survived by her husband Don, children Jeremiah, Rachel, and Zachary, her sister, Terry Bohr ’84, and brothers Joe and Walt. Meghan Meyers, the daughter of Kathleen Papst Meyers ’73, is a freshman at Holy Family. Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo, OSF ’76 is pursuing graduate studies in Theology and Ministry at LaSalle University. Sister Cara is currently a CPE intern at Albert Einstein Medical Center.
80s
Terri Bohr ’84 achieved National Board Teacher Certification in the area of Adolescent and Young Adult Science in 2007. Stephen Gregory ’85 was promoted to Vice President at Beneficial Bank. He and his wife, Linda Gregory ’86, have a daughter, Jacqueline, who is
a freshman at Holy Family. Her twin, Jennifer, is a student at Immaculata University.
Jeffrey Rzepczynski ’94 has three children, Vincent 15, Felicia 13, and Sarah 11.
Bernice Lisicki Purcell ’85 is Assistant Professor of Computer Management Information Systems at Holy Family. She is active in the Faculty Senate and serves on several committees. Purcell volunteers at the Fox Chase branch of the Philadelphia Free Library and at her son’s school. Additionally, Purcell attends Northcentral University and is working towards a PhD in Management Information Systems.
Maureen A. Miller, RN, BSN, CPN ’99 received her pediatric nurse certification. She works in pediatrics at a community hospital in south central PA.
Rita Witkowski Burke ’87 has two children, Samantha 12 and Jacob 7.
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Brian Lee Spector ’94 ran his first half marathon (13.1 miles) with his wife on September 9, 2007.
Nicole Hover Holloran ’99 had a baby girl on February 28, 2007.
00s
Meaghan Murtha Descher, CRNP, ’00 received her master of science in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. She was married on September 23, 2006, and her daughter, Carol Ann, was born on November 2, 2007. Melissa Geary Williamson ’01 had a son, Christopher, born on September 21, 2006.
Christopher Williamson awarded the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. The ceremony was held at the Kimmel Center on June 3, 2007. Terri Stiles M’07 was accepted into the doctoral program for curriculum development at Capella University.
Lisa Ann Cardamone-Silvotti ’03 was among 236 students
SPOTLIGHT ON: MICHAELINA BENDIG ’95 Longtime adoption consultant named Congressional Angel in Adoption ™
Michaelina Bendig, who has spent 15 years as an adoption consultant for Wynnewood-based Adoptions From The Heart (AFTH), a licensed non-profit adoption agency offering domestic and international adoption, was recently named a 2007 Congressional Angel in Adoption ™. Selected by US Congressman Jim Gerlach, Bendig was one of 187 individuals to receive the award, created in 1999 by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). The program gives federal legislators the opportunity to recognize individuals from their home states who have improved the lives of children through adoption. “Michaelina’s genuine passion for children and families, and her absolute commitment to improving the field of adoption make her truly deserving of the Congressional 2007 Angel in Adoption ™ honor,” said Maxine Chalker,
PAGE 28 Holy Family University Magazine
MSW, LSW, founder and executive director of AFTH. A former elementary school teacher, who graduated from Holy Family with a bachelor’s in elementary education, Bendig is the mother of three adopted teenage daughters. Having seen the strengths and weaknesses of the adoption process based on her own personal experiences, Bendig became an adoption professional to help prospective adoptive parents understand the options available to them and avoid her mistakes. She works closely with birth parents to place children with adoptive families, primarily through open adoption. In addition to her work with birth parents and adoptive families, Bendig is a frequent speaker for AFTH, and presents at local conferences and educational seminars about domestic and open adoption.