learn the basic principles associated with the physical therapy profession.

“The curriculum entailed in this proposal is designed to provide the necessary prerequisite courses required to gain admission into a variety of graduate Doctoral of Physical Therapy programs,” said Dr. Chris Carbone, Assistant Professor of Biology.

“It’s a basic biology curriculum that has influences

with physics, mathematics, and physical therapy related classes that students will be exposed to at the graduate level. Exposing students at the undergraduate level to the material covered by these topics will not only increase their probability to successfully master the material at the graduate level, but will also reinsure the admission committees that our students can intellectually handle the rigors they will experience after being admitted into their programs.”

Students hoping to pursue the Pre-Physical Therapy track will have free electives that, according to Carbone, allow the student to customize their experience.

“That allows you to apply to whatever institution you

want to,” he said.

Holy Family University also offers students the opportunity to Dr. Chris Carbone, Assistant Professor of Biology. pursue a Pre-Med track. The Pre-Med program disciplines have been added takes a more in-depth apto expose students to a vaproach to the profession, riety of courses in the social including additional areas and behavioral sciences.” of study and an emphasis The program also features on the MCAT exam—the test a significant resource in its a students needs to pass pre-medical committee, in order to gain admittance consisting of Biology and into medical school.

Psychology faculty mem“The Pre-Med program bers as well as physicians has more checkmarks that who attended Holy Family it needs to meet,” Carbone as undergraduate students. said. “It has more basic sciThe committee conducts ence, math, chemistry, and interviews with prospective physics. The curriculum in applicants and provides the Pre-Med program also letters of recommendation. takes into consideration It is also available for stuthe requirements of newly dents to contact for advice designed MCAT exam that or information. includes a new section that Carbone noted that there tests knowledge of introare hopes to add two new ductory concepts in psytracks—Pre-Physicians Aschology and sociology. As sistant and Pre-Pharmacy— a result, courses from these in the near future.

Photos: Bob Scott (top); Alyssa Reyes (bottom)

Kathleen Bartholomew Confronts Bullying in Nursing Profession As someone who managed many nurses, different floors, and various hospitals, Kathleen Bartholomew, RN, MN, has seen it all when it comes to nurse-to-nurse harassment. She now spends her time educating nurses on how to stand up and end the bullying. Speaking to a packed auditorium, Bartholomew addressed nursing students, faculty, and other members of the Holy Family community as she presented “Ending Nurse-to-Nurse Hostility: Why Nurses Eat Their Young and Each Other.”

The phrase “nurses eating their young” is an insider term used to explain the bullying, harassment, and emotional abuse that can be experienced by new nurses from experienced nurses. The trauma occurs in hospitals, nursing schools, and beyond.

“Kathleen Bartholomew shares a message related to horizontal hostility in the workplace that unfortunately resonates with practicing nurses, while serving as a reality check for students joining the healthcare professions,” Cynthia Russell, Dean and Professor of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions said. “A leader in nursing and healthcare, Kathleen brings

forward practical strategies to cultivate a culture of civility and enhanced inter-professional relationships to the forefront through her books, articles, and presentations.”

Bartholomew is an accomplished public speaker, performing at many nursing conventions and hospitals.

She has also given a tedx Talk titled “Lessons from Nursing to the World” in 2016.

“I was so pleased that Kathleen was able to speak to our students and faculty,” said Shannon Brown, Executive Director of the Library. “Her close examination of hospital hierarchy shows us how crucial interpersonal relationships among healthcare professionals are to the lives of their patients.”

holyfamily.edu/magazine

7

HFU Roundtable Each issue, the HFU Roundtable will pose a question for faculty and staff to reflect upon. Our favorites are printed below. Want to contribute to the Roundtable? Send in your response to the question below to magazine@holyfamily.edu.

What is your most prominent election memory?

8

FA L L 2 01 6

Madigan Fichter, PhD School of Arts o Lui s in rc a d M ethe “As a senior at St. Joseph’s Prep and Sciences

Ma

dig an Fich

te

r

summer of 1948, I was hired by Western Union to transfer perforated tape “I was living in Hungary, doing remessages from clients in Philadelphia search for my dissertation, during the to cities throughout the U.S. The work 2008 elections. The entire late sumwas significant, since both the Republimer and fall of 2008 was absolutely can and Democratic Conventions were surreal to watch from abroad, but the being held in the city’s Convention election was by far the strangest thing Hall. History was in the making as to experience at a distance. None of I was able to read the perforated mesmy European friends quite understood sages being sent by Congressmen and my level of emotional investmentnin s Ja m in Ja m es Higg A c t oand es Senators to officials and constituents— the daily movement of the polls, messages by Southern Democrats about I couldn’t find anyone who was willthe battle over states rights and human ing to stay up with me to watch the rights, which were being pressed by election results. Most of election night Northern Democrats. Mississippi and was spent wandering around Budapest, Alabama walked out of the assembly trying to find somewhere to watch the over the issue. Southern Democrats results come in. Partway through the formed a new wing in the party called night I found a Canadian friend of the Dixiecrats. Ultimately, Harry Trua friend who agreed to watch with me man won the nomination over Richard out of North American solidarity. But, Pa e t r iall ns Russell of Georgia. The Republicans bar M a r y e c k e r the patrons at the only c i a night J o e rg e B had their own difficulties in choosing that we could find showing internaThomas Dewey over Robert Taft. Hartional news eventually got bored with ry Truman finally won the Presidency American politics, so we had to move in a major upset. For me, the summer on. We ended up back at the Canaposition was a history lesson as I was dian’s apartment around 3 am, where able to read many of the messages forwe hunched over a laptop streaming an r Ma o te Lui dthe warded by Congressmen and Senators. i g a nelecs M e rc a dAmerican news channel as Fich I was able to witness the beginning of tion was called. My walk back across the Civil Rights movement in America.

Budapest around 5:30 am, exhausted, It was significant for me since exhilarated, and wide awake in the I lived in a racially mixed totally empty streets is my most neighborhood at the prominent election memory.” time. It provided me with significant insights to participate in class debates concerning American Values n Ja m ins Ja m and Civil Rights.” es Higg es A c t o

Photos: David Pavlak

n

“It was November 2, 1976. I was working in Bedfordshire, England, then for the U.S. government, when Jimmy Carter, technically my new boss, was elected the 39th President of the United States. I watched the election returns onMmy rented TV, e r although I shouldn’t a ig ht a n F i c I hadn’t purchased a ‘telly havedbecause license’ yet. I found the Brits to be interested and intrigued by Jimmy Carter.

The day after the election, I was sitting in a pub in Clophill, about 40 miles north of London, when a couple of guys at the bar noticed n Ja m es A c t o my American accent and began to question me about the new Yank commander in chief. ‘Is his proper name James, and Jimmy is his nickname?’ one guy asked. I explained that Jimmy was indeed his proper name. Before they could pepper me with other questions I explained my complete knowledge of Jimmy Carter in one sentence: “He’s Pa e tric n s and peanut farmer, a former governor ia Jo e rg e and he graduated from the Naval Academy,” I said with the confidence of a press secretary. “But other than that, I’m confused as you are.” When the pub was closing around half past 10 that evening, the three of us raised a glass to the newly elected 39th President of the United States.”

James Higgins, MBA, MA Division of Extended Learning

n

James Acton, EdD School of Arts and Sciences

Ja m

Lui

Beck

er

n

School of Education

“In 1972 my third grade teacher, Mrs. Scarpati, was explaining to us how elections worked. She divided the class into the Nixon side and the McGovern side. I was very excited for my candidate, George McGovern. We talked about voting and that all over Ja m o n deciding the country adults would es A c tbe who the next president would be. I heard that Mr. McGovern lost and I cried. I later found out more about the candidate and the historic loss. Later on, in the summer of 1974 in Queens, NY, my Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Bill insisted that all the kids, my siblings and cousins, 10 children in total ranging from 4-14, watch Nixon’s resignae tion speech.” P a t ns rici

a J o e rg e

e

n

Pa

es A c t o

r Patricia Ma o te e d i g a nP aF i c h s M e rc a d Joergensen, EdD r t ns rici M a r y e c ke a J o e rg e B

“My most memorable Election Day “The year was 1960. The candidate story happened in 2008. I had recently was a young Irish Catholic named John started a new job in Philly and I was F. Kennedy. He rode down Frankford in the middle of relocating from the Ave on his way to a campaign stop. suburbs to the city. I did not have time The avenue was lined with people to change my voting location; however, hoping to get a glimpse of the man I was determined to who would soon capture the love and vote. After work, imagination of the country. Camelot I rode three was about to begin. I sat Uncle’s J a mon my g ins sH buses, which shoulder as Kennedy flew eby ini ga took me three convertible. We still have a picture of long, uncomthe motorcade. Everyone was screamfortable hours ing his name—I’ll to get to my never forgete r it. I Ma o Lui ht d i g afive s M e rc a d n F i cyears voting station. was When I pulled old and I was the lever inside the voting booth an hooked on overwhelming feeling came over me. politics from It dawned on me that maybe I had that day on.” just made history by helping to elect M a r y e c ke r B the first African-American President ever. By the time I made it back home, it was official and we made history.

People in my neighborhood were dancing inJ the streets.nThe laborious bus s n Ja m ame gi es A c t o s Hig ride was well worth it.”

Mary

Ja m

n

Mary Becker, MEd Alpha House

ins

n

Luis Mercado Business Office

es Higg

tric

i a J o e rg e

ns

holyfamily.edu/magazine

9

In the Spotlight Wiencek Inks Deal with HFU Volleyball

her parents, Robert and Eileen. After a brief introduction, Maddy signed her contract and officially became the newest member of the women’s volleyball team. Her first order of business was to take questions from the audience, where she was asked what she was looking forward to most throughout the season.

“Making friends.”

Spoken like a true professional.

Maddy is a local 13-year old girl who doesn’t shy away in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) since birth, she has battled every day to bring some normalcy into her daily routine. The Team impact Draft Day event served as the official introduction of Maddy as the newest member of the Tigers.

“The day of the signing, I was really nervous,” Maddy said. “I didn’t want to be treated or looked at differently because of my CF. After meeting the team and realizing how welcoming they were, I felt like a part of the team.”

Since the Draft Day event, the team has welcomed Maddy like one of their own and has been able to interact with her and her family in several ways. The Wiencek family attended a team bbq, met for ice cream during the summer, and even

10

FA L L 2 01 6

snuck in a few rounds of mini golf. Maddy and her family also participated in a Cystic Fibrosis Walk at Citizens Bank Park, where several members of the volleyball team were there to show their support.

“The interaction our program has had thus far with Team impact, Maddy, and the Wiencek family has been tremendous,” said third-year head coach Jeff Rotondo. “The players have really taken hold of the importance of this journey for Maddy and her family, and have gone out of their way to increase Maddy’s positivity and spirit.

In doing so, it is providing our players and staff some much needed perspective on our daily blessings and showing us how giving back our time, heart, and friendship can make an impact on others. It has been our pleasure to spend time with her and her family.”

Adding someone like Maddy to the volleyball team hasn’t been lost on the players. She is a familiar presence during every home game and practice, as well as participating in meetings and character-building seminars.

“Having Maddy become a part of our family was an honor for all of us,” said sophomore Jaime Bonner. “This experience that Team impact has made possible is not only beneficial for Maddy, but for the players and coaching staff as well.

Despite the hardships she’s facing at such a young age, she always continues to stay positive and cheerful. Seeing that kind of strength is truly inspiring. It’s a constant reminder that no obstacles in life should bring you down. We’re really looking forward to taking on our upcoming season with our new teammate this fall.” – Greg Pellegrino

Photos: David Pavlak (top); Holy Family University Athletics (bottom)

I

n a crowded gym on a warm Friday afternoon in April, photographers, future teammates, and Holy Family University faculty and staff gathered in the Campus Center to witness the signing of the latest hfu recruit. With music blasting through the speakers, Maddy Wiencek calmly walked to the front of the stage, flanked on either side by

Responsibility in Action Holy Family University is proud to launch our Blue and White Fund—annual giving with purpose. The Blue and White Fund impacts all areas at Holy Family University and our students, supporting:

• Technology • Student Financial Aid • Infrastructure • Campus Life • Student and Faculty Research

Gifts to the Blue and White fund are deployed immediately to areas most in need. Your participation, at any level, makes you part of our family of donors—those who accept responsibility for advancing education for future generations.

Your individual contributions join together for a bigger effect, increasing participation percentages that help Holy Family qualify for other forms of support.

Please consider making a gift to the Blue and White Fund today.

holyfamily.edu/give For more information, contact Staci Altomari (267-341-5007 / saltomari@holyfamily.edu)

In the Spotlight

Photo credit here

Officer Jim McCullough was invited by the Philadelphia Phillies to throw out the first pitch prior to the team’s matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 5.

12

FA L L 2 0 16

McCullough Battles Adversity While Protecting the City

Photos: Copyright © 2016 The Phillies. All Rights Reserved (left and bottom); Jim McCullough (top)

T

he sun had set in West Philadelphia, and Officer Jim McCullough, a 24-year old police officer and lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia, was on patrol in his car, surveying the 18th district. According to reports, two men robbed a man in the 5900 block of Market Street, before carjacking a woman at gunpoint. McCullough and his partner began to pursue the individuals on foot, and in an instant, a loud bang rang out in the streets.

A call of “shots fired” was heard across the police scanners. Dispatch relayed the message across the radio—an officer had been shot. McCullough was on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his left thigh—he had been hit.

“I heard the loud bang, but I can’t say that I felt pain right away. I knew that I was shot, but at that point, your first instinct and what they teach you in the police academy is to survive. Just because you’re shot doesn’t mean you’re out and you’re going to die. I got up, and at that point, I would say the adrenaline kicked in. The threat wasn’t over. After everything happened, I looked down at my leg and saw how bad it was. I screamed to my partner to get us out of there and go to the hospital.”

His partner, Officer Chris Pabon, drove McCullough to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries.

Sitting in his hospital bed, McCullough was visited by friends, family, and fellow police officers, but there were

two people he couldn’t get out of his head—his fiancée and 2-year old daughter.

“I completely understand it from my family’s perspective and how terrifying it must have been for them. That’s the nature of the job and what I signed up to do no matter what.

I swore to protect the city. I go into it every single day knowing that I have to do whatever it takes to do my job to the best of my abilities.”

“I swore to protect the city.”

As a resident of Northeast Philadelphia, McCullough is no stranger to Holy Family University. He is studying Criminal Justice in the Extended Learning program, and nearing the completion of his degree. Facing the new realities of his injury, McCullough was determined to not fall behind on his schoolwork. Overcoming many trials and tribulations, he never missed a class, and is set to graduate in May 2017.

“My college career thus far has been crazy. I’m so close; I’m two classes away. I’ve bounced around in three different schools. I just recently came back to Holy Family and now I’m in the extended learning program, which I absolutely love because it is my type of learning environment. I’m in a great program right now, I’m really enjoying it and I can see the finish line.”

After he’s completed his physical therapy and is cleared to return to the police department, McCullough has no reservations about being out on the street again, protecting and serving Philadelphia residents.

“I’m absolutely looking forward to it.” –David Pavlak

holyfamily.edu/magazine

13

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade… but what happens when life gives you tomatoes?

Katie Robbins never imagined she would run a pasta sauce business out of her parents’ kitchen, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

BY DAVID PAVLAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIA LEHMAN-MCTIGUE

K

atie Robbins had no business making pasta sauce.

Katie Robbins didn’t have a culinary degree from a well-respected institution. Katie Robbins was not Italian. Katie Robbins was making a dish that some Italians would consider sacrilege if done improperly.

But Katie Robbins also had no job. And Katie Robbins had just bought a house. And Katie Robbins had just gotten married. So Katie Robbins did what she needed to do in order to help make ends meet. So there she was—peeling, dicing, and shredding vegetables, turning them into a palatable concoction, preparing to ship her tomato sauce to Whole Foods, or whoever else was willing to experience a Taste of Tuscany.

14

FA L L 2 0 1 6

holyfamily.edu/magazine

1

5

THE DREAM Married and jobless, Katie Robbins was facing some early hurdles in life. The dream was to become a school counselor, following in her mother’s footsteps. Four years at Penn State— Berks earned Robbins a degree in Elementary Education. Three more years at Holy Family University earned her a Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2013. That was where her dream was supposed to start. With a love for children, a passion for helping, and the determination to succeed in her field, Robbins was ready to tackle whatever obstacle got in her way.

“My mom was a teacher and then she became a guidance counselor when I was about 12 or 13. I realized that I wanted to do more with the kids emotionally then academically.”

Except, she couldn’t.

Pennsylvania’s education system was in disarray. Schools were forced to cut budgets and non-critical personnel to keep the doors open and students inside. With each passing interview, Robbins’s chances to land within the walls of these institutions slowly closed.

“Either I had too much experience, not enough experience, overqualified, underqualified. It just wasn’t my time. I wanted to do more with my life. I wanted to follow my education and

16

FA L L 2 0 1 6

do what I was supposed to do. But it didn’t happen.”

After a year of hearing “no,” Robbins was giving up on the idea of becoming a counselor. Not knowing what was to come next, Robbins, who grew up in her parent’s house in Richboro, PA, turned to her mom and dad for advice.

Standing in the kitchen she grew up in, Robbins crafted her first batch of pasta sauce—more or less in an attempt to get her father to eat more vegetables. Robbins recounts her father’s famous words—“I won’t eat anything green”— but the food enthusiast was willing to make that change. Peeling, dicing, and shredding vegetables, Robbins made her first batch of Vegetarian Goddess pasta sauce, though it would be a full year before she realized it.

“I always loved cooking, and I was always in the kitchen.

I kind of created this sauce for him. When I made this sauce, it wasn’t something that I said, ‘10 years from now I’m going to try to market this.’ It was more for eating healthy and something that tasted good.”

Eating what he thought was meat sauce because of the consistency; Robbins’ father emptied the bowl. It wasn’t until later that she revealed the secret ingredients— tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and onions. It was official; her father had unknowlingly eaten his vegetables.

“I’m not Italian.

I don’t do it the Italian way.

I do it my way.”

THE SAUCE It wasn’t long until her sauce took off locally. Whether it was her father bringing it into work as a gift, friends asking her to make a batch for a party, or trying to fill the requests of her family looking for more of her delicious recipe, Robbins had something special. But how was someone with no experience in the food industry supposed to get her sauce out there?

Could she even sell the sauce? Was there a demand for another pasta sauce in the already overcrowded supermarket shelves?

Robbins got her answer—kind of.

After securing a chance to sell her product at a farmer’s market for the first time, Robbins made her sauce, packaged it in standard Tupperware, created labels and a name, and traveled to Bryn Athen, PA to set up shop at the Bounty Farmers Market.

“It was amazing. I had a following after a couple weeks and people were emailing and calling for my sauce. I had a couple catering companies that wanted to use the sauce, so I thought, ‘Wow this is going well, maybe I can sell this in the food stores.’”

Now in business for herself, the would-be school counselor was making gallons of sauce at a time. With no formal training, Robbins relies on her passion for food to make each batch of sauce look and taste the same. Possibly complicating the situation even further, Robbins isn’t Italian. Laughing while discussing her background on a rainy afternoon from her home, Robbins knows what people might think about a non-Italian making and selling an Italian specialty—but she’s not concerned. Her sauce speaks for itself.

“I’m not Italian. I don’t know how to chop the proper way or anything else, but I know what tastes good, smells good, and looks good. A lot of Italians say to not put sugar in your sauce. That is the number one thing that people say when I demo. My husband is Italian, though, and his Nonna puts sugar in her sauce. Different parts of Italy do it differently.”

Using a combination of locally sourced vegetables, Robbins

creates a hearty, chunky sauce that, when combined, has the consistency of a meat sauce. Add in some olive oil, heavy cream, tomato paste, and a mix of herbs and spices, and Robbins’ sauce is complete. Her product contains no preservatives or additives and takes between six to eight hours to make 25-35 gallons.

THE PITCH After spending three months selling her sauce at the farmer’s market, Robbins began to question whether or not selling her sauce in this environment was sustainable for her family.

Sitting in her car wondering whether she is going to continue to sell her sauce in the suburbs, Robbins turned to her mother for advice.

“My mom said, ‘What is your dream?’ I said I would love to be in Whole Foods one day. She told me to call them. I picked up the phone and the next day I had a meeting.”

Despite not knowing the first thing about pitching her product to a commercial realtor, Robbins prepared a batch of sauce, packed it in Tupperware, and met with the executives of

holyfamily.edu/magazine

17

Her sauce currently resides in 28 stores, with more to come on the horizon. Robbins is also looking for a larger facility to meet the growing demand for her product, as well as to experiment with new sauces and flavors.

THE LOVE

Whole Foods to see if her product would be a good fit on their shelves. Unphased by a few concerned looks when she arrived without shelf life details, packaging information, and other pertinent information, Robbins requested, at the very least, for direction. Maybe it was her strong belief in the product that sold them that day—she doesn’t know, nor does she want to—but she had done what she set out to do.

“I believe in timing. I believe it was the people that I met with. They thought I was crazy. I said ‘Please, I don’t even know what I’m doing. Could you at least try it and tell me if I have a shot?’ They loved the taste. Within a half hour they called and my life had changed.”

After securing a deal to have her product line the shelves of Whole Foods, Robbins was determined to make her sauce stand out from the rest. Utilizing a bag over a jar, she was able to sell her sauce in the refrigerated section of the supermarket and away from the rest of the jarred varieties.

“I wanted to stand out. I don’t like jarred salsa, but I like fresh salsa. I hate jarred sauce, but I like fresh sauce. My theory was that there are 50 jars in the aisle and no one is going to be able to pick mine, so why not switch sections and make it a fresh sauce. I wanted something that was freezerbased. A lot of sauce I had in jars would grow mold and look like a science experiment, so I wanted something that people could use, reuse, and also freeze.”

The hard work hasn’t ended, however. Robbins spends 3-5 days a week demoing her product to new potential customers.

That’s 3-5 days a week where individuals critique and criticize her sauce. Taking what her customers say to heart, Robbins takes suggestions and tips for new sauces based on demand.

After customers began to request a sauce without dairy, Robbins created Marinara Goddess, a dairy-free alternative for those looking to try her Taste of Tuscany brand.

“I really had to put myself out there. People’s natural reaction is to tell you what they think of the product they’re trying. It’s tough to here people critique your product over and over. I take what people say to heart and give them what they want.”

18

FA L L 2 0 1 6

Throughout the long and sometimes tedious process of establishing her business, Robbins has had a strong support system to fall back on. Whether it is her doting husband, Chase, handling the necessary paperwork, her always available mother to help stir and chop, or her quiet father, who willingly dug up his yard so that the water could be tested to ensure that his daughter's dream came true, the support has been immense.

It’s no surprise that Robbins father, Rick, was willing to do anything it took to make sure his daughter had what she needed—the sauce was created for his well-being. Robbins describes her father as “a man of few words,” but knows that her dad is beside her every step of the way, cheering her on as she continues to move her business forward.

“My parents and my husband have been amazing. They believe in me and encourage me and on the days where I think I cant do this, they’re the ones cheering me on. I know my dad is so proud. My parents have a well, and when I first started this, you needed to bring the well to the surface. All my dad asked was if I really wanted to do this. I said yes, and that was it. He said that he would do what he needed to do in order to get the water tested and that he believed in me. He’s always believed in me—he’s so proud.”

THE FUTURE So what’s next for the unsuspecting chef? Hopefully a new location to continue creating her line of sauces, and the chance to showcase her product in more stores throughout the year.

Robbins met with the Northeast Region of Whole Foods in August, and is trying to get into the Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia Whole Foods locations. This means starting all over again—from paperwork to pitching.

“I never, ever would have dreamed that I would be here.

Having people hear my story—I get emails and phone calls all the time from people who are in that starting stage. I try to give them as much knowledge as possible. It’s amazing, and it is a lot of hard work and there is the possibility of failure, but you have to try.”

But does she ever miss the opportunity to be in the school system, working with children like she thought she would?

“I think about it all the time because I want to help children, but I think that I’m going to try doing it in the realm that I’m in. I love school counseling, and if this ends tomorrow, I would love to be a school counselor. But this is amazing. I’m working with my family, I love my parents, and it's a time I’ll never be able to get back with them. Hopefully, I can create something for my children that they can have.”

holyfamily.edu/magazine

19

Under the water, millions of microscopic organisms go about their day, living and thriving in rich seagrass communities, hidden to the naked eye. Wanting to study the habits of these unknown creatures, it became Dr. Elizabeth Rielly-Carroll’s job to find and study them.

By David Pavlak Photography by Julia Lehman-McTigue 20

FA L L 2 0 16

holyfamily.edu/magazine

21

“I don’t know why the police officers let me through. It wasn’t raining, but there were crazy waves.”

The samples she was trying to salvage were for her dissertation. With her research in jeopardy, Reilly-Carroll’s persuasive skills were enough to get her through the barricades that day.

Out of the Woods

With law enforcement officers there to make sure everyone was out safely, a hoard of cars began leaving Ocean County, NJ—except one. In her grey 2006 Toyota Matrix, Dr. Elizabeth Rielly-Carroll drove into the heart of the storm and persuaded police officers

22

FA L L 2 01 6

to let her past the barrier so that she could properly secure her samples to the dock. All of this in the name of science.

Rielly-Carroll’s samples survived the storm. Looking back on her choices, she can’t help but crack a smile while remembering that nerve-racking day.

No matter what the elements would have presented to her on that stormy day, one thing is for sure—Rielly-Carroll would have been ready. Originally from Medford, NJ, she has always been an outdoors enthusiast­— spending ample time camping in the Adirondacks, in the woods, water, or just about anywhere in-between.

But how does someone make a career out of “being one” with nature? The answer wasn’t so clear, as Rielly-Carroll struggled to find her calling during her undergraduate days.

“I always liked science, including ecology, which I didn’t realize was a

a teaching perspective, there is a thought called Local Ecological Knowledge, which is the idea that when you’re trying to learn about ecology in the environment, something that can really make it meaningful is to bring in knowledge of the local environment and where you live. Philadelphia is a city, but it certainly has ecology. It may be between squirrels and the trash can, but it has an environment and interactions, and is still an environment that we can learn things about. I think that’s really important.”

Happy Accident thing that you could do. I struggled to find a major—I was undeclared until my junior year. I was looking at my transcripts to see what I had, and I realized that I was pretty much done with environmental science, so I thought ‘this must mean I really like that.’ That ended up being true; I realized it was definitely the right decision for me.”

Finding success in her field, Rielly- Carroll completed her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Mary Washington in 2006, her master’s in Environmental Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2009, and received a PhD in Biology from Temple University in 2015. She specializes in ecology—the study of the interactions between species and their environment—but has a soft spot for

environmental science, which combines ecology with the human influence upon these environments.

“The human influence now is everywhere. It’s hard to find ecology that is totally pure—animals that are doing what they do normally with no human influence—because we’re everywhere.

And that’s ok; we live here too. From

Taking a liking to environmental science and ecology, the fact that Rielly-Carroll spends most of her time in the water is sort of a happy accident. While working on her master’s degree, she became involved with The Nature Conservancy in Adirondack Park.

There, the researchers were involved in an invasive species abatement program, where a team was trying to get rid of Eurasian Watermilfoil, an underwater plant that can form dense vegetative mats on the water’s surface, disrupting the ecology that lives under it. As part of the research team, Rielly-Carroll spent her summer in a kayak, identifying areas of the water with the pesky plant for possible eradication. Not exactly the worst way to spend your summer.

Considering herself to be a community ecologist—studying the ways those

holyfamily.edu/magazine

23

communities interact with others, rather than a single species—Rielly-Carroll began working on her next research project.

“I was looking at how communities of macroinvertebrates, basically bug larvae and other small aquatic invertebrates that have an aquatic stage, changes in lakes that are invaded with Eurasian Watermilfoil. I really like the multispecies perspective because it’s really important to take a wide lens and zoom out to see the whole picture. When I was looking to go back to school for my PhD, I wanted to work with someone

24

FA L L 2 01 6

who was a community ecologist. My former advisor at Temple University, Dr. Amy Freestone, was a community ecologist that happened to work in marine systems rather than freshwater. That’s how I ended up working in marine systems.

I have some freshwater and marine projects under my belt, and I want to go for the trifecta and get a terrestrial project going.”

Seagrass Communities Rielly- Carroll’s biggest research project began during her dissertation while earning her PhD. She examined seagrass communities—submerged beds of grass—that are the home base

for epiphytes, an organism that lives on another organism. Using the seagrass, Rielly-Carroll studied tiny species of algae, invertebrates, anemones, and small tunicates like sea squirts— organisms that are all essential to the marine food chain because of their relation to the base of the pyramid.

“Anytime you remove a link from the chain, there’s a problem. It’s all connected. You can hardly do anything without some sort of butterfly effect.”

Using Artificial Seagrass Units (ASU) made out of plastic mesh mats and green ribbon so as to not remove the natural seagrass from its habitat, Rielly-Carroll and her team were able to follow the path and behaviors of these organisms to help preserve the water’s environment. The mimicked seagrass helped the team standardize the process, including density and blade length.

“Once you put that in the ocean, the epiphytes will settle and live on it.

The algae will want to photosynthesize and will want nutrients from the water column. The tunicates and anemones will be filter feeders. All these organisms are sessile, which means they don’t move once they settle on the seagrass blade.

That’s where they’re stuck. We can then clip the blades off and bring them back to the lab to be analyzed.”

A f ter studying the epiphy te community, Rielly-Carroll next moved on to studying habitat fragmentation (a byproduct of habitat loss) and how this relates back to the food web. Habitat loss occurs when a large, continuous habitat is broken into smaller patches.

Using a camera to record blue crabs, Rielly-Carroll and her team placed a bait item into continuous and fragmented habitats. From there, they observed how the crabs found the prey, how long they foraged, how many times per hour they visited, how long it took them to find the prey, and other important questions. The results? The behavior

of the crabs was dramatically different in the fragmented habitat compared to the continuous—including less time spent foraging, finding prey, and more frequent movements.

“Habitat fragmentation is a byproduct of habitat loss, so you start to get continuous habitats that are breaking apart. Ecologists don’t know whether the breaking apart of the habitats is a problem, or if you have the same amount of area, but it happens to be broken apart, is that still problematic?

This is something that can be really fun to do with undergraduates because it is really straightforward. The results of my study suggest that fragmentation has serious implications for the way that animals behave.”

Into the Classroom Rielly-Carroll now joins a dynamic science department in Holy Family’s School of Arts and Sciences. As the newest faculty member, she is excited to bring her knowledge of marine systems into the classroom, but isn’t afraid to take them outside to study the surrounding community.

Using the epiphyte population as a starting point, Rielly-Carroll can assist students in performing semester-long research projects that will help them as

they continue on in the program and in search of advanced degrees.

“That’s the cool thing about using epiphytes—they have a really short life cycle. When you’re talking about these smaller organisms, when you put out your seagrass, they’re going to settle immediately. They seasonally reproduce, so they’re only going to settle from April until October or November depending on the weather. From the perspective of an undergrad, you could come in and work all summer, and you can do an experiment and get data because that’s

the life cycle of this organism. Looking at these smaller communities, you can get ideas about how relationships between competition, predation, and species composition work in a small timescale.”

With nearby Pennypack Park and Poquessing and Byberry Creeks, RiellyCarroll is ready to take her class into the elements to learn first hand.

"I am excited to get out into the field with students and literally get our hands dirty exploring the surrounding environment.”

holyfamily.edu/magazine

25

10 Things to Know About…

Living on Campus Getting in to college is tough. Sorting through the millions of checklists of things you need to know before you arrive is even more daunting. Our 10 Things to Know About... series is here to make your college prep experience a little less challenging.

This edition's topic focuses on what you should know about living on campus.

1

Laundry is important.

(subtext: Learn how to do it before you come!)

You might come to college with 10 white t-shirts, and by the time the year is up, you’re going back home with 10 pink t-shirts—and not by design. It might be off your radar now, but knowing how to do laundry is important.

No one wants to be the smelly kid in class.

Run a load whenever you have enough clothes, separate your whites and darks, and smell fresh throughout the semester.

2

Speaking of friends, if all goes well, your new roommate might be your first real friend at college. That doesn’t mean that things will always go smoothly. If you’re not used to sharing a space, you might find yourself frustrated at times.

Just remember, your roommate might be feeling the same way. Act like an adult and settle any issues reasonably. It’s much easier to live together if you’re on the same page.

5

Clubs = Friends.

The easiest way to get acclimated is to join clubs.

Whether that is the student newspaper, sports team, student government, or any other activity, it is the fastest route to making friends and beginning to really enjoy yourself. Not every club will be for you, but keep trying until you find your niche.

Express yourself.

This is your home for the next four years, so you might as well make it as comfortable as possible. Remember, this is your room as much as it is your roommate’s—be respectful but don’t hide your personality. Massive Philly sports fan?

Hang those banners with pride. Think disco still isn’t dead?

Then crush it around campus in your best Travolta-esque suit. Just be you.

There will be late nights and early mornings, embrace it.

3

At some point, you will have an 8 am class. It will be a struggle to get up. But there is something serene about the cool morning air and a fresh cup of coffee that screams “good morning” as you struggle to open your eyes after snoozing the alarm for the ninth time. There will also be late nights. Cramming for midterms and finals is real. Get together with some friends; it’ll make the long nights easier to digest.

26

Living with a roommate isn’t always easy.

4

FA L L 2 01 6

Mugs are a necessity —invest wisely.

6

You don’t need to come to college with a hoard of mugs, but at least three is recommended. We’ve all seen the crazy mug cake recipes that only need a microwave. If you become known as the “mug cake guy/girl,” you’ll have people knocking on your door every night for some company. But they’re also great for soup on cold days when you don’t feel like trudging across campus, cereal in the morning, or some late night mac and cheese.

7

Stress is real, and that’s ok.

It’s a major life decision to live on campus. Maybe it’s the first time you’ve been away from your parents. Maybe you’re having a harder time in class than you thought you might. Maybe you’re having trouble making friends.

Stress and depression are real issues while you’re away at college, and that’s ok. There are plenty of resources on

campus to help you overcome these feelings. Colleges are equipped with counselors to help you out during these times. Take advantage of what your school has to offer!

8

It’ll be the most challenging, but rewarding experience of your young life.

10

Exercise is a must.

That got heavy for a second, didn’t it? Let’s bring it back around. It’s a good idea to get out of your dorm room every now and then, and not just to go to class or to the dining hall. Exercise is a must while in college (hello freshman 15).

It doesn’t need to be hardcore exercise, but enough to get the blood pumping. Playing Pokémon Go and walking around aimlessly looking for another Pidgey counts as exercise. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

9

of the week. Think freely and enjoy the culinary experience.

It’s better than eating Ramen every night.

It’s college. It’s not supposed to be easy. It’s going to test you mentally and spiritually like you never thought it would. Some days will be easier then others, but when you’re a graduate, you’ll look back on your time in college and wish you could go back. Enjoy it while you’re in the moment. You only get the undergrad experience once.

Don’t be afraid of the food.

We’ve all heard a hundred horror stories about college dining, but few are actually true. Please, don’t come in with preconceived notions that the food will be disgusting or that you’ll be eating liver and onions every night. Professional catering companies with trained chefs are hired to serve you a robust and diverse menu every day

Do you have advice for living on campus that the HFU community just needs to know? Send us an email at magazine@holyfamily.edu. Your tip could earn you some Holy Family University swag!

How many years can you

Inspire?

By remembering Holy Family University in your planned giving, you can shape your legacy for years to come – illuminating the paths for future students through your generosity. A bequest is a simple, purposeful, and effective way to ensure future Holy Family students learn to create and discover, just as you did.

For details,

contact Margaret Kelly

267-341-3651

mkelly@holyfamily.edu holyfamily.edu/magazine

27

What's on Your Desk?

When you step into the office of Michael Markowitz, PhD, Vice President of Academic Affairs, you can’t help but notice the charming mementos that give the room character. Many of them are from around the world, and quite a few are from trips that he has taken with the University.

As an avid partner in the annual HFU study abroad program, Dr. Markowitz has been on four official HFU trips—Paris (2011), London (2012), Paris/South of France/Spain (2014), and Italy (2016).

We sat down with Dr. Markowitz to ask about his travels and tchotchkes.

“By far, London. From my first trip to London, I have felt at home there. The city’s history is, in many ways, our history. The people are warm and friendly, and I have gotten to know my way around the city pretty well. Being there just renews my spirit.”

Why do you participate in HFU trips?

“Having moved into administration from teaching, I often lack opportunities to meet and interact with our students. Participating in the EF Tours allows that. Also, as an organization, EF Tours is a perfect partner for Holy Family University, as their trips are always so much more than just excursions. I have been extremely impressed by the instructional depth and quality built into each tour. All who attend not only see the places of their dreams, they learn about them as well.”

Do you have a fun travel story you can share?

“On our trip to Paris in 2011, the group had the opportunity to ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower. After spending time there enjoying the magnificent view, Dr. Stacy McDonald and I decided that it would be fun…and easy… to walk down, rather than taking the elevator. After all, how tough could it be? We soon learned the answer: after 30 minutes of walking down steps, out of breath, sweating, and with leg cramps, we had only descended a third of the way. Realizing the foolishness of our idea, we grabbed the first elevator we could find!”

28

FA L L 2 01 6

MEA NI NG O F MEMENTO S: Venetian Mask: “A dream of mine had always been to experience Venice and ride a gondola through its canals. During our trip this past spring, I had the opportunity to do both.

The mask reminds me of the beauty of Venetian culture and of that fact that, on a rainy day, the sun came out just long enough for my family and I to enjoy a perfect ride along the Grand Canal.”

Faux Mona Lisa Paperweight: “This is actually a copy of the Mona Lisa, titled Mujer de mano de Leonardo Abince, likely by one of da Vinci’s pupils. Seeing this painting in the Prado in Madrid was incredible. Unlike the original masterpiece in the Louvre, you can walk right up to this version and see the artist’s strokes and the blending of colors, which are more vibrant that those of its more famous cousin.

It is a remarkable work.”

Wire Big Ben: “This was a gift from Dr. Shelley Robbins, who was with me on my first trip to London. On our first day, we traveled by tube to the underground station at Westminster. As I climbed the steps from the station and stepped out onto Parliament Square, my first sight was of Big Ben, right in front of me. I will always remember that moment; it was then that my love for London was sealed.”

Jack the Union Bulldog: “As a lover of London and James Bond films, “Jack”—featured in the last two films—reminds me of endless walks through the glorious streets of London and Westminster, something I do each time I visit.”

Photos: Michael Markowitz (top); David Pavlak (bottom)

What is your favorite destination?

If you’d like to receive a print version of the magazine in the future, please visit our website at

holyfamily.edu/printmag

to opt in!

We hope that you enjoyed reading our new magazine as much as we enjoyed creating it, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Mark Your

CALENDAR

Oct. 17 2016 Senior Class Gift Dedication Ceremony

Oct. 12 Graduate/Extended Learning Open House

Oct. 22 BLA Fall Festival

& 2017 Senior Class Legacy Kickoff Campaign

Nov. 4 Alumni Association 2nd Annual Quizzo Night

Nov. 9 Graduate/Extended Learning Open House

Dec. 3 Habitat for Humanity Bowling Night

March Graduate/Extended Learning Open House March 26 Accepted Students Reception April Graduate/Extended Learning Open House

April Class of 2017 Alumni Association

Welcome Reception

Nov. 10 Glen Foerd-Holy Family Speaker Series

April Tiger Pawlooza

Nov. 13 Undergraduate Open House

April 20 2017 Senior Class Legacy Pinning Reception

Nov. 16 Transfer Information Night

April 23 Undergraduate Open House

Nov. 17 Golden Anniversary Luncheon

April 29 Scholarship Ball at the Sheraton Society Hill

December Nativity & Christmas Tree Lighting

May Alumni Reunion Brunch

Dec. 2 Christmas Rose

May 5 11th Annual Blue Mass

Then & Now

The path to and from class remains the same, but the surroundings have certainly been updated over the past 60 years. According to Sister Brendan O’Brien, HFU Archivist, the building in the above photo is the original St. Joseph Hall:

Photos: HFU Archives (top); Jay Soda (bottom)

“The segment shown in the photo is part of an addition that was added in the 1950s. It stood along the driveway running across the front of the current St. Joseph Hall to Stevenson Lane. The driveway and gate posts are still in place at the exit onto Stevenson Lane. The original St. Joseph Hall, without the addition, was the family home on the Middleton Estate. It served many purposes before it was demolished in the early 1980s, including convent/faculty housing for the CSFN who worked at the college.”