JUNIATA 2013 Fall-Winter
Looking Back: The Kepple Presidency
Campus Conversations: Juniata faculty and students weigh in on issues of the day. Reported by Laura Bitely ’14, Seth Ruggiero ’14, Nikki Halstead ’15, Hannah Jeffery ’16, and Josh Maier ’16. Edited by Corey Lacey ’14
—Luke Thompson ’13, Newtown, Pa., Juniata Associate and organizer for Beyond Tolerance events.
“I’d go up through Buffalo, go across the bridge all the way up to a northern Ontario town called Gowganda, where you can
survive the entire year on fish and hunting. During the
winter, the zombies, who have no internal body heat, would freeze solid. Also they would rot before they’d have any chance of reaching me, considering it’s so far north.”
—Nathan Wright ’15, Lancaster, Pa., on what he’d do in case of a zombie apocalypse.
“Since 2009, food waste has decreased by 57 percent, which has saved Juniata $36,119.
Juniata has eliminated 18 tons of food waste, which
n take place all Conversations ca ” cluding the “wild over campus—in e th the pond at environment of ent Center. llm ro Swigar t En
is equivalent to about 3.5 elephants. Juniata has avoided 13.83 MCO2 of air pollution, which is the same as the carbon dioxide emissions from 1,407 gallons of gasoline.”
—Matthew Yoder, executive chef for Sodexo, on reduced food waste in Baker Refectory.
“I like to study by reviewing notes and making up little word games to remember terms. I also like to study in a really quiet place. My study rituals are that after half an hour of studying, I get 10 minutes of time online.”
—Heather Gahler ’16, Pittsburgh, Pa., on her midterm study habits.
“It’s just the natural sorting of things. Initially, in America, there were Federalists and Anti-Federalists and the differences between those
two parties never really got resolved. Also, the district system
of today’s government strongly encourages a two-party system because one member is elected from every district.”
—Dennis Plane associate professor of politics, on the two-party system.
“The tagline of The Juniatian is ‘Report Print React’ which was a creation of mine, to coincide with Juniata’s ‘Think Evolve Act.’ We are here to report the news, print it, and allow the Juniata community to review it and react accordingly. My goal for the paper is to teach students about the importance
of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, protected rights in the United States. Just because we are a private liberal arts school does not mean we are not afforded the same rights.”
—L.J. Thorsen ’13, Germantown, Wis., editor of The Juniatian.
“Primarily our audience is students on campus. I think the students would be surprised, but we have
a lot of faculty, staff, and administrators who also listen to the radio and are
very curious. I know there are townspeople who listen to it, because when they get upset, I get calls from them. And I know that we have a tremendous following at the prison, and I think this is a wonderful service that we can provide.”
—Donna Weimer, professor of communication, on the student radio station, WKVR-FM.
What juniata.edu/opinions
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Photos (left and top right): Jason Jones
“People who attend Beyond Tolerance events walk out not just with a sense of what to do and what to say, but also with a greater understanding of what multiculturalism and diversity really means. You can’t truly show compassion until you’ve walked a mile in someone’s shoes, and Beyond Tolerance is the closest thing to it.”
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President’s Note Dear Friends, This is the last letter I will publish in this space and it gives me pause to realize that I will no longer be the one to show you the amazing things this College, these faculty, these employees, these trustees, and particularly these students are capable of. But the stage is also set for the next president, Jim Troha, to take Juniata to even greater heights. And that really is the secret of Juniata’s success. Its evolution goes well beyond the influence of any one leader. Because of its fierce community spirit and a deep commitment to teaching, research and guidance that I know I shall never see equaled anywhere else, Juniata will continue to build, continue to grow and continue to produce graduates who transform the lives of those fortunate enough to be included in their orbit.
Thomas R. Kepple Jr. President
kepplet@juniata.edu
I consider myself fortunate to have fallen into Juniata’s gravitational pull. Many of the things you will read in this magazine are focused on the accomplishments achieved during my presidency. But when I think about it, I was just an interested spectator for most of the things you’ll read about inside. While I was in the big office, the real work and all of the accomplishments cited here were achieved through teamwork, improvisation and creativity, and uncommon dedication. In fact, the only thing I did all by myself was convince my wife, Pat, to move north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Please take a look at the great story on Pat, written by my friend Becky Weikert ’02, who is now managing editor of the Huntingdon Daily News. In addition there’s a great spread of photos showing me in pretty much any pose you can imagine—from a tuxedo to a filthy T-shirt caked with dirt from Hurricane Katrina. As my time at Juniata draws to an end, let me just say that spending the past 15 years working with the most talented people on the face of the planet has been one of the signature pleasures of my life. Keep up the great work. Warm regards,
Gabriel Welsch VP for Advancement and Marketing
welschg@juniata.edu
Leo Osborne Coordinator of E-communications osbornl@juniata.edu
Evelyn L. Pembrooke Alumni Office Specialist
Angie Ciccarelli Graphic Designer
Jennifer Jones Sports Information Director
Norma Jennings Marketing Assistant
Nathan Wagoner Director of New Media Communication
(814) 641-3128
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is published two times a year by Juniata College, Department of Advancement and to Marketing and is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Juniata. Postmaster and others, En aS ustainable 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 co-educational 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. Juniata
—Laura Whitman ’14, social work
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JUNIATA
meadowd@juniata.edu
Rosann Brown Executive Director of Marketing
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wallj@juniata.edu
David Meadows ’98 Director of Alumni Relations
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John Wall Editor Director of Media Relations
“I took this picture in Xela, Guatemala at the Miguel Asturias Academy. I was there with Henry ThurstonGriswold and the Spanish department, the Stone Church of the Brethren, and a few Huntingdon High School students. As part of their senior project they worked with the academy students on science projects, such as this one called Mentos in the Coke.”
Pizza provides good fuel to survive the nights tenting before Madrigal.
Juniata
—Photo by Grace Braxton ’15, Huntingdon, Pa.
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Jason Ward ’15 is crowned Mr. Juniata, complete with complementary sash. —Photo by Sungouk Park ’14, Gwacheon, South Korea
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Competition is keen in Juniata sports, but the athletes never forget sports are about teamwork. For the Best of Juniata Fall Sports, visit Extra at juniata.edu/magazine.
—Photos by J.D. Cavrich
2013 Fall-Winter
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JUNIATA 2013 Fall-Winter
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Campus Conversations . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
As the minutes tick away on the Thomas Kepple presidency, Juniata takes a look back at the accomplishments attained from 1998 to 2012.
Back: Looking ency ple The Kep
Contents
On the Cover
inter 2013 Fall-W
President’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Campus News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 On the Record: A President Remembers . . . . . 20 Tom Kepple gives a wide-ranging interview on his years at Juniata and how his life has been affected by leading the College.
3:34 PM
Cover photo by Jim Judkis
Candid Kepple: A Presidency Pictured . . . . 28, 50
President Kepple has posed for more photos than Marilyn Monroe in her heyday. Here is a small sampling of Tom Kepple at work, at play and at the occasional ribbon-cutting.
Turn the Page: The Kepple Presidency . . . . . . . 30
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Since 1998, Tom Kepple has had a vision of what Juniata could be imprinted into his consciousness. Year by year, he worked with students, staff and other administrators to accomplish a transformation of the campus that lifted the College into another era—without changing Juniata’s essential values of community and quality education.
A Special Relationship: Pat Kepple’s Legacy . . 44
By Becky Weikert Bard ’02
Pat Kepple started her time at Juniata as President Kepple’s helpmate and co-host at campus functions. But over the years she branched out into community activism with a variety of local organizations, including the Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity.
15 Ways of Looking at Juniata . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
How is Juniata different? Let us count the ways. Fifteen alumni, faculty and staff weigh in on what makes the College distinct.
Kepple Kudos: Juniatians Characterize their President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
The legacy of Tom Kepple is a story best told through others. The campus community recalls their lasting memories of their president.
Alumni Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Faculty Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Faculty Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Latest Buzz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 360° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Juniata
Endpaper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover 6
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Book It: Still in Colleges That Change Lives
“People want to do well here. I don’t think there are any students who are bored or not paying attention. I just don’t know anyone who isn’t excited about what they’re learning.” —Student quoted in Colleges That Change Lives
The College once again is listed in the new edition of the seminal college guide conceived by Loren Pope. The new edition praises Juniata’s dedication to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
author also focuses on the College’s legacy in science education. The Raystown Field Station and Juniata’s pre-health professions programs also receive compliments. The College’s commitment to study-abroad programs is recognized, along with the education, business and theatre departments, which are given special mention. “It’s no surprise that Juniata students express hope and eagerness when they talk about their future.” Oswald writes. “‘It feels like the whole school is set up just to make sure we succeed,’ says one senior from New Jersey.” 7
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Photos (left): Jim Judkis; (right) J.D. Cavrich, Jim Judkis
Juniata has again been included in the completely revised and updated edition of Colleges That Change Lives, the seminal college guide originally written by the late Loren Pope. Juniata is one of 40 colleges and universities profiled by journalist and editor Hilary Masell Oswald, who writes about Juniata’s alumni, hands-on learning, internships and liberal arts curriculum. One student is quoted saying, “People want to do well here. I don’t think there are any students who are bored or not paying attention. I just don’t know anyone who isn’t excited about what they’re learning.” Juniata’s dedication to teaching also receives high praise, mentioning the College’s Lakso Center for Teaching and Learning, as well as the faculty commitment to mentoring students. The
Campus News
2 Jim Lakso, left , accepts the 201 from rd Awa cer Chief Academic Offi the of t iden pres an, Richard Ekm s. Council of Independent College
James Lakso, Juniata’s provost, was awarded the 2012 Chief Academic Officer Award from the Council of Independent Colleges, “in recognition of service to CIC colleagues and their colleges.” Lakso accepted the award at the CIC’s Institute for Chief Academic Officers, held Nov. 3-6, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. The award is presented each year to an administrator who advances academic excellence at private colleges and universities. “Jim Lakso’s service to Juniata is so extensive that it is impossible to list, but for me his work has meant that Juniata’s faculty and educational programs are second to none,” says Tom Kepple, president at Juniata. In 2010, Lakso was honored by the College and countless former students when Juniata raised almost $1 million to create the James J. Lakso Endowment for Faculty Excellence, which will provide annual funding for faculty development. In addition, the College also named its recently established teaching center the
James J. Lakso Center for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Lakso has been an influential teacher during his entire career at Juniata and received the 2005 Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service and the 1983 Beachley Distinguished Professor Award. He has been a business consultant for Huntingdonarea businesses, including Kish Bank. He also remains active at St. James Lutheran Church, the Huntingdon Lions Club and Huntingdon County Business and Industry. He serves on the board for Kish Bank. Lakso, a Huntingdon, Pa. resident, joined the Juniata faculty in 1970 after earning a master’s degree in economics from the University of Maryland. He continued his doctoral work while teaching at Juniata and earned his doctorate in economics in 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wittenberg University in 1967. Lakso was named provost in 1998 and continues to teach macroeconomics each year.
Juniata
“Jim Lakso’s service to Juniata is so extensive that it is impossible to list, but for me his work has meant that Juniata’s faculty and educational programs are second to none.”—Tom Kepple, president 8
Photos (left): courtesy Council of Independent Colleges; (right) courtesy Heidelberg University
Provost with the Mostest: Jim Lakso Honored by Council of Independent Colleges
Juniata College Names 12th President: James Troha
“Jennifer and I are appreciative and humbled to be asked to be part of the next evolution of Juniata and look forward to our arrival in Huntingdon.” —Jim Troha, Juniata’s incoming president
of that transition, he oversaw the integration of a new marketing program and branding effort. Troha began his administrative career at Heidelberg in 2002 as vice president for student affairs and dean of students, where he worked until he was named interim president in 2008. From 2003 to 2007, he also served as vice president for enrollment, where he helped increase enrollment by 19 percent in his first year and helped bring in the university’s three largest freshman classes in three decades. He also led efforts to redevelop Heidelberg’s website and implemented the university’s first Leadership Academy. Troha earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1991 and went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling in 1993, both from Edinboro University, in Edinboro, Pa. In 2005, he earned a doctorate in educational policy and leadership from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan. 9
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James Troha, vice president for institutional advancement and university relations at Heidelberg University since 2009, has been named the 12th president of Juniata by the Juniata Board of Trustees. Troha will begin his official duties in June. “Jim Troha has a strong record of proven leadership in numerous aspects of running a college, including student affairs, enrollment, and fundraising,” says Robert McDowell ’67, chair of the board. “He is also very community-focused in his personal and professional life, and we expect that focus will benefit Juniata, Huntingdon and the global community, which is so much a focus of our students’ educational experience. The board is very pleased to have concluded our search and to have been successful in recruiting our first choice as our new chief executive.” Troha comes to Juniata after a successful executive career at Heidelberg, in Tiffin, Ohio. “Juniata has great momentum, and I am enthusiastically looking forward to working with the board, faculty, students, staff and the larger Juniata and Huntingdon community to foster the College’s continued success,” says Troha, who currently lives in Tiffin with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children. “Jennifer and I are appreciative and humbled to be asked to be part of the next evolution of Juniata and look forward to our arrival in Huntingdon.” In just over two years, Troha has helped raise more than $38 million toward a $50 million campaign goal for Heidelberg and helped secure several multimillion dollar cash gifts, the largest in university history. He also was responsible for overseeing record fundraising years for the university’s unrestricted Heidelberg Fund. “I think Jim Troha will be an excellent leader at Juniata because of the experience he will bring to areas where we have great opportunities,” says Tom Kepple, president of the College. “Jim has experience in international education, from both sides of the relationship, which increasingly is something that sets Juniata apart from our competitors. Jim also brings great experience in fundraising and enrollment, two key areas where Juniata is poised for greater things.” In addition, Troha has significant executive experience, serving as Heidelberg’s interim president for a year, from July 2008 to June 2009. In that time, he oversaw several critical projects during challenging economic times, including refinancing the university’s $17 million in state-issued bonds and leading Heidelberg’s transition from college to university. As part
Campus News
Juniata
It’s an unusual college course that complements its final with confetti, balloons and thousands of celebrating delegates, but Juniata’s course “Political Party Conventions,” is not coursework as usual. “It’s an intense experience for the students and an intense experience for me,” says Dennis Plane, associate professor of politics at
Juniata, who organized and offered the course, which sends students to attend the Republican and Democratic national conventions. This fall marked the second time Plane has offered the course. Four years ago a contingent of Juniata students attended the 2008 conventions. Six students attended the Republican convention in Tampa, Fla., and four went to the Democratic Convention in Charlotte, N.C. “I was able to ask (Aaron Brown) about his emotions covering 9/11 and he talked about how he was personally affected by (it), in addition to the rush he felt as a reporter covering the largest event of his lifetime,” wrote blogger rk in
wo e able to ents wer edia companies d tu s ta Junia s” at m ternship n here) and shor t “in ow h s C N N, (such as ganizations . or political 10
Elise Mihranian ’14, from Chester Springs, Pa., at the Republican Convention. “It got me thinking about broadcast journalists and how as Carrington Jones ’14 , pos professionals es with Republican icon and 201 2 presidenti they can be candidate N al ewt Gingric h at the Republican put through National C onvention . an emotional wringer.” The second week for the interview. I was so of the course matched delighted when VOA did students up with use the sunflower pots organizations covering I found in the shot with the conventions or her. I also ‘modeled’ in the working at the event. chair to check the lighting Alexis Waksmunski ’15, to make sure it was just of Northern Cambria, Pa., right for her.” wrote of her Democratic Each student blogger Convention experience wrote an op-ed opinion with Voice of America: essay. Elise Mihranian “One day I helped move and Morgan Dux ’15, camera equipment to from Hawley Pa., had a nearby hotel for an their GOP Convention interview with (former op-eds published in secretary of State) the Harrisburg PatriotMadeleine Albright. I News, while others also had to go look for were published in their things in the hotel to hometown papers. decorate the atmosphere
Photos (left): courtesy Dennis Plane; (right) Candice Hersh
Party Time: Politics Students Attend National Conventions
View to a Kiln: Building Up the Ceramics Program These days, if you blink, you might miss some of the changes that are happening at Juniata. We have plans for hiring new administration, breaking ground for new buildings, updating our dining hall, and building a new ceramics workshop. Because of increased interest and new courses, the average student enrollment in ceramics classes is on the rise. To accommodate future plans for Juniata and update the workshop, the ceramics studio is relocating to the Sill Business Incubator, which is in the repurposed Alfarata School now known as JCEL, Juniata’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. One of the students’ favorite kilns is the soda kiln because it produces a wide variety of naturally warm finishing glaze colors. The ceramics department has been planning to update its eightyear-old soda kiln for a while, but pushed back the project once the relocation was finalized. Though creating ceramics with the soda kiln is fun and adventurous, constructing it was no small task. During this year’s Homecoming Weekend, the ceramics department worked almost nonstop to complete the process. There were professionals, professors, community members, and plenty of students on site to help out. Ben Mahan, a senior taking the “Wine in a Vessel” course, explained, “I signed-up for a 3 to 5 p.m. shift. Students in the ‘Wine and Vessel’ class have to help with the kiln, and we have to turn in our drawings for final project (here).” The process of building this kiln was more complicated than usual, because it had to match with an already established specialized chimney that extended past the building’s roofline. This new kiln’s most celebrated advancement is its stationary iron door. The previous soda kiln’s door was made of bricks and had to be torn out and rebuilt after every use.
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—Erin Kreischer ’13 is a Juniata Associate from Harrisburg, Pa.
Outside of JCEL, where the College’s ceramics program occupies an expanded and improved studio space, Juniata ceramics students joined ceramic artist Bethany Benson and Jake Allee, assistant professor of art at Colorado Mesa University, who oversaw the construction of the kiln. The kiln was created over two days during Homecoming Weekend.
Campus News
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Professor Uses Ancient Martial Art to Tone Mind And Body
Juniata
Phil Dunwoody, associate professor of psychology at Juniata, is not going to ignore the educational opportunities in martial arts for Juniata students and Huntingdon-area residents. As an accredited teacher of Tai Chi and owner-operator of HuntingdonTaiChi. com, Dunwoody has been incorporating tai chi lessons into several classes on campus, as well as several extracurricular assignments. “Tai chi is really two things,” Dunwoody explains. “It’s a holistic health practice that promotes balance and relaxation and it also is a traditional martial art that involves Chinese philosophy and Chinese kung-fu.” Over the last several years Dunwoody has incorporated his interest in tai chi into his teaching methods, most prominently in the Juniata course China Today, a cultural analysis course taught every spring by Dunwoody, historian Doug Stiffler, and Jingxia Yang, a lecturer in Chinese. This spring he also will teach a theatre course in tai chi. In China Today, Dunwoody takes the students out on the quad or into a studio and expects them to learn such arcane techniques as “Repulse the Monkey,”
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“Part the Wild Horse’s Mane,” “Snake Creeps Down” and “Grasp Sparrow’s Tail.” “The students really enjoy getting out to practice the moves,” Dunwoody says. “So far none have decided to learn tai chi more fully, but a lot of them have told me they are better balanced as a result of doing the movements.” Explained simply, tai chi is an ancient martial art that can be an exercise or a defensive skill. As exercise, tai chi is sort of a “moving meditation,” where classic martial arts moves are performed very slowly and precisely. As a martial art, these movements are performed at high speed. In addition to classes, Dunwoody has taught incoming freshmen tai chi for the past two years at Juniata’s Inbound Retreats program and has offered a tai chi class at the College’s Alumni Weekend gathering. Although Dunwoody can talk equally well about Jungian analysis or repulsing monkeys, he describes his devotion to tai chi as an outgrowth of his study of psychology. “As I became a graduate student I realized I was spending a lot of time sitting in chairs in classrooms and I thought I needed to be more active, so I started studying it,” he recalls.
Photos (left): Janice Jackson ’14; (right) Candice Hersh
The image of martial arts in pop culture—honed from thousands of Hollywood films featuring ninjas, flying swordsmen, high-kicking Hong Kong detectives and the odd karate chop— conveniently ignores the deep philosophical foundations and the mind- and body-sharpening benefits of these ancient techniques.
Grapes to Goblet: Exploring Wine Culture From Ancient Egypt To Napa Valley In addition to cramming for tests and feverishly typing away at papers, students in Juniata’s new “Wine in a Vessel” course also have to worry about creating palatable wine and constructing the bottles and vats used to store it. “Wine in a Vessel” has three professors teaching the chemistry of wine and history of wine culture throughout the development of civilization. Chemist Peter Baran, ceramic artist Bethany Benson and archeologist Jonathan Burns are team-teaching an exploration of how cultures from ancient Egypt to modern-day Napa Valley have developed and used wine in everyday life. “The objective of this course is to give students a better perception of the role that wine has played since the beginning of civilization,” Baran says. “Wine is
From left, chemist Peter Baran, archeologist Jonathan Burns and Bethany Benson, assistant professor of art, pose with one of the ceramic “vessels” created by students for the new course “Wine in a Vessel.”
“The objective of this course is to give students a better perception of the role that wine has played since the beginning of civilization.”—Peter Baran, associate professor of chemistry how an ancient culture functioned is to examine how the civilization used and stored wine. That’s where Benson comes in. “So far, they have made wine goblets and wine bottles to display various techniques. Then we will begin to think about fine art, and elements of design.” By the end of the course, each student made a large storage vessel based on historical and archeological examples of the ancient civilization they have chosen to research. Because bottles and storage vats are of little use without something to put into them, Baran concentrates on teaching the chemistry and process of wine creation. —Erin Kreischer ’13, from Harrisburg, Pa., is a Juniata Associate in marketing.
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not a taboo, but an important component of (a particular) culture.” Like a master winemaker mixes different grape varieties to make certain wines, students in this class are expected to blend their knowledge of ancient wine producing cultures with the hands-on components of the course. “Students are getting a well-rounded experience. They keep journals, do research, go on wine-tasting adventures, learn about winemaking, and create storage vessels,” says Burns, who is an adjunct professor and director of AXIS Research Inc. “It all gets funneled into one vessel,” jokes Benson. “There is a research component to the course where students choose an ancient culture that interests them and learn about the pottery and viticulture within that region,” explains Burns. One of the ways to understand
Juniata
If there’s a Juniata sporting event on campus, or often times anywhere in the eastern United States, there’s a good chance Tom Kepple will be there cheering the Eagles on. Here Tom roots for the Eagles, accompanied by Dave Andrews ’74, left, and Anne Layng ’70 and Pat Kepple, right.
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My Sporting Life Memorable Moments from 15 Years of Eagles Soaring By Tom Kepple Photography: J.D. Cavrich (unless noted)
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’ve always been a sports fan. I played sports in high school and college, and even though my time on the playing field has been reduced to a few rounds of golf per year and some laps in the pool, I still love watching Juniata’s sports teams compete.
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I try to see as many teams and as many games as I can every year. I think its important to see our students compete, as does Jim Lakso, our provost, and Kris Clarkson, dean of students. Those two might be the only ones who go to more games than I do (although I have never been asked to leave for yelling at the referees as Kris once was).
Photo courtesy NCAA 2004
Over 15 years I have seen it all, from lastsecond shots, to walk-off homers to blowouts. Here are some of my favorite moments from Juniata sports. These aren’t in any order and if anyone asks
Our first women’s volleyball national championship in 2004
was cathartic, exciting and inspiring all at once. Led by co-captains Carli Dale ’05 and Erin Wisor ’05, the team put the nation’s best volleyball coach, Larry Bock, over the top against rival Washington University for his first championship after many near misses. My favorite memory is seeing the late Erin Dodson ’08, who was stricken with brain cancer in the preseason, being wheeled out by her friend and teammate, Erin Wisor, as the team accepted their trophy.
favorite, I’ll deny
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having one.
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The women’s volleyball team’s second national championship in 2006 was more of a nail-biter as Juniata
fell behind in the first two games and came back. This was especially gratifying because we roared back to beat Washington University, perhaps, and I’m being diplomatic here, our most vociferous rival. The women, led by Stephanie Kines ’06 and Amber Thomas ’08, refused to lose.
Photo courtesy NCAA 2006
which one is my
Juniata File Photo
championships in a row. It was the last one in that recordsetting run that was amazing. The men were paced by great games from Matt Werle ’09, Jeremy Barndt ’07 and Nate Ocasio ’07 and in the title game they fell behind by two games and came back against Carthage College. It seemed like the team was pushed to the edge in every game. Great stuff.
Juniata File Photo
The men’s volleyball team dominated the Molten Division III Championships from 2004 to 2007, winning four
One of the first sports highlights I remember is the 1999 football game against Widener University. Widener had a team with two players who were signed by the NFL. Our unstoppable quarterback Joe
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Montrella ’00 threw for almost 600 yards and wide receiver Matt Eisenberg ’01 had 13 catches for 397 yards and five touchdowns. The final score was 59-45, Juniata.
The field hockey team played an amazing game in 2007 when they beat Ursinus, who was
the national champion the previous year, 2-0 to advance to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament. Michelle Campbell ’10 played demon defense and goalie Abby Funk ’11 turned away a lot of shots. Amazing.
In 2009 the Ohio State men’s volleyball team came to Memorial Gym for a match.
We lost the first game but we took the next two, Ohio State took the next one and then we finished off the Buckeyes in a 15-12 final game. The crowd and the Juniata team were stunned. I know the Ohio State team was stunned.
Five Juniata swimmers won a 2010 dual meet against Goucher College for Juniata’s first Landmark Conference win in swimming. Because we had just
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five swimmers we had to win nearly every event. We did it, winning every race except the 200-meter medley relay and the 400-meter freestyle.
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The 2011-2012 basketball seasons for our men and women were nothing short of amazing. The women
went undefeated in the Landmark Conference and 26-3 overall. They reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. The men’s team rolled up the most wins any Juniata men’s team had accomplished in a single season and made it to the semifinals for the ECAC South Tournament. The last game was close, as we came up just three points short against Alvernia University.
Swimmer Kim Allen ’04 became the first Juniata swimmer to qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships in 2001 when she won
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the 200-meter and 100-meter breaststroke at the MAC Championships at the University of Scranton. And she did it as a freshman. >j<
Kyle Mazur ’09 finished second in the javelin at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track Championships at Marietta, Ohio.
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He heaved the javelin more than 200 feet (203' 10"). He automatically was named an All-American and is Juniata’s first two-time All-American.
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When someone leaves a company, the human resources department does what is called “an exit interview.� Tom Kepple agreed to sit for one more interview, looking back on his decade and a half at Juniata.
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On the Record: A President Remembers By Gabriel Welsch VP for Advancement and Marketing Photography: J.D. Cavrich (unless noted)
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t the end of a college presidency, whether the president has served five years or 35 years, a flurry of tasks, projects, plans and preparation take up the outgoing president’s time. Despite Tom Kepple’s busy schedule, he was able to sit down with Gabe Welsch, vice president for advancement and marketing, to talk about how he views Juniata, his presidency, and the people he has worked with. This interview has been edited.
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On the Record Welsch: You once told me a story about how Colleges that Change Lives influenced your decision to come here. What drew you to Juniata initially? Kepple: Pat and I were thinking about a presidency and we were early in that process when the Juniata opportunity came up. When I got the usual letter from the headhunter asking if I would be interested, really it was early and I said, “No, not really, but thanks. I know Juniata is a nice place, good luck.” But he was very persistent. He sent me the Pope book, and I read it and thought, “Wow, these are things I’ve tried to get done at other places and have not completely succeeded, and here Juniata is already doing a lot of really interesting things.” It really did pique my interest. Pat and I talked it over and got into the search process. My mother lived out near Pittsburgh so Pat and I drove up to Juniata when we were visiting my mom, and it happened to be Parents weekend. We sort of blended in with everybody and got a chance to see Juniata.
the building safe. The old building couldn’t be renovated for 21st-century labs. So, the logic was to extend a lab building built behind the P-Wing. It was clear to me that no significant donor was going to give money to build behind an existing 1960s science building. So, I met with the chairs of the science departments, and said, “This plan’s not going to work. We need to put something in the middle of the campus. Over time, we’ve taken buildings down and the campus that used to be centered around Founders had disappeared. It’s time to get something back in the heart of campus.” An existing campus master plan had buildings back in the center of the campus. To me, there was great logic to that, but we couldn’t move all the sciences to the middle of campus. The science chairs recognized the power of the new plan and, to their great credit, they were willing to go with a very different idea than they had put together with architects over a long period of time. The willingness to change directions, to think of how to
“Wow, these are things I’ve tried to get done at other places and have not completely succeeded, and here Juniata is already doing a lot of really interesting things.”
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—Tom Kepple
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Welsch: What has surprised you the most during your time at Juniata?
make Juniata a better place, despite your own particular interests, distinguishes Juniata.
Kepple: The community’s willingness to change in order for Juniata to be better. I’ll give an early example of this. When I got here, the board and the faculty had developed a plan for improving the science facilities at Juniata, in the Brumbaugh Science Center. The problem was that Brumbaugh was built at a time when the floor-to-ceiling heights were relatively low, because that was an efficient way to build. Today you need more space in order to fit the heating and ventilation equipment necessary to make
Welsch: You have said that what you required most of people at Juniata was courage. Where have you seen courage play out here in different ways? Kepple: It’s usually the courage to change. We’ve already talked about the science building. Another example is our athletic conference. We had a long-standing relationship with the Mid-Atlantic Conference, one of the oldest conferences in the country. We also happened
to be the smallest in terms of enrollment and the best in terms of SAT scores. It made sense to me that we should see what other athletic conference opportunities might be out there. In the end, the Centennial Conference did not want to expand for all sports, but they needed to expand for football and, ultimately, they asked Juniata, Moravian College and Susquehanna University to join the conference. When we announced we were leaving the MAC in football, the MAC voted us out for all other sports. It was something we expected, so we worked to develop a separate conference for our other sports. We launched the Landmark Conference in about six months. That’s light speed in higher education. Most people thought it couldn’t be done. But we did and we formed a conference that has a lot of prestige, a lot of great competition, and we enjoy playing each other. It’s made a difference with who we are athletically, but also as an institution. Today we have more applications with overlaps from Centennial Conference members and Landmark Conference members.
Welsch: Here’s a wildly open-ended question that you’ve had 15 years to think about: what are you most proud of about Juniata?
Welsch: You will have been here for 15 years, in a period that overlaps a number of financial crises and challenges in higher education: the dot-com decline, the financial crisis of 2009, and others. In your opinion, how did the College weather that turbulence and what did you learn in those periods?
Welsch: Speaking of people, many have observed that your time was made effective not only by your leadership, but by the presence of Jim Lakso and John Hille. Tell us what they did, what they aided and how they enhanced what you were able to get done.
Kepple: In each of those instances, the important thing for Juniata was to keep our eye on the future. The economic downturns certainly had negative effects on us, on higher education and the whole country. The strength of Juniata in the last 15 years has been not to panic, but rather to make sure we understand where we’re going and to figure out a plan to keep momentum going during those really difficult times. I have to give a great deal of credit to the Board of Trustees in keeping us focused on the future. People don’t realize how difficult the 2008-2009 economic downturn has been to all of higher education, and institutions like Juniata. Yet, we have not laid off employees and we have not cut programs. We did that consciously and with the consent of the Board of Trustees, the faculty, and the staff. We agreed to maintain the number of employees, keep momentum going, keep programs going, when other colleges and employers were reducing employees, cutting programs, and other things. Our view was that our job is to make Juniata better over time, even in the most difficult economic times.
Kepple: Other people may have a different view of this than I do, but I don’t think there’s any question about what I’m most proud of: it’s the people we have here and the people we’ve hired who have made the difference at Juniata. And many of them are going to be here for a long time in the future. Behind everything we do here is the hard work of all our faculty and staff, our Trustees and other constituencies of the College. They keep our momentum going, the unsung heroes who are doing their job better than you could imagine every day. I can’t tell you all the notes I get from people all saying how good someone is doing their work in order for a student to stay here or do well here or to come here. I’m certainly proud of our students who continue to win national and international awards. This cannot happen without their good work and the wonderful support of faculty.
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Kepple: Both were critical to where we are now, in somewhat different ways. Jim was interim provost when I was hired. It took me about five minutes having a conversation with Jim to recognize he had the talents that were absolutely critical for success at Juniata. He had the respect of the faculty, but he was willing to do things that might not have been agreed to by the majority of faculty at the time. Fifteen years later, the proof is in the pudding. Jim’s hired over 70 percent of the current faculty. We’re usually getting the first or second choice in our faculty hires, and they are bright, energetic, wonderful teaching faculty. The real work on scholarship of teaching and learning has been his project, and it is at the forefront of things that are happening nationally. He’s worked with the faculty to move forward and also to be innovative and creative along the way. Jim is nationally known as his recent CIC award attests, (see story, page 8). The other critical need at Juniata was for someone to lead our fundraising and enrollment programs. When the Trustees agreed to a $70 million campaign, I think many agreed to it because I was the new president, and they wanted to support the new president. Some didn’t think we could actually raise $70 million. The previous capital campaign had raised about $35 million. It would take someone to organize a campaign that would make a difference at Juniata, and I recommended John Hille as
On the Record
“The real work on scholarship of teaching and learning has been Jim’s project, and it is at the forefront of things that are happening nationally.” —Tom Kepple
Welsch: What are some of the misperceptions that people have about the presidency here at Juniata?
the guy to do it. It turns out we raised $103 million, and that campaign continues to make a difference. This success also made a difference in one way not widely known. There was some question about the future of Juniata when we got here: are we going to be able to survive, can we be good in the future, do we have the resources to meet challenges of finding science and performing arts space and other things? Is this institution capable of doing the things that need to be done? Of course those questions have been answered— yes we can! John, with the help of Trustee Barry Halbritter ’65, was the one who structured it and put things in place that helped make that happen. Later, when my view was that our biggest challenge would be recruiting the kind of students we wanted for Juniata, I asked John to shift his attention to the enrollment area. In John’s time, he ran the largest capital campaign in the College’s history and we have the largest enrollment in the College’s history. No one does this individually, but those guys led teams that made real changes and real improvements at the College that are now sustainable.
Kepple: I think some people from the outside think the president really runs everything. Of course, that’s never the case at a college or university. We have shared governance here. The faculty really do run the academic program. From the outside people often think the president can say something and that automatically happens. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. This is a negotiated relationship. People also don’t really realize how much time a president spends in fundraising and friend-raising. Welsch: There’s sometimes a notion that you wear the suit or the suit wears you. How have you felt that conflict? Kepple: There are things presidents do that are must-dos. I fit into that box reasonably well. I had the great fortune before I got here to work for 23 years with two excellent presidents as a member of their cabinets, and I was able to closely observe two good presidents do their work. One way to look at it is I guess I knew what the suit
“In John’s time he ran the largest capital campaign in the College’s history and we have the largest enrollment in the College’s history.” —Tom Kepple
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Photos (left): Barry Grubb
Jim Lakso
eo: ’s vi d a the J u niat e e S ” e o d i i s “In e S tud /extra u iv Act ata.ed i jun
supportive Juniata’s Board has been. This is especially true of the chairs during my administration—John Cramer ’63, Henry Gibbel ’57, Dave Andrews ’74 and Bob McDowell ’67.
was when I put it on. There are days when that’s frustrating, but mostly it’s been pretty rewarding, it’s been a great experience.
Welsch: As we’ve been putting together this magazine and asking for reflections, many people have noted the degree to which you are present: you show up at events, you have heard the running jokes and admiration of how much trash you pick up on campus. But you’re out there and it never seems, to those of us that observe you, that it’s a chore for you.
Welsch: People can of think of obvious reasons it’s rewarding. You spend most of your time talking about that. But what makes it frustrating?
Kepple: Whether it’s a theatre performance or a swimming meet or whatever, it’s nice to be there watching our students perform. It’s fun.
Kepple: You can’t do all the things you’d like to do. As you work your way up through an organization, you have to abandon some of things you like to do along the way. Things that you might have enjoyed doing as a vicepresident are no longer possible. I’m really interested in designs of buildings, but that’s not really the job of the president. Now, that doesn’t mean every once in a while I’ll say, “you know, we ought to line up the science building with Cloister,” but then I have to step away from the project and let people responsible for those things do them. I’ve seen presidents who have been unable to delegate just get swamped. The organization comes to a grinding halt. My job is to get things off my desk to someone who will solve the problem. That doesn’t mean the president abandons responsibility for those things, but it is a process of clearing in order to do the things most critical for the College. What makes it possible for a president to do the job is being supported by the Trustees. The entire board has been enormously supportive with their time and wealth, and also in the way they go about the Board’s business. Having a group of Trustees who know their job and do it well, and at the same time having a group of faculty who know their job and do it well, are extremely helpful for a president’s success. I can’t say enough about how
Welsch: What will you miss most? Kepple: I’ll miss the relationships with folks associated with Juniata most. We have decided to stay in Huntingdon, in part because we do want to continue to participate in the things that happen on campus: the sports, the theatre, the music. Hopefully Pat and I will still be able to do these things without getting in the way of President Troha. Welsch: Speaking of the new president, Founders holds portraits of all the past Juniata presidents and early founders. You actually chose one to put in your office, the portrait of Jacob Zuck, our first professor. Why?
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Kepple: The Brumbaughs figured out we needed a college and supported it, but they hired Jacob Zuck to implement it. His basic ideas are still here. He was interested in science. He wanted to create a co-educational and church-related college, but not a church-dominated institution. He’s the one who sketched Founders Hall, and even though eventually an architect helped, he figured out what we needed. Unfortunately, he died, in this building, at an age that was way too young. But he had great ideas, many of which are still here today. Jacob Zuck was the mind and heart of Juniata. >j<
Out of the Office Knickknacks from the Kepple Archives After 15 years, an office can accumulate more keepsakes than a Las Vegas airport gift shop. As offices go, Tom Kepple’s is mainly clutter free, but he still has some memorabilia that catches the visitor’s eye.
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Street sign: The street sign, which says “Juniata Ave.,” was a gift from John Stauffer ’66 who managed to convince the city fathers in his town to give him the sign when they were replacing old street signs. ➧ Putter: A gift from the Class of 1952. “They thought I’d have lots of time to golf,” Kepple says. The president has never used it to play.
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➧ Shovel: This regulation size garden shovel has a handle painted to resemble a Piet Mondrian painting. The shovel was painted for the groundbreaking of the
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Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. ➧ Floor tile: After Juniata won its second national championship in women’s volleyball in 2006, the host school was replacing the athletic floor. President Kepple and several other Juniatians were able to grab pieces of the floor surface. ➧ Editorial cartoon: President Kepple (although he wasn’t a president at the time) was depicted in an editorial cartoon in the Memphis Commercial-Appeal during his time at Rhodes
College. The cartoon shows Tom handing a key to a student carrying an armload of “A” grades, to depict Rhodes’ policy of giving preference for dorm rooms to academic achievers.
board, where ideas for the campus master plan are noted on the surface of the photo. The photo has been replaced once in Kepple’s 15 years in office. (The buildup of the quad made the original out of date.)
➧ Coffee Cup: The cup he uses for the office was purchased at the first student pottery sale Kepple attended in 1999. The student artist’s name is lost to time and refills.
➧ Honorary Class Member “Certificate”: The Class of 1970 presented the president with a handmade certificate festooned with peace signs and filigree designs. Needlepoint?
➧ Eagles: President Kepple has two stuffed Juniata Eagle mascots, a crystal eagle from John Dale ’54, a carved ironwood eagle and an eagle head carved from a water buffalo horn, both gifts from Quayton Stottlemyer ’51, who donated much of the art in the Juniata College Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
High-end design? “I think they used a Magic Marker,” says Kepple as he examines it up close.
Photography by: J.D. Cavrich
Things He Leaves Behind: President Kepple loved to wear the Juniata medallions during Commencements. He has one that is quite old and he rarely wears that. The other is more recent and has the names of all the Juniata presidents inscribed on the back. >j<
➧ House of Representatives Resolution: This commemorative piece 27
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➧ Aerial Photograph: The most visible artifact in the room, the photo is used by President Kepple as a visual bulletin
➧ Ceramics: Kepple has four personal works from his collection and also has several gift pieces, most recently a jar and bottle given to him by Chumpol Phornprapha ’65, as mementos of visits to Thailand.
honors the formation of the Independent 529 Plan, a prepaid tuition plan Kepple was instrumental in developing.
Candid Kepple A Presidency Pictured
Photo Illustration: Tara Black ’14
Dedication
“Aw–shucks
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Go Bray!
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P re si d en t’ s P ic ni c
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t was all there at the beginning, for those who were listening and for those with long memories. In his inaugural speech, President-to-be Thomas R. Kepple, with a lot less gray in the hair and a few pounds lighter, expounded on the College he was to lead for the next decade-and-a-half. “This is an incredible time in the history of Juniata, and it is only going to get better and more exciting,” he said, as he described some of the accomplishments of his predecessor, Robert Neff, and laid out ideas for a transformed campus. “These are not dreams. Each of these achievements will be within our grasp in the not-too-distant future and I believe we will have the strength and the courage to reach out for them. We can go as far as we choose to go.”
By John Wall Photography: Jim Judkis
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(unless noted)
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Presidential Presence Juniata Evolves in the Tom Kepple Years (1998-2013)
It’s fitting Tom Kepple is pictured here overlooking Founders Hall, Juniata’s original building, from a perch atop the William J. von Liebig Center for Science, which now acts as a beacon for science students, faculty and coffee drinkers, and as an anchor for the cluster of classroom buildings in the center of campus.
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Presidential Presence
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As it turns out it was an epic journey. Unlike other, more celebrated odysseys, the action wasn’t focused just on the guy lashed to the mast resisting the siren calls of naysayers and competitors. Instead it was a group effort gathered from every sector of the College. There were leadership teams, strategic plan committees, master plan groups—all of which made for a lot of meetings—that brought the campus together in a shared vision. The thing about shared visions is that, yes, many people take part in them. It’s not The Word delivered from on high from some guy (and so far it usually is a guy) more interested in building a track record for the next job than in truly creating a collaborative environment where 400 employees and, for the last few years, 1,600 students can help make policy for the future of the College. From the day he arrived on campus, Tom Kepple utilized Juniata’s greatest asset—an overarching sense of community—to help move Juniata toward its full potential. Although it’s an overused word, empowerment became the engine that moves the College from good to great, or great to greater. Over the years, students and personnel made themselves heard on decisions to move departments, offices, classes, class gifts—you name it—and the president has listened to the arguments. Sometimes the administration won, but many times they acquiesced. Remember the sale of Patrick Lodge, the idea to just save Founders tower and rebuild the rest? And Tom Kepple had to dial back on some cherished goals. Brumbaugh Academic Center has been renovated in stages rather than all at once, Good Hall still needs an elevator, Ellis Hall isn’t a modern student center and we still play in a just-adequate gym. But hey, you have to leave some dreams for the next generation, too. The entire administration found, as Provost Jim Lakso once said, “more ways to say yes.” Whether such Kepple-Lakso-Hille era breakthroughs were awardwinning programs such as Language in Motion, alumnibased volunteer programs and volunteer fundraising, groundbreaking academic courses or just letting students grow a garden or a professor plant a vineyard, every new step brought Juniata ever closer to national respect and recognition. “I think Tom sensed Juniata’s community when he and Pat—unbeknownst to anybody—visited campus on Parents Weekend right before he interviewed with our committee and learned how students, parents alumni and faculty viewed the College,” says Betty Ann Cherry, professor emerita of history and a member of the presidential search committee that hired Tom Kepple. “He learned very quickly the significance of the faculty-student relationship and encouraged it. Tom’s great gift was that he could express Juniata’s sense of community in a way that was immediately inclusive and understandable to any audience.” 32
The renovation of Founders Hall was a symbolic project that returned the beloved structure to its original purpose as a classroom building. Today, history and English classes crowd the halls and the glassed-in student lounges, while administrative offices keep the College humming and functioning efficiently.
“Tom’s great gift was that he could express Juniata’s sense of community in a way that was immediately inclusive and understandable to any audience.”—Betty Ann Cherry, professor emerita of history
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Presidential Presence
By suggesting that the von Liebig Center for Science be sited in the center of campus, President Kepple and the administration created a nexus of activity that acted not only as a magnet for talented science students, but also as a recruitment tool for faculty.
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A Campus Transformed The Juniata College seen by a visitor in 1998 is markedly different than the postcard vista seen these days. Back then, parking lots were unpaved, a city street split the center of campus and the classrooms, while adequate, were antiquated and sort of haphazardly placed within the College’s geography. If a 1998 traveler went out to the Raystown Field station, she would see a small farmhouse and outbuildings. Some campus improvements, like creating a central quadrangle by eliminating 18th Street, establishing Oller Center and renovating Carnegie Hall into the Juniata Museum of Art, were planned before Tom Kepple assumed the presidency. There also was an existing campus master plan that noted the need for a new science building, possibly a performing arts center and a desperate need to renovate Founders Hall. “The first thing I noticed on my visit to Juniata was that classroom buildings were missing from the center of campus,” Kepple recalls. “We needed to create a feel of a centralized campus where students felt at home.” So in 2000, he started a campus Strategic Plan that laid out priorities for construction, renovation and fundraising goals for the next five years. Surveys were sent, campus forums held, Trustees went on retreats and open meetings met. Shortly thereafter, in winter 2000, Juniata kicked off the Uncommon Outcomes campaign, an ambitious capital effort designed to remake Juniata and provide endowments for scholarships to give students access to a Juniata education. Unlike the fundraising efforts of almost all colleges, Juniata didn’t bring in a bunch of professionals sporting yellow ties, Blackberries and tans. Nope, they called in family. Led by Trustee Barry Halbritter ’65 and John Hille, 34
Across campus another revolutionary makeover was in progress. Former Juniata math professor John Dale ’54 had found success in the software industry and wanted to give a gift to his College to fund a program in Information Technology. At the time Internet successes like Netscape, Napster and AOL were going great guns and small companies called Google and Amazon.com were growing. Fueled by a $4.4 million gift from Dale and his wife, Irene ’58, in the 2000-2001 academic year, Juniata’s computer science department reorganized, adding three new faculty and asking three faculty to split time with the IT staff. Dale and Provost Jim Lakso realized that three academic departments would tend to interact more frequently with the new IT folks. Thus, over a period of time, the IT department and the business and communication faculty set up housekeeping in Dale Hall
in Brumbaugh Academic Center, a process that created some awardwinning outcomes such as the Innovations for Industry course (2001), the entrepreneurial sequence (2002) and finally Dale Hall, dedicated in 2006. Business also played a role in the transformation of the Huntingdon community and Juniata’s educational curriculum. Driven by President Kepple and John Hille, the College bought the former Alfarata Elementary School in 2002. Shortly thereafter, the College hired Michael Lehman ’94 to lead the Juniata Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Lehman broke new ground by incorporating the Juniata center with Huntingdon County business development resources and opening the Sill Business Incubator, turning the College into an economic engine for the region. Funded by $8 million through the Uncommon Outcomes campaign, 35
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then executive vice president for advancement and marketing, the College asked alumni to take the lead in raising $70 million. “Everything we’re doing is a foundation for tomorrow,” Hille told a Chronicle of Higher Education reporter. Utilizing a previous $18 million gift ($14 million for the building, $4 million for a professorship and student research program) from William J. von Liebig ’46, a medical equipment entrepreneur who started Meadox Corp., the Kepple Era really began with the campaign and the construction of the von Liebig Center for Science. Teams of alumni worked furiously to raise the capital for what would become Juniata’s $20 million flagship building. At the same time another community of students and current and retired faculty collaborated with architects to ensure the building fit Juniata’s unique style of science education.
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which included individual gifts from Bob ’59 and Eileen ’57 Sill and Carl Baxter, a Huntingdon business owner, the center made the College an active player in community outreach and regional development. At the same time, Lehman and Jim Donaldson ’67 collaborated to start an entrepreneurial sequence that generated such student businesses as an ice cream truck, a beef jerky business, furniture and appliance rental businesses and a few tech startups. JCEL, which is focusing less on regional development and more on student education in 2012, gave the College outreach into Huntingdon’s business community in ways that had not been pursued before. A bit further from campus, the College and President Kepple
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recognized that environmental science would be a highly soughtafter career and began a program to overhaul the Raystown Field Station, which had been housed in the small, rustic Grove Farm for several decades. President Kepple, grants expert Mike Keating and others pursued a variety of grants and also worked with Rep. Bud Shuster and his son and successor Bill Shuster, both representatives from
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Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District, to gather more than $2.6 million in federal funding to create a separate campus on the shores of Raystown Lake. An environmentally friendly main multipurpose building and gifts for two student lodges have provided the College with an unparalleled experience—the Semester at the Lake, which began in 2006. Students can spend an entire semester just footsteps from the natural world—perhaps one of the most distinctive educational opportunities in the nation. Roughly halfway through President Kepple’s term, the Uncommon Outcomes campaign came to an end, raising over $30 million more than its initial goal (final tally: $103.4 million), providing funding for the science center, JCEL,
postmodern architecture to stage classic, avant-garde and original plays. The infinitely adaptable space can host productions as simple as Our Town or as ambitious as building a swimming pool onstage for a play based on Roman myths. In addition, the refurbished auditorium and updated and expanded dressing rooms attract performers worthy of any stage for the Juniata Presents events. “There are 35 theatre POEs currently studying on campus with another big group coming in for the Class of 2017,” says Kate Clarke, assistant professor of theatre. “The lure of working in this great space has been a real selling point for recruiting talented students.” One of the hidden Juniata transformations and certainly the
scholarships and also the Marlene and Barry Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts. Combining the existing Rosenberger Auditorium with the Suzanne von Liebig Theatre, the new arts complex brought a second classroom building back to the heart of campus. In its fundraising stages, the von Liebig theatre was referred to as a “black box” theatre, but really that’s like calling the Golden Gate Bridge a “coastal roadway” or the Superdome an “athletic facility.” These days the theatre utilizes a dazzling
least glamorous concerned the $6 million effort to improve the College’s infrastructure. Since most of it took place underground and the College renovated a huge number of projects, let’s just say that Juniata rewired, re-piped, remapped and remade the campus heating, cooling, water, electricity and telecommunications, which saved the College about $400,000 per year in utility and other costs. The final jewel in the Juniata crown for a reimagined campus was the 2009 renovation of “The
“Everything we’re doing is a foundation for tomorrow.”—John Hille, executive VP of enrollment and retention
new north wing and glass lounge “tower” were added, the mission to bring academics back to the center of campus was complete. The English and history faculty returned to Founders’ upper floors and Juniata students flocked
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Building,” Juniata’s Founders Hall. For two decades the building hid in plain sight as the lower two floors were used for administrative duties, and the once vibrant upper rooms and offices were a distant memory. After an $8.4 million renovation project where the structure’s original tower and east-west wings were gutted and remade and a gleaming
The Raystown Field Station complex is dominated by Shuster Hall, named for former Rep. Bud Shuster, who was instrumental in getting federal and state funding to build the unique environmental science facility. In the years since it opened, Juniata has been able to implement a Semester at the Field Station program and a summer Wildlife Certification program.
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to Founders classrooms after decades of nonuse. In addition, the entire building was carefully renovated to become an environmentally friendly building. Using geothermal heating, recycled materials and modern insulating materials, the College was able to add yet another major office and classroom space without raising overhead costs. Did we mention the building was certified as a LEED Gold building? (That’s sort of like the Oscar for environmentally friendly buildings.) The construction of the North Portico, with a welcoming neoclassical entrance, completed the circle of studentcentered buildings. Juniata’s effort to make its community more diverse also gained altitude during the Kepple presidency. “When students look at us what do they see?” Kepple asked in 2002. “When they look at us do they see themselves?” He created the Juniata Diversity Task Force in 2000. At the time, Juniata had modest success recruiting students of color and international students and about half of the ALANA student population did not finish their education at Juniata. Based on recommendations from the diversity committee, President Kepple created the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2001 and in 2002 hired its current director Rosalie Rodriguez ’01. (See sidebar at right to get statistics on Juniata’s increasing diversity). Since the turn of the 21st century the campus has been slowly reshaped to resemble the rest of the world—certainly the most significant transformation of the Kepple presidency.
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We’re Nationwide When administrators, trustees and faculty from liberal arts colleges get together, they often talk about their institutions in terms like “hidden gem” and “vastly underrated.” Juniata was and still is referred to in those terms, but President Kepple did not believe in being content with a “little-known” reputation. Since 1998, Juniata has increasingly built a regional and national reputation. Of course some of the College’s increased visibility was not part of a marketing effort. After all, Bill Phillips ’70 won his Nobel Prize in physics long after he left campus and author Loren Pope included Juniata in his 1996 book Colleges That Change Lives without much lobbying from Juniata. However, President Kepple realized perception is reality and it’s always better to be perceived as an actual gem rather than a hidden one. Led by Kepple, Hille and members of the Juniata enrollment and marketing team, the College began a systematic campaign to raise the campus profile. The first target was the ratings polls. The U.S. News and World Report rankings are the Holy Grail for college presidents, whether they want to admit it or not, and Tom Kepple made no bones about wanting to rise in 38
Strength in Numbers A
decade ago, Rosalie Rodriguez ’01 was working as an enrollment counselor when she received a phone call from Tom Kepple. He asked her to put together a new initiative, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Although the new office started small, Juniata’s always unique approach to doing things has inspired others to follow similar paths. Indeed, Rodriguez or others have been asked to speak about the College’s diversity programs 28 times at such groups as The American Council on Education, the National Association of Multicultural Education, Pyramid healthcare, Hoss’s Corp., Temple University and many others. A few more numbers tell the story below:
$6,000
The initial budget for the office, taken from President Kepple’s discretionary budget.
$25,000
The current independent budget for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
19
The number of donors to provide $2,500 annually to fund diversity initiatives in academic departments.
17, 47, 43, 87
Since 2004, students who have gone through the Plexus program, a precollege retreat designed to help build a support system for underrepresented students, have become RAs (17 percent), returned to plexus as counselors or assistants (47 percent), studied abroad (43 percent) or held leadership positions in government or a club (87 percent).
55 to 72
In the first year of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2002, the retention rate for ALANA students was 55 percent. Today the retention rate has reached 72 percent.
10 es out ouse reach ys Unity H a w s. The d e u th b f e o O ne the tast gh u ro th is dinners to students any potluck m rs so on house sp the year. throughout annon ’09 stopher Sh ri h C : o ot h P
The number of internships created for ALANA students in the Plexus program.
One of the most succ essf ul diver Rodriguez sity project is PLE XU s S , a pre-co gives under llege “retre created by Rosalie represente at”-style p d students activities rog ram th during the a at week before chance to meet pee Photo cou rs Juniata cl rtesy Office asses begin and share of Diversity . and Inclu sion .
6
Number of years a Juniata student has presented research at the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Multicultural Education. They have presented every year since 2005.
18
The number of studentled multicultural clubs currently on campus, including Asian Sensations, the Muslim Students Club, African American Students Club and Hillel. There were six multicultural clubs in 2002.
2.2 to 5.6 percent
In 1999, the percentages for ALANA students (2.2 percent) and international students (5.6 percent).
22 percent
In 2012, the percentage of ALANA students (14 percent) and international students (8 percent) comprise 22 percent of the student population.
282
The percentage increase in the number of ALANA and international students in a decade.
7
Number of separate programs the Office of Diversity and Inclusion oversees.
30
The number of people who have earned a Peace Certificate.
227
The number of people from Juniata and the community enrolled in the Peace Certificate Program.
8
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2013 Fall-Winter
Number of international and domestic locations visited by the office’s Cultural Learning Tour: Guatemala, Ecuador, Northern Ireland, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Pine Ridge Reservation, S.D., Cherokee Reservation, N.C, and New Orleans, La.
the polls. In 2001 the College was ranked 114 in U.S. News, the first time the College made the top tier for Liberal Arts Colleges. At the same time, Provost Jim Lakso and Kris Clarkson, dean of students, were taking a look at ways to fine tune Juniata’s already impressive graduation rates and to better retention rates. Over time, the College steadily rose: 110th in 2005, 97th in 2007, 81st in 2011. Within a few years, other college ratings agencies were shooting Juniata up the charts. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance rated Juniata 63rd in its national ratings for “Best Value” colleges. Washington Monthly, which factors in service and other commitments into its rankings, rated Juniata 60th in its inaugural poll. Forbes.com rated Juniata 82nd in the nation out of more than 3,800 colleges and universities in 2010. We’re not even counting our ratings mentions in Elle and Cosmopolitan. But colleges cannot live on ratings alone. One of the ephemeral aspects of the U.S. News poll is its “reputational ratings.” Explained simply, this tries to measure how well known a specific college is among other presidents and executive officers. One way to get noticed is by receiving lots of grants and funding. In 2002, Juniata hired Michael Keating, director of corporate and foundation support, to help the College and faculty secure more grants and research funding. With faculty support, Juniata received grants from all sorts of prestigious agencies such as the Teagle Foundation (for volunteer cultivation and teaching assessment), the Kresge Foundation (for building the science center), the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation (for Language in Motion and a student lodge at Raystown), not to mention countless grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and many other scientific granting agencies. This summer, Juniata reeled in a game-changing $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to incorporate a genomics program into the College curriculum. “Over time people who work at colleges notice if a particular place keeps getting new grants, or builds a new building,” explains Kepple, who has served as an executive at two other colleges. “It’s like reading about a blockbuster trade on the sports pages. It’s a signal to others you’re improving and that the competition has to work harder to keep up.” Another signal to prospective students and particularly parents is inclusion in college guides. Juniata is in tons of them, but we are highlighted and celebrated in the most influential ones. For instance last year the College continued to be included in the new edition of Colleges that Change Lives. In 2009, Juniata was included in the Fiske Guide to Colleges and was listed in 2010 as, yes, an “overlooked gem” in a new book, Accepted, by former U.S. News journalist David Marcus. The College’s national recognition is not limited to just student issues. Juniata’s unique teaching and advising mission attracts professors who would like to focus on
Presidential Presence
more personalized instruction while maintaining an active career in research or scholarship. If top faculty seek out Juniata for its more “humane” approach to the “publish or perish” environment at many institutions, then Juniata’s inclusion in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For” survey becomes a critical element in how the College is perceived nationally. In the past five years, Juniata has been included every year in the influential poll and made the publication’s Honor Roll in every poll but one. Attention from the national media is not always welcome, but Juniata has so far succeeded in showcasing its distinctive take on higher education on successively bigger stages. Since 1998, the College has been featured at least a dozen times in the Chronicle of Higher Education on topics ranging from fundraising to chemist Richard Hark’s Chemistry of Art course to Office Hours, a video satire of academia. The New York Times has profiled biologist-cum-cartoonist Jay Hosler, Juniata’s short-lived bike share program, and Science in Motion. The College was even able to detail how it handles a multimillion-dollar estate gift thanks to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story that was sent around the world by the Associated Press. And there is scant space left to list some of the other media triumphs in CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times, Discover, EduTech, the Boston Globe and Newsweek. By themselves, these media mentions don’t push Juniata higher in the minds of presidents and prospectives, but the cumulative effect over a decade
pieces live on the Internet forever. Successful “pundits” include Andy Murray, historian Jim Tuten, politics faculty Jack Barlow, Emil Nagengast and Dennis Plane, chemist David Reingold, education professor Sarah DeHaas, business professor Randy Rosenberger and John Hille. Not to be outdone, students made their voices heard, particularly Ben Waxman ’08 who published about 15 opinion pieces in four years at the College. Politics students who attended the national conventions in 2008 and 2012 also published about a half-dozen op-eds, several of them in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. Marketing professors know it’s hard to prove what made a consumer buy a particular smart phone or automobile and the same holds true for Juniata’s long run of success in the media. Can we point to a student who enrolled because she read Tom Kepple’s essay on retiring faculty? No. But taken as a whole these opinions and news items keep Juniata in the conversation. Juniata has long been part of the conversation for internationalization in higher education. This time let’s start with the College’s more recent coups. President Kepple and other Juniatians this summer spent months traveling to China, Taiwan, Thailand and other Asian countries to establish exchange partnerships. In 2013 five Juniata professors and Kati Csoman, assistant dean of international programs, will make visits to establish exchange partnerships with universities in India. These visits followed on the heels of a renewed effort within the international office to create new exchange programs with partner campuses and encourage faculty to initiate
“It’s like reading about a blockbuster trade on the sports pages. It’s a signal to others you’re improving and that the competition has to work harder to keep up.”—Tom Kepple, president
Juniata
or so can certainly account for Juniata being included in the “doing it right” higher education conversation. Another communication avenue that Juniata rolled out during the Kepple years centered on strategic placement of opinion essays in newspapers and magazines. Here president Kepple led the way, primarily writing at the beginning of his time at Juniata about tuition costs in University Business magazine and the New York Daily News. Later, the president wrote on a variety of topics in such influential papers as the Post-Gazette, the Christian Science Monitor, the Harrisburg Patriot-News and Inside Higher Education. The College also encouraged faculty to sharpen their wit and wisdom to write on topics of interest. Although print readership of newspapers is waning, these opinion 40
the exchanges. Ten Juniatians visited all the College’s exchange sites in England, Ireland and Scotland this past summer. In 2012-2013, five faculty will set their sights on a visit to Australia and New Zealand. “Faculty-tofaculty contact is what makes this whole thing happen,” Cushman summarizes about the internationalization program. These are not relatively recent ideas. Indeed, Juniata’s commitment to international education well exceeds President Kepple’s tenure. With encouragement from Provost Jim Lakso and other members of the Juniata executive team, the College innovated its way to receiving the 2012 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization from NAFSA: National Association of International Educators.
The Suzanne von Liebig Theatre has revitalized Juniata’s Theatre program, which had been eliminated in the 1990s. The new postmodern theatre has students flocking to campus as theatre POEs. Right now there are 35 students majoring in theatre with a large recruiting class on the way.
Starting with a Lakso-led self-study project for the 2002 Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges evaluation, Juniata set goals designed not to be part of the conversation, but to direct the conversation. It’s clear from our recent success that in the international education community, everybody’s talking about us.
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2013 Fall-Winter
The College: ➤ Reached a freshman class recruitment goal of 10 percent international students in 2011-2012. ➤ Designed virtual exchanges with overseas campuses using Skype and other technologies. ➤ Created the Unity House and the College’s innovative “Host Family” programs. ➤ Encouraged faculty to take research sabbaticals and teaching exchanges with university partners abroad. ➤ Conceived the outreach program, Language in Motion, which brings international experience to local secondary schools. ➤ Started the 2009 Global Engagement Initiative, which brought about, among other things, an intercultural learning assessment committee, the Global Village Living and Learning Community. ➤ Began talks to start exchanges for graduate study in Germany, France and the United Kingdom. One agreement is in place with FHS Bocholt for a graduate business degree.
Dale Hall, which has been totally renovated to include offices for the business, communications, information technology and math departments, has created an atmosphere of collaboration with four departments with complementary missions in close proximity.
Juniata
Though these breakthroughs are often cited in Juniata’s success in internationalization, it’s also the little things that count. When international students get here as freshmen, they are assigned a roommate from the United States. In addition, there is an international contingent for Juniata’s innovative Inbound program, a pre-semester retreat that gathers students (international and domestic) of like interests—be it hiking to biking—to give incoming freshmen a ready-made group of friends before their first College class starts. A final critical thread in the international tapestry is an almost evangelical fervor for encouraging domestic students to study abroad. About 40 percent of the students who graduate from Juniata travel to foreign campuses for a semester, a full year or a summer program. One expansion that happened during the Kepple years is that in 1998, the opportunities available for overseas study were primarily European-centric. Today, the College has re-established ties with Indian universities and started programs in Africa (The Gambia and Morocco), Asia (China, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan), South America (Ecuador), Central America (Guatemala) and Australia. One student, Scott Kofmehl ’03, even studied abroad in Cuba. At Juniata, if you can dream big enough for international experience, the College will try to make it come true. Although the high quality of Juniata’s faculty has been a constant almost since the College opened its doors, the current faculty—and about 70 percent of the current faculty were hired during the Jim Lakso-Tom Kepple years—could conceivably qualify as Juniata’s Dream Team. 42
Presidential Presence
Rather than resting on laurels well earned, Founders Hall brings the humanities back to the center the College faculty, led by Jim Lakso, has reshaped of campus and the inviting classrooms have been a Juniata’s mission better serve current student needs. beacon for prospective history and English POEs. In the past, from roughly 1879 to 1990, teaching and The development of the Raystown Field Station service were the primary directives for the College’s and construction of Shuster Hall enabled the College’s professors. Certainly research and scholarship was environmental science department to expand its always encouraged, but professors did not face the same faculty, hiring experts in IT, wildlife and to markedly “publish or perish” pressures seen at larger universities. expand its curriculum, including the acclaimed At Juniata, great teachers were and are sought out Semester at the Lake and summer wildlife courses. and nurtured. Environmental science is one of the College’s most Inevitably, times change and as faculty turned over, popular POEs and continues to grow. recently minted assistant professors were arriving on The faculty also responds to shifting areas of campus with educations gleaned from research-centric interest without the help of a shiny new building. universities, seeking out Juniata’s teaching-first mantra. Juniata has long had professors of religion and by 2001, While those faculty had a strong desire to teach, they just one José Nieto, an acclaimed Cervantes scholar, also wanted to maintain their research activities. As remained. The College also had a program, funded Juniata transformed physically from 1998 to 2009, the by the J. Omar Good endowment, that funded guest new facilities, and just as importantly a sort of “silent professors of religion for an entire academic year. At change” in the faculty’s interest in cultivating research the same time, national studies by UCLA and the and scholarship, became beacons for emerging scholars Pugh Charitable trust revealed that more students seeking a fuller life beyond the laboratory or the were coming onto college campuses with an interest dusty archive. in taking courses on religion and This gradual and almost exploring issues of spirituality. unexplainable process might In 2002, Don Braxton, Good be best illuminated by putting Professor of Religion, was hired. things in a biblical perspective. A year or so, later, Jim Lakso So, in the beginning: The presented a plan to the Board College’s early excellence in of Trustees to adapt the Good science instruction in the 1920s, endowment to fund the expansion 1930s and 1940s begat students of the religion department. And named Bill von Liebig ’46 and lo, Bob Miller, a noted biblical Wilfred Norris ’54. Eventually scholar, was hired and Susan Prill, Wilfred Norris returns to a specialist in Eastern religions —Tom Kepple, president Juniata, which begat a student followed a year or so later. named Bill Phillips ’70. Bill The essential “Juniata-ness” von Liebig sells his medical of the campus has remained supply company in 1995 and remarkably intact with each Bill Phillips wins the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1997, passing decade, but the dramatic metamorphosis over which begat an increased notice of Juniata’s excellence the past 15 years has set the stage for the next phase in science. In 1998, von Liebig donates $14 million for of Juniata’s growth as the College focuses on growing a new science building and earmarks $4 million for its endowment, expanding its student body and the a student research program. In 2004, the von Liebig residence halls to house our students, and continuing Center for Science opens, which begat new faculty with to improve, refine, adapt and polish Juniata’s mission active research interests, which begat a professorship in of educating the “whole person” which although it was biomedical sciences, a new office for grants submissions written more than a century ago, perfectly defines the and eventually, a $1 million grant to start a cutting-edge liberal arts approach. genomics curriculum. “After fifteen years at Juniata, I realized I was Begot that? Similar psalms of success abound wrong that such a moment in time could be Juniata’s in theatre, where the construction of a dazzling new most exciting time,” President Kepple reflects. “Juniata theatre helped the department to expand its faculty is never static. We are always changing, striving to get and attract more than 30 students focused on the better at what we do. It is what attracted me to Juniata footlights. The renovation of Dale Hall has nurtured in the first place. It is what attracts our superb faculty cooperative programs in four separate departments, IT, to teach here and it is what brings our students here and math, communication and business. The renovation of drives them to excel. That’s the Juniata way.” >j<
“Juniata is never
static. We’re always changing, striving
to get better at what we do.”
2013 Fall-Winter
43
Juniata
Taking a stroll through the woodlands near their home, Tom and Pat Kepple get some exercise with Ben, the white dog, and Jerry, the black dog.
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Active Activist Pat Kepple’s Community Ties Go North
By Becky Weikert Bard ’02 Photography: Jim Judkis (unless noted)
Pat Kepple remembers when she and her husband, Tom Kepple, came to Huntingdon 14 years ago. “I have to admit when my husband talked about moving to central Pennsylvania, I wasn’t sure,” says Pat, joking that the couple had an arrangement they would never move above the Mason-Dixon Line. Not only have the Kepples now made Huntingdon their home, but they plan to stay in the town they have come to love when President Kepple retires in May 2013. 2013 Fall-Winter
45
Active Activist
“I love everything about Huntingdon,” she says.
Pat Kepple started working on campus as editor of the Juniata Press, but found more fulfillment in community and campus activities. She was the Juniata link for the Afghan Rug project, which sold hand-made rugs from Afghanistan to raise funds for student scholarships.
“The dinner-auction format doubled the annual revenues of Habitat, also doubling the number of families with whom Habitat could partner and provide housing.”
Juniata
—John Hille, executive VP of enrollment and retention
46
“I never in my wildest dreams thought I would retire here, but 14 years later, this is where my friends are.”
When the Kepples came to the College, Pat held many responsibilities on campus. She was manager of the Juniata College Press and served as editor and founder of The Juniata Lantern, a bi-monthly faculty/staff newsletter that is now an online publication compiled by the College’s human resource department. She also served as the managing editor of Juniata Voices, an annual compilation of lectures and creative works presented by Juniata faculty and distinguished visitors to campus. In addition, Pat served as past chair of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Presidential Spouses Task Force and was founding editor of CIC’s first presidential spouses’ handbook titled Presidential Spouse 101. Although the Juniata campus is close to her heart, an important part of Pat’s life in Huntingdon has been the community’s people and organizations with which she has worked. “She’s not allowed to go anywhere,” said Huntingdon County Humane Society director Kim Whittaker, with a smile. “She’s irreplaceable. She’s so committed to us and we are to her.” The Humane Society has been one of Pat’s “pet” projects since she came to the area. “Our first Christmas here, I decided to do a holiday coffee at our house for the faculty and staff and I asked people to bring shelter supplies or a monetary donation,” she recalls. “We ended up with $600 and three truckloads of items. It became an annual event for 12 years.” Pat then started talking to the folks at the shelter and was invited to join the board. “My first great love is the Humane Society,” she says, noting her love for animals goes back to the days when she grew up on a small farm. “We always had cats and dogs. They’re helpless and I think that’s why they speak to me so loudly.” As a member of the humane society’s public relations committee, Pat has been able to put her fundraising experience to work. “She has put together one of our biggest events to date, the Bark and Whine dinner,” said Whittaker. “The Bark and Whine was very, very successful,” Pat says. “It allowed us to add some kennels and a surgery suite. Every year we had a specific project in mind.” Whittaker noted Pat was also the brains behind a Fill Our Bowl campaign to keep the shelter’s doors open and an event called The Nonevent, where she sent invitations asking people to dress up and send a check to the shelter instead of actually attending a fundraiser. “She’s also an adopter,” said Whittaker. “Occasionally an animal speaks to you,” said Kepple. “I have two dogs, Ben and Jerry, my little treats.” The generosity local people show the shelter is one of the very things Pat loves about Huntingdon. “When I got here, I saw there was an opportunity to work with the shelter. I jumped right on it because people reach out when they know the shelter is in need,” she said. “Pat is one of the most enthusiastic volunteers with whom I’ve ever worked,” said humane society board member Jinny Cooper, who serves with Kepple as co-chair of the board’s public relations committee. “Her organizational skills are exceptional and she knows exactly what needs to be done and is able to recruit the best people for the task.”
Photos (left): Juniata file photo; (right) J.D. Cavrich
With Jerry the dog dutifully standing by, Pat talks with students on the opportunities to volunteer for the Humane Society and with other local organizations.
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2013 Fall-Winter
The Humane Society isn’t the only Huntingdon organization to benefit from Pat’s activism. Over the years, she has served as a member and past chair of the board of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and advisory board member of Home Nursing Agency and Kish Bank. She also served as a board member and chair of the fundraising committee for Huntingdon Area Habitat for Humanity and was a member of the Rotary Club of Huntingdon. “I had worked with Habitat when we lived in Sewanee, Tenn., so when I got to Huntingdon, I knew that was one group with which I wanted to get involved,” Pat explains. “Pat joined the Habitat board in her second year at Juniata and quickly focused on the weak fundraising of the organization,” recalled Juniata College executive vice president and Habitat past president John Hille. “Pat partnered with board member, Laurie McMinn ’80, to create the first fundraising event in the agency’s existence, a dinner with a few donated auction items.” The dinner was a modest success, but it proved the model could work. “Over the next four years, she led efforts to expand the dinner, increasing the number and value of items for bidding and the attendance,” Hille says. “The dinner-auction format doubled the annual revenues of Habitat, also doubling the number of families with whom Habitat could partner and provide housing.”
Pat Kepple has devoted much of her time over the past few years to volunteering with the Huntingdon County Humane Society. Here, with Ann Echols, associate professor of business, Pat preps Jerry for his duties before making a presentation on volunteerism.
Active Activist
“She’s not allowed to go anywhere. She’s irreplaceable. She’s so committed to us and we are to her.” —Kim Whittaker, Huntingdon County Humane Society director
As have so many others who work with Pat, Hille appreciates her enthusiasm. “Pat’s infectious flair attracted a group who helped stage the events and attracted ticket buyers who had no previous contact with Habitat,” he says. “This had an important side benefit of increasing the profile and prestige of the organization which encouraged others to take on leadership in the agency.” Although she later stepped down from the Habitat board, she responded when asked to help re-energize its fundraising several years ago. “Pat played a major role in our current event, ‘A Night at the Races,’” says Hille, noting the fundraiser models a mock horse race, with donors contributing in the name of a fictional sponsored horse to “win” the race. Habitat later honored Pat with its Golden Hammer Award and Rotary named her a Paul Harris Fellow in 2011 for her contributions to the Huntingdon community. “I was very surprised by both awards,” she says. “I don’t do these things to be recognized, but it’s certainly nice when people do.” Getting involved comes naturally to Kepple, noting her community involvement has served as an opportunity to meet people outside Juniata. She recalled attending a conference for college presidents and their wives, where she found the majority of presidents’ wives are only involved with the college. “I have to do what I love,” Pat says. And doing what she loves is one of the reasons she and Tom are looking forward to their retirement in Huntingdon. “The truth is we love it here so much, the people, the students, the alumni, the trustees,” said Kepple. “Juniata was the right decision, even if it was north of the Mason-Dixon Line.” >j<
Juniata
—Becky Weikert Bard is a 2002 graduate of Juniata College, having earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication. She is the managing editor of The Daily News, Huntingdon, and lives in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, with her husband, Jim, and their son, Russell.
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Pat and Tom Kepple pictured at home with their dogs. Those who have tried to get one dog to look at a camera and “smile,” should be suitably impressed with Pat’s ability to get both pooches to cooperate with the photographer.
2013 Fall-Winter
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A t C am pu sfe st
Candid Kepple A Presidency Pictured
Photo Illustration: Tara Black ’14
50
C am pa ign C ele br at ion
Juniata
O n th e A ir
S ur pr ise !
B lu es B r ot h er s
R iv er R iv al ry wi th S usLquemehonans U ni ver si ty P re si de nt J
ay
na
Kat rina Reli ef
T ha nk s B ud S hu st er !
At the Museum
G o E a gl es !
2013 Fall-Winter
51
Firs t Pit ch!
S er vi n g M a d r ig a l
Dan cing the Nig ht Aw ay
“S a n ta ba by ”
We’re Different We Don’t Care Who Knows It
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Juniata
In everyone’s life, there are certain rites of passage experienced in common: graduation from high school, buying a first car, going to college. Those students who chose Juniata as their college arrived expecting a common experience, but as they took a last look at the campus with a freshly minted diploma in hand, most realized that Juniata does college education differently. What makes Juniata different from the myriad colleges and universities offering math, science, history and English? Allow us to go directly to the source.
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Much like these students taking in a sunset at the Peace Chapel, all Juniata students see the light on how the College differs from other institutions—like having a Peace Chapel, for instance, or more tellingly, enrolling students who are excited about trekking up a hill at dusk to honor the day.
you’re not a number at Juniata. You’re a person, an individual with a voice and a purpose that is recognized and heard by your fellow classmates, professors, coaches, advisers, and members of the college community. You are immediately integrated into the community because your personal success and development matters, not because Juniata as an institution wants to meet a quota, but because each student is a contributor to society and the world. Juniata helps us become the best form of ourselves that we can possibly become, and continue to strive for and work toward improvement within ourselves, the surrounding community, and the world. My experiences at Juniata have instilled in me a constant drive to want to become the best version of me—as a daughter, wife, mother, stepmother, employee, colleague and citizen of the world.
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2013 Fall-Winter
—Stephanie (Shaver) Brett ’05, Johnstown, Pa.
Photo: Ian Bradshaw
As a student,
We’re Different
Juniata is part
of the Huntingdon Community—the faculty and staff are involved in the community and the community cares about the College. In addition, walking across campus, students, staff and faculty greet one another even if they don’t know each other by name—there is a sense of community on the campus. I appreciate the fact that we don’t just work “within” our departments, but we are encouraged to work with people in other departments. —Kathy Jones, associate professor of education
A culture of student research.
Juniata
Photos: Jason Jones
—Vince Buonaccorsi, associate professor of biology
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I love
that while Juniata helps the student to become independent, it always considers the student’s family as part of the equation. From fun family events encouraging visits, to always open doors at the friendly financial aid office, getting to know the professors and staff on a personal basis, to getting letters from the dean to acknowledge your child’s progress. It is a family experience the whole time the student is at Juniata, not just when being recruited or at graduation or when tuition is due. —Cyndy Engle, parent of Elysabeth Engle ’12
It’s really
about the students. They are a terrific lot—bright, hard-working, engaged. They look out for and support one another—they define the community—and help keep the rest of us young along the way. —Kris Clarkson, dean of students 2013 Fall-Winter
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I find
the people at Juniata to be open-minded, engaged and encouraging of autonomy, while at the same time emphasizing the harmony of community and working together to achieve more than we could separately. I do not know of any teacher or staff member here who does not really care about his or her students. That is cool! —Ann Echols, assistant professor of business
The fact
that Juniata is innovative and constantly evolving. Some of the systems and programs that were available at Juniata, when I was a student almost five years ago, are just now being developed at other schools. From academic excellence to education technology to just overall customer service Juniata is by far the best. I have worked at two different universities and attended another for grad school and when I look at the overall student experience, I think that Juniata provides the most well-rounded, enriching experience.
Juniata
—Tasia White ’08, Potsdam, N.Y.
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We’re Different
The measure
of the entropy at Juniata (randomness or unpredictability) is zero and a value that you would not find at any other institution of higher learning. There IS NO unpredictability for those of us that went there. We all landed in a little town in Central Pennsylvania and we connected, we learned, we loved, and we succeeded.
People actually
work together in a truly collaborative sense to accomplish goals, especially here in the biology department. This is very refreshing, especially as a new faculty member. I feel completely embraced and supported and I don’t need to “look over my shoulder.” At other institutions I have attended and worked at people seem to be under some sort of extreme pressure, which tends to breed unhealthy competition. Here at Juniata, my students and I are able to carry out novel research because the institution and faculty are truly behind us and rooting for our success.
—Claire Wakefield ’09, Clayton, N.Y.
Juniata
—where you can change your major THREE times, add a minor, study abroad a semester, take random fun classes AND still graduate in four years. —Ariel Lawver ’13, Baltimore, Md.
—Gina Lamendella, assistant professor of biology
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Photos (left): David Lamberson ’12, (right) Juniata File Photo
—Alice (Bricker) Justice ’82, Selinsgrove, Pa.
When I was
sorting through college marketing materials in high school, I came across a postcard with a picture of the Peace Chapel that said “Think.” I was really intrigued, did some more research, and decided to visit Juniata to see what it was all about. The POE program appealed to my undecided, 18-year-old self. I think Juniata stood out from the other schools by being real, not stuffy.
It is the
staff, not only the professors, but everyone there. It is true what (Loren) Pope said in his book, Juniata truly does change people’s lives. My son, Dominic Bornman ’12, began at Juniata as a shy freshman with a big dream to play college football and major in information technology. He is leaving Juniata as one of the leading wide receivers in the Centennial Conference, with a major in IT/digital media and he is now an accomplished potter. Who knew he was an artist? No one—until he went to Juniata. The professors and all of the staff brought out the absolute best in him. He not only knows his professors by their first names, but he also knows the woman who punches the meal tickets at the cafeteria. She comes to the football games and says hi to all the players and students by name. Last year, he broke his leg in a football game and the coaches and trainers could not have been more dedicated to his recovery. He lives in the basement of his football coach’s house—the Gibboney family is his family away from home. His digital media professor hired him for the summer and has offered to drive Dominic to Pittsburgh and introduce him to employers that he has connections with out there. In the end, Juniata has been the perfect match for Dominic. Dominic, now has the kind of confidence, the swagger, you need to succeed in the world. I have no doubt he will. Juniata changed his life.
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—Michele Bornman, parent of Dominic Bornman ’13
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We’re Different
Now that
I am months away from graduating from medical school, my biggest regret is not doing more, and benefiting from the support that is constantly present at Juniata. I feel like Juniata is such a special place because you were encouraged to do whatever it was that interested you. If you were an athlete that wanted to take a theatre class...go for it! If you were a science major that wanted to do photography...even better! Study abroad as a pre-med... ENCOURAGED! Literally, the sky was the limit. My professors never laughed at me when I talked about my dreams and goals. It was an environment of pure support and self-discovery. I cherish my college memories and miss Juniata on a daily basis. The friends I have kept and professors I continue to keep in touch with are a constant reminder of the caliber of college I attended and how lucky I was to have experienced this place in my lifetime. Consider yourselves lucky, current and future Juniatians. Dream big! —Alicia Shields ’09, Danville, Pa.
The people are nice. Photos (left): Jason Jones; (top) Juniata Photo File; (right) Ian Bradshaw
—Peter Goldstein, Benedict Professor of English
Coming from a big city
in Morocco, I cried on my first night in Huntingdon. I felt suffocated and so confined in that little campus of Juniata. Soon, that feeling gradually faded with the warm welcoming of the staff at the International Office and the constant support I received from my professors and friends. That’s what makes Juniata unique: it’s the people. Juniata is a family, a big and international one. Sometimes, it can be challenging and very demanding, but it’s all targeted towards intellectual and personal growth. The only complaint I have about Juniata is that it offered me the best of everything and sometimes too much that now I get frustrated and disappointed anywhere else I go to because they simply can never equate to Juniata. —Zineb Gormat Ouardi (Morocco) ’06, Fez, Morocco
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Photography: Jim Judkis
(unless noted)
A Presidency EDITOR’S NOTE:
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Juniata has had only 11 presidents, and all of them were in their own way builders. Builders of curriculum, builders of relationships, builders of dreams. As you will read in Kris Clarkson’s Endpaper, Tom Kepple is a builder of buildings. But such a 60
T o m K e p p l e’s L e g a c y
Considered
Although Tom Kepple is elevated in this photo, his on-campus persona is decidedly more down to earth. Read further as students, faculty, staff and administrators celebrate the president.
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simple characterization does not define the man or the 15 years of his work at Juniata. In large part, a president is defined by how others see him, and thus we will look to others to illuminate Tom Kepple’s years here.
He completely redefined athletics by leading us out of the MAC and into the Centennial and Landmark Conferences. The Landmark Conference
Photo: J.D. Cavrich
as it is currently defined is largely a result of his vision, energy, and effort. Both leagues have strengthened our reputation as a college and an athletic department committed to excellence in the classroom and in the competitive arena. The move has broadened our footprint and expanded our recruiting grounds, which has and will continue to benefit all of our athletic programs. Beyond that, Tom and Pat have been without question our biggest fans for the past 15 years. Tom truly cared about the success of all our student-athletes, all our coaches, and all our programs. You will not find a president anywhere who has been to as many competitions, understands what he is watching, and is as invested in the outcomes.
Invested is probably the best word to describe what he brought to Juniata and our athletic programs. He is and has always given all of us the
feeling that he is in it with us, he is invested, he cares.
Courtesy Pittsburgh Post Gazette
—Greg Curley, head coach, men’s basketball and athletic director
President Kepple has led Juniata into the 21st century—literally and figuratively— while maintaining the fundamental values of our community. For me, Juniata is all about the personal touch and focus on building a strong community. Now, as I get ready to come back to Juniata for my 10-year reunion, the values, the character, the traditions, they all remain strong, yet Juniata also reflects the changes and advances of a thoughtful leader. President Kepple has a personal touch and invests in relationships, the hallmark of Juniata. It’s not every college president who welcomes personal email messages, replies immediately, and goes the extra mile for you. On numerous occasions, I have given President Kepple a heads-up that a colleague or friend’s child is visiting Juniata. Invariably, I would always get an email or call from the colleague or friend after the visit, saying something to the effect of, “Wow, what a great place; such a personal touch, including the president coming over to personally welcome us!” That’s Juniata, and that’s President Kepple.
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—Scott Kofmehl ’03, U.S. Foreign Service officer based in Pakistan
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I still remember as I was looking for colleges, what attracted me to Juniata was its sense of community on campus, besides its academics. Tom Kepple’s approachable persona has created that sense of community. One of the subtle things about President Kepple is that he goes out and tries to talk to every student on campus, whether that’s during Friday night events, during lunch at Baker or on the quad while he is on his way to a meeting. I remember during freshmen orientation, I talked to him for about five minutes or so, and at that point I was taken aback by the fact that I had the opportunity to talk to the President. His
vision and leadership, along with his willingness to listen to us and act on concerns of the student body, is what defines Juniata today.
—Jigar Patel ’08, instructional media and communications specialist, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit
One of the stories that will be retold over the years is that during his frequent walks on campus Tom would take the time to pick up trash that he saw in flower beds, on the walks or in the quad. Without breaking stride or disrupting a conversation he would see the trash, pick it up and dispose of it. It sounds like a little thing, but it is the great example of leadership by example, and showed both his desire to keep the campus beautiful and his willingness to be active in making that happen. It also demonstrated for all of us that he and his office are not above the campus, but part of the campus. He is not above doing everything and anything necessary for our success, including picking up the trash.
Photo: J.D. Cavrich
Photo: Candice Hersh
Presidency Considered
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—Rob Yelnosky ’85, vice president, finance and operations
To relax, Tom likes to paint. Not walls, but artworks. He took lots of art courses in college but did not major or minor in art. His medium is oils.
At Westminster College, Tom was captain of the swim team.
Shortly after establishing a leash law on the University of the South campus,
One of his little-known nicknames (aside from Juniata’s favorite moniker “T-Kep”) Tom was known as “Curb Kepple” at the University of the South because of the number of new curbs he added to the campus. T-shirts were sold in his honor stating, “Curb Kepple. Paving the Earth.”
Tom has
26 first cousins.
the only dog that continually ended up in the slammer was Jack, Tom’s black
According to his wife, Pat, Tom makes the best spaghetti this side of Tuscany.
lab mix, who learned how to climb fences.
Tom’s first car was a 1958 Olds Rocket 88 that he
took to college. It was pink and it was named Heather.
Tom flunked his first driver’s test.
Kepple Arcana
Some things you may not know about Juniata’s retiring president.
Juniata
Tom started working at his dad’s gas station at age 12 to save money for college. 64
As team manager and fourth-string catcher, Tom played on his high school team with star pitcher Bob Moose. Moose went on to play for Pittsburgh Pirates and pitched a no-hitter in 1969 and pitched in the World Series in 1971.
Tom knows two things that have been wonderful for Juniata: how higher education works and how an organization works. I have been impressed with Tom’s continuing understanding of the dollars and cents of running an educational institution. More than anyone, he understands that unless we not only survive, but prosper, we cannot teach. He has been
Photo: J.D. Cavrich
Juniata Photo File
Presidency Considered
instrumental in bringing resources to the College so that we can thrive. He seems to always
be thinking about how to advance the College; so much so that he does little casually. He has sought out and succeeded in bringing to the College good ideas and beneficial initiatives. Tom has the courage to make decisions. We are a different campus now because Tom was here. We are much more diversified—to the benefit of all. The campus looks great. One of the first things Tom did was to replace the moonscape light posts that lit our campus at night. While popular, they looked like the inventions of very old aliens. That single change was a harbinger of improvements to come and the beginning of a transformation of the campus. Today Juniata looks like a place where you want to be. —Pat Weaver, Dana Professor of Accounting
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When I was on campus for my interview in January of 2000, I was introduced to Tom Kepple and I said; “Mr. Kepple, I really like your College.” His immediate response was something like, “If you like it now,
you’ll love what we have in store for the future.”
That conversation occurred before the science center, before the new theatre, before the dorms at the Field Station, before the Founders renovation, before the BAC renovation, before the turf at Knox. I tell people that Tom is not happy unless there is a hole in the ground somewhere on campus. The change to the physical appearance of campus is amazing. He should be given a “hard hat” as a retirement gift. He built it and they showed up. —Scott McKenzie, soccer coordinator, assistant athletic director
o: i de ell” he v Farew a t e , g Se xtr n e o / L u “So ata.ed i jun
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Alumni Feature
Getting a China Hand Juniatian Finds Purpose in International Work By John Wall
Never underestimate the power of a casual conversation with a passionate professor.
t worked on in China . Mat ow sh r ons, ca a at e Public Relati h a hostess orking at Prim w Matt poses wit le s, hi w nu ts um un al niata ive acco employed a Ju some automot ng agency that ti ke ar m se ne a Chi t ’93. Richard Stewar
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Matt Tundel ’1 1 didn’t spend all his time in networking an China d establishing business contac he joins a cam ts . Here el caravan for a day trip.
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When Matt Tundel, a 2011 graduate, came to Juniata as a basketball athlete, he wasn’t focused on a career, other than a notion of becoming a basketball coach after graduation. Enter Song Gao, then a new assistant professor of business at Juniata and now a business consultant in China. Song was teaching an introductory economics course that Matt had enrolled in, and the young student stopped by to talk. “We ended up talking about once or twice a week and Professor Gao would really talk about all the opportunities in China for students,” Tundel recalls. “Song told me ‘You should get a visa, pack up and see the opportunities,’ so I did.”
Tundel signed up in the summer of 2009 for a two-week summer course led by Song Gao. Over the course of several weeks, the contingent visited, in addition to tourist spots like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, many businesses based in China. Soon, Tundell’s thoughts of a basketball career faded into the distant past and he began thinking of pursuing a career in Asia. “Walking with Song and interacting with the Chinese students, it felt like China was very similar to the U.S. In the cities there’s not a huge cultural difference,” he says. Although Tundel hadn’t been out of the country before going on the first trip to China, it soon became evident that it was going to be easy to get him to return. In the summer of 2010, he spent time at an internship with Prime Public Relations, based in Beijing. One of the executives at the agency, Richard Stewart, is a 1993 Juniata graduate. Tundel spent the summer working at car shows, one of the agency’s main areas of business, and by the time summer drew to a close he knew China was in his future. He decided to study abroad at Dalian Finance and Economic University in Dalian, China (located on a peninsula of land roughly between Beijing and North Korea). Once he graduated, he decided to head for China again. Song was all for it. Matt’s mother less so. “She actually made me do a Powerpoint presentation to convince her to let me go,” laughs Tundel. “I think the convincing slide was one where I quoted Song in saying that students can earn $20 to $40 an hour to teach English.” So, Matt took the fast route to China, teaching English part time and enrolling in language classes at the University of Electronic Science and Technology in Chengdu, China. This September he starts a two-year program to earn a master’s degree in management services and finance. He also continues to teach English and has occasionally helped Ran Tu, a 2006 Juniata graduate currently working to help recruit prospective Chinese students for Juniata, with recruitment efforts in Chengdu. “I feel I owe my life today to Juniata,” he says. “I’d like to spread the word about the College in China.” Whatever the future holds, it’s a safe bet it will be happening in China. “Eventually I’d like to work for a multinational firm in the United States and traveling to China,” he says. >j<
…art muse
ums…
…and cultural archit
ecture .
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Photos: curtesy of Matt Tundel
been a China has Working in venture for Matt ad continuing e to Juniata , who cam 1 ’1 el d n u T an d ball player as a basket e as a budding lleg left the Co tly in He is curren e e. il h p o Sin th t a m a progr a graduate Science ic n ro ct le of E gdu , university en h ology in C e and Techn m ti is h s spend … China and ts ut local sigh checking o
Faculty Feature
Summing Up Random Chances Add Up to Prime Career By John Wall
Jerry Kruse’s career as a mathematician did not start auspiciously. In fact, his own recollection is that his first math grade nearly scored in negative numbers.
Juniata
“My earliest math memory is challenging my best friend to see who could finish our math homework and I still remember getting 10 of the 11 problems wrong.” Clearly, not a great start, but, as is fitting for a guy whose high school team name is The Pretzels (Freeport High school in Illinois), Kruse’s career took abrupt turns and folds that eventually resulted in the career he loves. Although parents and grandparents in the extended Kruse family were 68
educators, the young mathematician wasn’t particularly interested in teaching. He also wasn’t deeply interested in math until he took a high school course called Digital Logic. In that class he was allowed to build circuit boards, solder connections and wrote his first computer program on a Radio Shack TRS-80 (called a “Trash 80” by early computer mavens). If asked, Kruse says there are natural mathematicians and people who are persistent at working the numbers, so to speak. Placing himself squarely in the latter category, the 1981 high school graduate decided to take computer science at the University of Illinois, inspired by the fact that HAL, the evil
computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey, was designed there (according to the screenplay). “At the time if you liked math you were going to go into computer science,” Kruse explains. “It was pretty brutal. My first computer class had about 450 students in it and by the end there were 250 left.” He worked hard at the mathematics of computers, recalling he wasn’t naturally gifted but was persistent in his pursuit of understanding. In the early 1980s, personal computers, laptops, the Internet and cellphones were part of a distant future. The career path for computer jocks was to hire into a Fortune 500 company and work there the rest of your career.
Photos: (left to right) Jason Jones; J.D. Cavrich
DEC, the personal computer revolution was in full swing and DEC was in turmoil. It was bought out by Compaq and then Hewlett-Packard. “Meanwhile I’m emailing John (Bukowski) three times a day telling him about all these buyouts and invites me to Juniata to give a talk,” Kruse says. A few months later, Kruse arrived on campus to deliver “How to Write a Fast Matrix-Matrix Multiply Routine” (“I spent a month preparing it”). At a dinner after his talk, Sue Esch ’68, then the chair of the math department, asked him if he had thought about teaching. “I flew back and told Lisa ‘I think they want me to work there.’” In 1999, a job opened up and Kruse applied for it. “I wasn’t the first choice. I had no teaching experience but they must have thought I was good raw material,” he recalls. Kruse credits his new colleagues with helping him hone his teaching by sharing course materials and encouraging him with feedback. “Sue Esch always went out of her way to share good things she had heard,” Kruse says, smiling. “That gave me a lot of confidence to continue on.” Over time and through dogged work, and yes, persistence, Kruse feels he has made himself into a good teacher. Certainly his self-assessment is shared
by his colleagues since he is currently the director of the College’s James Lakso Center for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. “I guess I’m an adrenaline junkie, I love the rush of being in front of a class,” he says. He also hasn’t lost his diligent nature. He meticulously prepares each class. “Every problem I assign I do myself to make sure I understand it,” she says. His work ethic and love for teaching worked to build momentum for other opportunities. He spent a semester abroad teaching in Germany, which led to his service on the committee for international education, which led to his involvement in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. This year, he was asked to serve on the presidential search committee. Not bad for someone who added up the numbers early in his college career and decided he was going to work at DuPont the rest of his life. “Make sure you find something you love to do, but you might not find it the first time out or the second,” Kruse says of his career path. “I’m here every day working hard to get better and by that you build momentum. Be open to trying new things. I didn’t have a master plan but it seems now that I was in the right place at the right time.” >j<
The Kruse fam ily takes time to play a boar Olivia , age 15 d game from le , Lisa and Pete ft , Isabel , age r, age 13 . 10, Jerry,
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So, statistically, Kruse’s working career started in the upper 10 percent, as he accepted a job in 1985 with DuPont Inc., as part of the company’s field program. He worked in a variety of different divisions, finally settling in as a data center manager in Memphis, Tenn. Along with experience. Kruse was experiencing what he calls, “life as a yuppie.” He was playing in every kind of sports league, part of a cooking club (where he perfected an ice cream dessert he still makes today). Then reality appeared. The death of first his father, then his grandfather within the same year, nudged him to reassess his goals. He decided to enter grad school. He remembered he loved a course at Illinois called Numerical Analysis (basically a course on how to make computers do math), and called the professor who taught him. “I was one of 200 in the class, he didn’t remember me, but he said ‘Brown (University) has a good numerical analysis program’ and I applied there— it was my only application.” In his first days as a master’s student he met another graduate student, an applied mathematician named John Bukowski who would find his first job at a liberal arts college in Huntingdon, Pa. The two hit it off when they lived in the same graduate dorm and later they shared an apartment with two other math graduate students. Presumably there were no arguments about who owed what in shared expenses. By his fourth year at Brown in the early 1990s, Kruse had met and married his wife, Lisa, and spent the fifth and sixth year of his graduate work working on his doctoral thesis. He had taught a few courses in graduate school, but he felt no siren call to don academic robes and return to the classroom. Instead, he accepted a job at Digital Equipment Corporation, one of the most successful of the early computer companies. The company specialized in “mini” computers that could perform a variety of computer functions without taking up the space or investment that a mainframe computer would use. Unfortunately, at the time Kruse came to
Faculty Notes
Bethany Benson, assistant professor of art, exhibited her work at the Juniata Museum of Art in the show “Intimate Interactions.” Don Braxton, J. Omar Good Professor of Religion, published “Computing Religion” in Theory and Method in Religion. Vince Buonaccorsi, associate professor of biology, published an article on North Pacific rockfishes with student co-author Brittany Raybuck ’11 in the journal Conservation Genetics Resources. Celia Cook Huffman, Burkholder Professor of Conflict Resolution, was invited to present at the conference, Global Governance and the Future of Strategic Peacebuilding: A Conference in Honor of Robert C. Johansen, at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame in April 2012. She spoke on “How Can Conflict Transformation be Employed More Effectively in Peacebuilding and Global Governance?” Amy Frazier-Yoder, associate professor of Spanish, published “The ‘Incessant Return’ of the Minotaur: Jorge Luis Borges’s ‘La casa de Asterión’ and Julio Cortázar’s Los reyes” in the journal Variaciones Borges. Fay Glosenger, Dilling Professor of Early Childhood Education, presented “A Tapestry of Children: A Cross Cultural Look at Early Childhood Education” at Queen Margaret University in Musselburgh, Scotland. She also made a presentation at University of York St. John in York, England in October 2012. Glosenger is a visiting scholar in residence at Aberlady Primary School in Aberlady, Scotland. Leah Hamilton, assistant professor of sociology, published (with co-authors) “It’s All About Security to Me: The Role of Environment in Youth Financial Literacy and Savings Behaviors” in the journal SAGE Open, and “Preparing Children for Success: Parents’ Perspectives on Promoting Savings and Education” in the Journal of Family Issues. John Hille, executive vice president for enrollment and retention, received, with his wife, Tan, the ChurchCollege Service Award at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo. in July 2012.
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Jay Hosler, professor of biology, was chosen to participate in the 2012 Research Residency of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM)/National Science Foundation Biology Scholars Program.
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David Hsiung, Knox Professor of History, was co-editor, and co-writer of the introductory essay for a special issue on environmental histories of the Mid-Atlantic of the journal Pennsylvania History: a Journal of MidAtlantic Studies, Autumn 2012. Thomas Kepple, president of Juniata, delivered the keynote address, “Facing the Future: Issues of Private College Affordability and Viability” at the 2012 Council of Independent Colleges State Funds Annual Conference in April in Chicago. Kepple also served on a Presidential Panel at the awards ceremony for the 2012 Senator Paul Simon Awards for Campus Internationalization, sponsored by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Kepple served on the panel with four other college and university presidents whose institutions received the award. Gretchen Ketner, ESL instructor, presented a seminar, “Coming Full Circle: Using Literature Circles in the Language Classroom” in three cities in Ukraine in October. Ketner took a leave of absence to serve on the faculty of LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania. James Latten, associate professor of music, presented a paper on teaching wind instrumentalists at the Athens Institute for Education and Research conference, held in Athens, Greece in June 2012. Latten also served as guest conductor for the Mission Peak Brass Band and Ohlone Community Band, in San Jose, Calif. Monika Malewska, associate professor of art, exhibited her work in the shows, “Wildlife in the PostNatural Age” at the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. and in “Beauty… it’s Not Pretty” at the Grand Theater Center for the Arts, in Tracy, Calif.
When we ask, So What—we’re not being rude. It started when we asked the faculty to explain a little more about the work they do in research, developing courses, consulting, and the like. We wanted the info behind the paper title, the story behind the curricular change, the life and the thinking that make Juniata profs as interesting as they are. —Read on
Academic Perspectives on the Election. Rodriguez appeared on a segment on income inequality. She also published (with co-authors) an article “(Em-)powering Community Psychology Through an Examination of Social Power” in the Journal of Community Psychology. Karen Rosell, professor of art, was named as one of four external reviewers for the Ursinus College Department of Art and Art History in November 2012. Randy Rosenberger, Swigart Professor of Management, published an opinion essay in the Huffington Post online magazine proposing that all people take a sabbatical every 10 years to return to school.
Mark McKellop, associate professor of psychology, and Kathy Westcott, associate professor of psychology and assistant provost, presented “Student Engagement and Exam Performance as a Function of Instructional Methods” at a meeting of the American Psychological Association in Orlando, Fla. in August 2012. Nicholas Talisman ’12 also took part in the presentation.
Kim Roth, associate professor of math, was invited to present two workshops, “Using Good Clicker Questions in Calculus.” for a NExT) held before Mathfest, the national meeting of the Mathematical Association of America in August. She also published “Assessing Clicker Examples Versus Board Examples in Calculus” in the journal Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies.
Michael Pennington, assistant director of career services, was selected by the Altoona Mirror for its 20 Under 40 feature of people under 40 who have contributed to the betterment of Blair County and central Pennsylvania.
Jim Tuten, associate professor of history, wrote the chapter “Hilton Head” for American Tourism: Constructing a National Tradition, published by the Center for American Places at Columbia College in Chicago, Ill.
Rosalie Rodriguez, special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion, appeared on a talk-show panel on Pennsylvania Cable Network for the show
Nathan Wagoner, director of new media communication, completed a feature-length film, Contact Improvisation at 36, that is now marketed on the Contact Quarterly website. The film documents the
2008 Contact Improvisation conference at Juniata. Eight digital media students worked on the film over several years. Polly Walker, assistant professor of peace and conflict studies, presented “Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Change” at Peace and Justice Studies Conference: Anticipating Climate Disruption: Sustaining Justice, Greening Peace, at Tufts University, in Medford, Mass in October 2012. She also was invited to speak on “En-acting Narratives: Transformative Performance in the Aftermath of Violence ” at a conference,
Engaging the Other: Breaking Intergenerational Cycles of Repetition at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Walker also published chapters in the publications Being and Becoming Indigenous Social Researchers and Learning and Mobilising for Community Development: A Radical Tradition of Community-Based Education and Training. David Witkovsky, chaplain, was elected to the executive committee of the National Association of College and University Chaplains. He also was elected as vice chair of the board of trustees of Bethany Theological
Seminary. Witkovsky and Lauren Seganos ’12 and Lindsay Monihen, both campus ministry assistants, presented a workshop, “Youth and Young Adult Ministry in a Changing World,” at a meeting in Easton, Md. in October. Sarah Worley ’00, assistant professor of communication, and Abbey Baird ’09, director of community service and service learning,were awarded a $1,000 American Association of Colleges and Universities Bringing Theory to Practice grant.
Jack Barlow, Dana professor of politics, edited To Secure the Blessings of Liberty: Selected Writings
of Gouverneur Morris, published by the Liberty Fund. Barlow wrote the introduction and the headnotes for each chapter. Many of the writings of Morris, a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and one of the main authors of the United States Constitution, contained in this new volume have never been published before.
So What?
Q: How did this book project come about? A: I was writing an article on Cicero on property rights and I found a book on property rights that included a chapter on Morris. All the citations from Morris were from manuscripts and I looked to see if there was a published version of his papers. There wasn’t, so I pitched the idea to Liberty Press and they said yes. Q: How long did the process take from start to finish? A: The whole project took 10 years from conception to publication. In 2007-2008 I took a sabbatical to do the research at Princeton, and from October 2007 through to 2008 I worked on it full time. I think since 2009 my work has been done except for proofreading. Q: Since the papers of Gouverneur Morris was unlikely to be a best seller, did the press pay you? A: They did pay me to do it, probably more than I ever would have made through royalties. Q: What’s the most annoying question you get about Gouverneur Morris? A: How to pronounce his name is number one. Number two is “What was he governor of?”
Course from Realism to Abstraction, with Christiane H. Citron, in conjunction with the debut of a Juniata College Museum of Art exhibition on Minna Citron in September. The 64-page book gives a fascinating overview of a little-known feminist artist’s work.
So What?
Q: Does every art exhibit ask for a publication essay published in book form? A: It depends on the exhibition and the institution. Some major art exhibits use the exhibition as an opportunity to publish a book on the artist or the show and my exhibition book is meant to be used as a guide to Minna Citron’s work that can travel with the exhibition to the other museums who are showing the exhibition. Q: Did your doctoral thesis provide most of the research in this book or did you do additional research? A: Some of both. My doctorate focused only on her Social Realism work in the 1930s and this exhibit goes beyond that and follows her shift to abstraction into the 1960s and ’80s. Q: What was the most interesting thing you found in your research into her later years? A: Her work into the 1980s was even more interesting because she returned to materials and ideas she was using in her earlier work. She wasn’t copying her own work. The later art was informed by the earlier pieces. Q: You’re going on sabbatical soon, what’s your next project? A: I’m on a collaborative project with Richard Hark (professor of chemistry) to analyze the art museum’s collection of portrait miniatures.
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Photos: (top to bottom) J.D. Cavrich; Jason Jones
Jennifer Streb, associate professor of art, published with Juniata Press Minna Citron: The Uncharted
1937
1952
celebrated her 100th birthday in July 2012. She was a school teacher who also taught in a one-room school house with eight grades. An open house was held to celebrate her birthday at Ryde United Methodist Church in McVeytown, Pa.
celebrated their 60th anniversary. Raymond is a retired faculty member of Washington & Jefferson College, and Constance a retired teacher of Bethel Park School District.
Fred P. Heydrick ’55, Richard M. Ikeda ’55, Russell A. Hill ’55, Roy H. Rollman ’55 (row 2, l-r) George G. Pote ’55, Doris (Bumm) Stauffer ’55, Doris (Markey) Ziegler ’55, Donna (Croft) Gilman ’55, Janet (Claycomb) Batdorf ’55, Barbara (Grim) Rollman ’55.
1953
1958
Dorothy E. Beck
1950
Alan M. Fletcher
attended the inauguration of Jorge Diaz Herrera at Keuka College in Keuka Park, N.Y. on May 4, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata. George E. Brehman Jr.
has written, at age 84, an autobiography entitled My Academic Life. He includes the impact that Juniata had on him as a scholar. A. Robert Smith
has written an autobiography entitled God Gave Me a Mulligan, A Journalist’s Life In War and Peace. It chronicles his life from serving in World War II to becoming a journalist in Washington, D.C., covering Congress and seven presidential terms.
Constance (Sherman) and Raymond L. Siren
Jane (Abel) Werner
was featured in an article in the Rochester, N.Y. Democrat and Chronicle about her needlework, in particular American Doll clothes. Jane owns a small shop called “Buttons and Bows,” which has become known as a place where homemade doll clothes can be purchased at a much lower price than the American Doll brand clothing.
1954
Ann (Over) Martin
attended the presidential inauguration of Ann McElaneyJohnson at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 16, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata.
1955
Janet (Claycomb) Batdorf
Juniata
held a luncheon at her home for classmates on Aug. 14, 2012. In attendances were: (row 1, l-r)
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Be sure to mark your calendar for your 55th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu).
1961
Jean (Davies) Ewers
completed her seventh mission trip with The Honduras Hope Mission, where she has helped 30 impoverished families. The group’s most recent focus has been to provide water filters in order to eliminate parasite problems. Michael G. Farrow
published a book entitled Theatres of Altoona and Blair County which identifies and provides the history behind more than 150 local theaters, including the Mishler Theatre in Altoona, Pa.
John Z. Pessy
was recognized on Sept. 22, 2012 by the athletic department at Juniata for his All American Achievement in football in 1960. A plaque was placed in the trophy case with the other Juniata All-Americans. Alumni present for the event were: John J. Evasovich ’62, Ronald A. Tarquino ’61, Emmett Capanna ’60, and Orlando A. Falcione ’61. Robert W. Pierson Jr.
is the head of Farm to City, which runs 16 farmer’s markets in Philadelphia, Pa. and surrounding areas. He was featured in an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer in May 2012. Andrew E. Horvath
was recognized by the College of American Pathologists and received the Pathologist of the Year Award on Sept. 9, 2012 during the college’s annual meeting held in San Diego, Calif. Pictured: (l-r) President Stanley Robboy and Andrew E. Horvath ’97.
1963
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 50th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu). Roslyn (Matako) Hurley
and classmates Ruth Ann (Buchman) Day ’63 and Judith (Yeager) Parfitt ’63 went on a cruise to the Caribbean in February 2012 to celebrate their 70th birthdays. Larry K. Tamura
and wife Nancy recently moved to Broomfield, Colo.
1964
Terry L. Grove
received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He owns the largest collection of Eagle Scout award medals in the world. But that’s far from his only contribution to Scouting. Terry is a great Scouter whose lifelong dedication and contributions to the movement inspires many. Ronald M. Smelser
1965
Judith (Rodgers) and Clayton N. Pheasant
attended the inauguration of Mark Volk at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pa. on July 27, 2012 as delegates of Juniata.
1966
Michael B. Hall
is Davidson Professor of Science at Texas A&M University. He was the guest speaker for the chemistry department at Juniata in 2012. His lectures introduced students to chemical bonding from the point of view of modern computational chemists. The level of the lectures was suitable for chemistry underclassmen or non-chemistry upperclassmen and faculty.
1967
Leroy D. Mell Jr.
returned to Juniata for his 45th class reunion in June 2012 and gave a lecture on how baby boomers will affect healthcare in the 21st century.
1968
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 45th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu).
Daniel B. Hoover
is the president and chief executive officer of Roaring Spring Paper Products, which just celebrated its 125th year in business. The company was founded in 1887 by Daniel’s great-great-grandfather.
1971
G. Edward Corcelius
has retired after 40 years of service for the Susquehanna Conference and is no longer an active pastor. He currently resides in Huntingdon, Pa. Donna (Black) Lane
retired from Huntingdon Area School District in June 2011. She continues to work as a substitute occasionally, but enjoys traveling, spending with her children, and gardening. James L. Madara
gave the Commencement speech at Juniata’s class of 2012 graduation, and received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. He is the president and chief executive officer of the American Medical Association, the largest and oldest physician group in the United States. He received his master’s degree from Harvard University and doctorate from Hahnemann University. James is an accomplished academic medical center physician, medical scientist, and administrator, and has received several awards.
1972
Maurice C. Taylor
attended the inauguration of Maravene Loeschke at Towson University in Towson, Md. on Sept. 14, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata.
1973
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 40th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu. Linda (Wachsmuth) McKonly
was recently blessed with her first grandchild. Linda’s daughter, Page, and husband Tadd gave birth to Nora Katherine on May 1, 2012. She weighed 8 lbs. 9 ozs.
1974
Mark P. Amatucci
was inducted into the Baltimore Catholic League Hall of Fame during a banquet on May 3, 2012. He was honored as a past coach for the boy’s basketball team at Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, Md.
1970
Charles R. Davenport
has been appointed the vice president of the 2012-2013 board of directors for the Tennessee Court Appointed Special Advocates Association.
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2013 Fall-Winter
received the Distinguished Faculty Service Award from the University of Utah. For nearly three decades, Ron has organized the Holocaust Days of Remembrance program for the university, an event that reaches beyond campus. In addition to overseeing the entire program, he teaches a one-day workshop and has taught more than 1,700 students. He also helps to integrate campus events into statewide activities, including a ceremony at the Utah State Capitol and a proclamation by the governor. The deciding committee also noted his community service through the Inclusion Center, the Center for
Documentary Arts, and service to the homeless through Calvary Baptist Church.
Dear fellow alumni, The Alumni Council recently kicked off its 2012-13 year of activities by asking the President, faculty, staff and students, “What can we as alumni do to help the College and its mission?” What we heard were some very clear actions:
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Recommend students. As alumni, we know what type of students might thrive at Juniata. We can talk to our neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances to encourage their sons and daughters to consider Juniata. The GOLD Card program offers $1,000/year scholarships to students who enroll as a result of alumni recommendations. This not only helps the student, but it also helps Juniata reach its enrollment goals. Learn more at www.juniata.edu/alumnischolarship. Alert Juniata to jobs and internships. More than ever, students need contacts to find internship and job opportunities. Many of us are well placed to pass on such information from our workplaces and regions to the College to share with students. This type of involvement helps current students, but also attracts prospective students who know the value of a strong alumni network. Learn more at www.juniata.edu/services/career. Give a monetary gift to Juniata. Not only do the funds help to provide scholarships to students and improvements to the College, but the higher the alumni participation in gift-giving and volunteerism, the better Juniata’s ability to receive additional funding and recognition in the marketplace. The alumni participation rate is more important than the amount of the donation. Learn more at www.juniata.edu/gifts. Login to Juniata Connect. This online directory and social network allows students and peers to know what you are doing in your career and provides a way to connect with you to discuss shared interests. You will also see what alumni groups are up to, and have an opportunity to join or comment on them. Learn more at www.juniataconnect.org.
As your leadership team, the Alumni Council pledged as individuals to help Juniata in each of these areas. We invite you to join us in any of these concrete steps to help Juniata—together, we can make a real difference for the College and its students!
Juniata
—JoAnn Bowman ’75, Alumni Council President
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1975
Kimber Hershberger
recently published a professional development book, What’s Your Evidence? Engaging K-5 Students in Constructing Explanations in Science. She co-wrote it with Carla Zembal-Saul, a Penn State science education professor, and Katherine McNeil, a Boston College assistant science education professor. She is also among the 2012 nominations under consideration for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest recognition given to math and science teachers for outstanding instruction. Kimber is a third-grade teacher at Radio Park Elementary School in State College, Pa. George P. Valko
attended the presidential inauguration of Bobby Fong at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. on April 21, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata.
1976
Gail (Morgan) and Perry L. Habecker
attended the inauguration of Robert Jennings at Lincoln University in Lincoln University, Pa. on Sept. 22, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata. David P. Skoner
was a guest speaker at “The Air We Breathe” summit on asthma in Pittsburgh, Pa. on May 16, 2012. He discussed the importance of allergens and asthma control.
1977
Ronald Seiler Jr.
attended the inauguration of Carl Oxford at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa. on April 28, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata.
1978
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 35th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu).
Charles J. Koren
has been named the new superintendent for the Homer-Center School District in Homer City, Pa.
1979
Susan R. Stapleton
was named dean of Western Michigan University Graduate College. She has been a faculty member since 1990 in both the chemistry and biology departments, and has served as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Daniel M. Welliver
was honored as one of three Juniata faculty members with distinguished teaching and service awards during the 2012 Spring Awards Convocation. Daniel received the Henry and Joan Gibbel Award for Distinguished Teaching. He joined Juniata in 2006 after a long career in both the private sector and state government.
1980
Nathaniel E. P. Ehrlich
accepted a position in August 2012, as associate general counsel of the NFL Players Association in Washington, D.C. Lisa (Masood) Giles
is the president and chief executive officer of Giles & Associates Consultancy Inc. On Oct. 17, 2012, she gave a campus presentation at Juniata in Neff Lecture Hall. Curtis M. Robb
and wife Rosie are proud first-time grandparents. Their daughter Lauren gave birth to Sarah on Sept. 18, 2012. They hope Sarah will someday attend Juniata like her grandfather, great-grandfather and many other family members.
Mimi (Cummings) Antonetti
is now owner at Nautilus Creations—Chain Maille Jewelry. You can find her on Facebook at Nautilus Creations.
1984
Christopher D. Collins
has been promoted to the Southcentral regional director of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
performed “Thank you, Jimmy Stewart!” in New York City and Pittsburgh. This show is a one-person condensed tribute to three of Stewart’s films: Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Harvey, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Doreen (Yatko) Trujillo
Jay E. Jones
1981
Lynn E. Langer
has joined the Saul Ewing LLP firm, as a partner in the business and finance, intellectual property and technology, and life sciences practices. Doreen, who has more than 20 years of experience as a patent attorney, will work in the Chesterbrook, Pa. office.
1982
Elizabeth (Carpenter) Eck
and husband Larry celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on July 18, 2012. A family celebration was hosted by their six children at Eck’s Orchard Fruit Farm in Williamsport, Pa.
1983
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 30th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu).
has been appointed pastor of Saint John’s Newberry United Methodist Church in Williamsport, Pa. This is his sixth appointment and his 25th year as a pastor. Donna (McKee) Rhodes
and her husband Loren provided the piano and organ music for the 2012 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren in St. Louis, Mo. in July 2012.
1985
Marcia (Serio) Blackwell
is the executive director at Urban Verde Inc. in Manasquan, N.J. Jeffrey L. Frye
was named interim dean for the College of Sciences at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. Prior to his appointment he served 10 years as chair of the department of physical sciences. Jeff also celebrated 21 years of employment at the university.
1986
Carol Connell Cannon
began her new job as library director of Suffern Free Library in Suffern, N.Y. on Oct. 22, 2012.
David T. Hornberger
was named commercial executive of Susquehanna Bank in Lancaster, Pa. He has more than 26 years of experience in banking and financial services. David is also a member of the Conestoga Valley Education Foundation, the EDC Finance Corporation, and West Earl Lions Club. Michael H. Wojcik
has joined the Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP in the firm’s construction and litigation practice groups.
1988
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 25th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu). Christopher L. Brown
joined the Petroleum Vapor Intrusion project team of the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, which develops technical and regulatory guidance for agencies, consultants, and the regulated community. Chris is a hydrologist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Joey (Bard) Glassco
is the global market manager of LifeScience Polymers at The Lubrizol Corporation in Brecksville, Ohio. Jennifer D. Wade
attended the inauguration of Patrick Leahy at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. on Sept. 15, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata.
1989
Ronald T. Hersh Jr.
came to Huntingdon to visit longtime friend Frank J. Barnish III ’88. While in the area, he stopped by Juniata’s campus with his children, Terry, 5, and Evelyn, 3. Robert W. Nairn
was promoted to full professor of civil engineering and environmental science at the University of Oklahoma. David E. Ritter
was promoted to vice president of private sector services at The Benecon Group in Lititz, Pa.
1990
Ty A. Furman
was named managing director of Boston University’s new Arts Initiative as of Dec. 1, 2012. He provides strategic support and direction for the development and evolution of the Arts Initiative, working closely with faculty, students, academic leadership and the newly formed Arts Council. Ty is based in the provost’s office and reports to the associate provost for strategic initiatives.
1992
Kathleen M. Collins
co-edited a book entitled Learning is Not a Sprint: Assessing and Documenting Student Learning in the Cocurricular Involvement, published by NASPA in 2012.
2013 Fall-Winter
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1994
1999
now works in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as a storage/backup architect at Experis Technology Group. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in information technology in May 2012.
is the vice president of exhibitions and curatorial affairs at the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Mo.
Stephen P. Chilcote Jr.
Anna (Pontillo) Cox
Heather L. Neff
was appointed as the president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Lutheran Homes Inc. Christine (Victor) Pascual
is a family physician in Altoona, Pa. and took a medical mission trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. During her time there Christine kept a journal of her experiences, and decided to have it published. It is called Out of My Comfort Zone.
1993
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 20th Reunion Celebration— June 6-9, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu). Lisa M. DeChano-Cook
attended the inauguration of Michael Le Roy at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Oct. 20, 2012 as a delegate of Juniata. Dennis G. Hohenshelt
Juniata
accepted the women’s volleyball head coaching position at the University of Virginia on Jan. 25, 2012. He became an assistant coach and later head coach in 1996 at Juniata after graduating. Then in 1997, he started a 16-year chapter of his coaching life at Penn State.
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was on Dateline NBC on Aug. 17, 2012. She was interviewed by reporter Dennis Murphy regarding a homicide case that she worked in Pinellas County, Fla. He interviewed Anna in reference to the blood spatter work she completed on the case. Sonya (Fuller) Eppley
has been inducted into the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. Michael S. Lehman
joined the faculty at Lehigh University to help launch a new master’s degree in technical entrepreneurship. The one-year, full-time, intensive graduate program for students of all academic backgrounds provides an interdisciplinary curriculum, including engineering and entrepreneurship. Jennifer (Pletcher) Mitchell
is now the principal of Standing Stone Elementary in Huntingdon, Pa. She has served the Huntingdon Area School District for more than 10 years as a kindergarten instructor and literacy coach.
1997
Shelly (Brown) Rivello
has been promoted to director of behavioral health services at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital.
1998
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 15th Reunion Celebration at Homecoming & Family Weekend —October 25-27, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu).
Shannon (Price) Bailey
2000
Khara L. Koffel
was awarded an honorable mention in the biennial “Art from the Heartland” show in Indianapolis, Ind. She also had two works, “the inescapable inevitable” and “when all else fails,” selected for a contemporary exhibit in Kentucky, sponsored by the Lexington Art League. Melissa A. Tilburg
completed her master’s degree in education on Jan. 15, 2012 and graduated on May 19, 2012 from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
2001
Stephanie (Galloway) Maslanik
and other members of the J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital staff began celebrating Mountain Day in 2009 with an alumni photo, a Sheetz run and a stop at the Juniata bookstore. Included in this tradition are Mary (Lomax) Hearn ’81, Joelle (MacEachern) Lightner ’96, Timothy B. Reimer ’76, Sharlene L. Daugherty ’09, Lisa (Nailor) Hann ’83, Kayla R. Thompson ’09, Stacey (Miller) Freitag ’05, and Shelly (Brown) Rivello ’97. Stephanie earned her credential as a registered play therapist supervisor. She is also a ScreamFree parenting and marriage certified facilitator. Mindy J. Ward
has used her major in religion and minor in Spanish along with her experiences she reaped from studying abroad in Spain
during her junior year in her many international jobs. After graduating from Juniata she taught through the JET program in Japan for two years. Succeeding those years, she took graduate level classes at Northern Illinois University and then worked in the international student program at Ball State University while taking graduate level classes and working as a graduate teaching assistant. While a teaching assistant, she experienced several Asian cultures in Vietnam and Cambodia. The class she assisted traveled to Vietnam and made a video and teaching unit about a Vietnamese girl focusing on her life in rural Vietnam for the state of Indiana for middle schools. Mindy also presented a paper at the International Anthropology Conference in Mexico. At present, she is in her second year teaching English in South Korea. She has traveled extensively in Europe, India, and many Asian countries. If interested, her blog is mindyinthecity.weebly.com
2002
Jacob A. Dickerson
graduated from the communication, rhetoric and digital media program at North Carolina State University with a doctorate. He is now an assistant professor at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky.
Thera (Crane) Ringhofer
completed her doctorate in philosophy in May 2011, followed by a linguistics postdoctoral program in Belgium at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren. She does contract teaching a linguistics/writing course at the University of California, Berkeley. Thera married husband John in June 2010. Fellow Juniatians in attendance were: Martin L. Schettler ’03 and Megan E. Smith ’02 and Diana (Goodley) Cutrona ’01.
To the Point: Graduate’s Cutting-Edge Hobby
Matthew B. Slagel
graduated from Johns Hopkins University in May 2012 with a master’s degree in environmental engineering.
2003
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 10th Reunion Celebration at Homecoming & Family Weekend—October 25-27, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu). Stephanie (Munkittrick) Aeppli
and husband Kevin recently built a new home in Wyomissing, Pa. Stephanie continues to enjoy working as a nursing home social worker. Kathryn J. Kensinger
performed the lead role in Oklahoma at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona, Pa. during the first week in May 2012. Alison L. Lutz
works as a speech pathologist for Easter Seals of Central PA in State College, Pa. On June 12, 2010, she and husband Clayton L. Lutz ’02 were pleased to announce the birth of daughter, Ella Naomi. Jesse H. Rhodes
published his first book with Cornell University Press, An Education in Politics: The Origins and Evolution of No Child Left Behind.
Photo: Candice Hersh
John Labash’s ’79 answering machine message is short and flip. He advises sales people that he’s not home and warns robbers that he is home, just out back cleaning his guns. This type of humor seems appropriate coming from a guy who calls himself an Impalement Artist. The retired analytical chemist based in California now shares his love of knife throwing with others and has even been tapped to showcase his skills on national television.
Q: So, what is an Impalement Artist? A: We throw things: knives, tomahawks, screwdrivers, shovels,
spatulas, meat cleavers. Meat cleavers are especially good for looking showy—all that flashing, reflective surface area. When you’re competing, though, you want something smaller and with more precision. In addition to competing, I give lessons to about 50 to 100 people a month. Church groups will come out and learn about throwing as a youth activity, and I’ve also taught scouting troops. A number of returning veterans have come to throw as a part of a re-entry program.
Q: How did you become interested in knife throwing? A: As a kid in Cambria County (Pennsylvania), I was always throwing
pocket knives but could never quite master it. I’d try for a while, give it up for a while, and eventually in a book I came across the tools I needed to teach myself. That was about five or six years ago. I was a competitive shooter at the time, so it was a natural fit.
Q: What drew you, a central Pennsylvania country boy, to California?
A: I took a cross-country trip with my brother in 1980. We ran out
of money in California, and both of us have been here ever since. I studied biology at Juniata and was idealistic about saving trout streams and deer. Well, there was little opportunity or money in that where I landed in California, but I knew enough about chemistry to build a great career in analyzing specialty metals in the environment and studying pollution.
Q: Tell me about your appearance on Discovery Network’s show Myth Busters.
A: I was hired as an expert to teach the hosts how to throw a knife
and bust a myth related to a knife and gun showdown in the movie Magnificent Seven. In the movie, James Coburn does an underhanded and behind-the-back knife throw to prove that he is faster than the gunman. I taught them the throw and showed them that while it could be done, it would be pretty hard to win a gun fight that way. You’d be shot before you’d get the knife out of your hand. Knife throwing is about fun; in an actual fight you wouldn’t throw your weapon away. Even if you hit the other guy, he could then use it against you. That’s the trouble with busting myths. Once you know how the trick works, the magic is gone.
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2013 Fall-Winter
—Katie (Padamonsky) Dickey ’97, assistant director of alumni relations
Doc Outdoors: Juniata Dentist Hunts TV Fame
is the accountant and software project manager for the Runbeck Election Services in Tempe, Ariz.
2004
We recently learned that Juniata graduate Dr. Gordon Roerder ’83 is hosting his own hunting show, Doc Outdoors, on the Sportsman’s Channel. We thought it might be interesting to learn how Gordon transitioned from dentist from Quakertown, Pa. to TV host.
Renae (Watkins) Schunk
Photo: Courtesy of Gordon Roerder
Q: What happened to make you decide to pursue hosting a television show on hunting?
A: It has been my passion since childhood adventures with family
and friends. My desire to share vicariously the physical and mental rewards of this cultural pastime, in combination with HD videography, vaulted me into my dream vocation.
Q: How did you end up on the Sportsman’s Channel? A: They say, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” Opportunity knocked on my door when the CEO of an international marketing company came into my dental office because he wanted great teeth. He asked what he could do for me (in return). Days later I was knee to knee in the studio with Chris Dorsey, CEO of Orion Multimedia, winner of more outdoor Emmy awards than all the others combined. My first season aired in prime time.
Q: How many episodes have you produced? A: Six episodes have aired, and 13 more are in production. In order to continue broadcasting I will need to either find a sponsor at about $500,000 per 13-episode season (any alumni takers out there?), or consider producing for the pay-per-view audience.
is now the director of Congregational Health Ministries at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in State College, Pa. Her job focuses on supporting and assisting church members, clergy and the community with activities that relate to health education, prevention and wellness.
2005
William A. Cantara
earned a doctorate in biochemistry from North Carolina State University in May 2012. He is now a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State University. Also, Will and Shraddha (Ishwad) ’07 were married on July 3, 2010. Elizabeth A. Kusniez
was chosen as the 2011-2012 teacher of the year for the Spotsylvania County Elementary School in Fredericksburg, Va. Yasuyuki Kuwahara
Q: What has been your most interesting adventure related
is now working in Singapore. Her last visit to Juniata was in 2010 for a Language in Motion reunion.
A: After tumbling 300 vertical feet down the ice and rock mountain
2006
to the show?
ledges in British Columbia the first day and fighting back onto my feet, in 12 days I harvested all six big game available in high mountain, big game trophies: Stone sheep, mountain goat, mountain caribou, Western Canadian moose, inland grizzly bear, and the timber wolf. This feat has only been done a couple times in history.
Q: How did your Juniata experience prepare you for the success you’ve enjoyed as a dentist and as an entrepreneur?
A: I didn’t graduate at the top of my Juniata class and some thought
I wouldn’t get into dental school, but I did. I was so well prepared academically that my first year of dental school was cake, and I ended up graduating near the top of my class and finished 11 months early. My Juniata experience taught me that you get out of life what you put into it. The skills learned at Juniata, how to analyze and think critically, came hard, but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. It has been this entrepreneurial spirit that drives me.
—Linda Carpenter, executive director of constituent relations
*To learn more about Dr. Roeder’s experience in hunting and producing an outdoor show, attend his Alumni College class to be held during Alumni Weekend from 9–10:15 a.m. at Juniata. Juniata
David A. Wise
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Christine M. Cutting
received the Ambassador John W. McDonald Award for leadership and innovation in global governance and conflict resolution and the award for academic excellence in international relations. In August 2012, she traveled to Monrovia, Liberia as an intern with ActionAid International to continue her work analyzing the outcomes of the government of Liberia’s National Action Plan for UN Security Council resolution on women, peace and security. Anna M. Elias
completed her master’s degree in education from Penn State in August 2011. She took three
credits doing a higher education study tour through New Zealand with Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. She currently works in admissions at the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. She also has become a certified victim advocate through the Centre County Women’s Resource Center.
2007
Lauren E. Forster
Brittany L. Krotzer
earned a captain’s license from the United States Coast Guard and is now certified as a merchant mariner. Rachel N. Jones
graduated with a master’s degree in business administration from Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business in May 2012 with concentrations in strategy, leadership, and marketing. Andrew R. Michanowicz
was selected to be an honoree at the Honors Convocation by the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health held on Feb. 24, 2012. Melissa L. Wilson
completed a doctorate in water resources science from the University of Minnesota in July 2012. She accepted a position as an assistant professor of environmental science at the Community College of Baltimore County in August 2012. On Dec. 23, 2011 her son, Sean Alexander Ranck, was born in Saint Paul, Minn.
Colleen M. DuBrey
is now the human resources manager at N Street Village in Washington, D.C.
is the lead editor and writer at Web1SEO in West Palm Beach, Fla. On Aug. 29, 2009, she gave birth to son, Luke James.
Allison L. Engle
Theodore G. Eckman
Megan L. Carpenter
is the English international coordinator in investor relations for Automotores Gildmeister in Chile. earned her master’s degree in nursing. She currently works as a certified nurse midwife in Glens Falls, N.Y. Narayan Parajuli
is the correspondent/producer for the BBC World Service Trust in Nepal. Andrea M. Walkowiak
is a teacher at West Branch Area High School and has been actively promoting Juniata to her students along with Crystal (Mellott) Gay ’96. Last year five students, Heidi J. Kleber ’15, Arielle E. Maines ’15, Jason C. Ward ’15, Rebecca A. Carr ’15, and Heather J. Kleber ’15, from a graduating class of less than 100 were accepted into Juniata.
2008
Be sure to mark your calendar for your 5th Reunion Celebration at Homecoming & Family Weekend—October 25-27, 2013. Please contact the alumni office if you would like to volunteer and serve on your reunion committee. (1-877-JUNIATA; alumni@juniata.edu).
graduated from Georgetown University of Medicine with a doctorate of medicine on May 20, 2012. He began his residency program in anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in June 2012. Gene A. Falkowski Jr.
received his doctorate in osteopathic medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on June 3, 2012. He continues his medical training in surgery at Pinnacle Health Hospital System in Harrisburg, Pa. Ashli M. Gamber
graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine on May 20, 2012. She is now a psychiatry resident at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Brent P. Kanar
received his doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in May 2012. He started a residency in dental anesthesiology through UPMC and Pitt Dental School. Jeffrey K. Lennox
is the 2012 recipient of the American Volleyball Coaches Association “30 Under 30” coaching award. Lisa M. Russo
won for the best oral presentation on pathogenesis, host response and animal models during the International Symposium on Shiga Toxin (Verotoxin)Producing E. coli in Amsterdam. Her talk was on “Analysis of Chimeric Shiga Toxins (Stxs) to Determine the Contribution of Individual Stx Subunits to Cytotoxicity and Mouse Lethality.”
Leigh A. Sassaman
graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine on May 20, 2012. She has an internal medicine residency at Rochester University, Strong Memorial Hospital. Brian W. Sykes
graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine on May 20, 2012. Brian has a pediatric residency at the Thomas Jefferson Medical College and the duPont Hospital for Children. Catherine (DeCoursey) Talaga
is the assistant director of alumni relations at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J.
2009
Daniel M. Albaugh
now works as a police officer with the Ephrata Police Department, in Ephrata, Pa.
2010
Rachel L. Gehrlein
is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Villanova University and will graduate in August 2014. Krystal A. Hope
is the project associate for AmeriCorps ambassadors of mentoring program and mentors of color campaign at Mass Mentoring Partnership.
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Stefani K. Milstrey
Rachel M. Naar
Heather L. Lecrone
and fellow Juniatians gathered on Oct. 6, 2012 for their annual mini reunion at Juniata’s Patrick Lodge. The group started meeting three years ago to catch up and stay in touch. The Lodge and the surroundings is a beautiful place – perfect for walks, talking around the campfire, and enjoying the inside fireplace. (back row, l-r) Brent A. Smith ’09, Dane A. Ott ’09, Christopher S. Holton ’09, Brett D. Shaffer ’10, (middle row, l-r) Danielle Natale, Elaine S. Pang ’11, Hillary K. Kulik ’09, Daniel J. D’Orazio ’09, Christopher T. Shaw ’09, John P. O’Donnell ’10, (front row, l-r) Sarah J. Naylor ’09, and Heather L. Lecrone ’09.
graduated magna cum laude in December 2011 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and now works at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, Conn. as a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Omar T. Schoenthaler
Molly A. Sollenberger
Janelle M. Smith
works for Daisy Data Display Inc. as a marketing and inside sales associate, where she is in charge of marketing initiatives and gives support to the director of sales and regional sales managers.
2011
Blake A. Colaianne
received the 2012 William B. McIlwaine Science Teaching Award for new teachers from the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association. There is only one award per year in the state. Blake is a science teacher at Dallastown Area High School in Dallastown, Pa. Sarah M. Dotter
is now a volunteer for the Brethren Volunteer Service, a group which works with various peace and social/economic justice organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Sarah serves at the Cincinnati Church of the Brethren, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Elizabeth M. Linde
Juniata
is the deaf educator and behavioral change communicator for the Peace Corps in Kenya.
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was featured in an article in The Chronicle News in Raton, N.M. about her experience in the Shuler Theater as a stage manager. During the summer, she worked with William S. Fegan ’48, the manager of the historic theater. is an administrative resident at Sutter Health in Modesto, Calif. He is also a first-year student in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota pursuing a master’s degree in health administration. earned her baking and pâtisserie certificate from Le Cordon Bleu in Boston, Mass. on March 30, 2012. Ka Ho (Sherman) Wong
was featured in an article of the Spring 2012 USA Today College pertaining to his cheap travel habits. At the time the article was written, Sherman had been to 40 of the 50 states via a combination of ridesharing, hitchhiking, and couchsurfing. His belongings are kept with three friends and his mail is delivered to five separate addresses across the U.S. He grew up in Hong Kong and moved to the United States for university. Sherman has worked as an interpreter, mental health technician, paralegal, and web designer after his graduation. He is now traveling on a two-year research trip for his next book. Sherman will visit Canada, Iceland, Norway, England, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, China, Hong Kong, and Japan. He is currently volunteering on an organic farm near Montreal, Canada and spends most of his free time writing and painting. He is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
2012
Zhongwei Hu
received a graduate assistant additional fellowship tuition waiver at Pennsylvania State University while pursuing a doctorate of philosophy in theoretical/computational chemistry. Andrew S. Waplinger
is an independent filmmaker at Rokenbok Toy Company in Solana Beach, Calif. He also completes freelance independent projects outside of Rokenbok. Benjamin L. Wolff
received an offer from the International Professional Volleyball team in the Czech Republic.
Marriages Joseph V. Fishel ’91
married Sharee Miller on July 7, 2012 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Nicole C. Close ’92
and Christopher Albrecht were married by fellow biostatistician Dr. Anita Das at their cabin in Acme, Pa. on June 1, 2012. In attendance were 38 family and friends including former Juniata roommate Heidi (Harpster) Graci ’92. Nicole is the founder and principal biostatistician at EmpiriStat Inc. and also Nicole and Chris established their new business Bear Rock Electric Inc. in 2011. After an amazing honeymoon trip to Acadia National Park, the couple resides in Mt. Airy, Md. Tiffany L. Wagner ’02 and Benjamin M. Shockey ’00
were united in marriage on April 7, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Juniata alumni in attendance were: Kurt J. Vandegrift ’99, Rebecca D. Dietz ’02, Sarah R. Moyer ’02, Justin G. Stephans ’00, Carolyn (Wrightson) Brown ’02, Andrew V. Brown ’00, Paul D. Shockey ’65, and Christopher S. Byland ’98. Neil A. Thorn ’03
and Michela Perrotta were united in marriage on April 21, 2012. They honeymooned on a Caribbean cruise. Juniata alumni in attendance were Jeremy A. Langdon ’05, Anna (Eller) Langdon ’06, Nathan S. Thompson ’05, Katie (Hagerman) Thompson ’06, Gregory M. Link ’02, Whitney K. Ortman Link ’01, Jason S. Myer ’03, and Laura (Krystek) Hanley ’04. Lauren E. Beasley’04 and Michael D. Blattenberger ’01
were married on June 9, 2012. Juniata alumni in attendance were: Craig P. Blattenberger ’07, Jason C. Michael ’01, Trina (Grove) Michael ’01, and Kris A. Clymans ’95. The couple now resides in Harrisburg, Pa. Jennifer B. Habel ’04
married Brian Hall on May 5, 2012. Brian J. White ’04
married Kristin Morgan on July 21, 2012 in Schiller Park, Ill. They reside in Terre Haute, Ind. Kelly D. Moyer ’05 and Robert B. Roth ’06
were united in marriage on Sept. 24, 2011 in York, Pa. They honeymooned in St. Lucia. Juniata alumni in attendance were: Arthur J. Lindsay ’06, Stephanie (Shaver) Brett ’05, Jean L. Hemberger ’05, William B. Weikert ’05, Emily J. Harris ’05, Tracy (Verrill) Riggins ’05, Allison E. D’Ambrosia ’05, and Zachary J. Zettle ’05.
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Justin L. Fritzius ’06
and Kauren Nordstrom were united in marriage in March 2012 in York, Pa. Juniata alumni in attendance were: Christina P. Chirdon-Jones ’07, Michael A. Chirdon Jones ’07, Ryan P. Conrad ’08, Nancy (Hayes) Serfass ’06, James M. Serfass ’06, Sarah E. Bay ’06, Shawn M. Rumery ’08, Emily E. Steelman ’06, Jason L. Hoover ’08, Eric T. Hoover ’08, Katey D. Glunt ’06, Krystle L. Hedrick ’05, and Jeffrey C. Hedrick ’04. Courtney L. (Cox) Jones ’06 and Richard A. McLellan ’05
were united in marriage on June 15, 2012. Courtney is a third-year pediatric resident physician at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in Loma Linda, Calif. Richard is a financial analyst in Irvine, Calif. Kelsey L. Brewer ’07 and Kyle D. Allen ’07
were married Aug. 4, 2012 at the Pittsburgh Heinz Memorial Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pa. Juniata alumni in attendance included: Kristin L. Brewer ’09, Kyle R. Brewer ’12, Troy D. Crumrine ’08, Brittany V. Danel ’12, Jon E. Hoey ’07, Benjamin S. Hoopes ’07, Susan (Peters) Hoopes ’08, Leslie (Christman) Ricci ’07, Daniel C. Van Riper ’07, Robert D. Sill ’59, Cindy (Sill) Allen ’80, and Joy Sill-Hopkins ’81. Present in spirit was the beloved Eileen “Peep” (Gipprich) Sill ’57. Juniatians in absentia included Daysha E. Burkhart ’07, Rebeka K. Davis ’07, Patrick D. Haskins ’08, Karen (Sill) Wilkinson ’85, and Thomas M. Wilkinson ’85. Megan K. Dieckman ’07
married Lawrence Hart on July 6, 2012 in Rye, Colo. The couple now resides in Monrovia, Md. Janelle M. Mitchell ’07 and Michael J. Meadows ’07
were united in marriage on June 30, 2012. Juniata alumni and friends in attendance were: Peter F. Grubb ’91, Kristen A. Robeson-Grubb ’90, Peter J. Bullock ’08, David H. Mease ’09, Donald Carpenter ’10, Glenn A. Mitchell ’75, Casey T. Chew ’09, Kellyn (Zeuner) Jaspan ’07, Scott N. Keefer ’05, Christopher S. Bender ’10, Virginia T. Meadows ’03, Bonnie (Meadows) Robeson ’59, Valerie Park, Janet (Meadows) Brumbaugh ’63, Elliott F. Brumbaugh Jr. ’62, Wesley D. Carroll ’07, Kathleen (Kopco) Warner ’07, Kevin M. Warner ’07, Dom Peruso, Lindsey A. Merilli ’07, Benjamin R. Waxman ’07, Brandon G. Long ’07, Brenton J. Mitchell ’06, Daniel L. Long ’07, David D. Meadows ’98, and Adam J. Stanley ’08. Krista D. Creuzberger ’08
and William Gomola were married on June 9, 2012 in Hollidaysburg, Pa. Juniata alumni in attendance were: Anita S. Desai ’08, Katherine M. Lengel ’08, Michael W. Figart ’14, and John P. Creuzberger II ’01. Susan M. Peters ’08 and Benjamin S. Hoopes ’07
Juniata
were married on Aug. 11, 2012 on the quad at Juniata College. Alumni and friends in attendance were: Janice (Peters) Smith ’07, Jon E. Hoey ’07, Kyle D. Allen ’07, Craig A. Gaunt ’07, Kelsey (Brewer) Allen ’07, Daysha E. Burkhart ’07, Regina (Diehl) Smith ’07, Matthew T. Lovell ’08, Kathleen S. Weyforth ’08, and David Witkovsky. Present but not in the picture were Deborah A. Burkhart ’08 and Jacqueline J. Truland ’07. Ben also graduated with his master’s degree in international marketing management from Boston University in May 2012.
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Katie A. Rhoads ’08 and John E. Weber ’07
were united in marriage on July 15, 2011 in Lancaster, Pa. Jessica R. Saive ’08 and Ryan T. Hollister ’08
were married on June 16, 2012. Alumni in attendance were: Justine M. Kobeski ’08, Linden R. Will ’11, Elizabeth M. Murphy ’10, Joshua E. Beaver ’09, Matthew T. Lovell ’08, Andrea M. Walkowiak ’07, Emily M. Gray ’10, Jennifer Kendall-Morris ’08, Derek Kendall-Morris ’08, Courtney E. Harris ’08, Brian W. Sykes ’08, Jigar J. Patel ’08, Renee J. Weaver ’08, Kristine A. Karkoska ’10, Kalin M. Shipman ’10, Andrew L. Adams ’08, Marian G. Orlousky ’08, and Daniel J. Orndorf ’08. Brittany N. Carr ’09 and Glenn L. DeHaven ’07
were married on Aug. 13, 2011. Brittany is an admissions counselor at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J. and Glenn is the head women’s volleyball coach at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. Lisa L. Castagna ’09
was married to Amir Kavehrad on Sept. 8, 2012. The couple resides in Quakertown, Pa. Kimberly E. O’Connor ’09 and Aaron K. Rhodes ’09
were united in marriage June 22, 2012 at Lake Raystown. Aaron and Kimberly reside in Fairfax, Va. where Aaron works as a manager at comScore and Kimberly works in the legal vice presidential unit at the World Bank. Juniata friends and alumni in attendance were Donna (McKee) Rhodes ’84, Loren Rhodes, Erica (Rhodes) Hayden ’07, James C. Hayden ’06, Marion J. Wohlers ’09, Dana M. Schwab ’09, Jessica E. Kline ’09, Christopher J. Burlingame ’09, Elena (Ritchey) Welsh ’07, Bethany M. Kozak ’09, Justin P. Doutrich ’09, Gina M. Piccolini ’09, Erin M. Smith ’09, Tyler J. Gunderson ’09, Adam J. Stanley ’08, James P. Voland ’09, Felicia M. Kaas ’09, Timothy M. Auman ’09, Aaron P. Chamberlain ’07, Beth A. Bleil ’99, Kelly A. Gibson ’09, Michael J. Day ’09, Kevin W. Dundore ’09, Brenton J. Mitchell ’06, Joel L. Rhodes ’13, Andrew D. Murdock ’11, Stephen C. Alexander ’09, Gabriel Lopez Escalante ’07, Martin Poveda Amarfil ’09, Michael J. Zauzig ’08, Tiereney N. Miller ’11, Casey T. Chew ’09, Brandon G. Long ’07, David D. Meadows ’98, and Bradley Andrew. Amber R. Thomas ’09
and Timothy Rieger were married on May 12, 2012 in Lancaster, Pa. Laura M. Goodlander ’10 and Marc C. Staudenmaier ’08
were united in marriage on June 9, 2012. Juniata alumni in attendance were: Scott E. Millberg ’07, Paul C. Warner ’11, Michael F. Motley ’09, Alissa D. Murphy ’09, Jeffrey W. Kleinberger ’08, Tyler J. Payne ’08, Lauren J. Auster-Gussman ’11, Elaina M. Robins ’12, Amanda N. Broadwell ’10, Katie E.M. Young ’11, Danielle N. Enriquez ’07, Chloe B. Pott ’10, Melissa A. Johnson ’10, Joshua T. Smethers ’09, Devin A. Conaway ’09, and Zachary A. Swartz ’08. Rachel C. Lachat ’10
married Dan Dubois on July 7, 2012. Guests included many alumni, faculty and staff. Rachel is a human resource coordinator with Advanced Glassfiber Yarns in Huntingdon, Pa. and Dan is the men’s soccer coach at Juniata. Crystal J. Bittinger ’12
married Casey Lynn on May 16, 2012. The couple resides in Mont Alto, Pa. Chelsea M. Homes ’12 and Andrew R. Ickes ’12
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2013 Fall-Winter
were married on July 22, 2012. The couple resides in Urbana, Colo.
Ryan S. Celesnik ’99
and wife Shannon are proud to announce the birth of their son, Cooper, on June 27, 2012. He was welcomed home by big sister Madison, 3. Kelly (Komsisky) ’99 and Jonathan S. Comitz ’00
are proud to announce the birth of their son, John Raymond, on May 6, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs. 13 ozs. and was 21 inches long. He was welcomed home by brother Samuel, 6, and sister Carolyn, 5. Jennifer (Heckman) Cripps ’99
Births Victoria L. Pike ’91
is pleased to announce the birth of twin boys, Noah Harold and Matthew Albert, on May 7, 2012. Noah weighed 6 lbs. 9 ozs. and was 20 inches long. Matthew weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz. and was 19 inches long. Pamela (Ezdebski) Spicer ’92
and husband Daniel are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Alexa, on April 7, 2012. Jennifer M. Snyder ’94
and husband Markus are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Mila Celeste, on Dec. 7, 2011. Jason B. Powell ’97
and wife Ann Marie are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Sara Eileen, on Aug. 17, 2012. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 ozs. She was welcomed home by big brother, Connor. Marie (Pape) Gibble ’98
and husband Benjamin are proud to announce the birth of their son, Elijah Elwood, on Dec. 6, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs. 4 ozs. Elijah was welcomed home by big brothers Noah, 7, and Jonah, 3, and big sister Skyler, 13. Courtney (Colonna) Kuza ’98
and husband John are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Lily Georgia, on Feb. 15, 2012. She weighed 9 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 21 inches long. Shannon (Price) ’99 and Bradley J. Bailey ’98
are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Mina Rose, on March 23, 2012. Mina weighed 7 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 21 inches long.
and husband David welcomed their twin daughters, Amelia Grace and Brynn Elizabeth, on Aug. 12, 2012. They were welcomed home by big brother Isaiah, 3. Cathy (Gross) Hetrick ’99
and husband Jason welcomed daughter, Olivia Marjorie, on March 29, 2012. She weighed 6 lbs. 13 ozs. and was 19 inches long. Jill A. Solomon ’99
and husband Brian welcomed daughter, Cassidy Grace, on April 27, 2012. She weighed 8 lbs. 4 ozs. and was 19 inches long. Rebecca K. Barrett-Fox ’00
Kevin W. Moore ’02
and wife Amanda are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Kylie Addison, on April 6, 2012. She weighed 7 lbs. 14 ozs. and was 20 inches long. Sherry (Yoder) Strohecker ’02
and husband Kent welcomed their first child, Adalyn Irene, on Feb. 3, 2012. Leigh Ann Wilson-Suhrie ’02 and Matthew F. Wilson ’04
proudly announce the birth of their daughter, Odette Elizabeth, on May 8, 2012. She weighed 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and was 20.25 inches long. Odette was welcomed home by big brother Nolan.
Catherine (DeJohn) Gardner ’00
Tyrus R. Young ’02
and husband Michael are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Ella May, on April 25, 2012. She weighed 7 lbs. 3 ozs. Ella was welcomed home by big brother Amadeus, 3. Mollie (Lyman) Hutton ’00
and husband Randy welcomed their daughter, Quinn Kaitlyn, on Dec. 2, 2011. She weighed 9 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 22 inches long. Quinn joins big sister Ryan, 3. Sarah C. Worley ’00 and Ryan L. Wetzel ’06
are proud to announce the birth of their son, Owen Lewis, on Aug. 8, 2012. He weighed 7 lbs. 15 ozs. and was 22 inches long. Alison B. Goodman ’01
and husband Tim are proud to announce the birth of their son, Elliott David, on March 18, 2012. He weighed 9 lbs. 5 ozs. and was 19.75 inches long. and husband Laurence are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Keira Ann, on Sept. 26, 2012. She weighed 6 lbs. 6 ozs. and was 18.5 inches long. Ethan J. Gibbel ’02
and wife Meryl are proud to announce the birth of their son, Finley Bryce, on June 8, 2012. Finley weighed 7 lbs. 3 ozs. and was 20 inches long. He was welcomed by grandparents James C. Gibbel ’60 and Elaine. Juniata
and wife Katie are proud to announce the birth of daughter, Sara Harper, on March 15, 2012.
and husband Jason welcomed their son, Otha Del, on May 27, 2012. He joins big brother Gus, 7, and sister Mae, 5.
Lisa (Shaffer) Gallagher ’02
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Cory M. Kelso ’02
and wife Bonnie welcomed their daughter, Margaret Ann, on April 14, 2011. Megan (Launtz) ’03 and Jason F. Boyer ’03
welcomed twins, daughter, Taylor Lynn and son, Knox Timothy, on March 26, 2012. Taylor weighed 4 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 16 inches long. Knox weighed 4 lbs. 6 ozs. and was 17.25 inches. Brad S. Hahn ’03
and wife Kasey welcomed their son, Noah Elias, on June 14, 2012. Noah weighed 8 lbs. 8 ozs. and was 20 inches long. Kerry (Fagan) ’04 and Jacob W. Harper ’05
are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Ava Ann, on Dec. 8, 2011. She weighed 7 lbs. 12 ozs. and was 19 inches long.
Melanie (Cegelski) Weaver ’04
and husband David are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Clara Irene,on Aug. 9, 2012. She weighed 7 lbs. 12.8 ozs. and was 19.5 inches long. Clara was welcomed home by big brother Grant.
Flecked with Greatness: Juniata Semipro Goes to Hall What do Johnny Unitas, Vince Lombardi and David Fleck ’69 have in common? They all played semipro football. And they’ve all been inducted into the Hall of Fame. On June 29, 2012, Fleck was enshrined, along with 17 others, into the 32nd Annual American Football Association Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Janine (Hartman)’05 and Christopher S. Brown ’04
are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jack on Feb. 6, 2012. He was welcomed home by big brother Jonah, 3. Stephanie (Hodgdon) Brown ’05
and husband Paul are pleased to announce the birth of son, Caleb Joseph, on Sept. 6, 2012. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 19.5 inches long. Caleb was welcomed home by big brother Noah, 2. Rebecca (Shoaf) Kozak ’05
and husband Paul are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Luca, on June 20, 2012. Lauren (Pepper) ’05 and Spencer E. McMinn ’05
are proud to announce the birth of their son, Everett, on Feb. 29, 2012. Jennifer (Piston) Crooke ’06
and husband Esmond are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Grace Elaine, on July 18, 2012. She joins big brother Lucas, 2, and sister Emma, 1. Meredith (Troutman) ’06 and Duane J. Ehredt Jr. ’07
are proud to announce the birth of their son, Deakon Joseph, on Nov. 18, 2011.
Photos: Courtesy of David Fleck
Q: How did you end up playing semipro? A: I grew up in Coraopolis, Pa., and went from Moon Township High
School to Juniata, where I played with some great guys. When I graduated in 1969, I worked for Kaiser Aluminum and eventually landed in upstate New York. I started playing semipro ball for the Hudson Falls Greenjackets in 1971, then spent a few years building the Albany Metro Mallers program before coaching the Uncle Sam Football Club in Troy.
Rebekah (Hauser) ’06 and Darren M. Hake ’06
Q: So, you played and coached? A: I was a player, a coach and an owner. Some of those teams were
are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Austin, on Aug. 4, 2012. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 ozs. and was 20 1/2 inches long.
Q: How did it feel to be inducted to the Hall of Fame? A: That was my first time in Canton at the Pro Hall of Fame. I was very
Kelly (Logue) ’10 and Neil A. Perrin ’09
are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Carly Alexis, on Aug. 2, 2011.
No. 1 in the country and we played in several championship games.
honored. You talk about being humbled. As a child, you know, you dream of that.
Q: What is it like to look back over your football career? A: I wouldn’t have gotten here without everyone who supported me over
the years. Sports were a good thing in my life. I have a group of Juniata guys who still get together at Sea Isle City Beach every year. That’s the best thing I ever got out of Juniata. I made some great friends.
—David Meadows ’98, director of alumni relations and parent programs
2013 Fall-Winter
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The Latest Buzz
Alumni Weekend June 6-9, 2013 The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Special reunions for the classes of 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988 and 1993.
Juniata
juniata.edu/alumniweekend
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The Power of the Juniata Network Megan Carpenter ’07 HR Manager at N Street Village in Washington, D.C., recently saw the résumé of another Juniatian cross her desk. Megan encouraged the hiring team to interview the candidate and soon after Karin Brown ’06 was hired. Juniatians hiring Juniatians— because that’s what we do! Pictured (l-r) Karin and Megan.
29th European International Reunion Berlin-Potsdam, Germany May 31 – June 2, 2013 juniata.edu/euroreunion
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2013 Fall-Winter
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My hus ba to Bedfo nd and I wen t r for a ge d Springs Res ort taway. While the spa in ,I and tho saw a woman ught, “ Ir that fac e.” For ecognize the life me, I c of ou where ldn’t rememb though er .I until I passed let it go Lechle itner ’9 her in the lo 3. looked cker ro again at me w When I calle it h it me, He om, then d her n ith that As it tu ame ath rn sa roomm ed out, Heath me sort of “I- , she turned er (Fine) around know-I ates for er was -k a there w t get tog ith a nu now-you” lo nd ether e heir annual r ok . e v mber o union. er y yea know o f Juniat My roo r fo th a mm but He ers are doing r our annual ather w reunion ates and I stil it too. I as ther l , d (Dillne s id o n’t get I was e wit r) Becker Schulz ’93, S h Debra ( W to chat with a glad to in ll ta ’9 Juniata 4, and Kimb cey L. Fisher dhorst) Brad of them, erly (H . So sm y ’93, K ’9 3 , K ell all an a —Ann ette Ka , yet ever ywh nig) Bonenb y (Maloney) ra ere. ne-Shi erger ’9 ne ’93 3. Gott a love
Juniata
n in kitche In my a strange — Maine meet o t e c . pla ta alum h, a i n u J t a a e d his Before and and sb my hu uilding a b e r e w I oner. t scho o o 65-f 1, I sold In 201 er sailing a ch rt with a was still le p u o oner oac e scho with them oner t h o t h e c s c d e d in y hous ame an mas. S finishe the un in the Baha y I shared m eir friends c ne for rt ss go Th busine n my prope 2011-2012. After being er o . f ancast d g o L e inter uildin rned from locat b w n e ip a h h t s m e h g tu throug ing with th ar’s they re t ’11, a youn ed elp Ye it ic t h w m o t e h n n c e N e w and M. S Stev s s n a y e a v hat he m d t t e s t Chri ith S ouple t turns out c w . a a r P e ft .I y, years Count et before. A the kitchen 11, only 46 . 0 m March in 2 I’d not ta calendar a in June of he ship into ared t ia p at my Jun d from Juni d worked on ts. We com t ir e n t h 1s a a s 2 t u d a e d e e gra of th ta s w e stay a a t i H a i . n e n u J u after m seeing his s with the J ed 60 . I enjoy ta of the 19 f occasions tain Bruce. o ia ap r n e C u b J d e m th a nu ’11 an n t t o i y m r . Sch centu da ’65 r) Fon even M (l-r) St rine (Fulme he —Cat
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I had a job interview in Bellevue, Wash. in April 2012. The person who interviewed said to me “You should meet a fellow Juniata graduate who works here.” Then, Nancy J. Gonlin ’82 showed up and gave me a Juniatastyle kind of hug. She even took me out for tacos after my job interview. —Ka Ho (Sherman) Wong ’11
, Washington, In June 2012 ent of Health tm D.C.’s Depar of D.C. held and the mayor ence on the a press confer , STD, and is HIV, Hepatit eport at N TB Annual R a non-profit Street Village, rvices to se that provides w-income lo d an homeless re I am the women, whe ce room, I press conferen sociate e th d re te en As I ram as ces manager. ick ’07, prog human resour ane C . Freder from high school and ej R ed iz gn reco ted immediately were now N. We gradua that we both ealth ACTIO n H ar on le m to om d C se for surpri niata’s aura of er, and were that reflect Ju s ld fie r ila Juniata togeth m si e same city in ship. working in th entrepreneur al ci so d an sm ni ia ar it an hum egan. Rejane and M Pictured (l-r) 7 ’0 r te Carpen —Megan L.
Loren and I were in Nashville vi siting our daughte rE (Rhodes) H rica ayden ’07 and son -in-law, J.C . Hayden ’06. We were travel ing on West Aven ue when a car pulled u p beside us, saw the if J.C. went sticker to Juniata. on the car, J.C. told him Juniata, and and asked we were all the man sa connected id but the sto h e w as to a member of p light chan the class of ged and we evening, he 2 000, d id saw us in N n’t get his n ashville, an ame. Later crew!” He w d said, “You that as Jason T. are the Jun Plunkett ’0 —Donna (M iata 0. cKee) Rho des ’84
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We want to print your story . . .
Tell us the most unusual place or circumstance where you met another Juniata alumna/us and we will highlight it in an upcoming Juniata. Please send your story to . . . Evelyn Pembrooke, Alumni Office Specialist Juniata College, Alumni Relations Office 1700 Moore Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652 Fax: (814) 641-3446, E-mail: pembroe@juniata.edu
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Robert J. ’64 ran into tr y Club in er rn o H . C Gar y na Coun at Sunnehan 8 ’6 as playing yo an V ere Bobby w leasant h w , a. P , n Johnstow ey had a p rnament. Th time at Juniata in a golf tou y ’s b b obby, bering Bo y football. B time remem la p to ed it u cr an re iv ll g F. O’Su and bein nus Daniel op m lt u il al H d t n an Gar y estmo ed from W at u d ra g l al a. ’64 wn, P l in Johnsto High Schoo 4 ’6 er Horn —Gar y C .
It was a pleasant surprise when I arrived at the Taipei Airport in Taiwan at 6 a.m. after my flight from Los Angeles and encountered Michael R. Thompson ’12. Mike was waiting to fly to Kingman to start his assignment. Both of us were shocked to see each other. It’s just nice to see someone wearing a Juniata T-shirt in Taiwan. —Wei-Chang Wang, assistant professor of economics, Juniata College
On a Mission: Alumna Works with Hope Jean (Davies) Ewers ’61 has traveled to the small village of La Villa San Francisco every year since 2005 as part of the Honduras Hope Mission. Ten churches from northern Pittsburgh created the mission to educate the villagers and provide medical assistance. The goal is to teach the villagers life skills so they can help themselves and eventually the neighboring villages. Last year the mission provided 1,500 packets of parasite medicine, 242 water filters, 200 Bibles, 130 pairs of shoes, 100 mosquito nets, 50 pairs of reading glasses and two large cases of medications.
Obituaries V. Anthony Champa ’36
May 21, 2012—Wally received his master’s and doctorate degrees in history from Penn State University. He began his teaching career as a high school history teacher in Mount Union and Orbisonia. He spent the majority of his career as a professor at Millersville State Teacher’s College, Millersville, until his retirement. Following his retirement as a professor, he worked as a real estate agent in Lancaster. Wally was a member of the Ardenheim Independent Brethren Church in Huntingdon, Pa. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading and was a history buff. Education was a big part of his life and he was proud to be the first member of his family to attend and graduate college. Wally is survived by wife Helen and nephews Carmen J. Ciarrocca ’56 and J. Jeffrey Ciampa ’73. Robert A. Boyd Jr. ’40
Photos: Courtesy of Jean Ewers
Q: How did you become involved in the Honduras Hope Mission?
A: A woman at my Bible study mentioned that the Bakerstown
First Presbyterian Church led the mission. At the time, I was deciding what to do after retirement. This opportunity came at just the right time.
Q: What is your most memorable experience? A: One year, a woman thought she was dying because she had
terrible headaches. A doctor gave her a few eyeglasses to try. When she found the right pair, she was amazed how well she could see. It was a simple solution, but so rewarding.
Q: Have you ever felt like you were in danger? A: Last year, only four people including myself went to Honduras.
Violence has grown due to warring drug cartels. The rural areas we visit are not directly affected, although they have friends in the capital who have been impacted. Last year’s trip from the airport to the village took longer than usual, which was a little scary. Once we arrived at the village, I felt safe. This didn’t keep my friends and family from worrying though.
Q: When is your next trip? A: Our next trip is Jan. 31 to Feb. 10, 2013. There are 16 people
registered including doctors, nurses, physical therapists and dentists.
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—Christina (Garman) Miller ’01, assistant director of alumni relations 90
July 8, 2012—Bob was a longtime resident of Chatham, N.J., before moving to Aliso Viejo, Calif., in 2004. As chairman of Manufacturers Reserve Supply (MRS), Irvington, N.J., Bob represented the second generation of Boyds to manage the company established by his father in 1931. He was active in the lumber industry and, in 1982, he was recognized for his contributions, and was named Lumberman of the Year by the New Jersey Lumber Dealers Association. Bob was also on the board of directors of Investors Savings Bank for 28 years, and the Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company for 16 years. Throughout his long career, in addition to managing a successful business, he contributed generously of his time to his industry, his community and his church. He was a charter member of the Presbyterian Church in Chatham Township, N.J., where he served on various committees. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of Baltusrol Golf Club for 34 years, and was previously on the board of governors. Bob won the Metropolitan Golf Association Net Team Championship in 1985 with his son, Steve. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Marjorie, two sons, and two grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Barbara A. Boyd ’45. Martha (Brubaker) Weil ’40
September 8, 2012—Martha served in the American Red Cross during World War II in India. She immigrated to Brazil and married Jules Claude Roger Weil. She made many friends in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and remained close with them through the years. Mary-Ellen (Sprowls) Rice ’41
June 15, 2012—Mary-Ellen served with the American Red Cross during World War II. She taught high school from 1972 to1985. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Connellsville, Pa.,
where she taught Sunday school, played piano, and was a member of the choir. She was a long-time member of the Mozart Music Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her interests ranged from playing the piano to gardening and love for her dogs. For more than 60 years she kept a round robin letter circulating among her close Juniata classmates. She retained a fondness for them and her alma mater her entire life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Albert. She is survived by son D. Mont Rice ’76 and his wife Cindy, daughter Jennie and her husband Fred, and three grandchildren Brian, Mark and Stephanie. Minerva (Zendt) Shearer ’41
June 4, 2012—Minerva taught elementary education for 20 years in Lack and Tuscarora townships in Juniata County, as well as at the McCabe School in Lack Township, Waterloo Elementary, Wallace School of East Waterford and Cross Keys Elementary School. She was the secretary and treasurer of Shearer Brothers Lumber Company from 1942 to 1972 and was a partner in the business from 1960 to 1972. She was a director and treasurer of the East Waterford Industrial Corp. from 1960 until the business was sold. Minerva and her late husband owned race horses and her brother was trainer and driver. She was a member of Port Royal Presbyterian Church, a former member of the Galilee Shrine No. 30, in Lewistown, and served as director of the Juniata County Library Board from 1980 to 1986. Anna (Acitelli) Donoghue ’42
March 23, 2012—Anna received a doctorate of applied behavioral science and became a high school teacher, college professor, and Peace Corps volunteer. She also was vice president of graduate studies at California American University in Escondido, Calif. She was preceded in death by husband John. Survivors include stepsons, John and Michael, and many nieces and nephews, including Phyllis (Marcocci) Omenson ’57. Ruth (Chilcoat) Booher ’43
September 24, 2012—Ruth was united in marriage with Frank Booher on Dec. 24, 1946. She taught at the Rockhill Elementary School. She was a member of the Rockhill Church of the Brethren where she served as pianist and organist, and also taught Sunday School. She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her son, a grandson, and granddaughter. Dorothy E. Pecht ’43
Nancy Gonlin ’82 may not have a hat and whip like Indiana Jones, but she’s had her share of adventure. Her 30-year career in archaeology has taken her to sites in five Central American countries. She is currently an instructor of anthropology at Bellevue Community College in Washington, where she received the 2012 Margin of Excellence Award. Gonlin was recently featured in the Society for American Archaeology’s Archaeological Record.
Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonlin
Q: How did you become interested in archaeology? A: I started my archaeological career as a child in my backyard. My
parents sectioned off an area in the yard where my seven siblings and I could dig and play. One of my brothers would hide army men and pennies in the dirt for me to excavate, which fueled my interest.
Q: What is the most interesting artifact you’ve found? A: During a survey of a home in the rural part of Honduras, I uncovered
an infant burial. The family had included a metate—a stone tool used for grinding grain and seeds—as an offering. It was moving to see the love and care they took to bury this young child.
Q: What impact did Professor Paul Heberling have on you at Juniata?
A: Professor Heberling was so knowledgeable in such a wide variety
of topics. He taught me the advantage of having a broad base of knowledge, which has become especially important as I am now a professor myself.
Q: When did you transition away from field work? A: In 2004, I fell down a mountain during an Oaxaca Mixtec survey in
Honduras. I had several surgeries on my ankle and back. Then, in 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that point, I turned my focus to academia, but I hope to return to the field in the future.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Mayan Apocalypse?
Will the world end on December 21, 2012 (If you’re reading this now, it probably hasn’t)?
A: You can think of Y12 as being similar to Y2K. There are lots of
astronomical events supposedly attached to this date, all of which are easy to debunk. I think of it as a beginning rather than an ending.
—Christina (Garman) Miller ’01, assistant director of alumni relations 91
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April 27, 2012—Dorothy taught at Mount Union elementary school for four years, and then served as a missionary for 32 years in Africa. She was a member of South Dalton Baptist Church in Dalton, Ga., and attended Calvary Bible Church in Lewistown, Pa.
Dig This: Juniata Archeologist Honored
Photo: Janelle Howard ’13
his retirement, Vaun was active in his retirement community and served as a trustee for Presbyterian Senior Living. He enjoyed travel, family and friends, genealogy, fishing and involvement in his church. He is survived by wife of 56 years, Janet, one daughter, two sons and eight grandchildren. Gretchen (Smith) Olds ’45 James A. Dull ’44
July 30, 2012—James received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He served on the medical staff at Westmoreland Hospital and Jeannette District Memorial Hospital for 35 years, and was in practice with Drs. James and Doris Maxwell. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensburg for more than 50 years and served as a deacon and elder. James was a member and past president of Mountain View Rotary Club in Greensburg, Pa., member and past president of Westmoreland Hospital Association, member of Westmoreland County Medical Society, member of Westmoreland Hospital Foundation and a member of the Pittsburgh Surgical Society. James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary, four daughters, and 11 grandchildren. Mildred (Strickhouser) Myer ’44
April 19, 2012 Vaun A. Newill ’44
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June 20, 2012—Vaun acquired additional degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University. He had a distinguished career in medicine and public health on the faculty of Case Western Reserve University, in government service with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as in occupational medicine with Exxon Corp., including serving as the medical director for Esso Europe. Vaun finished his full-time working career with a presidential appointment as the assistant administrator for research and development in the Environmental Protection Agency. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served in both World War II and the Korean War. In
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July 20, 2012—Gretchen received her master’s degree in Library Science from Columbia University in 1946. She was the librarian at Milligan College in Tennessee when she met her future husband, Ed. She was an avid and proficient golfer, having made four holes-in-one. She was also an avid reader and grammarian. She volunteered at Avow Hospice in Naples, Fla., and received recognition as Volunteer of the Year. Gretchen is survived by five children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Catherine (Maloy) Lowe ’46
July 16, 2012—Cathy taught music for 28 years at Manheim Township Middle School in Lancaster, Pa. before retiring to Cape Coral, Fla. In addition to directing church choirs, she was a member of the Faith Presbyterian Church of Cape Coral. Cathy is survived by husband Chet, a daughter, two sons and three grandsons. A. Carlton Heil ’47
August 6, 2012—Carlton was a World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Army 15th Field Artillery Battalion and was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious service. He was a past commander of the former Post 250 of the American Legion of Tallahassee and a past president of Civitan Club of Tallahassee. He received a bachelor’s degree in science from Kings College in New Castle, Del., and his bachelor’s degree of divinity from the Faith Theological Seminary in Wilmington, Del. He pastored the West Unity Church in Harrisville, Pa., and served on many church presbyteries. Most recently, he was the stated clerk of the Southwest Florida Presbyterian Church of America. He was retired from the State of Florida, Department of Commerce. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth, three children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Edward J. Jahnke Jr. ’47
September 1, 2012—After finishing his degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, he continued on in the U.S. Army. He established a cardiovascular surgery practice in Santa Barbara, Calif. and retired in 1990. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty, six children, including Eric W. Jahnke ’74, 19 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Glenora (Edward) Rossell ’47
February 25, 2012—Nory was the head librarian for many years at the University of Pittsburgh. She is survived by a stepson, three step-grandchildren, and two stepgreat-grandsons. Harry D. Fleming Jr. ’48
July 27, 2012—During World War II, Harry served for three years in the U.S. Navy and also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves and retired as a lieutenant commander. He married Laura Jean Girman on July 2, 1960. He was employed by the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. He also worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., retiring in 1985. He was an avid sports fan, and especially loved baseball. He also enjoyed puzzles and tinkering in his workshop. He was preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by a son, three step-sons, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Martha (High) Hershberger ’49
May 23, 2012—Martha graduated from Jefferson School of Nursing and was the school nurse for East Coventry School (now the Owen J. Roberts School District) in Chester County for 12 years. Martha was married to Robert Hershberger and would have celebrated 53 years of marriage in June. They bought their first farm in Quarryville, Pa. in 1965 and raised their children on their dairy and poultry farm until retirement in 2005. Martha was a faithful servant in her church Women’s Fellowship and nursery and served with her husband for a number of years on the church Deacons at Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren. She is survived by her husband, four children and 12 grandchildren. Elizabeth (Hartman) Brumbaugh ’49
July 11, 2012—Betty was a resident of Fleetwood, Pa. from 1970-2008 and played piano for Sunday school and worship services at her church, St. Paul’s UCC in Fleetwood. She moved to Ephrata, Pa. in 2008. She
enjoyed traveling and was able to visit many states during her lifetime, but her favorite trip was to England during Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee. Among her passions, Betty was an avid reader, especially of spy novels. She enjoyed science fiction and action adventure movies. But her greatest joys were spending time with her children and extended family, and teaching children and adults to play the piano. Betty is survived by two sons. Frank W. Kowalchik ’49
August 24, 2012—Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940 as a private and was a senior noncommissioned officer in Hawaii during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He received commendations for being instrumental in setting up 11 gun positions and defensively engaging the enemy during the attack on Wheeler Field. Later, he was attached to the 8th Air Force in England and then the 9th Air Force on the continent under General Vandenberg. He completed 51 combat missions over Europe. In addition to earning battle stars in the Pacific and European theatres and other awards, he was awarded 11 air medals and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. During the Korean War, he served with the FEAF Headquarters, Tokyo. During his participation in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, he was a member of the General Staff, 5th Air Forces Region and acted as comptroller, budget officer and management analysis officer. He was designated an instructor at Maxwell Air Base and assigned to train civil air cadets in aeronautics, astronautics and flight orientation 10 years prior to his retirement from the United States Air Force. He retired from the U.S. Civil Service after 37 years of service with an independent agency of the Department of the Army. For more than 10 years, he was a member of the national group responsible for reporting to the U.S. Congress on the operations of the American Red Cross in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. His overseas assignments included England, Europe, Japan, Ryukyus Islands, Korea, Thailand and South Vietnam. He was also on General Douglas MacArthur’s staff in Japan. As a cadet in the military, he graduated from the United States Air Forces Flying Schools and earned a presidential officer commission and aeronautical ratings as a pilot, glider pilot, navigator, bombardier and aerial observer. He also graduated from the United States Air Force Command and Staff School and
the Industrial College of the United States Armed Forces in DOD Defense Management. He was a licensed commercial pilot, instrument rated during most of his adult life. William E. Peightel ’49
August 23, 2012—William received his master’s degree and doctorate in biology from the University of Virginia in 1954 and 1961, respectively. He began his teaching career at the Smith High School in Bedford County, Pa. He then went on to teach at Altoona Senior High School, and in 1956 began his 35-year career teaching at Shippensburg University. During his time there, he was chairman of several departments and was the recipient of the Danforth Foundation Teacher Award. He enjoyed fishing and summer trips to Canada with fellow retirees. He is preceded in death by wife, Helen (Roudabush) Peightel ’48 and sister Marjorie (Peightel) Newcombe ’53. He is survived by three sons and two granddaughters. Bill L. Smith ’49
July 10, 2012—Bill went on to get his law degree from Duke University in Durham, N.C. in 1954. He also served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He practiced law in Richmond, Va., for 15 years before moving to Cumberland, and opening his private law office in 1982. He continued to practice law up to March of 2009. Bill received many acknowledgments for his pro bono service to the community. He was a member of Winifred Road Church of Christ, and was a member of the Mason Dixon Saddle Club and the old Mexico Farms Horse Club. Bill is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra, seven daughters, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
George A. Kobulnicky ’50
October 31, 2010—George was a World War II veteran paratrooper. He earned a master’s degree in education from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa. He taught junior and senior high school and was an administrator at Lower Regional high schools in Cape May, N.J. George enjoyed golfing and traveling. He is survived by wife, Kitty (Bernier) Kobulnicky ’51. Jay P. McCardell Jr. ’50
June 13, 2012—Jay served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a charter member of the United Church of Schellsburg. For more than 40 years Jay was employed as a truck driver with Eastern Express and Transcon. He was preceded in death by his wife and son. He is survived by two children, eight grandchildren, a sister, and 13 greatgrandchildren. Miriam (Landis) Woodring ’50
May 2, 2012—Miriam was a home economist for Pennsylvania Power & Light. She then worked as a clerk in the employment department for the DuPont Company at the Savannah River Plant. Mim and her late husband, Samuel L. Woodring ’49 were co-owners and editors of The Star, where she worked until her death. She was the recipient of several honors and awards throughout her lifetime. Elinor (Newcomer) Shoaf ’51
June 21, 2012—Elinor enjoyed learning, reading, writing, baking, cooking and sewing for her family. She was a lifelong Presbyterian, a former member of Warwood Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder and Bible Study teacher. Since 2008, she was an active member of Stone Presbyterian Church and the JOY Bible Study group. She was also a member
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Photo: Abby Matalavage ’13
both Bill Clinton and former New Jersey governor Christie Todd Whitman. Her personal files are filled with heartfelt letters of thanks from the many lives that she touched during her career. Betty was an avid reader, enjoyed decorating her home and visiting with her grandson. She is survived by son Mark, daughter Donna, and grandson Ryan. Richard O. Sieber ’53
of the Woman’s Club of Wheeling, W.Va., the Washington Acres C.E.O.S. Club and the Bethany Order of Eastern Star 64. Elinor is survived by her husband of 61 years, William, their three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brother Benton M. Newcomer ’54. Patrick J. Morello ’53
June 12, 2012—Patrick served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1957 where he attained the rank of second lieutenant. He married Alice (Mullin) Morello ’57 on Aug. 3, 1957. He worked at the Westvaco Corporation beginning in New York City and later moving to Kentucky. He was an avid golfer. In addition to his wife, Patrick is survived by two children, and two grandchildren. Elizabeth (Monks) Schultz ’53
Juniata
June 7, 2012—Betty obtained her master’s degree in education from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, N.J. She served for 28 years as an employee of the BridgewaterRaritan School District. The majority of that time was spent as the supervisor of pupil services until her retirement in February of 1997. Betty was the district’s first child study team supervisor and was instrumental in developing a department for special education as part of the school system. During her career, she earned certificates as a reading specialist, learning consultant and teacher of the handicapped. She maintained memberships in the N.J. Principals and Supervisors Association, the N.J. Division of Learning Consultants and the International Reading Association. In 1997, she received the Audrey and Frank Dittman Award for Outstanding Service, which acknowledges excellence and dedication to education. This award was acknowledged with letters from
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September 3, 2012—Dick served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant and was a Korean War veteran, serving in the 77th Special Forces, headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his service. He had a variety of jobs, including working at a telephone company, as a carpenter and as an elementary school teacher. His career as an accountant included working for the school system of the state of Pennsylvania and for a number of local businesses and accounting firms. He served the community as the Walker Township auditor and later as a member of the Juniata County School Board. Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen, sons John and Matthew, daughter Karen and their families, including six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Elaine (Zook) Bailey ’54
May 24, 2012—She was a homemaker and elementary school teacher at Ephrata Elementary and Nathan Schaeffer Elementary School. She was active in the Grace Church at Willow Valley, where she was a choir member and director. She also served the children’s and music ministries at West Willow United Methodist Church. She enjoyed boating, camping, and sewing. She was preceded in death by her brother. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Glenn, two children, three granddaughters, three greatgrandchildren, and a sister. Nancy (McCahan) Dugan ’54
July 13, 2012—Nancy was a teacher, and most recently taught at the North Penn School District in Lansdale, Pa. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, James, two children, and five grandchildren.
Kenneth M. Leonard ’54
September 2, 2012—Kenneth served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1958. He was first employed by The Daily News in Huntingdon, Pa., and worked as a bookkeeper for N.E. Reihart & Sons in Huntingdon from 1970 until his retirement. He served as secretary of Walker Township, was an active member of the McConnellstown United Methodist Church, and volunteered as a coach with Huntingdon Little League, Teener League and City League. Kenneth was an avid walker on Turkey Farm Road and a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was a regular blood donor at American Red Cross blood drives. He is survived by son Donald and daughter Suzanne and their families, including six grandchildren. Raymond McHenry Jr. ’54
July 2, 2012—Ray served in the U.S. Army in Germany and after his honorable discharge, earned his master’s degree in music from the Philadelphia Music Conservatory in 1958. He enjoyed playing his trombone on recordings, and teaching and sharing his love of music with his students. He played for most well-known musical acts and bands during his career and continued to play at home and in church after his retirement. He also enjoyed reading, designing and gardening. Ray is survived by his wife Debra. J. Max Ardary ’57
May 27, 2012 Lucille (Frey) Shirk ’57
August 14, 2012—Lucille taught home economics at Pequea Valley High School and later worked as a bookkeeper for Meadow Brook Trailer Sales. She was a member of Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church in Topsham, Maine and had previously attended First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg. She served as a deacon, was a member of the Strasburg Presbyterian Women’s Association, a member of the Lancaster County Home Economics Association, served on the board of the Tracy Cove Association 2002-2011, and was a member of Tracy Cove Book Club. Lucille also had many hobbies and interests including knitting, sewing, cooking, crocheting, and reading. She was active in Scouting and served as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. She is survived by sons Brian and David and their families, including six grandchildren.
Ronald C. Fink ’58
Beverley (Brenneman) McEwen ’59
Eugene W. Smith Jr. ’64
September 14, 2012—Ronn was the owner of The Bare Wall Gallery in Harrisburg, Pa. His early career was as a journalist with the Bedford County Press and the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. He became director of public relations for the Pennsylvania State Library in 1962 and launched the gallery specializing in handcrafts in 1972. He was active with numerous cultural organizations in the city and was a founder of the Historic Harrisburg Association and the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council. Ronn is survived by his companion of 27 years, Robert Deibler.
March 18, 2012—Beverley retired in 1993 after working for 34 years as a Spanish and English teacher in the public school system. She began her teaching career in the Red Lion School District Junior High in 1959, and taught there for two years before coming to Huntingdon, Pa. in 1961. Beverley was a member of the United Church of Christ and a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) and the Embroider’s Guild. She loved to travel and was especially interested in the southwestern United States and Native American culture. She was a resident of Huntingdon County since 1961 and lived at her Washington Street residence since 1973 is survived by her son, Steven D. McEwen ’73 and his wife, Barbara, of Huntingdon; her grandson, Eric Banks and his wife, Beth, of Huntingdon; and three great-grandchildren, Morgan, Derek and Tyler Banks, all of Huntingdon.
August 31, 2009—Eugene retired as a systems engineer in 1996 after 20 years of service from Sprint. He was previously employed for 12 years by Addressograph Multigraph of Cleveland, Ohio. He is survived by one son and two grandchildren.
Donald L. Irvin ’58
October 14, 2012—Don served in the U.S. Navy as a corpsman during the Korean War. He earned a master’s degree of divinity from United Theological Seminary and was a United Methodist pastor for 40 years. While pastoring he was very active in Family Ministries and developed district family work-study trips to mission areas. He worked with Police-Clergy Crisis Counseling in Cincinnati, Ohio and with the Boy Scouts for many years. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Jean, daughter Marsha, son Cary, and granddaughters Mariah and Sarah. Don E. Kline ’58
June 8, 2012—Don was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. In 1996 he retired from the Federal Reserve System after serving 33 years on the Board of Governors. He is survived by his wife, two children, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a sister. Janice (Bradley) Newman ’59
September 28, 2012—Janice received her master’s degree from Hunter College and The State University of New York at Buffalo. She spent her career as an educator, and also was a librarian at the State Library of Pennsylvania. In addition to being an active member of Allison United Methodist Church and volunteer at the Bosler Library, she was an avid traveler, gardener and genealogist. However, her greatest joy came from her time with her grandchildren. She is survived by son, Bradley R. Newman ’92, his wife Susan (Wildes) Newman ’93, and grandchildren Elizabeth and Alec.
Janet L. Larson ’62
November 10, 2010 Michael D. Martin ’62
March 16, 2012—Michael received a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. He was a past Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge. Michael was an avid golfer and enjoyed many golf outings with his sons. He is survived by two sons and three grandsons. Philip M. Rohm ’62
October 3, 2012—Phil served as Phillipsburg (N.J.) High School football coach from 1982 to 1986 and then again from 1998 to 2004. He became a mathematics teacher in 1962 in Phillipsburg, N.J. and served for more than 20 years as supervisor of the mathematics department. In 2009, Phil was one of 10 people inducted into the Easton-Phillipsburg Hall of Fame during the 103rd playing of the Easton-Phillipsburg Thanksgiving Day game. Phil loved “everything” about Phillipsburg, the people, the atmosphere and the kids, plus coaching was “his true passion.” Phil is survived by wife Roseann and daughter Jessica Cantagallo.
Mary (Umberger) Guidice ’67
September 18, 2010—As a medical doctor specializing in neurology, she was a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Society of Neurorehabilitation. She is survived by her husband and daughter. Larry R. Miller ’67
April 4, 2012—Larry attained his master of divinity at Bethany Seminary in Oak Park, Ill. and his doctorate at Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is survived by wife Helen, a daughter and a grandson. Ronald S. Shaw ’67
August 30, 2012—Ron went into the U.S. Army, serving as a military police lieutenant. His comprehensive understanding of legal history and his athletic ability helped to get him a position as a special agent in the FBI. Ron cherished his free time to read, explore the beauty of the West, exercise, travel, ski, and study current events. Ron competed in bike races, marathons, and triathalons and also was an avid hiker, skier, and backpacker. He volunteered much of his time for more than 20 years working with hospice patients, at the Ogden, Utah soup kitchen, and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church as well as for NPR. Ron is survived by his partner Cathy Kogianes, daughter Jessica, and grandson James.
Ronald D. Davidson ’59
July 22, 2012—Ronald worked until his retirement as regional bond manager for Penn National Life Insurance branch in Greensboro, N.C. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War serving with the Army Security Agency. He was a member of Shepherdstown United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Ronald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Loretta (Schrock) Davidson ’60. 2013 Fall-Winter
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Photo: Kelly Russo ’14
Frederick T. Becker ’70
W. Ridley Banks III ’68
August 12, 2012—Ridley retired from the Department of Public Welfare at Somerset State Hospital and the Altoona Center. He and wife Trudy chaperoned many trips abroad with area students. Together, they also hosted and placed more than 20 foreign exchange students. He was the church secretary for many years at the former First Evangelical Congregational Church in Johnstown, Pa., and served as a member of Ferndale Area School Board of Directors for 12 years with 10 years as president. He also served as a member of the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center’s Joint Operating Committee, Intermediate Unit 8 board and several Pennsylvania School Boards Association appointments. Ridley loved all Pittsburgh professional sports teams but most dearly the Pittsburgh Pirates, in good and bad seasons. He faithfully went to spring training in Florida, including this past spring. He is survived by daughters Tricia and Jenna and their families, including six grandchildren. Laura (Zirkle) Barry ’70
Juniata
April 24, 2012—Laura worked for 20 years at the Richmond County Welfare Department. She then earned a master’s degree in elementary counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Later, she worked at the English Language Department at VCU, University Instructors, and the HARPS Foundation. At VCU Health Systems, she participated in the Survivors Teaching Students Program, and was a book buddy volunteer. She was a supporter of the arts in Richmond, Va., especially theatre and music. Laura is survived by husband Richard, two daughters, and a son.
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June 17, 2012—Frederick earned a master’s degree in pharmacology from the University of Sydney in Australia in 1978. He later became a physical therapist after completing the program at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pa. in the 1980s. He enjoyed traveling, adventure, and the outdoors. He is survived by his mother, two children, and four siblings. Frederick T. Murphy ’72
April 2, 2012—Frederick worked as a logistics manager for Carrier North East in Piscataway, N.J. He enjoyed the Jets, Mets, and NASCAR, as well as food shows on television. He is survived by wife Meredith and three sons. Linda Samuel ’72
March 23, 2012—Linda was a gifted quilter and flower gardener. She is remembered as compassionate, fun, and a loving person. Linda served as a Venture Scout leader, organizer for bone marrow donors, and social work therapist for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Washington Psychological Center, and Washington Pastoral Counseling Service. She is survived by husband Brad and two sons. John B. Lilley ’78
October 13, 2012—John received his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Harcum Junior College. Most recently he worked as a nurse at the Flagler Hospital in Saint Augustine, Fla., and while living in Pennsylvania worked at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Lansdowne, Pa. for more than 22 years. John enjoyed playing golf, boating, fishing and spending time at the beach. He was also a member of the Christ Church in Media, Pa. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Wanda, daughter Kimberly and her husband Steven, and grandchildren Brittany and Christopher.
Lynn J. Manseau ’79
March 30, 2012—Lynn received a doctorate in molecular genetics from the University of Wisconsin, and later did postdoctoral work at Princeton University. She then joined the faculty at the University of Arizona, doing genetics research. After adopting their son, Corey, she and husband, Richard B. Kraus ’79, moved to New Market, Md. Survivors include her husband and son. Robert D. Shull ’83
June 14, 2012—Robert had worked as a statistician for Merck and Geisinger Medical System. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Etters, Pa. He received his master’s degree from University of Oklahoma and his double doctorate in statistics and industrial psychology from The University of Oklahoma. Michelle (Manion) Vautrin ’84
September 24, 2012—She was a personal trainer with the Y.M.C.A. in Dover. She enjoyed spending time with her children and family. She is survived by four children, three brothers including Christopher M. Manion ’83, and two grandchildren. Natalie (LaFlam) Perriello ’91
April 26, 2012—Natalie taught third and fourth grade for 15 years at Canaan elementary school in Canaan, N.H. She had taught technology at Lebanon High School for the past four years. Her family and students, and making a difference in their lives, were Natalie’s passions. She is survived by her parents and four children. Amy (Eichenlaub) Snyder ’98
October 4, 2012—Amy had a lifelong passion for rocks and pursued a career as a geologist earning her master’s degree in science from the University of Arizona. During her career, Amy worked for Asarco Ray Inc., Kenncott Exploration, Phelps Dodge, Bell Copper and most recently for Freeport-McMoRan in Green Valley, Ariz. She enjoyed traveling to exotic places, hiking, high fashion, geology, good food and wine and her beloved Malamute, the late Taku. Amy is survived by husband Kevin and daughter Finley.
Endpaper
Building Respect
Dean is Keen on Juniata Remade By Kris Clarkson Photography: J.D. Cavrich
T
om Kepple has been an inspiration to me. Working with Tom over the past 15 years has motivated me to write my first book. It is a nonfiction children’s book entitled Tom the Builder. It is a work in progress, but I have written the first draft: “This is Tom. Tom likes to build things. Tom sees things differently. Tom likes to plan. Tom loves blueprints and spreadsheets. One day Tom became president of a small college. Tom saw the small college differently. He started to plan. He gathered blueprints and spreadsheets and started to build things. He built classrooms. He built a theater. He built roads. He built fountains. He built more classrooms. And, he fixed up old buildings. Soon more students wanted to go to Tom’s college with all the new classrooms, the new theater, new roads, new fountains, and the fixed-up old buildings. The students were happy. The teachers were happy. And, that made Tom the Builder happy, too.” Tom Kepple does more than just build things. He has a unique vision of how and where to build things. He hones in on details that escape others— aesthetic views, spacing, traffic flow, lighting, and ambiance. He is a campus architect who understands how buildings, roadways and landscaping connect to define the college. When Tom arrived, we were in the process of planning to spend millions of dollars to renovate Brumbaugh Science Center. Tom
immediately recognized a better option: bring classrooms back to the center of the campus, create an attractive green space, a “quad.” And the details followed: a lounge with a beautiful view, study nooks, a boardroom, and a coffee shop all included in the von Liebig Center for Science. The quad was further enhanced by the addition of the theatre, adding performing arts to the middle of campus. The details included a roof design that replicates the roof on
Carnegie Museum of Art. The brick walkway through the center of campus needed a welcoming stairway into Ellis Hall. Good Hall was renovated, Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center upgraded. Dale Hall jumpstarts the transformation of Brumbaugh Academic Center, add a new track and synthetic turf at Knox Stadium, and imagine the challenges associated with long overdue restoration/transformation of Founders Hall. The final products are brilliant. Older alumni return to campus and experience shock and awe. Recent alumni return to campus and zero in on the latest additions whether it is the eagle statue, a fountain or the big-ass clock. And, as Tom’s tenure as president comes to a close, the planning and building is still not finished. He is leaving some blueprints and spreadsheets for the next shift. He is after all, Tom the Builder. >j<
—Kris Clarkson has been dean of students at Juniata since 1995
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