“It’s amazing to be out in the field every day. You all become one big family.”
Abbigail Fields ’25
RECURRING
2 Place
A look at life on campus
6 Living & Learning Campus news and athletics, plus the voices of faculty, students, and alumni
7 My Way
A year abroad in Scotland
9 The Big Question Why does our microbiome matter?
10 Past Comes Alive Fossil gift from alumnus gets new life
12 Scorecard Athletes break records, give back, and welcome new coaches
31 Forever Juniata Alumni news, events, class notes, profiles, and remembrances
31 Then & Now Lobsterfest!
33 I Met an Alum Finding each other, all over the world
45 Memory Lane Recalling Mountain Day
48 @ Juniata Social media round-up
56 Parting Shot Spotlight on Alumni Weekend
16 Lessons in Nature
Living and learning at the Raystown Field Station. Memories from the recently retired director. Tapping into the sugar maple. A formative experience in the great outdoors.
FIRST PERSON
Chuck Yohn ’83 reflects on his leadership of the field station and passes the baton to the next generation.
OBJECT
The sugar bush at the Raystown Field Station has been tapped for the past 100 years.
ALUMNI INSIGHT
Bruce Jones ’75 has led environmental compliance efforts within the energy industry.
24 Field Notes
Students travel to Hiroshima, Japan, to learn from the past.
26 Roommates Reunite
When old friends from the Class of ’84 stepped into East Housing’s 402 Flory, it was as if they had traveled back in time.
Student tour guides welcome prospective students and families to campus.
DEAR FRIENDS,
We have much to celebrate this fall — a Homecoming and Family Weekend that brought more than 700 alumni, family, and friends back to campus, a strong incoming class of new students, national recognition in annual college rankings, academic and athletic successes, and so much more! The energy on campus is unmistakable, and it’s clear that Juniata is in a season of growth and achievement.
From first-year students who’ve celebrated their inaugural Mountain Day to seniors who are ready to embark on their next
adventure, the entire campus is alive with possibility. Our students are eager to learn, explore, and innovate, both inside and outside the classroom. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this remarkable community, where ideas take shape and futures are built.
The quality and value of a Juniata education once again drew more than 400 first-year students to our doors this fall. The class of 2028 will experience what alumni have long known — the classroom experience, access to faculty, and supportive environment are just some of the College’s outstanding attributes that make Juniata stand out in the rankings. With faculty partnering alongside students on research projects and academic
endeavors, it’s no wonder we’ve earned a spot among the best.
Juniatians are changemakers, and the moment our students arrive on campus, they begin learning what it means to live and lead as part of both the campus and broader community. They volunteer their time to serve others, engaging with organizations and causes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them. Their leadership and service embody the very spirit of what it means to be a Juniatian.
Speaking of change, the Juniata magazine has a fresh new look! We reimagined the magazine so that it lives up to the promise of reconnecting you to Juniata College. There are more photos, stories, and news about what is happening on campus and in the community, whether with students, faculty, or alumni. Each issue will showcase the academic excellence at the heart of the College, the alumni success we champion, as well as the community connections that make this institution so special.
Thank you for being part of the Juniata family. Your passion, support, and belief in the power of a Juniata education make a difference.
Here’s to another outstanding season filled with learning, connection, and growth!
JAMES A. TROHA, PH.D. PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Homan Vice President for Strategic Marketing & Communications
David Meadows ’98 Executive Director of Career Development & Alumni Engagement
April Feagley g’23 Editor Assistant Director of Communication
Sue DePasquale Consulting Editor
Tracy Kretz Director of Design and Creative Services
Skelton Sprouls Creative
Cole Handerhan Cover Photo
FALL 2024 MAGAZINE
Living & Learning
RECURRING
5 Campus News
7 My Way
9 The Big Question
10 Past Comes Alive
12 Scorecard
Welcoming the Class of 2028
Juniata College welcomed 400 new students to campus for the current academic year. This marks the second consecutive year the incoming class has hit or exceeded 400 students and the fourth such class in the past decade.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Juniata community and how the enrollment team, faculty, staff, and coaches, and alumni continue to contribute to new student recruitment. It was truly a collaborative effort,” said Jason Moran, vice president for enrollment. “Our recent enrollment success can be attributed to several key factors — new undergraduate and graduate academic
programs, faculty meeting individually with prospective students, continued alumni donor support for student scholarships, strong partnerships with domestic and global organizations supporting underrepresented students, and impressive recruitment in athletics.”
The class of 2028 includes students from 24 states and eight countries, with 260 hailing from Pennsylvania. Last year’s 60% increase in enrollment from Central Pennsylvania was maintained, with 117 new students from the region beginning their college journey at Juniata. Additionally, 130 new students are the first in their families to attend college.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Juniata community and how the enrollment team, faculty, staff, and coaches, and alumni continue to contribute to new student recruitment.”
Jason Moran, VP, Enrollment
New academic programs continue to attract prospective students, including environmental engineering, civil engineering, legal studies, exercise science and kinesiology, and sport management. The 3+1 accelerated dual degree program continues to be a differentiator. The program, which accounted for 37 new students this fall, allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in four years, as they move seamlessly from undergraduate to graduate studies.
In the graduate space, Juniata added two new programs this year. The new Master of Applied Ecology and Natural Resource Management began its courses over the summer. The Master of Public Health started this fall semester.
For the upcoming recruitment cycle, Juniata will continue its work to raise awareness of its 3+1 program, engineering, public health, exercise science and kinesiology, and the broader health professions. Juniata is also seeking accreditation approval for a future nursing program.
Mock Trial Team Transitions Leadership
After developing and leading the Juniata College mock trial team since 2018, Juniata College Attorney Dave Andrews ’74 retired from the team at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 season. Over its six years, mock trial has grown to three teams totaling 60 students, and has ranked nationally and qualified for the national tournament since its founding.
Jordyn Ney, who previously served as the assistant coach, has assumed leadership of the team as head coach. She is an associate with GSL Public Affairs in Harrisburg, where her area of focus is public affairs strategy, organization and mobilization, and outreach initiatives. She is a graduate of Dickinson College. Andrews continues to stay actively involved with the mock trial team. Over Homecoming and Family Weekend, he served as judge of the scrimmage trials between Juniata and Bucknell.
9/11 Day of Service
Students, faculty, and staff came together to serve throughout the month of September in recognition of the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. This annual observance pays tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001, and demonstrates the strength of the community through service. Volunteer opportunities included hosting blood drives, honoring local veterans, maintaining the Thousand Steps, participating in the Huntingdon United Way Day of Caring, working at the Mount Union Children’s Fun Fair and Bike Rodeo, and cheering on athletes at the Special Olympics of PA Central Fall Sectional.
Ranked Among the Best
Highlighting Civil Discourse
Juniata College has partnered with Braver Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging civil discourse. Through moderated on-campus workshops and debates, participants attempt to better understand one another’s positions and discover shared values. This partnership is a continuation of Juniata’s commitment to fostering a campus culture where civil discourse and proactive strategies are the norm. By engaging in meaningful conversations, the campus community enhances its ability to communicate across all forms of difference. After seeing the approach work at other locations, David Wagner ’85 brought the idea of Braver Angels to Juniata.
Juniata has once again ranked among the top colleges and universities in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, and other national publications. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Juniata #90 among the best national liberal arts colleges in the publication’s 2025 rankings. The U.S. News also ranked Juniata #25 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #66 among Best Value Schools in national liberal arts colleges. “The rankings clearly demonstrate the significant difference Juniata College faculty and staff make in supporting students throughout their education,” said James Troha , president.
The Princeton Review selected Juniata as one of the nation’s best 390 colleges, based on its surveys of 168,000 students. The Washington Monthly ranked Juniata as #62 on its list of best national liberal arts colleges. Additional recognition was #91 for social mobility, #58 for research, and #24 for service. On its comprehensive list of top colleges and universities, the Wall Street Journal ranked Juniata College as #353. The Wall Street Journal has published its college rankings since 2016.
St. Andrews Bound: Brooks Richardson ’26
INTERVIEW BY APRIL FEAGLEY g ’23
“I want to go to law school and work in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) through the Air Force or the Navy.” Brooks Richardson ’26
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, is a long way from your hometown of Gulfport, Mississippi. How did you come to choose Juniata?
When I first heard about Juniata College, I was scrolling through a soccer camp website to see which coaches would be at the camps. I spent a few days at the camp held at Swarthmore College, where I met Coach (Brendan) Grady, who was a nice guy. Coach Grady invited me to campus, and I fell in love with the team and the campus. It truly feels like a community — it’s not as if you’re all on your own. It’s connected.
My Way
Why is travel so important to your learning?
While I don’t know exactly what I want to do for my career, my experiences at Juniata and traveling abroad will influence it. I want to go to law school and work in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) through the Air Force or the Navy. Like my friend Kei Takahashi ’24 says, “Juniata is where I found out who I was. Going abroad is where I found out what I want to do.” Studying at St. Andrews University in Scotland, through a St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia scholarship, will give me a different perspective on many things — who I am, who others are, and how to navigate differences.
What inspired your love for soccer?
What experiences has soccer given you?
I love the competition and the drive of soccer, and I grew up playing it. When I traveled to Mexico for a short-term study abroad last year, I wasn’t fluent in any language other than English. We got to play a soccer game against a Mexican team, and it was cool to laugh and react to the same things but not necessarily speak the same language. I had a few conversations with one of the guys on the other team, using hand gestures and sounds. We ended up trading jerseys after the game. It was an amazing moment.
You’re pursuing a program of emphasis (POE) in political science. Where did your interest in politics come from?
History and social studies always interested me in middle school, so I participated in the Youth Legislature when I went to high school. After researching statistics following a school shooting, I partnered with other students to push for a bill to ban assault rifles in Mississippi. I spoke on the House floor. The bill failed, but it was rewarding to see all these facets of life come together in politics and mix — imperfectly and sometimes chaotically. It gave me a passion for doing the work, not just sitting on the sidelines. I volunteer to work with voter registration on campus and at the election precincts.
Award-Winning Grants
$150,000
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) awarded Juniata its nonprofit security grant for the second year in a row to enhance campus safety. The $150,000 funding will update keyless door access controls in five residence halls (Lesher, Sherwood, South, Sunderland, and Tussey) to enable proximity-controlled access and pave the way for implementation of mobile student IDs. Juniata is the only recipient in Huntingdon County.
$250,000
Juniata was selected to receive a highly competitive American Talent Initiative (ATI) Grant provided in partnership with the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The $250,000, twoyear grant will create the Aspire Juniata program to meet the unique needs of community college transfer students and develop seamless connections with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. Juniata’s selection recognizes an institutional commitment to educating students with the highest financial need. More than 1 in 5 students receive a federal Pell grant to build on Juniata’s generous need and merit-based aid. Juniata is one of 16 ATI member institutions to receive the grant.
“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and look forward to creating a new, seamless pathway for student success. Our project, Aspire Juniata, seeks to remove barriers by providing transfer students with specialized programming and guided support customized to fit their needs.” James Troha, President
$300,000
Juniata received a three-year renewal of a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant totaling $300,000. The grant seeks to promote mental health and wellbeing across campus, and develop critical skills to cultivate resilience, referral and help-seeking among all Juniatians. The grant also funds critical access to counseling support and programming that reduces distress and addresses suicidality, a leading cause of death for traditional college-age students, according to the CDC. Funds will support salaries, training, and workshops sourced through the Glaeser Counseling Center, and the activities of a campus-community coalition of practitioners and agencies that address mental wellbeing through a public health framework.
$400,000
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded Juniata a three-year $400,000 grant to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus. This grant is an unprecedented fourth consecutive award of funding that first established the SPoT and the Office for the Prevention of Interpersonal Violence at Juniata in 2016, and the continued support from the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women affirms the confidence in Juniata’s approach as a national model for promoting healthy relationships and reducing instances of violence through education and awareness. These grant funds will continue to sustain staff, programs and services related to the SPoT, It’s on Us, and Green Dot.
Mobile App Engagement
How do students know what’s happening on campus? A new mobile app called Involve features the extensive activities, clubs, and organizations available to students. Rolled out last year, the app’s use ramped up for the fall semester. Event organizers now scan students into events to track attendance, and Student Life awards prizes when students regularly engage in campus events and meetings. The app also generates data that measures student involvement. As an example, in early October, 19 organizations sponsored 23 events with 532 participants in just one week. Highlights of the week included an alumni career panel, bingo, the vice-presidential debate watch party, crafts, and a politics lecture. Student Life intends to use the data to strengthen student retention.
THE BIG QUESTION
Supermarket aisles abound with supplements, food, and other products focused on improving the bacteria in your gut. We asked Gina Lamendella, George ’75 and Cynthia ’76 Valko Professor of Biological Sciences:
Why Does the Microbiome Matter
to Your Health?
The microbiome, a diverse community of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms residing in the human gut, plays a critical role in maintaining our health and well-being. From digestion and metabolism to immune function and even mental health, this diverse “microbial cloud” has a profound influence on our bodies.
At the core of the microbiome’s relevance to health is its role in digestion. The gut bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates, fibers, and other nutrients that our bodies cannot process on their own. This process not only maximizes nutrient absorption but also leads to the production of beneficial metabolites, which are vital for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and providing energy to cells in the colon. An imbalance in these bacteria — known as dysbiosis — can lead to poor digestion, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In fact, because the average American diet is low in fiber and high in processed foods, we are witnessing a mass extinction of beneficial microbes in our gut microbiome!
Our microbiome also interacts closely with the immune system, helping to regulate its function and protect against harmful pathogens. A healthy microbiome can boost immunity by encouraging the production of antibodies and preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut. Conversely, when
the microbiome is disrupted, the immune system may malfunction, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, or allergies.
Recently, scientists have also discovered a significant connection between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis.” The microbiome produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and cognitive function. A disrupted microbiome has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases.
“Because
the average American diet is low in fiber and high in processed foods, we are witnessing a mass extinction of beneficial microbes in our gut microbiome!”
Given the profound role the gut microbiome plays, it’s no surprise that products like probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods are gaining popularity in supermarkets. These supplements aim to restore balance to the gut ecosystem, promoting a healthier microbiome and, by extension, a healthier body. By nurturing your “microbial cloud,” you can support not only your digestive health but also your immune system, mental well-being, and overall vitality. In short, fill your grocery carts with yogurt with live cultures, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and fermented foods, such as kimchi. Nourish your gut, and watch your microbiome supercharge your health for the long haul!
Lamendella will lead a research study on Clostridioides difficile infection, a costly and difficult-to-treat condition, with a $551,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health that will fund student undergraduate research for four years.
“Fossils are a natural extension of that desire to know where you came from.”
Atrilobite — a long-extinct arthropod — scuttled along the floor of an ancient sea that would one day be Pennsylvania. Five hundred million years later, its fossil landed in the hands of 12-year-old Steven Hetrick ’71 while he was fossil hunting near Lancaster, Pa., with his mother. That find sparked his lifelong passion for paleontology.
“There is something about ancient life,” says Hetrick, whose fossil hunting over 62 years has taken him across the United States and Canada. “You’re holding a rock in your hand that contains a 500-million-year-old animal or plant that hasn’t seen the light of day in hundreds of millions of years, and you’re the first to see it.”
That trilobite was the foundation for his world-class fossil collection, the likes of which would be the envy of any natural history museum. This year, Hetrick made plans to donate his extensive collection to the College as a teaching tool for geology and biology, and to provide additional financial support to endow the collection.
Ryan Mathur ’96, professor and chair of the geology department, and Matthew Powell, professor of geology, see this collection as an unparalleled resource for study and discovery.
“This is such a complete collection of life through the Paleozoic era,” says Mathur. “It’s amazing to have one collection that displays all these different types of life and the changes [they] underwent.”
Fossil hunting, whether for recreation or research, is at the intersection of biology and geology. Hetrick, who studied biology at Juniata and went
on to a career as an enforcement specialist with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, easily connects the bioluminescent noctiluca (a glowing protozoa), squid, and sea spiders he studied as a student with their prehistoric counterparts.
Tying past and present, his collection speaks to his drive to understand the surrounding world and its origins. Hetrick notes the striking similarities that exist between the starfish imprinted upon a limestone fossil and one hunting in a tidal pool on a modern beach.
Powell concurs. “We are living organisms, and most humans are interested in their origins. Fossils are a natural extension of that desire to know where you came from. A lot of them are weird but recognizable as onceliving things. That combination of being connected as
living things but having different realities that we are not normally exposed to generates a lot of interest.”
Hetrick has nearly as many rollicking fossil hunting stories as he does fossils: tales of eating salmonberries and camping on the beach in the Pacific Northwest, vacationing in Spain, or digging in Pennsylvania, Canada, or the Southwestern U.S.
“It’s an obsession, an illness, a sickness, but I love it,” Hetrick says, indicating one of his favorite trilobite specimens. “It cures me.”
Scorecard
Back Row (L–R):
Melonie Sappe ’05 , Kim Allen Wise ’04, Wilson Antoniuk ’94, Steph Strauss ’11, Amber Thomas Rieger ’09
Eighteen alumni athletes were inducted into Juniata’s Sports Hall of Fame at an event on campus in April.
The large ceremony honored the 2024 inductees as well as those from 2020 who did not have an event due to the pandemic.
Members of the Sports Hall of Fame are chosen by a committee of current Hall of Fame members, alumni, coaches, athletic administrators, and other campus administrators.
THE 2020 CLASS
1 Charlie Harvey ’71 (basketball): Started every game and was co-captain his final two seasons.
2 Dan Kauffman ’08 (baseball): All-time leader in career RBIs, home runs, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, total bases, walks, intentional walks, putouts, and double plays turned.
3 Kyle Mazur ’09 (track and field): Earned All-American twice and placed second at the NCAA Championships.
4 Amber Thomas Rieger ’09 (volleyball): Earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Rookie of the Year and First Team All-American.
5 Matt Werle ’09 (volleyball): Played on the Molten National Championship teams and was the 2007 National Player of the Year and 2009 National Tournament MVP.
“I want to thank my coaches Larry Bock and Heather Pavlik for the time they poured into me while I was here at Juniata... [Their] guidance and wisdom and passion helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Megan Sollenberger Wytovich ’10
THE 2024 CLASS
6 Wilson Antoniuk ’94 (soccer): Holds program record in points and goals and was co-captain of the team that holds the record for conference wins.
7 Bethany Kozak Chamberlain ’09 (volleyball): Selected twice as AVCA All-American and was starting setter for 2006 NCAA National Championship team.
8 Kenny Eiser ’04 (volleyball): Named the 2004 AVCA Player of the Year and an AVCA First-Team All-American.
9 Alyssa Erb ’10 (softball): Holds record as all-time program leader in wins, singleseason strikeouts, and innings pitched.
10 Nancy Hayes ’06 (cross country/track & field): Earned first place and First Team All-Conference in the indoor 5000-meter.
11 Ashton Bankos Hirsch ’12 (basketball): Ranks third in program history in assists, fifth in steals, and earned a Landmark Conference Player of the Year.
12 Nat Mitchell ’68 (football) and
13 Bill Williams ’68 (basketball): Trailblazers as the first Black student athletes on their respective teams.
14 Nathanael Ocasio ’07 (volleyball): Named twice to the AVCA AllAmerican First Team and crossed the 1,000kill career plateau.
15 Melonie Sappe ’05 (field hockey): Started as goalie all four years and holds school records for most saves in a game and a career.
16 Steph Strauss ’11 (volleyball) : Earned three AVCA Second Team All-American honors and holds the single-game record for solo blocks.
17 Kim Allen Wise ’04 (swimming): Earned honorable mention All-American status in 2001 and holds the record in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke.
18 Megan Sollenberger Wytovich ’10 (volleyball): Named three times to AVCA All-America team and holds the program record for career digs.
BY THE NUMBERS
Making Their Mark
Today’s Juniata’s student-athletes are continuing a proud tradition of standout achievement, on and off the field.
Some highlights:
24
NCAA Division III sports at Juniata
290 All-American athletes throughout Juniata’s history
1,300+ student-athletes named All-Conference at Juniata
3.42 grade point average for student-athletes in the 2023–2024 academic year
2,500+ volunteer hours by student-athletes during the 2023–2024 academic year
108 student athletes inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the new athletic honor society, in 2024
A Visit to the White House
The Juniata championship women’s volleyball team joined student-athletes and coaches from other NCAA title-winning teams at College Champions Day at the White House in July. Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the teams, lauding them for their “grit and determination.”
Harris noted that seven teams in attendance had been undefeated; Juniata College finished its season undefeated in December 2023 with its championship win over Hope College.
“It is amazing to be here with all these championship teams and to celebrate our national championship one more time,” said Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Heather Blough Pavlik ’95
Kennedy Christy ’24 g’25, represented Juniata College on stage at the event. “I got to meet a lot of NCAA athletes who play different sports and go to different schools,” she said.
The event also featured a tour of the White House, a walk on the famous lawn, and the opportunity to write well wishes for Team USA athletes before the Olympics.
“It’s an honor to be here, to be invited by the White House, and to experience a unique day with other student-athletes,” said Abbey Telesz ’25, senior and co-captain.
“I’m just happy to be celebrated, and it feels like we’re still living the dream,” said Emily Sullivan ’25, senior.
Women’s Volleyball Breaks
Division III Record
Juniata College Women’s Volleyball soared into the record books on October 5, shattering the second-longest NCAA volleyball all-time winning streak with an unprecedented 76 consecutive victories. This monumental achievement cements the Eagles’ legacy of dominance and determination, showcasing the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the court.
The top three longest runs of consecutive wins in NCAA women’s volleyball history are now Penn State University (Division I), Juniata College (Division III), and Concordia St. Paul (Division II). Both Juniata College and Penn State University are located in Central Pennsylvania, 40 minutes apart.
Following two back-to-back national championships, Juniata broke the NCAA Division III record for consecutive wins on September 7, defeating Swarthmore College and marking 67 straight victories. The crossdivision record-breaking win occurred Saturday, October 5, in a doubleheader against Catholic University and Mary Washington University. The first win tied Juniata with Concordia St. Paul for the second-longest winning streak in collegiate women’s volleyball history at 75. Juniata surpassed the Division II record from 2008–2010 with their second win of the day and 76th in a row. Penn State holds its current record of 109 consecutive wins from 2007–2010.
Exploring Careers in Sports
Morgan Martin ’25, who is a starter in field hockey, and Aiden Duran ’24, who plays midfield/attack in lacrosse, attended the NCAA Career in Sports Forum this summer at the NCAA Headquarters. This annual three-day program educates 200 studentathletes about careers in sports, particularly in college athletics.
Duran says he considered the experience very valuable to his future career aspirations. Martin most enjoyed networking and making connections with professionals in the field.
“Juniata athletes always show up with smiles, excited to share the sports they love to play.”
Alicia Elder ’25
Welcoming the Central PA Special Olympics
Juniata hosted the Central Pennsylvania Special Olympics Fall Sectional on campus this September. This exciting annual fall event brings over 500 Special Olympics athletes, along with their 250 coaches and team members, to campus for a daylong competition.
Every Juniata athletic team volunteered throughout the day to make the event possible, bringing together over 500 student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Event director and Juniata student Alicia Elder ’25 told local news station WJAC, “Juniata athletes always show up with smiles, excited to share the sports they love to play.”
Athletics staff worked closely with the student directors from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to manage a meaningful event for the college and the community.
New Coaches Join Athletics
Three new head coaches joined the athletics department at the start of the fall season: Dylan Abplanalp, men’s lacrosse; Marissa Molnar, women’s basketball; and Paul Tobin, men’s and women’s tennis.
For five seasons, Abplanalp served as the assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator at Illinois Wesleyan University, where the team advanced to the NCAA tournament three times. He has also worked as the senior regional director for True Lacrosse, a club program, and as head intern at HoganLax in Maryland. He played lacrosse at Susquehanna University and earned a master’s degree from Illinois State in kinesiology and recreation.
Molnar spent two seasons at Franklin & Marshall as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Prior to F&M, she spent two years as the graduate assistant at Misericordia University, where she had the same responsibilities. She played for four years at Bloomsburg University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education and her MBA in sports management.
Tobin comes to Juniata College from Penn State University, where he was the associate head coach for men’s tennis for the past 11 seasons and guided the team to a 111–63 record and a No. 16 ITA ranking. Prior to Penn State, Tobin turned around the Division I Saint Francis University men’s and women’s programs into top teams in the Northeast Conference. Tobin previously was the assistant coach for the ninth ranked men’s and 19th ranked women’s tennis teams at Division II Georgia College & State University.
Whether surveying walleye populations or banding wild turkeys, students living in community at the Raystown Field Station get unparalleled experience in environmental stewardship.
BY LAWRENCE BIEMILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLE HANDERHAN
In Their Natural Habitat
ust over half a century ago, as the Army Corps of Engineers was building its new Raystown Dam and acquiring thousands of acres surrounding what would become Raystown Lake, Juniata College Biology Professor Robert Fisher began scouting potential sites for a research facility near the soonto-be-submerged town of Aitch. In 1972, he settled on a tract of land alongside James Creek where the Grove family had spent decades cutting timber, making maple syrup, and harvesting apples, grapes, and peaches. The property, which the Corps had forced the Groves to sell for $300 per acre, would be at about the halfway point on the new lake.
Fisher paid the Groves $1,000 for their house, the heart of which is a historic three-story log building that would otherwise have been demolished, and he arranged to lease 365 acres from the Corps. With help from students, he began building a new road — the old one would soon be beneath the rising waters — and a new connection to the electric grid. The college gave him a quarter-time appointment as director of the new facility, along with a Chevy Suburban and a Boston Whaler.
Bruce Jones ’75 was one of the early students to work with Fisher at the new facility, before it had electricity or indoor plumbing. Jones, now a trustee of the college, was also among the first to conduct research on the new lake, well before it opened to the public. When the Boston Whaler arrived with a 55 horsepower Evinrude outboard motor, Jones and another student visited Marty’s Island to document its wildflowers,
mice, raccoons, and deer. There were no boat launches yet, Jones remembers (see p. 22). They just backed the boat’s trailer down an existing road until it ran into the water.
Today, of course, Fisher’s facility is one of Juniata’s proudest academic successes, the Raystown Field Station, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Thanks to the addition of a multipurpose building, Shuster Hall, and the Davis and Robison lodges, up to 14 students now spend the entire semester living, learning, and doing research at the field station, which is about a half-hour from the campus. Professors typically drive out to teach day-long classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with Wednesdays set aside for whatever projects students are working on.
Each semester focuses on one of four topics that are in a regular rotation. This fall is aquatic ecology, next spring will be restoration ecology, fall 2025 will be forest
Throughout the fall semester, students at the Raystown Field Station are focused on studying aquatic ecology.
conservation, and spring 2026 will be wildlife conservation. Every semester’s courses mix lectures with outdoor research. For instance, the aquatics curriculum covers limnology — the study of inland aquatic ecosystems — as well as field-research methods and the role of science in society. Each semester also features a week-long trip to study other habitats, such as the coastal shoreline at Virginia’s Chincoteague Island or the forests of the Adirondacks in New York.
“The learning community is the single most powerful tool in undergraduate education,” says Chuck Yohn ’83, who retired at the end of last academic year as the field station’s director. “When all your students are taking the same classes, learning success increases a lot.” Students not only study together, in the classroom and in the field, but they also eat weekday meals together — a chef comes out from campus to cook for them during the week — and in the evenings they may spend time around a campfire beside the lake or by the woodstove in the multipurpose building. Students can also commute back to campus for commitments such as student clubs and organizations, on-campus activities, or extracurriculars such as music rehearsals.
Students not only study together, in the classroom and in the field, but they also eat weekday meals together ... and in the evenings they may spend time around a campfire beside the lake or by the woodstove in the multipurpose building.
Centered on Learning
Chuck Yohn ’83 reflects on his leadership of the field station and passes the baton to the next generation.
BY ELIZABETH HOMAN
Chuck Yohn ’83 wasn’t serious about Juniata as a college choice until he visited an ecology class taught by the first director of the field station, Bob Fisher. They traveled out to Raystown Lake, and Yohn says he “never got far after that and stayed there for 30 years.”
The field station welcomes a variety of visitors. It is close enough to Juniata that a professor can easily bring a campus-based class out for an afternoon, and it is also used for faculty and staff retreats, admissions events, high school programs, wilderness first-aid courses, and private parties such as the annual Grove family reunion at the end of every summer. Researchers from other universities regularly stay at the Grove House, and this past summer brought a three-week stay by an artist-in-residence, Kari Roslund, who created collages from local paper artifacts. Twice a year the field station welcomes the public for an apple butter event in the fall and maple syrup making in the spring.
NESTING TURTLES AND TIMBER MANAGEMENT
While there are colleges and universities with field stations, many are only used during the summer, rather than during regular semesters. “At a small liberal arts institution, this
Yohn worked with Fisher at the field station throughout his four years at Juniata. He graduated and served in the Brethren Volunteer Service and industry. Graduate school at Penn State brought him back to the area and to Fisher’s ecology lab, which he covered when Fisher went out on sabbatical. When Fisher started exploring retirement, Yohn stepped up and eventually grew the field station into what students know today.
Yohn appreciates the field station model that, he says, is “centered on the learning community.” The station operates year round, and students live, work, and learn on site at Raystown Lake and travel across the country to learn at other stations.
Now retired, Yohn knows the field station will always focus on student outcomes. Students “want to make the world a better place,” he says. “Day in and day out, the field station keeps them inspired.” Eric Quallen, the new director of the field station, knows the field station is Yohn’s legacy and the “result of decades of work and dedication.” Now at the helm, Quallen wants alumni to know that the field station remains a place “where we continue to ask questions, face challenges head on and find solutions, and we will allow our students to be the ones to find those solutions.”
FIRST-PERSON
Above (L–R):
Uma Ramakrishnan , professor and chair of environmental science, natural science division head; Eric Quallen , director of the Raystown Field Station; Austin Peck ’18 , program coordinator; Chuck Yohn ’83, retired director of the Raystown Field Station; Lauren Bowen , provost; Chris Bomgardner, facilities supervisor
LESSONS IN NATURE
format is extremely rare,” says Uma Ramakrishnan, who oversees the field station as chair of the environmental science and studies department. The department, she says, is now one of the largest at Juniata. “A large part of our success and growth is tied to the field station, and vice versa.” She notes that many Juniata students get hired for jobs or accepted into graduate programs because of the research they undertake at the field station.
Much of that research is done in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and with state agencies such as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission. Jude Harrington, the Raystown Lake operations manager for the Corps, says Juniata students have been involved with monitoring hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant; with creating turtle nesting habitats; with studying how the Corps’ timber management practices affect songbird and bat populations; and with research on the hemlock woolly adelgid, a tiny insect from eastern Asia that is threatening hemlock stands throughout eastern North America. Field station students, he notes, “were the first to discover that the striped bass, Raystown Lake’s trophy fish, had low levels of mercury.”
The field station, Harrington says, has become “a critical component of the Corps’ environmental stewardship program” at the lake and has offered “multiple benefits” to the agency. Beyond providing research results that have real-world uses, field station students also teach visitors about the
Below: The Grove Farm traces back to 1833, when early settlers to the area first built a cabin, which is still standing to the rear of the existing structure.
“The learning community is the single most powerful tool in undergraduate education. When all your students are taking the same classes, learning success increases a lot.”
Chuck Yohn ’83
environment through the Raystown Conservation Education Partnership, known as RayCEP, in which two Juniata interns spend every summer educating visitors to the lake about various topics. The Corps also regularly hires Juniata students as student rangers. Abbigail Fields ’25 has studied what habitats walleye prefer for spawning and has presented findings at scholarly symposiums and in a paper for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Walleye, she says, like “rock rubble reefs,” which are scarce in a man-made lake like Raystown, so students are testing reefs they’ve created themselves to see how the fish respond. The aim, Fields says, is to help the fish population reproduce naturally so the state can spend less
OBJECT
Sugar Time!
BY APRIL FEAGLEY
When late winter’s frigid overnight temperatures pair with warmer and longer days, the maple trees awaken, and it is sugar weather.
Maple syrup production utilizes spiles (or taps) made from wood, metal, or plastic to harvest the flowing sugar water, which is different from the bitter, sticky sap the tree will produce in hotter months.
A small hole is drilled about two inches deep into the tree, and the narrow end of the spile is tapped into
place with a mallet. Most spiles have a hook or ledge to secure a bucket to collect the sugar water.
The sugar bush (a grove of maple trees) at the Raystown Field Station has been tapped for the past 100 years — originally by the Grove family who owned the land until the completion of Raystown Lake. Clair Grove, who had relocated to a farm nearby, returned to the property regularly to teach maple sugaring to Juniata College faculty, staff, and students after the field station was established in 1974.
Every year since, Juniatians of all ages gather at Raystown to enjoy the
chill of the late-winter air as they sustain and conserve a century of local tradition. The pilgrimage begins on a day decided by nature — usually in February — when the conditions are determined just right for placing the taps. Over the course of a few weeks, participants collect sugar water, which is then stored in preparation for a much anticipated gathering at the sugar shack.
Billowing white clouds of steam rise to the sky above the Grove Farm as excess water is boiled away to create sticky, sweet, and delicious maple syrup that is enjoyed over pancakes and waffles in an informal feast.
g ’23
ALUMNI INSIGHT
From Raystown to Global Impact
Bruce Jones ’75 has led environmental compliance efforts within the energy industry.
BY APRIL FEAGLEY g ’23
When Bruce Jones ’75 first set foot on the grounds of what would eventually become the Raystown Field Station, the site was still untouched by the amenities of modern life.
“I grew up in a suburb where everyone on the street had served in the Army, Navy, or Air Force,” says Jones. “Going to no electricity and outdoor plumbing — it was primitive. But the enthusiasm was there. It was an adventure to get it going, and it enhanced the reason I went on to get a master’s degree in ecology.”
Jones’ journey took him to Rutgers University, where he earned his master’s degree and launched into his career in the environmental and licensing department of a New Jersey electric utility. In a full-circle moment, he found himself overseeing the environmental aspects involved with construction of the Merrill Creek Reservoir in Harmony, N.J. — using the same contractor responsible for the Raystown Dam.
money stocking the lake with fingerlings, which is expensive.
Fields has spent three semesters at the field station and prefers its small scale over living on campus. “It’s amazing to be out in the field every day,” she says. “You all become one big family,” and when there’s free time, “you get to go fishing or hunting or swimming whenever you want.”
Jones’ career trajectory took a significant turn when he took an environmental position at an Exxon oil refinery, beginning a series of leadership positions within the energy sector, which eventually led to his appointment as executive vice president and CEO at Petroplus, Europe’s largest independent oil refiner by capacity, based in Switzerland. Now retired, Jones is a member of Juniata’s board of trustees and a generous philanthropic supporter, including giving to the Raystown Field Station, student scholarships, and South Hall, which will be renamed Gibbel Hall in the future, and sponsoring rooms in the newly renovated Statton Learning Commons. As a student, Jones recalls studying with friends in the building when it was known as Beeghley Library. For current students at the Raystown Field Station, Jones offers this advice: “Take every opportunity you can to maximize your experience while you’re there. You’ve got to be out in the field.”
Field station semesters also teach professionalism, says Lauren McConahy ’24, who spent the spring of her sophomore year there studying restoration ecology. “You have to make sure you’re always prepared when you go out in the field,“ she says. “And you have to be disciplined. You’re learning how to work with 15 people that you’re living with” — a skill she says is particularly important for researchers whose work takes them to remote locations. While she was still an undergraduate. McConahy was hired as a wildlife biology intern for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and even a brief conversation with her touches on bears, brown bat counts, and lead isotopes in coyote liver samples (possibly from ammunition). She is now enrolled in Juniata’s new master’s program in applied ecology and natural resource management.
“It’s amazing to be out in the field every day. You all become one big family,” and when there’s free time, “you get to go fishing or hunting or swimming whenever you want.”
Abbigail Fields ’25
“Looking forward, the conversation is about how the field station can expand and capture greater student interest,” says Eric Quallen, the new director. “We want to serve students and offer them an immersive and crucial experience to as many students and as many times as possible.”
When he’s not trying to puzzle it out, Quallen is working to keep on top of everything else
— teaching environmental stewardship, coordinating schedules and resources, monitoring budgets, and making sure the two pontoon boats, six canoes, and 17 kayaks are in good order. “You need to be a kind of renaissance person, a jackof-all-trades,” says Quallen, who came to Juniata after three years at the University of Wyoming’s field station.
FLEXIBILITY IS KEY
Supporting Quallen — and working daily at the field station — are Chris Bomgardner and Austin Peck ’18. As facilities supervisor, Bomgardner provides on-site maintenance expertise and safety instruction. Peck, who lives on site as the program coordinator and serves the students’ residence life
adviser, says flexibility is built into everything the field station does. When the Corps of Engineers needs extra hands for their annual hydrilla survey, which involves checking some 500 sites around the lake, classes are canceled for two days. When Game Commission researchers want help trapping and banding wild turkeys for their yearly population survey, students will set up bait stations and then help with the trapping, usually on short notice.
Not even the schedule for making maple syrup is predictable. There are about 450 taps on field station trees, Peck says, but for sugar water to run, the temperature has to be below freezing at night and over 40° Fahrenheit degrees during the day. “You can end up with five gallons of syrup or you can end up with 42,” depending on that year’s weather, he says. In August, this year’s syrup took third place at the Huntingdon County Fair.
Grace Lewis ’21 says the field station was what attracted her to Juniata in the first place. Her first field station semester, however, was interrupted when the College went to remote coursework during the early weeks of the COVID pandemic. Faculty
members scrambled to reconfigure the semester’s wildlife conservation curriculum, with varying degrees of success. Norris Muth, professor of biology, based his field-research assignments on what students could experience near their homes, which Lewis says worked well, but she missed key wildlife management experiences.
She returned a year later for a restoration ecology semester that she calls redemptive. Meanwhile, she worked with Professor Ramakrishnan on research into the Allegheny woodrat, which lives on slopes of loose rocks called talus. The animals, relatives of packrats, have seen serious population declines because of a raccoon roundworm. Lewis has not only helped study where woodrat populations remain but has used the field station’s lab space to test strategies for protecting them from the worms.
After graduation, Lewis was recruited for a job as a biologist’s aide for the Game Commission. Next she went to work for a conservation center in Alaska, and now she’s working as a forest educator in the Finger Lakes region of New York. As she says, “My experiences at the field station are actively playing out in my everyday life and work.”
Raystown Lake provides a living laboratory for students to learn about lake ecology and monitoring water quality.
Finding Beauty Amid Destruction
Students travel to Hiroshima, Japan, to learn lessons from the past.
AUGUST 6, 1945: a day that changed history. B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, setting in motion the Japanese surrender in World War II. That moment of devastation remains a central focus in the study of peace, even 79 years later.
As the annual anniversary approached, the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies provided funding for Juniata students and faculty to attend the Hiroshima and Peace Summer Program at Hiroshima City University. The program offers visiting students information and insights on the historical impact and human tragedies of the bombing.
Baker Institute Director Zia Haque tunity to students in his spring Introduction to Conflict Reso lution course. After a competitive process, two peace studies students, Ashley Meza ’27 and Jack Polglaze ’27 student, Sage Winters ’27, were selected to participate. The Baker Institute funded the travel program to foster academ ic and personal development of students and reinforce their shared commitment to global peace.
The Cenotaph Memorial at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack at the end of World War II.
(L–R): Jack Polglaze ’27, Ashley Meza ’27, and Sage Winters ’27
Bottom (L–R): Sage Winters ’27, Alison Fletcher, Uma
“The lectures truly deepened my understanding of the gravity and significance of that tragic August day in Hiroshima in 1945. The friends and professors we met during this program profoundly shaped our connection to the place we were studying.
Hiroshima is much more than a city that was bombed; it is a thriving place filled with wonderful people. Meeting and creating memories with students not only from Japan, but from around the world, was an amazing experience. Exploring the city and sharing meals with other students were some of my favorite moments.”
Learning about the catastrophic events of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings was emotionally challenging, but everyone involved in the program was incredibly kind and supportive. The passionate lecturers helped us gain a deeper understanding of what really happened during the bombings. Visiting the Peace Memorial Museum was eye-opening, as we read numerous survivor accounts and, through our program, heard the testimony of Keiko Ogura, a
BY TOM YENCHO
When the old friends stepped into East Housing’s 402 Flory, it was as if they had traveled back in time. To them, the suite still smelled faintly of Middleswarth potato chips and Sheetz chili dogs, and the common space seemed to hum with echoes of late-night laughter.
Paul Kardish ’84, a former special agent with the FBI, couldn’t help but grin as he flicked the light switch, half expecting the neon “Pabst” sign to buzz to life in the window. It didn’t, but that didn’t matter — they brought their own.
“Kip Benko ’84 hung that sign right back up,” Kardish says with a laugh, recalling his friend’s first — and only — responsibility for Alumni Weekend. That familiar glow once marked their suite as the unofficial headquarters of good times and great friendships. Forty years later, they would make sure it served the same purpose.
“The whole night took us back to ’84,” Benko would later say. “We got to come back home.”
THE PILGRIMAGE
This is a story about eight suitemates who made an unusual request to rent out their old East Housing Residences’ suite, 402 Flory, for their 40th reunion during Alumni Weekend in June. “We thought this was a pipe dream,” Kardish remembers. “No way they were going to let these guys back in there.”
But the Advancement Office knew that the Class of 1984 had been exceptionally close and hoped to reprise those strong communal ties for Alumni Weekend. In the end, it wasn’t a difficult decision.
“Paul and his classmates have always been really supportive of the institution. All of us here at Juniata, we want to provide a great experience for our alumni to reconnect and re-engage —
to make it feel like they just left campus,” says Mat Stoudnour, associate vice president for advancement.
“There’s a special fellowship that our alumni talk about,” he continues. “Those bonds created when you’re 19, 20 years old have an impact in so many ways. It’s really a testament to Juniata and our drive to create a memorable living and learning experience for every student. And so much of that experience is formed in the residence halls.”
With plans in place, suitemates Kardish, Benko, and Mike Appleby ’84 arrived Thursday, before the start of Alumni Weekend. This was two years in the making, after all, and there were things to do. The streets of Huntingdon hadn’t changed much, but they could feel the weight of time as they drove down Washington Street. They had already climbed the 1,000 Steps earlier in the day.
Appleby, a retired QVC executive, and Benko, a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center physician, lived nearby, and biopharmaceutical representative Chris “Corky” Collins ’84 joined the festivities on Friday. Their band of brothers also included Bob Maruca ’84, Jack Makdad ’85, Pete Werts ’84, Mike Lesh ’85, and John Voler ’84. After Juniata, they pursued careers as physicians, dentists, lawyers, business executives, entrepreneurs, and even a naval aviator.
“Those bonds created when you’re 19, 20 years old have an impact in so many ways.”
Mat Stoudnour, AVP, Advancement
“You knew everyone in the group was going to be successful, but you had no idea how they were going to get there,” says Kardish. “We were all from different walks of life, but for some reason, we just got along exceptionally well.”
THE VALUE OF THE LIBERAL ARTS
Those relationships were the keys to a lifetime of success, says Appleby. “Living with those seven, eight guys ... it brought out things you never knew you had in yourself.”
His first job out of college was with QVC. Launched in the mid-1980s, the fledgling television network quickly reinvented home shopping, ultimately pioneering an immersive, customer-focused digital experience. Appleby grew up with the company, retiring as a senior vice president for quality assurance and supply chain. He also taught business for a few semesters at Juniata.
“Everyone had an academic champion,” Kardish recalls, easily recounting how several Juniata professors shaped the lives of his suitemates. “And yet, for us, having to negotiate and navigate
everything and get along as well as we did was phenomenal.”
Kardish went to the FBI after law school at Gonzaga and postdoctoral studies at New York University. “Juniata was so rigorous. I got to law school and realized I was so far ahead of the game. The most underappreciated skill at the FBI is communications. The key is information and getting it out of people,” he explains. “I was really very good at building relationships with informants, talking with everyone from kings to paupers. It’s a lost art, but one that Juniata helped cultivate.”
That would later serve him well as senior vice president and general counsel at several publicly traded companies.
Each suitemate had a similar story. Benko’s expertise in emergency medicine led to groundbreaking work improving patient care in acute dental emergencies. Makdad would take up the helm of Makdad Industrial Supply, a leader in HVAC throughout central Pennsylvania. Werts became the executive finance officer for ManTech, one of the nation’s leading defense contractors specializing in AI and cybersecurity. Every suitemate, like so many of their peers, credited their career success to their alma mater.
FRIDAY NIGHT:
THE BIG TENT
Back at 402 Flory, the neon “Pabst” sign buzzed loudly, once again a beacon for old friends to wander in, drawn by the promise of stories and memories as vibrant as the tunes of Bob Seger, Tom Petty and the J. Geils Band playing in their heads.
“It wasn’t really an alumni reunion. For us, it was a family reunion. Everyone there, we all had different backgrounds. But Juniata was what we shared in common.”
Chris Collins ’84
“We didn’t know who would show up,” Benko says, recalling the uncertainty of that night. “But by 9 p.m., it felt like the whole Class of ’84 had squeezed into that suite.” Nearly 50 alumni from the class made cameos, all contributing to an evening filled with nostalgia and new memories. As the crowd swelled, filling every corner of the suite with laughter and music, it didn’t matter who you were or what you’d become — everyone was welcome. For Collins, the suite had become a big tent. “It wasn’t really an alumni reunion. For us, it was a family reunion. Everyone there, we all had different backgrounds. But Juniata was what we shared in common.”
And that’s what Juniata had always been — a home.
A place where people from all walks of life came together and learned to live in harmony. “I remember thinking: You can always come back and count on people that supported you back then,” says Benko. “It was fun to watch everybody in the moment.”
Perhaps more than anything, he says, relationships forged in the residence halls have always been the true legacy of the suitemates college years. As their families grew and their careers took off, the suitemates didn’t find much time to reconnect. They scattered across the country — Virginia, Washington, California, Wisconsin, Florida, Pennsylvania. The 35th class reunion, held over a June weekend in 2019, changed that.
Supporting the Residential Life Experience
BY TOM YENCHO
Just as 402 Flory proved an integral gathering place for the Class of 1984 suitemates who called it home, on-campus housing continues to be vital to the student experience for all Juniatians. Matthew Damschroder, vice president for student life and dean of students, has found that today’s students are independent and resourceful, and they want spaces that are flexible and adaptable to their needs.
“We’ve seen a growing demand for spaces that acknowledge neurodiversity and different ways of learning and being,” he says, noting that, as Juniata completes its master planning process, there is a need to strengthen support and prioritize health and wellness. “The outcomes for students living on campus are substantially greater,” Damschroder says, explaining that they have higher grades, better completion, and greater satisfaction than those who don’t live in campus housing.
“The residential environment must fundamentally respond to student needs,” he says. “That’s always been a hallmark of Juniata, but it’s never been more important than now.”
Henry Gibbel ’57 and his wife Joanie recognize the importance of a thriving residential experience, and the value of lifelong connections built in classrooms and residence hall rooms. They pledged $1 million to the renovation of South Hall, which will be renamed in their honor.
The advancement office invites other alumni and friends to support current and future residence hall renovations. Contact Mat Stoudnour, associate vice president for advancement, at 814-641-3191, to learn more.
Since then, the friends have been inseparable. The bonds that once brought them together have been firmly re-established. Every year, one of the friends hosts the others. They have traveled to Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Several traveled to Scotland together. Others went to Arizona for the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance. They even checked in with weekly Zoom calls during COVID. Their spouses even joined the story. A few were Juniata alumnae themselves. Many were there at the party in June, where they could jump in to finish their husbands’ oft-heard stories and nail the punchlines without having lived through them as college students. This was now one large extended family. As the night wound down, the group found themselves in the common space at 3 a.m., many sitting in the same spots
“There’s no better way to learn more about yourself than to live together in a dorm.”
Paul Kardish ’84
they had occupied decades before. Appleby remembers looking around at his friends, marveling at how little had changed. They were older, wiser, and a bit grayer, but they were still the same guys who had lived, laughed, and learned together in this very suite.
“Communal living is just so darn important,” he mused. “You build bonds so naturally. What I got out of Juniata is so much more than a degree. Those four years — they’re so formative. I have 25 lifelong friends that I connect with from Juniata, and those relationships are worth more than almost anything I learned in the classroom.”
Kardish agrees.
“That’s where you really grow up. There’s no better way to learn more about yourself than to live together in a dorm,” he explains. “You evolve over time, but honestly, your core never changes. To be able to coexist with all those students is really the key to our success — you learn how to navigate conflict, how to pick each other up, and hold each other accountable.”
And that’s what they had done. This return to 402 Flory was something special. It was another reminder that Juniata ties were lifelong.
Saturday morning came too quickly, but as they departed, they knew they weren’t really saying goodbye. They were carrying with them the essence of what Juniata had given them — a sense of belonging, of brotherhood, and of a home that would always welcome them back.
“It was more than just living in 402. I’ll always be grateful for what we accomplished and for calling them my friends,” says Collins, before adding, “Juniata took a chance on me. I really believe that Juniata can change a student’s life, and those students go on to change the world. And these guys, they did that. 402 Forever!”
THEN & NOW
Lobsterfest
Below, a more recent tradition, Lobsterfest marks the end of the first week of fall classes. Campus clubs and student organizations set up displays to introduce themselves to new students. The best part is that the afternoon ends with a picnic unlike any other... fresh Maine lobster is on the menu!
The older photo appeared in the 1993 yearbook and showed Susan Lasher Lowery ’94 enjoying the picnic outside, surrounded by friends.
Forever Juniata
RECURRING
31 Then & Now
32 Alumni News
33 I Met an Alum
35 Events
40 Class Notes
45 Memory Lane
46 Marriages & Births
48 @ Juniata
49 In Memory
56 Parting Shot
Record Setters
Class of 1974 raises $4.8 million for legacy gift.
BY APRIL FEAGLEY g ’23
With the sound of cheering in the air, the Class of 1974 revealed their generous 50th reunion legacy gift — $4,889,319.74 — during Alumni Weekend. Legacy Gift Committee Co-chairs Dave Andrews ’74 and Bruce Moyer ’74 and committee members Barbara Beachley Marshall ’74, Bill Zamer ’74, Mike Klag ’74, and Mike Jablonski ’74 rallied their classmates to support the cause.
“We express our gratitude to Juniata for the education we received. Our class project is sponsorship of the living room in Statton Learning Commons, an incredibly welcoming space that students and the entire Juniata community have embraced since it opened in the spring,” says Andrews.
The Statton Learning Commons opened to students at the beginning of the 2024 spring semester, and students enjoy using the facility to study, collaborate, and connect with classmates. The living room, which faces the quad, features group seating, a fireplace, and a wall of books and boardgames. The location has played host to game and movie nights, lectures, and panel discussions.
Beyond the $1,085,263 class project gift for Statton Learning Commons, the remaining gift funding will be directed to endowments, capital projects, annual scholarships, academic and athletic programs, student programs like the Mock Trial team, and the Juniata Scholarship Fund.
“This is a special time. We should be joyful that we are here, blessed to be Juniata graduates and friends forever.”
Bruce Moyer ’74
“This is a special time. We should be joyful that we are here, blessed to be Juniata graduates and friends forever,” Moyer said.
The Class of 1974 set records with the highest number of donors participating — 114 donors (56% of the class) — for the 2024 fiscal year. They also presented the largest cash gift for a class project. Andrews and Moyer credited the support of their committee, class engagement officers, classmates, and the Juniata College advancement team with the success.
“What you represent and embody is what we try and do every day with our students,” said Provost Lauren Bowen, who served as acting president during the spring semester. “That you believe in us and come back means more than I can put into words.”
The Class of 1974’s Legacy Gift committee, including co-chairs Bruce Moyer ’74, left, and Dave Andrews ’74, right, presented their class legacy gift to Acting President Lauren Bowen at the All Class Dinner on June 7.
I Met an Alum
Juniatians find each other in locations all over the world. Here are some of the latest connections made:
As they worked together, they enjoyed recounting how Juniata had changed over the years.
Susan (Hoadley) DeGeorge ’80 and Daniel D. Gray ’14
Estero, FL
Cindy L. (Bishop) Borzilleri ’74 met Galen “Sandy” B. Warren ’62 while playing bocce ball at their local bocce courts in Florida. They discovered they had both grown up in Harrisburg, and further discussion revealed their common connection as proud Juniatians.
WE WANT TO PRINT YOUR STORY. Tell us about any unusual or surprising places or circumstances where you met a Juniatian and we will include it in an upcoming issue of Juniata Magazine. Please send your story and photos to: Alumni Office
Juniata College
1700 Moore Street Huntingdon, PA 16652
Email: alumni@juniata.edu
Portland, OR
Megha Arora ’19 met Marie J. Boller ’12 in Portland, Oregon, at Oregon Health & Science University. While Arora was working an OB/GYN rotation, Boller was one of the physicians on the team. During their shifts together, they reminisced about professors, residence halls, and their study abroad experiences. Arora is currently a third-year medical student while Boller is an OB/GYN physician completing a fellowship in maternal fetal medicine.
Cape May Court House, NJ
Susan (Hoadley) DeGeorge ’80 met her new physical therapist Daniel D. Gray ’14 and quickly realized their shared Juniata connection. As they worked together, they enjoyed recounting how Juniata had changed over the years.
Gloucester Point, VA
Quinn L. Girasek ’22 met Stephanie M. Letourneau ’20 while conducting a survey of freshwater fish species as part of their graduate schoolwork at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
York, PA
Stacy C. Moyer ’93 met Seth M. Bernstein ’23 at the School District of the City of York where Moyer is a teacher and Bernstein is a long-term substitute teacher. They took this photo on a school field trip to see a local baseball game.
Dover, DE
Lily M. Stewart ’27 met Robert K. Monti ’69 while golfing in her hometown of Dover, Delaware. Stewart is currently a student at Juniata, where she golfs for the women’s team.
Alumni Awards
During the 2024 Alumni Weekend, Juniata recognized four alumni for their achievements and contributions to the College and their communities.
Jennifer Dorsch-Messler ’ 02
William E. Swigart, Jr. ’37 Alumni Humanitarian Award
Dorsch-Messler serves as director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM), an organization of the Church of the Brethren that engages volunteers to repair or rebuild damaged homes for disaster survivors. She is currently secretary of the Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Executive Committee. After Juniata, she earned a master’s degree in conflict transformation with a concentration in trauma healing and peacebuilding from Eastern Mennonite University.
Christopher Gahagen ’94
Harold B. Brumbaugh ’33 Alumni Service Award
Gahagen is the vice president of health, safety, and the environment at PowerSecure, Inc. in Durham, North Carolina. He spends time volunteering for Juniata at Alumni Weekend and Homecoming and Family Weekend. He serves on the Class of 1994 Reunion Committee and has served as a class fund agent or class engagement officer since 2016. He also helps recruit future students at college fairs and has mentored current students as an employer representative.
Robert Nairn ’89
Alumni Achievement Award
Nairn has distinguished himself within his profession as an environmental scientist. He began his career as a research biologist with the Pittsburgh Research Cen-
ter of the U.S. Bureau of Mines and is now an assistant professor of environmental science at the University of Oklahoma, where he holds the titles of Director of the Center for Restoration of Ecosystems and Watersheds, Sam K. Viersen Family Presidential Professor, and Robert W. Hughes Centennial Professor of Engineering. He leads research on biogeochemical and ecological processes contributing to metal contaminant retention in mine drainage passive treatment systems and holistic watershed management. His two decades of work to rehabilitate contaminated water at the Tar Creek Superfund site was recognized with the prestigious William T. Plass Award from the American Society of Mining and Reclamation.
Anne Wakabayashi ’11
Young Alumni Achievement Award
After graduating from Juniata, Wakabayashi worked in electoral politics, serving as political and then communications director for the PA Senate Democratic Campaign committee and as senior advisor for Elizabeth Warren’s campaign. In 2015, she became the founding executive director of Emerge Pennsylvania — an organization that recruits and trains women to run for office. Her work with the Win Company contributed to John Fetterman’s successful campaign for the United States Senate. Wakabayashi is the vice president of campaigns and creative services at BerlinRosen in New York City. She continues to give back to Juniata.
Alumni Award honorees, front row (L–R), Robert Nairn ’89, Christopher Gahagen ’94, Jennifer Dorsch-Messler ’02, and Anne Wakabayashi ’11 were recognized by presenters, second row, Robert Knox, Michael Lehman ’94, David Witkovsky, and Jack Barlow, Charles A. Dana Professor of Politics emeritus.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Do you know someone who is deserving of a Juniata Alumni Award?
Help the Alumni Council’s Awards and Nominations Committee by submitting a nomination for one of the following:
• Harold B. Brumbaugh ’33 Alumni Service Award
• Alumni Achievement Award
• Young Alumni Achievement Award
• William E. Swigart Jr. ’37 Alumni Humanitarian Award
For nominations and more information: juniata.edu/awards
Front Row (L–R): Brian Hoover, David Hoffman, Bruce Moyer, Charles Austin, Peter Martina, Martin Meiss, Kerry Spear, Martin Dansbury, Paul Donahue, Chris Peterson, David Andrews, Myron Zimmerman, Kandace (Foust) Melillo, Debra (Frazier) Peterson, Edward Podgorski
Second Row (L–R): Jeffrey Putt, Richard Jahn, Robert Wise, Stephen Thomas, Suzanne (Leffard) Thomas, Lynne (Wolford) Sterling, Michael Klag, Ellen (Humphries) Ponder, Betsy (Miller) Bullock, Janet (Leadley) Summers, Debby (Halscheid) Parker, Carl Koval, Alan Rohrer, William Zamer
Third Row (L–R): Margaret (Loving) MacWilliams, Janet (Smith) Hon, Margaret (Smeal) SerVaas, Jean (McCormick) Warrick, Cynthia (Cromis) Morris, Janet (Molvie) Hasenmayer, Valerie Walter, Barbara (Beachley) Marshall, Eugenia (Maslar) Krestar, Kathie (Wareham) Gasper, William Gasper
Back Row (L–R): Walter Prozialeck, Michael Jablonski, Edward Williamson, Jean (Calhoun) Williamson, Kathryn (Irwin) Lentz, Donald Hasenmayer, Gwen (Smith) Pote
Second Row (L–R): Susan Stapleton, Linda Baker, Susan (Hainley) Raybuck, Randy Kochel, Craig Kershaw, Carol (Eichelberger) Van Horn, Robert McMinn
Third Row (L–R): Douglas Eadline, Barbara (Maxfield) Fitzsimmons, William Bowser, Raymond Young, William Messersmith, John Van Horn
Alumni Weekend
Juniata’s 2024 Alumni Weekend brought 685 alumni, family, and friends to campus reconnect and reminisce. The event featured reunions, the All Class Dinner, and educational lectures.
Reception in Baltimore
A reception for alumni and accepted students was held in Baltimore, Maryland, in conjunction with the Juniata College Board of Trustees Summer Meeting.
UPCOMING
Juniata Career Day
February 28, 2025
Alumni, parents, and friends are invited to represent their company or organization at our annual job, internship, and networking fair.
Baker Institute 40th Anniversary Reunion
March 28–30, 2025
Join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect and celebrate 40 years of The Baker Institute!
Alumni Weekend
June 5–8, 2025
Alumni and friends are invited to enjoy a weekend of reminiscing and reconnection. The Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and Emeriti Alumni will celebrate reunions.
Chemistry
100th Anniversary Celebration
June 7–8, 2025
Join us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Juniata’s Chemistry Department during Alumni Weekend 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect and celebrate 100 years of chemistry!
1950s
1954
Wilfred G. Norris was honored for 50 years of service to the Huntingdon Rotary Club. He was also treasurer of the club for 20 years.
1960s
1960
James R. Gaskell retired as health commissioner after 25 years of working for the Athens City County Health Department.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside talented faculty, staff, and administrators who are deeply committed to the students.”
Cynthia S. (Masser)
Bambara ’73
Cumberland Times-News
2/28/24
1974
1970s
1970
James F. Nicolosi, 77, has retired from his career in the nuclear industry .
1973
Cynthia S. (Masser) Bambara will retire as president of Allegany College of Maryland on Jan. 1, 2025. In her 13-year tenure at the college, Bambara renovated, built infrastructure, and strengthened the college’s relations with other schools in the area. She is most proud of transforming their Phi Beta Kappa International Honor Society into a five-star chapter.
Pictured above: J. Lawrence “Larry” Hoover organized the 27th Annual Runners Reunion on May 3–5, 2024, in Huntingdon. The group enjoyed a meal on campus in Baker Refectory. In attendance were (L–R) Grant Brewin ’74, Jack McCullough ’76, Don Mitchell, Larry Hoover ’74, Joe Coradetti ’73, Bill Shuler Jr. ’81, George Peterson ’82, Deirdre Comey Peterson, Dana Cope ’81, Ulla (Wienhoefer) Shuler ’81, Bill Kibler Jr. ’75, Linda (Fultz) Cope ’84, Bill DeMuth ’75, Cindy DeMuth, Brian Maurer ’75, and not pictured, Melodee (Furry) Wingate ’75
‘Now It’s
Game Time’
David Grim ’12 is new co-owner of soccer club in Norway.
BY ELIZABETH HOMAN
Growing up playing soccer, David Grim ’12 never expected his passion for the sport would take him from State College to Norway, but attending a liberal arts college enabled him to transition seamlessly from student to political strategist to business communicator — to soccer investor. Grim and two partners are the new owners of the 119-year-old Idrettsklubben Start, a professional soccer club known as IK Start in Kristiansand, Norway, the country’s fifth largest city.
While the community maintains authority over sporting decisions, Grim and his partners oversee commercial operations.
“In just 14 days we went from spit balling the investment idea to jumping on a plane to Norway,” he says. “We accomplished our initial goal. Now it’s game time to execute and ensure the club is stable financially and on the field. This is an exciting moment.”
Grim manages communications for the club and plans to travel regularly to Norway. He balances this with his full-time public affairs work at Pittsburgh’s PPG, a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, and specialty materials.
He credits Juniata politics professors Jack Barlow, Emil Nagengast, Dennis Plane, and former instructor Sam Hayes with inspiring his career in political consulting and fundraising, which prepared him to raise $4 million and convince club owners to approve outside investment by what Grim calls “suburban American dads.”
Juniata, Grim says, helped prepare him for this new — and uncharted — future. “Juniata provided me with professors like Emil Nagengast, who encourages students to expand their horizons by studying abroad,” he says, “which helped build the foundation for this adventure of a lifetime.”
ALUMNI PROFILE
Always Blue & Gold
Juniata remains a beloved memory for Hilda (Horner) McCreight ’41
BY ELIZABETH HOMAN
With a trunk holding everything she needed, Hilda (Horner) McCreight ’41 embarked on a train journey to start her college education. It was thrilling to be a young woman traveling alone from Washington, Pennsylvania, to Huntingdon. McCreight knew about Juniata from her parents — Miles Horner, Class of 1913, and Lucille (Gump) Horner, Class of 1917 — and from growing up in the Church of the Brethren.
McCreight is currently the College’s oldest living alum on record. Provost Lauren Bowen recently traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to visit with her. They spent time in lively conversation about the Juniata of today compared to the early 1940s.
McCreight shared how much she loved her time in theater, choir, and orchestra. Mountain Day was a day off for her, as it was for other Juniatians, and she recalled spending it at the cliffs. Another fond memory was the college’s speech requirement, which she believes should have remained in place.
After two years, McCreight transferred to Carnegie Tech University (now Carnegie Mellon) and married her husband, Jim. They moved to the Washington, D.C. area during World War II, before returning to Pennsylvania to raise their four children. After her husband’s passing, McCreight moved closer to family. McCreight has never forgotten the moments when she walked through Juniata’s hallways, sang with the choir, or enjoyed the view from the cliffs. She cherished visiting in 1991 to celebrate her 50th reunion. Even today, her pride for her alma mater remains just as strong as it was when she first arrived with a trunk in tow.
1975
Michael J. Grissinger recently became the new chairman of the board of AnaCardio, a Swedish biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of treatments for patients with heart failure.
William R. Kibler Jr., along with his coworkers, celebrated the Altoona Mirror’s 150th anniversary on June 13, 2024. He has worked at the Mirror for 26 years.
1977
Susan (Schlosser) Hostetter was inducted into the 2024 Lebanon County Women’s Hall of Fame. She was recognized for her achievements in connecting the arts with her local community.
1978
Beth E. Sollenberger is serving as interim district director of administration for the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Southeast District.
1979
D. Denise (Balmer) Greenberg retired from Culver City High School in June 2023 after more than 20 years of service. She continues to work as a substitute teacher and an English language assessor for the district.
Linda (Arentz) Leopold is president of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) for the 2023–2024 term. She was elected to serve a five-year term on the PWEA Board of Directors in 2021. She is currently the laboratory manager and chemical hygiene officer at Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, which supplies drinking water to the City of Pittsburgh.
1980s
1980
George I. Meyer retired as general manager and vice president of Morlin Asset Management on June 30, 2024, where he managed the Los Angeles Union Station. He recently received the Retirement Award from the Building Owners and Manager Association of Greater Los Angeles.
1982
Beverly J. Supanick won the gold medal in singles at the National Singles and Doubles Championship for Racquetball held at the University of Arizona. She won in the 60A division in a five-person round robin. This is her sixth medal in singles at national competitions and her first gold.
1984
Jay E. Jones recently retired from The United Methodist Church after 36 years working as a full-time pastor. He currently lives near Juniata in a 55+ community.
1985
Holly K. (Crable) Graver recently joined Seedcopa + SeedcoDE as senior vice president, business development officer.
“I’ve
spent most of
my
career in commercial lending,
and when I ask lenders what they appreciate most, they repeatedly tell me it’s the connections I make that are always in the best interests
of the client.”
Holly K. (Crable) Graver ’85 Delaware Business Times 6/7/24
1986
Tracy L. (Stough) Grajewski recently joined AAA Central Penn’s board of directors. She is thrilled to join the board and contribute to its growth and evolution.
Rebecca S. (Miller) Zeek is serving as a member of the interim district executive minister team for the Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren.
1988
Randall C. Deike has been named vice president of enrollment management for Cleveland State University. He has been working in higher education for more than 40 years.
“I know from personal experience the challenges families face in considering a college education, especially the families of underrepresented students.”
Randall C. Deike ’88 Cleveland State University 7/22/24
1989
Robert T. Davies was appointed to senior vice president of clean energy at Key Equipment Finance. He will be a member of the executive leadership team.
1990s
1990
Mary E. (Reed) DeBlase has retired from North Star School District after 33 years of teaching first grade and kindergarten. She is proud to have contributed to hundreds of students’ lives throughout the years.
Todd A. Ferrara was recently appointed to business line manager of Tompkins Community Bank’s small business lending team. He will oversee employees across New York and Pennsylvania.
Robert V. RowenHerzog has published a book, “Bury Me with the Dogs: Fathers, Sons, and an Accidental Manhood.” The compelling narrative explores relationships with our fathers — who art in Heaven, and Earth, and even in Pittsburgh — bearing witness to a process of forgiveness.
1991
Christopher J. Forney was named a finalist for the Teacher of the Year Award for the Washington D.C. metropolitan area by The Washington Post. He has been teaching social studies at Winston Churchill High School for 26 years.
1992
Gretta A. Gross has been appointed executive vice president for assessment & chief assessment officer at the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). In this role, she will provide leadership, guidance, and direction to major NBOME testing departments and will create and execute strategies to guide the development and innovation of the NBOME’s current and future assessment tools.
1993
Lisa M. (Snyder) Duvall has been named one of the Class of 2024 Hall of Excellence inductees by the Bedford Area School District.
1996
Mark A. Murnyack has been named as the defensive coordinator for Wilmington College’s football team. Previously, he was head coach of the Cadets at Norwich University for the last 13 seasons.
1997
Casey R. Craig has been promoted to executive vice president at Empower and will lead the large, mega, and not-for-profit segment at the retirement services provider.
1999
Kathryn R. Lantz was named as an outstanding teacher for the 2023–24 school year by the Southern Huntingdon County School District. She has been teaching in the district for 22 years.
“I really enjoy helping students.
Seeing the ‘Aha!’ moment when students finally understand a concept makes it all worth it.”
Kathryn R. Lantz ’99 The Daily News 5/16/24
Kurt J. Vandegrift works as a disease ecologist at Pennsylvania State University and runs the world’s largest research program on Covid-19 in wildlife. His research was recently showcased in Science magazine.
2000s
2000
Catherine M. (DeJohn) Gardner received a NASA Moon Tree, which is now planted at New Milford High School. The sweetgum tree seed was along for the ride in NASA’s Artemis I mission and orbited the moon twice.
Gregory A. Strunk recently opened a direct care center in Huntingdon. He has served as a physician in the area prior to starting Strunk Direct Care.
Craig D. Wharton was recently promoted to lieutenant at the Pennsylvania State Police. He has been a member of the force for 22 years.
Savvy Communicator
Jenny Wang ’12 is a stand-out in the field of public relations.
BY APRIL FEAGLEY g ’23
In a world where communication drives progress, Jenny Wang ’12 exemplifies the power of persuasion and influence. She was recently named senior vice president at Susan Davis International, one of the top five public affairs agencies in the U.S., where she will help spearhead the firm’s external representation, help drive business development, and provide clients with senior counsel in crisis and reputation management, media relations, and public affairs.
Wang’s journey began at Juniata College, where her father, Xinli Wang, was a philosophy professor. She says the College’s communication department stood out, offering a unique educational opportunity at a time when many institutions lacked such programs. Under the mentorship of retired faculty including Donna Weimer and Grace Fala, she delved into the theories of pathos, ethos, and logos, explored emerging digital spaces like the Metaverse, and honed her creativity and intellectual curiosity.
After graduation, Wang relocated to Washington, D.C., earning a master’s degree in strategic communication from American University. Her decade-long career spans a broad spectrum of public relations work, from representing Fortune 500 companies to startups, and she has particular expertise in patient advocacy and crisis management. In 2023, she was named to PR Week’s “40 Under 40,” which lauded her “communications savvy, tireless work ethic and intelligent counsel.”
Wang remains deeply connected to Juniata, returning as a judge for the Bailey Oratorical and serving on alumni career panels, where she advises students to “take a chance, go pursue opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Be fearless.”
2001
Rosalie M. Rodriguez has been promoted to chief diversity officer at Colorado College (CC). Most recently, she was associate vice president for institutional equity and belonging at CC.
2002
Anthony J. DeStefano has been appointed to the principal professional staff and named chief engineer of the Communications Systems Branch for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.
Seth T. Mesoras was recently promoted to Southcentral regional manager at the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Since he began with the commission, he has been recognized as the 2016 Turkey Federation Officer of the Year and twice with the agency Life Saving Award.
“I am eager to work with and learn from the phenomenal staff of the Southcentral Region.”
Seth T. Mesoras ’02 Pennsylvania Pressroom 4/23/24
2003
Loni N. (Fultz) Kline, the senior vice president for college relations and chief philanthropy officer at Pennsylvania College of Technology, has been elected as the newest at-large member of the Little League International Board of Directors.
2004
Jennifer B. Habel Hall is now general counsel at Mutual Benefit Group.
2006
Julie R. Hatfield-Still recently founded a nonprofit, Beyond The Game Alliance. The organization empowers athletes to thrive beyond the game, breaking free from limitations, and embracing their full potential.
2007
Casey R. Dale was inducted into the Founders Club at Juniata, recognizing more than 10 years of employment.
2009
Jon R. Guyer is the new business manager for the Huntingdon Area School District.
Stephanie A. Meyers was inducted into the Founders Club at Juniata, recognizing more than 10 years of employment.
Erin M. (Smith) Wachter was named as a 2024 Trailblazer in Higher Education by City & State Pennsylvania. She is currently the director of state relations at Pennsylvania State University.
Matthew S. Werle, head men’s volleyball coach at Grand Canyon University, was named AVCA Coach of the Year for men’s volleyball. In 2007, he won the AVCA Player of the Year while at Juniata, making him the first person in history to win both awards.
“It’s a great accomplishment for the program, so it’s pretty special. We are definitely very proud of the athletes.”
Matthew S. Werle ’09 AZ Central 2/27/24
2010s
2010
Paige E. (Black)
Orphanidis recently delivered the keynote speech at the 2024 Tyrone Area High School commencement. She is currently a physician at Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey.
“I’ve learned that success is not found in the volume of our voices, but by the depths of our conviction and the impact of our actions.”
Paige E. (Black)
Orphanidis ’10
The Daily Herald 6/5/24
2012
Jenny Wang is now the senior vice president at Susan Davis International, a fullservice international special events and public relations agency headquartered in Washington, D.C.
2013
Ariel (Lawver) Koerber was selected to join the executive committee of the Board of Directors at the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. She has already served the board for five years.
Adam D. Steele was inducted into the Founders Club at Juniata, recognizing more than 10 years of employment.
2014
Silvia R. G. Weko earned her PhD with highest honors from the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt. She is now a research associate at FriedrichAlexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany, where her research and teaching center on the social and political aspects
of sustainability transitions with a focus on renewable energies.
2016
Elizabeth M. Wortman graduated from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University and is now an associate attorney at Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba P.C.
2017
Jacob W. Diviney has become a partner of the law firm Gill, McManamon & Ghaner. He is also the solicitor for Huntingdon County Children & Youth Services.
Andrew J. Paterno serves as pastor of the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren.
2019
Andrew T. Wolfe finished his MBA in Health Administration at Franklin Pierce University and is now working as practice manager at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
2020s
2022
Claire M. Alfree has become a morning reporter for First Coast News in Jacksonville, Fl.
Annie R. Wolfe was recently accepted into Thomas Jefferson University’s three-year graduate physical therapy program in Philadelphia.
Email us about a memory from your time at Juniata: alumni@juniata.edu
— Andrew “Drew” McMullin ’98 Share Your Memories
MEMORY LANE
Life on the Edge
Mountain Day in my sophomore year was held at Trough Creek State Park. I’m not going to name names, but a friend of ours was always one of those folks who was out on the edge. He wanted to be the explorer, the one at the front on the stage. Well, he decided to go rock climbing above the water that day. As we all looked on, he literally fell 35 feet face-first into the Trough Creek then popped up out of the water and yelled, “I’m good!” It was one of the most breathtaking things I’ve ever seen.
1 Lynda (Aiman) Kersnick ’82 and Thomas J. Hanna ’81 were married Oct. 20, 2023. In attendance were (L–R) Thomas Hanna ’81 (groom), Lynda (Aiman) Kersnick ’82 (bride), and Scott Black ’79.
2 Katie (Shedlock)
Aktug ’13 and Kevin Aktug were married May 22, 2024.
3 Alyssa L. (Bernstein) Good ’13 and Tucker N. Good ’13 were married Sept. 4, 2022. In attendance were back row (L–R) Gregory Hess ’13, Sheridan Norris ’12, Matthew Fernandez ’12, John Naylor ’12, Jack Whitehead ’12, Jamie Collier ’13, and Grant Miner ’12 Middle row, Ben Tritsch ’13, Andy Masullo ’12, Ian Potter ’12, and Andrew Hoffman ’12. Front row, Annie Alexander ’13, Shauna Landrey ’13, Denalyn Spratt ’10, Alyssa (Bernstein) Good ’13 (bride), Tucker Good ’13 (groom), Hannah Breen ’13, Seth Weil ’13, and Nicole (Smale) Eichman ’13.
4 Elizabeth M. Wortman ’16 and Derek E. Schultz ’15 were married Sept. 20, 2023. In attendance were (L–R) Julie Trout ’13, Derek Schultz ’15 (groom), Elizabeth Wortman ’16 (bride), and Emily Fox ’15
SHARE YOUR NEWS
We welcome your submissions! Email updates and photos to alumni@juniata.edu
BIRTHS
1 Shannon M. (Daneman) Fisher ’02 and Eric Fisher are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Mikayla Jane, on Jul. 26, 2023.
2 Alyssa L. (Bernstein) Good ’13 and Tucker N. Good ’13 are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Hazel Sophie, on Aug. 23, 2023.
3 Olivia J. (Marker) Wertz ’20 and Jake O. Wertz ’20 are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Layla Jane, on March 30, 2024.
Juniata
A round-up of responses to popular social media posts:
“Tending my gardens in Alaska!”
CATHY HUNT SHERMAN ’81
“Having
a pint or two in Leckhampton, England.”
GLENN AMEY ’85
MOUNTAIN
DAY
Happenings
“Talked to the roommates this a.m. after my son texted me at 5:28 am that it was Mountain Day. We were all going in different directions but thought this throwback would do.”
CARRIE ANN RICHARDS WOOD ’98
“Great memories of Mountain Day. Had my own at a local park with my dog Sadie.”
CHRIS POST ’88
“Celebrating at my office.”
ANGELA DREDDEN ’84
“My mountain day!!”
NICOLE FIRESTONE ALLISON ’94
JUNIATA
FACULTY
Who Made a Difference
“Jim Tuten, Judy Katz , Lynn Cockett , Ronald McLaughlin, Dr. K-G , to start. I’m months from graduating with my PhD, and all of these people are my inspiration for quality teaching, mentoring, leadership, and overall fabulousness.”
MAGGIE ALBRIGHT-PIERCE ’12
“ Dr. Kathleen Jones, Dr. Norman Siems, and Dr. Russ Shelley were all phenomenal professors during my time at Juniata. They all went well above and beyond the ‘call of duty’ and truly shaped me and inspired me to be the teacher I am today.”
SARA GARSIDE ELLIS ’12
“ Dr. Hsiung, Dr. Nagengast , Drs. Tuten.”
JULIA TUTINO FUHRMAN ’06
“So many! Dr. Stenson, Dr. Bukowski, Dr. Kruse, Dr. Rhodes all helped me to believe in myself. And so many others.”
MARTY SCHETTLER ’03
“I was already camping at Raystown!”
BRITNEY LENIG ’11
“ Dr. Sunderland for Linear Algebra! Someone convinced me to take Linear Algebra as a ‘blow off class for an easy A’ — I spent many, many hours with Dr. Sunderland, who was always so patient and encouraging! And thanks to his encouragement, I changed my major to math.”
JAYME BARRETT ’89
“My son is currently in his second year at Juniata College and has had numerous positive interactions with his professors. In fact, he has said, “Every professor that I have had at Juniata cares more about me than any teacher that I had K-12.” Thank you, Juniata, for caring so much about your students!”
VALERIE BOYLE
In Memory
1940s
Helen (Good) Ebersole ’44
June 19, 2024 — Helen received a bachelor’s degree from Juniata in 1944 where she met her husband and life companion, Glen Ebersole ’46. She enjoyed traveling around the country with her family and hosting large gatherings in her home up until her passing at the age of 101. Helen loved writing, playing violin and piano, and being of service to her community. She was preceded in death by husband Glen Ebersole ’46, son David, sister Jean (Good) Ellis ’42, and brother J. Paul Good ’53; Helen is survived by son Mark, daughter Kate, and two grandchildren.
Clyde Reeder ’48
March 24, 2024 — Clyde lived to be 100 years old. He fought in World War II and earned both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Following the war, Clyde completed his bachelor’s degree at Juniata and received his doctorate in chemical engineering at The Ohio State University. He was President of the American Society of Chemical Engineers in Pittsburgh, an active member of the Methodist church, played coronet in the Twilight Serenaders, sang opera, donated blood, and brewed Clyde beer. Clyde was preceded in death by wife Betty; he is survived by daughters Amy and Sarah (Reeder) Rogers ’71, son David, and four grandchildren.
1950s
Robert E. Claycomb ’50
March 25, 2024 — Bob served as a Corporal in the United States Air Force during World War II prior to graduating with a degree in business administration from Juniata. He worked for both Bethlehem Steel and U.S. Steel before being transferred to New York City where he worked as an accountant for General Public Utilities. Bob was an involved member of Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church. He was a former member of the Juniata Alumni Council. Bob was preceded in death by father Luther Claycomb, Class of 1923, wife Barbara (Dickel) Claycomb ’48, and sister Janet (Claycomb) Batdorf ’55; he is survived by sons David and Mark, daughter Susan, and eight grandchildren.
L. Audrey (Madeira) Marschka ’50
March 15, 2024 — Audrey was the Juniata nurse from 1947–1948. She met her husband, David, at Juniata and they were married at the Stone Church of the Brethren. Audrey worked as a nurse in many schools in Lancaster County until her retirement in 1987. She and her husband served in the Peace Corps and participated in thirteen Earthwatch Institute scientific expeditions worldwide. Audrey was preceded in death by husband F. David Marschka ’48, father Charles Madeira, Class of 1918, sons Richard and David Marschka ’71, and daughter Deanna; she is survived by sons Daniel and Douglas Marschka ’73, and seven grandchildren.
Betty Jane (Kauffman) Mincemoyer ’51
July 5, 2024 — BJ earned a bachelor’s degree from Juniata in 1951. Throughout her career as a nurse and teacher, she and her husband farmed
full-time. BJ had a special interest in gardening and spent many decades tending to her flowers. She was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church. BJ was preceded in death by husband Donald; she is survived by daughter Beth, son Tom, and four grandchildren.
Sylvia (Barnes) Richard ’52
Feb. 10, 2024 — Sylvia graduated with honors from Juniata with a degree in psychology and sociology. She dedicated her life to family, friends, community, and faith. Sylvia was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She also volunteered as an election poll worker, for the American Red Cross, and with other community organizations. Sylvia enjoyed traveling, the Philharmonic, live theater, and playing games with friends and family. She was preceded in death by husband Robert Richard ’54; Sylvia is survived by daughter Lynn, son David Richard ’80, and three grandchildren, including Barrett Richard ’12 and Jared Richard ’13
Gene E. Sease ’52
May 30, 2024 — After graduating from Juniata, Gene continued his education and earned a total of five degrees. He was a prominent leader in education and public service, serving as president of the University of Indianapolis from 1970 to 1989 and later as chancellor. Gene led Sease, Gerig & Associates until 2022 and was instrumental in the establishment of Martin University and other community initiatives. He was honored with numerous awards, including the Alumni Achievement Award from Juniata in 1976, and his legacy includes significant contributions to education, civic engagement, and community development. Gene was preceded in death by brother Donald Sease ’50; he is survived by wife Joanne,
sons David and Daniel, daughter Cheri, and ten grandchildren.
Janice (Wenger) Middour ’53
June 24, 2024 — Janice met her husband, Jack Middour ’51, at Juniata and they married shortly after she graduated in 1953. She taught in the Waynesboro Area School System for more than 36 years. Janice loved music, singing, playing piano, and theater. She was a passionate advocate for equality and social justice and volunteered her time teaching English to immigrants in her community. Janice was preceded in death by husband Jack Middour ’51; she is survived by sons Jeffrey and Jay and three grandchildren.
Jack W. Walter ’53
July 19, 2024 — Jack graduated from Juniata with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1953. He worked in related fields for nearly 40 years in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Jack was an active member of the church throughout his adulthood. He was preceded in death by son Timothy and brother Ned Walter ’50; Jack is survived by wife Ruth and sons Robert and Thomas.
Anna (Holderbaum) Miller ’54
June 25, 2024 — After graduating from Juniata, Anna continued her education at Allegheny Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. She then worked as a registered medical technologist for 17 years and was a research coordinator for more than a decade. Anna was a founding member of St. Thomas More Parish in Allentown, Pa. She was preceded in death by husband Keith; Anna is survived by daughters Connie and Kathi, son Keith, and 10 grandchildren, including Naomi Miller ’19
Marian (Brightbill) Rowe ’54
June 23, 2024 — Marian received a bachelor’s degree from Juniata in 1954. Her lifelong interest in education was
evidenced in a teaching career ranging from nursery school to graduate school level instruction. Marian also had a private consulting practice working with the human resources departments of numerous Fortune 500 companies. She is survived by daughter Barbara, sons David and Steven, and four grandchildren.
Jean (Lockhart) Blair ’55
March 26, 2024 — Jean received her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and taught nursing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She was a devoted member of Calvary Presbyterian Church of Indiana. Jean loved to read and will be remembered as a wonderful educator and mother. She was preceded in death by son David Blair ’83; Jean is survived by husband Sidney, son Keith, daughter Nancy, and four grandchildren.
Helen (Davis) Groninger ’55
May 12, 2024 — Phyllis graduated from Juniata with a bachelor’s degree in home economics, which led her to teach the subject for several years. She then worked 26 years as an accounting clerk for Christian Publications until her retirement in 1998. Phyllis enjoyed serving her church, crocheting, and sewing. She was preceded in death by husband William; Phyllis is survived by son Mark, daughter Alisa, and six grandchildren.
Joseph P. Veto ’56
Feb. 22, 2024 — At Juniata, Joe played on the baseball and football teams, and was inducted into the Juniata Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He was a retired math teacher from the Keystone Oaks School District where he also coached many sports, but football was his favorite. Joe is survived by wife Ann (Yesko) Veto ’56, daughters Valeri, Joanne, Vicki, and Jean, son Paul, and five grandchildren.
Carol (Newborg) Angstadt ’57
June 6, 2024 — Carol graduated from Juniata in 1957 and then continued her education to pursue a PhD at Purdue University. Throughout her professional career, she taught biochemistry at Drexel University and Hahnemann University School of Medicine. Carol was a former member of Juniata’s Alumni Council and Trustees Council. She is survived by husband Howard Angstadt ’57
G. Richard Backus ’57
Feb. 9, 2024 — Dick graduated from Juniata with a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics. He received his master’s degree in operations research and finance from Columbia University. Dick received his doctorate from Cornell University and went on to advanced training at MIT. He worked as a financial and management consultant and truly had a passion for his profession. Dick loved travel and adventure, he met his wife, Elsbeth, in a Surinamese jungle. He enjoyed classical music, antiquing, playing cards, and treasured time spent with loved ones. Dick is survived by wife Elsbeth, sons Mark and Gregory Backus ’92, and six grandchildren.
Ronald D. Chamberlin ’57
Feb. 21, 2024 — Ron worked for PPG Industries and Fuel Cell Energy. He holds eight U.S. patents. Ron enjoyed woodworking and playing music. He was in many local choirs and served as choir director for First Mennonite Church. Ron was a passionate advocate for peace, love, and social justice. He was preceded in death by wife Lois (Davis) Chamberlin ’58; Ron is survived by sons David, Steven, and Christopher and three grandchildren.
William R. Degelman ’57
March 30, 2024 — Bill received his doctorate from Temple University Medical School. For two years, he served in public health services in Alaska where he visited his patients by plane. Bill’s love of flying inspired him to obtain his pilot’s license. Bill and his wife did mission work in Guatemala, Peru, Africa, and Argentina. He liked to read, do jigsaw puzzles, play games, hike, garden, and work with stained glass. Bill was an active member of Living Hope Community Church. He was preceded in death by sons Gary and David and daughter Dana; Bill is survived by wife Betty, daughters Wendy and Marta, sons Jason and Scott, and 12 grandchildren.
Arnold B. Olt ’57
April 3, 2024 — Arnold was a past president of his local Rotary and loved giving dictionaries out to school children. He was a Little League baseball coach, a softball coach, and enjoyed playing poker with his friends. Arnold is survived by wife Margaret (Mutch) Olt ’58, son Douglas, daughters Lauren and Lisa, and four grandchildren, including Kenneth Tomlinson Jr. ’08
Donald M. McCallum ’58
Aug. 8, 2023 — Don taught for 32 years at Cherry Hill West High School where he made an undeniable impact on hundreds of students. He loved bowling, music, and spending time in his basement or backyard with friends and family. Don is survived by wife Lois, sons Donald and Brian McCallum ’88, and two grandchildren.
Joan (Greenwood) Metro ’58
May 8, 2024 — Joan received a bachelor’s degree in education from Juniata and worked as a teacher for many years. Later in life, she became a travel agent and had the opportunity to travel the globe and visit more than 80 countries. Joan’s hobbies were playing tennis and bridge. She was a member of Holy Family Church and Women’s Club. Joan is survived by husband Richard, sons Richard, Steven, and Jeffrey, and seven grandchildren.
Robert D. Reader ’58
July 16, 2024 — Robert graduated from Juniata with a bachelor’s degree in literature and philosophy. He went on to study at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia University. As an ordained Presbyterian minister, Robert served in multiple churches in Pennsylvania and New York. Robert also became a professor teaching at institutions in New York and New Jersey. He loved Tai Chi, telling stories, art, playing piano and guitar, visiting museums, making greeting cards, and spending time with his grandchildren. Robert is survived by wife Mary (Shirk) Reader ’59, son Miles, daughters Julia and Amanda, and three grandchildren.
Mary Ann (Hixenbaugh) Moore ’59
May 11, 2024 — Mary Ann received a bachelor’s from Juniata and a master’s in education from Geneva College. Throughout her professional career, she worked as a reading specialist for public schools in Western Pennsylvania. Mary Ann was preceded in death by husband Howard; she is survived by sons Daniel and Christopher and one grandchild.
1960s
Stephen D. Bahorik ’60
June 17, 2024 — After Juniata, Stephen received a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. He taught high school science, was an athletic director, and later served as principal for three schools. Stephen was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church where he was a former president of the church council and taught Sunday school for 30 years. After retirement, he wrote for the Times Newspaper and Common Ground Magazine. Stephen loved playing guitar, antiques, fishing, photography, restoring old books, and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by sister E. Michal (Bahorik) Gayer ’64; Stephen is survived by wife Linda, son Stephen, daughter Betsy, brother J. Wesley Bahorik ’63, and three grandchildren.
Carol Baish ’60
May 3, 2024 — Carol received her bachelor’s degree from Juniata and her master’s degree from the University of Maryland. She spent decades working with her passion of art and theater with her husband and business partner, Philip. Carol had a special love for animals and adopted older cats and dogs with medical problems that other people were likely to overlook. She is survived by husband Philip, sons Sean, Michael, and Terry, stepdaughter Alison, and five grandchildren.
Howard K. Boland ’60
Feb. 14, 2024 — Howard passed away peacefully on Valentine’s Day. He loved Juniata. Howard is survived by partner, Jane.
Audrey (Beaver) Deckard ’60
March 26, 2024 — Audrey was an active member of Sharon Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and was on the Alter Guild. She was an incredible cook and devoted herself to her family. Audrey and her husband shared a love of gardening. She is survived by husband Dave, sons Michael and Steven, daughter Carol, sister Mary (Beaver) Werner ’65, and seven grandchildren.
John R. Kenyon ’60
April 20, 2024 — John served in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of lance corporal before being honorably discharged in 1960. He worked for 35 years as the vice president and general manager of Huntingdon Thrift Company. John volunteered time to his community through multiple organizations including, the Heart Association, Boy Scouts, United Way, and Kiwanis Club of Huntingdon. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of the Community Chapel of Hesston. John is survived by wife Anna, son John, daughter Donna, and three grandchildren.
Ruth (Dunmire) Powazki ’60
Dec. 13, 2023 — Ruth worked as a social worker and researcher for the Cleveland Clinic for 30 years. She was part of a cutting-edge team researching and developing programs on palliative care. Ruth loved music and animals, particularly birds. She was preceded in death by husband Walter and daughter Mary; Ruth is survived by son Ed, daughter Barbara, and five grandchildren.
Marian Sue McElwee ’61
March 23, 2024 — Sue’s two passions were journalism and music. She worked at The Daily News in Huntingdon. Sue received nearly 20 awards for excellence in writing and won first place in featured writing from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers Association. She also worked as a musician for 68 years, ending her career as the organist for Huntingdon Presbyterian Church. One of the highlights of her life was playing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Sue will be dearly remembered by her loved ones.
Paul E. Gill ’62
May 17, 2024 — Paul enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school and reached the rank of staff sergeant. He graduated magna cum laude from Juniata in 1962. Paul then worked at Shippensburg State College as an instructor in history, philosophy, and religion at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He was honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1978. Paul also served as president of the Shippensburg Historical Society and on the board of directors for the Cumberland County Historical Society. He loved physical fitness, participating in marathons, and traveling to various countries with his wife. Paul is survived by wife Donna, daughters April, Jacqueline, and Annette, and three grandchildren.
Kay (Hammaker) Renner ’63
Feb. 27, 2024 — Kay earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Juniata in 1963 and went on to receive a master’s degree from Temple University. She taught mathematics at Germantown High School for 30 years, retiring in 1993. Kay loved skiing, tennis, swimming, biking, and animals. She traveled
all over the world with her bike, including along the Great Wall of China. Kay is survived by dear loved ones and extended family.
Lona (Grim) Hoover ’64
May 28, 2024 — Lona earned her bachelor’s degree from Juniata and her master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Her love for books lead her to a career working in libraries and volunteering to help libraries get started at many schools and churches. Lona enjoyed birdwatching, reading, and studying God’s word. She is survived by daughter Beth and two grandchildren.
Ira F. Lydic ’64
May 15, 2024 — Ira earned his master’s degree and doctoral degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. Throughout his professional career, he spent more than five decades serving congregations in the Church of the Brethren and United Methodist denominations. Ira will be remembered for his optimism, kindness, and humor. He was preceded in death by stepson Alan; Ira is survived by wife Marilyn, daughter Suzanne (Lydic) Panferov Reese ’91, and four grandchildren.
Nancy (Eyles) Salak ’64
March 28, 2024 — Nancy was a gifted writer and poet whose uniqueness will be remembered by everyone who knew her. She found joy in laughter, spring flowers, horses, dogs, and nature. Nancy was formerly married to the late Steven Barbash, former faculty member at Juniata. She is survived by daughter Laura and one grandchild.
Jeffrey H. Johnson ’65
Feb. 16, 2024 — Jeff was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and pastored congregations in Kansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee. He enjoyed camping, sports, history, politics, planting trees, gardening, and sharing music. Jeff was preceded in death by son Peter; he is survived by wife Jody, sons Alex, Reuben, and Marcus, daughter Ingrid, and three grandchildren.
Kenneth L. Wible ’65
Aug. 3, 2024 — Ken graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1969 and went on to be a dedicated and compassionate caregiver for countless children as a pediatrician. In medical school, he met the love of his life, Francine. Ken loved the outdoors, and his legacy will be remembered by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by mother Elizabeth (Cook) Wible ’36 and is survived by wife Francine, daughters Amy and Sara, son Andrew, and four grandchildren. .
David R. Mann ’66
March 2024 — Dave received his doctorate from Rutgers University. He then taught at the State University of New York, first as an assistant professor and then as an associate professor of biology. In 1979, Dave began working at the Morehouse School of Medicine where he spent 31 years of his career. Dave had a passion for research, received multiple grants, and wrote numerous publications in journals. After retirement, he and his wife bought a vacation home in Georgia and spent many happy days there. Dave is survived by wife Christine and son Christopher.
Michael M. Orlando ’66
June 4, 2024 — Michael spent his career at Fauquier Hospital as director of pathology for more than three decades. He was a loving father and devoted baseball and soccer coach. Michael enjoyed singing, the Pittsburgh Steelers, spending time at home, and in retirement, writing a book, “The Quantum Kiss”. He is survived by wife Susan, daughter Larina, son Michael, and four grandchildren.
Linda (Ogle) Christman ’69
May 25, 2024 — After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Juniata, Linda earned a master’s degree from Millersville University. She then spent her career at York City School District as a special education teacher. Linda loved reading, boating, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends at her vacation home. She is survived by husband Brian, daughter Lauren, son Adam, and two granddaughters.
1970s
Nancy (Lockhart) Chonko ’72
June 1, 2024 — After graduating from Juniata, Nancy chose to be a homemaker to take care of her family. She loved gardening, needle work, herbal healing, and natural remedies. Nancy was a member of Faith Assembly and she cherished her church family. She is preceded in death by son Joseph; Nancy is survived by husband Robert, daughters Charlotte, Anni, and Virginia, and four grandchildren.
Robert Anderson Jones ’72
March 3, 2024 — Andy had a more than 45-year career in banking, eventually retiring as a senior vice president of Boiling Springs Savings Bank. He was an active volunteer and member of the board at Rutherford Kip Center for Senior Citizens. Andy was preceded in death by father Paul Jones, Class of 1928; he is survived by wife Karen, son Robert, and two grandchildren.
REMEMBRANCE
Margaret Gray Towne
Biology Department Faculty Member, 1963–1969
J. Omar Good Visiting Distinguished Professor of Evangelical Christianity, 1999–2001
Towne’s teaching career spanned from community colleges to the Ivy League. One of her first experiences in higher education was teaching within the biology department at Juniata College. Over the years, Towne taught everything from anatomy and physiology to critical thinking and the art of calligraphy. Her academic career came full circle when she returned to Juniata as the J. Omar Good Visiting Distinguished Professor of Evangelical Christianity from 1999–2001.
She earned two degrees in biology from the University of Michigan and attended Princeton Theological Seminary, where she met her husband, the Rev. Vernon Towne. Later in life, she earned her doctorate at Montana State University, where her research centered on creationism and evolution and served as the subject of her book, “Honest to Genesis.” Margaret’s work on bridging science and religion earned her national recognition.
Her faith took her around the world alongside her beloved husband and daughters, Cheyan and Jannay. From backpacking across Europe to handing out Bibles in Peru with Wycliffe Bible Translators, Towne loved to travel and made many friends on her journey through life. Her adventurous spirit took her to dinosaur digs, nature walks, and countless conferences on science and religion, and she could rarely pass a museum without going inside. Towne started women’s groups, taught adult education classes, and led Bible studies. Throughout her life, every day began and ended with prayer. Active in many organizations, she was a member of P.E.O. International for more than four decades. During that time, she supported women in education across the country and around the world. She was also involved with the American Scientific Affiliation, serving as the editor of the newsletter.
Read obituary on page 55.
David M. Wentz ’72
Sep. 2, 2023 — David received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Juniata in 1972. He spent four years in the Army, stationed in Berlin. He spent much of his career working for a translation firm and doing freelance work, translating from German, and writing patents and research articles. He was preceded in death by stepmother Louise (Maguire) Wentz ’38; David is survived by his loving brother Steven Wentz ’74
Jennifer (Margerum)
Costello ’73
Feb. 10, 2024 — Jennifer was well-known for her love and devotion to her friends and family. She enjoyed laughter, animals, and traveling. Jennifer is survived by life partner Rick, daughters Keely and Breana, son Keith, and five grandchildren.
Dennis K. McCreary ’73
March 11, 2024 — Dennis worked as a chemist in research and development for Alltech Applied Science before taking a position at W.R. Grace & Co. where he worked until he retired in 2015. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Dennis is survived by wife Karen, daughters Kathy, Denise, Colleen, Faith, and Candance, son Spencer, and many grandchildren.
John L. Runyan ’73
June 1, 2024 — After receiving a degree from Juniata, John went on to earn a doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He opened a private practice and served his community until his retirement in 2006. John was a devoted husband and father who was known as kind and compassionate. He loved history and Philadelphia sports. John and his wife, Patricia, passed away near the same time. He is survived by daughter Liz, son Steven Runyan ’05, and one grandchild.
Jacqueline A. Lelli ’74
Feb. 9, 2024 — Jackie received her degree in education from Juniata, and taught fifth and sixth grade at Rossi Middle School for most of her career. She spent many summers on the Jersey Shore with her two daughters where many priceless memories were made. Jackie loved the beach, reading, and her dog, Bella. She is survived by daughters Kristin and Tiffany and three grandchildren.
Alan C. Foster ’76
March 31, 2024 — Alan received his master’s degree from Drexel University and worked there briefly after graduation. He then graduated from The Restaurant School in Philadelphia and opened a cafe in Ocean City, NJ. Alan loved boating and had a U.S. Coast Guard approved Captain’s license. Later in life, he moved to Crystal River, Fl., and worked in graphic design. Alan was preceded in death by sons Daniel, Ian, and Alec; he is survived by daughter Jillian.
Kevin T. Weir ’76
March 2, 2024 — Throughout his career, Kevin founded and operated many successful business ventures. In 1985, Kevin founded his own investment firm, Accuvest, Inc. In 1990, he and a partner acquired and operated Framesi U.S.A., which they sold in 1998 after developing a premier distribution network throughout the United States, Canada, Central, and South America. Family always came first for Kevin, and he will be remembered for his sharp wit and amazing storytelling. He was an avid skier, sailor, golfer, and loved sharing these interests with his family. Kevin is survived by wife Carol, daughters Kendall and Katharine, sons Cameron and Christopher, and two grandchildren.
Jean C. Shuman ’78
May 28, 2024 — Jean retired as a compliance manager for Humphrey Management. Her passions were animal rescue transport, traveling, reading, and spending time with her pets. Jean is survived by her extended family.
1980s
Lisa (Hopkins) Hart ’80
April 26, 2024 — Throughout her professional career, Lisa worked in administrative roles after graduating from Juniata. She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Lisa enjoyed reading and spending time with friends and family. She is survived by husband Christopher Hart ’78
Mark A. Infanti ’81
April 29, 2024 — During his time at Juniata, Mark was on the men’s soccer team where he made friendships he treasured for life. He worked in the marble and granite business as the owner of Counter Intelligence. Mark loved coaching soccer and inspiring young people to learn the value of sportsmanship and hard work. He also enjoyed spending summers at the Jersey Shore, hunting, fishing, reading, and spending time with loved ones. Mark is survived by wife Irene and son Patrick.
Aida (Frantz) Behler ’83
May 16, 2024 — Aida received a degree in accounting from Juniata. She then spent her career as the office manager for the family business, Behler Patterns. Aida loved Zumba and taught at a local recreation center and senior center. She also enjoyed crafting and organized a 5K for many years that supported breast cancer and multiple sclerosis research. Aida is survived by husband Thomas Behler ’83, daughter Erin, sons Andrew and Mark, and five grandchildren.
Erin (Keller) Holmgren ’85
Feb. 10, 2024 — Erin received a degree in French from Juniata, and she studied abroad in Strasbourg, France. She obtained her master’s in art history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Erin taught art history at Mount Mary University and taught English while living abroad in Sweden. She excelled in sales and marketing, founding Access Essential Art, Inc. Erin later worked as a hospice account liaison. She enjoyed an active lifestyle and volunteered in her community with the help of her therapy poodle, Mowgli. Erin is survived by husband Hans, daughters Katarina and Helena, and three grandchildren.
1990s
Thomas P. Knorr ’94
March 20, 2024 — Tom was a talented baseball player who, in his senior year of high school, achieved a .500 batting average. He received many awards and honors prior to his time at Juniata for academics and athletics. In 1991, Tom received the Varsity J Award at Juniata as a freshman in recognition of his achievements on the baseball team. That same year, the team won the Mid-Atlantic Conference championship. He was funny and caring, with an infectious laugh. Tom is survived by his siblings and extended family.
Craig M. Instone ’95
April 11, 2024 — Craig was proud to hold multiple school records from his time on the Juniata men’s basketball team. He worked as a nursing home administrator and found joy in supporting others. Craig loved to make people laugh and was a proud father. He is survived by wife Kristen, daughters Abigail, Jaclyn, and Sadie, and brother Scott Instone ’93
Patricia R. Slaughter ’96
July 29, 2024 — Patricia cared for others by working as a nurse for 25 years and as a mental health case worker for 10 years. She loved dancing, restoring old furniture, listening to music, and gardening. Patricia was also the author and illustrator of three children’s books. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Patricia was preceded in death by son David; she is survived by sons Darrell and Daniel and four grandchildren.
2000s
Joseph J. Grassi ’00
July 13, 2024 — Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Juniata. He had his own business, The Ultimate Sub Co., and was always willing to donate his time to community fundraising events. Joe loved his family and friends, playing softball and golf, and riding motorcycles. He is survived by daughter Sofia, sons Joseph III, Rocco, Ivan, and Steel.
Nicole M. Augustine ’01
June 21, 2024 — Nicole received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and negotiation from Juniata. She began her career at Mifflin County Savings Bank where she advanced to vice president and CFO. Nicole enjoyed music and loved going to shows with friends and family. She loved the outdoors, her pets, photography, and gardening. Nicole is survived by partner Melissa.
2010s
Rose J. Lukoff ’16
April 12, 2024 — Rose graduated from Juniata and went on to become a certified veterinary technician, a job she loved. She enjoyed traveling, paddle boarding, hiking, reading, and crafts. Rose was an inspiration to those around her and will be remembered for her quiet grit and compassion. She is survived by parents Art and Patty.
2020s
Nikolas A. Dalida-Hilbert ’20
April 29, 2024 — Nik was loved by everyone who knew him. He was always willing to help a friend in need and could light up a room with a quick joke. Nik enjoyed engaging in conversations about philosophy, meaning, and politics. He loved cats, found joy being in nature, and spent a lot of time hiking, camping, and riding dirt bikes. Nik is survived by parents Victoria and Gregory and brother Joshua.
EMPLOYEES
Beverly A. (Woodring)
Southwell
Feb. 21, 2024 — Beverly worked at Juniata in the financial aid department and was proud of her efforts there. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and helped many youth to grow spiritually. Beverly loved her family and did what she could to make everyone happy. She was preceded in death by husband Richard and son Jon; Beverly is survived by daughter Susan, son Richard, and numerous grandchildren.
Margaret Gray Towne
May 7, 2024 — Margaret taught biology at Juniata from 1963 to 1969. She returned to the College as the J. Omar Good Visiting Distinguished Professor of Evangelical Christianity and served from 1999 to 2001. She was preceded in death by husband Vernon. She is survived by two daughters.
Parting Shot
JUNIATA COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
Ready, Set, Recruit!
Juniata College has the power to change lives, and now you do too.
Simply share your Juniata experience with a high school sophomore, junior, or senior, and then submit a referral. The student will receive Juniata admissions materials and communications. If the student chooses to attend Juniata, they will receive a $1,000 annual undergraduate scholarship in your name without any cost to you!
Both alumni and parents of current students are eligible to make referrals.
DEADLINE
Nov. 15 of the student’s high school senior year
GET STARTED
Scan the QR code or visit juniata.edu/jcs to make a referral.
Alumni Weekend
JUNE 5–8, 2025
Mark your calendar now for Alumni Weekend 2025. This year the Class of 1975 will celebrate its 50th reunion. Reunions will also be held for the Classes of 1965, 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000.
