2020 Juniata College Spring Magazine

SPRING 2020

Eagles Pursue Excellence in Every Pursuit Real World Experience, Lasting Impacts Creating New Knowledge

Learning Commons to continue Juniata’s mission into the future Sen. Jake Corman, Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he serves as majority leader, visited Juniata’s Beeghly Library, soon to be renamed the Statton Learning Commons, Oct. 15, 2019.

Corman, along with state Sen. Judy Ward and state Rep. Richard Irvin, congratulated the College on receipt of a $4 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant. The funding will be used to modernize and expand the facility. The grant provides a significant contribution to the College’s total goal of $11 million.

“This grant is an extraordinary opportunity for us to offer a transformational space for present and future students, faculty, staff, and community members to share and expand their knowledge,” said President James Troha. “The Learning Commons will embody the spirit of inquiry and curiosity that Juniata strives to instill in every facet of life on and off campus.”

“Most people are familiar with a traditional library, but libraries are changing—especially academic libraries.”

—Lisa McDaniels, dean of the library

Beeghly Library was constructed in 1963, when the location of the College’s library was moved from the site of the current Juniata College Museum of Art.

“It is the fifth-largest grant in the state of Pennsylvania this year,” said Mike Keating, Juniata’s director of corporation and foundation support. “It’s the single largest grant we have had in the last 18 years. So, it is a very large, very significant grant.”

Made possible through a lead multimillion dollar gift from Tim ’72 and Kathy (Stavru) Statton ’72, plans for the new

President James Troha, second from the right, wel comed legislators, from the left, state Sen. Jake Cor man, state Sen . Judy Ward, and state Rep. Rich Irvin, to cam pus in recognition of the receipt of a $4 million Redevelopment Assista nce Capital Program (RA CP) grant.

Learning Commons include the renovation of all three floors of the 34,610 square foot library and the construction of a singlestory addition to the front of the building.

A second entrance will also be created to face Moore Street.

“Most people are familiar with a traditional library, but libraries are changing—especially academic libraries,” said Lisa McDaniels, dean of the library.

“There needs to be some tangible evidence of the College’s commitment to preparing students for 21st century work and life.

The way we can embody that in this building is by providing a variety of learning spaces. So, part of that is just creating environments for people to engage in collaborative and social learning.

The library is a place where conversations about research happen. It’s not just a place to plop your books down and study. It’s a place to think about and talk about your research with others. We’re getting more first-generation students coming in. They may not see themselves as researchers, they may not even know what that is. So we’re inviting people into that conversation.”

Within the Learning Commons, an open floor plan will contain small group study/meeting rooms, extensive built-in technology, a full-service café, an experimental classroom, and a living space with a fireplace. Compact shelving for the existing 200,000 volumes of text, a secured rare book collection space, spaces for creativity and contemplative study, as well as tools for digital scholars are also hallmarks of this innovative project.

The reimagined facility will also be a place where students can access resources through the campus’ QUEST office, which specializes in providing academic tools and

resources to equip them for their college career and beyond. Services available at the Learning Commons will include tutoring, student accessibility services, and career development.

“Beeghly Library was constructed more than 55 years ago. When we build a building at Juniata, we want to build a building that is going to stand and last for decades. We’re building something that, 50 years from now when you come back, it’s still serving a purpose,” said Jim Watt, vice president for advancement.

“That doesn’t mean that it won’t change, but the foundation of that building and the thought behind the design of that has to stand the test of time because the investment in it is so great.”

Construction of the Statton Learning Commons will be entirely funded by outside contributions, from various organizations as well as individual donors.

“Part of that investment is the opportunity for those philanthropic investors to name the rooms in honor of somebody, or name it for themselves.

We don’t just want to tell the story of the room, but we want to tell the story of the people or the places that have given that money to make this possible. We’re talking about sharing that story of investment and philanthropy with generations to come,” said Watt. “The idea of it is the institution itself is here because of the generosity of people that have come within prior generations, some that have gone and have continued the mission of Juniata into the forefront of where we are today and beyond.”

See more at believe.juniata.edu or inquire by calling 814-641-3110.

—Jacob Griffin ’22, student writer

PHOTO: SARAH RO HRER ’20

CAMPUS NEWS

PRESIDENT’S NOTE

The relaxing scene on the cover of this magazine highlights one of Juniata’s most cherished traditions—Mountain Day. It’s a day of camaraderie and enthusiasm, a spirit that students carry with them into every pursuit.

Those qualities are evident in our students’ academic and athletic endeavors, in their research, and in their work to better the world James A. Troha trohaj@juniata.edu around them. This year, Juniatians marked @juniataprztroha the 25th annual MLK Jr. Day of Service with a variety of community-wide service projects in which nearly 100 students, faculty, and staff spent a day painting, shoveling, cleaning, building, cooking, and organizing.

PHOTO: MEGAN BRENNEMAN

Dear Friends,

Alfie the Eagle greeted his fans as he accompanied his fellow Juniatians in the annual Huntingdon Halloween Parade in October.

—Photo by Veronica Cosmopolis ’20

As you peruse the pages of Juniata magazine, I hope you are filled with a sense of pride, both in our institution and in its people. With articles shared about successful alumni recent and past, our nationally-recognized case study team, a promising partnership with Ningbo University, and new coaches, there is a lot to be excited about at Juniata. Each issue of this magazine is a testimony to the teaching offered and the learning accomplished.

BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata continues to make outstanding progress thanks to your generosity. Gifts from this campaign benefit every single person who sets foot on our campus and make possible those things that we do and that we value. Your gifts make Juniata everything it is and will be in years to come.

Sincerely,

April Feagley Editor Assistant Director of Communication feaglea@juniata.edu 814-641-3131 Isabella Bennett ’20 Student Editor Juniata Associate for Media Relations

Juniata

Jason Moran VP for Enrollment and Marketing moranj@juniata.edu David Meadows ’98 Director of Alumni Relations and Stewardship meadowd@juniata.edu Steven Simons Senior Associate Dean of Admission and Marketing

Rosann Brown Executive Director of Marketing Candice Hersh Associate Director of Marketing and Enrollment Communication Angie Ciccarelli Graphic Designer Luke Fragello Director of New Media Isaac Baker Director of Web Design

2020 Spring |

Juniata is published two times a year by Juniata College, Department of Marketing, and is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Juniata. Postmaster and others, please send change-of-address correspondence to: Alumni Relations, 1700 Moore St., Huntingdon, PA 16652-2196. Juniata can accept no responsibility for unsolicited contributions of artwork, photography, or articles.

Juniata College, as an educational institution and employer, values equality of opportunity and diversity. The College is an independent, privately supported coeducational institution committed to providing a liberal arts education to qualified students regardless of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. Its policies comply with requirements of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IV of the Education Amendments of 1972, and all other applicable federal, state, and local statutes, regulations and guidelines.

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Generations of proud Juniata alumni took a moment to pose for a photograph together on the quad in front of Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts during Homecoming Weekend.—Photo by Sarah Rohrer ’20

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A classic tale of political intrigue, conspiracy, and betrayal took to the stage of the Suzanne von Liebig Theatre within the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts with a performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar directed by Cosimo Sciortino ’20 from York, Pa.—Photo by Rowan Stolle-McAllister ’22

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Students, faculty, and staff came together in the Global Commons of Tussey and Terrace Halls to celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at a gala hosted by the Chinese Club with traditional moon cakes, snacks, and singing.

—Photo by Hai Nguyen ’22

First-year students made a valiant attempt to Storm the Arch, but were unable to breach the defenses mounted by members of Juniata’s River Rats and Hellbenders Rugby teams.

—Photo by Veronica Cosmopolis ’20

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SPRING 2020

On the cover: From the top, Lara Sharpless ’20, Rachel Campitell ’20, Jae Jurado, Meghan Brubaker ’20, and Allison Kincaid ’20, kicked back in some hammocks on the shore of Raystown Lake as they observed one of the College’s most cherished traditions, Mountain Day. Below: Prior to being crowned as Mr. Juniata at the Star of the Universe pageant, Genki Miyasato ’22, of Kunitachi, Japan, right, performed a duet with Souza “Nina” Fujikawa ’22, of Miki-Shi, Japan, in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts.

Juniata SPRING 2020

Eagles Pursue Real World

Excellence

Experience,

Creating New

2020 Spring

Juniata Mag

in Every Pursuit s

Lasting Impact

Knowledge

Front.indd

AM 2/3/20 11:01

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COVER PHOTO: SARAH ROHRER ’20 BELOW: HAI NGUYEN ’22

CONTENTS Campus News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover President’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Best of Sports Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Eagles Pursue Excellence in Every Pursuit . . . . . . . . . 16 Juniata’s athletes are known for their pursuit of excellence

on the field and in the classroom. By partnering with coaches who foster a culture of academic achievement, students cultivate big plans, big aspirations, and a strong sense of purpose—aspiring them to soar both on the scoreboard and in their GPAs.

Real World Experience, Lasting Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The value of real-life work experience over theoretical knowledge can make all the difference as graduates set out into their chosen career fields. Programs at Juniata like Innovations for Industry (I4I) and community partnerships with Integrated Media Arts (IMA) students enable students to hone their abilities while benefitting businesses and nonprofit agencies.

Creating New Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 At Juniata, undergraduate research opportunities take place in partnership with faculty in pursuit of deeper understanding across disciplines—from science to humanities. Now, a gift from Elaine (Becker) Jones ’76 and Keith Jones ’75 will expand undergraduate research opportunities.

Faculty Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Faculty Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Alumni Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Homecoming, Recruit a Student, Alumni Business, European Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Q&A: Scott M. Beatty ’91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Q&A: Ryan T. Mull ’17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Remembering Warren F. Groff ’49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Remembering Dottie (Lehman) Hershberger ’50 . 58 I met a Juniata Alum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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From the left, Payton Kough ’22 and Anne Callaway ’23, dean of students Matthew Damschroder, Suraia Silveira ’20 and April Wells ’20 prepared food for a community meal at the Stone Church of the Brethren for the MLK Day of Service.

community go out into the surrounding area.

“To take it as not a day off but as a day of service and get involved in our community was a good idea...I think today seeing the Juniata community coming together with Huntingdon as a community is a beautiful thing. Especially on a day when this is what Martin Luther King Jr. would want to see. While we can’t see equality all over, I think it’s the little things that make changes,” she said.

The slogan of MLK Day of Service is “A Day On, Not a Day Off ” and students have taken that to heart.

“I really like the people at Juniata and volunteering, and I thought it would be a great way to start the semester doing something I feel strongly about with people I care about,” said Anne Callaway ’23 from Phoenixville, Pa.

Payton Kough ’22 from Chambersburg, Pa., said she enjoys giving back.

“I just like volunteering and giving

PHOTO: NATHAN WOODS ’19

Juniata College participated in the MLK Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with volunteers working on direct service projects in Huntingdon and Mount Union.

Suraia Silveira ’20 from Boston, Mass., was one of the students instrumental in organizing the day of service.

“It was stressful in the beginning because there were only five of us and we were afraid that we wouldn’t have enough people to participate, that students wouldn’t come back early. But in the end, it came a long way actually. We ended up spreading it out through Huntingdon and into Mount Union,” she said.

In total, 91 volunteers participated, comprised of the College’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Volunteer sites and projects across Huntingdon County included: meal prep at the Stone Church of the Brethren to prepare for a community meal at the church at 5 p.m., a moving project at the Huntingdon Borough Office, general cleanup and organizing at the Huntingdon Community Center, cleaning and painting at the Huntingdon County Library, restocking, cleaning, dog walking, and cat petting at the Humane Society, sorting and organizing at the Huntingdon Area High School, and work at the Silica Athletic Park in Mount Union.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national holiday and also a national day of service.

“I feel this should be done everywhere, not just one college doing it,” said Silveira.

“We have speakers here to talk about Martin Luther King Day, but we never had a day of service where students are engaged.”

April Wells ’20 from San Fernando Valley, Calif., is glad to see the College

back whenever there’s an opportunity,” said Kough.

Matthew Damschroder, dean of students, was in awe of the turnout and drew parallels between the past and the present.

“It’s inspiring to see students turn out and try to make the change in the world that they aspire to. I was really moved by Marita Gilbert when she talked about Martin Luther King Jr. and how at the beginning he was a young man just doing the work.”

Damschroder believes that young people shouldn’t view Martin Luther King Jr.’s achievements as unattainable.

“We sort of revere him without understanding that our students have the same capacity to make social change, that same drive to see a better world for themselves and a better future for all of us, and it starts with things like this,” he said.

—­Nathan Woods ’19 is a staff writer for The Daily News of Huntingdon, Pa. This article is reprinted from that publication with their permission.

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PHOTOS (TOP FROM LEFT): J.D. CAVRICH; CANDICE HERSH; JASON JONES

Juniata Observes ‘A Day On, Not a Day Off’

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In their first entry to the Community Bank Case Study Competition, the Juniata College team took first prize over 57 other participating teams. Sinéad Gallagher, assistant professor of accounting, chose four students to work together and create a final, 25-page report along with a short video.

Throughout their Juniata career, students participate in a wide variety of highimpact practices, which utilize active learning and student engagement in a project to develop transferrable knowledge and skills. High-impact practices can take the form of writing-intensive classes, internships, learning communities, and research projects such as this bank case study.

The students researched the effect of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, otherwise known as the Dodd-Frank legislation, on local banks and were given “unfettered access to top executives at Kish Bank,” according to Gallagher.

PHOTO: LI SHEN

Team Makes a Case for Success at National Competition

Members of Juniata’s cas e study team, from the left, Matthew “Matt” Schaeffer ’20, Ka therine “Katie” Migat uls ki ’19, advisor Sinéad Gallagher, assista nt professor of accountin g, Wyatt Page ’20, and David Hib ner ’20, took first prize in the National Community Bank Case Study Competition.

“If I hadn’t gone on this trip, there are connections I wouldn’t have made.”

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—Katherine Migatulski ’19, Boiling Springs, Pa.

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Juniata’s team consisted of seniors David Hibner ’20, Matt Schaeffer ’20, Wyatt Page ’20, and Katherine Migatulski ’19. Despite already busy schedules, they found time to not only research the policy but also meet with top executives at Kish Bank to get a look at real-life effects of the legislation.

Students used most of what free time they had left to pursue this project and they really put their all into it. Matt gave a lot of the credit for their focus to their faculty advisor saying, “We couldn’t have done it without Professor Gallagher. She was instrumental in keeping us on track and motivated.”

Their final project was titled, “Too Big to Fail, Too Small to Succeed, and the Piggy (Bank) in the Middle.” Kish Bank is headquartered in Belleville, Pa., a rural, agricultural community. Banks serving rural areas are often the only bank serving an area, but with limited residents, are in a precarious state where new legislation can have noticeable affects on operations. The Dodd-Frank legislation was introduced to “lighten the government grip on the banking industry, primarily community banks.” However, in their meetings with Kish, it became clear that rather than the legislation helping, it was hurting the bank.

This topic was new for all of the students involved and sparked the acquisition of new skills for them.

Katherine said this project “pushed me to do a lot of things I didn’t know I could do. Speaking in front of 200 people, many of whom have important positions in banking, you don’t want to mess up.”

Her teammates expressed similar nerves before the big presentation at the 21st Century Research and Policy Conference at the CSBS-Federal Reserve Community Banking–FDIC in Saint Louis, Missouri.

While they may have been nervous, it certainly did not show. According to Schaeffer, “a lot of people came up to us afterwards and said we did a good job.”

One of those people included the CEO of the FDIC Jelena McWilliams who congratulated them on their work.

In the announcement of the winner, CSBS senior executive vice president Michael L. Stevens said, “Our winner this year, Juniata College, demonstrated excellent analytical skills and creativity to produce a high-quality product.”

The process was beneficial to students not just in the immediate sense of gaining experience, but also in their broader personal, professional, and academic lives. After explaining that the report had been published in the CSBS Journal of Community Bank Case Studies, Wyatt remarked, “I can call myself an author now,” which will help bolster his resume but also gives a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Matt emphasized how this experience helped him grow in his ability to work in groups to create a cohesive product and gave him “more confidence to do things that may seem too hard or out of reach.”

In a display of humility, not one of the students said they thought they would win. In their own words, the win was “surprising”, “shocking,” and “unexpected.”

“We knew we did a pretty good job, but didn’t know how the competition would stack up,” Matt said. “We didn’t realize we had a chance of winning until we were in the top three.”

For David, winning “was a good feeling. We had put a lot of work into it,” and to see that work pay off was “amazing and unexpected.”

Having bankers come up afterward was an incredibly rewarding sensation for the team members.

“If I hadn’t gone on this trip, there are connections I wouldn’t have made,” said Katherine, adding that she’s kept in contact with some of the executives through email and LinkedIn. This experience has only grown her interest in banking and provided her with valuable contacts post-graduation.

Each student also won a $1,000 scholarship from the CSBS.

The final report can be read in the CSBS Journal of Community Bank Case Studies.

—Isabella Bennett ’20, Juniata Associate for media relations

CAMPUS NEWS

New Coaches Set Game Plan for Success

Laina Connor Softball

Some of the newest members of the Juniata team are new coaches for football, swimming, softball, lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer and esports.

Diving into the deep end is head swim coach Devon McFadden, who spent three years as the assistant swim coach and assistant camp director with the Greater Oswego swim team in New York and has experience training high school swimmers at a YMCA in New York. She plans to, “grow the swim program not only in numbers but also in competitiveness.”

When people think of Juniata, McFadden wants them to think of the swim program. McFadden stressed her willingness to be there for students.

The College’s 10th head softball coach, Laina Connor takes on her new role after three years as assistant softball coach at Denison College. She describes softball as a sport that is “built for and celebrates females.”

Her goal is to bring a competitive attitude, build upon the existing sisterhood of the team, Nate Norbo and build a supportive Men’s Lacrosse environment for players.

She states that she is “here for the players and to get them to where they want to go.”

Head men’s tennis coach Kenneth Michaud comes to Juniata with years of experience coaching players in Las Vegas, Nev., and Jacksonville, Texas. In Las Vegas, Michaud was a finalist for the Las Vegas Sun Standout Awards for Coach of the Year and posted a 33-17 overall record at Rancho High School. As head men’s and women’s coach at Jacksonville College, both programs ranked 25th in the

Kenneth Michaud Men’s Tennis

Joe Alianiello Women’s Soccer

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association).

Joe Alianiello is kicking off his first year as head women’s soccer coach and comes to Juniata after seven years as head women’s soccer coach at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

His plan is to build on the team’s already existing competitive and hardworking culture, and he wants the program to compete for playoff spots.

Alianiello wants to instill a sense of being a part of something bigger than themselves in his players.

A former professional lacrosse player for the Charlotte Hounds and defensive coordinator at Dartmouth College,

been named as the 23rd head coach of Juniata’s football team, bringing over a decade of experience with him.

Carter comes to Juniata from Muhlenberg College, his alma mater. At Muhlenberg, he was the special team’s coordinator as well as the coach of the quarterbacks and wide receivers. During his last season with the team, Muhlenberg went 13-1 on their way to the NCAA DIII Semifinals while also winning a conference championship.

Carter said coming to Juniata was “the realization of a dream for me.”

Brendan Grady will lead the College’s men’s soccer program as the sixth head coach. Coming from Swarthmore College, his alma mater, where he most recently served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, Grady looks forward to joining “a welcoming, tight-knit community that invests in the student-athlete experience.”

This past season, his team earned an atJosh Carter Brendan Grady large bid to the NCAA Football Men’s Soccer Tournament and advanced to the Nate Norbo is bringing years of experience Sweet 16, while six players were named to to Juniata’s new men’s lacrosse program. the Centennial All-Conference team.

Norbo appreciates the emphasis on

He stated that his goal is to “build a academics. His plan is to not only grow championship culture that prepares young Juniata’s program but the sport of lacrosse men for success on and off the field.” as a whole.

Despite coming from different

He wants to help players grow as backgrounds, the newest coaches feel teammates, people, and community, welcome and look forward to building up growing a team culture that will push their sports programs and being a part of players to win on and off the field. their players’ future success.

Described as “one of the top young coaches in the country,” Josh Carter has —Samuel Reid ’23, student writer

2020 Spring |

PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH AND MEGAN BRENNEMAN

Devon McFadden Men’s and Women’s Swimming

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CAMPUS NEWS

Valuing Diversity: Juniata Partners with Ningbo University in China to Expand Integrated Media Arts Program in the U.S. A partnership between Ningbo University in eastern China and Juniata was formalized in November, during a visit from Jason Moran, vice president for enrollment and marketing, and Wei-Chung Wang, associate professor of business and economics and director of global program development.

Ningbo University is an elite public university that has developed into one of the nation’s key institutions of higher learning. Their motto translated into English is, “Seeking truth from facts and applying knowledge to the service of the nation.”

“Education from the U.S. carries a strong prestige in China.

We decided to explore our options,” says Wei-Chung. “With this collaborative opportunity, we would be able to accomplish multiple initiatives including increased campus diversity, a better financial picture, and international relationship development.”

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gathered for an economics Students at Ningbo University in China iate professor of business and assoc g, Wan lesson taught by Wei-Chung development. am progr l globa of tor direc and mics econo

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Wei-Chung Wang, associate prof essor of business and economics and director of global program development, and Jason Moran, vice president for enrollment and marketing, celebrated a new part nership betw een Juniata and Ningbo University on a visit to eastern Chin a in November.

In order to better serve their mission, Ningbo University and Juniata’s partnership will expand their international relations, promoting diversity for both institutions. In 2023, Ningbo students completing a 3+1 program in an integrated media arts (IMA)-related field will attend Juniata, coming to the U.S. to finish the last year of their degree. The proposed program will confer two undergraduate degrees, one from Ningbo and the other from Juniata, to enrolled students.

You may be wondering: How did this partnership vision become a reality? Yanping Rinehart, a science technician at the College, provides support for Chinese students. Yanping plays a key role in how Chinese students adapt and transition into college life at Juniata. After seeing Yanping’s success, Ran Tu ’06, associate dean of admission and international recruitment, wanted to recruit more students and continue to ensure success with the College’s diversity efforts.

Ran then introduced Wei-Chung, to Tony Ying, a Ningbo University representative and, with Rob Yelnosky ’85, director of enrollment research and technology, toured Ningbo University. Upon their return, Ran and Rob proposed the idea for collaboration. Wei-Chung followed up with a visit to Ningbo during his sabbatical semester to vet the process. A business, IMA, or education program was proposed to the administration at Ningbo University. They determined growing the new IMA program would be the best plan of action.

“Wei-Chung and I attended the grand opening of a new campus of Ningbo University, our new partner in the coastal area of China,” says Jason. “In addition, we took the opportunity to visit Chengdu and Taipei. During our visit, we visited six high schools, one private education institute, two partner universities, and our alumni in Chengdu and Taipei.”

Juniata strives to make the transition as comfortable and welcoming for international students as possible and is reviewing anticipated needs within the IMA department, academic and

“Education from the U.S. carries a strong prestige in China. With this collaborative opportunity, we would be able to accomplish multiple initiatives including increased campus diversity, a better financial picture, and international relationship development” —Wei-Chung Wang, associate professor of business and economics and director of global program development

student services, the Center for International Education (CIE), and the rest of the campus community.

“When the students arrive, the landscape of the College will change and we are preparing for that,” says Wei-Chung. “There are challenges that we have to face collectively as a campus to ensure that these students have an enjoyable and meaningful experience. We need to be mindful of language barriers, culture shock, and other aspects of their transition.”

Juniata’s partnership with Ningbo will promote diversity, inclusion, and educational excellence. In order to “think about who we are,” we need to think about others, too.

“These students will be exposed to liberal arts education.

And Juniata will have the chance to promote what we value the most: preparing students for life,” says Wei-Chung. “We want to let students immerse in an environment where a sense of community, interdisciplinary training, and interpersonal relationships are valued.”

—Sierra Waite ’21, student writer

Jason Moran, vice pre sident for enrollment and marketing, and Dr. Junjing Chen, Presid ent of College of Science an d Technology at Ning bo University, took par t in a presentation du ring a visit to easter n China in November.

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PHOTOS: COURTESY WEI-CHUNG WANG

Representatives of Ningbo University, along with Wei-Chung Wang, associate professor of business and economics and director of global program development, and Jason Moran, vice president for enrollment and marketing, proudly showed off their Juniata swag.

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The Best of

JUNIATA SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH

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Linebackers Jamel Foster ’22, left, of York, Pa., and Dan Drop Jr. ’21 of Hatfield, Pa., celebrate after a successful play at Knox Stadium.

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It was a banner year for field hockey goalie Nicole Piccioni ’22 of Richfield, Pa., who was named Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

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Moira Folan ’22 of Pittsburgh, Pa., foreground, sets Emma Davis ’23, of East Berlin, Pa., while Victoria Taylor ’21, far left, of Middletown, Del., looks on. Women’s Volleyball won their 39th consecutive conference championship and all three were named to the Landmark All-Conference First Team and the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region team.

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Bass Diakhoumpa ’22, of Dakar, Senegal, led the team in goals (11) and points (23) while being named to the Landmark All-Conference Second Team.

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The Best of

JUNIATA SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH

Vinnie Caroselli ’20, of Upland, Pa., excelled during his senior campaign and made the Landmark All-Conference First Team and a personal record at NCAA Regionals while finishing 42nd.

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Sofia Amoroso ’23, of West Chester, Pa., had a productive fall in which she took first at the Landmark Preview—the first solo win at a Landmark Event in program history.

The Best of

JUNIATA SPORTS | Juniata

PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH

Midfielder Brooke Rotheram ’20, of Harrisburg, Pa., was the lead creator for the women’s soccer team as she led the team in every offensive category this fall.

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Eagles Pursue Excellence in Every Pursuit

By April Feagley, assistant director of communication PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.D. CAVRICH, unless noted

Juniata attracts a singular sort of athlete, those who wish not only to strive for excellence physically but intellectually as well.

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“I think our student athletes have big plans, big aspirations, and a strong sense of purpose, without taking themselves too seriously,” said athletic director Greg Curley. “They understand that the athletic opportunities we provide are vehicles for their success in many more meaningful ways as they move forward in life.”

Driving forward, Eagles soar on the scoreboard and in their GPAs—with a cumulative average above 3.0 among our athletes.

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Juniata athletes, cross-country runner Evan Ulrich ’20 of Homer, N.Y., and field hockey player Madison Miller ’20 of York, Pa., pursue excellence in both their academic and athletic pursuits.

PHOTO: SARAH ROHRER ’20

2020 Spring | 17

| Juniata

Head swim coach and aquatics director Devon McFadden says her student athletes have a lot of motivation to achieve success in the classroom and take their academics very seriously.

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“Academic achievement is very important,” said Devon McFadden, head swim coach and aquatics director. “Our student athletes definitely have more motivation to achieve success in the classroom, and take their academics very serious. Many of my swimmers are very career driven and focus on what they want to achieve in the future.”

With 20 NCAA Division III varsity sports and a variety of club, intramural, and individual activities, student athletes arriving at Juniata find a place they can thrive among like-minded peers.

“The strength of our academic reputation, the quality of our education, our sense of community, the chance to play against some of the best Division III has to offer, and the quality of our coaching staff draw athletes to Juniata,” Greg said.

When Austin Montgomery ’20 from Bedford arrived at Juniata, he was a four-year varsity letterer in football and baseball, was team captain for two years, and had received numerous accolades.

“Football has always been my biggest passion. The opportunity to continue to play football past high school as well as to conduct undergraduate research was the best fit for what I wanted,” said Austin, whose Program of Emphasis (POE) is chemistry. “It turned out to be a good decision.”

Under the leadership of recentlyretired football coach Tim Launtz ’80, Montgomery and his teammates keep their eyes on the prize.

“They are here first and foremost to get an education. They play football because they love the game,” Tim said.

“We strongly acknowledge Juniata men’s academic achievements. We have an academic honor wall in the football office that acknowledges academic achievement. Our players are honored by the Centennial Conference for academic achievement. We nominate our Juniata men to the National Football Foundation for induction into the Hampshire Honor Society.”

Eagles Pursue Excellence

“Football has always been my biggest passion.

The opportunity to continue to play football past high school as well as to conduct undergraduate research was the best fit for what I wanted. It turned out to be a good decision.”

—Austin Montgomery ’20 CHEMISTRY BEDFORD, PA.

Austin Montgomery ’20 of Bedford, Pa., was named among the National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalists, an award also known as the “Academic Heisman.”

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Eagles Pursue Excellence

“Athletics and academics go hand in hand. Both take discipline and teach time management, which I’ll be able to use in the future...being able to have that discipline shows I can be successful after college and will be viable in the workforce.”

—Madison Miller ’20 POLITICS WITH A SECONDARY EMPHASIS IN GENDER & CONFLICT STUDIES & COMMUNICATION YORK, PA.

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A member of the field hockey team, Madison Miller ’20, of York, Pa., finds her commitment to both academics and athletics very rewarding and has been named to the Landmark All-Conference First Team.

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The honor society recognizes academic achievement and more than 35 Juniatians have been inducted in the past five years.

Austin is among those athletes honored during his time playing for the Eagles, having been named as a National Football Foundation William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist, nicknamed the “Academic Heisman.”

“I’ve found the focus on academics and athletics is unique to Juniata,” said Madison Miller ’20 from York, Pa. “The members of the field hockey team are always involved in extracurriculars on campus and are in leadership positions.

That’s something I like about Juniata.”

An outstanding high-school athlete who picked up three letters in field hockey and four in track and field, Madison was named to the Landmark All-Conference First Team in her senior year.

“Athletics and academics go hand in hand. Both take discipline and teach time management, which I’ll be able to use in the future,” said Madison, who has maintained an impressive 3.98 GPA throughout her college career and is studying politics. “I think being able to have that discipline shows I can be successful after college and will be viable in the workforce. It’s an intrinsic thing for me. Athletics and academics are both very rewarding.”

Athletic director Greg Curley, left, described Juniata’s athletes as having “big plans, big aspirations, and a strong sense of purpose, without taking themselves too seriously.”

Outstanding athleticism and academic performance are the norm, not the exception at Juniata.

“Our athletes have outperformed the general student body for the past three years. They are a very focused group,” Greg said. “I think many of those outside Juniata would be surprised at how talented our student-athletes are and the level of commitment required to compete in some of the best Division III conferences in the country.”

Juniata was familiar territory for Evan Ulrich ’20 of Homer, N.Y., as his grandparents, Wilfred Norris ’54 and Lona (Beabes) Norris ’56, live near campus. His grandfather was a longtime physics professor at the College.

“I always knew I would attend college here. I was a bright-eyed college-bound senior in high school eager to do as much as I could, and cross-country was something I could do,” Evan said. “I was worried, however, that by joining a sports team, I would have to sacrifice other aspirations of my college career.”

Rather than sacrificing one pursuit for another, Evan, like many other Juniata athletes before him, found a place where he was supported and encouraged.

“Valuing both (academics and athletics) is how we deliver on our promise. It’s how we provide a transformational experience for our student-athletes that leads to better, more productive lives,” said Greg. “The pursuit

“The coaches here do want their athletes to perform at their best... but their first priority is to have their athletes succeed academically.”

—Evan Ulrich ’20

2020 Spring |

PHYSICS & MATHEMATICS HOMER, N.Y.

of excellence both academically and athletically is what develops the skills and competencies in our student-athletes that have a profound impact on the rest of their lives.”

A conversation with Jon Cutright, head track and cross-country coach for both the men’s and women’s teams, quickly allayed those concerns.

“Coach Cutright assured me that academics come first at Juniata. I also realized I’d be able to play my trombone in the wind symphony as well,” said Evan.

“This is what intrigued me to join the cross-country team. I’ve not regretted that decision one bit. I’ve met so many new people, made many amazing memories, and grown as a person.”

With a POE of physics and mathematics, Evan’s cumulative GPA of 3.97 was recognized as he has been named to the Landmark Academic honor roll three times. In November, he became the first Juniata men’s cross-country runner to be named Landmark Senior Scholar Athlete.

“Being a student athlete is just that at Juniata—you are a student first, then an athlete,” Evan said. “The coaches here do want their athletes to perform at their best, and thus require attendance at every practice, lifting session, and meet, but their first priority is to have their athletes succeed academically.”

No matter what the sport or POE, the goal for all student athletes at Juniata is excellence.

“Excellence isn’t really about a GPA, a list of individual athletic accomplishments, or a team’s record.

Excellence is the result of always giving one’s best, of sacrificing for the greater good, and of persevering in the face of adversity,” said Greg. “Winning a game or acing an exam isn’t really the point.

The lessons that a culture in which both athletics and academics are valued and students strive to excel is essential to providing this opportunity.” >J<

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PHOTO: JASON JONES

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Integrated Media Arts (IMA) students, from the left, Ace Simek ’21 of Arlington, Va., Genevieve Wittrock ’22 of Collegeville, Pa., and Tatum Poirier ’21 of Evans City, Pa., work to capture a portrait of Flynn, an adoptable cat at the Huntingdon County Humane Society.

Real World Experience, Lasting Impacts

By April Feagley, assistant director of communication

Remember word problems? “If John had six apples, and Jane took four apples, how many apples does John have left?”

Those problems were straightforward and relatively easy to solve. That’s not the case in the real world, where challenges are likely to require flexibility, creativity, and communication.

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Real World Experience

Juniata’s distinctiveness is evident as graduates set out into the job field with authentic understanding and skills employers need in their workforce.

| Juniata

Programs like Innovations for Industry (I4I) and community partnerships with Integrated Media Arts (IMA) students, as well as a focus on community-engaged learning, provide opportunities to hone project management skills.

“Time and again, our students come back to us after a job interview and tell us their interviewer only wanted to talk about their I4I project,” says William H. “Bill” Thomas, professor of information technology and computer science. “It gives them that experience to include on their résumé. From a very practical standpoint, that résumé is going to stand out amongst those with no practical experience.”

I4I originated as a capstone course for students studying information technology, who would complete technical projects for community and campus

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partners in need of help. I4I expanded to include non-technical projects as part of the interdisciplinary colloquia general education requirement.

“We have teams work on a project for one semester. Often, we have too many requests and not enough teams, so sometimes we’ll have a student finish up a project through independent study,” Bill says. “Typically, those with projects find me. My problem is that I don’t have enough teams for good, worthwhile projects. Many of them are from repeat clients we’ve worked with before.”

From crafting a new online marketplace platform for the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau’s gift shop, Raystown Reflections, to creating a memory lab, a hub for historical preservation of media at the Huntingdon County Library, students are challenged to solve problems and hone skills. Past projects have included bug tracking for NBC Universal’s website and collection of baseline data for Fort Mills EMS in South Carolina.

“A memory lab is a digitized station that converts outdated media into newer

PHOTOS (LEFT): CANDICE HERSH; (RIGHT) SARAH ROHRER ’20

Above, Jin’ao Zhu ’20 of Wen Ling, Tai Zhou, China, left, and Hudson Speck ’20 of Huntingdon, and below, Tyler Paul ’21 of Johnstown, Pa., shared presentations regarding the progress of their semester-long Innovations for Industry (I4I) projects in Alumni Hall.

Autumn McDivitt of the Huntingdon County Library, standing, met with members of the I4I team, from the left, Jin’ao Zhu ’20 of Wen Ling, Tai Zhou, China, Tyler Paul ’21 of Johnstown, Pa., and Hudson Speck ’20 of Huntingdon, to review plans for a memory lab to preserve local history.

“It was something we had been thinking about, but didn’t have the time or manpower to work on. The students got the ball rolling and got to work on it.”

—Lisa Erickson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HUNTINGDON COUNTY LIBRARY

2020 Spring |

up-to-date media,” says Tyler Paul ’21.

“We started researching memory labs located at different libraries across the country. With the help of the Centre County Library, we created a budget with all of the materials needed to make this possible.”

The memory lab was a long-term goal for the community library, but it was an aspirational project rather than an immediate one.

“It was something we had been thinking about, but didn’t have the time or manpower to work on. The students got the ball rolling and got to work on it,” says Lisa Erickson, executive director of the Huntingdon County Library. “We would most likely have gotten it going one day, but it would have taken a lot longer.”

Lisa added that the student team brought a great deal of energy as well as a different perspective to the project intended to facilitate the transfer of photographs and audio and video recordings to a digital medium.

“Most of them had never seen a VCR, so it was interesting to see that perspective,” she says. “They also helped

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Real World Experience

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to write a training manual to help train people to use the memory lab.”

The Raystown Reflections project offered a technical challenge in that online sales had never been offered and an interactive platform would need to be created.

“They do not have an online component for the Raystown Reflections gift shop, so the team is working to develop one,” Bill says. “They have taken two approaches, one is direct marketing for T-shirts and common items. The other is hand-building a website to sell inventory right from the gift shop, tying the website right into QuickBooks. It’s a pretty technical project.”

Building upon work completed to promote work days at the Huntingdon Community Food Garden created by ReInvision Huntingdon, Ryan Gibboney, assistant professor of integrated media arts, worked to design a program to partner with community non-profit agencies.

“The fall of 2017 was our first semester in Kepple Hall. We wanted to do something big to help the students feel really confident,” Ryan says. “It all worked together seamlessly.”

The opportunity for student engagement is a reciprocal partnership with a local community-based nonprofit. Through the partnership, students propose, plan, and complete a real-world design project. The partner and student team collaborate on the completion of design deliverables and a sustainable marketing plan.

“These projects are not one semester long. When you engage with a community partner, it becomes a longterm partnership,” says Ryan. “It creates a positive environment. These students create materials and show the partner how to promote them through media platforms.

It’s a real-world experience.”

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“Working with a client has been eye-opening. While we might believe that some things would be beneficial for our clients, the secondary effects of our actions might do more damage than good.

That’s why it’s very important to put ourselves in the shoes of the client.”

—Rohan Bandekar ’21 ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH A SECONDARY EMPHASIS ON INTEGRATED MEDIA ARTS PUNE, MAHARASHRA, INDIA

Unlike a classroom exercise in which students work through a simulated scenario for a mock client, IMA teams gain experience working with real people, navigating unique challenges, and leave a lasting body of work for their client to use.

“We’ve worked with the Huntingdon Community Center on marketing through print, web, and social media as well as an e-payment platform—that was a huge undertaking,” says Ryan.

IMA student teams also took on a comprehensive rebranding effort for Huntingdon House, an agency that offers services to survivors of domestic violence, and the Huntingdon County Humane Society, a local animal shelter.

“Working with a client has been eye-opening. While we might believe that some things would be beneficial for our clients, the secondary effects of our actions might do more damage than good,” says Rohan Bandekar ’21. “That’s why it’s very important to put ourselves in the shoes of the client, because the goals of the client are more important than our goals.”

The end result of the students’ work for the animal shelter included a contemporary logo, updated website, and an array of marketing materials to further the rescue’s mission.

“We couldn’t be happier to have partnered with the Integrated Media Arts students,” says Huntingdon County Humane Society director Lisa Boland. “The new logo has bright, cheerful colors that showcase our desire to create a positive environment within our shelter setting.”

The impacts of their work last well after the students have graduated.

“The most satisfying part of the project is being put into a real-world situation,” Tyler says. “We are able to work with actual clients and perform meaningful work.” >J<

“The most satisfying part of the project is being put into a real-world situation.

We are able to work with actual clients and perform meaningful work.”

—Tyler Paul ’21

2020 Spring |

PHOTOS: CANDICE HERSH

COMPUTER SCIENCE JOHNSTOWN, PA.

Members of the I4I team charged with reconfiguring the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau’s gift shop, Raystown Reflections, seated, from the left, William Thurston-Griswold ’20 of Huntingdon, Kashyap Khatri ’21 of Kathmandu, Nepal, Owen Gallagher ’20 of New York, N.Y., standing, Anh “Christine” Huynh ’20 of Vung Tau, Vietnam, and Keita Nonaka ’20 of Yokohama, Japan, shared details of their progress with stakeholders in Alumni Hall.

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Students at the Raystown Field Station dredge the bottom of Raystown Lake to check for the presence of damaging invasive species like hydrilla.

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Creating New Knowledge While Learning

By April Feagley, assistant director of communication PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON JONES, unless noted

Research is the vehicle through which knowledge is expanded, connected, explored, and ultimately driven forward.

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Creating New Knowledge

A

t Juniata, the undergraduate experience is broadened as students delve into their chosen field and acquire experience they will carry with them in their future careers.

“I am a scientist by training and quite aware that, at the time I was in college, undergraduate research experiences were relatively rare,” said Elaine (Becker) Jones ’76, who along with her husband, Keith Jones ’75, have planned for $1.5 million to support undergraduate research at Juniata.

“Coming to Liberal Arts Symposium, you can see how many Juniata students are engaged in research. This is a highly differentiated experience for Juniata students to have.”

At Juniata, undergraduate research opportunities take place in partnership with faculty in a pursuit of deeper understanding across disciplines—from sciences to the humanities.

“For me, research was something that I wanted to try and explore,” said Lavinia Unverdorben ’20. “In my first semester, the biology labs introduced me to the idea of undergraduate research and allowed me to connect with professors conducting research on campus. The research

opportunities have been important for me because they exposed me to a whole new world of learning and problem solving.”

Lavinia embarked on her first research project with Chris Grant, assistant professor of biology.

“Research is the best example I can think of to facilitate a collaborative learning environment,” said Chris. “The student takes the lead on the specific project with full support, oversight, and input from a faculty member.”

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Chris Grant, assistant professor of biology, right, strives to facilitate a collaborative learning environment with his students through research opportunities.

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Recent events inspire research for both faculty and students in the field of peace and conflict studies, according to Polly Walker, director of The Baker Institute and associate professor of peace and conflict studies.

“You don’t have to be a science major to receive the funding.

You can be studying in any area that Juniata offers and work closely with experts in the field. It’s not limited to someone whose POE is in the sciences—it can be in any discipline.”

—Keith Jones ’75 RETIRED EDUCATOR

Faculty members generate research ideas and opportunities through attendance at conferences and reading the leading literature in their respective fields.

“Good research is always informed by previous work,” said Ursula Williams, assistant professor of chemistry. “By hearing and learning from the results of others, and by synthesizing this information, I identify holes in the current state of chemical knowledge, and I consider which of these holes my students and I are best poised to address.”

The students’ undergraduate experience in research may take a different form depending on the discipline.

“Within the psychology department, student research happens in three different ways,” said Phil Dunwoody, professor of psychology and director of assessment and general education. “First, faculty have research labs that focus on their areas of expertise. Students can join our research labs and learn the process through handson experience. Second, all psychology students complete a two-course research methods sequence where they choose their own research topic. Students love pursuing their own ideas in this sequence and really get involved in their own projects. Lastly,

2020 Spring |

Delving deeper into established knowledge is beneficial to every discipline, which is why the Jones’ gift of funding for summer research is not limited to science.

“I was not a science major,” said Keith.

“You don’t have to be a science major to receive the funding. You can be studying in any area that Juniata offers and work closely with experts in the field. It’s not limited to someone whose POE is in the sciences—it can be in any discipline.”

In the field of peace and conflict studies, Polly Walker, director of The Baker Institute and associate professor of peace and conflict studies, described research as adding rigor and a foundation in truth and reality within the field.

“My research is inspired by working within a wide network of relationships and by social justice and conflict transformation,” said Polly. “I work with students to identify their interests and capabilities.”

Recent events inspire students and faculty alike. Peace and conflict studies students have investigated the ways in which art and culture support ethical and sustainable conflict transformation, especially in light of the injustices suffered by migrant children held in detention.

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Regina “Gina” Lamendella, Valko Professor of Biological Sciences, has mentored more than 70 undergraduate research students in her lab on campus.

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some students choose to do a senior thesis, which is a year-long project of their own design.”

The students’ own interests are considered when planning research topics.

“Some students come to me with projects that they are interested in,” said Ryan Mathur ’96, professor of geology.

“There are multiple steps in the research they conduct, material isolation and characterization are things that students can do here and are valuable pieces to the research that I conduct. I see them as contributors to the whole project. The longer students work with me, the more involved they become in the projects and take more ownership.”

The understanding formed through research benefits peers and professionals in the field and influences their work as well.

“Research is how new chemical knowledge is formed,” said Ursula.

“Without it, there wouldn’t be a field of chemistry, and the many fields that

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chemistry immediately touches would be much less developed.”

Undergraduate research conducted at Juniata has appeared in leading publications such as the American Society for Microbiology, Journal of Freshwater Ecology, Northeastern Naturalist, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences.

“Long-term impacts of research are seen in their outcomes,” said Regina “Gina” Lamendella, Valko Professor of Biological Sciences. “I have mentored more than 70 undergraduate research students in my laboratory and more than 30 of them have completed or are engaged in competitive Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., or VMD/ Ph.D. programs or master’s programs.

Within my laboratory, I have had the opportunity to mentor three Fulbright Fellows, three Goldwater Fellows, six NIH IRTA (National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Training

Creating New Knowledge

“A small investment here gets a larger result. This allows them to help each other along the way, PHOTO: J.D. CAVRICH

participate in lab and field work, and build a sense of community in which they can grow and depend upon during their time at Juniata.”

Elaine ’76 and Keith ’75 Jone

s

—Elaine (Becker) Jones ’76 RETIRED VENTURE CAPITALIST

Award) post-baccalaureate fellows, and two HHMI EXROP (Howard Hughes Medical Institute Exceptional Research Opportunities Program) fellows. The very fabric of research in our lab is woven by the hard work of more than 70 talented undergraduate research students with 70 unique stories.”

Through the Jones’ gift, opportunities for mentored undergraduate research expand.

“The currency you need as a scientist includes hands-on experience, the ability to understand the scientific method, sharing presentations, and having your work published,” said Elaine. “That is part

and parcel of how a scientist matures. I’m very hopeful that students will have that opportunity to fuel research endeavors.”

She described undergraduate research as a way faculty can excite and promote their students—a gift that keeps on giving.

“It’s a forced-multiplier event. A small investment here gets a larger result,” Elaine said. “This allows them to help each other along the way, participate in lab and fieldwork, and build a sense of community in which they can grow and depend upon during their time at Juniata.”

Lavinia’s experience is evidence of that growth.

“The research experiences at Juniata have allowed me to grow not just as a scientist, but also as a person. I have grown from a person who wasn’t comfortable with public speaking to someone who now voluntarily gives research presentations because I love sharing my research with others,” said Lavinia. “The freedom of research has allowed me to explore many different ideas and concepts and to go down different paths and roads that are often not addressed in a traditional classroom setting.” >J<

Students are valued contributors to research conducted by Ryan Mathur ’96, professor of geology, and the benefit is experienced by both their peers and professionals in the field.

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FACULTY FEATURE

The Calling: Juniata Professor

Answers the Call to Make Students’ Lives Ring with Purpose

By Sierra Waite ’21 student writer

| Juniata

Donna Weimer, Thornbury Professor of Communication and Department Chair of Communication and Theatre Arts, answered the call to teach—but not before hanging up a few times.

“I never thought of myself as a teacher.

We had such limited choices back then; as a woman, you either saw yourself as a secretary, a teacher, or a nurse,” said Donna. “While I didn’t know what I wanted to be, I didn’t want to be in one of those boxes. Here I am 43 years later very passionate about teaching and advising.”

In her undergraduate program, Donna pursued her passions, exploring subjects like Latin, psychology, and science. Ultimately, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State University. She continued to earn her master of arts degree and Ph.D. in communication at Penn State. Afterwards, Donna achieved several years of experience as a communication consultant and instructor.

Now, she has been teaching for 43 years, 29 of those at Juniata.

“It’s hard to explain why or how you choose a path where you have to risk yourself every day in front of other people, keep up with the constantly changing worlds of culture and technology in communication, and strive to help your students be the best they can be every day when your best changes every day,” says Donna. “I realize that teaching is a calling, and it chose me.”

Donna credits the endless support she received with bringing her to where she is today. Her family believed in education, which encouraged her and her siblings to find a way out of poverty and improve themselves. Her professors at Penn State were instrumental in helping Donna understand who she was as a teacher, as a scholar, and as a person. Her mentors and colleagues at Juniata showed her how to appreciate the process of learning how to teach well.

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rtment chair of ication and depa ofe ssor of Commun nkin ’20.

Pr y Ra ur ter nb Pe or s, Th , nt ht th one of her stude wi Donna Weimer, rig ets me ts, ar d theatre communication an

“There are no rulebooks on how to be a professor; you learn from your mentors and get advice from people who you think do the job well,” says Donna. “My colleagues in the Communication, English, and Theatre Arts department were instrumental in helping me become the Juniata professor I would become.”

In 1990, Donna received a call to create a communication curriculum and a designated Program of Emphasis (POE) in Communication at Juniata. Donna appreciates the immense freedom she was given to design and develop the program, exploring numerous opportunities and looking at other departments across the United States. Her goal was to create a program that would offer both an exploration of communication theory and skills as well as practice through internships and study abroad for students.

Donna’s vision recognized the value of forming a department that encouraged compassionate, trustworthy, and authentic communication.

Donna was dedicated to finding the right people to achieve that vision. Grace Fala, professor of communication, was hired in 1992 because the program was growing

quickly and she taught Donna so much about how to love the world and the people in it.

As the department grew, she hired Lynn Cockett, professor of communication, in 2001 to strengthen the department with her strong belief in the social sciences that looks at communication through a different lens than the humanities.

In collaboration with her colleagues, Donna created what was once known as the Digital Media POE (now Integrated Media Arts) through the generosity of the John and Irene Dale Endowment in 2001.

Donna reached out to her former student, Sarah Worley ’00 in 2004, who is now associate professor of communication and director of community-engaged teaching and learning. As an undergraduate, Sarah always planned to run for president, but Donna says she’s glad Sarah chose to be her colleague instead. Neal Utterback, associate professor of theatre arts was hired in 2012; Donna thought he brought a strong perspective on wellness in all aspects of performance and life. Most recently, Donna welcomed Jared LaGroue, an instructor in communication hired in 2018, because of his strong teaching and advising abilities.

“My colleagues are wonderful. I am privileged to work with them every day,” says Donna.

Donna received the Lindback Teaching Award in 1993; Juniata’s Woman of the Year Award in 1994; and the Beachley Award for Service in 2007. She received the Distinguished Carroll Arnold Service Award in 2002 and the Harvey Kelly Excellence in Teaching Award in 2007 from the Pennsylvania Communication Association (PCA). In 2017, she received the Robert T. Oliver Lifetime Achievement Award. Then, in 2019, Donna received the Distinguished Carroll Arnold Service Award for a second time. She is the only person in PCA history to win this award twice.

“Donna is the pivotal key to the Pennsylvania Communication Association,” says Dr. Ronald C. Arnett, executive director of the PCA and chair and professor at Duquesne University. “When others are tired, she leads. When others have lost heart, she reminds us of the sacred task of education.

When others have lost hope, she holds us up.

Donna is the saint of tenacious hope.”

As a result of her contributions to the PCA, she has been recognized on the floor of the Senate of Pennsylvania in 2017 and 2019 and recognized by Governor Tom Wolf as well in 2017.

“As an organization, PCA understands that Dr. Arnold was an inspiring mentor for

the field and me in particular. He truly crafted my spirit for what it means to be a teacher and a scholar,” says Donna. “Carrying this award has so much personal significance to me. To be given the award twice leaves me speechless.”

However, Donna’s main focus in life isn’t fancy titles or prestigious awards; instead, Donna lives her life focusing on how to best teach and advise her students. Her favorite times at Juniata have been working with students—whether that be in a designated classroom, a coffeeshop, restaurant, or her office. Donna loves creating spaces that invite discussion, encourage creativity, and challenge perspectives.

“Over the years, I aim to help students find their purpose, even if it’s just for four years,” says Donna. “Finding purpose lets you ask the big questions. What I love best about my job is that students allow me to keep asking questions every single day.”

Donna explained that at the intersection of teaching and advising, she gets to see her impact on individuals. She learns their strengths and weakness, hopes and dreams, burdens they carry and sacrifices they make, and much more. By getting to know someone on a personal level, Donna is able to help each individual find a path that will challenge them in a way that will not crush them.

“Whatever happens here, and it’s different for everyone, we learn how to care about the community and not just ourselves.

We embody the values of being global citizens,” says Donna. “I find the people of Juniata to walk the walk in kindness and caring for others; we have a simple and humble approach to make our corner of the world a good place to live. I have found it to be so.”

In life, Donna sees her greatest accomplishment as having the chance to raise her son.

“In raising Wes, I have enjoyed watching him discover the world, his great sense of humor and love for others,” she says. “My ability to share in all of those life moments has been by far the most meaningful and helped me to be a better colleague and mentor.”

In the end, Donna says, “I want the people I interact with to find their purpose that leads them to living meaningful and productive lives. I hope they are happy more than they are not, resilient within a world with no straightforward easy path, and open to change and growth. I hope that their education at Juniata and the time they have spent with me has helped them to face that uncertainty and make those difficult choices, so they can trust in themselves and accept their calling—whatever it is and wherever it may lead them.” >J<

2020 Spring |

PHOTOS: SARAH ROHRER ’20

Spending time with her students is one of Donna Weimer’s favorite things to do at Juniata. She focuses on the best ways to teach and advise her students, while encouraging creativity and challenging perspectives.

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FACULTY/STAFF NOTES Jody Althouse, director of the Office for the Prevention of Interpersonal Violence, and Dan Cook-Huffman, associate dean of students and Title IX Coordinator, co-presented in Oct. at the Department of Justice (DOJ) Technical Training Institute in Orlando, Fla., a session titled, You Can Do It! Building a Strong Foundation: Collaboration Between the Prevention and Title IX Offices. Additionally, at the DOJ conference, Althouse presented two other sessions, Engaging Athletes in Violence Prevention, in collaboration with the Men Can Stop Rape Organization. In Dec., Althouse and Cook-Huffman co-presented at the Chrysalis Conference, Solving the Campus Sexual Assault & Dating Violence Puzzle, at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. In May, Althouse was invited to speak at the Huntingdon Rotary Club and presented, Prevention Efforts at Juniata College.

James J. “Jack” Barlow, Charles A. Dana Professor of Politics, was a lecturer for the Center for Civic Education’s Presidential Academy, July 11–13, 2019. He gave two lectures on the Reconstruction Amendments and also gave two lectures on the Bill of Rights for Lakeside Chautauqua, Lakeside, Ohio, Aug. 12–13.

Kathleen Biddle, professor of education, along with Kathryn M.

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“Kathy” Westcott, professor of psychology, presented Assessing Knowledge of Language and Literacy Concepts to Support Best Practices in Reading Instruction at the American Psychological Association in Chicago, Ill., in Aug. 2019; Beyond Knowledge: Changes in Self-Perception

by Pre-Service Teachers, at the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading in Toronto, Canada, in Aug. 2019; Language and Literacy Skill Knowledge for Effective Reading Instruction at the Eastern Psychological Association in New York, N.Y., in March 2019; and Examining Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge of Effective Reading Instruction at the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania in State College, Pa., in Oct. 2018.

1. Robert M. Boryk, instructor of art and ceramic studio assistant, had work accepted into two juried exhibitions, KC Clay Guild Teabowl National 2019, Bredin-Lee Gallery, Kansas City, Mo., and The Almighty Cup 2019, Gandee Gallery, Fabius, New York.

Lauren Bowen, Provost and professor of politics, facilitated as session entitled “An Asset-Based Approach to Accessibility and Student Success” at the 2019 Council of Independent Colleges Chief Academic Officers Institute in Baltimore, Md. Nov. 4–7, 2019.

Celia Cook-Huffman, W. Clay & Kathryn H. Burkholder Professor of Conflict Resolution and Assistant Provost, published Identity Matters: Social Identity and Social Change in S. Byrne, T. Matyok, I.M. Scott, and J. Senehi (Eds.), Routledge Companion to Peace and Conflict Studies (pp. 269–279).

New York, New York: Routledge Press.

Blair J. Cutright, QUEST coordinator, was recognized as the recipient of the 2019 Pharos Lighthouse Award Student Success Professional for her commitment and tireless work to support relational retention.

Sarah Jane DeHaas, Martin G. Brumbaugh Professor of Education and chair of the Education Department, Kathleen Biddle, professor of education, Dawn E. Hayes ’95, assistant professor of education, Kathleen M. “Kathy” Jones, professor of education, Karen Pletcher, instructor of education, and Dipali Puri, assistant professor of education, presented Developing Pre-Service Teacher Voice Through High-Impact Practices That Foster Collaboration, Inquiry, and Community Engagement, at the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE).

Christine Elliot, learning services and assessment librarian, presented a Library Information Technology

2

Association (LITA) webinar, Universal Parity to Resources: Rethinking Library Access with Courtney McAllister in July 2019. Elliott and McAllister also published The Library as Laboratory: Using Makerspaces to Cultivate Organizational and Personal Creativity, in Creativity for Library Career Advancement: Perspectives, Techniques, and Eureka Moments and Charting the Course: Assessment and Change Action, in Change Management for Library Technologists. Along with Sara Kern, access services and instruction librarian, Elliott presented Rocking the Boat: Resetting Library Student Worker Culture, at the Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference, in Oct. 2019 in Erie, Pa. April Feagley, assistant director of communication, presented Anne Dorris Chisolm: Socialite, Suffragette, Standard Bearer to the members of the Huntingdon Rotary Club in July.

2. Amy Frazier-Yoder, associate

Marita Gilbert, dean of institutional equity and inclusive excellence, presented Living, Surviving, Not Just Thriving in Higher Education as part of a panel by the Sisters of the Academy Inclusive Excellence Symposium at Simmons College, Boston, Mass., in

Douglas S. “Doug” Glazier, professor of biology, is a coauthor on an article concerning the ecology of metabolism in squids and other cephalopods that was published in one of the oldest scientific journals in the world, the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Glazier also presented a talk on how temperature and behavioral activity interactively affect the scaling of metabolic rate with body mass, at the European Ecological Federation Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, in Aug. 2019. In addition, the poster that he coauthored with two colleagues from the University of Salento (Italy) received first prize at the EEF Congress.

Fernando Gomes, assistant dean of admission, was selected to be a faculty member for the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling’s (SACAC) Dry Run, a summer training institute designed for new admissions professionals in July 2019. This year’s event was sponsored by Tulane University in New Orleans, La. Gomes was a co-leader of a small group and offered presentations on recruitment and application reading for small colleges, and co-facilitated sensitivity training as well.

Gabriel Gould, instructor of First Year Experience/Music, was invited to a month-long residency at ArtsIceland in Isafjordur, Iceland, in July/Aug. 2019.

ArtsIceland is an international multidisciplinary residency program for artists, filmmakers, writers, and performers. While in residence, Gabriel composed a new work called Kria, based on elements of the Icelandic soundscape, which was premiered in Isafjordur during the residency.

Christopher J. “Chris” Grant, assistant professor of biology, and Ben Martin ’18 published Potential Threats to Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Juniata River Basin, Pennsylvania, in the Journal of Freshwater Ecology. Grant was co-author, along with Regina “Gina” Lamendella, Valko Professor of Biological Sciences, and Nikea Ulrich ’17 on a publication in Applied and Environmental Microbiology which looked at microbial community response to biocides from fracking.

Grant was also invited to be a guest editor for a special issue from JoVe (Journal of Visualized Experiments) about the impacts of Unconventional Natural Gas Development (fracking) on ecosystems.

Holly J. Hayer, associate professor of Spanish, presented a session in July 2019 in San Diego, Ca., at the 101st Annual Conference of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Her conference session was titled “We Can Do It” Greater Collaboration & Effectiveness with Can-Do Statements & Integrated Performance Assessment.

Dawn E. Hayes ’95, assistant professor of education, presented School Safety and Prevention of Violence & Trauma Informed Practices at the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators in Harrisburg, Pa. in Oct. 2019.

2020 Spring |

PHOTOS: JASON JONES

professor of Spanish, published Cracking the Civilized Coco: Defamiliarization in Paloma Pedrero’s Las Isla Amarilla (1995) in the Bulletin of Contemporary Hispanic Studies. Along with Deborah W. “Deb” Roney, assistant professor of English and director of Language in Motion, Frazier-Yoder hosted more than 50 students from Altoona Area High School and State College Area High School for Language in Motion’s Spanish Language Immersion Day Nov. 7, 2019. The event included dance lessons, presentations, and activities led by Juniata students and Henry Thurston-Griswold, professor of Spanish, who also led a sing-along.

April 2019. She presented No Mirrors in My Nana’s House: Black Feminist Praxis as Reflected Resistance and Resilience in Higher Education at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Portland, Ore., in May 2019 and at the Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference in Blacksburg, Va., in April 2019. Gilbert was invited to serve as an advisory council member on “Sustaining Underrepresented Faculty” through the Booth Ferris Foundation Grant in 2019 and as a planning committee member for the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2019 Diversity, Equity, and Student Success Conference 2018–2019.

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FACULTY/STAFF NOTES

3. Jill B. Keeney, Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology, along with colleagues from several other schools, organized a workshop on using the discovery of gene function in the model organism yeast in an undergraduate laboratory class. The workshop was held June 17–22, 2019, at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and involved undergraduate faculty from more than 15 different institutions. The workshop was funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Coordination Network (NSF-RCN) grant. Keeney, along with Jay Hosler, David K. Goodman ’74 Professor of Biology and chair of the biology department, and Kathryn M. “Kathy” Westcott, professor of psychology, were awarded a $1 million, five-year grant from the National Science Foundation for 18 undergraduate STEM students in July. In August, Keeney presented a workshop with Tammy Tobin from Susquehanna University at the American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators on the NSF-RCN yeast modules for undergraduate laboratory courses. Regina “Gina” Lamendella, Valko Professor of Biological Sciences, and Keeney traveled to St. Francis University for the annual Allegheny Branch American Society for Microbiology Nov. 8–9, where 14 Juniata students presented their independent research projects.

Regan Myers ’22 won first place for poster presentation. Lavinia Unverdorben ’20 won first place for her oral presentation and Eddie Almaraz ’20 and Avery Lee ’21 won 2nd place for their poster presentation.

Aine Boudreau ’21 and Lavinia Unverdorben ’20 won travel grants as well.

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Sara Kern, access services and instruction librarian, was accepted to and participated in the Librarians Active Learning Institute (LALI) at

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Dartmouth College in August. LALI is a competitive institute for librarians to develop and expand learner-centered teaching practices.

James E. “Jim” Latten, professor of music, has been re-named to the College Band Directors National Association’s Small College Band Task Force. CBDNA represents college band directors across the USA and Canada, and the task force focuses on issues pertaining to programs at smaller colleges and universities.

Monika Malewska, professor of art, published her artwork, Monkey Skeleton and Amaryllis (from the Tree of Life series) in the fall of 2019 in the International Painting Annual 9 (INPA 9), MANIFEST—A Non-Profit Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mark McKellop, professor of psychology, and Kathryn Westcott, professor of psychology, presented research, Digital natives: Perspectives on social media in the classroom at the American Psychological Association Convention in Chicago, Ill., in Aug. 2019. The research had several Juniata student researchers as coauthors, Carrie McGlohon ’21, Victoria Taylor ’21, and Joanna Shin ’19.

Scott T. McKenzie, associate director for athletic operations and associate athletic director, presented a talk and moderated a discussion, The Role of Athletics in Enrollment Management, to the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA)/National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) Convention in June 2019 in Orlando, Fla. George Merovich, associate professor of environmental sciences, was elected as the president-elect of the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Fisheries Society and was appointed

as a member of the executive committee for the Northeastern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Merovich presented Estimates of Crayfish Population Size and Distribution Within the Upper Juniata River Watershed in Central Pennsylvania and co-presented Considerations for Designing an eDNA Assay for Invasive Species Monitoring: A Case Study for Rusty Crayfish at the 2019 Joint Annual Conference of the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, Sept.

28–Oct. 5, 2019, in Reno, Nev. Norris Z. Muth, professor of biology, along with Christopher J. “Chris” Grant, assistant professor of biology, Catherine Neville ’19, Marissa Cubbage ’19, and Meaghen Stewart ’19, published Local Ecosystem Uptake of Stocked Trout by Cambarus bartonii and the Relevance of Prior Exposure to Stocking in Northeastern Naturalist, fall 2019.

4. Loren K. Rhodes, Information Technology Endowed Chair, taught a short course, Music and Computing, May 20–29, 2019, in Steinfurt, Germany, at the Fachhochschule Münster University of Applied Sciences, using the Python programming language and tools built to teach programming though the creation of music.

Deborah W. “Deb” Roney, assistant professor of English and director of Language in Motion, co-presented Language in Motion: Building Bridges to the World with Sarah Prokopick Crawford ’00 at the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA)/Pennsylvania Council for International Education (PaCIE) Joint Conference in State College, Pa., Oct. 24–26, 2019.

Henry Thurston-Griswold, professor of Spanish, published an op-ed titled Conditions Ripe for Mass Exodus from ‘Banana Republics’ in the July 23 edition

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of the Huntingdon Daily News. He also presented a session, Spanish Immersion and Community Engagement in Guatemala and Central PA, at the annual conference of the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association in Oct. James A. “Jim” Troha, president, presented Building an Effective Senior Team at the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) at the annual President’s Institute in Jan. 2020. Following a recent state election process, Troha will be representing Region III on the board of the National Association for Independent Colleges and Universities.

This is a three-year term which began in February 2020. He also assumed the role of vice chair with the Pennsylvania Consortium for the Liberal Arts (PCLA).

Polly Walker, director of Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies and associate professor of peace and conflict studies, presented Designing a Global Infrastructure for Arts, Culture and

Conflict Transformation: Results of the IMPACT Project and Indigenous Approaches to Peace at Local Alignments, Global Upheavals: Re-imagining Peace, Legitimacy, Jurisdiction and Authority, the Annual Conference of the Peace and Justice Studies Association & Peace and Conflict Studies Canadian Association at Menno Simons College, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Oct. 4–6, 2019.

James R. “Jim” Watt, vice president for advancement, was a member of the planning task force, session presenter and contributor for The Council of Independent Colleges’ 2019 Institute for Chief Academic Officers with Chief Advancement and Public Relations Officers in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 2019 Watt was listed by The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) as a 2019 District II Faculty Star. The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is the global association for professionals in advancement—alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—who share the goal of championing education to transform lives and society. Watt presented at several conferences on Unrestricted Giving, The Partnership

Between Alumni Relations and Development, and The Importance of Planned Giving Auditing.

Jamie White, William I and Zella B. Book Professor of Physics, presented Laser Frequency Noise Spectrum and Linewidth Using a Fiber Interferometer along with co-authors from the University of Melbourne and Monash University, both in Australia, at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society, Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics in May 2019 in Milwaukee, Wis. David Widman, associate professor of psychology, along with Madeline Bennetti ’17 and Rebecca Anglemyer ’18, published Gaze Patterns of Sexually Fluid Women and Men at Nude Females and Males in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences.

Widman also published Punishment of Hypothetical Polygamous Marriages in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, Sept. 2019.

2020 Spring |

PHOTOS: JASON JONES

James H. “Jim” Tuten, professor of history, presented Arkansas’ Digests of Laws: Information Technology for Bench, Bar and Justices of the Peace, at the Arkansas Historical Association annual meeting April 12, 2019, in Stuttgart, Ark.

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39

ALUMNI FEATURE

Leaving a Legacy for Those Who Come After

By April Feagley assistant director of communication

As a senior at Juniata, giving was at the heart of the speech delivered by Leigh Ann (Suhrie) Wilson ’02 when she won the Bailey Oratorical.

The tragic loss of her mother two months after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 inspired the college senior to implore her campus community to donate blood.

“She was diagnosed with cancer in September of my freshman year. She needed 13 blood transfusions during the course of her treatment. It was a three-year battle,” Leigh Ann said. “I wanted to challenge the assumptions about blood donation that happened after Sept. 11 and encourage people that they should be giving blood regularly— not only because of a national tragedy.”

The support of friends, including her now-husband, Matthew Wilson ’04, and faculty members helped Leigh Ann through that difficult time.

Leigh Ann came to Juniata from East Stroudsburg, Pa., to study biology then switched to marketing and communication. Matt, from Mundy’s Corner, Pa., studied biology with the goal of becoming a physician.

A desire to help others drew Matt to volunteer service with Habitat for Humanity while he pursued his studies in pre-med.

“We did some projects around Huntingdon, but the big ones were the spring break trips,” Matt said. “The first year, we went to Kentucky. It was my first major exposure to Habitat and how things worked.

During my sophomore year, we went to New Mexico, then to Georgia my junior year, and Alabama in my senior year.”

Following Matt’s graduation from Juniata, he enrolled at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where Leigh Ann had been employed since earning her degree.

The couple married in 2005.

Settling in York, giving remained central in the couple’s lives and they found ways to instill that love of helping others in their two children, Nolan, 10, and Odette, 7.

That inclination toward philanthropy came into even sharper focus following a serious car accident March 9, 2018.

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The Wilson family acknowledges their good fortune in the days, weeks, and months following a near-tragedy. Throughout the ordeal, they had the same thought: What happens to people who aren’t as fortunate?

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“I always dreaded Matt being in a car accident,” Leigh Ann said. “I called Matt on his commute. I never call him, but I called him to tell him a funny story about Odette. He didn’t answer, so I went downstairs to work out. He called me back. I heard the crash, but the call didn’t end. I just kept yelling, ‘Can you hear me?,’ and asking him to pick up.”

What Leigh Ann heard was the impact of a pick-up truck traveling at 75 mph slamming into the rear of Matt’s vehicle, ultimately causing a four-car accident.

“A nurse who was two cars back was able to tell me he was responsive. She could see his doctor’s badge and that he worked at Pinnacle,” she said. “At that point, I had no idea of the severity.”

After that brief conversation, Leigh Ann received no further information from the scene. She decided to head to Pinnacle’s emergency department in hopes of locating her husband.

“I went to the emergency room and I was immediately patched through to Hershey and told he had a brain bleed,” said Leigh Ann, who learned that the road closure she had avoided on the way to the hospital and the medevac helicopter her coworkers told her about were both related to Matt’s accident.

Matt doesn’t remember anything about the accident or the three-night hospitalization that followed. His first memories are of being home and realizing he had staples in his head.

Healing from the brain injury and whiplash required intensive occupational, physical, and speech therapy—a challenging regimen for a family with young children. Fortunately, an unusual solution proved perfect as all three therapies were provided at a nearby facility for senior citizens.

“The ladies there were very nice to me,” Matt said. “Everything was in one location, which made it easier for Leigh Ann as she didn’t have to take off as much time from work.”

Matt’s employer offered paid leave for the eight weeks he was unable to work and car insurance provided a settlement to cover all of the expenses relating to the accident.

“I’ve been very active with United Way for a decade or more,” Leigh Ann said, adding that the night before the accident she did something she had never done before—gave to a GoFundMe campaign online. “In my mind, that was a bit of karma.”

The knowledge that their family’s financial wellbeing was safeguarded and the close call with loss reinforced the importance of giving to others and supporting their community.

“There are all of these pieces of almost losing and losing. We know there are so many painful things that happen in the world,” she said. “I lost my mom. We lost a baby to miscarriage in 2008. Matt’s dad had a heart attack in 2010. It happens more than it should.”

Their experiences with extremely difficult life circumstances ignited a desire to redouble their commitment to giving, including a gift to Juniata.

Motivated by the loss of Leigh Ann’s mother, the Wilsons made the decision to

“Our lesson in life is that you don’t know when things might end, we are not going to live forever— no one is. But, we can leave a lasting legacy behind that will help others.”

—Leigh Ann (Suhrie) Wilson ’02

fund a scholarship, “Life is Short,” to aid Juniata students who have lost a parent.

“The unfortunate situation is that there are five students who fell into that category,” Matt said. “This is for anyone, regardless of what year they are in. And, they can do it again the following year.”

Matt and Leigh Ann created “The Brain Matters,” an endowment through the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation to help cover hospital bills for those suffering brain injuries and to provide technology and education for the Central Pennsylvanian neurologists providing treatment.

“Giving to the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation was a no brainer,” said Leigh Ann. “Matt’s employer protected us all along the way. For us, that was an easy way to give back.”

The Wilsons were recognized this year by the United Way and became two of the youngest members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society.

The society local philanthropic leaders who devote their time, talent, and funds to create long-lasting changes.

“Our lesson in life is that you don’t know when things might end,” said Leigh Ann. “We are not going to live forever—no one is. But, we can leave a lasting legacy behind that will help others.” >J< 2020 Spring |

PHOTOS: CALEB ROBERTSON/OUR YORK MEDIA

Matt and Leigh Ann Wilson sit with their kids, Nolan and Odette. The Wilsons are Juniata alumni committed to paying it forward by establishing a scholarship for students who have lost a parent.

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CLASS NOTES

Jim Lakso, Anthony Kamnikar ’76, Dennis Katawczik ’76, and Bud Wise at their annual faculty vs. former students golf match at Edgewood Country Club in Pittsburgh.

1957

1969

Ramon C. Burket spent many years volunteering in a calculus class taught by Karen (Norton) Biddle ’82 in Pennsylvania’s Spring Cove School District. He also serves as Chairman of the Board at the Village at Morrison’s Cove in Martinsburg, Pa. At age 84, Ramon continues to volunteer in the schools and is a shining example of giving back to his community.

John R. Hayes

1960 A Ramon Burket ’57 spent many years volunteering in a calculus class taught by Karen (Norton) Biddle ’82 in the Spring Cove School District.

1965 A 1967 Kathleen A. (Forsht) Salmon retired from

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Kathleen (Forsht) Salmon ’67 retired from the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) Board of Directors.

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the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) Board of Directors.

She served in multiple leadership capacities, holding the role of chair for five years.

During her board tenure, she contributed significantly to the work of board committees such as the scholarship committee and the Enterprise Risk Management Committee.

At Bethany Village in Mechanicsburg, Pa., she provides a variety of wellness programs for the residents as well as those in the community.

was inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in May, and he will also be inducted into the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame in May 2020. For his celebrated coaching career at Bellwood-Antis High School, the school’s football field will be named in his honor, the John R. Hayes Field at Memorial Stadium.

1970 A 1972 Esther M. (Phillips) Clark has received a Mom’s Choice Award for her children’s book, “A Wish for Winellda the Witch.”

George M. Dunne was recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for 20 consecutive years of National EMS Certification.

George has been a member of Vermont’s Bristol Rescue Squad & Lincoln First Response since March 1999.

1975 A

Randy Patterson ’76 retired from his position as Lancaster city’s director of economic development and neighborhood revitalization.

A

Save the date for your reunion at Alumni Weekend June 4-7, 2020!

1976 David E. Ford retired after more than 40 years as reverend at the Three Springs First Baptist Church in Three Springs, Pa. He still plans on doing some interim work for churches without pastors and will continue to preach at the Mount Union First Baptist Church.

Randy S. Patterson retired from his position as Lancaster city’s director of economic development and neighborhood revitalization. During his time, he accomplished many projects focused on revitalizing the city and the homes of those who live in the city. His last project was the transformation of Lancaster Square.

Anthony J. Kamnikar gathered with Dennis Katawczik ’76, Jim Lakso, Professor of Economics emeritus and Provost emeritus, and Trustee Bud Wise (former faculty) for their annual faculty vs. former students golf match at Edgewood Country Club in Pittsburgh on Oct. 30. The former students won for the fourth consecutive year after losing the first 12 matches in this series. Lakso and Wise tried to play the age card, but Kamnikar and Katawczik pointed out that they are now both eligible for Medicare.

1980 A

awarded the 2018 Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year Award by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association.

1982 Karen M. (Norton) Biddle retired from teaching math at Spring Cove School District, Pa.

Jeffrey D. Miles was inducted into the third class of the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame.

1983 F. Andrew Berdy along with Juniata Alumni James Hiltz ’83, John Hyman ’82, and Stephen Borza ’86, participated in the “Teeing It Up for Ta-Tas” golf tournament to benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition on Oct. 19 at Fairview Golf Club near Lebanon, Pa. Through the benefit of generous scholarship funding by fellow alum Chris Coller ’85, their team posted a score of 13-under par to finish second in the event. The group celebrated post-round with refreshments and storytelling in which they reminisced about their days at Juniata.

Matthew A. Hugg contributed to the marketing chapters in “The Healthcare Nonprofit: Keys to Effective Management” from the

Save the date for your reunion at Alumni Weekend June 4-7, 2020!

American College of Healthcare Executive’s Health Administration Press.

1987

1984

accepted the position of vice president of investments at Raymond James & Associates in the New Haven office, Conn. He previously worked at Merrill Lynch, where he managed approximately $160 million in client assets.

James Kralik III was named a regular contributor for ClayShooting USA magazine for photographic coverage of shooting events and product reviews and has also been contributing photographic coverage in TrapShooting USA magazine and Covers, the Ruffed Grouse Society publication. Additionally, Jim has been an assistant coach for the Dexter High School Trap Team, Mich., since 2016. The team has achieved several Top 5 and Top 10 finishes in League and State Championship tournaments.

1985 A David G. Wagner retired and moved to his primary residence in Bonita Springs, Fla. He and his wife Kathy immediately went on an African Safari. They are also planning a cruise to go scuba diving and a trip to Alaska.

Lonnie A. (Wagner) Woomer accepted a position on the board of directors at SPE Federal Credit Union in Huntingdon, Pa. She is currently the executive director of Mainstream Counseling where she has been a therapist for 33 years.

William C. Miller Jr.

1988 Randall C. Deike got together with Daniel Levine ’82 and Andrew Pearson ’83 for a fishing trip in Boca Grande, Fla.

1990 A 1992 Kelly L. (Crawford) Fedeli received a People to Watch Award from Penn State University in Harrisburg, Pa. She is currently employed by the PA House of Representatives as director of special events

Stephanie L. Haines accepted a position as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Haines, a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania’s Johnstown branch office, was approved by a 94-0 vote in the U.S. Senate. She was nominated 2020 Spring |

A

Cecil T. Jackson was

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CLASS NOTES

by President Donald Trump after being vetted and recommended by the commonwealth’s two senators—Pat Toomey and Bob Casey Jr.

1993 Charles N. Burch was named athletic director of Bellwood-Antis School District.

1995 A Frank P. Vogel signed on as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, Calif.

Holding a career record of 304-291, he previously coached for teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics.

1996 David E. Christopher

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accepted the position of superintendent of schools for the Cumberland County School District, Pa. David has been selected to serve on numerous committees with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, and has worked with other administrators from across the Commonwealth to improve teacher evaluation practices, graduation requirements, and innovative instructional practices for all of Pennsylvania’s teachers and students.

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1999

2002

2006

Shawn E. Fabian

Leigh Ann (Suhrie) Wilson was awarded

Michael W. Best accepted the position of physician at Anesthesia Specialists of Bethlehem, Pa.

accepted a position at Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. in Harrisburg, Pa., as the project manager for their civil group. He now works in municipal government support on a variety of projects such as stormwater management improvements, stream/floodplain restoration, riparian forest buffer restoration/ establishment, and grants

April B. (Fijalkowski) Field accepted a position as regulatory programs coordinator at NJ Pinelands Commision, N.J.

Chad H. Herzog accepted the position of executive director of UA Presents at the University of Arizona.

Utilizing his passion and vision for the performing arts, Chad will oversee all of UA Presents, curating special programming to embrace the history and future of the organization. UA Presents will feature artists from around the world.

2000 H James E. Kabrhel was awarded the 2019 UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus Teacher of the Year award.

He was also awarded the Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award.

Forty under 40 by the Central Penn Business Journal. The Forty Under 40 awards recognize Central PA’s leaders who are 40 years old or younger based on their professional accomplishments, community service, and commitment to inspiring change.

License in Professional Counseling from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She currently works at Torrance State Hospital as a clinical therapist.

2003

2009

Natalie B. (Smith) Allison has been promoted to portfolio manager at Kish Bank in Huntingdon, Pa., where she will manage a commercial portfolio in addition to supporting the commercial relationship management team.

2004 Amanda R. (Finkenbinder) Knouse became the first female rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lancaster, Pa.

2005 H

Kara A. (Rehner) Smeltzer received her

Leah R. (Myers) Lumeya lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo where she works with her husband to expand TUBA (Tous Unis Pour Bâtir), a program which originally helped fight hunger, malnutrition, and joblessness and now also helps focus on peacebuilding, restorative justice, and trauma informed approaches on peacebuilding.

Andrew P. Sinnes accepted a position as assistant English teacher through the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme.

2010 H

A H

Save the date for your reunion at Alumni Weekend June 4-7, 2020!

Save the date for your reunion at Homecoming Oct. 2-4, 2020!

2011 Lauren N. (Seganos) Cohen accepted a leadership position on the Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren.

Lauren lives in California, where she serves as pastor of the Pomona Fellowship Church of the Brethren

Donglai Du has been named to Forbes China’s 30 under 30 as an entrepreneur.

He is the Co-founder and CEO of SpacesForce.

2012 Kathryn R. Dotzel accepted the position of Staff Fellow at the U.S. Food and Drug Association, Md.

2013 Theresa P. Ginley completed her Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at the University of Delaware and accepted a position as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Delaware.

2014 Patrick M. Cassidy accepted a position as head coach for the varsity boys’ basketball team at Bellwood-Antis School District, Bellwood, Pa.

Joshua P. Jessell earned his master of business administration from the University of North Carolina— Chapel Hill and has accepted the position of senior consultant at Cognizant, consulting specifically to digital technology advisory services for Fortune 500 clients.

Randall Deike ’88, Daniel Levine ’82, and Andrew Pearson ’83 on a fishing trip in Boca Grande, Fla.

2015 H 2018 Rose Amrhein is pursuing a master of science in primate behavior and ecology at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash.

Morgan K. Stewart

Leigh Ann (Suhrie) Wilson ’02 was awarded Forty Under 40 by the Central Penn Business Journal.

Jeffrey Miles ’82 was inducted into the third class of the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame.

accepted a position as development coordinator at the American Lung Association, Pa.

2019 Kylie A. Edwards enlisted in the Air Force and, after completing basic training in San Antonio, Texas, begins technical training in Missouri.

Kara (Rehner) Smeltzer ’06 received her License in Professional Counseling from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Amanda A. Mingus accepted a position as a special education teacher at Roanoke City Public Schools, Va.

H

Save the date for your reunion at Homecoming Oct. 2-4, 2020!

2020 Spring |

Andrew Berdy ’83, James Hiltz ’83, John Hyman ’82, and Stephen Borza ’86, participated in the “Teeing It Up for Ta-Tas” golf tournament to benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

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MARRIAGES

1. Mary E. Baxter ’01 married Frank Brown June 22, 2019 in Huntingdon, Pa., where the couple resides.

Juniatians in attendance included Erin (Frazier) Anderson ’00, James Barnish ’01, Erin (Winter) Brouse ’01, Dustin Brouse ’03, Tracy (Brown) Crotsley ’95, Dana (Miller) Davis ’01, Bernadette (Joslin) Ernst ’00, Danielle (Moore) Evans ’02, Paul Evans ’05, Emily Evey ’14, Stuart Jackson ’77, Allison (Zeigler) Ghaner ’01, Ray Ghaner ’01, Rachael (DeHart) Johnson ’01, Lena (Gowder) Kramer ’01, Jessica (Lascoli)

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Masoner ’00, Jerrod Smith ’08, and Megan (Wagaman) Wile ’01

Meadows ’07, Janelle (Mitchell) Meadows ’07, and Virginia Meadows ’03

Heather D. Fisher ’07

Allison N. Estright ’08

married Paul Hicks April 20, 2019.

married Joseph Vasinko July 13, 2019.

2. Brandon G. Long ’07

3. Kristine N. Brown ’09

married Sarah Palmer Sept.

28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Juniatians in attendance were (l-r ) (top-bottom): Casey Chew ’09, Adam Stanley ’08, David Meadows ’98 (FaceTiming on Adam’s phone), Brenton Mitchell ’06, bride Sarah Palmer, groom Brandon Long ’07, Daniel Long ’07, officiant Michael

married Jamie Latos May 11, 2019 at Corpus Christi Parish in Wheeling, W.Va. Juniatians in attendance were Natalie (Boyce) Wall ’09, Creg Drake ’09, Bruce Erb ’76, and Linda (Szczerba) Bufalini ’79.

4. Brittany A. Everett ’10 married Immanuel Palugod July 29, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pa.

5. Carly J. Thomas ’10 married Kyle Sunseri June 1, 2019 at Union Grove LLC, in Broad Top City, Pa. Juniata Alumni and faculty in attendance were: Todd Beaumont ’08, Gregory Kilbride ’10, Erica (Strang) Kilbride ’11, Arianne Waddington ’11, Nicole Houck ’12, Sandra (Gehman) Sollenberger ’10, David Sollenberger ’10, groom Kyle Sunseri, bride Carly Thomas ’10, Kristin (Rodkey) Thomas ’12, Tyler Thomas ’12, Mandy (Tennis) Obeldobel ’08, Ryan Obeldobel ’09, Colt

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Thomas ’09, Bill Thomas, Tessa Thomas ’14. Alumni not pictured are Justine (Kobeski) Black ’08, Jessica Fisher ’10, and Wenli Chen ’12.

6. Kristin A. (Noetzel) Veno ’11 married Michael Veno June 22, 2019. Many Juniata alumni, faculty, and staff were in attendance.

7. Pamela A. Heinrichs ’12 and Michael E. Sevick ’12 are pleased to announce their marriage May 25, 2019 on Mike’s family farm in State College, Pa. Juniatians

in attendance were (l-r) (front row): Mary Margaret Flynn ’12, Jennifer (Loving) Lovingmoore ’12, Brianne Huffstetler Rowan ’12, Michael Thompson-Brusstar ’12, bride Pamela Heinrichs ’12, groom Michael Sevick ’12, Bradley Hoffman ’12, and Linda Sevick Hendricks ’82; (l-r) (back row): John Huffstetler Rowan ’11, Timothy Carn ’12, Myron Sevick Jr. ’84, Nicholas Talisman ’12, Nicholas Deak ’12, Robert Hendricks ’82, and John Sevick ’88.

8. Amanda R.

Skoner ’12 and Joseph A. Sforza ’14

are pleased to announce their marriage June 29, 2019, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Juniatians in attendance were (l-r) (front row): Christina Randall ’12, Nicole Hankinson ’12, Andra (Sipols) Minor ’10, Katelyn (Szczur) Gray ’15, Sarah (Erdely) Gray ’12, bride Amanda (Skoner) Sforza ’12, Cathy (Creveling) Clifford ’12, Steph (Lynch) Brent ’12, (l-r) (back row): Patrick Cassidy ’14, Bradley Medellin ’14, Matthew Butler ’12, Daniel Gray ’14, groom Joseph

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9. Michelle T. Merola ’14 and James J. Schindler ’12 Juniatians in attendance were (l-r) (front row): Sarah Bennett ’14, Michelle (Merola) Schindler ’14, James Schindler ’12, Byron Felt ’15, and Laura Vannucci ’15; (l-r) (back row): Daniel Piper ’13, Aaron Wallace ’12, Christopher McMahan ’14, Paul Leevan ’14, Christopher Ingersoll ’14, Robert Draham ’14.

2020 Spring |

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Sforza ’14, Russell Gray ’12.

Alumni not pictured: Jonathan Skoner ’09, David Skoner ’76, Douglas Wood ’80, and Gerard Kalinyak ’87.

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MARRIAGES

10. Jin H. Lee ’14 and Robert Dellamotta ’14

11. Hillary L. Palmer ’14 and Ethan C. Cree ’15

are pleased to announce their marriage May 27, 2018, in Chester Springs, Pa. Juniatians in attendance were (l-r): (front row): Jessica (Matlack) Cotillo ’14, Bridget Wade ’14, Paige Williams ’14, bride Jamie Lee ’14, and Ariel Cooper ’14; (back row): Roman Acri ’14, Aaron Womer ’14, Devon (Fenicchia) Manning ’14, groom Robert Dellamotta ’14, Michael Melvin ’14, Justin Wisniewski ’14, and Mark Lee ’18.

are pleased to announce their marriage Nov. 10, 2018 at the Stone Church in Huntingdon, Pa. In attendance were many Juniata alumni and staff.

12. Elliott S. Perow ’14 married Brittany Greene July 13, 2019. Juniatians in attendance were (back row): Jake Hartberger ’12 g’13, Michael Showers ’14, Austin Perow ’19, Sarah Iwanowski ’14, Anshu Chawla ’14, Tucker Good ’13, Michael Lifshitz ’16,

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Charles Weiss ’15, Frank Brumbaugh ’15; (front Row): Nicole Marks ’14, Leah Jans ’15, Taylor Cox ’14, Jacob Oster ’14, Logan Moore ’16, Megan Phillips ’14, Justin Wisniewski ’14, Lauren Perow ’11 g’14, groom Elliott Perow ’14, bride Brittany Perow, Bryan Gregory ’16, Donald Tobias ’75, James Barnish ’01, and Erin Molin ’23.

13. Kelly M. Russo ’14 and Sean M. Petrick ’11 are pleased to announce their marriage Sept. 22, 2019, in Alexandria, Pa. Juniatians

in attendance were (l-r): officiant Neil Pelkey, Michele (Seroskie) Terbush ’11, Michael Boersma ’11, groom Sean Petrick ’11, bride Kelly (Russo) Petrick ’14, Ashley Seroskie ’11, and Laura Bitely ’14.

14. Adena K. Delozier ’16 married Erik Mertz May 17, 2019 in Hollidaysburg, Pa.

Nakita A. Gearhart ’17 married John Pasek Aug. 8, 2019.

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| Juniata

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BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONS

Shawn E. Fabian ’99

Brenton J. Mitchell ’06

and wife Stephanie are pleased to announce the birth of twin daughters, Scarlett Quinn and Zoey Kathryn, May 9, 2019.

and wife Morgan are pleased to announce the birth of their son Otis Joo, Nov. 3, 2018.

2. Brent W. Calaway ’07

1. Athena M. (Gibble) Cospito ’06 and husband Clement are pleased to announce the birth of son Gibson Lloyd and daughter Ansley Marie, March 4, 2019.

The family resides in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada.

and wife Michelle, are pleased to announce the birth of daughter Arden, May 9, 2019. Arden was welcomed home by big sister Avery.

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Bethany M. (Kozak) Chamberlain ’09 and Aaron P. Chamberlain ’07

Brooke L. (Zdrosky) Shontz ’11 and Phillip S. Shontz ’11

are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Kaye Marie, March 25, 2019.

are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Claire Elaine, Aug. 29, 2019.

Chloe B. Pott ’10

3. Kelsey J. (Miles) Darling ’14 and husband

and husband Matthieu are pleased to announce the birth of their son Elliott, June 3, 2019.

Joshua are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Skylar Jane, Dec. 1, 2018.

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Get Your Baby Gear at Headwaters

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Thursday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

2020 Spring |

Open extended hours for special events.

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It’s the little connections.

—Barbara Havens ’74 At a gathering in Richmond, Virginia, Barbara met Brianne, a high school senior. Despite not knowing each other previously, Barbara quickly wrote her a Community Scholarship.

Brianne is now studying at Juniata, in no small part due to the outreach of our alumni.

PHOTO: HAI NGUYEN ’22

Homecoming & Family Weekend October 2–4, 2020 Reunions 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020 We have all the fun! juniata.edu/hc

What did you enjoy most about utilizing the Juniata Community Scholarship?

It was wonderful to think that I was, in a small way, contributing to a student’s college education. I also think that the student (and their parents) see this as another “something extra” that makes Juniata stand out.

It gave me a warm feeling to present the applicant with their acceptance packet that includes the Community Scholarship in my name and it made me feel a more special connection with Brianne and Juniata.

Are you ready to recruit?

Contact Cindy Gibboney ’18, at 814-641-3116, gibbonci@juniata.edu, or complete the postage paid card inside this magazine.

Juniata Brewing Company JBC is Huntingdon County’s only brewery, located a short walk from Juniata College.

Two Juniata alumni are creating unique beers for our unique community to share.

Grand Opening—March 14, 2020 Co-Founders: Sean Steeg ’00, CEO David Welsch ’18, Brewmaster

| Juniata

Follow Juniata Brewing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

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PHOTO: ROBERT STOKOE

International Reunion You’re invited to join us as we celebrate the 36th International Reunion in Basel, Switzerland. Enjoy connecting with the Juniata community in a historic town where the unusual combination of the traditional and the modern provides for an exciting cityscape that stands in total harmony.

Juniata Brewing Company

36th European International Reunion

1102 Susquehanna Ave.

May 22–24, 2020

Huntingdon, PA

juniata.edu/euroreunion

If you’d like to have your business featured in Juniata magazine, email alumni@juniata.edu.

OBITUARIES ALUMNI

Elizabeth M. (Wampler) Custer ’37 Aug. 10, 2019—Elizabeth, formerly Juniata’s oldest living alumna, lived in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Va. all of her life. Throughout her lifetime, she made many contributions to her community and was formally recognized by the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors for her contributions. Elizabeth and her husband started the H.L. Custer Poultry company, which later became WLR Foods. She was a Charter Member and past president of The Sherwood Garden Club and the local TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter, and was a past president of the Harrisonburg Business and Professional Woman’s Club. She served as a volunteer Red Cross Nurse during World War II and was the first woman appointed to the Rockingham County Selective Service Board. In her 80s and 90s, she gave many philosophical speeches throughout Virginia. As a teenager, she raised a prize-winning hog and used the prize money for part of her Juniata tuition.

She is survived by daughters Kay and Judy, son Stephen, and nine grandchildren.

S. Madeline (Smith) Goldberg ’41 Nov. 1, 2018—Mattie spent many years serving in association with Chosen People Ministries.

Vivian (Yoder) Rickabaugh Harper ’41 July 13, 2019—Vivian was preceded in death by daughter Nancy. She is survived by son Harold, and three grandchildren.

Jane R. (Rosensteel) McKown ’42 Feb. 12, 2019—Jane worked for the Pennsylvania National Insurance Company and became the first female insurance adjuster in Pennsylvania. She was also a member of the Pennsdale Trinity United Methodist Church, where she played the organ and directed the church choir. Jane was preceded in death by husband Paul, brother William Rosensteel ’48, and is survived by son Marvin McKown ’64, and three grandchildren.

L. Deborah (Leamer) Lucas ’43 June 26. 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Deborah pursued graduate work at Penn State University, University of Pennsylvania, and Wheaton College, among others. She taught at Wheaton College Academy, Hollidaysburg Area High School, and Mayport and Finnegan Elementary Schools. In 1966, she became one of the founders for The Players by the Sea, a community theatre in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. She also wrote a musical, The Stranger. She is survived by sons Johnathan, Mark, and Michael, and three grandchildren.

John W. Weller ’43 June 22, 2019—Before retiring, John served as postmaster of James Creek, Pa., for 27 years. He volunteered at the local fire hall, taught Sunday school at his church, and enjoyed sharing the wheat and cornmeal that he ground at his farm. John was preceded in death by wife Janet, and is survived by daughters Judy, Betty, Mary, and Susan, and three grandchildren.

M. Virginia (Geyer) Miles ’46 Aug. 9, 2019—While at Juniata, Virginia met her husband Leland Miles ’46.

When Leland became the president of Alfred University and later the University of Bridgeport, Conn., Virginia became very active in the communities of both universities. She helped to cultivate students, promote the universities, and engage with supporters. She was also active in the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) with her husband at the University of Bridgeport (UB). In 1987, the UB Board of Trustees issued a citation in honor of Virginia’s role with the IAUP and for her devotion to the growth and welfare of the institution. She was an avid supporter of the arts in Fairfield County, Conn., including service as trustee of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Board Member of the Westport Friends of Music, and judge in the Carlson-Horn Competition for

Young Instrumentalists.

During her time at Juniata, she received a scholarship for a summer program at the Yale School of Music.

Virginia was preceded in death by husband Leland and is survived by daughter Christine and son Gregory.

W. David Rummel ’46 June 19, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Dave went to medical school at Hanneman University in Philadelphia and completed his Ophthalmology residency at Ohio State in Ohio. During the Korean War, Lieutenant Junior Grade Rummel served as a flight surgeon for U.S. Navy/VMF 232 and was proud to be a “Devil Dog.” Beginning his medical career in Ohio, he moved with his family to Arizona and was the first ophthalmologist north of Phoenix. Dave loved to fly and was an accomplished pilot. He was an active supporter of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Dave was also known for his love of education. He established a ministerial scholarship in the name of his father and a nursing scholarship in memory of his daughter.

He was preceded in death by wife Wanda, daughter Martha Paige, father William Rummel 1917, and sister Sara (Rummel) Speicher ’41.

He is survived by sons William, Robert, and John, daughter Mary Elizabeth, and 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by brother John Rummel ’62.

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OBITUARIES

Barbara L. (Jensen) Whitsel ’48 July 20, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Barbara received her master’s degree in education from Penn State University and taught in the Mount Union Area School District.

Barbara was the first woman in Huntingdon County to fly an airplane and took her first solo flight down the east coast at 19. She remained very active for most of her life. She enjoyed mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking into her 80s. Barbara was preceded in death by husband Paul Whitsel ’50, sister Joan (Jensen) Betts ’48, and son Stanley Whitsel ’83, and is survived by brother Boyd Jensen ’45, sons Bradley Whitsel ’85, Ralph, Johnathan, and Christopher, and three grandchildren.

E. Floyd McDowell ’49

| Juniata

July 9, 2019—Floyd was an avid pilot and photographer who owned three Beechcraft V-Tail Bonanzas and flew into his late 80s. He met his wife Lois (Miller) McDowell ’52 while studying at Juniata. He was very active in the Church of the Brethren, serving congregations as director of Christian education and pastor in the 50s. In 1959, Floyd was called to Bethany Theological Seminary in Chicago as director of development while the denomination built a new campus in Oakbrook, Ill. Upon retirement, Floyd and Lois moved back to the mountains of Pennsylvania.

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He was preceded in death by wife Lois, and is survived by daughter Kimberly, sons Gregory and David, and nine grandchildren, including Hannah Monroe ’11.

Marjorie A. (Dods) Saunders ’49 July 14, 2019—Marjorie was a public-school librarian and volunteered at the Lakeland Public Library in Lakeland, Fla. She was on the board of directors of the Lakeland Symphony Guild. Marjorie loved traveling with her husband, having travelled to all seven continents and most U.S. National Parks.

She is survived by husband Robert, daughters Kathryn, Rebecca, and Judith, and son Thomas.

David W. Croft ’50 Aug. 11, 2019—David was inducted into the Juniata College Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 for his time on the football team. After graduating from Juniata, he went to the Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, Pa. After receiving his doctorate, David enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of major. After leaving the military, he began a medical office in Huntingdon before he moved to California where he worked part time.

He was preceded in death by son Daniel, and is survived by wife Gay, daughters Susan, Jennifer, Kimberly, and Cynthia, sons David, Andrew, and Michael, and 14 grandchildren.

Mary L. (Wagner) Frain ’50 Sept. 24, 2019—Mary was a member of the ski patrol at Timber Hill Ski Area, was a Red Cross nurse, and volunteered as a first aid instructor. She also volunteered at Lehman Memorial Church in Hatboro and Mountain home United Methodist Church in Mountainhome, Pa. She volunteered at Christ’s Home Assisted Living up until two weeks prior to her death.

She enjoyed skiing, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. She was preceded in death by husband Robert Frain ’53 and son Robert Jr., and is survived by daughter Joan, son David, and four grandchildren.

Gerald F. Hartzel ’51 Aug. 12, 2019—Gerald was the owner and president of Nyce Manufacturing Co. He was a member of Zion Mennonite Church, Souderton-Telford Rotary Club, and the Juniata Alumni Council. He was a World War II veteran serving on a Liberty ship in the Merchant Marines. He was preceded in death by his wife Gwen (Nyce) Hartzel ’49 and is survived by children Gerald, Laurie, Randall Hartzel ’79, and Jennifer.

Dorothy J. (Hummer) Allen ’52 May 30, 2019—While at Juniata, Dottie served as Student Senate secretary and met her future husband, president Arthur Allen ’52.

They married in December 1952. Following graduation, Dottie and 10 cherished

Juniata girlfriends formed a Round Robin letter, their correspondence totaling nearly 1,300 letters over 67 years. Dottie taught second grade before becoming a full-time mother. She was preceded in death by husband Art. She is survived by daughters Jane and Karinne, sons Mark and Scott, and six grandchildren.

Josephine L. (Chiodi) Chesley-Sipes ’52 Aug. 24, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Josephine earned a doctorate in education from the University of Miami. Jo began her career in Virginia and later taught in Miami.

She was a highly regarded teacher of English, drama, music, and gifted education.

She became a leader in gifted education and supervisor of the executive internship program for advanced high school students. She loved music and theater. While living in New York City, she sang in the Robert Shaw Chorale, and in New York and Miami, she performed in musicals, the theater, and for weddings. Jo participated in international tours with the Juniata College Alumni Choir, and she was a proud, long-time member of Actors’ Equity. Josephine was preceded in death by husband Robert, and is survived by a granddaughter.

John C. Corson ’55 Sept. 3, 2019—John was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Union, Pa., and was a former president of the

Mount Union Chamber of Commerce. He was very active in local organizations and also sang with the Potter’s Band. He worked at Remington Rand until moving back to Huntingdon County, Pa., where he operated several small businesses. John recently published a book, The Unlikely Railroad, about the Lewistown and Tyrone Railroad and had a book in progress about Juniata College. He wrote for magazines such as Bandwagon, The Keystone, Timber Transfer, Car Collector, Wheels of Time, and Motor Coach Age. He was an amateur magician and photographer. He was also a collector of classic cars and buses. John is survived by wife Dorothy (Fogle) Corson ’56, daughters Deborah and Nancy, sons Patrick and Michael Corson ’82, and five grandchildren.

Urania B. Linn ’55 Oct. 19, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Urania moved to Venango County, Pa., where she became a home economist for the Venango County Extension Service.

A Hero for Creativity Scott Beatty ’91 studied English with a focus on creative writing while at Juniata, but said many of his classes “scratched a few other creative itches,” including astronomy, geology, archaeology, and the filmography of Charlie Chaplin. His creativity continues to drive his work as a DC Comics writer, college professor, and freelance writer.

Q: How did Juniata help prepare you for your career?

A: I had the good fortune of studying under professors who indulged my quirks and encouraged my writing, including Ralph Church, Mark Hochberg, and Catherine Merrill. The late Bill Hofelt employed me as a peer tutor at Juniata’s Writing Center, which helped me secure a teaching assistantship during graduate school at Iowa State University.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?

A: Today, I’m both a writer and teacher of writing, so I still get to indulge my passion for chronicling the exploits of fantastic heroes while fostering the skills of a new generation of writers.

Q: What has been your favorite thing to write?

A: I’ve been blessed to have checked off my “bucket list” a great number of my favorite comic book characters, particularly Dick Grayson as both Robin the Boy Wonder and his adult alter-ego Nightwing in my Robin: Year One and Nightwing: Year One graphic novels at DC Comics.

Q: What is your favorite color and why?

A: I wouldn’t be a true Juniatian if I didn’t say blue and gold.

Q: What is your favorite Juniata memory?

A: There are so many! But if I had to say just one, it would be the time I dressed as Cupid, clad only in an adult-sized diaper, cardboard wings, and high-top white leather Nike sneakers, in order to deliver a Valentine’s Day message to fellow Juniata alum Jennifer Myskowski ’93 in the college cafeteria. I was lauded for my courage, awarded a free meal by the manager of food services, and eventually happily married Jennifer in 1995.

Q: How did you get into comic book writing?

A: I’ve loved comic books since I was 5. I rediscovered my passion for the genre in grad school and pursued various avenues to break into the industry. Following grad school, I was editor of a toy magazine, which allowed me to pursue connections that ultimately opened the door to first working for DC Comics and then many other companies. I was fortunate to have mentors on both sides of the editorial desk who gave me writing jobs and a chance to prove my skills and build up a portfolio of work that in turn opened up other doors in children’s books, animation, young adult fiction, and even (fingers crossed) some recent Hollywood connections.

—Isabella Bennett ’20, Juniata Associate for media relations

2020 Spring |

June 27, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Helen taught high school English. She was passionate about women’s issues and spent her life advocating for them through her volunteerism. She was a supervisor for Lancaster Township, Pa., for 12 years.

Helen volunteered for Girl

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SCOTT BEATTY ’91

Helen M. (Schmidlen) Adams ’57

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OBITUARIES Scouts, American Association of University Women, Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County, Women’s Alliance, YWCA, Planned Parenthood, Women in Politics, and the Lancaster County Commission on Women.

Helen was recognized by multiple organizations for her leadership. The YWCA acknowledged her as Woman of the Year in 1985. She was presented the Jean Royer Kohr Award in 1991 and was awarded the Girl Scouts Thanks Badge by the Penn Laurel Council in 1981 and 1985. Helen was a former Juniata Alumni Trustee and Alumni Association President. With her husband, she received the Alumni Service Award in 1995. Helen is survived by husband William Adams ’57, daughter Debra Adams ’81, son Kurt, and a grandson.

Gail J. (Steiner) Grothe ’58

| Juniata

July 25, 2019—After completing retail school, Gail held various positions in the retail field. She worked at Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. She was also employed by Christianity Today magazine in Carol Stream, Ill., while living in the Chicago area for almost two years prior to moving to Florida in 1989. Gail retired from Neilsen Media Research in Dunedin, Fla., after being a top-rated research interviewer for nearly 20 years. Gail was involved with and supported many Christian organizations

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including The Gideon’s International, The Christian Academy in Media, Pa., The Christian Women’s Club of Florida, Word of Life Ministries, and Youth for Christ. She was also the Sunday School Superintendent of Marcus Hook Baptist Church in Marcus Hook, Pa. She served in various ministries at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Fla. She is survived by husband Martin Grothe Jr. ’57, daughter Cheryl, stepdaughter Jamie, and stepsons Martin, David, and Johnathan.

W. Bryan Staufer ’58 June 25, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Bryan went to the University of Maryland School of Medicine and received his M.D., later completing his residency at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He practiced pediatric medicine for 40 years. Bryan was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed farming, gardening, bird hikes, and working on his 50-acre farm. His favorite hobbies included traveling to visit loved ones, reading, canoeing, cross-country skiing, identifying rare species, volunteering as a lighthouse keeper with his wife, and participating in the amateur radio club. Bryan was preceded in death by parents Wilfred Staufer ’30 and Esther (Harley) Staufer ’30, and is survived by wife Kathleen, daughters Amy and Kerri, sons David and Mark, and sister Marjorie (Staufer) Smith ’64.

Elizabeth A. (Nazzaro) Trimber ’58 Aug. 14, 2018—Bette was a member of Perry Highland Women’s Club for over 30 years. Bette was a breast cancer survivor and participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure every year. She was preceded in death by husband Carl, and is survived by daughters Sharon and Lisa.

Edward J. Edenfield III ’59 July 23, 2019—Edward worked in the Dean of Graduate School’s office at Princeton University for 24 years. He was also the executive director of the NJ Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association and Impact Exhibits International. He loved the outdoors, spending many summers hiking in the Adirondacks with his sons.

He and his wife volunteered at a prison ministry in New Mexico. Edward is survived by wife Carol, sons J. Mark Edenfield ’84, Edward, Shaun, and four grandchildren.

Robert J. Ewald ’59 July 2, 2019—Robert is survived by wife Judy.

Roberta A. (Savage) Maass ’60 July 25, 2019—Bobbe was preceded in death by husband Robert and is survived by daughters Elizabeth, Annette, and Suzanne, and 12 grandchildren.

Harold C. Grimm ’61 June 27, 2019—After graduating from Juniata,

Harold received a master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam Teachers College. He taught social studies at Goshen High School in N.Y. for 34 years. He enjoyed golf, travel, food, gardening, square dancing, learning, and teaching. He is survived by wife Patricia, daughters Sharon and Karolyn, and two grandchildren.

Jack M. Heading ’61 Jan. 26, 2019—is survived by wife Susan E. (Eshbach) Heading ’62.

David L. Helsel ’61 July 2, 2019—While at Juniata, David lettered in track, football, and wrestling.

A wrestling award was established in his name.

After graduating, he entered the U.S. Army and worked with the medical corps. He later became an inmate counselor at the PA Department of Corrections, personnel manager at Black and Decker’s headquarters, vice president-administration at US News & World Report in Washington, D.C., and ran his own consulting firm in Florida. He later moved to Virginia to be closer to family.

He is survived by wife Jackie, daughters Michele and Lisa, and two grandchildren.

S. Rodney Mellinger ’61 July 31, 2019—Rodney served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He retired from the Mechanicsburg Naval Depot and spent his time doing things he loved. Rodney enjoyed hunting, knife making, woodcarving, and restoring antique cars. He is

Y OF RYAN MULL PHOTO: COURTES

’17

Customized POE Leads to Dual Career Path Ryan Mull ’17, who works as executive secretariat staff in the U.S. Department of r State, met with forme n Joh te Secretaries of Sta n. rso lle Ti x Re Kerry and

An individualized Program of Emphasis (POE), political economy with a secondary emphasis in both Spanish and international studies, put Ryan Mull ’17 on a path to a dual career working as executive secretariat staff in the U.S. Department of State and running his own business, The Higher Flyer, LLC, as a travel consultant.

Q: What influenced you to customize your POE? A: I was certain that I wanted to get a degree in international politics before I even started at Juniata. I met Emil Nagengast and Henry Thurston-Griswold while I was a prospective student and knew I wanted to have them as professors. It was my professor and advisor Brad Andrew who suggested that I check out the economics side of foreign policy. These three professors helped me recognize my interests. Working with Carol Peters and Shannon Cotrell was very important for my professional development. The writing skills I learned from them are skills that I use every single day both at the State Department and for The Higher Flyer.

Q: When did you take an interest in government?

A: My parents and my maternal grandparents have combined to work over 100 years for the U.S. Department of State as Foreign Service officers. I spent most of my childhood living overseas—in Poland, Indonesia, and Lithuania—and in doing so, I learned about how embassies work and how the United States formulates and implements foreign policy.

Q: Where is your favorite place in D.C. and why?

A: I live within walking distance of many national monuments.

On a nice day, I like to take the elevator up to the roof of the Kennedy Center. The rooftop is seldom crowded, and there are plenty of spots to eat, drink, and admire the beautiful views. Georgetown and the Watergate are to the north, the Potomac River and Northern Virginia are to the west (stunning sunsets too), the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials are to the south, and the State Department to the east. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

—April Feagley, assistant director of communication

survived by wife Beulah, daughters Ellen and Jennifer, sons David and Jack, and nine grandchildren.

Vale A. (Close) Rebok ’63 June 6, 2019—Vale worked as a schoolteacher for the Middletown Board of Education in Middletown, Pa. Vale is survived by daughter Kathryn, and a granddaughter.

Paul D. Shockey ’65 July 11, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Paul attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He retired from his family dental practice after 32 years. Paul was an avid golfer and enjoyed saltwater boating and fishing. Paul is survived by wife Barbara, daughters Carly, Catrina, and sons Matthew, Alex, and Jason.

Elmer C. Knaub Jr. ’66

Oct. 8, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Robert earned a doctorate in philosophy from Purdue University, Ind., and a doctorate in medicine from Jefferson Medical College, Pa. He enjoyed many hobbies including soccer, racquetball, backpacking, canoeing, and leading long-distance cycling trips for youth groups.

He was an active member of the BMW Club of America and participated in many of the local chapter events including many driver schools held at racetracks on the east coast. Robert also had a great love for sports, classical, and jazz music, as well as reading.

He was preceded in death by daughter Stephanie, and is survived by wife Carol, daughters Ashlee and Trisha, son Philip, and two grandchildren.

Jeffrey L. Cawley ’68 May 27, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Jeffrey began to pursue a degree in geochemistry from Princeton University, but was interrupted by the Vietnam draft where he served two years in the New Jersey Neuropsych Hospital. He later started Northwest Analytics Inc., a technology company in Portland, Ore. An expert in the application of laboratory data focusing on food safety, Jeff was internationally in demand as a speaker and consultant.

After retirement, Jeff became a founding member of the arts collective Manifestation PDX and active in the

2020 Spring |

Feb. 9, 2019—Elmer was a retired regional manager for the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection Agency in Harrisburg, Pa. He was a member of the Penn Twp. Water and Sewer Authority, the Duncannon Sportsman’s Association, the National Rifle Association, and attended the Marysville Church of God. He was a former coach for Susquenita Midget Football, the Duncannon Little League, and Legion Baseball Teams.

Elmer was an avid hunter and loved going to his granddaughter’s sporting events. He is survived by wife Betty Jane, sons Robert and Gregory, and three granddaughters.

Robert J. Mead Jr. ’67

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OBITUARIES Northwest Blacksmith Association. He was a member of the Bridge City Quaker Friend’s Meeting. Jeff is survived by wife Elizabeth, daughter Sarah, sons Richard and Matthew, and four grandchildren.

Nathaniel A. Mitchell ’68 June 20, 2019—Nathaniel was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He is survived by wife Maureen, daughters Nichelle, Natalee, and Nina, son Adam, and three grandchildren.

Craig A. Johnson ’69 Aug. 27, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Craig taught mathematics in the New Jersey public school system. His lifelong passion for science and an interest in Porche engines sparked a career in auto mechanic work. He eventually moved to Florida and achieved his master technician rating through the Toyota Corporation. Craig was preceded in death by wife Gayle.

Susan J. (Fodor) Kime ’69

| Juniata

June 3, 2019—In the early years of her career, Susan served as a Church of the Brethren pastor in Ohio and Michigan. Before retirement, she lived in Colorado where she worked as a case manager at a group home for the developmentally disabled.

Sue and her husband enjoyed the outdoors and

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loved to camp. She also loved her pet birds. Sue enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and creating costumes for her grandchildren. Sue is survived by husband Robert, sister Janice (Fodor) Dudek ’71, daughters Amy, Jennifer, Erin, Debra, Denise, and Diane, sons Todd and Rob, and 13 grandchildren

Eric S. Wood ’96

Paula M. (Sokolosky) Rennick ’69

July 2, 2019—Linda was a resident of Clearville, Pa. She was a member of American Historians and the Sons of Norway. She was preceded in death by husband Willard, and is survived by daughters Delores, Sonia, Norma Jean, Selena, and Rosemary, and 11 grandchildren.

July 31, 2019

Joel E. Seibert ’69 July 31, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Joel served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After service, he entered into the banking industry. He was the owner of Chem Seal of Berks in Temple, Pa. He was an active member of the Mohnton Cumru Lions Club, holding positions such as treasurer and financial secretary. He was an avid football fan and loved playing golf. He is survived by wife June, and daughters Michele and Laura.

Stephen M. Heffner ’80 Aug. 18, 2019—After graduating from Juniata with a degree in geology, Stephen became a wellsite geologist in the Rocky Mountains where his expertise was in oil and gas development.

He enjoyed flying kites and playing chess, backgammon, and pool. He was also a dedicated fan of NASCAR racing and the Philadelphia Phillies. Stephen is survived by daughter Kristin, as well as brothers James Heffner ’72 and Thomas Heffner ’75.

May 17, 2019—After graduating from Juniata, Eric received a master’s degree in sports science from Gardner Webb University in North Carolina. He became a strength and conditioning specialist and trainer in South Carolina.

Linda J. Guy ’08

Derrike J. Bellows ’14 Sept. 30, 2019—Derrike worked for five years as a member of the Best Buy Geek Squad in Muncy, Pa. He most recently accepted an IT position at Vibra Healthcare in Mechanicsburg, Pa. He was an avid reader, moviegoer, and Beatles fan.

He enjoyed the Williamsport Riverwalk and frequented the James V. Brown Library. He is survived by parents Randy and Amy, and sister Cassidy.

EMPLOYEES

Dawn L. (McGerrow) Herzberg Aug. 10, 2019—Dawn worked at Juniata College as the secretary of the science department. She was active in college affairs, and she played in the recorder group, Moore Street Pro Musica.

She had been active with the Girl Scouts of America

as a scout leader. Dawn was a member of the Cassville Lutheran Church, Pa. She also enjoyed music and played several instruments.

Other hobbies included art, crafts, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, reading, and flower arranging.

Dawn liked to share these passions with her children.

She was preceded in death by husband Chauncey, and is survived by daughters Victoria Herzberg ’80 and Valerie Herzberg Ford ’82, son Kurt V. Herzberg ’87, and three grandchildren.

Ronald F. Pauline June 1, 2019 —After leaving the U.S. Navy with a rank of lieutenant commander, Ron taught at Chief Logan High School in Lewistown, Pa. He later received a doctorate from Penn State University and became a professor at the State University of New York-Geneseo and Gannon University in Erie, Pa. He then came to teach in the education department at Juniata College. While he was at Juniata, he was in charge of Pennsylvania’s annual State Science Olympiad and was instrumental in bringing the 2004 National Science Olympiad to Juniata. Ron was preceded in death by wife Pauline and is survived by daughter Kathryn, son David, and four grandchildren.

IN MEMORIAM

Remembering Warren F. Groff ’49 In the person of Warren Frederick Groff, knowledge and faith; academy and church; the life of the mind and the life of the spirit, found productive room to live together.

In 1949, he graduated summa cum laude from Juniata College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Divinity and a Doctor of Philosophy from Yale. He taught at Bridgewater College, Harvard University, and Bethany Theological Seminary where he also served as dean and president. His mind and spirit were nurtured both by the Ivy League and by the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch. He reflected with equal ease and clarity on abstract philosophical complexities and the “things learned at mother’s knee.”

Warren F. Groff ’49

In the classroom, he was gentle but persistent, never berating or intimidating, and also never settling for anything less than one effort beyond the student’s self-determined limit. He both taught and became “paradigm” for his students. To the larger theological, academic community he brought a singleness of purpose—to establish rigor and excellence while struggling to find language devoid of jargon, pretense or special code. As president of the American Theological Society, he demonstrated a concern for both institutional vitality and robust support for curiosity tempered by efficacy. He did the same for the Church of the Brethren graduate school of theology during his 30 years of service. As a member of the Committee on Revision of Standards of the Association of Theological Schools, he set marks that continue to guide seminary education in the United States. In the international arena, serving on the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, he provided the same persistent nudge toward excellence and salience.

In like manner, he brought this genial intensity to the world of play. Whether at the bridge table or standing in a river with a homemade lure, he bore a cultivated focus that called for admiration and emulation in those who knew him.

He graced theology with a tenderness that gave the discipline life and vitality. His quiet energy was an intellectual and spiritual leaven for those he served. In an era when the winds of doctrine seem to blow in shifty and uneven patterns and fact seems sometimes unmoored from systematic investigation, the life of this scholar, educator, pastor and churchman can be a “. . . star to every wandering bark whose worth’s unknown, although its height be taken.” (Sonnet 116, Shakespeare).

—Andy Murray, retired professor of peace and conflict studies

Warren F. Groff, 94, of Bartlett, Illinois, died Sunday, June 23, 2019. He is remembered and admired as a loving husband and father, perceptive scholar, ardent churchman, skilled wordsmith, gentle soul, and thoughtful friend to many.

Warren served as a member of the Juniata College Board of Trustees from 1976–2000 and was an emeritus trustee from 2000 until his death. He received the Alumni Achievement Award in 1976 and the Church-College Service Award in 1989.

He was an active member of York Center Church of the Brethren for more than 50 years. In his free time, Warren loved playing bridge and other card games, and freshwater fishing (often using his own handmade “cedar plug” lures). He had a positive impact on many, many people and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Warren is survived by his wife Ruth, son David and wife Jill, sister-in-law Barbara, and five nieces and nephews, Steve, Laurie, Julie, Lisa, and Brad. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhart and Reba (Rupert), and his brothers Russell and wife Ada, and Paul.

2020 Spring |

Warren was born on June 27, 1924 in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the nearby town of Harleysville. He was a World War II veteran, serving as master sergeant in the Army until 1946.

Warren married the love of his life, Ruth (Davidheiser) on August 30, 1947, and they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary last year. Warren’s academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College in 1949, a bachelor of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School in 1952, and a Ph.D. from Yale University in 1955.

He was an ordained minister, serving at churches in Pennsylvania and Connecticut from 1946–1954, and as an associate professor of religion at Bridgewater College from 1954–1958. Warren worked at Bethany Theological Seminary from 1958–1989, serving as professor of theology, dean, and president. He was an accomplished author, and respected for his many contributions to theological education.

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IN MEMORIAM

Remembering Dottie Hershberger ’50 Dottie Hershberger was many things to me—a collaborator, a cousin, a mentor, a cheerleader, an instigator in all the right ways, and one of the finest role models I have ever known. She was a beloved alumni director and never gave up on her work of connecting Juniatians with each other and with the College.

Dottie served Juniata in a variety of roles; too many to fit on one page. However, because she holds a special place in the College’s history, it seems fitting that we would highlight a few important moments. Dottie served as alumni representative to the Board of Trustees from 1978–1981. In 1981, she and her husband Rex ’50, were honored by the Alumni Association with the Alumni Service Award. In June of 1982, Dottie was hired by the College to serve in the roles of assistant director of alumni affairs and director of church relations. The following year, she was promoted to director of alumni affairs, a position she held until 1993. In 1994, Dottie was recognized by the Church College Relations Council with the Church-College Service Award.

Prior to her time as a trustee and Alumni Relations staff, Dottie was a member of the Alumni Council and Church College Relations Council, assistant general chair of the Century II Campaign and loyal volunteer for many years. Most recently, Dottie continued to serve the College in many ways from reunion committee member to class fund agent, from Uncommon Outcomes Campaign volunteer to one of the organizers of the storied Celebration of Women.

Dottie (Lehman) Hershberger ’50

| Juniata

Dorothy Marie (Lehman) Hershberger, 91, passed away peacefully on Sept. 26, 2019, at her Homewood apartment, in Martinsburg, Pa. The first of four children born to Walter B. Lehman and Margaret Murr Lehman, Dottie was born Aug. 20, 1928, in Lawn, Pa.

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She married Rex Wilbur Hershberger ’50 Aug. 12, 1952, in Lititz, Pa., and they made their home in Martinsburg, Pa. Dottie served as a role model and inspiration for her children, Kimber Hershberger ’75 (John Wetzel), of Richmond, Va.; Loren Hershberger (Christine), of Hollidaysburg, Pa.; Bernie Hershberger, of Portland, Maine; and Dan Hershberger (Mary), of Martinsburg, Pa. She was very proud of her seven grandchildren, Brenton Joo Mitchell ’06 (Morgan), Rebekah Mitchell, Eli Hershberger ’13, Mara Hershberger (Logan Hanley), Eva Hershberger Karns (Brian Karns), Luisa Barry-Hershberger, Miriah Hershberger ’20; and her greatgrandson, Otis Joo Mitchell. She is survived by a beloved sister, Janice Ruhl of Lititz, Pa. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband on Feb. 19, 2015; her brother Melvin Lehman ’59 and sister Elva Jean Miller.

Her impact and the way she went about making things happen was captured beautifully in a story that a friend recently shared with me. At a dinner many years ago, Parisha Shah ’01 told Dottie of her joy at being a part of the Celebration of Women as a student and expressed how much she admired Dottie’s work. Parisha recounted, “She told me that was lovely, but that admiration was not what she wanted. She said she always avoided falling into the trap of needing accolades and admiration, but rather she just decided to do things that she thought were important and then got them done… But then, she did wink at me and say, ‘It really was wonderful, wasn’t it?’” Dottie and that sparkle in her eyes will be dearly missed by her Juniata family.

—David D. Meadows ’98, director of alumni relations & stewardship

Dottie’s children, grandchildren, and many others have attested to the role she played in modeling how to live well. Her ability to love unconditionally reverberated through the communities where she lived. Her grandchildren say that many of their best qualities and attributes came from her, and they hope to live with her strength, enthusiasm, and grace.

To say Dottie was a woman ahead of her time would be an understatement—she was a pioneer. After graduating from Hershey high school, she took her pioneering spirit to Juniata College and graduated in 1950 with a degree in education. She taught in area schools for a time yet stayed connected to Juniata as a volunteer. Eventually, she was asked to serve as Alumni & Development Director of the College. She planned the College’s Celebration of Women highlighting the valuable contributions women had made to the College and promoting the need for more focus on the valuable contributions women make in many contexts. She leveraged her connections at the College to host UN Peace Seminars at her mountain home.

After she and Rex moved to Westminster Woods in Huntingdon, Pa., she was an active member of the Stone Church of the Brethren. She believed strongly in the church’s welcoming statement that claims all persons are loved and accepted by God. To broaden herself, she audited classes at Juniata College where she embraced eating organic food, hosting students over holidays, and embracing the digital era with iPhone in hand. Her passion for community building was contagious as she raised funds and recruited students for Juniata and spearheaded capital campaigns for Martinsburg’s Memorial Park and a wellness center for Homewood.

Dottie was a remarkable woman who thought big and had great vision. Even though she was sometimes frustrated by the pace of change, she continued to be an agent of change who lived out her values of loving and serving others—always trying to understand people more deeply at every opportunity.

I Met a Juniata Alum

in the Most Unusual Place...

“We were on a Danube River cruise when we spotted Veasey Cullen ’67 in the buffet line. It was fun catching up on our lives since our Juniata days.”

—Genevra (Carbonetti) Allen ’67 and Richard Allen ’67

Diana (Goodley) Cutrona ’01, Leigh Ann (Suhrie) Wilson ’02, and Matthew Wilson ’04 have maintained a close friendship for 20 years. “We independently planned our summer vacations, and when sharing locations, we realized we were going to be at Yosemite National Park at the same time. We didn’t set any specific plans other than a goal to meet up. We tried to find each other at Glacier Point, but missed each other by an hour. We then set plans to meet for lunch the next day. The July 4 holiday crowds and no parking, again, caused us to miss each other. With terrible cell service in the park, we had a few minutes to set the next attempt. We were cut off before it was finalized. As we were leaving the park, we came around a curve and Leigh “This past March, I was at Disney World in Florida with my family. As we passed through the gates into Hollywood Studios, I heard someone calling my name. Unsure of who it was, I ignored it at first, but eventually, I turned around to see Zachary Ausherman ’06 standing behind me! Our families were heading to the same ride, so outside of Toy Story Mania, we snapped a quick selfie.”

Ann yelled, “Is that Diana?!” She was standing in a parking lot hoping we would see her. We were able to park and spend an hour in a very beautiful setting.”

—Melissa Wilson ’06 2020 Spring | 59

I MET A JUNIATA ALUM

“I had been living at Riddle Village, a Continuing Care Community in Media, Pa., since 2010. One day in 2016, I noticed a brand-new resident getting her mail. She pulled out a large glossy magazine and I heard her say, ‘Oh, my college alumni magazine has arrived.’ I asked her what college she went to and she answered, ‘You might not have heard of it… I went to Juniata.’ Of course, I exclaimed, ‘Juniata? I went to Juniata!’ So, with laughter and hugs, we introduced ourselves: Janet Hess ’65 and Allegra (Forney) Sanner ’55. Since that first encounter, we have become good friends.”

While getting to know her new coworkers after starting a job as instructional assistant at Salford Hills Elementary School in Souderton, Pa., Carol (Stubbs) Mikesic ’85 was asked where she attended college. She then learned that Linda (Hoover) Moyer ’72, the school counselor, also attended Juniata. “We reminisced about Mountain Day, Raft Regatta, and all of the professors that we had both taken classes with.”

A group of Juniatians found each other during the Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference in the summer of 2018 at Colorado State University.

Pictured (l-r): Sarah Ullom-Minnich ’18, Jennifer Dorsch-Messler ’02, Rick Laabs (Trustee), Virginia Meadows ’03, Rev. David Witkovsky (Retired Chaplain), Sierra Garrison ’21, Gregory BreidenstineHowe ’91, and David Meadows ’98 (Director of Alumni Relations & Stewardship).

“My husband Walter Dziuk ’68 and I were attending a United Methodist Church training session. During a break I overheard a conversation that included the word ‘Juniata.’

After interrupting, I discovered that we had been sitting next to Cynthia (Harner) Karr ’76.”

—Susan (Detar) Dziuk ’69

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“I was attending the first annual Social Emotional Learning Exchange in Chicago, Ill. in Oct. 2019, when I noticed my freshman CWS lab instructor, Blake Colaianne ’11, sitting a few tables away! It turned out that we were both presenting a research poster. We had a great time at the poster session and enjoyed catching up and meeting each other’s colleagues. I’m in graduate school at the University of Nevada, Reno and Blake is in graduate school at Penn State, so it was cool that we ran into each other in Chicago!”

—Sarah Trescher ’13

Gary L. Baker ’79 and Judith Benz, associate professor of German at Juniata, both attended the Notre Dame Berlin Seminar in the summer of 2019.

“While working as the sports director for WHSV-TV in Harrisonburg, Va., I was shooting a story about the Bridgewater College women’s volleyball team, coached

by Erin (Albert) Harris ’09, and their successful season. So, I not only ran into her, but I also interviewed her for the story.”

—Thomas Eck ’12

We want to print your story . . .

Tracy (Stough) Grajewski ’86 ran into John Winterstein ’56, Barry Drexler ’56, Don Pheasant ’56, and William Haushalter ’56 at a football game at Franklin and Marshall College, Pa. “These are super guys and are really dedicated to JC football!”

Tell us about any unusual or surprising places or circumstances where you met a Juniatian and we will include it in an upcoming issue of the Juniata Magazine. Please send your story and photos to: Alumni Relations Office Juniata College 1700 Moore Street Huntingdon, PA 16652 Email: alumni@juniata.edu

Office of Advancement 1700 Moore Street Huntingdon, PA 16652-2196

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Changemakers not only identify problems, but work to find solutions which make the world a better place. Isabella “Izzy” Bennett ’20 is a changemaker. She recognized the ways her hometown, Baltimore City, Md., was failing its residents. Determined to act, Izzy became involved in politics, attending protests and supporting the campaign of a city councilman with whom she continues to work. At Juniata, she established her Program of Emphasis (POE) as politics with nonprofit organization and became a leader in several student political organizations.

Scholarships enabled Izzy to spend a year abroad in Cork, Ireland, where she learned, “how the education systems differed, the political systems and climates changed, and the clear impact that having more than two viable parties played on political governments and voter choice.” Izzy’s career goal is to carry her spirit of change into the world with a career, “centered around making the world better for those who live in it and empowering them to continue that legacy for others to come.”

Thanks for supporting students like Izzy Bennett. juniata.edu/give

PHOTO COURTESY IZZY BENNETT ’20