Holy Family University Magazine - Spring 2010

SPRING 2010

University Magazine

Putting Experience to Work Do internships and co-ops translate into career success?

Alumni make the case.

TO THE ANNUAL FUND

STUDENTS ARE COUNTING ON YOU! “I came to Holy Family University to study psychology for business. I will graduate this spring and begin pursuing a career in human resources.

But I will be the first to tell you that I couldn’t have done it without help. Like most of my classmates, I receive financial aid.”

Melissa hipwell ’10 Financial Aid Recipient

Annual gifts from alumni and other generous friends allow Holy Family to provide financial help to students like Melissa. Government support is declining, and with the economy down, such contributions are more important than ever. More Holy Family students need financial aid, and many who’ve been receiving aid need additional assistance.

If you’ve been making annual gifts, please continue to give what you can. If you haven’t given, there will never be a better time to start. Everybody’s help is needed. Each contribution to Holy Family makes a difference and is appreciated.

No gift is too small. Make yours today using the enclosed envelope or give online at holyfamily.edu/giving.

HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY

hope Knowledge Opportunities

In this issue

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FEATURES

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Putting Experience to Work In today’s economy, the number of candidates searching for jobs far outweighs the number of positions available. Now more than ever, recent college graduates must leverage every possible advantage to successfully launch their careers.

By Barbara Link

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Superbug Last spring, H1N1 had school nurses on the front lines of a global health crisis not seen since the days of polio. But did the illness rise to the level of an epidemic?

And what role did school nurses play in preventing its spread?

By Richard Rys

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Courting a Championship

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New women’s basketball Head Coach Mark Miller is on a mission to mold the Lady Tigers into NCAA national champions.

By Steve Lienert

DEPARTMENTS 2 FirstWord

A message from the President

4 BrieflyNoted Out and about on campus 28 1000Words A visual slice of life at Holy Family

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34 TigerTales

Reports from the court, track, and field

36 FamilyReunion

News for the alumni community

0 MemoryLane 4 A nostalgic trip back in time

2 GivingBack 4 Making a difference on campus 44 LastWord

Q&A with Arts & Sciences Dean Regina Hobaugh ’67

Cover

Senior Brittany LaCouture spent last summer as an intern in the United States Senate Sergeant at Arms Office. Story on page 12.

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firstword

A message from the President

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his past fall, at the invitation of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, I attended the World Innovation Summit for Education in Doha, Qatar. Seated halfway around the world, reflecting on globalization with 1,000 prominent education leaders, I was reminded how increasingly interconnected our world has become. Kofi Annan, seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, said it best: “More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together.”

As a University, we can no longer afford to think locally—we must promote a global, multicultural vision in our students to prepare them for the realities of 21st century living. In recent years, we established a multicultural committee, numerous partnerships with international universities, study-abroad programs, and visiting professor programs.

They have planted the seeds of world vision here at Holy Family. But we can, and must, do more.

Cooperative education is one of the increasingly important ways we can prepare students for 21st century leadership. As you will note in our cover story, Holy Family has partnered with more than 600 corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations across the region, the nation, and the world, to provide significant co-op and internship experiences to our students.

With a 93 percent job placement rate after graduation, these students are well positioned for success in a global knowledge economy.

The University also has taken steps to better care for the world we share.

Last spring, our environmental committee officially launched a Universitywide recycling program and hosted our first-ever Green Week. Continuing our environmental efforts, this issue of Holy Family University Magazine is printed on recycled paper manufactured from 30 percent post-consumer waste. In addition, the magazine was printed using PECO wind power. We estimate that this will save 56 trees, 22,055 gallons of water and 9,264 pounds of greenhouse gases each year. It is a simple, but significant, change in our efforts to become mindful stewards of the earth’s resources.

I urge you to join our environmental efforts by recycling this copy of the magazine or passing it on to a friend. As Mahatma Ghandi said, you must “be the change you want to see in the world.”

Sincerely,

Editor Jennifer Zamora Art Director Jay Soda Contributing Writers Paul Gornowski Naomi Hall Steve Lienert Barbara Link Bob Macartney Richard Rys Kathy Warchol Bob Wetzel Marie Zecca Contributing Photographers Susan Beard Design Michael Branscom Bob Macartney John McKeith Kathleen Migliarese Sabina Louise Pierce President S. Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD ’59 Vice President for Institutional Advancement Margaret Kelly Current Awards CUPRAP-The Association of Communicators in Education Feature Article - Silver Holy Family University Magazine is published biannually by the Division of Institutional Advancement. Please address all correspondence to: Editor Holy Family University Magazine 9801 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19114 magazine@holyfamily.edu The opinions and views expressed in Holy Family University Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official policies of Holy Family University.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of published information.

Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD ’59 GreenChart These savings were achieved by the use of postconsumer recycled fiber for the cover and text pages of Holy Family University Magazine:

University Magazine

27 trees

10,549 gallons

1,173 pounds

4,431 pounds

13 million BTUs

preserved for the future

wastewater flow saved

solid waste not generated

net greenhouse gases prevented

energy not consumed

© 2010 Holy Family University

Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator.

For more information visit papercalculator.org.

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Are you headed back to the nest for the reunion?

Yep—already booked my flight!

Spring Alumni Reunions

Refresh, Reconnect, Reunite!

Alumni Reunion Brunch May 16, 2010 at 11 am Torresdale-Frankford Country Club Calling all alumni whose graduating class years end in a “0” or “5”! This spring, the Alumni Office will host all reunion graduates at a Reunion Brunch at the TorresdaleFrankford Country Club. Special tribute will be paid to the golden anniversary graduates from the class of 1960.

Following the brunch, there will be a Baccalaureate Mass of Thanksgiving at 2 pm in the Holy Family University Campus Center.

Human Resources Management Alumni Social May 7, 2010 at 5:30 pm Torresdale-Frankford Country Club All graduates of the Human Resources Management degree program in the School of Business Administration are invited to its 10th anniversary celebration. Join us to honor Dr. Anthony DiPrimio, the program’s founder, and reconnect with former classmates and program faculty.

For more information, visit holyfamily.edu/alumni.

To register, contact alumni@holyfamily.edu or 267-341-3339.

HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY

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Out and about on campus

New Residence Hall Wing Dedicated to Sister Patrice Feher

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hat’s a contemporary college dorm like these days? Comfortable and convenient from the looks of the Stevenson Lane Residence Hall.

The building’s first wing was the newest campus addition greeting this

year’s freshman class—which at 303 was the second largest on record.

The new five-story brick and glass residence hall offers the standard features today’s college students expect from campus living. This means plush student lounges with flat-screen TVs, a state-of-the art fitness center, and kitchenette, laundry, and additional bathrooms on each floor.

The residence hall’s first and primary wing was named in honor of Sister Patrice Feher, CSFN, and her 40 years of service to the University community. S. Patrice, former Vice President of Student Services and current Assistant Vice President for Student Services, directed the University’s student life programs for many years and is loved by many alumni, faculty, and staff.

The Sister Patrice Feher, CSFN, wing can house up to 148 students within its 67,430 square-feet. According to the Office of Residence Life, this helped boost the number of students participating in the Residence Life Program to 275. Future plans for the residence hall include two additional wings that would bring total residential capacity to 358.

Above: Rep. Patrick Murphy greets Celebrant Father James MacNew and S. Patrice Feher. Center: S. Patrice Feher inserts a time capsule behind the cornerstone. Below: Rep. Patrick Murphy, S. Francesca Onley, and S. Patrice Feher supervise the installation of the Stevenson Lane Residence cornerstone.

Above: The Stevenson Lane Residence, Holy Family’s newest campus housing option, was dedicated on August 25. Center: Patrick Martin, S. Patrice Feher, James Grugan, and Michael Garofola are all smiles at the dedication. Below: S. Francesca Onley pauses for a photo with sculptor S. Margaret Beaudette.

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The building also features a distinctive group of bronze statues especially designed for Holy Family University by sculptor S. Margaret Beaudette, SC, of Bronx, New York.

Located outside the main entrance, the sculpture depicts Jesus Christ sitting and speaking with two listening students.

“The hope is that students living in the Stevenson Lane Residence will have a spiritual experience akin to that which is depicted by the sculpture,” said Sister Virginia Rozich, CSFN Councilor for the Mid-Atlantic Region of Holy Family Province.

She was among the distinguished guests who spoke during the building dedication on August 25. Other guests included Congressman Patrick Murphy (8th-PA) and representatives from Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (13th-PA) and Philadelphia City Council offices.

In addition, several Board of Trustees members attended the dedication as well as the project’s construction, engineering, and architectural executives. – Naomi Hall The Stevenson Lane Residence welcomes its first resident students during move-in day on August 23.

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SPRING 2010

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Out and about on campus

Holy Family Fetes President of Major Chinese University

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oly Family University held a campus-wide International Friendship Day on November 4 to welcome President Shuping Chen, PhD, of Guizhou University in China.

Guizhou University is the state college of Guizhou Province, located in the southwest region of China.

It has 20 colleges that serve 41,965 undergraduate and graduate students.

Holy Family signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Guizhou University in 2007 that led to an exchange of faculty visits. In 2008 a professor and administrator from Guizhou University, “Patricia” Pan Yin, lived on the Northeast Philadelphia Campus for six months as an honorary professor. The two universities are discussing further partnership opportunities.

Dr. Chen visited the United States as part of a business trip and spent the day at Holy Family.

In his honor, Holy Family declared an International Friendship Day and held a special academic ceremony in

which University President Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD, and University officials conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on him. The two university presidents also exchanged gifts.

Dr. Chen delivered a lecture entitled “Global Education from the Chinese Viewpoint,” which provided a detailed summary of higher education development in China and a history of Guizhou University.

After the ceremony, S. Francesca held a special luncheon for Dr. Chen and distinguished guests who attended. Among the dignitaries were Pennsylvania State Representative Dennis O’Brien (R-169th); Han Pan, Deputy Executive Director of Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Advisory Commission on Asian-American Affairs; and Linda Lamwers, Provost of West Chester University.

The University’s friendship with Guizhou University underscores Holy Family’s commitment to expand the worldview of its students, faculty, and staff. International academic partnerships fulfill part of the University’s strategic plan and help students prepare for the 21st century world.

Top: Chairman of the Holy Family Board of Trustees Dennis Colgan and S. Francesca Onley present Dr. Chen with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Center: S. Maureen McGarrity, Vice President for Academic Affairs, presents Dr. Chen with a token of the University’s appreciation.

Below: a student in costume.

– Naomi Hall

Above: S. Francesca Onley greets Dr. Chen and other dignitaries in her office. Left: Dr. Chen and Dr. Roger Gee, Associate Professor of Education. Center: Rep. O’Brien greets Dr. Chen. Right: S. Francesca poses with Holy Family program participants.

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“Girls Gotta Run” Exhibit Featured in Art Gallery

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he Women’s Caucus for Art (WCA) Philadelphia Chapter partnered with the Girls Gotta Run Foundation to organize the University’s October Art Exhibit “Girls Gotta Run–Bodies in Motion.” The exhibit ran in the University Art Gallery and featured the works of 15 different artists.

A number of the artists appeared at the Opening Reception on October 7.

The Girls Gotta Run Foundation (GGRF) is a volunteer organization founded in 2006 to raise money and provide support for impoverished Ethiopian girls who are training to be runners. Besides athletic shoes, GGRF provides money for training clothes, extra food, coach subsidies, and other training-related expenses. – Bob Macartney

Trips Abroad Emphasize Cultural, Business Education

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niversity students had the opportunity to participate in two global education experiences in 2009.

Nine students from the University’s Division of Extended Learning, accompanied by Assistant Vice President Philip Moore and Student Support Coordinator Maura McConney, traveled to London in the spring of 2009 as part of the three-credit Global Seminar.

The group met four times prior to the trip, listening to guest speakers and preparing for the week-long journey. Once in London, they visited Pictet—a Swiss asset management company specializing in emerging markets; Malcolm Reading—a British project management company which works on high-profile projects; Ralph Lauren—where they met with the head of Ralph Lauren UK; and Value Click—a division of Commission Junction which specializes in affiliate marketing.

In addition to visiting the various corporations, students attended a lecture at the London School of Economics, and journeyed to Eton/Windsor (Windsor Castle).

Next, Assistant Professor of Sociology Jenai Murtha, PhD, and six students spent 12 days visiting China and Hong Kong in the summer of 2009.

Their educational tour started in Bei-

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Professor Teaches Course on American Gangsters at Oxford

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rofessor of Communication Kathryn Osenlund, EdD, was invited to teach an American Gangster Film course at Oxford University’s Summer School for Adults during the summer of 2009.

The course covered recurrent themes and details that emerged in the genre’s experimental phase and bloomed in the classic gangster movies of the 1930s. Dr. Osenlund’s students (an actor, writers, British Film Institute members, and a gentleman in the olive oil import-export business with family vineyards in Sicily, to name a few) put in many hours of engaging and enjoyable discussions, tutorials, screenings, and papers.

Dr. Osenlund, who received a Ray Taylor Grant to support the opportunity, spent the summer living in a tutor’s cottage that was built into the wall of the Oxford Castle (AD 1071).

At the summer session’s farewell dinner, the class presented a lively scene from Bullets Over Broadway, which they prepared in their free time.

– Bob Macartney

jing and took them to Xi’an and Shanghai in China, before finishing up in Hong Kong. Along the way, the Holy Family contingent visited the Great Wall of China and the site of the Terracotta Army.

The trek included participation in a tea ceremony, a tai chi lesson, reflexology massage, and prayer at the Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai.

According to Dr. Murtha, the goal of the trip was to allow the students to see life differences in a foreign country. Murtha will incorporate some of her experiences into her teaching, just as she has done with previous trips to Ecuador. – Bob Macartney

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Out and about on campus

Father Zienkiewicz escaped capture and all 120 townspeople survived the Holocaust.

Inexplicably, on July 31 of that year, the sisters were id you know that 11 religious of the Sisters of the Holy summoned to the German headquarters in town.

Family of Nazareth were among the millions of ChrisSoldiers interrogated the sisters. Then they were driven tians killed during the Holocaust? beyond the town limits into the woods. According to Sister Rita Kathryn Sperka, CSFN, an Instructor of reports, it was a bright evening and people were still workSociology and researcher of the history of the martyrs, ing the fields, so the soldiers returned the sisters to prison. explained the University’s tragic link to the Holocaust They spent hours praying on the dirt floor, until at 4 am, during a presentation at the School of Arts and Sciences soldiers drove them back into the woods and shot them conference “The Global Impact of the Holocaust: 70 Years each in the head as they stood before a common grave.

Later” held on campus November 14-15.

One of the religious, Sister Margaret, was at work as a Martyred were Sister M. Stella Mardosewicz, Sister nurse in lay clothing, in the local hospital when the sumM. Imelda Zak, Sister M. Kanizja Mackewicz, Sister M. mons was issued. After meeting the 11 sisters on the road, Rajmunda Kukolowicz, Sister M. Daniela Jozwik, Sister she obeyed Sister Stella’s directive to return to the convent M. Kanuta Chrobot, Sister M. Sergia Rapiej, Sister M. to look after the Church and the people.

Weeks after the 11 disappeared, S. Margaret and two Gwidona Cierpka, Sister M. Felicyta Borowik, Sister M. women went into the woods pretending to pick mushHeliodora Matuszewska, rooms and searched for signs of a mass grave. They found and Sister M. Boromea THE GLOBAL IMPACT OF THE Narmontowicz. a new mound and a piece of clothing that belonged to one Their execution ocof the sisters.

70 YEARS LATER When the war was over, the bodies were exhumed. curred in the Polish town of Nowogrodek, located in Most of the sisters were found with their hands clasped as current-day Belarus. At the if in prayer. One of the sisters was in a kneeling position, invitation of a local bishop, indicating she was buried alive. the sisters settled there in Each year Father Alexander and many of those who 1929 to support the Catholic Church and care for the chil- were spared execution began meeting in August dren and families of the town, according to CSFN history. to honor the memory of the 11 sisters who were killed.

The sisters grew close to the townspeople over the Along with Father Alexander, this group initiated efforts years. In 1942 when Nazis invaded Nowogrodek, 60 to have the 11 sisters beatified, which occurred in March townspeople—including two priests—were killed and hun- 2000. Today in Nowogrodek, Belarus, there is a memorial dreds were arrested. The sisters became a crucial spiritual at the gravesite and the remains of the martyrs are held in support to the townspeople. the Church of Transfiguration in that town. –Naomi Hall The Gestapo ordered 120 townspeople executed in 1943.

The sisters prayed that the townspeople would be spared and prayed that their lives would be sacrificed in place of the townspeople if needed.

Not long thereafter, the local German commander rescinded the Gestapo execution order, and the prisoners were commuted to concentration camps.

Some were even released.

Then, the Gestapo sought to execute the town’s sole remaining Catholic priest, Father Alexander Zienkiewicz. Again the sisters prayed for his release and asked that their lives be sacrificed in his place if required.

Exploring Holy Family’s Connection to the Holocaust

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HOLOCAUST

A painting located in nearby Nazareth Academy depicts the execution of 11 Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth during World War II.

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Mother-Daughter Duo Tackles Nursing Together

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very fall on campuses across the country, parents drop off their children to begin their collegiate careers.

That was just what Janice Gibson did with her daughter, Meghan Gibson, in the fall of 2007. Less than a year later, they were comparing notes.

Janice really liked the environment at Holy Family, so she attended an Accelerated Degree Program information session, and quickly enrolled in the RN to BSN program in March 2008. Despite being at different locations (Janice at

Woodhaven and Meghan at Northeast Philadelphia), they soon found themselves helping each other on the way to their respective degrees.

“Meg was a tremendous help to me when I decided to go back to school,” says Janice, who completed the accelerated program in November 2009. “I had been out of school for quite some time, and she really helped me grow accustomed to working on the computer.”

Since Meghan was enrolled in the undergraduate School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, having her mom—a nurse at Aria Health’s Torresdale facility—nearby was beneficial as well.

“We could share stories and get feedback,” Meghan says.

“My mom’s been a nurse for as long as I can remember, so to meet her in the library and review each other’s stuff was a big plus.”

“It was good for her, too,” Janice says. “We had some of the same teachers, and we were able to introduce each other to different instructors. It has really been a neat experience for us.” – Bob Macartney

All in the Alpha House Family

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eorgia Trantas-Weiss, a teacher at Alpha House Nursery and Kindergarten for 33 years, recently noticed a trend. Familiar names and faces were showing up at the door on a regular basis, as Alpha House alumni began dropping off their children.

Curious, Weiss did a little research and discovered that there are six different multi-generation families in this year’s enrollment. Students Vincent Mullins, Emma Crumbuck, Avery Tumulo, Matthew Kelly, Morgan Volze, and Brielle Heron all have family members who attended Alpha House when they were children.

Vincent is the fourth of Danielle Mullins’ ’04 children to follow her through the doors of Alpha House.

Mullins, who went from Alpha House to Nazareth Academy to Holy Family’s School of Nursing, never thought twice about sending her children there.

“My whole family went there, and

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we know all the teachers,” Mullins says. “It is a family-oriented place, so I had no doubt that I would send my children there as well.”

Tierney Kelly felt the same way, so she enrolled her son, Matthew.

“When I moved back to the area, I couldn’t wait to send him there,” Kelly says. “There is an overwhelming sense of love for the children.

I felt it when I was there, and it is the same way today.” – Bob Macartney

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Out and about on campus

New Programs Offer Forms of Recession Relief

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n these tough economic times, two University programs are helping to position city residents and veterans for success—Pathway to Teaching and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The School of Education launched the Pathway to Teaching program in 2009 through a $240,000 contract with the City of Philadelphia. The two-year program helps unemployed city residents transition into teaching careers by providing partial tuition, and assistance with job placement after program participants have earned a Teacher Intern Certificate.

Program candidates must provide proof of city residency, proof of unemployment, and pass PRAXIS exams—required for teacher licensure and certification—before the city will qualify them as eligible participants.

Help is available for those who need exam preparation. Pathway to Teaching applicants who pass the PRAXIS may apply for the Teacher Intern Certificate, which would enable them to work as teachers anywhere in the state for three years. The Teacher Intern Certificate is temporary, expires after three years, and is not renewable.

Participants must enroll in the graduate education program to obtain the required levels of certification.

The Pathway to Teaching Program funds up to three graduate courses.

Nursing Students Volunteer in Flu Drill

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Program participants may work at their new teaching jobs while pursuing their graduate studies part-time, says Leonard G. Soroka, EdD, School of Education Dean.

Funding for the program was part of federal stimulus money the City of Philadelphia received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Several city residents are currently enrolled in the program, but the University seeks to enroll dozens more.

Another timely, new program is the Veterans Administration’s Yellow Ribbon Program. Through this program, universities like Holy Family fund tuition expenses that exceed

New Nursing Advisory Council Formed

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oly Family University’s newly created Nursing Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting in November. The Council was formed to advise nursing administration on current educational and clinical trends, standards of practice, and future needs for undergraduate and graduate nursing education.

The Council consists of the Dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health, the BSN and MSN Chairs, representatives from the Division of Extended Learning, alumni from the BSN and MSN programs, as well as nurses and nurse educators.

The following are the newly appointed members of the council: Marilyn Ardis, Assistant Director of Nursing, Parkhouse Providence Pointe; Kathy Cramsie, Director of Professional Development, Nursing Department, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children; Janet McClain, Administrative Clinical Specialist, Abington Memorial Hospital; Sandra Myerson, Chief Nursing Officer/VP, Patient Care, Aria Health; Lisa Roman-Fischetti, Magnet/Special Projects Coordinator, Fox Chase Cancer Center; Susan O’Brien, Dean, School of Nursing, Thomas Edison State College; Anne Spade, Vice President of Nursing/CNO, Holy Redeemer Hospital & Medical Center; Christine Rosner, Dean, School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Holy Family University; Karen Montalto, BSN Chair, Holy Family University; Ana Maria Catanzaro, MSN Chair, Holy Family University. – Bob Macartney

eniors from Holy Family’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions were among the volunteers at Bucks County’s Fourth Annual ielle Dilenno, Amanda Geblonski, Pandemic Flu Drill on October 17.

Christine Grosso, Jasmine Joseph, Led by instructors Ann Sini Kurian, Reena Mathai, Gordon, and Lia van Forum Patel, Michelle Rijswijk, 14 senior nursing Prendergast, Brandon students helped conduct Quigley, Lindsay Schloessmedical screenings. Melissa er, Farhan Shaukat, and ReBoyer, Lijo Chandy, Danbecca Sweeney assisted as

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the highest undergraduate tuition rate of a public state university. The VA matches that amount through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Holy Family joined the Yellow Ribbon Program in June and has 12 students enrolled. Eleven of those students were new to the University and enrolled at Holy Family particularly because of that veterans program, says Ann Marie Vickery, Associate Vice President for Academic Services and Registrar.

“We’re thrilled to be participating in it, and it’s been really beneficial to both the University and the students,” she says. – Naomi Hall

the site administered more than 1,900 flu shots over a four-hour period.

The drill is held each year to help emergency responders, emergency management, and health officials practice proper procedures in case of a wide-scale health emergency.

– Bob Macartney

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University Helps Establish Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame

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oly Family University assisted in the inaugural Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame selection and induction ceremony this fall.

This new annual event is sponsored by the Historical Society of Frankford in partnership with the Northeast Times, State Representative Dennis O’Brien, and the University.

Developed in 2008, the Hall of Fame was created to celebrate the distinguished people and institutions of Northeast Philadelphia and honor residents whose lives are marked with high achievement or who have had a lasting positive impact, says Jack McCarthy, Northeast

Philadelphia Hall of Fame Project Director, Archivist and Director of Planning for the Historical Society of Frankford.

President Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD, chaired the 10-member selection committee this year.

The inaugural inductees were Thomas Holme (1624-1695), a famous civil engineer who designed the plans for Philadelphia; Henry (1819-1878) and Mary (1822-1895) Disston, influential members of the 19th century business community; St. Katherine Drexel (1858-1955), founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament who was canonized in 2000; Tom Gola, a

A City First—University Art Students Exhibit at Independence Visitor Center

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rt students from Holy Family University are the first to showcase their work in a new exhibit space at the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia’s Old City.

The exhibit in the Independence Visitor Center opened February 5 and will exclusively show several works by Holy Family University art students for about two months.

Located at 6th and Market Streets across from the Liberty Bell, the Independence Visitor Center provides event and attraction information about the City of Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park, and regional attractions. It is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Officials at the visitor center renovated the building and created exhibit space last year. The Independence Visitor Center sent letters to universities and institutions in the area, inviting students to exhibit work.

Professor Pamela Flynn was the first to respond to the center’s invitation, and consequently, the University became the first to exhibit in the roughly 20-feet of exhibit space, says Lauren Tosti, Director of Marketing and

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former college and NBA basketball star who also served as a state representative; City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, the first woman to serve as majority leader in Philadelphia City Council; Harry Silcox, recently deceased, considered Northeast Philadelphia’s foremost historian; and Aid for Friends, a non-profit organization founded in 1974 that provides meals and companionship to shut-ins.

Inductees were announced and honored during a ceremony held on campus in October. The Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame is currently housed within the Historical Society of Frankford. – Naomi Hall

In Memorium:

Trustee George Olsen

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eorge Olsen, a longtime member of the Holy Family University Board of Trustees, died on October 10. He served on the Board for 26 years and was a member of the University’s Finance and Investment Committees.

Olsen also served as Chairman of Third Federal Bank.

A generous friend and supporter of the University, Olsen received the CSFN University Award at Commencement in 1995.

Olsen is survived by his wife Dorothy; children Jeffrey, Lisa, and Laura; and 11 grandchildren.

– Bob Macartney

Communication for the Independence Visitor Center.

Thousands visit the Independence Visitor Center each week and roughly 3 million visit the center each year.

– Naomi Hall

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brittany lacouture

Intern, United States Senate Sergeant at Arms Office During the summer of 2009, LaCouture spent every lunch hour watching proceedings on the Senate floor. The senior psychology major plans to attend law school and use the connections forged at her internship to jumpstart a political career.

Putting Experience to Work In today’s economy, the number of candidates searching for jobs far outweighs the number of positions available. Now more than ever, recent college graduates must leverage every possible advantage to successfully launch their careers.

By Barbara Link Photography by Michael Branscom

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On the popular reality television show, "Survivor," the premise of the game is to "Outwit.

Outplay. Outlast." In the stark reality of today’s job market, the keyword for recent college graduates might just be "Outperform." With the national unemployment rate hovering at about 10 percent, graduates face enormous challenges landing a first job. They’re looking for any advantage to gain an edge over the competition.

One of the most powerful advantages for job seekers is related experience—an advantage that often eludes new graduates. But for thousands of Holy Family University students and alumni, this advantage is reality.

They capitalized on the opportunity to participate in cooperative education or internship programs— structured, supervised, on-the-job experiences that relate directly to a student’s field of study, and provide real-world knowledge prized by employers.

Since the Cooperative Education Department was established at Holy Family in 1992, nearly 3,000 students have participated. And they are indeed outperforming the competition.

ers (NACE), more than 75 percent reported that they prefer candidates with the kind of relevant work experience gained through an internship.

In the current job market, where employers have fewer positions and a larger pool of candidates, internship experience is crucial.

NACE’s 2009 Student Survey also provides convincing evidence that new college graduates who take part in internships fare far better in the job market than their peers. Of the 35,000 students from more than 840 colleges nationwide who participated in the survey, the results showed that as of April 2009, 23 percent of graduates with internships in the Class of 2009 had secured a job in their field, while only 14 percent of students without internship experience had obtained a position.

Experience Matters Research shows that employers have a strong preference for candidates who participated in internships. Of the 200 US companies that participated in the Job Outlook 2010 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employ-

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Leading the Pack For the past five years, the percentage of Holy Family graduates who have been hired in full-time positions at the site of their co-op or internship directly following graduation, or who

have secured a position in their field because of the relevant experience on their resume, has been in the 90th percentile. In 2009, the placement rate was 93 percent.

Sister M. Frances Veitz, CSFN, EdD ’65, Director of Cooperative Education at Holy Family University since the inception of the department, takes great pride in the success of the program, and the students it serves.

“Holy Family is extremely involved in placing our students in co-ops and internships that are the right match, and carefully tracking their progress along the way,” says S. Frances. “We work closely with employers to ensure that there is meaningful work for our students, and that the experience is beneficial for both students and their employers.”

From Comcast Corporation to Walt Disney World to the Washington Center, Holy Family has partnered with more than 600 corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations across the region, the nation, and the world, to provide significant co-op and internship experiences.

“Field-based work supplements classroom learning with hands-on experience that allows students to develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce,” says S. Frances.

“Students are exposed to different work environments, they’re able to gain practical knowledge, and they are presented with the opportunity to establish important contacts that will serve them well into the future.”

Nuts and Bolts While some majors require a co-op or internship, students can electively participate in the program. Holy Family offers three options for eligible juniors and seniors.

In an “alternating” co-op, the student alternates full-time work periods with periods of full-time study. In a “parallel” arrangement, the student attends classes full- or part-time, while working part-time. With “job enrichment,” the student is already

holyfamily.edu/ia/magazine

anna digregorio '02

Director of Marketing for Retail and Restaurants, Marketplace Philadelphia Management,— Philadelphia International Airport At the conclusion of DiGregorio’s paid

working for an employer willing to assign him or her temporarily to a new department or to special projects.

“By offering three levels of participation, we can better meet the diverse needs and goals of cooperating employers and students alike,” says S. Frances. “The parallel program is the most popular, as most of our students want to continue going to school.”

To be eligible, students must carry a minimum 2.5 GPA. For some placements, employers require at least a 3.0 GPA. Student assignments typically last between three and six months, coin-

magazine @ holyfamily.edu

internship she was offered a permanent ciding with fall semester, spring position based on her strong performance. semester, or summer sessions.

Today, DiGregorio is a hiring manager A faculty member and a workherself, and she actively seeks out job place mentor supervise particiapplicants with internship experience. pating students.

“We work with our students every step of the way. I call myself a nag,” she laughs. “But more and more difficult to find the students say they don’t mind paid experiences,” says S. Frances.

“While cooperative education has because I get them placed 99 percent always been important, it’s even of the time.” more important now,” she adds. “This While co-ops typically represent experience gives our students a dispaid experiences, and internships represent unpaid experiences, every tinct edge. It makes them significantly experience qualifies for college credit. more marketable.”

The success stories speak volumes.

“In this economy, it’s becoming

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15

Defining Success In 1992, the year that the Cooperative Education and Internship Program was introduced at Holy Family, Mary Ellen Lieb Way ’92 worked as a part-time intern at the Defense Industrial Supply Center. When she graduated later that year with a BA in Computer Management Information Systems, she was hired full-time.

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Today, the organization is known as the Defense Logistics Agency. It is the United States Department of Defense’s largest logistics combat support agency, serving the military worldwide. Nineteen years after her internship, Way remains an employee.

She currently holds the title of Information Assurance Officer.

A major proponent of co-op education and internships, Way has served for the last 12 years as a member of

the Holy Family University Co-op Advisory Board, and as Chair for four of those years. Advisory Board members collaborate with the University’s various department heads to determine what employers are looking for in interns and co-op students, and advising on their fields of expertise.

“I had a great co-op experience, and every student can and should have a great co-op experience,” says Way. “Co-ops allow students to see

what happens in the real world, as opposed to just learning from books.

Such experience is invaluable.”

There are thousands of Holy Family students who would agree.

Stephen Dolchanczyk ’95 completed two paid co-ops before graduating with a BA in Accounting. His first co-op at the accounting firm of Cohen & Company provided a strong foundation in bookkeeping, while his second co-op at Weiner &

Company solidified his interest in the tax field. While Weiner & Company offered Dolchanczyk a full-time position upon graduation, the experience he gained during his co-op allowed him to secure a position with a larger CPA firm. His co-op employer understood.

“My internship allowed me to apply what I was learning in school in the real world, and to see things I didn’t see in school,” says Dolchanczyk.

“Every student should experience that. I landed my first job because the firm said they liked the fact that I had worked in the tax field. It was the first step in that ladder I wanted to climb.”

Currently the Director, Tax Services at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Dolchanczyk confirms that internship experience is the edge needed to land that first job out of college.

“I would say that 95 percent of our first-year hires have interned with us, or for another firm. Internship experience does make a world of difference in the hiring process,” Dolchanczyk says.

Rachel McClain Canelli ’04 also completed two co-ops during her studies at Holy Family. The first, during fall semester of her junior year, was at 6ABC in Philadelphia, where she spent two days a week working with the producers of various shows.

“The more time you spend in an internship, the more you know if you like it,” says Canelli. “My internship at Channel 6 was very beneficial, because while I still draw on so much of what I learned there, it also allowed me to realize that the television side of the business wasn’t for me.”

That spring, Canelli embarked on her second co-op, working at the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer newspapers.

“As a student, I never thought I wanted to get into print journalism,” admits Canelli, “but through my internship, I immediately knew I liked everything about it.”

While she was there, a full-time, two-year position as a Graduate Intern opened up. Canelli jumped on the opportunity even before graduating in May 2004 with a BA in English-Literature. After only one year as a Graduate Intern, she was offered a long-term position as a Staff Writer and Video Correspondent.

“If I hadn’t been here for my co-op, that job would have gone to someone else,” says Canelli. “I would tell any student considering a co-op or internship to take one—take more than one—and different ones. You never know where you might fit in or what fits you best. Especially in this economy, it gives you real work experience to put on your resume.”

In the spring semester of her senior year, Keri Andrews ’05 worked as an intern at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in Philadelphia. She spent 30 hours a week at the ATF while attending classes, and somehow found another 50 hours to work at a fulltime job that paid the bills.

“I wasn’t happy going into it,” admits Andrews, whose time was spread incredibly thin. “But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I did a lot of important work collecting and analyzing information. I went out on a warrant with the agents to watch how an actual investigation was conducted. I learned a lot about the field of criminal justice, and a lot about life in general. And everything I learned has helped me professionally and personally. It inspired me to get my master’s, to further my

joe mccollum '02

Director of Promotions, Clear Channel Radio Philadelphia When McCollum began his internship with Clear Channel Radio Philadelphia, he knew immediately that radio was the career for him. At the conclusion of his internship, he stayed on in a part-time capacity. The Director of Promotions position opened later that year and he applied. It is the only interview McCollum has ever had.

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christine rybicki '07

Inside Sales Representative, Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company education and my career. From going into my internship to leaving it, I was two different people. I am so grateful for the experience.”

Andrews graduated Magna Cum Laude at the age of 27 with a BA in Criminal Justice. In 2009, she earned her master’s in Forensic Science.

She works as a Financial Investigator with Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia.

“If not for my internship experience, I would not be where I am today,” says Andrews. “All of the investigators I work with have law enforcement backgrounds. I do not.

There were 100 applicants for my position, and my internship in law enforcement was definitely instrumental in helping me get this job.”

Joe McCollum ’02 started his internship at Clear Channel Radio

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Philadelphia in January 2001. He never left.

“I didn’t go into my major thinking I wanted to get into radio,” says McCollum. “But I knew almost immediately after starting my internship that this is where I wanted to be.”

When McCollum’s internship was nearing an end in May 2001, Clear Channel offered him a part-time position. When he graduated from Holy Family in May 2002 with a BA in Communications, he stayed on part-time.

“I knew I belonged here. I stuck it out. I knew if I wasn’t here, they would forget about me,” he says.

When the Promotion Director resigned the following November, McCollum applied for the position.

“It was the first and only interview I’ve even been on in my entire adult

During her internship with the Philadelphia Soul, Rybicki learned the art of networking−a difficult skill to learn from a textbook.

As a result, the team CFO became her mentor, and has since helped Rybicki land two permanent positions in sports marketing.

job search,” he laughs.

Today, McCollum is the Director of Promotions at Clear Channel Radio Philadelphia, where he handles all on-air, on-site, and social networking promotions for six radio stations.

“When I first began my internship, I was thinking, here’s another three credits I have to get done,” says McCollum. “I can tell you now that my internship was the smartest and the single most important thing

that I did in college. It paved the way for my entire career.”

During the spring semester of her junior year, Christine Rybicki ’07 served as a public relations and game day intern with the Philadelphia Soul Arena League Football Team.

“I developed much stronger writing skills,” says Rybicki. “I learned how to speak to people in a professional manner, and to get my point across in a more effective way. But I’d have to say that the most important skill I acquired was networking. Early on, a member of the Soul staff instructed me to meet as many people as I could,

and to make sure that those people remembered my name. It was the best advice I received, and I share it when I return to Holy Family to speak with students who are just beginning their co-ops and internships.”

During her internship, Rybicki heard the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) asking for a volunteer—she needed another female member on her co-ed softball team to be eligible to play. Rybicki volunteered.

The CFO became her mentor.

Upon her graduation in 2007 with a BA in Sport Marketing-Management, Rybicki was hired by the Philadelphia

Soul as an Account Executive.

“Not only did someone from my internship help me land that first job, but she helped me two jobs down the road,” she adds.

When Rybicki made the decision to leave team sports for the business side, it was her mentor—the former CFO at the Soul—who wrote her a letter of recommendation for her current position as an Inside Sales Representative at Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company.

During her junior year, Management-Marketing major Anna DiGregorio ’02 was offered a year-long, paid co-op in the marketing department at Willow Grove Park Mall. She carved out 30 hours around her class schedule each week to work.

“I learned about commercial real estate, management, and marketing,” explains DiGregorio. “I had worked in a mall store for four years before my internship, but I never realized that there was a whole behindthe-scenes world that existed.”

When DiGregorio’s internship was nearing the year-end mark, she was asked to stay on for another semester, bringing her to her May 2002 graduation. As graduation approached, the Assistant Marketing Manager resigned. The position was offered to DiGregorio.

“I just slipped into my fulltime job before I graduated,” says DiGregorio, still awed by the fact that she didn’t have to endure any of the uncertainty

rachel mclain canelli '04

Staff Writer and Video Correspondent, Bucks County Courier Times After completing a communications internship with 6ABC, Canelli realized the television side of the business wasn’t for her. She subsequently embarked on an internship with the Bucks County Courier Times, where she works today, and fell in love with print journalism.

She encourages students to take multiple internships to find the best career fit.

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faced by her peers. She spent another five years at Willow Grove Park Mall before joining Marketplace Philadelphia Management, where she is Director of Marketing for Retail and Restaurants at Philadelphia International Airport.

“I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if not for that internship,” says DiGregorio. “My internship experience shaped my career.”

Today, when DiGregorio considers the resumes of recent college graduates, she looks specifically for internship experience.

“With a young professional, real hands-on experience is where a candidate will excel. In a classroom, it’s primarily hypothetical. To have experience on that resume is priceless.”

Brittany LaCouture is majoring in Psychology at Holy Family University, with a double minor in Philosophy and Pre-law. She’ll graduate one year early in May 2010. LaCouture knows that her internship in the Office of the Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate Office in Washington, DC, has already given her a tremendous advantage.

In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities during the 40-hour work week, LaCouture spent every lunch hour over that three-month period in the summer of 2009 watching the Senate floor. She witnessed countless historical events, including the hearings for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

“I know now that I want to go into

politics,” says LaCouture. “I’ve made strong connections with a lot of incredible people, and they’ve given me great advice. I’ve learned things that you cannot find in a textbook. You have to live it every day.”

These days, LaCouture is busy filling out applications for law school.

“I hope to go back to Washington, DC, again this summer as an intern,” she says, “maybe on the House side this time. I can’t wait to go back.”

Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, we’ll be seeing Brittany LaCouture, Holy Family University ’10, on Capitol Hill.

Barbara Link is an award-winning freelance writer and President of Link Ink, a full-service communications company.

Externships: Taking Nursing Preparedness to the Next Level Jennifer Morris ’97 clearly remembers her first night as an RN at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s (TJUH) acute rehabilitation unit. One of her patients became critically ill, requiring a battery of tests, cultures, and medications. Despite all of her education and experience, Morris felt like she was running around without a clue, trying to deal with the critical patient and care for her other charges.

She made it successfully through the night, largely by drawing on skills learned during her externship on the same unit.

Student nurse externships (SNEs) are paid positions supervised by a registered nurse. They are available to current nursing students−typically those who have completed at least one semester of clinical rotations−and offer significantly more hands-on interaction with patients than clinical rotations.

Morris now works as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in a dermatology office, but she spent several years supervising SNEs at TJUH. "It’s one thing for a student to understand the fundamentals on paper," she says. "But when you get into clinical

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practice, you have to learn how A plus B equals C in the real world. Hands-on experience with patient care is invaluable.

In nursing, you go from being a student to being responsible for peoples’ lives."

In addition to providing valuable interaction with patients, SNEs can expose students to the complete range of nursing specialty areas.

Meredyth VanVreede ’08, completed a student nurse externship at Cooper University Hospital during the summer between her junior and senior years at Holy Family. For three months, she worked three 12-hour shifts each week in the emergency room.

"I always wanted to be an ER nurse, but the ER is not offered as an option in clinical rotations," explains VanVreede.

"As an extern, I saw all aspects of nursing, I had a lot more time with the patients, and I was able to be hands-on.

It definitely helped to prepare me for what I’m doing today."

VanVreede is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Hahnemann University Hospital.

"I would encourage anyone in nursing school to do an externship, especially if

a student is interested in an area that is not included in clinical rotations−like an ICU setting, a cardiac setting, or the ER," she says.

Ruth Morse ’80, Director of Nursing Resources at Christiana Care Health System, includes among her responsibilities the oversight of SNEs employed in the hospital’s nursing pool.

"SNEs are exposed to what it’s like to work in an acute care facility," explains Morse. "They gain interpersonal skills with both patients and colleagues. They begin to develop critical thinking skills and increase their knowledge base."

Morse adds that employment as an SNE not only provides student nurses with great opportunities, it allows the organization’s leadership to determine if that student is a good fit.

"Most organizations grow their own [potential hires]," explains Morse. "If there is a choice between hiring an internal and an external candidate, with all qualifications being equal, the preference is to hire the internal candidate.

Student nurse externships are an opportunity for student nurses to shine."

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o s f e l e l n i a m C o N ate

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for

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d Ca war A a n io te ciat o ina s s m i A No umn l A 2010

The Dedicated Volunteer. The Organizational Leader.

The University Ambassador. They are the superheroes of Holy Family. And you can recognize their achievements by submitting a nomination for a 2010 Alumni Association Award. Awards will be presented at the annual Alumni Awards Dinner in fall 2010.

Categories include:

The Alumni Achievement Award Given to a graduate who displays great accomplishment in one or more of the following areas: professional advancement, community volunteer service, and humanitarian efforts bringing recognition to them and to Holy Family University.

The Distinguished Alumni Service Award Presented to an active member of the Alumni Association who has engaged in long-term service and dedication to the University and/or the Alumni Association.

The Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award Presented to a graduate of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions who displays accomplishment in the nursing profession as well as a commitment to his/her community through volunteer service and humanitarian efforts.

The Alumni Educator of the Year Award Presented annually to a graduate of the School of Education who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the teaching profession and dedication to the community that he/she serves.

The Distinguished Business Alumni Award Presented to a graduate of the School of Business Administration who displays accomplishment in business as well as a commitment to his/ her community through volunteer service and humanitarian efforts.

The Sister M. Immaculata Kraemer Memorial Award Presented to an individual or group—not necessarily graduates of the institution—who has/have dedicated unending time and energy in support of the university community and its mission. The award is presented in memory of Sister M. Immaculata Kraemer, CSFN, for her service and dedication to the Alumni Association as its moderator from 1960 to 1972.

Nomination forms available at holyfamily.edu/alumni/awards.shtml

HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY

super

Last spring, H1N1 had school nurses on the front lines of a global health crisis not seen since the days of polio. But did the illness rise to the level of an epidemic?

And what role did school nurses play in preventing its spread?

By Richard Rys Photography by Michael Branscom

23

year ago last spring, Dawn Casey ’86, like the rest of the country, couldn’t escape the daily breaking news about swine flu. Newspaper headlines warned of a potential pandemic. Flu updates replaced fires and shootings as the local-TV-news story du jour.

Water-coolers buzzed with talk of school closings and kids in intensive care fighting for their lives. But unlike most people caught up in the whirlwind of swine flu coverage, Casey found herself at the center of the crisis—not as a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or as a family physician, but as a school nurse.

“I’m definitely on the front lines here,” says Casey, who is responsible for the well-being of 1,232 children at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. “Everyone thinks you sit at a desk and wait for kids to come in. That’s not true.”

As concerns about H1N1 continued through this fall and with talk of a potential third wave on the way this season, nurses like Casey have become invaluable resources for school administrators, parents, and those who are most at risk—children.

Polio Revisited It’s fitting that the patron saint of H1N1 awareness is a school nurse.

Back in April 2009, Mary Pappas sounded the alarm about the health crisis looming in the United States when dozens of kids filed into her office at Saint Francis Preparatory School in Queens, New York.

Alarmed, Pappas contacted health officials and has been credited as the first person to identify swine flu in

While the H1N1 virus caused concern among parents, many were much less willing to heed the warnings of public health officials than in the past. Skepticism of vaccines has grown since the days when skipping a polio shot was unthinkable.

New York City. Days later, her school closed for about a week after hundreds of students and teachers fell ill.

As word of this powerful new flu began to spread, Casey started hearing rumors from concerned parents and teachers alike. Can you catch it from eating pork? Should we cancel our family vacation to Mexico? Loretta Newsom ’83, President of the Delaware School Nurse Association, says she saw the same reaction where she works, at the Alfred G. Waters Middle School in Middletown, Delaware.

“There was a lot of fear from parents because it was something new,” she says. “School nurses had a lot of educating to do with administrators, parents, and the kids.”

“This has truly been a unique year. This was a model of health care we haven’t used in decades.”

–L oretta Newsom ’83, Delaware School Nurse Association President

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That may sound like a fairly simple task, considering the glut of media attention that lasted through the fall and still continues today. But consider that this country hasn’t seen mass vaccinations since polio, an epidemic that was virtually wiped out before the parents of many elementaryschool-aged children of today were born. As polio vaccine trials began in the 1950s, most parents already had experience with new vaccines. In 1947, New York City inoculated every resident after an outbreak of smallpox, even those who were already vaccinated. More than a half-century later, parents are much less willing to simply heed the warnings of public health officials.

“This has truly been a unique year,” Newsom says. “This was a model of health care we haven’t used in decades.”

For many nurses like Denise Muldoon ’77, education at Juniata Park Academy in Northeast Philadelphia began with a common sense campaign. Posters were hung in the halls and in classrooms reminding students—and adults—to wash their hands regularly and cover their

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coughs. Casey found that the simplest suggestions, like not sharing drinks with friends, made an impact.

“You could see the lightbulbs over their heads,” she says. “Wow, I never thought about that.”

Marsha Lorenz ’91 stressed that any students who had a fever or flu symptoms should stay home, rather than risk sparking an outbreak at school. As a result of illness and perhaps some parental caution in using sick days liberally, Lorenz saw absenteeism rates peak at 11 percent last spring, about four percent higher than a normal flu season. Muldoon noticed the same alarming numbers at her school, where absences rose to 14 percent. At that point, all they could do was continue to spread the word about H1N1.

Herculean Efforts to Vaccinate At the start of the 2009 school year, nurses, faculty, and administrators began discussing efforts to vaccinate as many kids as possible in anticipation of a second H1N1 wave. Even with help from their respective state health departments, it was a massive undertaking. First, there was a national shortage of vaccines that meant many schools wouldn’t receive the necessary doses until late in the season. There was also the matter of which vaccine to use for each child— in Newsom’s district, for those in 6th grade and above, a needle was recommended; younger children were given a nasal spray. However, kids with asthma or a history of respiratory illness were discouraged from using the spray, which could trigger an asthma attack or other related problems.

That meant school nurses needed to review the medical histories of all their students to ensure each one received the appropriate vaccine.

Parental permission forms were the next step, and in many schools, the nurses coordinated efforts to send letters to each household. In some districts, a signature was all they required for permission; in others, parents were required to come

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to school on the day vaccines were administered to their children. The permission process highlighted another drastic difference between the H1N1 vaccination effort and those of the past—parental opposition. With fears of a link between vaccines and autism and a growing anti-vaccination movement led by high-profile celebrities like comedian Jim Carrey and his ex-girlfriend Jenny McCarthy, skepticism has grown since the days when skipping a polio shot was unthinkable.

“It’s a new vaccine and there were some concerns,” says Newsom.

“We had a number of parents who changed their minds a few times.”

But Newsom and other school nurses reported little opposition to the vaccination efforts. Lorenz says that of all the permission forms she received, only about 12 were negative.

“They had big, bold colored notes that said ‘Do Not Immunize,’” she says. “There were one or two parents that thought the vaccines were being pushed on them. One said, ‘What is the government trying to do to us?’”

Pennsylvania, where Lorenz works, is one of 20 states that offer a philo-

sophical exemption for child vaccinations, which may partly explain why Lorenz found some parents were more vocal in their skepticism.

In Delaware and New Jersey, where only religious exemptions are allowed, Newsom and Elizabeth Siwiec ’95 encountered even less protest.

When vaccines finally arrived in November and December, the actual distribution process differed from state to state and district to district, but the one constant was a roundthe-clock effort by school nurses.

“For two months, I didn’t take lunch,” says Siwiec. “I couldn’t leave my office.”

Some schools offered shots in the evenings, while others set up clinics on weekends in the gymnasium.

Before the first shots were even handed out, Muldoon was responsible for collecting more than 400 permission slips that were returned and cross-checking them with individual health records. Then, with less than 24 hours before the first shots were handed out, she had to fill out demographic data for each child for state records. After spending hours

At Juniata Park Academy in Northeast Philadelphia, School Nurse Denise Muldoon had less than 24 hours to prepare for a school-wide vaccination effort.

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School Nurse Loretta Newsom’s district in Delaware joined a massive nationwide undertaking to vaccinate as many kids as possible against H1N1.

at home that night, and with some help from her husband, Muldoon had everything in order for vaccine day in November. Along with help from state health department officials, Muldoon was thankful for the parent volunteers who assisted with the paperwork that day.

“I think they appreciate the work we do,” she says.

Lorenz says parents and administrators in her district were organized and supportive from the start, but that she heard horror stories from other Pennsylvania-area schools.

“School nursing is different from any other type of nursing job,” she says. “Instead of a physician making decisions, it’s a superintendent.

Our head nurse was appalled by how many superintendents gave her the impression that they didn’t agree with doing this in schools, that vaccinations should be done in health centers or private doctor’s offices.”

But Lorenz says that the school vaccination efforts were critical to combating H1N1.

“This was the best way to get huge numbers vaccinated.

Other districts [that were less supportive of the efforts] closed down for a day or two.

We had no talk of closing schools. I think those [factors] are definitely related.”

In the end, the only complaint that seems shared by most school nurses is that the vaccines came too late to make a significant impact in the fall. At Francis Lore Elementary in Ewing Township, New Jersey, vaccinations arrived in late November and early December, after the school had already been hit with consecutive months of 20-plus cases of potential H1N1.

By December’s end, only two were reported. Siwiec contributes the drop-off as much to the education efforts about preventative measures as to the immunizations.

“People were afraid last spring,” she says. “It was an unknown until it actually hit us, and we learned to deal with it.”

“Everyone is still waiting to see if there will be another wave. Maybe a year from now, if there isn’t another wave, it will seem over-hyped. But the hype might have helped keep the numbers low.”

–M arsha Lorenz ’91, School Nurse, Carlisle Area School District

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Now Siwiec and other school nurses hope the vaccinations help combat the next round of H1N1, which health experts warn could be on the horizon this spring.

The Threat: Overhyped?

With two rounds of H1N1 assaults over, there’s some debate over the accuracy of the latest swine flu statistics. The CDC estimates that of the nearly 50 million Americans afflicted with the illness, roughly 10,000 cases have been deadly, with more than 1,000 of those fatalities children and young adults. That’s a death rate that some would say falls below the standard for an epidemic, but health officials suspect the actual numbers could be much higher, due to difficulties in reporting and diagnosing the illness. While none of the nurses interviewed had any students who were seriously hospitalized with H1N1, they’re hesitant to dismiss swine flu as a product of hype.

“Everyone is still waiting to see if there will be another wave,” says Lorenz. “Maybe a year from now, if there isn’t another wave, it will seem over-hyped. But the hype might have helped keep the numbers low.”

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we had enough children immunized that we don’t have the same thing happen,” says Siwiec, who had two students that developed pneumonia after catching the flu this year. As the CDC and school districts continue to monitor the spread and evolution of H1N1, if another wave is coming, the one certainty is that school nurses will be called upon once again. Swine flu has made their job tougher, but all the more gratifying.

“I’m there for the children,” says Siwiec. “To keep them healthy, to teach them self-care. I care for them like they’re my own grandchildren.”

Rich Rys is an award-winning freelance writer. His work regularly appears in Philadelphia Magazine.

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Honor the Past, shape the future

At Holy Family University, we have the privilege of molding tomorrow’s leaders. Our students have the ability and the potential to make our community, our country, and our world a better place. You can help today’s students realize the dream of a college education by establishing a named scholarship.

Your scholarship can honor the memory of a loved one or pay tribute to past accomplishments of a friend, while helping today’s students prepare for future success. Funding for scholarship awards may be provided through annual contributions or from the earnings of an endowment, a permanent fund you can create with one or more contributions.

Contact Margaret Kelly at mkelly@holyfamily.edu or 267-341-3343 to learn how you can establish a named scholarship. Your gift can help ease the burden of financing a college education for years to come.

“Financial assistance has helped me deal with expenses that would otherwise be difficult for my family to afford. Through the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Scholarship, I’m achieving my dream of becoming a registered nurse and one day opening my own health care facility for the underprivileged.”

Cindy Pagan ’11 Scholarship Recipient Treasurer, Students at Your Service President, Environmental Club

hope Knowledge Opportunities

HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY

1000words

A visual slice of life at Holy Family

Cram Session As mid-term exams approach, a student hunkers down in the library for some uninterrupted preparation.

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SPRING 2010

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Your Life is Full of

Challenges Rising insurance costs needn’t be one of them!

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Holy Family graduates may save up to 20 percent on their auto insurance and 10 percent on their home, condo or renters insurance.* That can be hundreds of dollars back in your pocket. Plus, Liberty Mutual offers their customers who have both auto and home policies an attractive multi-policy discount.

In addition to discounts, Group Savings Plus® offers Holy Family Alumni: The freedom to purchase insurance the way you want—through a personal sales representative at more than 400 offices countrywide, a toll-free telesales center, or online -•-

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Outstanding customer service from a local office, or from Liberty Mutual’s J.D. Powers and Associates-certified call centers To find out how much you can save, call 1-800-814-3731 ext. 53223 or visit libertymutual.com/holyfamily for an immediate, no-obligation quote. *Discounts are available where state law and regulations allow, and may vary by state.

HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY

New women's basketball Head Coach Mark Miller is on a mission to mold the Lady Tigers into NCAA national champions.

By Steve Lienert

Photography by Michael Branscom

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magazine @ holyfamily.edu

SPRING 2010

TK

bout an hour before tipoff against Chestnut Hill College in an early February Central Athletic Collegiate Conference tilt, first-year women’s basketball Head Coach Mark Miller went searching for Head Athletic Trainer Janet Panek.

Not because anybody was hurt or because the team ran out of athletic tape.

The season premiere of “Lost” had just aired, and there was an impending snowstorm on the way, so the two had a lot to talk about.

In that last hour before a game, Miller puts his program on auto-pilot.

The Tigers warm up on their own and the assistants get to work on the chalkboards. Miller, who has nothing to do at that juncture, has taken up talking about anything and everything with Panek to help pass the time.

“I have about a 20-minute span where there isn’t really anything to do,” Miller says. “Our Athletic Trainer and I have what we call our fireside chat. Our topics can be anything that’s going on in our lives to basketball to a TV show or the weather. It’s a way to kill 20 minutes rather than worry about the game.”

After dropping the first game of the season to rival Bentley University, the Tigers reeled off 18 consecutive wins and rose as high as 17 in the USA Today/ESPN Division II Coaches Poll prior to the Chestnut Hill game.

So, if Miller thought talking with Panek was part of the Tigers’ formula for success, he was not about to change things now.

Actually, Miller’s journey to the head coaching position at Holy Family started in elementary school in his hometown of Middletown, Maryland.

That’s when Ron Engle, the long-time boys’ high-school basketball coach in Middletown, decided to bring Miller on as team manager.

Despite his father’s affinity for baseball, Miller’s true love began to blossom.

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“I just grew to love the game of basketball,” Miller says. “For me, my big break in my career, and I say that to this day, was when I became a sixth grader. Ron Engle has been my mentor my whole professional career.

I spent every day after school with him and I watched what he did with his players and that’s where the love of the game started. I really started becoming a coach as a sixth grader.”

By the time Miller was in ninth grade, he was coaching his own intramural team of sixth and seventh graders. But it wasn’t until he walked into a Middletown soccer game that his coaching career really took flight.

Engle, who was also the Athletic Director at the time, had an opening for Head Coach of the girls’ team just three weeks prior to the start of the season. Engle saw Miller at the soccer game and the wheels in his brain began to turn.

“I thought, ‘He might do a really good job,’” Engle says. “I knew he had the passion to coach our girls’ varsity team. I talked to him that night about it. He was actually working at a nursery. He said ‘Let me think about that and ask my boss because we’re not real busy in the winter.’ He did that the next day and said ‘Coach, I’m interested.’ We got a jewel.”

Over the course of the next 11 years, Miller led his alma mater to two Maryland state championships and five trips to the state tournament, including three second-place finishes.

His team also won six regional championships.

“We hit the jackpot there,” Engle says.

In 1998, another late job opening played into Miller’s favor. Three weeks prior to the start of the season, Georgia Tech needed to fill an assistant coach position. One of Miller’s contacts in the profession informed the Yellow Jackets’ Head Coach about Miller’s passion for the game. Miller seized the opportunity to gain experience at the Division I level.

He spent three years there before returning to Maryland to coach at Loyola College and Mount Saint Mary University as an assistant from 2001-2005. In 2006, he was offered the Head Coach position at Norwich University in Vermont. He remained there until deciding to move closer to home by becoming the Head Coach at Holy Family.

However, that decision didn’t come without challenges.

Since moving to Philadelphia, Miller has been separated from his wife, Angie, and two children, Tyler,

During Coach Miller's employment interview he was given 60 seconds—the length of a full time out—to sell himself to the team.

holyfamily.edu/ia/magazine

Miller hopes to capitalize on the Lady Tigers' past success, and lead them to the Elite Eight and beyond.

“I wasn’t about to come in and change everything e that they ’ve done for th last 10 or 15 years…I’ve n tried to come in and lear more from our players than they ’ve learned from me this year.”

10, and Hallie, 7. They haven’t been able to sell their home in Vermont, so Miller lives in a duplex near campus while the rest of his family lives with Miller’s parents, Bobbi and Ernie, back in Middletown.

On one hand, Miller knows his family is safe and in a familiar place. On the other, he only spends time with them about once every two weeks.

“That part of it has been challenging,” Miller says. “We know in the long run that once we get together and get settled here in Philly, it’s going to be a great fit. We made the adjustment this year and we’re making the best out of it, that’s for sure.”

The fact that the Tigers were so successful this season despite that distraction hasn’t been lost on Holy Family Athletic Director Sandra Michael.

“He’s a family man,” Michael says.

“I think he should be commended for what he’s doing because he’s trying to eventually grow roots in an area where he wants to bring his family permanently.

“I don’t know of a bigger compliment you can give Coach Miller’s family than that they just believe in him and trust in him so much that they’re willing to go through this separation until they’re all back together again. They want the best for him, and by going through this, it’s going to eventually wind up to be the best for all of them.”

Michael has gotten to know Miller in a short amount of time, which

magazine @ holyfamily.edu

may have something to do with Michael’s unorthodox style of interviewing candidates. Not only did Michael allow the players to interview their potential Head Coach, she also came up with what she called “a full timeout.”

She set up chairs as if the team was on the floor during a game, and she gave each of the three candidates 60 seconds to sell the team on why they should be the new Head Coach at Holy Family. “(Miller) pretty much sold himself to the team at that point,” Michael says. “He told them who he was, he made promises to them, and he told them what they could expect from him. I think that little exercise itself was very fruitful.”

It also gave Michael a chance to spell out what she expected from Miller and the team.

“There’s no mincing words,” Michael says. “I expect Coach Miller to take us to the NCAA Elite Eight and I expect us to be contenders for the national championship. I want that banner here.”

When Miller and his assistant coaches arrived in July, they stepped into a program that had won 84 straight CACC games and recently advanced as far as the Sweet 16.

“I’ve tried to come in with the attitude, ‘If it’s not broke don’t fix

it,’” Miller says. “Then I try to sprinkle in some of my philosophies as we go. I wasn’t about to come in and change everything that they’ve done for the last 10 or 15 years with all the success they’ve had. I’ve tried to come in and learn more from our players than they’ve learned from me this year.”

To fill out his staff, Miller hired Assistant Coach Nikki Flores from Norwich, whom he unsuccessfully recruited in high school, Rachel Johnson from the University of Texas-Permian Basin, and former University of Pennsylvania Assistant Coach Bethann Castone.

“When you see the way he treats his teams, he treats them like they are part of his family,” Flores says. “He genuinely cares about the coaching staff, his players, and the entire Athletic Department here at Holy Family.”

Apparently Miller’s pregame fireside chat with Panek helped keep the Tigers’ win-streak alive. Against Chestnut Hill, the Tigers went on a 31-4 run during the first half en route to an easy 78-41 win. It was their 19th win in a row this season and 96th straight in the CACC, which is a mounting NCAA Division II record.

Perhaps more importantly, it shows that the transition into the Miller era has been rather seamless.

“I feel very blessed and proud to be the Head Coach here,” Miller says. “I feel very fortunate to come in to such a unique set of young ladies that want to win, know how to win, prepare to win, and work really hard to be successful. It was just important to me to continue their success.”

Steve Lienert is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia.

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tigertales

Reports from the court, track, and field

FALL Sports Roundup Road to the Elite Eight Kicks Off Basketball Season

Women’s Soccer

The women’s soccer team recorded its seventh Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) championship in 2009. The team also made its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the past three seasons. Lindsay Fisher and Meghan McCusker were both named to the All-CACC first team. Megan Tole was tabbed for the second team. Ashley Smith earned honorable mention. McCusker (first), Tole (second) and Fisher (second) also were named to the Daktronics All-East Region team. The team earned the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Award.

Men’s Soccer

The men’s soccer team qualified for its third consecutive CACC Tournament. Tim Weglicki was tabbed for the All-CACC first team. Seydou Ba was a second team selection, while

The Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee, held its second annual Road to the Elite Eight event on November 11 in the Campus Center Gymnasium. The men’s and women’s basketball teams performed in front of a crowd of students, parents, staff, alumni, and fans during their intra-squad scrimmages. There were numerous contests including: a three-point shooting contest against the basketball head coaches, a game of musical chairs, and a 36-foot shot contest for a gift card to the bookstore. A Nintendo Wii was raffled off during the event. The event raised $1,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the raffle and t-shirt sales.

the CACC Tournament field for the third straight season. Jordan Beland was selected to the Daktronics All-East Region second team. Katie Hornback was voted to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-East Region second team. Aimee Drabyn earned Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team recognition.

Cross Country

Fred Tuwei became Holy Family’s first CACC champion by claiming victory at the CACC Cross Country Championship Meet. Tuwei won the event with a time of 26:57.48. He was named the CACC Runner of the Year.

Tuwei won a total of five meets during the 2009 season. On the women’s side Jen Schrank was the top finisher for Holy Family at the CACC Championship with a 29th place finish.

Jason Lopez took honorable mention.

Ba went on to receive Daktronics AllEast Region second-team and NSCAA All-East Region third-team honors.

Women’s Volleyball

The women’s volleyball team made

Build-a-Library Campaign Sets Record The Department of Athletics held its annual Build-a-Library campaign.

This year, the department collected 2,518 books, a campaign record, for the Laura H. Carnell Elementary School in Philadelphia. The new books were presented during an assembly held at the Carnell School on November 24. The Build-a-Library community-engagement initiative has provided nearly 6,300 new books to five Philadelphia schools since its inception in 2006.

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Women’s Tennis

The women’s tennis team made an appearance in the CACC Championship Tournament. Juliana VictoriaCaldas was named to the All-CACC first team, while teammate Jin Querubin was tabbed for the AllCACC second team. - Paul Gornowski

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Say It Loud, Wear It Proud

Catch the Holy Family spirit at our online bookstore.

Order at holyfamily.bncollege.com

Automatic Umbrella 42" folding umbrella with Holy Family logo $14.98

Legacy Adjustable Washed Twill Cap*

Unstructured twill cap with embroidered Holy Family logo, 100% cotton $19.98

Red Shirt V Notch Hoodie

Junior fit hooded sweatshirt with screen printed Holy Family logo, 60% cotton/40% polyester $39.98

Alumni Coffee Mug

11 oz coffee mug with alumni logo $8.98

Jansport Open Bottom Pant Open bottom sweat pant with embroidered/appliquĂŠd Holy Family logo, 55% cotton/45% polyester $34.98 * Washed twill caps are available in a variety of specialties.

HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY

Due to seasonal changes, some items shown may vary slightly in color and or graphics.

familyreunion

News for the alumni community

Class Notes

What you do is news to your fellow alumni and your alma mater! Tell us if you have moved, changed your phone number, updated your e-mail address, become engaged, married, had or adopted a baby, reunited with a group of classmates, received an award, promotion, changed jobs, or just want to say “hello!” Please forward details to the Office of Alumni & Parents, Holy Family University, 9801 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009. You may wish to fax information to 215-637-2110, e-mail a message to alumni@holyfamily.edu, or post the note through our online alumni community at hfalumni.com (you must be registered to access the site).

50s

Josephine Pasquarella Frattone ’59 announces the birth of her fourth grandchild, Anabelle, born September 8, 2008, on the feast of Mary’s birthday. Her grandson, Lucca, age 4, is attending The Philadelphia School. Josephine’s granddaughter, Rachael, is in 8th grade at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, and grandson, Philip, is a sophomore at Muhlenberg College. Her youngest son, Stephen, is an MBA student at Drexel University.

60s

Mary Louise Goffredo Bianco-Smith ’69 was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer on January 1, 2010. The article “Living a Dream” told the story of how Mary Louise and husband, Ken, came to live in their dream home on the banks of the Delaware River in Riverton, New Jersey.

70s

Bernadette Shane McBride ’79 was named the 2009 Bucks County Poet Laureate by Bucks County Community College (BCCC). It was her

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Mary Jusczak Whalen ’80 has been

appointed Director of Emergency Services at Lansdale Hospital. In this role, she will be responsible for overall management of clinical nursing practice in the emergency department. Whelan has more than 27 years of emergency nursing experience, most recently as Director of the Emergency Trauma Center at Abington Memorial Hospital.

PROFILE third attempt at winning the state’s longest-running laureate contest.

McBride was honored at a reading and reception at BCCC on November 15. Her poetry has appeared in numerous journals and she placed second in the 2006 International Ray Bradbury Writing competition.

McBride teaches writing and literature at Temple University, BCCC and the New Hope-Solebury School District.

80s

Sandra Galardi-Humen ’85, was appointed Director of Human Resources at AAA of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Sandra, the former Director of Personnel at Holy Family University, now resides in Winton, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill,

and daughter, Samantha.

Linda Spicher ’89 cannot believe that over 20 years have passed since her graduation from Holy Family. Linda is the proud mother of a daughter, Jacquelyn, who recently completed elementary school as an honor roll student. Son, Johnny, also an honor roll student, is in third grade.

90s

Steve Wszolek ’92 has returned from his second overseas tour with the Army National Guard. He was in the Baghdad area for seven months serving as a Staff Sergeant and appreciates the sacrifice his wife Kari and son Edward made.

Jim O’Rourke ’93, a GateHouse Media executive, assumed the re-

holyfamily.edu/ia/magazine

Ryan Lancaster ’09 has signed a

one-year contract to play basketball for Gimle Basket in Norway as a guard. Gimle Basket is a member of BLNO, the premier league in Norway. This is Ryan’s second contract to play in Europe. After graduation, he signed a one-year contract to play for TV 1862 Langen in Germany. He just completed a stint with the Washington Generals during the Harlem Globetrotters tour.

PROFILE sponsibility of publisher of the Messenger Post Media in Canandaigua, New York, this past December. Jim, Regional Manager/Group Publisher of GateHouse Media’s Atlantic Region, will oversee the advertising, JoAnn Stecher Tier ’68 was

appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Trenton in New Jersey last July.

Tier joined the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools in 2000, where she most recently served as associate director. She also has filled such roles as Associate Director to Burlington County schools, Chair of the Advisory Council for Nonpublic Schools for Government Programs and President of the New Jersey Council for American Private Education.

PROFILE magazine @ holyfamily.edu

news and circulation operations of the Daily Messenger, nine weekly publications in Monroe and Wayne counties, and the group’s Web site, MPNnow.com.

Robert Kirby ’98/M’07 and Heather Sawa were married in the spring of 2008.

Joe Covone ’99/M’06 was recently named principal of North Wales Elementary school, the second oldest elementary school in the North Penn School District. The school is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation project. Before working for the North Penn School District, Joe began his career in the Philadelphia School District where he taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.

00s

John Convery ’02 became engaged to Kristina Bartley in the summer of 2009. A wedding is planned for July 31, 2010. John is a mortgage broker.

Samantha Ratcliffe ’05 is engaged to Brad Davis with a May 2010 wedding planned. Samantha works as a substitute teacher for the Neshaminy School District.

Lindsay Todd ’05 is engaged to Tim Becker with a July 2010 wed-

ding planned. Lindsay works as a manager at CVS Pharmacy.

Amy Russell ’03 has been teaching 8th grade special education for five years in Medford, New Jersey. The Medford Township School District was one of four schools in the nation nominated for “schools to watch.”

Erin Marie McGuigan M’04 is engaged to be married in October 2010.

Robert Hirsch ’08 is a new staff member in special education at Hopewell Valley Central High School. Robert is a certified teacher in the area of students with disabilities. He has been working in the district since 2008, at Timberlane Middle School, and most recently at CHS in the role of a paraprofessional.

Anastasia “Staci” Altomari ’09 has earned the distinction of becoming a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP). This certification is given to those who have demonstrated excellence in the comprehensive knowledge of corporate treasury management, and are committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

In Memoriam Carol Stefanowicz ’61 died on October 4, 2009 Sister M. Denise Dugan, CSFN ’68 died on May 5, 2009 Elizabeth A. ‘Betsy’ Pieper ’68 died on June 1, 2009 Sister Mary Puzio, SSJ ’74 died on July 20, 2009 Timothy Callanan ’84 died on December 27, 2009 Linda Walleisa DiGiulian ’90 died on August 25, 2009 Walter J. Swartz, Jr. ’92 died on September 23, 2009

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familyreunion

Awards Dinner Honors Sister Patrice Feher and Three Outstanding Alumni

S

ister Patrice Feher, CSFN ’66, Sister Miriam Joseph Mikol, CSFN ’66, Dr. Susan Apold ’79, and Maryann Molishus ’00, were

honored at the Alumni Association Awards Dinner on October 23 at Belle Voir Manor in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Approximately 230 alumni and friends attended the annual event.

News for the alumni community

S. Patrice was honored with a special tribute for her 40 years of service to students. In addition, a student activities scholarship fund was named in her honor.

S. Miriam received the Alumni Achievement Award recognizing her educational, humanitarian, and leadership efforts as an international ambassador of the CSFN community.

Dr. Apold, Dean and Professor of Nursing at Concordia College in New York, was given the Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award, in recognition of her significant professional accomplishments, and personal sup-

port and commitment to the field of nursing.

Molishus received the Alumni Educator of the Year Award recognizing her outstanding accomplishments in the teaching profession working with academically and behaviorally challenged children. Her exceptional contributions to the profession earned her the 2008 Milken National Educator award along with 70 teachers from other states.

Professor Emeritus of English Thomas McCormick, PhD, donated three of his seascape paintings for silent auction. Proceeds were earmarked for the Sister Patrice Feher, CSFN Scholarship. Alumni Dustin Gremo ’07, John McCabe M’07, and Ronald Masciantonio ’98, won the auction.

Above Left: S. Patrice joins award winners Dr. Susan Apold, Maryann Molishus and S. Miriam Mikol for a photo.

Above: Cindy Brong presents an anniversary gift to S. Patrice. Left: alumni and staff enjoy a sumptuous meal.

Health Insurance Available Through Alumni Association

D

uring this time of economic uncertainty, many of our alumni, new graduates, and their family members are in need of health insurance. Short-term and permanent health insurance options are available through the alumni insurance program offered through Meyer and Associates.

This program also is perfect for children of alumni who are graduating (even if they did not attend Holy Family

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University) and are not yet covered under an employer’s health plan.

For more information, individuals can contact the program manager directly at meyerandassoc.com/ma/hfu or 800-635-7801.

For a complete list of benefits available from the alumni association, visit holyfamily.edu/alumni/services.shtml.

holyfamily.edu/ia/magazine

Class of 2009 Dedicates Gift to University

T

he results of the Class of 2009 senior class gift program were recognized at a dedication ceremony in November. With the monies raised, the senior class voted to purchase two picnic tables, which were placed in the gazebo area behind Saint Joseph Hall.

Two plaques honoring Father Thomas Fahy, OSB, also were installed.

The Class of 2010 used this occasion to officially launch its senior class legacy program. Students are asked to contribute $20.10. Parents, friends, and family members also are encouraged to contribute in honor of a graduating senior. Those who contribute $20.10 will receive a commemorative

The 2009 Senior Class Committee presents S. Francesca Onley with a plaque dedicating their gift of picnic tables to the late Father Thomas Fahy.

Class of 2010 t-shirt. Senior class members who contribute will receive a lapel pin to wear at Commencement.

Members of the 2010 senior class committee are: Marissa Donatone, Gary Gentner, Melissa Hipwell, Julie Ivers, and Jessica Kovalchick. Dr. Mary Carroll Johansen serves as the senior class faculty moderator. To donate to the senior class fund, please visit holyfamily.edu/ia.

University Gallery Institutes Alumni Art Show

T

he works of 10 Holy Family alumni were showcased at the inaugural alumni art show, held September 1-27 at the University Art Gallery.

Paintings, wall-hanging sculptures, sculptures, photography, and mixed media by the following alumni were featured: Maria Caruso ’03, Maggy Culp ’01, Eleanor Doherty ’81, Judy

Lamb ’62, Siobhan Latta ’01, William Lutz ’06, Margaret Price ’94, and Sarah Varacallo ’08.

Alumni were selected for inclusion at the inaugural show through an open call for entries. Pamela Flynn, Professor of Art and Art Coordinator, estimates that the Art Gallery will feature an alumni exhibition every five years.

Above: Alumni artists gather on opening night to celebrate their exhibition. Right: Paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media were featured at the inaugural exhibition.

magazine @ holyfamily.edu

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memorylane

A nostalgic trip back in time

Pedal Pushing Professors Parking has always been scarce on campus. In this photo from the 1970s, it appears the situation became so severe that faculty were confined to two-wheeled transport. Or perhaps it’s just the photo perspective.

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Be a Fan A Facebook Fan, That Is! Join the "Holy Family University Alumni" group on Facebook, the fastest-growing social networking site.

This is a private group, open to Holy Family graduates only.

Re-connect with former classmates, post photos, access alumni news and events, and more!

To join, visit: holyfamily.edu/fbalumni The Alumni Office will verify your alumni status, process the request, and send a confirmation notice to you.

Join Holy Family on Facebook HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY

givingback

Making a difference on campus

Planned Giving Strategies

D

r. Mary Wombwell ’81 knows nursing. She completed her BSN studies at Holy Family while working as a registered nurse at several area hospitals, including Holy Redeemer, Frankford-Torresdale, and Episcopal. She subsequently earned a master’s degree in nursing education at Villanova before completing her EdD at Widener. She also has earned the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential. Dr. Wombwell is not only an accomplished alumnus of Holy Family, but also a member of the University’s nursing faculty. Recently, in addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has been working with colleagues around the country on an integrated technology project. The project, funded by a Health Information Technology Scholars (HITS) grant from the National League for

Nursing, will allow Holy Family to offer our nursing students a curriculum that integrates the very latest information technologies. As a result, graduates of our nursing program will be better prepared to provide the increasingly sophisticated healthcare that today’s patients need and expect.

Dr. Wombwell also knows philanthropy. Not only does she give to Holy Family’s students through her daily efforts in the classroom, she makes regular contributions to the Annual Fund. She is also among those who have made deferred or “planned” gifts to Holy Family. She has made Holy Family a beneficiary of her will.

Others have used different deferred giving strategies to support Holy Family. Mary Gindhart ’59 has given the University a paid-up life insurance policy. Trustee Ray Angelo has estab-

lished gift annuities with Holy Family.

These annuities provide income for life, significant residual amounts for the University, and certain tax benefits. Tax benefits also can be realized by making a gift to Holy Family using appreciated stock and a donor-advised fund, a strategy utilized by Trustee Loretta Hennessey ’71.

Regardless of the giving strategy utilized, all gifts to Holy Family, whether present or deferred, are appreciated.

Each gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. Our Advancement team can help you explore the different ways you can make a difference by supporting Holy Family. For information on the giving options that may be most appropriate to your special circumstances, contact Holy Family’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 267-341-3428. – Bob Wetzel

On the Scene

Evening of Donor Appreciation Holy Family honored the many benefactors who helped the University raise more than $2.4 million during 2008-2009 at the annual Evening of Donor Appreciation on December 4. Polonia Bank, Third Federal Bank, and an anonymous donor were welcomed into the Founders’ Society for lifetime gifts exceeding $100,000.

1) Pictured at the Founders’ Award ceremony are ( from the left) Robert Woltjen and Tim O’Shaughnessy of Polonia Bank; Kent Lufkin, President & CEO, Third Federal Bank; University President Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD; and Elizabeth and Carl Gregory, University Trustee and Chairman Emeritus, Third Federal Bank.

1

2) Long-time benefactors ( from the left) Joan and David Tarditi, Dennis and Gerardine Colgan and David Panichi.

3) Lil Burroughs and Kathryn Blohm, Division of Extended Learning Facilitator.

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2

3

holyfamily.edu/ia/magazine

On the Scene

Scholarship-Stewardship Dinner Holy Family hosted its third annual Scholarship Stewardship Dinner on September 30 at the Torresdale-Frankford Country Club.

Many students met their benefactors for the first time at the event. Three new scholarships were awarded in 2009-10, including the Catholic Kolping Society Scholarship, the Ulysses J. Connor, Jr. Memorial Award, and the Christian and Bobby Himes-Viskovich Memorial Scholarship. Approximately 130 students received more than $130,000 in scholarships for the 2009-10 academic year.

2

3

1 1) The Adele Leboy Scholarship for Women in Science: Pictured are scholarship recipient Jessica Zarzycki, a senior biology major, and benefactors Carla and Edward Leboy.

2) The Anthony J. and Maryann Szuszczewicz Merit Scholarship: Pictured are scholarship recipient Gary Genter (center), a se-

nior nursing major, and benefactors Trustee Anthony J. and Maryann Szuszczewicz.

3) The Dr. Bette Lewis Tokar Scholarship in Economics and Business Administration: Pictured are scholarship recipient Amanda Jenigen (center), a sophomore finance major, and benefactors Jack and Bette Tokar.

On the Scene

Public Safety Champion Award Holy Family presented philanthropist Kal Rudman with the Public Safety Champion Award on October 29 at Philadelphia Fire Department headquarters. Rudman has provided more than $41,000 in scholarships through the Kal and Lucille Rudman Scholarship in Fire Science and Public Safety Administration.

1) Pictured at the award ceremony are: William Gault, President of the Philadelphia Firefighter’s Union, International Association of Firefighters, Local 22; Holy Family School of Business Administration Dean Jan Duggar, PhD; Lucille Rudman; Kal Rudman; Holy Family President Sister Francesca Onley, CSFN, PhD; Philadelphia

1 Fire Commissioner Lloyd M. Ayers; and Thomas Garrity, a Philadelphia Fire Department Deputy Chief and Coordinator of Holy Family’s Fire Science and Public Safety Program.

On the Scene

On the Scene

Holy Family staff and students personally thanked the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust for its support at a luncheon on October 13. The Trust, which has given more than $1 million to the University in its 29-year partnership, provided $27,000 in aid this year to 10 University students.

Golfers hit the links on October 7 for Holy Family’s Golf Classic at the Torresdale Frankford Country Club. The 21st annual event raised more than $49,000 for student financial aid.

W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Luncheon

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magazine @ holyfamily.edu

1) Pictured are Dr. Leonard Soroka, School of Education Dean (top left); School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions Dean Dr. Christine Rosner (top right); W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Grant Administrator Michelle Montgomery (bottom, second from left); and the 2009-2010 W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Grant recipients.

2009 Golf Classic

1) The winning team from Holt Logistics Corp. hoists the President’s Cup trophy.

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lastword

Questions and answers with…

School of Arts & Sciences Dean Regina Hobaugh, PhD ’67 At the end of the 2009-10 academic year, Dr. Regina Hobaugh ’67, will conclude her four-plus decades at Holy Family. She sat down with Bob Macartney to discuss her favorite memories and her plans for the future.

It’s rare for someone to stay at a single institution for more than 40 years. You’ve been at Holy Family for 45 years, including your student days. What is it about the University that kept you here?

The students more than anything, and the encouragement along the way— when I was offered more responsibility and committee work, it gave me positive reinforcement. I came in and hit the ground running and my early experiences were very good because I was able to do a lot of things as a

young teacher. I loved teaching and I loved the students, and from there it was hard to shake.

philosophy as being way out there. The whole reason I teach is to show how it applies to everyday living.

What will stand out to you when you think of your time here?

What are your plans for the future?

The faculty—from the teachers I had as an undergraduate to my colleagues who are here or who have come and gone. Jane Benjamin, for example, was the most dynamic teacher I’d ever had. Her intellectual history class motivated me to go into philosophy and I’ve never regretted it. Once you’ve taught here, you feel connected to your colleagues.

I would like to move into service for non-profits. I’ve done some committee work and other things for Fox Chase Cancer Center for the past 15 years, and I have enjoyed that. I also work with St. Mary Hospital on policymaking and their curriculum for educating chaplains, and I’ve given some presentations on ethical issues. My training is very applicable in hospital settings, and I would like to extend that a little more.

What will you miss?

Mass on campus is special because the young people get involved, whether they are Eucharistic ministers or singing in the choir. Holy Family traditions like Christmas Rose and Charter Day—true hallmarks of the institution—are something that I am going to miss. I also will miss the enthusiasm and the excitement of the students at Commencement.

No matter how many times you go to a Commencement, it is always the first time for the graduate, and being able to share that joy with them is something I will miss.

What is the most influential change you’ve noticed in your time here?

The change in residency, and connected to that, the outreach to other areas—bringing people to campus from outside Philadelphia. It has made us think about infrastructure to support residence life, such as technological changes, which has transformed the University.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’d like to talk to an ancient philosopher, like Aristotle or Plato, because they are the ones who turned me on to philosophy, or one of the contemporary philosophers like Robert If you could teach one more Nozick. I’d like to talk philosophic time, which class would it be? ideas with someone who was into Bioethics—it is my favorite con- it 110 percent. To bounce ideas back tent course and my specialty. and forth with someone like that People have this perception of would be fun.

holyfamily.edu/ia/magazine

Create a Lasting

Legacy

Leaving a gift to Holy Family University through your will or life insurance policy allows you to make a meaningful contribution to the next generation of students, yet costs you nothing to make today.

“My parents absolutely loved Holy Family. When the college first opened in 1954, they encouraged me to enroll. They have since passed on, but they left me a life insurance policy, which I gave to the University on the occasion of their 75th wedding anniversary. I, like my parents before me, want Holy Family to continue providing opportunities for students to learn and lead meaningful lives.”

Mary Gindhart ’59

Giving Through Your Will You can set aside a specific dollar amount, leave a percentage of your estate, or leave assets left over after providing for your family. Or you can leave financial investments, such as stocks, bonds or CDs. These gifts may provide tax savings.

Giving Through Life Insurance By designating Holy Family as the beneficiary of life insurance or by giving the University a paid-up policy, you can provide a significant gift while reserving other assets for other purposes. You also may receive tax benefits.

Legacy gifts are easy to arrange, will not alter your current lifestyle, and can be easily modified to address changed circumstances or needs. For more information on legacy giving, contact Bob Wetzel at rwetzel@holyfamily.edu or 267-341-3428.

hope Knowledge Opportunities

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Putting Experience to Work

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In today’s economy, the number of candidates searching for jobs far outweighs the number of positions available. Now more than ever, recent college graduates must leverage every possible advantage to successfully launch their careers.

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Courting a Championship

New women’s basketball Head Coach Mark Miller is on a mission to mold the Lady Tigers into NCAA national champions.

Superbug Last spring, H1N1 had school nurses on the front lines of a global health crisis not seen since the days of polio. But did the illness rise to the level of an epidemic? And what role did school nurses play in preventing its spread?

Q&A with Arts & Sciences Dean Regina Hobaugh

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At the end of the 2009-10 academic year, Dr. Hobaugh ’67, will conclude her four-plus decades at Holy Family. The outgoing Dean discusses her favorite memories and her plans for the future.

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