Ryan T. Mull ’17Q&A

Customized POE Leads to Dual Career Path

Ryan Mull ’17, who works as executive secretariat staff in the U.S. Department of State, met with former Secretaries of State John Kerry and Rex Tillerson.

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 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 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.

55 2020 Spring | 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

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 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

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

Paula M. (Sokolosky) Rennick ’69 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.

Eric S. Wood ’96 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 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.

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.